CROOM GAAQ CLUB NOTES
Intermediate Hurling:
Last Sunday night we played Hospital/Herbertstown in a sunny Kilmallock. We started with the aid on the breeze and the sun at our backs. Hospital got an early goal but Croom were in control for the first quarter before the water break dominating in the half back line and midfield and quick ball into our full forward line put us into a 1.05 to 1.00 lead, the goal coming from a great finish off a rocket of a shot in off the underside of the cross bar by Conor Laffin. The water break disrupted our momentum and Hospital grew into the game, winning some possession, getting some scores and frees. The half time score was 1.08 to 1.07to Croom. We upped our intensity on the resumption and took some great scores. Mark Reidy was introduced for the injured Mark O’Riordan and he took some great scores and the accuracy of Ethan O’Sullivan Barry had us 1.15 to 1.08 ahead at the water break. The final quarter was about game management, and as Hospital’s urgency grew, they put us under pressure as they tried to cut the deficit. Luckily our backs and midfield stood firm and some great blocks by goalkeeper Mark O’Kelly and full back Marcus Cregan kept them out. The game ended on a final score of 1.18 to 1.10, We have qualified for the county quarter final and whether we finish 1st or 2nd in the group will depend on how the Granagh/Ballingarry v Hospital/Herbertstown match ends up next week. We will probably play either Na Piarsaigh or Kilmallock in the quarter final.
Junior A Football:
Preparation picks up this week with more training and a challenge match this weekend. There is a lot of competition for places as younger players are coming through so everyone is fighting to get a spot on the starting 15. We are looking forward to Rd 1 v Fr. Caseys on Saturday August 15th in Feenagh at 7pm but it will be a tough game and we will give everything we have to get the win.
U16 Hurling:
Our U16s played Claughaun/St. Patricks on Monday evening in Rd1 of the championship. This team has been training hard and had played a couple of challenge games against Patrickswell to prepare for the championship. This was a very entertaining game with lots of quality on show from both sides. All around the field our lads gave everything and showed some great skill. They showed intelligent use of the ball to look up and find each other and they took some great scores. We had our hands full with our opponent’s big No.11 who scored 3 goals from play in the first half, but collectively we worked well to control that threat in the second half. We won out in the end on a final score of 2.14 : 3.08. We have a BYE next Monday and play Pallasgreen away the following Monday August 17th at 7pm.
U14 Hurling:
Our U14s played Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan last Wednesday in Croom. This is a very young team with only 2 players on the age, and with one player missing, it proved a very difficult night with our opponents much bigger and stronger. Nonetheless our lads battled very hard and did themselves proud in the face of adversity but lost out well in the end. We are away to Ballybrown this Wednesday August 5th at 7pm.
U12 Hurling:
Croom play Bruree in Rd 1 of the championship this Thursday August 6th at 6.45pm in Croom. Last week we played Granagh/Ballingarry in a very entertaining encounter in preparation for the Bruree match. Our U12 coaching team this year is James Malone, Mike Mangan and Chris McAteer.
U8/U10s:
Our U8s and U10s continue their training on Saturday mornings in advance of their upcoming blitzes. The coaches will be in touch with parents as fixtures are released.
U6s:
We are delighted to announce the return of U6 training this Saturday from 11-12 on the 4G training area. New kids are particularly welcome. If you have not tried Gaelic Games before, why not give it a try? Please spread the word to anyone you know who may be interested
Lotto- Numbers drawn 13,26 ,30,32 No jackpot winners. Lucky dips/ Lily and Brooke c/o Alan Sheerin, ABC c/o Tom Kiely, Kathleen Cahill Banogue , Mary Windle Carrigkerry, Fr O Brien Elm Park . Next weekend draw is on in the Clubhouse with a jackpot of €6100 . Thanks to all those who support our draw and other fund raising efforts.