COUNTY FINAL SUNDAY

All roads lead to Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday where our Premier Intermediate hurlers take their place in the Co Op Superstore Cork County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Final against Castlelyons. Kilworth have turned their early season form around with victories over Ballinhassig, Valley Rovers and Ballincollig in the last six weeks meaning they are one victory away from lifting the Seamus Long Cup for the first time. 2019 saw our last and only previous appearance on this stage losing out to Fr O Neill’s who have since taken another step and are now in the Premier Senior grade. Castlelyons have appeared in two finals and a semi-final since and will prove formidable opponents. 

Our hurling tradition with Castlelyons has been limited, clashes between the sides only becoming more frequent in the last decade or so in the County Leagues. Our last game was earlier this year on April 8th at Castlelyons in the Red FM Division 3 League with Castlelyons running out 7-point winners 2-20 to 2-13 on that occasion. This game will count for little on Sunday, only nine of the team that started the county semi-final win over Ballincollig two weeks ago started in that league game and the team has evolved and developed over the course of season.

While Castlelyons enter the game as strong favourites, finals can take on a life of their own and if our lads can bring the same intensity, work rate, skill and brand of hurling they displayed in their last three competitive games there is no reason why we can’t be celebrating a win Sunday afternoon. This championship to date has seen the lads compete in tough, high-quality games, they are battle hardened and give it their all from start to finish. Self-belief and being mentally strong have been key elements in their progress from the group stage right though to Sunday’s final. The very best of luck to the panel of players and their management team on their quest for ultimate honours.

The build up to a county final is a special time for supporters and the club would like to thank all those for their messages of support to the team and for the colour and decoration throughout the village and the parish.  Cill Uird Abu.

Don’t forget to purchase tickets for Sunday’s game ONLINE (gaacork.ie) prior to throw-in, as tickets will not be available at the entrance to the venue.

COUNTY FINAL TRANING FUND

The club have set up a training fund to support the players in the lead up to the final. If anyone would like to donate they can contact any club executive member or donate by selecting a sponsorship/donation option from the following – member.clubforce.com/membership, and all support is greatly appreciated. A sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to date.

GET WELL SOON

The club would like to wish club vice president John Carey a speedy recovery from his recent illness. We hope to see you out and about again shortly.

CLUB LOTTO REACHES €5,000

There was no winner of this week’s lotto jackpot of €4,800 held on Monday October 9th, the numbers drawn were: 04, 07, 08 and 09. The lucky dip winner of €50 was Marie Keating c/o Dave Hogan. The lucky dip winners of €25 each were Niall Hally c/o Patsy O’Mahony, David O’Donoghue c/o Online, Joanne Daly c/o Centra c/o. Next week’s jackpot on Monday October 16th is €5,000. 

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.

CHAMPIONSHIP DEFEAT FOR JB HURLERS

Newtownshandrum 1-16 Kilworth 1-9

A strong opening half laid the foundation for a Newtown win in the opening round of the McAulliffe Hurleys JB2 Hurling Championship Group 1 played in Newtown last Tuesday week (October 3rd). Trailing 0-4 to 1-9, it was always going to be an uphill battle in the second half and while the performance improved Newtown were able to keep the scoreboard ticking over to run our 7-point winners. 

Team and scorers; K Walsh 0-1 (1f), J Horgan, M McNamara, C White, B Dunne, B Tobin 0-2, G McCarthy, C Hynes, J Tobin Allen, O Farrell Carey, R Riordan, B Casey, S O’Brien 0-4 (4fs), T Twomey 1-0, S Beecher 0-1. Subs Used; J McCarthy, K Murphy, A Sheehan, J Foley, C Donnellan 0-1. 

Kildorrery are the third team in Group 1 and at the time of going to press there is no fixture confirmed for this. With only one team progressing from the group a win over Kildorrery is a must and we will also need the result of Kildorrery V Newtown to go our way. In that scenario scoring averages would also come into play.

MAN IN CHARGE

Best of luck to club referee Aidan Hyland who takes charge of the County Premier Junior hurling final between St Catherines and Erin’s Own at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday. A well- deserved accolade for Aidan who has been rising through the refereeing ranks in recent years. We wish him and his loyal team of umpires well in his first County Final at adult level Saturday.

CONGRATULATIONS

Huge congratulations to Joe Aherne Jnr who qualified for the County Final in the recitation section of Scor Sinsear last Friday night. The final takes place tomorrow night in Ovens, and we wish Joe the very best of luck in his pursuit of county honours.

DISAPPOINTMENT FOR U12S

Hard look to the Kilworth Araglen Og U12s who lost out 1-5 to 1-10 to a strong Shandrum side in the Group 1 North Hurling Final at Kilavullen last Sunday afternoon. Trailing 0-3 to 0-6 at the break, Kilworth Araglen Og took the lead 1-5 to 0-7 early in the second half but Shandrum finished strong to come out on top. While disappointing to lose the boys gave it their all and should be proud of their progress and achievements to date. The future is bright! 

VOTE OF SYMPATHY

The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the O’Brien family Fermoy, following their recent bereavement.

FIXTURE

Co-Op Superstores PIHC Final; Kilworth V Castlelyons @ Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Sunday October 15th at 2pm.

Don’t forget to purchase tickets for Sunday’s game ONLINE (gaacork.ie) prior to throw-in, as tickets will not be available at the entrance to the venue.