CROOM GAA CLUB NOTES

Last Sunday we played Newcastle West in the county semifinal in Bruff. We already beat them in the group phase back in April, but a lot had changed since then. We were forewarned and did not take this match for granted. We started against the breeze and did well in the first 15 minutes with Conor Laffan getting a goal to put us ahead by a point. Newcastle West played very smartly withdrawing a spare man out around the middle of the field. They used the ball well finding their men in space but we didn’t use the ball well and lost our shape for the remainder of the half. They got a break away goal in injury time leaving it 1.03 to 1.11 at half time with a lot of scores conceeded coming from frees. Things looked bleak but we battled back to cut the deficit to 1.12 to 1.08. Newcastle West withdrew more players to shore up their defence leaving plenty of space for their quick forwards. The final nail in our coffin came with an extremely harsh red card given to sub Conor Laffan. The game petered out with Newcastle West tagging on a few points near the end leaving the final score 1.19 to 1.09. Everyone was incredibly dissappointed but we didn’t fire on the day and can have no complaints as we were beaten by the better team on the day. Best wishes to Newcastle West in the final.

Due to an administrative error from the county board, the county quarter finals were ditched as they had to play a county preliminary round. We won’t know our quarter final opponents until after next weekend.

Our minor hurlers lost out to Kilmallock in the South B play off last week in Croom by 4.13. to 3.15. Behind by 2.09 to 1.07 at half time, Croom battled back to finally get in front with a few minutes left. In the fading light and in a frantic finale, the lead exchanged hands several times. Croom had the chance of an equalizer with the last puck of the game, but unfortunately Ethan O’Sullivan Barry’s 65 drifted wide. It was a gallant effort by Croom’s players. This brings the end to our minor hurling season but we still have the South Minor A football final to against St. Johns which was to be played last Monday. Should we win, we are due to play Daithi Brouders in the county semifinal on Saturday.

Last Sunday in Mick Neville Park, our U16 hurlers lost out to Adare in the shield final. Our lads put in a good performance and fought hard but Adare proved just that bit better and won out on a final score of 3.19 to 3.12. That brings the U16 season to a close. Thanks to all the players and their coaches Mickey O’Donnell, Aonghus McNamara, PJ O’Mahony, Niall Cregan and all who helped out throughout the year.

Well done to our U12 Hurlers who put in a strong performance in their hurling final on Friday night v Dromin/Athlacca/Banogue. It was a wet evening in UL but we came out on the wrong side of the scoring battle by a few points after a valiant effort especially in the second half. We are all very proud of these young lads. Gracious in defeat, the team stayed on the field while the medal presentation took place. No doubt these teams will meet again in the future. On Sunday our U12s took part in a football blitz in Newport. We played Whitechurch (Cork), Wolfetones (Clare) and Newport (Tipp), beating Whitechurch but losing the other 2 matches. There are a lot of positives in the last couple of months as there has been a huge improvement physically and mentally in the players. This is very pleasing and we hope to maintain coaching on the 4G training area over the Winter months.

Our U10 hurlers will train this Thursday 6.30-7.30pm in preparation for our last tournament of the year in Ballyea on Sunday October 6thinvolving Ballyea, Newtownshandrum, Blarney, Carrigaline, Fermoy, Milford, and Sixmilebridge.

Last Saturday, our U8 footballers took part in the end of year football blitz in South Liberties. We had 2 teams, 7 players on each and played Monaleen, Ahane, and Askeaton/Ballysteen. There were strong performances from a number of players and we can see their skills and game sense improving as the season has gone by. Well done to all the players and a big thank you to Trevor, the coaches, and all parents who come along to support their kids. Never underestimate the importance of supporting and encouraging your child as they play sport when they are young. We will have hurling training this Thursday from 6.30-7.30pm.

Lotto– Numbers drawn 5,6,7,28. No jackpot winners. Lucky dips- Kathleen O Shea c/o Helen O Shea, Bridget & Pauline c/o Tom Kiely, Marlyn Lawlor c/o Mickey Cahill, Finn Broderick c/o Spar ,Tony O Connor Main Street Croom . Next weeks draw is on in Halpins with a jackpot of €3300 . Thanks to all those who support our draw and other fundraising efforts.