30th September 1999
Weekly
Sports
MONSOON DEVASTATES THE HALL
St Columba's Hall Golf
Society
In the words of Lewis Clark, "We could not see the cup from
the water." This summed up the atrocious weather we had last
Saturday at the now well-developed and landscaped, Ted McCarthy
Municipal Golf Course at Mahon. The very friendly staff welcomed
a fiery band of 36 desperados on a glorious morning. By the time
this reporter arrived, play was under way with the usual banter
" I won't let you down."
" I'll do the job." "Do the job!" someone,
said, "if there was work in bed you'd sleep on the
floor." This jesting describes what St. Columba's Hall is
all about, united in a common cause and that's the craic, the
whole atmosphere is immense, however, there is much serious
organising behind the scenes.
I joined Pat (Pa) O'Connell and Bill (Smudge) Tracy at the first
tee and right up to 13th, before the monsoon came to interrupted
play. We were having a laugh a minute, which didn't stop there.
All players braved their way to the 19th hole. Some changed their
clothes, others took off home, whilst the collective few had a
pint. We then all gathered back at the hall to see whom the
grandmasters of the day would be. On returning there we receive
well earned soup which went down a treat, and a beautifully
prepared buffet by Val Clark, Marie Murphy and all the staff.
Then it was up to the bar for the now peerless pint from the man
himself Mr.Tony O'Flynn. Well done to the entire group, your
endeavours are more than cherished, thank you.
Pa (I sell you anything boy, but a toothbrush) O'Connell got the
prizes ritual under way. He thanked our sponsors for their
contribution for making a great day for all. (See list below) The
winners of the threesomes with a score of 28 1/2 were Steve
Scully, Pat Walsh, Eddie Walsh and, wait for it, Mickey (Flowers)
Lynch. When asked later how come there was 4 when we were playing
a threesome, Flowers replied "don't ask, I carried the bag
on the shoulder and a golfball in my pocket round Mahon and won a
prize without hitting a shot.)" Sometimes I just wonder! But
well done lads. All other players got prizes, yet a special
reference to Bill Meredith, Eddie O'Brien, and John O'Brien, what
went wrong? Do you need help and guidance with your pitching?
Bill later said, " I was praying for a minor miracle and was
very fortunate that the rain stopped play, we would have been
comfortably clear in the end and out in front of the field only
for that." Are golfers like fishermen?
After the bestowal of all prizes a great sing song was started
with Pa inviting the captains from all teams to execute a few
bars of a song, some I might add, did just that. Even the Pearly
King himself gave the usual "4 and 9." Tom O'Mahony
nearly busted a gut rendering "San Francisco," the old
Tony Bennett song. Later time was given over to the
ever-accomplished Tim Desmond on the keyboards for a smashing
night of more singing and dancing. Great night Tim, see you soon.
Next Saturday we're off to Dunmore East Co. Waterford for a
weekend of more golf. If you'd like to join this band of merry
men, contact Frankie Murphy or Bill Meredith for details.
"Should be another cracker."
Sponsors: Maddens, Liam (I shock you) Martin, Douglas Rugby Club,
Beamish, George Kingston, our good friend Hugh Twomey, Deasy's,
TSB Bank, Murphy's, Guinness, Mr. Christy Martin, Barry Deasy,
Lee Oil, Lorden and Magner and the St. Columba's Hall Membership.
We express our gratitude to each and everyone.
Top Flite Reporter.
DOUGLAS GAA
Douglas GAA Under Age Section
Douglas and Nemo met in the U12 County Football Final. Nemo
opened the scoring with a point. James Malone replied with a goal
followed by a Stephen Moylan point. Nemo got a goall after 11
minutes to equalise. Further points by Ian Cullinane and Shane
Horgan gave Douglas a two point lead. Nemo goaled to take a point
lead - Ian Cullinane equalised to leave the scored 2-1 (Nemo) to
1-4 (Douglas) at the break.
Nemo went in to a four point lead after the interval. Douglas
replied with a goal. There was great excitement at this stage as
both sides went in search of the winning scores. Nemo played the
ball very quickly into their inside forwards, Douglas countered
showing great determination and heart. The Douglas boys scored
with seven minutes to go, but Nemo equalised within a minute. Six
minutes remained, amid great excitement both sides had their
chances to win. Nemo got the vital score from a free with a
minute remaining. Well done to both sides who played some very
entertaining football. Congratulations to Nemo on their success.
On the hurling front Douglas U14s created their own bit of
history by winning the City Championship for the very first time.
Played in atrocious conditions the opening quarter was a very
tight affair. The big plus for Douglas was the dominance of
Thomas Cotter over his opponent Colin McKeown. ML OMahony
got the first goal for Douglas - this was followed by a superb
effort from David M. OSullivan who doubled on the ball in
mid-air to score a second goal before the interval. The Douglas
defence was very good throughout the game. Roy Keating, Seamus
Crowley and Frank Tobin were outstanding. In the second half the
Barrs rallied but could not break down a very solid Douglas
defence. Final score Douglas 4-6 St. Finbarrs 0-2. Eoin Carroll
was presented with the Cup after the game. Well done to Eoin for
a marvellous speech in Irish after the game.
Fixtures:
U14 County Final. Douglas v Ballyhea (Prov.) Pairc Ui Rinn, 4pm.
U13 A Grade. Douglas v Na Piarsaigh or Bishopstown (A), 4pm
U14 B Grade Football Championship. Douglas v St. Vincents, Glen
Field, 4pm.
COLLEGE CORINTIANS AFC
It was a good weekend for the Clubs two Under 12 teams who
maintained their unbeaten record with wins over Kilreen Celtic
and Crosshaven respectively. Our Under 12 Premier Division side,
Corinthian Boys, are looking to put in a strong challenge for
honours this season. Last Sunday they struggled for a long time
against a very determined Kilreen Celtic before taking the points
on a 2-1 scoreline. James Malone and Ricky Kenny scored the all
important goals, while Gary Coughlan and David O'Mahony played
well.
Douglas Corinthians our second Under 12 team are this year under
the management of Richard Walsh and Brian Scannell. With many of
the young lads getting their first experience of schoolboy
football the management duo have been delighted with their early
season performances. Last Sunday they travelled to Crosshaven to
take on the locals and came away with a 8-0 victory. Patrick
McCarthy was the scorer in chief with a superb hat-trick and also
on the scoresheet were David Kilcommons, James O'Mahony, Richard
Walsh, James Grant and Aidan Lehane.
Life was not so good for our Under 14 Premier Division side, they
took on league leaders Blarney Street Utd. and came a cropper
going down by 6-2, Mark Coughlan, David Lewis and Richard Arnopp
were the pick of the Corinthians side who tried hard but found
Blarney Street top class opposition.
There was disappointment also for our Under 16 who found the loss
of regular goalkeeper, Mark Murphy and centre half, John
O'Sullivan too much as they went down 6-3 to St. Mary's. Keith
Stanton, Keith Thornhill and Paul Murphy did well for
Corinthians.
Next weekends action sees our two Under
11 sides put their unbeaten records on the line, Corinthian Boys
travel to Ballyphehane Park on Sunday morning to take on Kilreen
Celtic in the Premier Division while later in the day Douglas
Corinthians travel to Togher to take on Everton.
Next weekends action also features the start of the National Cups
with our Under 13's at home to Leeds on Saturday morning at 11.00
a.m.
DOUGLAS HALL AFC
Playing activity for last weekend was somewhat
curtailed. A combination of the All-Ireland Football final and
the heavy rain during the weekend meant that there were only
three matches played.
The AUL Juniors impressed in their league fixture against Villa
Utd. Here the final score was 5-3 in favour of the 'Hall, and
they fully deserved their win. The scorers were Willie Murphy
(2), Paul O'Mahony, Mark Hackett and Gerry O'Driscoll. This win
keeps them well involved in the league.
The Under 16's have not really got going yet this season. At the
start of the season it was recognised that this side would face
stiff opposition in virtually every match and so it has
transpired. Last weekend Kilreen were much too strong, and
inflicted a heavy defeat on the 'Hall.
The Youths were in action on Sunday morning and gave a terrific
performance against Temple Utd., inspired by Barry O'Shea and
Noel Elliot in particular. The final result was a 2-2 draw, with
Temple fighting back to secure the draw. The scorers were Declan
O'Connell and Noel Elliot. This result bodes well for the season
ahead, and consistent performances at this level will be
required.
Next weekend sees a number of cup fixtures, with the Munster
Senior and Junior cups beginning; the FAI Under 17 Cup and Under
13 Troy Cup also getting underway. Good luck to all 'Hall teams
in cup action. In addition, league action continues in the Under
11 and 15 leagues, where both sides have made good starts.
Fixtures:
Saturday, 2nd.: Munster Junior Cup: Home v. Donoghmore Ath, 2.30
FAI Under 17 Cup: Home v. Temple Utd., 5.00
Under 15 League: Home v. Corinthians Boys, 3.00
Under 13 National Cup: Away v. Fermoy, 3.00
Sunday, 3rd.: Munster Senior Cup: Home v. Youghal Utd., 10.45
Under 11 League: Home v. Ringmahon Rangers, 11.00
DOUGLAS RUGBY
Douglas first and second rugby teams came through their respective matches at the weekend though not in the manner they are accustomed to. The second team played Carrigaline in a friendly on Saturday evening. It was a game in which Douglas had the lion's share of possession but could not seem to use it to great effect. Douglas came out winners 13-6. It seems Douglas need something more than a friendly to perform properly. The first team were in Ballincollig playing the first league match of the season. The team performed well in the first half showing pride and passion in their play. Martin Pinfield lead the forwards on a rampage through the first half and won good ball for the backs to use. Ray Mulanaffy scored a try in the first half and Ger Glavin added two penalties. The second half saw Ballincollig come back into the game with some good play and Douglas seemed happy to sit back on their lead. Ballincollig failed to score however, but Douglas were guilty of taking their foot off the gas. Too much good possession was kicked away and simple errors made. At the end of the day it was a win away from home and the best start to the league campaign. Hail Douglas!
GRANGE VALE AFC
Last weeks
results:
Everton 3 - 1 Grange Vale (Gavin Roche)
We suffered our first defeat of the season last Sunday, going
down to Everton by 3 goals to 1. They scored two goals in the
first half, we got one back in the second half. Paul Horgan was
pulled down in the box, Gavin Roche converted the spot-kick.
However, Everton scored a third goal.
Best for Grange were Barry Twomey, Roy OMahony and Robbie
Bermingham. Next fixture is away to Evergreen in the FAI Cup on
Saturday 9th October, at The Farm, 2.30pm.
The Club would like to thank Kearys Garage, Grange who sponsored
our match. Grange Vale would also like to extend our deepest
sympathy to the Black family on their recent bereavement.
DOUGLAS PITCH & PUTT
Saturday Scramble: 1st Nett. Conor OBrien
& Aaron OCallaghan.
Sunday F/Ball: 1st Nett. Shane OConnor & Derek
Clifford. 1st Gross. Jamie Fahy & Stephen OLeary.
Fixtures: Saturday Scramble at 2.30pm and Sunday 3rd October, AGM
at 10.30am
New Members Welcome. Green Fees available.
Results of Lotto 23/09/99: Numbers Drawn: 2, 19, 22
No Winner, next week £600 at the Briar Rose
CAB Sponsored £10 winners: Marie Calnan c/o Jim Calnan, Richie
Drievers c/o Jim Calnan, James Healy, Donnybrook.
AUTOGRASS
The final Championship round of the All-Ireland Autograss series took place last w/e 18-19 Sept. near Lismore in stormy weather. This didnt deter nearly 100 drivers from five Irish clubs and some Welsh and UK competitors. The trophys for the finals were 50/50 Nort and South, a very healthy state of affairs for a relatively new sport. Finally, local driver Colin Byrne from Douglas won the hotly contested Fastest Man on Grass challenge. Anyone interested in joining for next season phone Tom OReilly on 087-2626864.
CARRIGALINE BADMINTON CLUB
The new season has begun and we welcome all our members,new
and old. Well done to the club members who performed so
outstandingly in last seasons Senior and Junior leagues, with
great success in the Munster and All Ireland championships. Club
night is every Wednesday 8-11pm. Anyone wishing to join can
contact Ron Thompson on 021 372705 or call into the club on
Wednesday night. All new members get a key for the hall so you
can play almost anytime day or night. Beginners are very welcome.
The Carrigaline Court Hotel are holding An Carrig Sports Star
Awards on Friday 1st October 1999. Carrigaline Badminton Club
will be well represented at this prestigious event. Our
nomination for sports player of the year is Shane Thompson and
for the Lifetime Achievement award is Eddie Hayes.
Congratulations to them both. Good news this season for division
4 players who will now be playing with feather shuttles.
The A.G.M was held on 13th September and the following were
elected to the committee: President: John O'Reilly, Chairman: Ron
Thompson, Treasurer: Idoia Murphy, Secretary: Kah Leong, Fixture
Secretary: Billy Cantwell, PRO: Angela Kelly, Club Captain:
Adrian Furey, Facilities Manager: Paul Harrington, Committee
Members: Maggie Morris, Heather Hegarty.
Tip of the week: Half-court singles is a game whereby the players
use only one half of the standard singles court from the centre
line to the inside alley line, and all the way to the back
singles line. Games use standard scoring to 15 with setting
allowed. The object is to win the rallies, score the most points,
and win the game.
The results: Better footwork; improved consistency and more
accurate shot placements, increased stamina, killer drops and net
play, stronger smashes, wall-of-China defence Try it!
NEMO RANGERS
Under 12 County Champions
Nemo Rangers were crowned County under 12 champions on Fridav
night at Carrigaline when they defeated a gallant Douglas team on
the score 3-7 to 3-6. This was a marvellous game with the lead
changing hands regularly and victory was finally secured by a
great free kick by Ricky Kenny. Nemo started slowly and were
behind by a goal early on. A goal and a point from captain. Shane
Horgan brought us back into the game. Nemo had another goal from
the Dub-Pottsy to go in level at halftime. Robbie
Allen, Eoin Hearne and Ciaran McGrath were very impressive.
Nemo dominated the possession in the second halt scoring great
points from David Kearney (2), Philip Hogan (1) and Graham
Cunimins ( 1) but conceded two easy goals. Ricky Kenny scored a
great goal having received a great pass from Keith Donnellan to
restore our lead. David OMahonv, Barry Hodnett, Owen OLeary,
Daragh Mehigan and Alan Meaney gave an example of defending
without fouling in the tense closing minutes. Our goalkeeper
Dunne with his impeccable hair-style was his usual
competent self and as always blamed his defenders for the goals.
The only disappointing note was that Nemo selectors could not
give any of their 23 subs a run during the game. The squad are
now looking forward to a well earned trip to Tralee where they
will play the Kerry county champions and enjoy the facilities at
the aqua-dome. Finally, is joint-manager Sean Hayes on for a
magnificent County treble, Under 12 football, Under 12 hurling
(Youghal) and Junior football (Youghal). We hope not!!!!
SHORT MAT INDOOR BOWLS RESULTS
Conna Open Licenced Triples Tournament:
Semi-finals: Douglas G.A.A.(E.O'Mahony) Beat Wilton (P.
McCarthy), Nemo (D.Deady) Beat Brookfield (P.O'Reilly)
Final: Nemo (M.Deady, E.Stockwell & D.Deady) Beat Douglas
G.A.A.(B.Walsh, M.Kennedy& Eileen O'Mahony)
Ballincollig Community Licenced Triples Tournament:
Semi-finals: Conna(A.Feeney) Beat Douglas G.A.A.(P.Corbett)
Ballincollig Comm. (T.Crowley) Beat Grange/Frankfield (E.Swanton)
Final:Conna B.C.(A.Tanner, D.Feeney & A.Feeney) beat
Ballincollig Comm.B.C.(M.Crowley, C.O'Leary & T.Crowley)