24th June 1999
Weekly Sports

GAA
Douglas GAA
Douglas I and Kinsale met in the South East hurling league. This was a good game of hurling. Douglas displayed some excellent skills of ground hurling. On the night they proved that little bit stronger than the Kinsale boys and won comfortably enough in the finish. Most impressive were Jack O’Connor, Aidan Kelly, Brian Collins and Richard Kingston.
The Douglas top team in the U12 South East recorded two victories, winning comfortably over Tracton. The game against Valleys Rovers was very entertaining. On the night Stephen Moylan proved the matchwinner, contributing 1-7 to give Douglas a 7 point victory. Douglas U12 hurlers patricipated in the Glen tournament. Carrignavar, their opponents in the opening round, got two early goals to lead by 7 points at the interval. A mush more determined Douglas outfit laid siege to the Carrig goal after the interval but their keeper brought off two great saves to deny Douglas certain goals. Douglas were beaten in the opening game.
In the second game against Mallow, Douglas led by 1-2 to 0-0 at the interval. Mallow got a goal immediately after the break - Douglas replied with a point. The North Cork boys equalised with a second goal. Stephen Moylan got two points to record a very important victory. In the final game Douglas easily overcame the challenge of Barryroe.
Three teams finished on four points in the group. Carrignavar and Mallow went through becasue they had a better scoring difference.
Douglas U12’s played Na Piarsaigh in the U12 hurling league. Na Piarsaigh proved too strong on the day. Best for Douglas were Richard Kingston, Patrick Carroll and Ian Bermingham.
Fixtures - all hurling. City Division.
25.6. U13 A grade. Douglas v Blackrock. Away. 8 pm.
25.6. U12 Section II. Douglas v Mayfield. Away. 7.15 pm.
26.6. U12 Section I. Douglas v Ballincollig. Home. 3 pm.
28.6. U14 A grade. Douglas v Na Piarsaigh. Home. 7.30 pm.

Nemo Rangers
Junior (1) hurling championship: Nemo 1-13 Brian Dillons 1-6
Champions Nemo started off with a good win in this year’s hurling championship. Short of a number of players from last year’s team due to injuries and holidays, they showed that they had talent in reserve with a hard-fought win.
Playing with the aid of the breeze in the first half, they went in at half-time with only a three-point lead. Nemo started the second half well, scoring three good points without reply, and with Steven O’Brien thundering into the game and Martin Cronin, who had played with Cork senior footballers the previous night, getting some points, it looked as if Nemo were going to win easily. However, the six-point lead was soon brought back to two points after a mix-up in the Nemo defence which gave Dillons a goal. In the last ten minutes of the game Nemo showed the spirit and commitment that won them the title last year, after William Morgan scored a goal which set Nemo on their way to victoy. Good late points from Colin McCarthy, Ken Allen and Ian Murphy set Nemo up for a 1-13 to 1-6 victory.
Results -
Junior (2) hurling league: Nemo 0-7 Brian Dillons 1-6.
Fe 13 hurling league: Greenhills 4-3 St. Helens 3-3
Fixtures -
Sunday 27th. Intermediate football championship. Nemo v Naomh Aban at Kilmurray. 8.00 pm.
Wednesday 30th. Junior (2) hurling championship. Nemo v Glen Rovers. Away. 7.30 pm.

Championship '99 - Son of the Guru

All-Ireland champions Offaly progressed in a stately fashion to this year’s Leinster Final. Last year many reckoned they were unworthy champions, on account of the fact that they lost two matches along the way. Well, there is a point there, but then again, some would argue that a knockout competition isn’t a fair way to decide the true champions in a sport anyway. Whichever, Offaly won Liam last year and there aren’t too many counties superior to them knocking around at the moment.
Anyway, they disposed of a surprisingly sterile Wexford challenge with ease. The Yellow-Bellies really only hurled in the first half, when they posted 10 points, but the concession of three goals by the break proved crucial. Offaly had that five point lead at half-time as a buttress.
Wexford really needed to come out with all guns blazing and fire over a few early points. Unfortunately, they don’t really have too many guns, do they? Their forward play was pretty lumbering and ineffective, with only Gary Laffan making any real impact, and he’s never going to score much himself.
Two questions. Why wasn’t that Ryan Quigley guy on from the start? He looked sharp enough, and banged over two nice points. More importantly, why was Larry Murphy on from the start? Poor old Larry has flattered to deceive for too long - he really doesn’t seem up to it at this level, as proven by the two goal-scoring opportunities he spurned.
As for Offaly, well, they say they’re slow starters, but if that’s a slow start then God help everyone else. They hurled with terrific economy and craft, and really never had to move out of second gear. What odds on them retaining their crown?
In fact, it should be a mega-good All-Ireland series, with any one of the remaining teams well capable of winning (oh, and Galway are there as well). Offaly we know about; Kilkenny looked scarily good in their leisurely annihilation of Laois; Clare are always hard to beat; and Cork are back in the big time. Should make for an interesting summer, whatever way it pans out. ‘Course, if Tipp were there, it’d be even better; but as the Stones would have it, “you can’t always get what you want”.
Unfortunately.
Next week: an in-depth match report of the titanic struggle between those giants of Connaught - Galway and Roscommon.

Bowls

The Longest Day - St. Columba's Hall Road Bowling Club
What a day we had last sunday...the sun shone and the turn out was just smashing. Some of the regulars that come every Sunday were missing, however, I have been reliably informed that the attraction at the moment is Cork’s success in the hurling. With their win against Waterford, we now wish the lads the very best against the Banner County Clare in the Munster final on July 4th.
A quick mention, before I continue of a much improved younger bowler, what with his school work and other commitments, his loyalty is second to none, never missing a Sunday, his throwing has improved no end and very soon will, I’m sure, join the ranks of the few, take a bow Ian Lynch. Keep it up pal.
Speaking of the 4th, we were to have the “Long Shot” that day but because of the Final, it has been deferred to the following Sunday (11th). The response we’ve had regarding this event is just tremendous and it promises to be a great day. Road bowlers are rather like fishermen, they all stories recounting the length of the one that got away!
If several of our friends from the GAA are to be relieved, then we’re expecting the longest shot to come from one of them. If Mick O’Mahony is coming up, do tell him to bring his runners this time, as we are not insured against corns or sore toes. The question is, did Tom get his trainers back, or is he fit to walk in “The Ship’s Shoes”? (Try saying that after a few pints!) Looking forward to seeing you again Mick and Tom.
So, all you couch bowlers come on and show us how it should be done. The prizes will be excellent and we have a beautiful trophy to present to the winner. The Swanton family have kindly agreed that we name the trophy after Brendan. Last weekend saw the first anniversary of his passing, we bowled a few and drank a couple of pints in fond memory of you, Brendan, may you rest in peace.
We are to commence a drive to recruit new members for our winter campaign beginning the 1st of July, so come on try your hand at the bowl and remember it is only the craic and the creamy pint from Tony O’Flynn and all the excellent bar staff at the Hall. As I have said in the past, it’s the social aspect the club are aiming to promote at all times. Very soon we will have news on our first outing. God only knows what that’s going to be like. Those that are interested in joining us for this, do contact any member of the cabinet or your local TD, the club that is!
Don’t forget the L O N G shot 11th July. Names are now being taken, or if you prefer just turn up on the morning of the event, usual time 10.30 for 11.00.

Back to Home Page