Club News & Match Reports 11.10.23 - Season up and running
Under 18.5 squad
The under 18.5 boys went to Kenmare for a bonding weekend to reinforce the existing squad strength. A great time was had by all, and attendance numbers continue to be good.
On Saturday we kicked off our U18.5 season in style when we travelled on a team building trip to the Eclipse outdoor activity centre in Kenmare for an overnight stay. Athos and his team put both players and coaches through their paces on the assault course featuring challenges such as climbing walls, cargo nets, tyre walls and the obligatory mud run which turned out to be a very slowed paced struggle through never-ending waist height mud/water combo. The cleaning effort afterwards consisted of a river, power hose and showers to return them to something like human form again! A feast of a BBQ was then laid on, and made short work of, before then an opportunity to engage in World Cup fever to enjoy the Ireland v Tonga match. An early retirement to the bunkhouse and well-deserved sleep then followed. We returned home at lunchtime on Sunday with lifelong memories and friendships cemented for another season.
On Saturday week last we opened the U18.5 season with a home game against local rivals Fermoy. This game was played in poor conditions which dictated the flow of the game throughout. In what was a physical battle both teams stood up and contributed to a close and hard-fought game. An even first half saw us go in at the break 0-12 but with so little between the teams we held out hope that we could find a way back into the game. A try and penalty in the closing number of minutes put the game beyond us but overall, this was a very encouraging start giving us a lot of hope for the season ahead. Our next fixture is Midleton away next Saturday at 1200.
Team from: Cian Coughlan, Conor Dooling, Darragh Casey, Josh Kearney, Ben Cotter, Sean O’Grady, Gearoid Desmond, Andrew McEnaney, Aidan O’Mahony, Ben Cooke, Dylan Spillane, Louis Gorey, Eoghan Kelly, Will Murphy, Sean Gorry, Jack O’Brien, Jack Kelly, Jayden Lynch, Lorcan Murray, Diarmuid O’Brien.
On Saturday 7th October last we travelled to Midleton for our first away game of the season to take on what was a strong side. This was always going to be a tough fixture not helped by a number of players being unavailable through injury etc. however this did not deter us with a huge physical effort put in by all for the entire 70 mins. The team and management wish a speedy recovery to the 2 U16’s who sustained leg injuries in their game. Our next fixture is a home game against Cork Constitution on 21st Oct.
Team from: Lorcan Murray, Ben Cotter, Darragh Casey, Josh Kearney, Ben Cooke, Sean Gorry, Aidan O’Mahony, Stephen Flynn, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Sean O’Grady (C), Gearoid Desmond, Jayden Lynch, Louis Gorey, Jack O’Brien, Andrew McEnaney, Will Murphy
Double Lotto Winners
Congratulations to the winners of our first split lotto prize, with Dave O’Connor and Sarah Molloy each getting €1,400. We have had a total of four winners of our jackpot in 2023 which is amazing, but fewer balls mean more jackpots.
Training
Minis up to 11 Sunday @ 10:30am
U12's Thursday @ 7:00pm
Boys U14 Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00pm
Boys U16 Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00 pm
Boys under 18.5 Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00 pm
Adults Wednesday and Friday @ 7:30pm in Galbally.
Girls Check with Marie Meade
Thanks to all players, coaches, parents, and officers for giving their time, and especially to Harry Kinsella for his tireless work to keep the pavilion and pitches in great shape. Do not forget the lotto every second Sunday.
Tickets are available in all associated business premises in Mitchelstown, and from the club web site. An annual ticket for all draws for a year is an ideal present for only €50. For lucky dip winners, please check the website for a full listing, where annual tickets can be purchased, in addition to single or multi draw. Call Owen Dawson 087 8112991 for details. Last week’s numbers were 2, 6, 9, and 22. For full details, please go to the club website.
All memberships are now due, and there are several attractive packages available on our website. Please check now and choose the bundle that suits you best.