Minor Division 2 County League-Round 3 (Report courtesy of Danny McClure)
Milltown/Castlemaine V Rathmore
After storm Emma last week putting a halt to the countries GAA fixtures, our Milltown / Castlemaine Minor team finally had their first outing of the year on Saturday in Rathmore. Conditions were breezy with and early down pours lead to some heavy conditions in the first half.
The teams exchanged some early scores with Dylan O Neill getting Milltown / Castlemaine off the mark. Then the first goal of the day came as the teams were level at two points each. A strong Rathmore effort hit the crossbar only to come back out to Cathal Ryan who knocked in the rebound to leave the home side 3 points ahead at the midway point of the first half. It could have been more shortly after only for the woodwork again and a fantastic save by Milltown / Castlemaine’s Alex O’Connor.
Another score from Dylan O’Neill left the gap at three points, the Milltown / Castlemaine man himself then struck an effort from distance that bounced in front of the Rathmore keepers head and into the net. There was still enough time for Rathmore to hit the upright with a similar effort on goal before the teams went in level at 1-03 v 1-03 at halftime.
Rathmore got the first score of the second half but the visiting team were looking hungry as they moved forward. Milltown / Castlemaine got their reward as Martin Foley tucked away his effort with his team’s second goal of the day. Another score from Dylan O’Neill was followed by a Rathmore reply and soon after a fine score from Sean Hogan of Milltown / Castlemaine which left his team leading by 2-05 to 1-05.
Conditions had improved in the second period of the game as the sun threatened to shine but Milltown / Castlemaine were playing into a breeze blowing across the field. Trailing the game by 3 points Rathmore were then to score the following six scores in a period that would see them stretch into an a significant lead. Two scores were followed by a goal from the impressive Dan Murphy and the pattern was repeated with two more scores followed by the home side’s third goal from Alan Dineen. The score at this point 3-09 to 2-05 in favour of the home side.
Milltown / Castlemaine free taker and top scorer on the day Dylan O’Neill then knocked over another score taking his tally on the day to 1-05. The home team were to stretch their lead further however leaving the final scoreboard reading Rathmore 3-12 to 2-06 Milltown / Castlemaine. After a strong effort in the first part of the second half by our visiting Milltown / Castlemaine side a strong Rathmore team ran out winners on the day on the day.
Milltown Castlemaine Team:
Alex O’Connor, Evan O’Sullivan, Roan Hegarty, Patrick O’Connor, Aaron O’Brien, John Dennehy, Oisin O’Connor, David Leane, Martin Foley 1-0, Cathal Barrett, Dylan O’Neill 1-05, CJ Cronin, Oisin Bolger, Sean Hogan 0-01, Darragh Poff
Subs Used: Linus Og Burke, Eugene McCarthy, David Murphy
Milltown Listry Comhaltas:
Well done and congratulations to all our young musicians, singers and dancers who brought home fifteen medals in individual and group performances. Representing the branch were Rebecca and Cora Lee Howe, John Sexton, Louise Kimmage and Saidhbh Mannix, Joe and Aoibhe Horan, Paddy Tagney, Katie Riordan, Eilish Tagney, Ali O’Sullivan, Kate Murphy, Yvonne O ‘Connell, Maria Griffin and Ella Kate Halpin. A big thank you to all who supported our quiz in Langford’s last week, another great night and congrats to the Plough Bar team who recorded another win. Looking forward to seeing you all at the next quiz on April 6th in Karl John’s Bar, Milltown, in aid of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarrai 2018.
Seniors:
Our seniors (sponsored by Larkins Bar and Restaurant/ Kelly’s Londis, Topshop), opened their County League campaign on Sunday in Paddy Burke Memorial Park versus Currow. A victory was most important to get our seniors off to a good start in the football calendar. Milltown Castlemaine had to do without Damian Murphy, Shane Murphy and Paul Carroll from their scheduled starting team and so Nigel Wrenn, Ciaran O’ Connor and Gavin Horan were called up.
Both teams were nervous at the start and so there was quite a few turnovers of possession. It was Currow who registered the first two pints –coming from Seamus Brosnan and John Buckley. M/C registered their first score-a pointed free from Jack McCarthy in the 6th minute. A point from Jer Hayes quickly followed to level matters. Two points from Cathal Moriarty who had been fed a super pass from Jerome Flynn and supported by Pa Wrenn along with another point from M/C gave the home side a three point advantage.
Gavin McKenna and Stephen Roche were very strong in defence and so Currow had to wait until the 14th minute for their next score- appoint from Pa McCarthy.M/C had Cathal Moriarty dismissed and so played out the game with 14 players. This gave Currow much needed confidence and they went on to score three more points before the break- giving them with a one point lead.
Currow: 0/06, M/C: 0/05
M/C introduced Shane Murphy for Jack McCarthy and they started the more impressive after the break, notching up two early points from Gavin Horan, who had a man of the match performance and a well pointed free from Jerome Flynn. M/C introduced fresh legs and so Jamie O’ Shea made way for Alan Hickey. Four further un-answered points from the home side gave them a four point lead. Cormac Leane pulled off a fine save after an impressive attack by Currow in the 8th minute but Currow’s perseverance paid off and so the green flag was raised in the 15th minute with a goal from Currow’s Mike McCarthy.
Currow 1/06, M/C-0/10
Jerome Flynn made way Seamus Dowd and the next attack saw Gavin Horan pop over another point. There was tremendous work being done by Brendan Delaney, Donal Dennehy and Stephen Roche which averted certain danger in the M/C goal area. Gavin followed with another point. Currow added two points from Pa McCarthy and Adam Manly. The home side were guilty of a few wides in the closing stages. Damian Murphy was introduced and his strength and experience steadied the ship and so M/C found their range once again in the 25th minute with a point by Gavin McKenna- giving them a 2 point advantage.
In the 28th minute, there was some confusion and Currow had a goal dis allowed by the referee. Currow’s woes continued with a dismissal and so at the final whistle- with both teams on a reduced number, it was M/C who collected the valuable County League points.
Final score: M/C 0/13, Currow:1/08.
Well done to Paul Fitzmaurice and his management team.
Lotto Jackpot Draw:
We had another Match 3 winner in our Lotto Draw last week- with two people matching three numbers. The drawn numbers were 2,7,12 and the bonus was 29. Congratulations to our 2 match 3 winners-Maire Donnelly, Listry and Chris O’ Sullivan, Doora, Portmagee.
Just a €2 ticket could win you €18,800 or a share in it. Match 3 numbers for a win or share of €200. There are also 6 consolation prizes up for grabs. So head out and purchase your tickets. It could be you! Next draw on Friday March 23rd 2018.
Wedding Bells:
We wish our senior player all the best next week as he weds Viviana Ferero in Columbia next week. We wish you both many years of wedded bliss.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
We are looking forward to our annual St. Patrick’s Day parade here in Milltown. We are appealing in particular to the parents/guardians of the Under 12’s and U-14’s, along with their management, to make a special effort to participate in the annual parade. Sincere thanks to the hard working committee who have been very busy organising over the past few weeks. Let’s make this the best St. Patrick’s Day parade ever!
Sacrament of Confirmation:
Congratulations to all our young players who made their confirmation, with Bishop Ray Browne on Monday last, March 12th.
We hope you will be enlightened and guided by the Holy Spirit throughout your lives.
Rose of Tralee Escorts:
We have been asked to bring the matter underneath to the attention of club members:
The annual search for eligible young bachelors between the age of 21 and 30 is underway for the International Rose Festival 2018. They require in the order of 70 young gentlemen to help host the 2018 festival. In the past, a good number applied successfully from other GAA clubs along with our own club here in Milltown Castlemaine. Closing date is fast approaching -so don’t hesitate or you might be late!
Closing date for registration: March 31st 2018.
Our club will hold one last opportunity for anybody who still needs to register with our club. This will be on Thursday March 22nd (7-8) at the GAA Clubrooms.
All officers, players and mentors need to be registered for insurance purposes with Croke Park. Our registrar Karina Spring will be delighted to facilitate anybody who wishes to join our club. Membership must be paid before March 31st 2018. (Registrations after this date will not be issued with a registration card-something that is necessary to gain your free entry to home county league games)
Revised dressing room/side line guidelines:
Please note that under age players are NOT permitted inside the dressing rooms prior to or after a SENIOR game or inside the surrounding fence wire when a senior game is ongoing.
This is to protect all parties involved. We ask parents and guardians to continually remind their children of this rule which will be strictly enforced. We appreciate your on- going support and cooperation.
Under 12 Croke Park Outing:
There was much excitement last week when it was confirmed that our Under 12 teams have been selected to attend and participate in The Go Games Blitz in Croke Park on Thursday April 5th.There is much planning and organisation involved in this outing and the Under 12 Management team are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that all the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted!.
This will be a most memorable trip for everybody so your full support and co-operation is very much needed and appreciated.
