1978 saw our first East Cork success for an Under 12 team.

For the two years previous, they had contested finals without any joy but this year they finally struck gold. Under School Principals Pat Wade and John Crowley of Castlemartyr and Dungourney respectively they won the East Cork Double.

In the under 12 B Football final played at Castlelyons,  Castlemartyr 3-7 to Glanmire 2-3.

For the first time in the long existence of the Castlemartyr Club their Under 12 (B) Football side won the Divisional Title, at the expense of old rivals Glanmire, and so the young players who donner the red jersey of the club will have their names written into the history book of club records. The East Cork Under 12 Final was played recently at Castlelyons, the final score being Castlemartyr 3-7; Glanmire 2-3. This was a great game of football, both teams playing themselves almost to a stand still, indeed they were a credit to their mentors both in their play and in their behaviour on the field. Excitement was intense during the  hour as the lead changed from one team to the other on a number of occasions. It went to the last five minutes before the decisive scores came, when Castlemartyr turned on the style and scored two goals and a point in the rapid succession and so collected the cup for the first time. Congratulations are also due to Glanmire who fought hard and never stopped trying for the hour, both teams certainly gave the large crowd of supporters something to shout about.

Scorers for Castlemartyr came from Richard Morrison 2-1; Donal Burke 1-3, Michael Walsh 0-2, Tom Enright 0-1. Glanmire also had their stars in goalkeeper J. Hurley, full back J. Power and centre back D. Walshe, their scores coming from forwards J. Flynn, F. Barry, S. Moynihan and Declan Kenneally. In charge of the game was well known referee Mr. John Motherway from Aghada. He must be congratulated on the manner in which he handled the game from start to finish, by giving as much attention to the young boys as well as the senior players, also his neatness of dress, which is so badly needed in this day and age. It is not good enough anymore to treat our under age players to substandard conditions. And last but not least full credit also to the Castlelyons Club for the magnificent way the field was prepared. Short goal posts were erected, flags were in position and most important the playing pitch was closed to spectators. This is the kind of club co-operation which is so badly needed to give our Juvenile games the image they so richly deserve. How about more clubs taking a lead from our colleagues in Castlelyons

This was a great game of football, both teams playing themselves almost to a stand still, indeed they were a credit to their mentors both in their play and in their behaviour on the field. Excitement was intense during the hour as the lead changed from one team to the other on a number of occasions. It went to the last five minutes before the decisive scores came, when Castlemartyr turned on the style and scored two goals and a point in the rapid succession and so collected the cup for the first time.

Team Fergus Lynch, Sean O’Mahony, Dan Buckley, James Hennessy, Christy Enright, Redmond Kelly, Eddie Cullinane, Dave Fleming, Tom Enright, Pierse McLellan, Arthur Murphy, John Morgan, Donal Burke (Capt). Subs Michael Walsh for Tom Enright, Richard Morrison for John Morgan, Liam Robinson for Sean O’Mahony

 

The Under 12 ‘B’ Hurling Final was played in Midleton on Friday, 19th May and  Castlemartyr 5-7 to Erins Own 2-0 were defeated to win the double.

The Heffernans terrace trio of Burke, Mc Lellan and Walsh did all the scoring with some great long-range points from Donal Burke and an opportunist goal poaching from Pierce McLellan.

Hurling team v Erins Own: Richard Morrison, Dan Buckley, Pa Beausang, Sean Connaughton, Liam Robinson, James Hennessy(Capt), John Barry, Eddie Cullinane, Redmond Kelly, Dave Fleming, Donal Burke 2-6, Tommy Enright, Pierce Mc Lellan 3-0, Michael Walsh 0-1, Martin Hennessy,

In the county semi-final Cloughduv were beaten 10-3 to 3-0 but they lost the county final (country section) to Ballinhassig played at Na Piarsaigh’s ground in Cork City.

Combined U12 Hurling and Football panel of 1978

Back row: Dave Fleming, Tom Enright, Sean O’Mahony, Dan Buckley, Redmond Kelly, Michael Walsh, Sean Connaughton, Arthur Murphy, Fabian Murphy, Ger Walsh, Danny Murphy

Front row: John Barry, Christy Enright, John Morgan, Charles O’Neill, Donal Burke, James Hennessy, Fergus Lynch, Pierse Mc Lellan, Martin Hennessy, Liam Robinson, Eddie Cullinane,Pa Beausang

Standing behind is P Wade (teacher and coach)