Castlemartyr GAA NewsFeed
by Club PRO – John Cashman
Membership Bundles – Renewed Effort
Our Membership Bundles are instrumental to our Clubs development. As we celebrate Castlemartyr GAA’s centenary in 2024 our goal is to enhance the club’s facilities. Upgrades to date include – 700m walking track, improved car park, new pitch lighting, improved toilets and improved pitch surfaces and now of course our new All Weather Pitch which is now in use We could not have done this without your support. Our ultimate long term goal of a new Club House. These facilities will benefit the whole community!
Re Details of Membership Bundles – cost €480, €360 and €252 euro respectively (standard membership is also still available), please contact a club member – we will be more than happy to discuss your options. Bundles include membership of Castlemartyr GAA, Castlemartyr Camogie & Kiltha Óg, and covers all the family! Payment can be made online via Club Force. Contact a committee member with any queries.
The new all weather is a shining example of the club’s vision for the future – we obviously need your continued support more than ever this year. So, we again appeal to all members and friends to sign up in the next week and also help in recruiting additional support. – Thanking everyone in advance.
Under 21 Defeat
Our short under 21 football campaign came to and end on Friday in Carrigtwohill, as the hosts scored three late points to run out winners by 0-13 to 1-7. The minutes before had seen Castlemartyr show great spirit, to recover from 0-9 to 0-4 deficit mid way through the second half and reach parity just at the end of the hour.
Well taken late frees by Mike O’Dwyer and Charlie O’Neill either side of an opportunist goal from James O’Donovan, had left the specter of extra time looming on the horizon again. But, Carrigtwohill quickly reacted and jumped back ahead on 61 minutes, which left the reds chasing the game again. In those frantic minutes of injury time, unfortunately the home team picked off two further scores, to leave Castlemartyr’s gallant efforts in vain.
The first half had been a slow burner on the scoreboard, after Cian Murphy popped over a great opening point following a sweeping move on seven minutes, Castlemartryr did not score against until minute 24 when Charlie O’Neill move upfield to apply a neat finish and leave the score-line reading 0-3 to 0-2. A top class save from Ewan Wimpenny inside ten minutes was crucial in keeping the margin tight.
By the break, Carrig’ had stretched to lead by 0-6 to 0-3. Ultimately the reds were glad to see Ciaran Sice fire over approaching the three quarter way mark to balance an early white flag from the opposition. The game looked to be slipping away as the hour progressed when the home side moved five clear, before that late determined surge almost yielded joy.
Well done to all the players on their efforts over the past few weeks. A number of players made their club debuts including Rory Black and Conor Hayes against Carrigtwohill. Hopefully, many of the newcomers will go on to play a big part for the club in the year ahead.
Team – Ewan Wimpenny, Oisin Cantwell (captain), David Lynch, Cian Murphy, Richard Burke, Darragh Leahy, Charlie O’Neiil, Darragh Joyce, Sean Morgan, Billy McGann, Ciaran Sice, Ruairi Murphy, Ewwan Cashman, James O’Donovan, Mike O ‘Dwyer.
Subs – Rory Black, Jack Smiddy, Oran Murphy and Conor Hayes.
League Fixtures Become Clear
Looking ahead to the start of the various league competitions, we can confirm that action will get underway on the weekend of March 9th/10th with games for both our hurling teams. The intermediates, who play in Red FM Division 5, will begin away in Cloyne on Sunday 10th at 11.30am, before a home game against Argideen Rangers two weeks later. The junior hurlers who play in the top flight in East Cork, will also play Cloyne at 2.30pm on the same day at Paddy Walsh Memorial Park, with a further home match against Sarsfield’s two weeks later.
The junior football league action starts on St Patrick’s Day with our team due to play away in Lisgoold at 2.30pm. First home game on March 31st is against Carraig na bhFear. With only six teams playing in the top grade, we have only one other home match, which is against Fr O’Neill’s. Away games against Carrigtwohill and Erin’s Own complete the short round robin group campaign.
Incidentally, championship draws for all junior grades were again deferred last week and are expected to be made at the next East Cork Board meeting on March 7th.
Clarecastle Visit
A line from the famous ballad seemed appropriate on Saturday night – when it was a long, long way from Clare to here. Apparently the sing-song diluted the delay on the return journey, after Castlemartyr shared the spoils with their banner opposition in the hurlers first outing under the new management team.
Shorter journeys to follow for the season, but here’s hoping the championship road will be a long one.
Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers are with our club chairman Carey Joyce and all the Joyce family on the recent passing of Kitty Joyce, a lady who had a great interest in all GAA activity and in particular the fortunes of her grandchildren who are heavily involved in our native games. May Kitty rest in peace
