PREMIER INTERMEDIATE HURLERS SUFFER DEFEAT

Last Tuesday week, March 25th, our Premier Intermediate hurlers were back in action in the second round of the Red FM sponsored Division 4 Hurling League. St. Catherines provided the opposition for this encounter with the game played under lights in Ballynoe and having home advantage proved decisive for the East Cork side upon the final whistle. The 2023 All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship runners-up were by far the sharper team throughout the sixty minutes having led comfortably at both the interval and full time whistle.

St. Catherines opened the scoring after five minutes played courtesy of a placed ball strike which was quickly cancelled out by Liam Óg Hegarty who was as accurate as ever on the evenings free duties. Kilworth took a brief lead on the quarter hour mark when Eoin Carey’s effort raised a white flag, but the yellow and purple colored side started to stamp their authority on proceedings in the second quarter and after some key positional changes scored six consecutive points without a Kilworth reply. Liam Whelan added his name to the scoresheet on the stroke of half time which left Kilworth five points behind going into the water break. Half time score: Kilworth 0-08, St. Catherines 0-13.

Kilworth reduced the deficit slightly upon the restart through strikes from Liam Óg and Leo Coffey but yet again these there quickly cancelled out by the home side and after 44 minutes played the scoreline had the Imokilly divisional side ahead by six points. Substitutes William Condon and Cormac Donnellan were introduced to the fold and made an impact by scoring points apiece but ultimately it was too little too late for the Kilworth side as St. Catherines dug deep and closed out the remaining minutes of the game the strongest and were deserving winners. Full time score: Kilworth 0-16, St. Catherines 0-22.

In what was a rather scrappy performance given the great result three weeks ago against Youghal which now leaves Kilworth sitting four from the top in the league standings on two points, Kilworth will want to turn the tide and revert back to winning ways when they face a stern test against reigning All Ireland Intermediate Club Champions Watergrasshill, in round three at home this Thursday evening April 3rd, at 7.45pm.

Team & Scorers: Killian Heggtveit, Sean Shanahan, Kieran Lane, Austin O’Hara, Sean Óg Kenneally, David Twomey, Michael Gowen, Noel McNamara, Jeremy Saich, Leo Coffey 0.01, Eoin Carey 0.05, Brian Sheehan, Liam Óg Hegarty 0.07 (all frees), Michael Sheehan, & Liam Whelan 0.01. Subs used: Mark Carey, William Condon 0.01, & Cormac Donnellan 0.01.

JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE

This coming Saturday evening April 5th at 6pm, the Kilworth Junior Hurlers make their eagerly awaited return to the playing field for the 2025 season as they come out of hibernation and dust down their camán’s to contest Newtownshandrum at home in their delayed opening game of the Cavanagh’s of Fermoy Division 2 Hurling League. Tony Sheehan is at the helm of the group for this year’s campaign, and is joined by fellow selectors Paddy Moakley, Shane O’Brien, and the Condon brothers William and Brian. The club would like to wish “Tony’s Troops” the very best for the upcoming season in what we hope will be another memorable year for all involved!

MEDAL PRESENTATION

The club will hold a medal presentation for the successful 2024 Kilworth Junior Hurlers who after a 21 year lapse were last season crowned North Cork Junior B2 Hurling Champions. Reminiscing on that famous victory, which was played in Castletownroche on October 13th last, the lads when trailing by 10 points after 35 minutes played, dug deep and reignited their engines to claim a 1-point victory over rivals Newtownshandrum in the final of the Denis Gallagher Refrigeration Centenary Junior B2 Hurling Championship. This function will be held on Saturday evening April 12th in Aherne’s Bar, Kilworth at 8.30pm, and all players and supporters are invited to attend as the club recognises this remarkable achievement.

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY 

In association with Cork GAA, Kilworth GAA, Camogie & LGFA clubs are proud to take part in the 2025 Cork GAA Community Clean-Up Day which will be held on Saturday afternoon April 12th. This initiative is a fantastic way to give back, connect with the community, and showcase our clubs pride. All members, players and supporters are encouraged to get involved in this worthy community event which gets underway at 2pm at the GAA pitch.

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

Save the date! Our annual Kilworth GAA club Golf Classic will take place this year on Friday June 20th at Fermoy Golf Club. More details on this highly popular event will follow in the coming weeks.

REBELS BOUNTY DRAW SUCCESS

Congratulations to Rory Crowley who was a recent winner in last Monday evenings 2025 Rebels Bounty draws for January, February and March. Rory scooped 7th prize in the February draw and collected €500 in Cash. Sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Kilworth GAA with the Rebels Bounty draw initiative during 2025.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of this week’s lotto jackpot of €12,200 held on Monday March 31st, the numbers drawn were: 11, 22, 28 and 29. The lucky dip winner of €50 was Mossie McNamara c/o Mossie McNamara. The lucky dip winners of €25 each were Fiona Sheehan c/o Shane Tobin, Shane Tobin c/o Shane Tobin, & Deirdre Attwood c/o Online. Next week’s jackpot on Monday April 7th is €12,400.

Tickets cost just €2 each or three lines for €5 and they are available online, in the local business outlets or from your usual local sellers. As always, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY

The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the Mackessy family, Ballyhea and the Irwin family, Glanworth following their recent bereavements.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Tonight, Thursday April 3rd; Red FM Division 4 Hurling League; Kilworth V Watergrasshill in Kilworth at 7.45pm.

This coming Saturday April 5th; Cavanagh’s of Fermoy Division 2 Hurling League; Kilworth V Newtownshandrum in Kilworth at 6pm.

Please keep a watchful eye on club Social Media platforms for fixture updates etc.

MAIN CLUB SPONSORS: Mike Walsh Pharmacy, Aherne’s Pub, The Village Inn, KDC Ltd., Kilally Stables, Mitchelstown Dental Clinic, Joe and Trish Bonner, Centra Kilworth

THROWBACK THURSDAY

With the club unable to secure any silverware that was on offer to their affiliated teams in 1989 Kilworth were eager to rewrite the script and after a positive league campaign the Kilworth Junior B hurlers entered the 1990 championship campaign hungry for success. After victories over Kildorrery (replay) which was played in Mitchelstown, followed by Charleville, which was contested in Shanballymore, Kilworth qualified for the North Cork showpiece against arch-rivals Fermoy which was expected to be a keenly contested affair. 

Played in Ballyhooly on Sunday morning December 9th, the Kilworth contingent would ultimately involve five sets of brothers: the McNamara’s, Geaney’s, Carey’s, Gallagher’s, and McCarthy’s. Fermoy who were going for three titles in a row were understandably favourites for this encounter but that did not deter Kilworth who were looking the regain the title which was last won in 1983. Although the better team over the hour, Kilworth hearts stopped briefly when with time almost up, a great shot from Denis Twomey hit of the upright and went wide for Fermoy much to the relief of the Kilworth supporters.

The following match report from The Avondhu described the finale.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Kilworth defended very well with Ger McCarthy having a great game in goals, and he was well backed up by the full back line of Pat Gallagher, Mossy McNamara, and Dave Hogan. Dave McCarthy at centre back done some great work to keep the Fermoy boys at bay. A great goal by Gene McCarthy kept Kilworth in the game. Poor and inaccurate free taking at this stage by Kilworth left Fermoy leading at half time by 0-5 to 1-0.

Kilworth playing with the aid of the wind in the second half put on the pressure, but the scores were very slow in coming, however, some changes in personnel in the forward line improved matters and the introduction of the Carey brothers Gerard and Brian made a hugh difference. Their brother Sean had a tally of five points in the half, 0-4 from frees, and Kevin McCarthy finished the scoring with a point. It was anyone’s game at this stage with only 2 points between the sides but when Fermoy’s Denis Twomey’s shot went wide it was all over for Fermoy and Kilworth had held on gamely for a much deserved and needed victory.

It was a fine sporting display of hurling by both teams with the weather conditions not being very favourable. Kilworth had fine players in Ger McCarthy who manned the goals, the full back line of Mossy McNamara, Dave Hogan, and the star of the hour Pat Gallagher. Centre back Dave McCarthy (Captain) was a tower of strength and Pat McNamara delivered some great balls. In the forward line Kevin and Sean McCarthy and Sean Carey were prominent in the second half, while substitutes Ger and Brian Carey both impressed and worked very hard. Gene McCarthy’s goal in the first half was a beautifully taken shot from 30 yards on the ground and it left the Fermoy goalkeeper helpless. Kevin McCarthy created a lot of problems for the Fermoy full back-line and should have had more scores. Full time score: Kilworth 1-6, Fermoy 0-7.

Afterwards Liam Weir, Chairperson of the North Cork board presented the Kilworth Captain Dave McCarthy with the winning North Cork Cup.

Pictured 35 years ago is the Kilworth Junior B hurling team who defeated Fermoy in the North Cork Championship final played at Ballyhooly on Sunday December 9^th, 1990.

Back row: (l-r) Tommy Sheehan, Mossy McNamara (Club Chairperson), John Geaney, Ger Carey, Sean McCarthy, Pat Gallagher, Kevin McCarthy, Michael Noonan, Gene McCarthy, Brian Clancy, Dave Hogan, Mick Twomey (Selector), & Paddy Kenny (Selector, Club Vice-Chairperson).

Front row: (l-r) Lar Flynn (Selector), Tom McCormack, Brian Carey, Ger McCarthy, Sean Carey, John Gallagher, Dave McCarthy (Captain), Pat McNamara, Gary Harrington, John O’Connor (Selector), & John Twomey (Club Secretary).

Missing from photo are Michael Geaney and John Kenneally.

KILWORTH JUVENILE GAA CLUB NOTES

U14 HURLING

Our U14 hurlers played Ballygiblin under lights in Kilworth last Friday night. In front of a large and passionate set of supporters, a most entertaining game was played. There was no shortage of skill, passion, commitment, and determination by both teams under the watchful eyes of the excellent refereeing by Brendan Noonan.

Ballygiblin went in at half-time in the lead, having had the benefit of the elements, with the home team getting some hope from a Fionn Twomey goal. Kilworth/Araglen Óg started the second half with two quick goals to set up a pulsating period of hurling with the home side finishing stronger to record their second victory of their league campaign. Darragh Crowley, Micheál Quirke, and Tadhg Ahern were scorers-in-chief for a balanced Kilworth side.

Next up is Mallow in Mallow on Friday night at 6:30pm.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Friday 4th April, 2025, ROP Fe14 Premier 2 Hurling League Section 2, Mallow V Kilworth Araglen Óg in Mallow at 18.30pm

Saturday 5th April, 2025, ROP Fe13 Group 2B Phase 1 Hurling League, Kilworth Araglen Óg V Youghal in Kilworth at 12.00pm

Monday 7th April, 2025, ROP Fe16 Premier 2 Section 2 Hurling League, Youghal V Kilworth Araglen Óg in CopperAlley at 18.30pm

Tuesday 15th April, 2025, ROP Fe13 Group 3B Phase 1 Football League, Kilworth Araglen Óg V Fermoy in Kilworth at 18.00pm

Thursday 24th April, 2025, ROP Fe13 Group 2B Phase 1 Hurling League, Bride Rovers 1 V Kilworth Araglen Óg in Rathcormac at 19.00pm 

Friday 25th April, 2025, ROP Fe14 Premier 2 Hurling League Section 2, Kilworth Araglen Óg V Youghal in Kilworth at 18.30pm