Fixtures & Results

Last Sunday our Intermediates played their third game and first home game of the league against Ballincollig. In what was a lovely afternoon for hurling and with the pitch in great condition, everything was set up for a good game. From the throw in, it took our visitors just 22 seconds to register the first score of the game but only a minute later Shane O Regan (jr) put over the Hills first score with a lovely strike off the left. Shane then followed this up inside a minute with another sublime strike this time off his right for the Hill to take an early lead. The visitors would take the next two scores before our other Shane, Shane O Regan (snr) levelled it with a free. When Shane converted his next free mid-way through the second half, it was after Ballincollig had tagged on five unanswered points to lead the game 8pts to 4pts. In the 17^thminute, Anthony Cronin fired over a lovely point from midfield but once again the visitors, playing with a nice breeze at their backs, took the next two scores to maintain their lead. The Hill then got the next four points, one from play from Anthony once again, two pointed frees from Shane (snr) and a lovely score from play by Don O Riordan.  This left the Hill trailing by a point, 10 to 9 after 25 minutes. For the next 6 minutes, up to the halftime whistle,  both teams would share two scores each but crucially one of these and the first goal of the game, which went the way of Watergrasshill. It was a great individual goal scored by Shane (jnr), after winning the aerial battle he bared down on goal and slotted away an excellent finish. This left the scores at halftime Watergrasshill 1-10, Ballincollig 12 pts.

The second half started just like the first with two scores inside the opening minute from both teams. It was then over to Paudie O Leary in the sixth minute who’s powerful surge goalward resulted in a fine save by the Ballincollig goalkeeper but the resulting spilled ball was driven to the back of the net by Shane (jnr) for the Hill’s and his second goal of the afternoon. From here the Hill never left Ballincollig back into it and a great score from the recently introduced sub Kevin O Neill, and three points between two Shanes left the score after 26 minutes of the second half 2-15 to 15pts in favour of the home side. On 27 minutes the Hill struck for their third goal and once again it was Shane (jr) on hand to coolly despatch another one to the back of the net. Watergrasshill would tag on another point from a smartly played indirect free with Ballincollig getting the last two points of the game to leave the final score Watergrasshill 3-16, Ballincollig 17pts. This was an excellent team performance where the lads showed great intensity throughout. Well done to the team and management.

A lovely feature of last Sundays game was to see the youngsters take to the pitch at halftime and fulltime for a friendly puck around. We want this to become the norm for all our home games this year so please come along and support the team and of course bring your hurley and helmets kids.

Picture: Some young supporters cheering on the “big lads” last Sunday versus Ballincollig.

Our 2018 successful Junior team make their 2019 competitive start with a league game away to Ballyhooly this Sunday, March 31^st at 11.30am. Please show your support for the lads once again.

Looking a little further ahead, and a date for the diary, our first game in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship against Inniscarra is fixed for Friday April 19^th @ Pairc Ui Rinn at 7.45pm. We would love a big turnout to cheer on the lads that night, Hon the Hill.

Juvenile Fixtures & Results:

Our U14 team played a challenge game last Sunday in Bishopstown, running out winners on a scoreline of, Watergrasshill 7-13 (34), Bishopstown 3-11 (20). The Hill got off to a great start, scoring early and building a strong lead. We had 20 players on the day and each of the lads did exceptionally well. Overall a very good team performance. Great support from parents today - much appreciated.
Squad: Liam Foley, Cian Cronin-O'Neill, Sam Dennehy, Michael O'Driscoll, Conor Krol, David Moore, Ciarán O'Leary, Ryan Loftus, Dean Field, Shane O’Callaghan, Cathal O’Brien, Darragh Collins, Bobby Kelleher, Conor Hurley, Fionn Fitzgerald, Ciarán O’Riordan, Donnagh Burke, Coran O’Neill, Darragh Ó Bric and Ciarán Linehan.
Coaches: Martin O’Riordan, Mike Moore and Ger O’Brien.

Under 13’s: Game Sunday, March 31^st@5pm, away to Courcey Rovers

Under 11’s: Game Saturday 30^th March @12.15pm , home to Eire Og

Under 10’s: Game Saturday 30^th March @10am, away to Bride Rovers

Under 8’s: Blitz Saturday 30^th March @12.30pm, in Pairc Ui Chaoimh

The Nursery

Calling all boys, born in 2013 & 2014 (even 2015 if you feel they would like to come and have a go). Our U6's return to action on Saturday 30th March @10am in the Watergrasshill GAA pitch. Training will be for an hour and continue every Saturday in the Hill @10am and every Wednesday @6pm in Glenville. We have some hurleys and helmets for kids who might want to try it out for a couple of weeks. Its €2 per child/family every training. For more information please contact Liam on 0867992132 or Noel on 0872479045. I would encourage all parents of boys in this age group to bring them along. Its great fun, they learn new skills, learn to be part of a team and they make friends for life. We would also love to see any parents willing to give a hand in any way they can, to come forward. It would be greatly appreciated and who knows you might make new friends along the way too. Hope to see you there.

2019 Membership and Registration

We still have some membership outstanding so once again we are asking anyone yet to pay, please do so as soon as possible. All playing members need to be registered before they can play in any competitive games. Full adult membership €50, full student/AOP membership €25, social adult membership €25, juvenile membership €25. All membership and 2019 registration can be done on-line via our website www.watergrasshillgaa.ie or indeed paid through any club committee member. Thank you to all adult and juveniles who have already paid their 2019 membership.

Lotto

There was no winner of the Lotto Jackpot this week. Numbers drawn were 14, 21, 30 & 31. €30 lucky dip winners are Michaeo O Riordan, Mike Kennedy, Fionn O Neill and Tommy Sheehan. Congrats to you all. Next week's jackpot is €13,300 and draw will take place in The Hut Bar. Tickets (€2) available to purchase locally at The Hut Bar, O'Mahonys Bar, The Fir Tree, Johnny's Shop and Restaurant and Ross’s Centra. You can also play on-line via our website at www.watergrasshillgaa.ie. If you’re not in you can’t win.

Club Shop

Club crested clothing is available to buy. From snoods to beanies, jerseys to training tops and tracksuit bottoms, for adults and juveniles in various sizes. Hurling helmets also available to buy through the club. If you need anything or would like to speak to someone about what is available and sizes, contact Adrienne on 087-7589139. Also keep an eye on our club Facebook page where new club gear can be seen.

Cul Camp 2019

Our Summer Cul Camp will take place this year from Monday 15th July. Please note, there will be NO on-line bookings this year but rather a registration evening, date and time to be confirmed. Bring on the summer!

Congratulations:

Congratulations to Mairead O'Callaghan, who has become the first female President of Cumann na mBunscol. Mairead has been very active within Watergrasshill GAA over the years, having been involved at all levels, including club Runai. She has also been heavily involved with Glenville National School. She has worked tirelessly in pushing the objective of Cumann na mBunscol - to make Gaelic Games the game of choice in our primary schools. We wish Mairead every success in her Presidency. It's a great honour for Mairead, our club and the O'Callaghan family. Comhghairdeas.

Congratulations also to Victor and Máire on winning the Best Gastro Pub in Munster. It’s so deserved. O'Mahony's of Watergrasshill is a huge addition to our village and the whole experience is simply wonderful in terms of ambience, food and drink.  O’Mahony’s has a long and proud association with Watergrasshill GAA and it’s wonderful to see the business run for so many years by Peigi and the late John (RIP), reinvented and getting the recognition it so well deserves. Comhghairdeas.

Best Wishes:

Best of luck to Ken Ross and his team as he begins the redevelopment of Ross's Centra Watergrasshill into a bigger store. Ken is a great supporter of Watergrasshill GAA as well as every community and sporting group in Watergrasshill. His support is very much appreciated by everyone.

Race Night:

Watergrasshill Community Association are hosting their annual race night this Saturday 30^th March @ O Mahonys in Watergrasshill, first Race 9.30pm sharp. All welcome.