Minors capture East-Cork title:

Watergrasshill 0-16 St. Catherine’s 1-07

Without a shadow of a doubt, the highlight of this past week was on Wednesday night when our minor hurlers captured the Rebel Óg East Minor D2 Championship. It was an evening of intense excitement across the parish and with the game streamed live due to the COVID restrictions, there were families and friends across the globe huddled around in scenes reminiscent of days gone by with laptop screens replacing transistor radios. Confidence was high going into this one but we knew it was going to be a tough game having already beaten St. Catherine’s earlier in the group stage. Played in Carrigtwohill in lovely conditions for hurling, there was great anticipation in advance as to how this was going to play out. When the sliotar was eventually thrown in, both teams very quickly got stuck in and tried to exert their dominance and lay down a marker. The opening score of the game came after two minutes from the hurl of Daire O’Leary from a 65, this was quickly cancelled out by another 65, this time by St. Catherine’s. It was the seventh minute again before the next score as both teams played the opening few minutes at a hectic pace. Brendan Lehane then dispatched a lovely point from play and a minute later one from a free. The Hill where showing a great hunger and work rate, epitomized by Ian O’Callaghan who was covering a lot of ground from center forward. By the tenth minute Watergrasshill lead four points to one. The sides then traded scores, a long range free for St. Catherine’s and a nice score from Colm O’Regan, which left the score at the first half water break, Watergrasshill five points, St Catherine’s three points.

It was an even contest to this point, although Watergrasshill did lose corner back Cormac Linehan to a hand injury just before the break in play, nevertheless the Watergrasshill line must have been happy with the shift the lads put into the opening quarter. On the resumption of play, St. Catherine’s struck first to bring the game back to a single point, but then the score of the game to this point. A lovely worked ball out of defense by Daire, a perfect pass in front of Colm O’Regan, an off load to Liam Foley and over the bar. Liam Foley added a second point before Daire O’Leary converted a free in the 29^th minute to push Watergrasshill in front by four points, eight to four. It was becoming noticeable, Daire O’Leary’s dominance at center back but also the rest of the backline were making St. Catherine’s work very hard for any ball that presented an opportunity. St. Catherine’s did get the next score but once again Watergrasshill didn’t rest and the final score of the half came from Cian Cronin O’Neill, again after great work by Colm O’Regan. At halftime Watergrasshill led nine points to five. Despite the lead we knew this St. Catherine’s team had a lot of hurling in them and the question was could the Hill maintain the strong work ethic for another 30 to 35 minutes and see this one through.

The second half started and almost immediately St. Catherine’s laid down a marker with the opening score, the game was back to three points. Once again however the Hill boys didn’t flinch. For the next 10 minutes they hurled ferociously and added four more points to the scoreboard. Brendan Lehane, one from play, one from a free, Colm O’Regan and Daire O’Leary getting the other scores. Daire’s was special. He was having a stormer to this point, playing the role of Captain to a tee. His point was of the highest standard, picking up a ball back inside the Hill 65, bursting forward on the solo, riding tackles, passing St. Catherine’s best efforts to stop him and coolly dispatching a lovely strike off his left, a better point will be hard seen this week. St. Catherine’s to their credit didn’t lie down, and added another point but once again our lads responded excellently and rattled over another three points on the bounce, one again from Daire after a goal chance that Cian was unlucky not to get, an absolute peach from Joe O’Riordan from a near impossible angle done on the left touchline he managed to squeeze it over from the tightest of spots, and a nice score from Mark O’Donoghue. We were now entering 30 minutes of the second half played and had a nine point lead. St. Catherine’s did make us sweat a little for the closing few minutes after getting a goal to bring it back to six, but our backline, directed by James Barry in goals, defended gallantly in the closing stretch to help keep St. Catherine’s from inflicting any more closing minute jitters.

When the final whistle did come we had six points to spare and won out on a score line of 16 points to 1-7. This was a terrific win. Every one of the panel contributed to this win. The lads were immense on the night, the intensity, hunger and sheer honesty of effort was the difference. There was many great performance’s. Daire O’Leary played the captains role and backed it up with a man of the match performance but he was surrounded in the backline by heroes. Brendan Lehane and Michael O’Driscoll in midfield were everywhere, there wasn’t a blade of grass that wasn’t touched by either of them. And upfront the boys movement and sheer doggedness made sure St. Catherine’s didn’t get a minutes peace. A great team performance on the night but throughout this championship campaign the lads were great. A special mention to manager Tommy Bowe and his management team, Pat O’Leary, Paddy O’Regan and Willie O’Leary. The lads put in a great effort this year. From small numbers at the start of the year, the real success by the lads was getting this minor team back playing great hurling, and even more so, back enjoying their hurling. Thanks a million lads for the work done with this group, and thank you to the panel of players for the commitment and effort made. Congratulations to all involved.

It was a also a special night too for Aine O’Leary who in her capacity as Chairperson of Rebel Óg East presented the winning trophy to her son Daire who turned in a man of the match performance to captain Watergrasshill to victory.

Panel: James Barry, Cormac Lenihan, Cathal Fitzgerald, Dylan Roche, Andrew Chandler, Daire O’Leary, Donal Sheehan, Brendan Lehane, Michael O’Driscoll, Liam Foley, Ian O’Callaghan, Mark O’Donoghue, Colm O’Regan, Joseph O’Riordan, Cian Cronin O’Neill, Darragh Casey, Cael Guichard, Dylan Field, Ryan Murray, Ben Whelan, Eoin Fitzgerald.

Scorers: Daire O’Leary 0-5 (2f), Brendan Lehane 0-4 (2f), Colm O’Regan 0-2, Liam Foley 0-2, Cian Cronin O’Neill, Joseph O’Riordan & Mark O’Donoghue, 0-1 each.

Picture: The winning Watergrasshill Minor Team

Picture : Aine O’Leary of Rebel Óg East with her son, Watergrasshill captain Daire

Busy Weekend for U-9’s:

Our U-9 group had a hectic weekend with 2 sets of games as well as week 2 of three for 1^st Holy Communions in the parishes of Glenville & Watergrasshill. The U-9’s started their weekend with a series of games against Bishopstown on Saturday morning. Even with a number of absentees due to 1^st Holy Communions in Watergrasshill, there were still 22 players turned out demonstrating how hard working and dedicated this bunch of players, coaches and parents are. The beautiful weather conditions saw us play 3 very competitive games which were all very evenly matched.

The second outing of the weekend saw us hosing Valley Rovers in a manicured Watergrasshill pitch. With 3 games of 9v9 yet again, all of the games were very evenly contested, with great skills on show. Head Coach Willie O’Leary was particularly proud of the group and noting the fantastic work rate and commitment of the group as well as the blocking and tackling that was on show.

Given how busy the weekend was, Willie O’Leary was also keen to extend a special word of thanks to the team’s  COVID officers of Marie, Joe & Joanne on the great job they are doing in supporting the team through the return-to-play, to all the coaches for their help and hard work and to the parents and kids for the great effort over the weekend.

U-10’s Host Erin’s Own:

Our U-10’s hosted Erin’s Own on Saturday morning in a series of matches in both Hurling and Football. There were yet again some sterling performances from this group who continue to show great form in both hurling and football. Coach John O’Sullivan congratulated the lads on their fantastic performance and extended his thanks to the members of the U-9 group who also played with the U-10’s during a very busy weekend of games.

U-11’s host Lisgoold:

On a glorious evening last Friday, our U11’s played host to Lisgoold in Watergrasshill. It was a good competitive game and a great work out for the boys. It was the first full 15 v 15 the boys played and they acquitted themselves well. Well done to all the lads who adjusted well to the full 15 v 15 and thanks also to the U-10 boys who heled make sure we had a full team.

Congrats

Congrats to Glenville U14's who won a humdinger Division 2 football final against St. Colman's this week. Unbelievable drama in Cloyne where both teams played to a standstill. A draw at halftime, a draw at full time, a draw at halftime of extra time, a draw full time extratime,. Final score Glenville 4-10, St Colmans 5-7. Glenville won 4-3 in penalties.

Lotto

There was no winner of the Lotto Jackpot this week. Numbers drawn were 11, 23, 25 & 32. €20 lucky dip winners are Darragh O'Callaghan, Bernard Burke, Joan Kearney & Winnie Sheehan. Congrats to you all. Next week's jackpot is €4,700 and draw will take place Monday 14th September in The Hut Bar. Tickets are now once again on sale in some of the village businesses, Centra, Johnny's Shop, The Fir Tree & The Hut Bar. Tickets can also be purchased on-line via our club website (www.watergrasshillgaa.ie). The Club would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and supporters of the Watergrasshill GAA Club Lotto. The Club Lotto is a vital source of income for the running of all our teams within the Club and for future development of our facilities, so we ask you to please support it if you are in a position to do so. Remember, if you’re not in you can’t win.

Pitch Signage & Advertising Opportunity

As we enter a new decade, we do so with great optimism and excitement here at Watergrasshill GAA Club. Later this decade we will celebrate our centenary year, which will be a special milestone. While it's important to celebrate the past and the history of the club, its also important we look forward to the future. With this in mind, the club will shortly be undertaking a development project, to prepare the club for the future and further position ourselves at the centre of our community. Part of this project, will be the development of our existing club grounds. To that end we will endeavour to raise a revenue stream from advertising, while giving businesses the opportunity to advertise their services and reach a wider audience within our community. With the playing numbers on the increase our facility will be a busy spot over the coming years and we would love to have your name and business positioned in the hearts and minds of all those who visit on a weekly basis. We are offering advertising space via pitch signage, 3000mm wide x 750mm high. These are a 5-year gloss laminate, flash mounted to 0.2mm skin diabond sign. If you would be interested in this opportunity to advertise and support our club, please contact Claire O Leary on 087-6239297 or any member of the club who can provide assistance. 

Club Shop

Our club shop is always open where club crested clothing is available to buy, from shorts to 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.

Ryan’s SuperValu Glanmire Club Loyalty Scheme 

Can you help us win a share of €30,000? Ryan’s SuperValu Glanmire continuing in their efforts to Champion Green and support local, have launched the Ryan’s Local Loyalty initiative. This is aimed at local GAA clubs and offers us a great opportunity to get much needed financial support to run the club. Over the coming week we will distribute the loyalty card and we hope you will consider using it and support Watergrasshill GAA by joining us in this great campaign from Ryan’s SuperValu. Thank you for your support if you can. 

Holy Communion

Congratulations to the boys and girls of Glenville NS & Watergrasshill NS who made their Holy Communion last Saturday.