U12
Pride of place this month must go to the Under 12 panel and manager Paraic Hession for getting to the U12 City League Final. Three great wins on the trot over Ballinderrin in Ballinderrin, against Oranmore in Maree, and finally against Annaghdown in Carnmore secured the final spot with Rahoon/Newcastle. Very seldom a Carnmore team qualifies for the final in anything without having to play its final group match but that was the case for these under 12ís. As Rahoon/Newcastle had done likewise, winning their three matches against the same opposition as Carnmore. Both teams had qualified for the final without playing each other in their group match. So the scene was set for the final, Thursday 21st May, Westside pitch, 7:15pm. It was a lovely dry cool evening after the intense heat we had the previous days. Rahoon/Newcastle started very well and had two goals scored before Carnmore settled. Carnmore were playing into the Branskys End in the first half and found it difficult to find their range but they did not deserve to be 4–2 to 0–0 behind at half time. Whatever was said to the Carnmore lads at half time worked wonders!
Carnmore were hitting into the flats in the second half and seemed as if to be at home there—they were like a team transformed and urged on by good Carnmore/Claregalway support, they rallied back into the match. Carnmore scored 2–1 without reply and were showing great promise. However Rahoon/Newcastle shoved upfield and scored two quick goals to kill the match. They ran out 6–3 to 2–1 winners.
From goalie Gerard Moran up to corner forward Tony Hession, the team showed great heart and determination. They hurled to the end even though they had quite a mountain to climb.
The team that lined out on the evening were as follows: Gerry Moran, Keith McDonagh, Michael Shaughnessy, Cathal Long, Shane Fox, Rory Dillon, Edna Cooney, Eoin Feeney, Barry Hanley, Paraic Hanley, Kieran Murray, Richard Hession, Colm Dolan, Thomas Walsh, Tony Hession.
Substitutes that came on included: Stephen McDonagh, Barry Caulfield, Seamus Costello, Jason Coyne, Brian McKiernan, Michael Fahy and David Greally.
Best of luck to this team in the forthcoming championship—see details of fixtures below.
U14
The worst April weather since records began did no favours for Carnmore U14s as they made their exit from the Championship in three straight matches. By the time the weather improved we were out of contention for the play-offs. Of course we cannot blame the weather for all our troubles, the ground was just as soft for the other teams. We had some very good teams in our group. Killimor, the eventual winners, and St. Thomas’s, the runners up, proved much too strong. We were nearly as good as Meelick Eyrecourt but couldn’t score. Our final group match was at home in Carnmore against Sarsfields. The pitch was lovely, similar to Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day—a credit to everybody involved in it’s redevelopment. We beat Sarsfields 0–6 to 1–1. The U14 championship for 1998 was over.
U16
Carnmore’s U16 Championship starts on 6th July, so it’s just around the corner. We’re grouped with Beagh, Ballinderrin, Kilconieron and Ahascragh so it’s the best of luck to Declan Walsh and his young brigade. See all the fixtures below.
U12 & U16 Fixtures
The Under 12 Championship
Portumna V Carnmore 15th of June at 7pm in Gort
Moycullen V Carnmore 22nd of June at 7pm. in Furbo
Sarsfields V Carnmore 29th of June at 7.50pm in Carnmore
Ardrahan V Carnmore 8th of July at 7pm in Ardrahan
Every support at these games greatly appreciated.
Under 16 Championship
Carnmore V Kilconieron 6th of July at 6.45pm in Clarenbridge
Carnmore V Beagh 16th of July at 8pm in Carnmore
Ahascragh V Carnmore 20th of July at 6.45pm in Ahascragh
Ballinderrin V Carnmore 17th of August at 6.30pm in Athenry
Every support at these matches appreciated.
Michael Walsh, P.R.O.
Carnmore Hurling Club
The past month saw the senior team make their debut in this years Championship and progress exceptionally well in this competition. They have accomplished 5 points from a possible 6 which is a remarkable achievement, but one that was expected.
Carnmore V Ballinderreen
This contest took place in Kenny Park, Athenry. The lads started the game a little shaky and there were a lot of anxious moments in the first half for both players and spectators as well as the management team. We found ourselves trailing at half time on a score of Carnmore 1–6 Ballinerrreen 3–4.
However, when the second half commenced the lads lifted their game, a goal scored for us within minutes of the interval was the incentive for Carnmore to take the game to Ballinderreen—which they did. They played with plenty of passion, contributing to an excellent second half of competitive and end-to-end hurling and when the final whistle was blown by referee M. Bodkin the scoreline loked much better for the men from Carnmore. Carnmore 3–15 Ballinderreen 3–12.
Carnmore V Ardrahan
Again, this Championship clash took place in Kenny Park, Athenry. It was a very important game and the team were looking for a further 2 points.
This was a very close and tough encounter, both teams playing some good hurling. The lads again went in at half time 3 points in arrears butcame out with guns firing. They played tirelessly and with great effect and this saw Ardrahan’s lead diminish. The finals score wass Carnmore 1–13 Ardrahan 0–12.
Carnmore V Abbey Duniry
Kenny Park was again hosting this vital encounter. Carnmore were looking again for 2 points as this would ensure their place in the quarter finals.
Carnmore set the pace right from the first whistle, the whole team from the goalie to the full forward line played exceptionally well in the first half and went in at the interval leading by 4 points. Supporters wereoptimistic and a little more relaxed at the break than they had been in the previous two games and were looking forward to the second half.
The lads recommenced the game with the same spirit and skill they had shown in the first half. They seemed to have things all sewn up when Abbey Duniry slowly but surely clawed their way back into the game. A powerful free taken by Kevin Devine, Abbey’s goalie was blasted into the net. Supporters were on the edge of their seats again when Abbey went two points ahead but the lads showed the commitment and spirit they have as they pulled back the deficit and finished the game with a draw. Carnmore 0–14 Abbey Duniry 2–8.
They now have 5 points from a possible 6 and are well on their way to the Quarter Finals. Their next game will be Portumna in Ballinasloe. Best of luck to the team and mentors.
Junior A
Unfortunately, the Junior A’s have not had the opportunity to start their champaign in the Championship as a result of fixtures being canceled or called off. However, they are due to play on Sunday, 7the June against Sylane also in Ballinasloe. Remember to go and support the lads!
Lotto
The Jackpot of £4,500 was won by Sally Spellman of Carnmore. The draw took place in Egan’s Bar and the winning numbers were 4, 11, 18, 24. Congratulations Sally!
The Jackpot is currently running at £1,400 and will take place in Egan’s Bar on Sunday 7th June. Good luck to all who purchased tickets.
Golf Day Out
The club will be hosting a Golf AM/AM in Tuam Golf Club on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th of July 1998.
£2,000 in prizes
Two scores to count at each hole
Entry Fee £80 per team of four—any combination
Time Sheet in operation
For further details contact Martina Casserly on 091 798844.
Martina Grealish
Carnmore Hurling Club P.R.O.