Cloyne GAA - Game
Reports 2003 HURLING
Chapel Street Cloyne Co.Cork Ireland www.cloynegaa.com cloynegaainfo@eircom.net
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HURLING REPORTS |
MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE
Cloyne 0:14
Kilmoyley (Kerry) 0:16
Kerry
club Kilmoyley have secured a place against Cork stalwarts Na Piarsigh, in the
final of this year's Munster Senior Club league final, by virtue of a deserved
win over Cloyne at Ballyhea last Sunday. Played in Winter conditions at
the north Cork venue, the Kerry side played very determined hurling for the
full extent of proceedings. These teams were well matched on the day, and a
tied contest on the stroke of sixty minutes forced this game into extra time.
However, with light fading, the Kerry men just managed to hang on for victory.
Although
set for a half-two throw in, this game didn't finally get under way until five
to three. However, the enforced delay didn't appear to have affected the
players, and a lively opening quarter saw both teams clock up some good scores.
Cloyne, in particular, had fine returns from Donal O'Sullivan, Iain Quinlan
and James Lynch. Eoin O'Sullivan and Maurice Cahill were clearing their
lines well, and with the ever industrious Quinlan in control at mid-field,
Cloyne seemed to be going well. However, Kilmoyley were also working
effectively, and strong positional play all over the field kept them in touch,
trailing Cloyne by just two points at the interval.
Iain Quinlan opened the second half with a well-taken
free, to stretch Cloyne's lead to three. However Kilmoyley came straight back
with two good points to reduce the deficit to a solitary score. Colm O'Sullivan
and Lynch were on hand to give Cloyne the advantage once more in the tenth
minute of this half. However, the advantage was short-lived. A brace of points
from the Kilmoyley attack had them right back in contention. Conor Cusack did
pull one back for the red and black, but the scores were levelled a minute
later from a Kilmoyley placed ball. And, with time running out, they struck for
the leading score. A minute remaining, and Cloyne were awarded a free. Diarmuid
O'Sullivan stepped up to strike this all-important ball, accurately over the
bar. Almost immediately the whistle went. Extra-time beckoned for the teams and
their loyal followers.
Cloyne
failed to make the desired impact in extra-time. One solitary point in the
opening ten minutes signalled a tiring team. While, on the other hand,
Kilmoyley managed three from play. Kilmoyley again started the second period
strongly, and had further stretched their advantage before Cloyne got on the
scoreboard. Two for Cloyne in this same period, from Diarmuid O'Sullivan and
Iain Quinlan, improved matters. But, with full-time looming, a final pointed
free for the Kerry men ended Cloyne's run in this particular competition.
Cloyne still await their opponents in the Cork County Senior Hurling league
final. Blackrock must play their city rivals St. Finbarrs in the
semi-final.
Cloyne:Donal óg Cusack (Capt.), John Aherne, Killian
Cronin, Eoin O'Sullivan, Mike Naughton, Maurice Cahill, Diarmuid O'Sullivan,
Declan Motherway, Iain Quinlan, Phil Cahill, Colm O'Sullivan, Conor O'Lomasney,
Donal O'Sullivan, Conor Cusack and Victor Cusack.
Sub Used:
Aidan
O'Brien, Liam O'Driscoll and David Ring
__________________________________________________________________________
IRISH EXAMINER COUNTY SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL
Cloyne's senior hurlers secured a place in this year's county senior hurling league final last Sunday , following a good display against Sarsfields at Castlemartyr. Following a disappointing exit from the county championship a few weeks ago, this final placing now gives the team a new focus for the last few weeks of hurling action. Both teams served up a good display last Sunday afternoon, in front of a somewhat disappointing attendance, no doubt opting for the warmth of their homes instead of the colder conditions outside!
James Lynch opened Cloyne's account early on with a well-taken point from the corner. However, the Glounthaune men were quick to respond with two, one from a placed ball in the following minutes. Conor Cusack stamped his authority on this game in the tenth minute with a well-taken goal, leaving Cloyne ahead by two. Colm O'Sullivan stretched the advantage moments later, when he profited from a good pass from Conor O'Lomasney. The Glounthaune side slowly clawed their way back into this game with two more points, one from the hurl of Pat Ryan, before corner forward John Murphy pounced, raising a green flag. The Sars men further stretched their advantage with a series of points. However, the Cloyne brigade finished the half well, Colm O'Sullivan and Quinlan adding to their tallies, whilst Declan Motherway and Maurice Cahill opened their accounts. Half time score: Sarsfields 1:08, Cloyne 1:06.
Diarmuid O'Sullivan opened the scoring for Cloyne in the third minute of the second half, a point from his own 45' line. Iain Quinlan, doing well at the middle of the field, had another over the bar a minute later, to level matters again. The Glounthaune men had only just edged themselves ahead, when the towering figure of Conor Cusack, on the edge of the square, had another in the back of the net. Credit here to substitute Brian Fleming who worked well in the run up to this score. We've often heard the saying "Goals win matches". Well, in this instance, the goals were certainly a telling factor. The cheering had barely died down after Cusack's goal, when Diarmuid O'Sullivan landed a long opportunist ball to the back of the net, to leave Cloyne four points to the good. Colm O'Sullivan made it five, after he connected with a fine ball from mid-fielder Declan Motherway who was working extremely hard, covering a lot of ground. A Sarsfields free on the 21' line threw them a chance at goal, however a crowded Cloyne goalmouth did it's job, custodian Cusack taking the ball to safety, denying the Sars men once again. With time running out, Sars did manage one more score, however this was immediately negated by Fleming, leaving the Cloyne lads ahead by five points.
Cloyne await the winners of Blackrock and St. Finbarrs in the other semi-final, before a final meeting can be decided upon. Last Sunday's game also doubled as a Munster Senior League quarter-final. Cloyne play Kilmoyley from Kerry in the semi-final.
Team:
Donal óg Cusack (Capt), John Aherne, Killian Cronin, Eoin O'Sullivan, Mike Naughton, Maurice Cahill (0:01), Diarmuid O'Sullivan (1:01), Declan Motherway (0:01), Iain Quinlan (0:02), Vincent Cusack, Colm O'Sullivan (0:03), Conor O'Lomasney, Donal O'Sullivan, Conor Cusack (2:00) and James Lynch (0:01).
Sub Used:
Brian Fleming (0:01)
__________________________________________________________________________
Permanent tsb
County Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final
From
the throw-in this game had classic written all over it. Fast, furious, tough –
no player was going to get it easy out there. Blackrock had the early
advantage, a Liam Meaney point in the third minute. It took Cloyne eight
minutes to register their first score, an Iain Quinlan pointed free after an
exceptionally heavy challenge on Mike Naughton. Once Cloyne had that
all-important first score, they then began to open up the Blackrock defence,
sneaking in towards goal. Phil Cahill was unlucky not to put Cloyne ahead
moments later, however his shot swayed just wide of the target. Cahill was
again involved in Cloyne’s next attack; his pass to Conor Cusack, finding Colm
O’Sullivan who again was just wide of the target. Credit to the tight city
defence, they were marshalling the Cloyne forwards well. However, the signs
were good for Cloyne. These threatening efforts were surely to pay dividends
sooner or later. And they did – goal maestro Conor Cusack punishing a sloppy
defensive error to power Cloyne ahead on a 1:01 to 0:01 score line. Cloyne
steamed further ahead a minute later. A magnificent clearance by Maurice Cahill
on his own halfback line, doubled on by Mike Naughton found its way to Brian
Motherway who made no mistake in sending it over the crossbar. Mid-fielder Paul
Tierney was on target for the Rockies at the end of the first quarter, however
another Quinlan special soon negated this, following a foul on Conor Cusack.
Both teams were battling ferociously for possession, and the crowd were
savouring every minute of the action. Cloyne notched up another score through
Colm O’Sullivan in the twentieth minute. A Quinlan free uncharacteristically
fell short of the target, and was cleared out of defence….but, only as far as
the waiting Colm O’Sullivan, who was only too happy to oblige, tapping it over
the bar. Cloyne leading the champions!! Who would have thought it?? Certainly
not the Blackrock backroom team. They earnestly searched for solutions on the
sideline. Meanwhile, back in the fray, it was Diarmuid O’Sullivan, the “Rock”
himself, leading the Cloyne attack. Sullivan stepped up to take a free, as a bloodied
Maurice Cahill, his comrade in defence, left the pitch for medical attention. A
thunderous shot from Sullivan, on his own halfback line sailed over the bar to
rapturous applause from the large attendance - Cloyne faithful and neutrals
alike. For Blackrock, the wides continued to mount. Prolonged pressure on goal
from the red and black saw a great chance scrape narrowly wide as we approached
the half time whistle. Meaney had another point for the city side, before a
long range free from Fergal Ryan trickled to the back of the net almost on the
half time whistle. Just the bare minimum between the sides, with all to play
for in the second half.
Cloyne
were first on the scoreboard in the second period, Quinlan again profiting from
an illegal Blackrock tackle. With Maurice Cahill rejoining the action, the
Cloyne defence were back to their strongest. Joe Young had the reigning
champions’ opening score from a placed ball within the third minute, and this
was followed up with another from midfielder Coughlan. Conor Cusack had two
fine shots on goal within seconds of each other soon after, but was agonisingly
denied on both occasions. The resulting 65’ was converted by a heavily bandaged
Maurice Cahill to level the teams once again. Blackrock stole the advantage through
a Coughlan point, before a dangerous looking ball to the forward line was
expertly caught and cleared by the Cloyne custodian. A point down, the Cloyne
lads dug deep, and a brilliantly struck ball by Liam O’Driscoll over eighty
yards out from goal, stand-side, upped the ante once more.
The
Cloyne fans were on their feet, rooting for the players. Blackrock kept trying,
but wonderful defensive displays, and clearances by Maurice Cahill and Killian
Cronin in particular were enough to deny them their scores. However, Cloyne
were to receive a very serious blow at the other end of the field, as
full-forward Conor Cusack was the recipient of a very distasteful challenge
from Rockies fullback Noel Keane. A second yellow-card offence saw Keane
rightly side-lined. However a visibly shaken Cusack was now greatly inhibited.
Iain Quinlan added to his tally from the resulting free, but three points from
the Blackrock attack were to prove costly. Phil Cahill pulled one back for the
red and black when he connected with a sideline cut from Driscoll, but
Blackrock were there again to take the advantage through Coughlan. With time
running out, Cloyne were handed a lifeline after goalkeeper Trevor Barry looked
to have fouled the ball. A last minute penalty. Two points down, there was only
one option available for Diarmuid O’Sullivan. He had to go for goal. We held
our breath and hoped. Unfortunately we were denied by the thickness of the
crossbar. His rasping shot rebounding to the twenty-one yard line. Almost
immediately Ken Healy’s whistle sounded, signalling the end of the game, and
indeed the end of Cloyne’s participation in this year’s championship.A cruel
end? Yes! In arguably one of the best games in this year’s championship.
Tension filled, heart-stopping, but heart-breaking for all associated with
Cloyne. The silence of the losing dressing-room tells its own story. Blackrock
may be winners on paper, be it by the skin of their teeth. However, Cloyne have
shown the public, that they are a formidable force in senior hurling, a force
to be reckoned with in the future.
A disappointing result, but a wonderful year
all the same for the Cloyne supporters. Thank you to the players, management
and coach for their ardent efforts this year. I’m sure our day is not too far
away!
Team:
Donal óg Cusack (Captain), Eoin O’Sullivan, Killian
Cronin, Declan Motherway, Liam O’Driscoll (0:01), Diarmuid O’Sullivan (0:01),
Maurice Cahill (0:01), Mike Naughton, Colm O’Sullivan (0:01), Phil Cahill
(0:01), Iain Quinlan (0:04), Brian Motherway (0:01), Victor Cusack, Conor
Cusack (1:00) and Ian McCarthy.
Subs Used:
Conor O’Lomasney (Blood Sub) and James Lynch.
__________________________________________________________________________
Cloyne 4:12
Na
Piarsigh 3:11
Cloyne took
the points in the SHL encounter against city-side Na Piarsigh at Cloyne last
Wednesday evening September 10th. This game was a good contest, each team
forced to start without their inter-county representatives. Certainly it was a
game of goals! Brian Motherway, Victor Cusack, Iain Quinlan and Colm
O'Sullivan had early scores for the home-side, however these were easily
matched by the city-side. A well-positioned pass from solid wing-back Liam
O'Driscoll set Conor Cusack up for his first goal of the match. Coming
immediately after a shot by Iain Quinlan fell short of target to the Na
Piarsigh goalie, this signalled Cloyne's strength of character and perseverance
to succeed.
Driscoll got his own name on the score-sheet a
minute later when his long range effort totally mislead the 'keeper, ending up
at the back of the net. Colm O'Sullivan and Conor Cusack followed this up with
two well-taken scores and Cloyne looked to be on a roll! However, Na Piarsigh
were not to be outdone and two goals and a point within the following minutes
(one from Aisake O'hAilpin) saw them race back into this game. The city-side
were handed a golden chance to even the goals tally before half-time. However,
their penalty opportunity was brilliantly saved by Séan Motherway in goal and
cleared well to safety.
Further points by Victor Cusack and Phil Cahill,
and a second goal by Conor Cusack saw Cloyne take the first half advantage on a
3:08 to 2:05 score-line. O'hAilpnin continued as Na Piarsigh's major threat in
the second half. Five points from him, compared to points from Cloyne's Victor
and Conor Cusack, Mike Naughton and a third goal from Conor Cusack saw this off
as a contest, Cloyne running out winners by four points.
Cloyne:Séan
Motherway, Declan Motherway, Killian Cronin, Eoin O'Sullivan, Liam O'Driscoll
(1:00), Maurice Cahill, Donal O'Sullivan, Phil Cahill (0:01), Iain Quinlan
(0:01), Mike Naughton (0:01), Colm O'Sullivan (0:02), Ian McCarthy, Brian
Motherway (0:02), Conor Cusack (3:02) and Victor Cusack (0:03).
__________________________________________________________________________
Cloyne
1:14
St. Catherines 1:11
Cloyne
scored their second SHL victory in as many days last Friday, September 12th,
against home-side St. Catherines at Ballynoe. Denis Walsh had the opening score
for the home team in the first minute, and indeed the home-side continued it
dominate proceedings in the opening quarter, amassing six points without a
Cloyne response. Colm O'Sullivan registered Cloyne's first score of the evening
in the tenth minute. Séan Motherway reacted well to prevent a Saints goal soon
after.
St.
Catherines were, however, to continue to exert pressure on goal, amassing two
further points and a goal following a Cloyne defensive error. By now, things
were looking very ominous for the visitors. Thankfully three points in the
later stages of the half, two from Colm O'Sullivan and one from Conor Cusack,
serving to improve the appearance of the score-sheet. Cloyne needed a major
second half performance if they were to salvage this game. The introduction of
Iain Quinlan at mid-field added an extra impetus to the attack, a key factor in
Cloyne's improved performance in the third and fourth quarters.
Aidan
O'Brien scored Cloyne's fifth point on the resumption, following good play by
Quinlan. The turning point of this game arrived a few minutes later in the
shape of a Conor Cusack goal. Good play at midfield by Phil Cahill set
goal-poacher Cusack up for this vital score. Cloyne were back in it, only three
points now separated the sides. Two pointed frees from Quinlan were soon
negated by the Saints, and when the home-team again took the lead by 1:11 to
1:07, we wondered if the Cloyne surge had ended.
However, a very strong closing period from Cloyne snatched this game out of St. Catherine's hands. Seven unanswered points in the final quarter from Brian Motherway, James Lynch, Conor O'Lomasney, three from centre-forward Colm O'Sullivan and a final 65 yard free by Maurice Cahill sealing victory for this Cloyne fifteen.
Cloyne:Séan
Motherway, Donal O'Sullivan, John Aherne, Eoin O'Sullivan, Ross McCarthy,
Maurice Cahill (0:01), Conor O'Lomasney (0:01), Vincent Cusack, Phil Cahill,
James Lynch (0:01), Colm O'Sullivan (0:06), Aidan O'Brien (0:01), Brian
Motherway (0:01), Conor Cusack (1:01)and Victor Cusack.
Subs Used:
Mike Naughton and Iain Quinlan (0:02).
__________________________________________________________________________
permanent tsb Senior Hurling Championship
Cloyne 4:11 Avondhu 2:12
Cloyne continue to defy the bookmakers, as they now
find themselves in the permanent tsb county senior
hurling championship semi-final, against last year's champions and a much
fancied Blackrock side. At the beginning of the year, I'm sure very few experts
expected to see the Cloyne senior hurling team advancing to this stage of the
competition. Indeed many Cloyne people would probably have agreed. "Too
much to expect from this panel of players", they would have said. But,
this panel of players, their coach and management team thought otherwise.
There's one very striking thing about the team this
year. It's not a new hurling skill, nor a change of jersey, but it is, all the
same, very important. This Cloyne team now believe they can win. They don't
fear the opposition, and that in itself has been a driving force behind their
success so far this year.
And what of last
Saturday's encounter at Fermoy? Firstly, one could easily have been forgiven
for thinking this game took place much further afield, such were the tropical
temperatures experienced at the ground. With humidity levels soaring into the
high values, it was acknowledged by all present that this game would prove very
testing for all concerned. Talking over, two o'clock arrived and the
proceedings began.
Avondhu were to open the brighter, and had two
points on the board within the opening minute, the second courtesy of Shane
Kileen. This was interestingly the only point during the match that they held
the advantage. Cloyne quickly settled, and Iain Quinlan who was to prove very
influential, had his first of the afternoon soon after. Maurice Cahill levelled
matters a minute later from a placed ball after his colleague on the half back
line, Diarmuid O'Sullivan was fouled. Another good run by Quinlan, aided and
abetted by Victor Cusack, found Mike Naughton waiting on his wing to slot the
ball confidently over the bar, handing Cloyne the advantage. Avondhu replied
with another point, but this was soon forgotten by the events of the following
minutes.
Cloyne were well in control at this stage, the
defence was holding off the North Cork challenge with relative ease, and the
forwards, causing their usual mayhem in around the goalmouth! One forward
in particular was on the brink of causing untold trouble for the Avondhu
defence! Diarmuid O'Sullivan, doing trojan work in the Cloyne half-back
line, delivered a long ball into Conor Cusack whose first-time flick bulleted
home past the 'keeper. The fans had just about steadied themselves when
Sully and Conor obliged with an almost picture-perfect action replay
to leave the score reading Cloyne 2:03, Avondhu 0:03. Game on!
However, Avondhu were far from dead, and put constant pressure on Donal Óg's goal. Fine clearances by the ever-solid Killian Cronin and Declan Motherway at corner-back kept Cloyne out of trouble. Avondhu were however adding to their points tally, courtesy of some frequent Cloyne fouling. Iain Quinlan, unerring from the placed ball, had his second of the evening after Victor Cusack was brought down illegally. A almost certain Avondhu score was saved, when Donal Óg collected the sliotar on his goal-line, batting it out to safety. Iain Quinlan, having a stormer in the red and black, was on target once again in the twenty-fifth minute.
It was all Cloyne at this stage, and an action
packed final first-half period saw a further goal on the scoreboard for Cloyne.
A fine pass from Colm O'Sullivan found its' way to Conor Cusack, who finding
himself unable to get a clear shot on goal, flicked out to brother Victor, who
finished it off in his own inimitable style! The Cloyne colours were flying
again seconds later when Conor Cusack looked to have pointed from the
stand-side, but upon consultation with his umpires, the referee deemed it wide.
However, a good first half performance, Cloyne leading by 3:05 to 0:08 on the
short whistle.
The Cloyne lads knew that victory was well within
their grasp, and continued to play the second half to the best of their
ability. Avondhu were still trying hard, and lay siege to the Cloyne goal from
the throw-in. Conor Cusack was first to register a score in the third quarter,
connecting first-time to power it over the bar. But, in truth this ball could
have have rattled the net. Avondhu responded with two points to keep them in
touch before the Cusacks struck again!! This time it was Victor, in for his
second, and Cloyne's fourth of the outing. A fine clearance from Maurice Cahill
was collected by Victor who buried it at the second attempt.
This put Cloyne firmly in the driving seat, and
should have been enough to dampen the Avondhu spirit. But the divisional side were
not finished, and despite sterling goalkeeping from Cloyne and Cork's number
one, they slid in for their first goal of the afternoon. This was however to
have little effect, as combined efforts from Quinlan, Maurice Cahill,
Victor and Brian Motherway further advanced the East Cork side. A late Avondhu
goal improved the look of the scoreboard for the North Cork supporters,
but this game as a contest was well and truly over.
Cloyne advance to the county senior semi-final, the
first in their history. What can I say? Well done to the
panel, background team and of course the loyal supporters. Roll on the
Rockies!!
Cloyne:Donal
Óg Cusack (Capt.), Eoin O'Sullivan, Killian Cronin, Declan Motherway. Liam
O'Driscoll, Maurice Cahill (0:02), Diarmuid O'Sullivan, Phil Cahill, Iain
Quinlan (0:05), Mike Naughton (0:01), Colm O'Sullivan, Ian McCarthy, Brian
Motherway (0:01), Conor Cusack (2:01) and Victor Cusack(2:01).
Sub Used:James
Lynch.
__________________________________________________________________________
MULTI ROOFING CORK SPONSORED JUNIOR B
HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Cloyne 2:08 Aghada 1:11
Cloyne live to fight another day after a last
minute goal by substitute Eamonn Dunne ensured another day out against
neighbours Aghada. Played in glorious sunshine at Ballinacurra last Thursday
evening, this game provided the attendance with plenty of entertainment. Point
for point, both sets of players strived to pull away from their opponents, but
it was still anyone's game at the end of normal time.
Aghada were first to register a score within the
first minute, but Cloyne's Aidan O'Brien soon levelled matters with a point of
his own. Richie Lewis and David Ring swapped scores in the following period,
both from placed balls. Ross McCarthy and Brian Fleming were at this point
making their presence felt, and indeed Fleming had his first of the night soon
after when he connected with a fine clearance from corner-back O'Brien. A good
ball from Fleming at the end of the first quarter, found its' way to Séan
Motherway, who set up David Ring for his second of the night. Conor O'Lomasney
opened his account with a pointed free to stretch Cloyne's advantage. But not
for long. No sooner had Ring another over the bar, Lewis and his colleagues in
the forward division began to open up, testing the sharpness of the Cloyne
defence. David Ring added another free to leave the half-time score reading
Cloyne 0:07, Aghada 0:06.Aghada were first on the board at the start of the
second-half, tying matters up at seven points apiece. Some very wayward
shooting by the men from Cloyne was proving costly, and it wasn't long before
Aghada further stretched their advantage. The Cloyne defence were however
playing quite well, Brian McCarthy and John Aherne, storming out of defence
time and again, launching attack after attack. This game needed a goal, however
we didn't expect the goals to arrive in such quick succession! No sooner had
Aghada put one beyond McNamara, we saw Vincent Cusack's effort trickle past the
Aghada custodian. Then David Ring struck for his third of the night, to leave
just the bare minimum between these teams.Entering the final ten minutes,
Cloyne searched for that final surge. However, it was Aghada who were getting
those all-important scores on the board. With time running out, a foul on Séan
Motherway resulted in a 21m free, which saw a Cloyne convergence on goal,
willing the sliotar over the line. Over the goal-line it eventually went,
courtesy of Eamonn Dunne, booking another date with the men from Aghada.
Cloyne:
Maurice McNamara, Fergal O'Brien, John Aherne,
Graham Fleming, Brian McCarthy, Conor O'Lomasney (0:01), Diarmuid Falvey, James
Lynch, Vincent Cusack (1:00), Ross McCarthy, Aidan O'Brien (0:01), Tadhg
O'Sullivan, Brian Fleming (0:01), Séan Motherway and David Ring (0:05).
Sub Used: Eamonn
Dunne (1:00)
__________________________________________________________________________
permanent tsb Senior Hurling Championship
SO FAR SO GOOD FOR CLOYNE....,,
Cloyne 0:14 St. Finbarrs 1:09
Cloyne's senior hurlers have secured for themselves
a quarter-final place in this year's permanent tsb county
senior hurling championship, by virtue of a narrow victory over city contenders
St. Finbarrs. This game, played in glorious sunshine at Clonmult Park, Midleton
last Friday evening, was by no means a classic game of hurling. Indeed both
teams failed to serve up the quality we expected. However, this was due in no
small means to the tight marking exhibited by both sets of players. A classic?
Maybe not, but for the loyal Cloyne following, certainly a night to remember!!
Grown men and young alike shed tears of joy at the final whistle. Cloyne down
to the final eight, edging closer to that ultimate reward.
Cloyne's bright opening period laid the foundations
for their victory. Stalwart Maurice Cahill pointed a 65 metre free within the
opening minute to signal his team's intentions. Ian McCarthy, operating on the
left wing, had his first score of the night soon after. Cloyne's lively attack
was posing all kinds of problems for the 'Barrs defence, the red and black
urging continuously goalward. An error in the Cloyne back-line saw the city
side notch up their first score in the seventh minute, a goal by Brian
Cunningham, totally against the run of play. Menacing full-forward Conor Cusack
was unlucky not to add to Cloyne's tally a minute later, when his effort
trailed narrowly wide of the upright.
However, Cloyne were not going to let anything
deter them from the job in hand. Liam O'Driscoll, playing his heart out at
wing-back, made a great catch on his own full-back line. He picked out Iain
Quinlan, who in turn found Colm O'Sullivan waiting unmarked on the half-forward
line. From here O'Sullivan could make no mistake. Pacey forward, Mike Naughton,
opened his account with a fine point to stretch the advantage. Brian Motherway,
who was making life very difficult for St. Finbarrs corner-back Kieran Murphy,
fired two over the bar in quick succession to copper-fasten Cloyne's lead.
Victor Cusack added his first at the end of the first quarter to give Cloyne a
four point advantage.
As expected St. Finbarrs were to come much more
into this game for the remainder of the first half. They were to score seven points
in the concluding period; the full-forward trio of Brian Cunningham, Robert
O'Mahony and Kevin Murray punishing the Cloyne defence time and again. Cloyne
did manage to add further to their tally, Iain Quinlan, Mike Naughton and two
from centre-back Cahill, leaving the half-time score reading: Cloyne 0:11, St.
Finbarrs 1:07. Cloyne ahead by the most uncomfortable of margins! One wondered
would Cloyne hold out, or had the 'Barrs yet to show what they were made of?
Cloyne's Colm O'Sullivan won the first free of
the third quarter, seconds after the resumption, which ace free-taker
Quinlan converted with ease. He found another chance to practise his
free-taking a few minutes later, after Victor Cusack was brought down
illegally. The Togher side were beginning to up the ante at this stage, and
were duly rewarded with a point in the tenth minute. County star Diarmuid
O'Sullivan was marshalling his half back line, while his county team-mate
and Cloyne captain, Donal Óg Cusack was put to the test on his line, as St.
Finbarrs did everything possible to try and penetrate that sterling Cloyne
defence. A number of frustrating wides by the Cloyne men added to the tension
in the grounds, as Cloyne hung on by two points. Certainly not for the
faint-hearted!!
'Barrs mid-fielder Colm Duffy reduced the deficit
to a solitary score, and the Cloyne supporters held their breath. Time ticked
on, the Cloyne forwards doing their utmost to snatch that winning score, the
defence led by Maurice Cahill standing firm to the St. Finbarr's onslaught! We
checked our watches, only seconds remained. But enough time for Conor Cusack to
catch that all important sliotar and slot it confidently over the bar for the
insurance point. Almost immediately the whistle sounded, but it was soon lost
amid the rapturous applause from an ecstatic Cloyne following. The red and
black side-line brigade erupted onto the pitch, the celebrations had begun!!
Congratulations to the team, manager, selectors and
coach. A wonderful night for Cloyne hurling, passage secured to the final
stages of the championship. But, there is still a lot of work to be done.
However, for the moment it's celebration time...........
Cloyne:
Donal Óg Cusack, Eoin O'Sullivan, Killian Cronin,
Declan Motherway, Liam O'Driscoll, Maurice Cahill (0:03), Diarmuid O'Sullivan,
Phil Cahill, Iain Quinlan (0:03), Mike Naughton (0:02), Colm O'Sullivan (0:01)
, Ian McCarthy (0:01), Brian Motherway (0:02), Conor Cusack (0:01) and Victor
Cusack (0:01).
__________________________________________________________________________
MULTI ROOFING CORK SPONSORED JUNIOR "B" HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Thursday
July 10th Rostellan
Cloyne's junior "B" hurlers earned
themselves a quarter-final spot in the East Cork championship, following a
comprehensive victory over rivals Erins Own at sun-drenched Rostellan last
Thursday evening. This game was notable for the manner in which the Cloyne men
took this game to their opponents from the throw-in, taking the advantage
within the first minute; an advantage they never relinquished.
Ace centre-forward David Ring pointed a placed ball
in the opening minute to settle his team. Erins Own were finding it
considerably harder to find their feet, and three failed shots in this opening
period were to prove costly. Cloyne's full-back line was doing well, John
Aherne and Fergal O'Brien making some fine clearances out of the danger area.
Brian Fleming added another point soon after, when he connected with a good
cross from Conor O'Lomasney, a strength at centre-back. David Ring had another
over the bar before Erins Own registered their first on the score-board.
The Glounthaune side were beginning to come into
the game at this stage, but this threatened onslaught was soon wiped out by the
Cloyne men's following period of play. Vincent Cusack was causing all sorts of
trouble at mid-field, proving a thorn in the Erins Own side! A side-line cut by
Diarmuid Falvey found Cusack, who went on one of his trademark solo runs
through the middle of the field. He found Eamonn Dunne waiting on the edge of
the square, who made no mistake finishing the ball to the back of the net.
Seconds later, Cusack was again instrumental in Cloyne's second goal, an
unstoppable S an Motherway strike which gave the 'keeper no chance. Erins Own
did manage to pull a goal back, but further points by Motherway and both David
and Christopher Ring saw Cloyne take the lead on the short whistle, 2:07 to
1:05. The second half truly belonged to the Cloyne men, Erins Own just managing
two points in the thirty minutes. Tadhg O'Sullivan opened the third quarter in
determined fashion, registering two points in the first three minutes. David
Ring and stalwart S an Motherway both increased their tallies, while a dead
looking Erins Own seemed to have given up the chase. The final straw for them
came in the shape of another Cloyne goal ten minutes from the whistle, when
Graham Fleming delivered an excellent ball to the waiting Motherway, who
executed the shot with style. Conor O'Lomasney and Vincent Cusack finished
Cloyne's scoring, well-deserved on the night.
Congratulations to the lads and their mentors on
this very important victory. Here's hoping this winning streak continues
into the next round.
Cloyne:
Maurice McNamara, Graham Fleming, John Aherne,
Fergal O'Brien, Brian McCarthy, Conor O'Lomasney(0:01), Diarmuid Falvey, James
Lynch, Vincent Cusack(0:01), Tadhg O'Sullivan(0:02), David Ring(0:05), Brian
Fleming(0:01), Eamonn Dunne(1:00), S an Motherway(2:02) and Christopher Ring(0:02).
Substitutions:
Ross McCarthy, Emmet Cronin, Shane Aherne, Kevin
Motherway and James Northridge.
__________________________________________________________________________
Senior
Hurling Championship Replay
May
17th 2003 Kilworth
Cloyne 5-14 v Ballyhea 0-12
PERMANENT TSB COUNTY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
CONOR’S GOLDEN
MOMENTS!!!
What The Irish Examiner
Said……
What a night for Cloyne!! Lucky to leave Kilworth last
weekend with a draw in the senior hurling championship, the men from East Cork
certainly quietened their critics last Saturday night with an emphatic win over
rivals Ballyhea, one of the best in years! The Ballyhea contingent left the
North Cork venue last Saturday night, surely wondering where it all went so
wrong. Leading Cloyne by a point at half-time, few would have predicted the
manner in which this game finished, Ballyhea registering just two points in the
second half, while Cloyne amassed an impressive four goals and eight points in
an explosive final period.
From the throw-in, both teams
showed an eagerness for possession, and each ball was keenly contested. Colm
O’Sullivan brought in at centre-forward for this game was certainly making his
presence felt, as was brother Eoin at corner-back making some fine clearances
out of the Cloyne defence. Ballyhea were first to register a score, Jonathon
O’Sullivan with one over the bar in the second minute. Strong pressure on the
Ballyhea goal saw Brian Motherway ,operating at corner-forward, level matters
within a minute. Cloyne were at this stage temporarily without Victor Cusack,
but blood-sub Declan Motherway was playing his part well, an instrumental
element in his namesake’s score.
Goal hero Conor Cusack had
his opening score, a good point from play in the ninth minute, before Neil
Ronan struck the equaliser from a placed ball a minute later. Ronan and Iain
Quinlan exchanged scores in the following period, before ace full-forward
Cusack struck to the back of the net for his first goal of the evening. A
beautiful ball from Phil Cahill at mid-field found its way to Brian Motherway,
who engineered a perfect cross to Conor who made no mistake. This was an early
boost for the Cloyne men, but before long this advantage had been negated as
Ballyhea earned themselves a number of easy frees, which Ronan had no problem
converting. Cloyne added two pointed frees before the break, one from Iain
Quinlan, the other a fine point by Maurice Cahill on his own 65-yard line.
Ballyhea one point to the good on the short whistle, but all to play for. The
Cloyne men knew that this game was there to be won, but a much more focussed
approach was needed in the second half if they were to reach their goal.
Whatever advice the Cloyne
management team gave to their charges at half-time certainly worked wonders, as
a totally rejuvenated and much sharper Cloyne outfit emerged in the
second-half. These lads knew what had to be done, and they emerged from the
dressing room ready to give the performance of their lives. Cloyne got a
fairytale start to the second half. Seconds after the commencement, certainly
before many of the attendance had settled themselves onto their seats, Cusack
had billowed the back of the Ballyhea net for the second time. Ballyhea were in
trouble; the water-tight defence of the first half seemed to be cracking, and
when Cusack set Colm O’Sullivan up for Cloyne’s third goal of the evening, the
Ballyhea backroom team were faced with a very serious problem. Cloyne were on
fire, playing their hearts out, confidence at an all time high. This new level
of confidence was epitomised a few minutes later when young Mike Naughton saw
his expertly taken sideline cut sail effortlessly over the bar to stretch
Cloyne’s advantage. Ballyhea were lucky, and I’d say very thankful, to see
Donal Óg Cusack’s penalty effort uncharacteristically saved on the goal-line in
the tenth minute. However, this was only a minor set-back for the red and
black, Colm O’Sullivan and Naughton adding further points to totally nullify
two from Ballyhea’s Ronan and O’Sullivan. The rest of the half belonged to
Cloyne. Naughton, Quinlan and Victor Cusack all added to their personal
tallies. Wing-back Liam O’Driscoll, a solid performer throughout, stole a
wonderful point at the end of the quarter, striking beautifully and most
importantly accurately from over a hundred yards out.
Cloyne could do no wrong, and
one man in particular who could do nothing wrong was Conor Cusack! He had
decided that he still had plenty to offer in this game, a further two goals to
be precise, struck cleanly beyond a Ballyhea goalkeeper, who must be hoping he
never again have to face Cusack in a game. Ballyhea had a chance with one
minute remaining – Neil Ronan brought out the best in Donal Óg to deny him a
goal. But, it was far too little, all too late! This was a Cloyne performance
which will go down in the history books! A comprehensive victory by a team
yearning to stamp their authority on this year’s championship. This was a full
team endeavour, each and every one of the players involved gave it their best,
and were justly rewarded for their efforts. Congratulations to all. Roll on
round three, this Gael can’t wait………
Cloyne:
Donal Óg Cusack, Eoin
O’Sullivan, Killian Cronin, Domhnaill O’Sullivan, Liam O’Driscoll (0:01),
Maurice Cahill (0:01), Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Phil Cahill, Iain Quinlan (0:05),
Ian McCarthy, Colm O’Sullivan (1:01), Mike Naughton (0:03), Brian Motherway
(0:01), Conor Cusack (4:01) and Victor Cusack (0:01).
Substitution: Declan Motherway
__________________________________________________________________________
Senior
Hurling Championship
May
10th 2003 Kilworth
Who would have believed it? Three years on, yet the
script reads the same. Cloyne and Ballyhea neck and neck at the finish line!
Sixty minutes has failed to separate these teams, so they must do it all again
next weekend. The assembled crowd at Kilworth last Friday evening was treated
to a fine display of all that is good in championship hurling, culminating in a
tension-filled final quarter. Ballyhea had some good early chances on goal, and
were first on the scoreboard with a point in the third minute. Mike Naughton
opened Cloyne's account a minute later with a fine point from midfield. From
here, Cloyne forged ahead through a Victor Cusack goal, scored in his own
inimitable style. Another point from Naughton stretched the advantage, and at
this stage the red and black looked to be proving a substantial threat to this
youthful Ballyhea side. Further points by Victor and his brother Conor aided
the Cloyne effort. Ballyhea slowly began to find their feet at the start of the
second quarter, and five consecutive points, three from the hurl of ace centre-forward
Neil Ronan, brought Ballyhea to within a point of their rivals. Cloyne finished
the half on a positive note, centre-back Maurice Cahill converting two long
range frees to keep the Ballyhea challenge temporarily at bay. The North Cork
challenge threatened the Cloyne goal throughout, Donal Óg relieved to see the
sliotar pass narrowly wide of his goal minutes from half time. Cloyne two
points to the good on the short whistle, with all to play for. The Cloyne
supporters knew this wasn't going to be easy, a thrilling second half beckoned!
Ronan reduced his team's deficit at the start of the second half to leave just
the bare minimum between these teams. Cloyne were determined to take firm
control of this encounter, and were unlucky to see a good chance by Phil Cahill
stray just outside the post. However this pressure was soon to pay dividends,
as stalwart Conor Cusack first pointed a good pass from Diarmuid O'Sullivan,
before goaling minutes later, to place the advantage firmly back with his East
Cork team-mates. Unfortunately this period of supremacy was short-lived, as
Ballyhea rose again to claw themselves back to within a solitary point of the
Cloyne men. Iain Quinlan and Darren Ronan exchanged points to maintain Cloyne's
single point advantage. However, Cloyne were finding it increasingly difficult
to penetrate the Ballyhea defence, who were playing with true grit and
determination. When Neil Ronan levelled matters five minutes from time, few
could complain. Maurice Cahill put Cloyne ahead with a well-struck 65', under
enormous pressure; however Séan Curtin was there to convert his own 65' in the
dying seconds to tie things up. Cloyne had chances to steal this game, but one
has to admire the strong comeback from this young group of players from Ballyhea.
Both sets of lads live to fight another day; as for the supporters of both
teams, it'll be another nerve-wracking experience at Kilworth! The action
commences at 7 p.m. on this Friday evening May 16th.
Cloyne
Donal Óg Cusack (Capt.), Eoin O'Sullivan, Killian
Cronin, Domhnall O'Sullivan, Liam O'Driscoll, Maurice Cahill(0:03), Diarmuid
O'Sullivan, Mike Naughton(0:02), Phil Cahill, Ian McCarthy, Brian Motherway,
Iain Quinlan(0:01), Johnny Cotter, Conor Cusack(1:02) and Victor Cusack(1:01).
Substitutions:
Colm O'Sullivan and Declan Motherway.
__________________________________________________________________________
SEMI-FINAL April 16th Midleton
Cloyne progress to the final of this East Cork hurling
championship after a good win over the home side at Clonmult Park last
Wednesday evening. Both teams were eager for victory, and so contributed to a
tightly marked, brisk encounter. An early goal by Victor Cusack and the lively
pace of the Cloyne forward line posed a constant threat to the Magpie's goal.
Midleton came back well in the opening period of the second half, however a
further goal by substitute Phil Cahill eased this game beyond the home side.
Cloyne now set themselves up for a final meeting with Sarsfields.
Donal Óg Cusack (Capt.), Liam O'Driscoll, Killian
Cronin, Colm O'Sullivan, Maurice Cahill, Donal O'Sullivan, Mike Naughton, Eoin
O'Sullivan, Johnny Cotter, Brian Motherway, Iain Quinlan, David Ring, Ian
McCarthy, Victor Cusack and Conor Cusack.
Substitutions
Phil Cahill and Declan Motherway.
__________________________________________________________________________
Cloyne
have to be content with second place, after a poor performance against a lively
Sarsfields team at Midleton on Easter Monday. In a bright opening period Cloyne
looked to have settled well. Victor Cusack had rattled the Sars net and Johnny
Cotter had one over the bar - all within five minutes. Sars then came alive and
a brace of unanswered scores saw them take firm control of this game and
establish for themselves a considerable half time advantage.Cloyne upped the
ante in the second half, Iain Quinlan coming more into the game, snatching
Cloyne's second goal of the evening to reduce the deficit. But, Sars, with
Kieran Murphy unerring from the placed ball were not to be outdone, and held on
well to the end. Congratulations to the Glanmire side on their first Abernethy
Championship. For Cloyne, it's back to the drawing board.
Donal
Óg Cusack (Capt.), Liam O'Driscoll, Killian Cronin, Colm O'Sullivan, Maurice
Cahill, Donal O'Sullivan, Mike Naughton, Eoin O'Sullivan, Johnny Cotter, Brian
Motherway, Iain Quinlan, Phil Cahill, Ian McCarthy, Victor Cusack and Conor
Cusack.
Substitutions
John
Aherne and David Ring.
__________________________________________________________________________