Golden Jubilee Dinner Dance
White’s Cross GAA Celebrations of their 50th Anniversary commences in earnest on Friday March 9th next at the Vienna Woods. The Club will hold a diner dance at the recently renovated hotel, now under the ownership of the Fitzgerald family. White’s Cross GAA cordially invites anyone and everyone who has been involved with the Club during its proud fifty years of existence. Perhaps you togged out for the Club once upon a time or roared us on, on a championship day; however minor your involvement we would love to catch up with you on March 9th.
Pride of place on the night will go to the four cups won by our adult teams in 2006. These of course include the Seandún Junior A Football Championship Cup, won by our first football team for the first time ever in our history – how apt their timing! This team also went on to record a clean-sweep of City Division competitions by also winning the League and the McSwiney Cup. Our Minor footballers also won their Championship to add a fourth crown to the Club’s war-chest. Mean-time the second string Junior hurling team in our sister-club Whitechurch also won the Craobh Rua Cup and these medals will also be handed out on the night.
Thus it will be a busy night of awards-giving but we promise there will be plenty time for dining and wining (no this should not read whining ..!); dancing and chat; reminiscing and catching–up. So, to all you friends and former associates of White’s Cross GAA we extend a warmly welcome. Tickets can be purchased at Hennessy’s Filling Station, White’s Cross; from any committee member or by ringing Conor at 087-6293430. Beidh fáilte mór romhat!
Back to School…!
Members of White’s Cross GAA Club returned to school when they re-visited Upper Glanmire National School recently, with the four cups won by the adult teams in 2006. Obviously White’s Cross GAA and Upper Glanmire National School have always had close links, with the School being the primary feeder of players for our teams and we are very grateful to the teachers at the School for the part they play in this development. More than twenty of the players involved in our two Junior teams in 2006 are past pupils of Upper Glanmire NS:
UGNS indicates that the player is a past pupil of Upper Glanmire NS JUNIOR A CHAMPIONS: Eoin Murnane(UGNS) , Conor Kelleher (UGNS), Damian Kenneally, Paul O’ Sullivan, Bryan O’ Sullivan, Billy Sheahan, Murt Kelleher (Captain) (UGNS), Conor Buckley, Paul Finnegan, Kevin Buckley, Rick Burke (UGNS), Martin Kelleher (UGNS) . Sean Murnane (UGNS), John O’ Connell, Donal Kelly, John Drummy (UGNS), Sean Gorman, Victor O’ Sullivan, Edwin Buckley (UGNS), Jonathan Kenneally, John Meade (UGNS), Breandain Murnane (UGNS), Donnacha Murnane (UGNS), Pat Hennessy, Pat O’ Driscoll. Coach: Finbarr Kiely Selectors: Richard Kelleher (UGNS) & TC Buckley.
JUNIOR B FINALISTS: Aidan Harte (UGNS) , Derek O Connor (UGNS), Padraig Murnane (Captain) (UGNS), Brian Humphreys, Brian Murphy (UGNS), John Hegarty , Sean Murnane (UGNS), William Casey, Breandáin Murnane (UGNS), Roy O Driscoll, Eoghan Kelleher (UGNS), Thomas Meade (UGNS), Damian Kenneally, Alfie McEvoy (UGNS), Philip O’ Connell, Paul Noonan (UGNS), Dave Buckley, Robert O Brien, Colm Sheahan, Paul O Donovan (UGNS), Colin Lawless, Paul Morly (UGNS), Jason Kelly, Don O Regan, Patrick Casey.
To parents in our locality, we would ask you to encourage your child(ren) to play with our local GAA Club – quite simply and very obviously we cannot survive without a proper under-age structure. Today, with the increasing numbers of families moving into our area, we recognise the importance of organisations such as our own in the community of Upper Glannmire. We are very keen to continue to work with the youth in the area. The ideal in this respect would be to provide games and competitions for these youngsters at their age.
In order to achieve this we need the youngsters to come and play with us, and we are asking for your cooperation in this matter. We want your child(ren) to play with their neighbours and friends, so encourage them to come play with the ‘small’ Club! We would argue that there are many advantages for them:
+ The children get coached in smaller numbers allowing for greater individual attention
+ There is a greater chance that children will not ‘slip by the wayside’ in our smaller Club where every individual is valued and a necessary ‘cog’ in fielding teams – we can ill afford the drop-off rates of bigger clubs
+ Thus there is a greater likelihood that they will stay active in this sport later into their life
+ Playing our native games is fun, especially with your own neighbours and friends!
Please encourage your child(ren) (5 to 11 years inclusive)to come and join in our weekly sessions which have recommenced after the Christmas break. We are currently training indoors at Old Christians RFC Hall in Rathcooney, on Sunday mornings from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí.
Treble and Four in a Row in One!
The White’s Cross Junior A footballers finally wound up their season recently – they now enjoy a brief break before facing into preparations for 2007. Having already clinched the championship and league competitions, a win in the McSwiney Cup would give the Club a clean sweep of competitions in the City Junior A division, a feat only ever achieved twice previously.
White's Cross v Carraig na bhFear.
The final threw up a novel pairing as we sized up against near-neighbours Carraig na bhFear. The Clubs had not met in a competitive clash at any level in well over 20 years, since White’s Cross Club decided to leave the Imokilly barony and compete instead in the Seandún division – although some would argue that the many ‘friendly’ matches played against each other in the interim had a most competitive edge! Carraig sought and received permission from the Seandún division to compete in this year’s cup competition. On route to this year’s final White’s Cross defeated Bishopstown, Mayfield and St. Finbarrs.
In the final itself, in what was a very competitive hour’s football, a goal was always going to be a decisive score in the heavy conditions that prevailed. White’s Cross got this vital score after 11 minutes when centre-forward Kevin Buckley got a fist to a high delivery from Edwin Buckley. This complemented an earlier Donnacha Murnane point and was added to later by similar scores from Murt Kelleher (2), Bryan O Sullivan, Edwin Buckley and Conor Kelleher, leaving the score 1-6 to 0-2 at the short whistle.
However this was a slender enough lead given the gale wind blowing against our lads in the second thirty. The White’s Cross backs stood firm however with Eoin Murnane, John O Connell, John Meade and Victor O Sullivan all excelling, to such a degree that Carraig failed to score from play over the entire 60 minutes. Instead they relied on pointed frees from Colm O Reilly and Eamonn Bowen for all their scores. At the other end man-of-the-match John Drummy tacked on a point to give White’s Cross victory 1-7 to 0-5. This was the Club’s four consecutive year winning the McSwiney Cup final, but more importantly it clinched the treble in A football competition in the Seandún division.
John Hickey Perpetual Cup
In fond memory of our departed friend John Hickey (R.I.P.), a White’s Cross Fifteen recently took on a Bus Éireann Fifteen at White’s Cross grounds. The White’s Cross side was made up of some of the many players that had played alongside John during his many years of dedicated service to White’s Cross, while the Bus Éireann side was made up of John’s former work colleagues.
John, along with his brothers Andrew and Tommy, were to many the faces of White’s Cross GAA Club for many years. His sudden death at the age of 54 years in September 2005 startled and saddened us all. Our memories of John are of his commitment and passion for sport – for many, many years this was given exclusively to White’s Cross GAA – although in later years he concentrated much of this energy towards cycling.
John gave many years of sterling service to White’s Cross GAA as a player and club officer. Under his chairmanship the Club undertook a complete draining and leveling of the grounds at Ballinvriskig. The Club had a great period of success at the beginning of the 1990’s, with John operating as full-back on both the football and hurling teams. He was a great leader on the field, full of encouragement and praise for those playing with him.
John will be remembered fondly in GAA circles, not alone in White’s Cross but right across the city and into the county. John had acted as Board Delegate for White’s Cross GAA for over 15 years right up to the mid-1990’s.
It is fitting then that John would be remembered for his sterling service to our Club and this game is now to be an annual event. In 2007 White’s Cross will seek to wrestle the cup off the Bus Éireann side as they had the upper hand in the recent clash, although a number of the White’s Cross lads questioned some refereeing decisions of an reiteoir Paul O’ Neill! Afterwards at a function in the Stirrup Bar, John’s wife Kathleen presented the cup to Bus Éireann captain Mick Dunne. Commemorative medals were also presented to all the players by White’s Cross president Dermot Whooley. White’s Cross GAA is most grateful to Bus Éireann who put forward the Perpetual Cup for this annual game.
Championship and League Double
As the year of 2006 draws to a close, White’s Cross GAA looks forward to reaching a milestone in the coming year, as the Clubs celebrates fifty years in existence. As part of the golden jubilee celebrations, a dinner dance will be held on Friday March 9th at the Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire.
It is fitting then that on this evening of celebration there will be lots of reason to rejoice. This will be the night on which the Junior footballers of White’s Cross will be presented their Junior A Championship medals, having won this championship for the first time in the Club’s history last August. This team added to this fete by winning the A League title by defeating Brian Dillons 2-13 to 1-9 in the league decider. This is the Club’s third time winning this particular A-grade title, 1994 and 2001 being the previous successes. These two cups will be on proud display at top-table on March 9th and accompanying them will be the Minor B Championship trophy won by our eighteen year old footballers. And we are not finished yet – the Junior A footballers go for a four-in-a-row success in the McSwiney Cup, which would give them a clean-sweep of all the competitions in the City Division, while the Minors have also topped their league to qualify for the semi finals of this competition.
The Junior A footballers who lost out to Courcey Rovers in the quarter-final of the County Championship on a score of 1-11 to 1-6, bounced back quickly to defeat Dillons in the league decider. This game played in splendid sunshine at Ballinlough proved a very entertaining contest and the Dillons’ lads competed vigorously to add this scalp to their Junior A hurling Championship success earlier this summer. They rattled the White’s Cross lads with a goal after seven minutes to lead 1-2 to 0-3, against the wind. However White’s Cross responded and quick goals from Conor Kelleher and a splendid Edwin Buckley strike, put them back in the driving seat. Dillons continued to tack on their scores and at the short whistle trailed by only three points, 2-5 to 1-5.
Facing into a strong wind in the second half, Finbarr Kiely had his charges well focused following his half-time chat, and Kevin Buckley knocked over an early point. This was quickly cancelled out by a Dillons equivalent but White’s Cross then entered a second golden period. Four unanswered points put the game beyond Dillons reach but this had as much to do with the tigerish defending of Sean Gorman, John O’ Connell, Eoin Murnane and John Meade at the opposite end of the field.
Glanmire Area Person of the Month
In recognition of being the first captain in the forty-nine year of history of the White’s Cross club to lift a Junior A Championship Cup, Murt Kelleher was recently awarded the Glanmire and District Monthly Sports Award. A Waterford Crystal trophy was presented to Murt by Mary Fitzgerald, proprietor of the Fitgerald’s Vienna Woods Hotel at a lunch function attended by over 30 guests at the hotel. Amongst those in attendance were Lord Mayor Cllr. Michael Ahern and Lady Mayoress Eileen Ahern, Garda Sergeant Bill Daly; the judging panels members Teddy McCarthy, Pat MacAuliffe and Lillian Zinkant; as well as members of the White’s Cross Club.
Minor-Ache
Our Minor footballers qualified to represent the City Division in the County Championship Quarter Final after their convincing victory over Delaneys in the City Final. Here they met Castletownbere at Aughaville. In a most entertaining hour of football, White’s Cross emerged victorious over the boys from the south-west peninsula by 4-9 to 1-9. A hat-trick of goals from star-forward Johnny O’ Shea, swung this encounter in our favour. Others to shine on this day included Michael Osborne, Richie Sherlock, Ian Lee, Jonathan Scanlon, Paddy Mullins and Dylan Burke. The county semi-final paired us against Kilmurry at Ballygarvan. A dreadful start saw the Kilmurry lads race into a six point lead at half-time. However our lads really put it up to the Kilmurry lads in the second half, with strong performances from Denis O’ Regan, Dylan Burke, Colm Keane, Paul O’ Sullivan and Shane Cahill. It was not to be however and we lost out to the side that one week later went on to win the county final.
Junior A League Winning Team
Minor Championship Winning Team
Minor Football Championship Final : White's Cross 1-10 Delanys 0-06
On Saturday October 21st, in atrocious conditions at Ballinlough, White's Cross minor footballers added another divisional championship trophy to the cabinet with a spirited win over a dogged Delanys outfit. Having comprehensively beaten St. Finbarr's in the semi-final, White's Cross went into the game as raging favourites. However the driving rain and wind made football very difficult in this final encounter.
Indeed Delanys started the stronger and had two points on the score-board before White�s Cross had time to settle. Paul O Sullivan, who operated very successfully in a roving role between centre and full-forward, opened the White�s Cross scoring after 12 minutes but Delanys added two more in quick succession to lead 4 points to 1 after twenty minutes. However centre-back Denis O Regan began to exert his influence on the game from the centre-back post, and coupled with impressive defending from Richard Sherlock and Brian Boland, drove on the lads in green. Their direct balls into the full-forward line were causing the Delanys defence problems, where Shane Cahill and Paddy Mullins thrived, such that the Delanys defenders had to resort to fouling the lively pair. Paul O Sullivan was happy to convert these free-balls and at half0time White's Cross led 0-5 to 0-4.
Team manager Paul Noonan drove on his charges at the break, ensuring complacency would not set in. Cahill and O Sullivan tacked on early second half points. Delanys were not going to go down without a fight and battled gamely but Dylan Burke, Ian Lee, Jonathan Scanlon and company were up to the challenge. With scores at a premium in the torrential downpour Shane Chaill�s goal on 50 minutes after a clever through ball from Colm Keane finally killed off the Delanys challenge. White�s Cross now meet Castletownbere in the County Quarter Final and we wish them continued success in their endeavours.
Junior A Football League Semi-Final: White's Cross 0-10 St. Vincents 0-8
In a repeat of the Junior A football championship final eincounter, White's Cross again matched up against St. Vincents in the A League semi-final. Moreover the game was ideal final preparation for our lads, with the fixture coming in six days beore our County Quarter Final clash. Incidentally at the time of going to print, the result of this game versus Courcey Rovers is unknown. The league semi-final outing was played in Ballinlough, where torrential rains and a curtain-raiser had led to very heavy conditions, ensuring that the football was never going to be pretty. However White's Cross and St Vincents served out very entertaining fare, with John Meade, Donnnacha Murnane, Kevin and Edwin Buckley all particularly effective. White's Cross meet near neighbours Brian Dillons in the league final.
Incidentally it is worth noting that, since White's Cross and Whitechurch first amalgamated at Junior level at the beginning of 2001, we have qualified for the league play-offs each season in the Junior A football grade. This would illustrate that we have competed well at the level each year in the intervening six seasons is culminating in the Championship success this year. However it is also worth noting we have capitalised on this good league form rather disappointingly with only one league triumph, and that on our maiden voyage in 2001 against Dillons
Junior B Championship Final: Nemo Rangers 1-11 White;s Cross 1-6
With the 2006 Junior A title safely in our grasp, the second White's Cross side endeavoured to make it a Junior Double, but fell at the final hurdle to a very useful Nemo side. White's Cross were confident going into this game, with convincing earlier round victories and a well-trained panel of players available. No doubt both White's Cross Junior panels benefited enormously from the fact that each side were involved right up to the finals, as it made for very competitive training sessions, with both panels training together.
However, in this final White's Cross could not break down the dominance of Nemo in the midfield and half-forward sectors. Captain Padraig Murnane, along with brothers Sean and Breandan, Roy O Driscoll, Derek O Connor, Alfie McEvoy and Philip O Connell battled intensely throughout, to ensure Nemo earned this title. It was a disappointing end to the championship season for this particular team and indeed their efforts warranted greater reward. However, those involved with the Junior A success, earlier in the season, know that such disappointments make victory all the sweeter when it does arrive.
Many of this side did have some compensation for the disappointment two weeks later, as they were involved with Whitechurch hurlers win in the Craobh Rua Cup final. Here we defeated Passage on a 1-15 to 0-6 score-line at Ballinlough.
Click here for review of Junior A Chmapionship 2006Click here to look at the photos from White's Cross VHI C�l Camp
Well done to both Whitechurch Junior A & B teams who have reached league final in each grade
Minor Team win Championship after beating Delaneys on a scoreline of 1-10 to 0-6
Junior A team will play Brian Dillons in League Final after beating St Vincents on a scoreline of 0-10 to 0-8
Junior A County 1/4 Final v Courceys Saturday 28th 4:00 Ballincollig
Junior B team reach Championship Final after a 1-11 to 0-6 win over Ballinure
Junior A Championship
First Round
(a)St. Michaels 0-6 Na Piarsaigh 2-7
Second Round
(1)White's Cross 0-13 Bishopstown 0-6
(2)Brian Dillons 2-5 St. Michaels 2-6
(3)Douglas 1-12 Passage 0-14(AET)
(4)St. Finbarrs 1-10 Rathpeacon 0-11
(5)Mayfield 2-9 Nemo Rangers 0-13
(6)St. Nicks 1-8 St Vincents 1-11
Losers Round
Bishopstown 1-10 Brian Dillons 1-8
Rathpeacon 0-9 Passage 0-8
Nemo Rangers 1-9 St. Nicks 0-9
Third Round
A: Nemo Rangers 3-11 Rathpeacon 1-9
B: Bishopstown 1-3 St Finbarrs 0-8
1/4 Final
1:Nemo Rangers 0-4 St Finbarrs 1-11
2:St Vincents 1-5 St Michaels 1-5 Replay: 2-13 to 0-13(AET)
3:White's Cross 4-9 Douglas 1-11
4:Na Piarsaigh 1-9 Mayfield 1-8
Semi Final
St Finbarrs 2-8 St Vincents 2-9
White's Cross 0-14 Na Piarsaigh 2-6
Final
St Vincents 1-4 White's Cross 0-12
Junior B Championship
First Round
(A)Nemo Rangers1 3-7 Passage 2-6
(B)Graunnabraher 1-3 Nemo Rangers2 4-6
(C)Lough Rovers 1-7 Brian Dillons 2-6
(D)Ballypehane 2-9 Douglas 1-5
Second Round
Nemo Rangers1 1-9 Nemo Rangers2 0-7
Brian Dillons 0-9 Ballypehane 2-16
Ballinure 1-11 St Finbarrs 1-10
White's Cross 2-13 St Nicks 0-5
Semi Final
White's Cross 1-11 Ballinure 0-6
Ballypehane 0-11 Nemo Rangers1 1-8
Final
White's Cross v Nemo Rangers
Pictures From Reception in City Hall
At the City Hall Reception: Back Row (L-R):
Dermot Whooley (President White's Cross GAA); Pat Reid (Chairperson White's Cross GAA); John O Connell (2005 Captain); John Brennan (Chairperson Mayfield GAA); Liam Crowley (Mayfield Captain); Donal O Connor (Secretary Seandun Board) Front Row: Fionnuala MacCurtain; Mick Dolan (Chairperson Cork County GAA Board); Deirdre Clune (Lord Mayor); Mick Barry (President Seandun Division); Derek Connolly (Chairperson Seandun Division)
Junior A team reach Championship Semi-Final after a 4-9 to 1-11 win over Douglas
VHI C�l Camp
Building on the enormous success of GAA Summer Camps, such as our own in White�s Cross which has operated very successfully for the past three summers, the GAA in association with Vhi Healthcare, has taken the concept one step further with the creation of VHI C�l Camps.
A nationally co-ordinated programme, VHI C�l Camps encourage children to learn and develop sporting and life-skills by participating in Gaelic Games, in a fun, non-competitive environment. The camps will run throughout the entire 32 counties this summer.
White�s Cross GAA Summer Camp, formerly known as the White�s Cross GAA Fun Camp, will this year operate under the VHI C�l Camps umbrella. However it will not mean any significant change for participants as the emphasis upon the fun and enjoyment in football and hurling will continue as in past years. The Camp will run from Monday July 3rd to Friday July 7th at the Upper Glanmire Community Association grounds. All boys and girls attending national school are very welcome. The grounds is adjacent to Upper Glanmire National School and White�s Cross GAA is greatly appreciative to the Upper Glanmire Community Association for the use of this facility.
The BIG change involved in becoming part of the VHI C�l Camps scheme is that all participants receive a full set of playing gear. The kit includes a jersey, shorts, socks and knapsack. This (unfortunately) demands that the price be increased and that registration of your child(ren) be completed by an earlier date. This is so that an order for gear can be made in the weeks leading up to the Camp and the children have this in time. Application forms are now being distributed through the school at Upper Glanmire and will also be available at Hennessy�s Shop, White�s Cross. In past years we have been very flexible in our �closing date� but we ask that you get in your completed application forms in good time so that we can order the VHI C�l gear for your child(ren).
Junior Football Championship 2006
It is hard to believe but we have begun our Junior championship campaign yet again. With last year�s dismay at the final hurdle against Na Piarsaigh still very fresh in the minds, our first team were pitted against Bishopstown, while our second team who had progressed to the semi final in 2005 were drawn against St. Nicks. Thirteen teams compete it out for the honours in the A grade and the inclusion of a C Grade Championship has meant the same number of teams will compete it out for honours in the B grade in 2006, which is a reduction on the number of teams that competed in the grade last year. However while there is a �back-door� option available to teams in the A Grade who lose their opening round games, no such facility is available in the B Grade which continues on a straight knock-out basis.
Junior A Football Championship: White�s Cross 0-13 Bishopstown 0-6
The first White�s Cross team illustrated in this opening round clash that they have lost none of the hunger that saw them reach the final of the 2005 competition, with this comprehensive defeat of Bishopstown at a sun-drenched Ballinlough grounds. Team captain Murt Kelleher was quick to lead his troops into action by scoring two fine points in the opening couple of minutes. Along with his midfield partner John Drummy, they proceeded to take a complete stranglehold of the match for most of its 60 minutes. Inside them, Donnacha Murnane, fresh from his valiant efforts with the Seandun Senior footballers, was showing very well early on, and caused havoc in the Bishopstown defence, as we raced into a four point lead.
However the �Town clawed their way back into the game with three unanswered points to leave the minimum between the sides after 15 minutes. However between there and the break White�s Cross had six unanswered scores from Kevin Buckley, Bryan O Sullivan, Donnacha Murnane, Conor Kelleher, and a pair from the hard-working Drummy.
In the second half, White�s Cross continued to dominate, and but for some wayward shooting would have amassed a much greater tally. Bishopstown battled all they could but were not able to break down a White�s Cross rearguard where John O Connell, Pat O Driscoll, John Meade and Eoin Murnane were all very dominant.
We now by-pass Round Two of the competition, where the �back-door� series of games take place, and the remaining teams are put into the hat for the following round of ties.Junior B Football Championship: White�s Cross 3-11 St Nicks 0-5
Some twenty-fours after the success of our first fifteen, our second team had a most emphatic victory over St. Nicks at Rathpeacon�s grounds. Buoyed on by the availability of a number of A panellists, available to play with this team as they had not played the previous morning, White�s Cross were very quick into their stride with an early Damian Kenneally goal, after some clever interplay with Alf McEvoy, who was proving a right handful for the Nicks fullback. Eoghan Kelleher and Roy O Driscoll also tacked on early scores as they benefited hugely, from the dominant play of our midfield pairing of Rick Burke and Martin Kelleher.
Prising open the Nicks defence at will, the Cross wasted some good scoring chance by continually going for goal, when the point scoring opportunity would have been the clever option. Nicks fought their way back into the game with three scores before the break, but were deflated once more by a cheeky lob of their �keeper by Kenneally and White�s Cross led at the break 2-6 to 0-4.
Sean Murnane, who had played an outstanding opening 30 minutes, in a roaming corner back role, as the Nicks decision to play a third midfielder totally back-fired, was withdrawn with an ankle injury. However Brian Murphy proved a most able replacement for him, as he illustrated the same battling qualities of Murnane. Sean�s brothers Padraig and Breandain, in the central defensive positions, helped ride out the inevitable Nicks revival at the start of the second half. Alongside them Derek O Connor, Brian Humphreys and William Casey were equally dominant as they contained their opponents to a solitary point in the second thirty. Billy Sheahan compounded Nicks misery on forty five minutes with an excellent penalty save. Meantime the hard-working Roy O Driscoll snuck in for a well-taken goal. The Cross then had the luxury of introducing five sets of fresh legs into the game and each of these lads made their impression, with Colin Lawless and Philip O Connell pegging on further scores.
Team: Billy Sheahan, Derek O Connor, Padraig Munane (Captain), Sean Murnane, Brian Humphreys, Breandain Murnane, William Casey, Martin Kelleher, Rick Burke (0-1), Roy O Driscoll (1-2), Colm Sheanhan (0-1), Thomas Meade, Eoghan Kelleher (0-2), Alf McEvoy (0-2), Damian Kenneally (2-1). Subs Used: Brian Murphy, Paul Morley, Colin Laweless (0-1), Philip O Connell (0-1), Pat Casey.
Under 21 Football Dismay and Further Minor Success
In the Under 21 Championship our footballers came up a cropper to a highly fancied Mayfield side in a quarter final clash. Losing out on a score-line of 1-9 to 1-7, White�s Cross were left to rue some excellent goal-scoring opportunities. Our two man full forward line of Bryan O Sullivan and Colm Keane thrived on the extra space afforded them but were denied time-after-time by excellent saves from the Mayfield custodian. Others to play well for the Cross in this clash included captain Eoin Murnane, Brian Boland, Paul Whooley, Victor O Sullivan, Ian Kavanagh and Pat Casey.
Meantime the Minor footballers had two further successes in the past month, as well as commencing their A Hurling League with impressive victories over Mayfield and Valley Rovers. In the football they destroyed Shamrocks at Shanbally, with Shane Cahill scoring his second hatrick of goals this season. They followed this up with a victory over Carrigaline on 5-5 to 3-5. Paul Walsh and Sean C Burke both made immediate impacts to this team on their returns after periods of absence, with Walsh scoring 2 goals and Burke a further three pointer. Shan Cahill did not manage to get into the goal-scoring action in this one, but did knock over the opening two points of the game. White�s Cross are poised for a league semi-final position here, having suffered just one defeat and with only Crosshaven remaining on the fixture list.
Championship Draw
Junior A - v Bishopstown
Junior B - v St Nicks
Under 21 - v Mayfield
A BIG Welcome to our New Neighbours in R�s �rd
White�s Cross GAA extends a very warm and sincere welcome to all those who have taken up residency recently in the new R�s �rd estate at Ballinvriskig, White�s Cross � failte roimh go leir. It is the first housing development of this size ever in the White�s Cross and Upper Glanmire area, and the first phase of it has recently been completed. We have good reason to call you our neighbours � our Club Grounds is even located in the same town-land as the R�s �rd development. We wish you extremely happy times forever in your new home and locality. We hope you will be delighted with the facilities and amenities available to you and we extend a warm invitation to you and yours, to your local GAA club, White�s Cross.
And now we give you a little geography lesson which will help you get to know your new neighbourhood a little better! Our Club Grounds are located about one kilometre from your new home and in your own townland, named Ballinvriskig � on leaving R�s �rd turn left heading for Cork City and White�s Cross (i.e. the cross-roads where the Stirrup Bar and Hennessy�s Petrol Station are located). This road was once the old Cork-Dublin main road and indeed the Boothouse Bar takes its name from these historic times. Those travelling into Cork city used to stop here to have their boots polished and shined up to make themselves presentable in the city! However to get to our pitch you do not go to White�s Cross itself but instead take the first right; our pitch is located along this road, which is known locally as Burke�s Lane. On the Main Road you will have passed a turning to the left, immediately above the school and Upper Glanmire Community Centre, which is known locally as Barry�s Lane, which takes you into the townland of Ballyphilip and will take you up to Rathcooney or down into Glanmire and Riverstown, passing St. Josephs� Church, Springhill.
If you pass the right turning for White�s Cross pitch, and continue towards Cork city, there is a turning to the left known as Ballyphilip Lane � this lane simply takes you to a T-junction, which adjoins the earlier mentioned road heading to Rathcooney and Glanmire. The only other exit off the road before reaching White�s Cross is a small boreen off to the right, known as Murphy�s Lane. The town-land here is known as Lisnahorna. Beyond it and before reaching White�s Cross is the town-land of Ballynoe.
We similarly extend our best wishes to the Fitzgerald family on whose land this development is taking place, and who as a consequence have now moved to a farm in Conna, in East Cork. Pat and his family have always been loyal supporters of White�s Cross GAA, and indeed Pat captained the Junior Hurling team back in the 1990�s. His son Patrick, was one of our promising young stars at under-age level but alas our loss it appears will be St. Catherine�s gain! We wish Pat, Margaret, Justine, Alison and Patrick all the very best in their new home.
Under-Age Activity
Football coaching for boys and girls between 6 and 10 years of age continues each Sunday morning in the Sports Hall at Old Christians RFC, Rathcooney from 11am to 12pm. Now for another geography lesson to get there � take the left turn immediately above the Upper Glanmire Community Centre (� ya you�re spot on, we did call it Barry�s Lane, �or were you!) and continue along this road to where it forks off left and right. There is a farm-house on this fork and here you stay right, leaving the town-land of Ballyphilip and heading into Rathcooney. You take the first left (which is located just before the Grave-Yards) and head down there for two hundred metres approximately, where the entrance to Old Christians, is located on your right. New players are most welcome, after-all it is for you that we have prepared the directions! If the directions have left you confused (or worse still no where near Rathcooney on any Sunday morning!) please contact Conor at 087-6293430. Encourage your son(s) and or daughter(s) between these ages to come along to these sessions where the emphasis is on fun and enjoyment. These sessions will move outdoors in the coming weeks, when the weather improves, so if your �crew� are not able to attend this week or next, but would like to join up, contact Pat at 4821070 in advance to confirm venue, in case we have moved to the �great outdoors�! Our Under 13 and Under 15 footballers have also commenced preparation for the 2006 season, with the latter side tasting defeat in their opening league encounter against Ballinora. The Under 13 team have been training for the past number of Saturday mornings, with the Under 15 team training on Thursday evenings. These teams would also welcome �new blood�, whether it be new to the locality or those who want to get back playing football and / or hurling. Again, encourage your son(s) to come join in the fun! Contact Eoghan at 086 � 1053966 for details on the Under 13 team and Paul on 085 � 7237732 for information on the Under 15 side.
And the Games Begin!
The 2006 season is now in full swing for all the adult White�s Cross teams. The Junior A football at the time of print have played the opening two rounds of their league. The opening round saw us beat St. Michaels on a score-line of 1-11 to 0-5. The Blackrock side, who were seeking compensation for a 2005 championship semi-final defeat to us, had no answer to Donnacha Murnane who was in inspirational form kicking over 6 points. However the following Sunday we came up a �cropper� to Douglas who defeated us 1-10 to 0-9. Next up in the league are Brian Dillons and Na Piarsaigh, the latter being the side who defeated us in the 2005 championship final. Our second junior sides have won one game, drawn one and lost one in their 2006 campaign in the Junior B league. We defeated Douglas with Martin Kelleher guiding the team on from his mid-field berth. One week later we had a 1-5 to 0-8 draw with Nemo Rangers, with Don O Neill scoring a fine goal. However the Barrs beat us 1-9 to 0-9 in our most recent encounter, despite the best efforts of Aidan Harte, William Case and Eoghan Kelleher.
A Major Minor Start!
The Minor football management, under the continued guidance of selectors Paul Noonan and Jonathan Kenneally saw their charges off to a winning start with a nail-biting victory over Ballymartle. It required a last minute Shane Cahill goal to earn this victory by 3-6 to 3-3. This goal also ensured a hatrick for Cahill who also tapped over two points, with all scores from play. The following week Shane proved that this form was no flash-in-the-pan as he netted another two goals against St Finbarrs to help our side to a 4-4 to 2-8 victory. Of course Shane�s father Dominic comes from the footballing strong-hold of County Kilkenny so it is obvious where he is getting his �natural born talent� from when it comes to the big ball! Jonathan Scanlon, the Osborne brothers George and Michael, Paul Harte and Richard Sherlock have been others to impress in these early wins for our minor footballers.
Three in a Row in McSwiney Cup
As reported in last month�s news, White�s Cross Junior A footballers again qualified for the final of the McSwiney Cup, a competition that we had won the two years previous. This time we were pitted against a fancied St. Vincents side, who have also qualified for the A League final. Vincent�s attained a further boost prior to the game, when they won the toss for venue, as Ballinlough was reported unplayable.
The game itself was a low scoring contest, as both sets of defences held a tight reign on their opponents. White�s Cross had plenty early possession but were finding it very difficult to reflect this on the score-board. In fact after 30 minutes of football all we had to show for our endeavours were two points, both from free-kicks, leaving us trailing 0-4 to 0-2. At half-time captain John O� Connell spoke a few choice words to his team and it had the desired effect. Murt Kelleher, who had broken his hand in a game some weeks previous, cut short his recuperation time, by coming into centre-forward at half-time. He scored an early point to begin the comeback and Conor Kelleher levelled with another free. White�s Cross then took the lead but Vincent�s battled away gamely, such that with just 5 minutes remaining it was level 7 points apiece. However Conor Buckley popped up for the vital score to give White�s Cross their third consecutive win of the McSwiney Cup competition. Incidentally prior to our success in 2003, we had never before won this competition!
In the Junior A football league, our hopes of league glory were terminated by Nemo Rangers. This was another keenly contested game, with scores again hard to come-by. We lost out on a score of 2-7 to 1-6, but were it not for a hatful of excellent saves from the Nemo keeper, who came to his sides rescue on many occasions in this contest, the result would have been much different. .
Winners in Under 21 Hurling
After a 12 year wait Whitechurch were crowned City U-21 Hurling Champions. As one would expect at this time of the year, conditions were far from perfect for hurling. However Whitechurch adapted well and were deserved winners following a hard fought battle against Mayfield.
It was Mayfield who opened the scoring in the second minute from a free. Even in the poor conditions Paul O'Sullivan's skill and pace was evident after he pointed the equaliser following a great run. If one brother can do it, then so can the other and within a minute Bryan O'Sullivan caught a great ball at centre back and took off on the run and struck a great point from play. The Whitechurch full back line was constantly under pressure from Mayfield puck outs as goalkeeper Richard O'Keeffe landed each one in the square. The sides were on level terms on 10 minutes at 3 points each with the third Whitechurch point coming from a Peter O'Driscoll free. The first real goal threat came for Whitechurch after Conor Buckley hit the post having got through the defence. Colm Sheahan picked up the rebound and pointed. Dylan Burke, deputising for the injured Shane Cahill, was keeping a close eye on things in goal and read a few early situations very well ensuring a clean sheet was kept. Brothers Roy and Patrick O'Driscoll were combining very effectively at corner and wing back positions and were making it very difficult for their markers. Mayfield dominated play for the last 8 minutes of the half but didn't get the scores as the Whitechurch back line stood solid with Victor O'Sullivan hitting long relieving clearances. It looked like the half would end even at 5 points each but Mayfield were awarded a 65 which they converted to give them a 6 point to 5 lead.
Whitechurch opened the second half with a 65 of their own, which Peter converted. Eoin Murnane was proving very effective up front and following hard work and blocking down a defender's clearance he managed to get the ball to Peter who slotted over a great point. Things were looking up for Whitechurch but it was early stages yet. Their attitude on the pitch was very positive and it was evident on the line that this was a team performance and the players were working for each other. Patrick Casey and Colm Sheahan at centre field were not shy and moved the ball well. Midway through the second half the sides were level again on eight points each. The Murnane brothers combined to give Whitechurch the lead and again following hard individual work Eoin passed to Brendain who pointed from the wing. John Scanlon is renowned for long pucks but his 80-yard free with 12 minutes remaining was inspirational and gave Whitechurch a 2-point lead. Whitechurch with 10 minutes remaining were looking the stronger and for the first time in the game a lead of more than 2 points was achieved following a great strike from Eoin Murnane. Michael Meade replaced Ian lee. Sharp shooter Peter O'Driscoll pointed a great score from the wing to give Whitechurch a 4-point lead. Mayfield tried to up the pace but were denied. Dylan Burke caught a great ball with 3 minutes remaining to relieve the pressure. Mayfield pointed from a free to leave a 3-point gap. Whitechurch backs were outstanding throughout the game but in particular for the closing 10 minutes. Mayfield managed another point from play. Two points is a very dangerous lead to have but it was going to take something really special from Mayfield to the get the better of the Whitechurch backs. Bryan O'Sullivan caught a mighty ball at the end of the game to ensure a Whitechurch victory. The final score finished Whitechurch 0. 12 - Mayfield 0.10.
A Night of Racing and Fun�!
White�s Cross GAA Club recently held a very successful Race-Night at the Commons Inn. The night was most enjoyable for the large crowd that attended. This social evening helped raise important funds for our Club and White�s Cross GAA would like to thank all who supported the event; our race-night programme sponsors, race sponsors, those who purchased horses and all who attended on the night. A special word of thanks to Michael Hennessy for all his efforts in the organising and running of the event, and to Damien and Pat who provided the musical entertainment. Club secretary, Ray Donohoe also deserves special mention for the time, effort and energy he put into the organisation of this occasion.
On the night McSwiney Cup medals were presented to our Junior Footballers who won the 2004 title, and are currently preparing to defend this title that we have won the previous two years. A presentation was also made by Club Chairperson, Dermot Whooley to local lass, Elaine Harte who was goalkeeper on the Cork Ladies Football team that recently won the All-Ireland Senior title.
A Time of Goodwill!
White’s Cross GAA is proud to report that in the past month one of our club members was involved in the Neil Mellon Township Challenge. Seanie Gorman, full-back on our first Junior hurling team and corner-back on the Junior A football team, headed on this Challenge for his second consecutive year. Sean was one of a group of 150 men and women who travelled to Capetown in November of this year as part of the Niall J Mellon Imizamo Yethu Township Initiative. By 2010, when South Africa hosts the World Cup, it is Niall Mellon’s dream that there won’t be a single shanty town visible from the air when the planes carrying visitors fly over Capetown. Niall is the Dublin businessman behind the Imizamo Yethu Township Initiative, who took on the massive task of building houses for South African families with the help of Irish tradesmen and women. Niall bought a house in Cape Town a few years ago and one day, out of curiosity, he strayed into the township. He was shocked by what he saw - 12,000 people living in ramshackle hutss, all squashed into an area of 50 acres, with no proper sanitation. Immediately, he was inspired to bring about change. Although the South African government had expressed an interest in adopting elements of the Imizamo Yethu Township Initiative as part of its housing policy, this has still to happen. The way it works is that a prospective homeowner has to save 300 rand a month, for six months to build up a credit record to qualify for the project. For the next 14 years they will pay 500 rand a month as a bond or mortgage. Sean Gorman, a sales manager by profession, spoke of the sense of fulfilment on completion of this project again this year, as he saw the delight of these people with their new homes. Sean also got to ‘work with’ two of the celebrities that joined the challenge this year – former boxing world champion, Chris Eubank; and RTE sports presenter, Des Cahill. He tells us that Chris has a good firm hand-shake and is a mighty man to mix cement! White’s Cross GAA commends Sean on his involvement in such an initiative, and was delighted to sponsor money to this worthy cause.
Under 21 Hurlers - Fourth Time Lucky…?
Whitechurch 0.11 - Nemo Rangers 0.07 Whitechurch advanced to an Under 21 City Final clash with Mayfield following a 4 point victory over Nemo Rangers in Redmonds GAA pitch on Saturday 19th November. This is the fourth year in a row that we have qualified for the final of this competition and this side is focused on compensating for the final defeats in the past three seasons. Conditions in the semi-final were not suitable for open fast hurling but both teams over came the elements and produced an entertaining game of hurling. Scores were hard to come by and place balls accounted for a high percentage. It was Nemo who opened the score following a well taken free in the opening minute. Whitechurch were slow to start but levelled on 6 minutes following a Peter O'Driscoll free. Brian O'Sullivan at centre back started strong and commanded his area. A well worked move involving Colm Sheahan - Peter O'Driscoll and finished off by Conor Buckley gave Whitechurch the lead on 10 minutes. The Nemo Ranger’s keeper pulled off a point blank save from Conor Buckley to lift their side but Colm Sheahan responded for Whitechurch to hit a fantastic point from play. Both sides swapped frees before Nemo hit their first point from play to leave 2 the margin. Nemo hit a dominant patch but were unable to convert the scores with the Whitechurch backs tipping the balance. Nemo finished the half as they started by pointing a free to leave them trailing by one. Nemo hit the opening point of the half to draw level from a free but Whitechurch hit back almost immediately with a Peter O'Driscoll free. Colm Sheahan was commanding the centre of the field and delivered some well-placed ball to the forward line to feed Brendan Murnane and Paul O'Sullivan. It wasn’t long before O'Sullivan hit the first of his 2 points to stretch the lead. Eoin Murnane, who did not start due to illness, was introduced to the game and he swung the advantage in our favour as he pointed well from a Colm Sheahan pass. A quickly taken free from Peter shortly after to Eoin saw Whitechurch take a 4 point lead 0.09- 0.05 Nemo battled and put on the pressure but couldn’t break down the Whitechurch defence. Patches of scrappy play were evident from both sides but in fairness conditions were not the best. Peter O'Driscoll and Paul O'Sullivan were showing their pace even in the heavy conditions. Nemo hit one back to leave a 3 point margin with 6 minutes remaining. Whitechurch were guilty of 2 bad wides in the closing minutes and on the stroke of full time Paul O'Sullivan hit his second point to leave the final score Whitechurch 0.11 - Nemo Rangers 0.07. Best of Luck Lads! We also extend best wishes and a speedy recovery to normal goalkeeper Shane Cahill, who was unable to take his position between the sticks because of injury. The team lined out as follows against Nemo Rangers: Dylan Burke Johnathan Scanlon - Chris Murphy - Roy O'Driscoll Victor O'Sullivan - Brian O'Sullivan - Patrick O'Droscoll Patrick Casey - Colm Sheahan(0.01) Brendan Murnane - Peter O'Driscoll(0.05 Frees) - Paul O'Sullivan(0.02) Michael Meade - Ian lee - Conor Buckley(0.01) Sub: Eoin Murnane (0.02)
Still Busy on the Playing Fields…!
In addition to the Under 21 hurlers who as reported, are preparing to do battle against Mayfield in the Championship Final, our two Junior football sides are still involved in competitive fare. Our A footballers face a Quarter-Final clash against Brian Dillons in the McSwiney Cup and a duel with Nemo Rangers in the Junior A football league semi-final. Our second football side meet Lough Rovers in their Quarter Final clash in the Seandun Cup. Considering that our A hurlers also have qualified for the Junior A league semi-finals, where they meet Delaneys, it is a busy schedule of matches for many of our lads in the coming weekends. Lads, we promise to give you a free-day on the 25th of this month, but do not book yourselves into the Whitechurch Long Puck on St. Stephen’s morning just yet!
Nollaig faoi shéan is faoi mhaise daoibh go leir ó CLCG Crosoaire An Fhaoitigh!
Off to the Races…!
White’s Cross GAA is holding a Race-Night at the Commons Inn on Saturday, November 12th. This is the Club’s key social function for the year and also combines as our main fund-raiser. It is guaranteed to be a night of fun, with food, racing, roinnt deoch, music and craic. The victorious members of the 2004 McSwiney Cup panel will also be presented with their medals on the night. We invite you to come along and support us on the night. Tickets are for sale at 15 Euro and can be purchased from any committee member or by contacting Ray on 086 2597063. Come on, go racing…!
Relatively Quiet on the Field of Play
As we head into November things have quietened somewhat on the field of play for our various adult teams, at least relative to their busy schedule well into the Autumn months! The Junior A footballers recently accounted for Passage in the opening round of the McSwiney Cup. This side is defending this crown once more, as White’s Cross have won the competition in 2003 and 2004. The team also has a couple of outstanding league fixtures against Brian Dillons and Douglas – favourable results in these would guarantee this side a place in the 2005 League Semi-Finals. The B side also has a fixture against Douglas, in the Seandun Cup competition. These football games have been put on the back-burner as the hurling competitions are finished out. Our Junior A hurlers meet Na Piarsaigh in a play-off for a spot in the league semi-final. They recently contested the MacCurtain Cup Final having had victories over Na Piarsaigh, St. Vincents and Bishopstown. In the final however we lost out on a score-line of 1-09 to 1-05 to Mayfield. Whitechurch had led for most of the game but ran out of steam against the Championship holders who used the game as a crucial warm-up for their up-coming County Semi-Final. Meantime our Under 21 hurlers, fresh from a very credible victory over St. Vincents, await the winners of Nemo Rangers and Blackrock, in their Championship Semi-Final. We wish them luck in what is our clubs’ eighth championship semi-final at adult level in 2005.
Well Done Elaine and co
White’s Cross GAA Club congratulates the Cork Ladies Senior Football team on their recent All-Ireland Final victory over Galway. This joust with the reigning champions was the Cork teams first time reaching this stage of the competition. In particular we are proud of the Rockbán contingent involved in this Cork squad. There were four members of this our local ladies football team on the Cork panel; Elaine Harte, Niamh Keohane, Caitriona Foley and Valerie Mulcahy. Valerie received national recognition for her endeavours with this team last year when she was awarded an ‘Allstar’ for her performances in the 2004 campaign. She also came to the side’s rescue when introduced as a substitute in this year’s semi-final clash with Mayo. In the Final she received the Most Valuable Player Award for her hugely influential role and tally of 1-5. Many of the boys and girls in Upper Glanmire National School will know Caitriona, Foley as she acted as coach at the White’s Cross fun-camp in 2003. Caitriona was also a member of the camogie squad recently crowned All-Ireland champs and was one of five players to win an historic double All Ireland crown in 2005. Vital to the success of this team has been goalkeeper and local lass Elaine Harte. Elaine, who has also played soccer at international level, started out her footballing days in White’s Cross, with her father Tom very involved in the Club. She often lined out on White’s Cross under-age teams and was able to hold her own against the lads, and help fashion out White’s Cross victories! She also assisted her male counterparts on the Sciath na Scoil sides while a pupil at Scoil Naomh Micheal, Upper Glanmire. Well done to Elaine in her heroics as ‘keepper to this side, epitomised by the clean sheet she kept in Croke Park on Sunday, October 2nd. Elaine pulled off one mighty save at a vital stage in the game and her clinical kick-outs set in motion many Cork attacks. Surely a certainty for an Allstar award in 2005… Rebels Abú Arís ‘gus Arís…!
Annual General Meeting
White’s Cross GAA Club is holding its Annual General Meeting at the Upper Glanmire Community Centre on Monday, November 28th next, commencing at 8:30pm. All members are requested to attend with new members also welcome. Preceding this meeting, Mass will be celebrated at St. Michaels Church, Upper Glanmire on the night at 8pm. This Mass will be offered up for all deceased members and friends of White’s Cross GAA Club and in particular for the recently deceased Club Vice-President, John Hickey (R.I.P.). We welcome you all to come along and join in this celebration of the Mass.
All Into Perspective
The heartache felt by many in White’s Cross GAA of losing the Junior A Football Divisional Final at the start of September was quickly and sharply put into perspective by the untimely death six days later of John Hickey (R.I.P.). John, along with his brothers Andrew and Tommy, were to many the faces of White’s Cross GAA Club for many years. His sudden death at the age of 54 years startled and saddened us all. Our memories of John are of his commitment and passion for sport – for many, many years this was given exclusively to White’s Cross GAA – although in recent times he concentrated much of this energy towards cycling. Many of us would meet John from time to time in recent years, and whether it be walking briskly with stick in hand, or whizzing by on his bicycle, or driving for Bus Eireann, he always stopped to enquire regarding the latest goings on in White’s Cross GAA. One always welcomed these meetings because John was always a pleasure to talk to – happy, cheerful and good-humoured… a true gentleman. In recent years John had devoted himself to charity work on behave of ACT – the Aid Cancer Treatment charity that raised funds for Cork University Hospital. For this he engaged in frequent charity cycle runs and was looking forward to the annual cycle from Cork to Castletownbere.. John will be remembered fondly in GAA circles, not alone in White’s Cross but right across the City and into the county. John had acted as Board Delegate for White’s Cross GAA for over 15 years right up to the mid-1990’s. Donal O’ Connor, Secretary of the Seandun Divisional Board, spoke glowingly of John at a recent board meeting. John gave many years of sterling service to White’s Cross GAA as a player and club officer. Under his chairmanship the Club undertook a complete draining and leveling of the grounds at Ballinvriskig. The Club had its greatest period of success at the beginning of the 1990’s, with John operating as full-back on both the football and hurling teams. He was a great leader on the field, full of encouragement and praise for those playing with him. However to his opponent he would have been tough, committed, fair but cunning, as even in his later days he had an ability to read a situation ensuring that he won that ball… He illustrated those similar traits as a selector and through words of constant praise always got the best out of his players. His natural leadership qualities ensured that for many years he was a popular choice at AGM time to take over coaching the Junior team, but John always refrained from the task, feeling that because of his shift-work he would be unable to give it the necessary time. Committed… White’s Cross GAA is, and will always be, a better Club for having had John Hickey involved. To his wife Kathleen, his son Derek and daughters, Karen and Gillian, grandchildren Kelly and PJ, brothers Andrew and Tommy, sister Nora, his extended family, his colleagues at Bus Éireann, and his large circle of friends, White’s Cross GAA extends our deepest sympathies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
Fifteen days is a long time in sport…
This time last month we were reporting of the exciting times ahead in White’s Cross GAA, as the club faced into three Championship Semi-Finals at Adult Grade. Our Minor footballers were scheduled to face Bishopstown after a thrilling quarter final victory over Brian Dillons. Our Second Junior side sized up against Ballyphehane in the Junior B Championship Semi-Final after three successful outings in the competition. Finally our Junior A side were down to play St. Michaels in the Semi-Final of the Junior A Championship having successfully negotiated four games to reach that stage. However all in a period of 15 days the dreams of a season, … in fact the dreams of 48 years, were shattered. The Junior B side were the first of these sides in action. This was a team with high expectations having ended the interests of Ballinure, Passage and Nemo Rangers in the championship. However on the night they floundered against a good Ballyphehane side who subsequently went on to win the final of this championship. With Roy O Driscoll, Colm Sheahan and Derek O Connor all out of the country, and Sean Gorman, Edwin Buckley, Donal Kelly and Kevin Buckley all re-graded to the A-side since the Nemo victory the strength in depth of this squad was always going to be truly tested. However in our final league game prior to this championship clash disaster struck. Away to Crosshaven, the game ended up being abandoned as corner-forward Philip O’ Connell had to be taken from the grounds in ambulance with a back injury. Earlier in that game full-back and captain Robert O’ Brien and midfielder Martin Kelleher both had to be substituted with injuries. To compound matters Eoghan Kelleher picked up a leg injury the following day while training. While all but one of the above started the semi-final game ten days later, each was noticeably hampered by their injuries. In the end, despite the best efforts of Colin Lawless, Padraig Murnane, and Tomas Meade, Ballyphehane ran out deserving winners. Incidentally and thankfully, Philip’s injuries did not prove as serious as initially feared and thankfully he is well on the way to recovery. The Junior A side had a well merited 1-11 to 1-4 victory over St. Michaels in their semi-final to reach the final of this competition for the first time in the Club’s history. This was given plenty attention in the local press in the days leading up to the final against Na Piarsaigh. This ensured that despite the bad weather, a huge crowd turned up at Ballinlough for the final. However as you will know at this stage the day ended in disappointment for White’s Cross with Na Piarsaigh winning out 1-9 to 0-6. The superior physical size of the Na Piarsaigh lads suited the greasy conditions, plus an experience of the big day perhaps, helping them fashion out victory. However the White’s Cross lads can hold their heads high and hopefully this experience will stand to us in the not too distant future. Meantime we thank the fantastic support we received in Championship 2005 and wish Na Piarsaigh the very best, as they now go forward to represent the division in the County Championship. We also acknowledge the vital contribution of Des Cullinane who guided our team to this final, in his first year in charge. The minor charges of Paul Noonan, Jonathan Kenneally and Brendan O’ Sullivan, fresh from their excellent win over Brian Dillons at the quarter final bowed out of the championship to Bishopstown the following Wednesday at Mayfield. Again played in dreadful weather, the five point lead at the break our lads commanded, was insufficient as we had played with wind advantage in the first thirty. However Paul O Sullivan, Brendain Murnane, Brian Conway, Olan Aherne, Brian Cahill, Richard Sherlock, Ian Kavanagh and co. can all hold their heads high after a battling performance.
White’s Cross 1-11 St Michaels 1-4
White’s Cross were looking for their first Junior A Championship final appearance in their long history. And they started off the quickest going into a 3 point lead. It took Michaels 17 minutes to get on the score sheet. White’s Cross added another point before Michaels were awarded a penalty just before half time but failed to convert and White’s Cross added two more points before half time to lead 6-1 at the break. Straight after the restart White’s Cross hit the back of the net after an accurate hand pass from Jonathan Kenneally found Kevin Buckley who drilled home a great goal. White’s Cross were now on top and even a goal for Michaels didn’t deter them and the result never looked in doubt as Conor Buckley scored a great point from a tight angle and 3 points from Edwin Buckley made sure that White’s Cross would be returning to Ballinlough next Sunday (4th) to play Na Pairsaigh. The team lined out as follows: B Sheehan, D Murnane, J O Connell, S O Gorman, John Meade, E Murnane, B O Brien, M Kelleher(0-2), J Drummy(0-1), C Buckley(0-2), K Buckley(1-1), R Burke, E Buckley(0-4), C Kelleher, J Kenneally(0-1)
Minors make it to Semi final
White’s Cross 0-11 Brian Dillons 1-7 Having suffered the heartache of losing their Minor A Hurling Championship Final to St Vincents after a replay, our Minors had to turn their attention to the big ball competition. Here they were pitted against local rivals Brian Dillons. Dillons unbeaten in their 8 encounters in the 2005 football league were firm favourites going into this clash at Kilcully. However our lads had other ideas, and prepared well in the brief time between their hurling heartache and this fixture. Dillons got off to a great start and raced into an early lead, showing the type of form that had given them successes all season. However the White’s Cross lads stuck to their task and Paul O Sullivan settled the nerves with a point after 8 minutes. Elsewhere the captain Brendain Murnane, began to exert huge influence from the pivotal centre-back position, while behind him Jonathan Scanlon mastered matters at full-back. Some shrewd changes by selectors Paul Noonan and Jonathan Kenneally, including swopping Ian Kavanagh and Richard Sherlock as well as Paul O Sullivan and Ian Lee, ensured all four players benefited and stemmed the Dillons dominance. Scores from O’ Sullivan, George Osborne and Brian Conway pegged back the Dillons lead. In the second half, White’s Cross laid siege on a clearly rattled Dillons side and urged on by the promptings of Murnane, Kavanagh and Brian Cahill, pushed forward relentlessly. However wayward shooting and excellent goalkeeping ensured our dominance was not illustrated on the scoreboard. Coming to full-time the sides were level at 0-10 to 1-7, when Lee won a ball 40 yards out on the wing and kicked majestically over the bar to help Noonan’s charges advance to a semi-final. This semi-final versus Bishopstown is fixed for September 7th at Ballinlough. The team lined out as follows: Michael Osbourne, Conor McAuliffe, Jonathan Scanlon, Ian Kavanagh, Colm Keane, Breandan Murnane(capt), Richard Sherlock, Don Duggan, Brian Cahill, Brian Conway, Ian Lee, Dillon Burke, George Osbourne, Paul O Sullivan, Shane Cahill.