Cnocán na Biolraí

Report:
Watergrasshill Junior Hurlers secured the Junior 3 league, sometimes referred to by another name with a five point win away to Aghada last Sunday. With promotion already secured there was just the prestigious trophy to play for on this occasion and it was the Hill, who had made the cup their own on winning it in 2007, who wanted it more this time around. Aghada opened the scoring with a point but Ger Cahill soon cancelled this out. The Hill were the better team in the opening with James McCarthy and Brendan Healy causing problems in the attack, ably assisted by the wily JJ Kearney who was a threat all day despite his best Bambi on ice impressions. Having lost Noel Cahill early after not going down easy this time, Bernard Kiernan was called in to the unfamiliar surroundings of the attack where his famous catchphrase had to be re-jigged slightly, COME ON………BACKS!! The crucial moment in the half came when Ger’s long range free went all the way to the back of the net to give the Hill a good cushion, although Barney is waiting on his appearance before the dubious goal committee to further his claim that his swinging hurley got a touch ala Jimmy Barry Murphy, somehow I doubt it though!! At the break the Hill were four points to the good. A strong defensive performance from the likes of Aidan Barry, Colm Murphy and Pa Cronin ensured that they only conceded four points, most of which from placed balls. Keeper Don Ryan also played his part with two fine saves. The Hill’s advantage was soon wiped out however as Aghada hit the net with a goal with their first attack of the second half after a sweeping move but the Hill kept their nerve and were never headed for the remainder of the game. Driven on by Ger and Paud O’Neill from midfield the Hill had the momentum for the game and scores from James and Martin McCarthy kept the Hill nicely ahead. Aghada kept up the fight but the Hill rearguard remained strong. As the home side whittled down the deficit to a point the Hill kicked on and scores from JJ, who managed to stay standing for two minutes, and Richie Cahill sealed the win. In his acceptance speech captain Aidan Barry thanked the Aghada club, the mentors Der O’Callaghan, Denis O’Leary and Jerry Fenton, and especially Jim O’Callaghan who managed to keep this team going all the years, often when the odds were against him. Well done to all players and mentors. Team: D Ryan, P O’Leary, A Barry, MJ O’Sullivan, P Cronin, C Murphy, S Bracken, G Cahill, P O’Neill, B Healy, G Hogan, N Cahill, JJ Kearney, M McCarthy, J McCarthy Subs Used: B Kiernan, R Cahill, D O’Leary

14/08/2009 Competition: Championship Grade: Minor

Watergrasshill 1-7 Lisgoold 2-19

Referee:	Unknown
Venue:	Carrignavar
Match Info:	East Cork Minor Final 7pm

Report:
The minor hurlers had their dreams shattered last Friday night by a superior Lisgoold team in the East Cork Final in Carrignavar. After a half-hour delay where the appointed referee failed to turn up in what was a farcical situation with both teams warming up on the pitch, the game got underway with a local referee in place. The pace was frantic as one would expect from a final. The tight confines of the pitch meant that the hurling was hard and a lot of big hits were going in all around the field. From the outset it was clear that Lisgoold were finding it easier to create opportunities for themselves. The Hill lined out with one player up to the age and this made a huge difference as they struggled at times with the physical exchanges. Points from Anthony Cronin, William Connolly and Dean Cronin opened the Hill’s account but Lisgoold were finding their range also and maintained a lead. This lead was embellished when Aidan Foley made a great save but Lisgoold had a player in waiting to poke home the rebound for the first goal of the game. For the remainder of the game the Hill would be playing catch-up. They reacted well with a goal of their own with half time approaching and with the gap down to two points at the break there was hope amongst the Hill supporters. This hope was quickly extinguished as the second half went on however as Lisgoold managed to gradually extend the lead with some well taken scores. The Hill were finding it hard to cope now as the space opened up around the field and the more experienced Lisgoold team were able to exploit this space to send over scores to put the Hill out of sight. The killer blow came when a mix-up in the Hill defence led to Lisgoold’s second goal and after this there was no hope of an heroic comeback. As the time ticked onLisgoold extended their advantage to take the title. Despite the result this was a brave effort from the Hill lads who were always going to be facing an uphill battle given the lack of players up to the age. A number of young lads will have gained a lot of experience from this campaign and hopefully this will stand to them in the future. Well done to Barney and Mossie and the management team also for their great work throughout the year. Team: A Foley, M Kennedy, P Keneally, B Fenton, P Cronin, T Barry Murphy, G Hogan, S Field, A Cronin, TJ Forde, W Connolly, J McCarthy, D Cronin, G Cronin, M Purcell Subs: S O’Regan, B Halbert, J McCarthy, D O’Riordan, M Keane

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