JUNIOR HURLERS CONTINUE CLUBS WINNING STREAK

Last week, on Tuesday evening August 5th, Kilworth travelled to Castletownroche to contest Mallow in their first round opening fixture of the 2025 Denis Gallagher Refrigeration JB2 Hurling Championship. Mallow were first to register a score in this high scoring encounter which yielded the umpires to wave a whopping 44 flags in total, as within the first minute of play they had the sliotar buried in the back of the Kilworth net following a well worked passage of play. Kilworth, however, replied immediately when a Michael O’Callaghan shot sailed between to posts which helped settle Kilworth’s nerves. Mallow then continued to dominate play over the next 10 minutes by adding a further 1-03 to their tally until Kilworth settled and after a few key positional changes, they bagged their first goal of the evening when after a tussle in the Mallow square, corner forward Darragh Sheehan found himself on the dispensing end of a Kilworth three pointer.

With 13 minutes now on Ballyhea referee Ciarán O’Regan’s stopwatch Mallow still held the advantage leading by 2-03 to 1-03, but this would soon change as Kilworth dug deep and kept Mallow scoreless for the next 15 minutes of play. During this purple patch period Kilworth really excelled, firstly, after a nicely timed Thomas Twomey offload Sean Beecher added Kilworth’s second goal of the evening, along with 6 points combined between Brian Tobin, Sean Beecher, Anthony Sheehan, and the ever consistent free taker Daniel O’Regan. Both teams then finished off the first half by converting two scores apiece including a long range point from midfielder Daniel O’Regan which left us leading by 6 points at the interval. Half time score: Kilworth 2-11, Mallow 2-05.

Just like a repeat of the opening half Mallow were once again first to hit the target upon the resumption of play before Daniel O’Regan got Kilworth back on track 3 minutes later when he was again called upon to strike over a placed ball. However, the red and yellow coloured Mallow side excelled over the next 10 minutes and having landed a cracking goal from a well struck 21 yard free along with 5 points all from play, Kilworth’s could only reply with 4 converted points which reduced our leading margin back to 2 points upon the three quarter mark.

It was really tit for tat hurling between both sides up until the 58th minute with nothing separating the sides bar efforts from Daniel O’Regan on free taking duty and substitute Justin Aherne, who having been lured back to championship action after a few years sabbatical, left his presence know when his well taken 50 yard shot sailed between the uprights. Kilworth however, with their never say die attitude, just like last year’s North Cork final at the very same venue, hit for home with minutes remaining and with exceptional scores from the fast paced substitute Ryan Jordan, club veteran Brian Tobin, and a sublime sideline cut taken by Michael O’Callaghan, held a solid 4 point advantage upon the final whistle. Full time score: Kilworth 2-23, Mallow 3-16.

It must be noted that the Castletownroche venue was in excellent condition for this fixture, and they must be commended for having their facilities, scoreboard, and pitch in fine order. Next up, Tony’s Troops face old rivals Ballyhea (who also had an impressive first round victory) in round two which takes place this coming Sunday August 17th in Shanballymore at 12pm.

Team & Scorers: Sean Keane, Gearoid Carey, Sean Shanahan, Conor White, Brian Dunne, Nathan Byrne, Denis Riordan, Michael O’Callaghan 0-03 (1-sl), Daniel O’Regan 0-11 (0-09-f, 1-65”), Anthony Sheehan 0-01, Brian Tobin 0-03, Mark Carey, Sean Beecher 1-01, Thomas Twomey, & Darragh Sheehan 1.01. Substitutes used: Ryan Jordan 0-02, Kieran Twomey, Justin Aherne 0-01, Michael Lenihan, & Sean Moriarty.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of last week’s lotto jackpot of €15,800 held on Bank Holiday Monday August 4th, the numbers drawn were: 06, 07, 23 & 31. The lucky dip winner of €50 was Kilworth Community Council c/o Yearly. The lucky dip winners of €25 each were Alan Dunleavy c/o Centra, Aisling O’Connor c/o Online, & Joanna Philpott c/o Online. The jackpot prize on Monday August 11th is €16,000.

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 sympathies to the O’Donoghue family, Caherdrinna, Mitchelstown, the Quinn family, Kilworth/Kilbrittain, and the Meagher/Hickey families, Ballysaggart/Araglen following their recent bereavements.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Saturday, August 16th; Co-Op Superstores PIHC - Round 2; Kilworth V Ballincollig in Rathcormac at 6.30pm.

Sunday, August 17th; Denis Gallagher Refrigeration JB2HC - Round 2; Kilworth V Ballyhea in Shanballymore at 12pm.

Please keep a watchful eye on club social media platforms for fixture updates etc.

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