Kilmacabea Gaa Web-Site

Welcome to the Kilmacabea Gaelic Athletic Association club homepage. Kilmacabea is a club involved in hurling and football and plays in the Carbery division in Cork County. Kilmacabea is based on the parishes of Kilmacabea and Kilfaughnabeg. This is centred on the villages of Leap, Glandore and Connagh in West Cork and stretches from Derryleigh Bridge in the West to Connagh in the East and from the coast in the South almost to Drinagh in the North. The area is approx. 45 miles from Cork City on the N-71 between Clonakilty and Skibbereen. Kilmacabea has been translated as the Church of the Maccabees. The club competes in the Carbery Division of County Cork, which has a very strong tradition in football.

This website is intended to be of interest to all who are interested in the affairs of Kilmacabea GAA club. It is hoped it will be especially useful to those who are no longer living locally. There is much work to be done to develop the history of the club and all items that would assist with that would be most welcome. The club is for the people and the club welcomes any contact from past members. Hoping that you find this of interest.

Weekly Notes :

            If Kilmacs were lucky to win the week before, they were lucky to draw in last Sundays Junior Football Championship game against Gabriel Rangers, which was played in O Donovan Rossa Park, in the heat of early afternoon. Despite a very lively start, they had only two points on the board at the end of the first quarter. Gabriels playing more direct football dominated most of the remainder of the first half scoring four points from play and putting two frees over. As we moved into time added on Kilmacabea snatched two very valuable points, one from a free, to retire just two minor scores down.
            The western men opened the second half with another point from play. For the remainder of the third quarter five points were scored from placed balls, one for Gabriels and four for Kilmacs all by John O Driscoll including one from a penalty rebound which had rocketed back off the crossbar. With the sides now deadlocked, the scene was set for an exciting last quarter, another point each from play, could anybody break the deadlock? With a couple of minutes left Gabriels went one clear again. Kilmacs saw two chances to equalise drift just wide. Then in injury time substitute defender Diarmaid O Donovan cut through and coolly slotted over, but the drama wasn’t over. Gabriels were denied a winner by the upright so these two teams who have already met in the first round must meet again to decide who fills the coveted fourth slot in the semi-finals.

Fixtures:

Junior 1 championship versus Gabriel Rangers on the 26/07/08 in Skibbereen at 7.30pm.

24/06/08

The U14 hurlers played St Colms in the final of the championship in Dunmanway. Making light of difficult weather conditions the team took the game to their opponents from the off and were ahead after the first quarter. Colms came back into it for the second quarter with some fine long range free taking and the score was 3-3 to 1-6 in favour of the Kilmacs at halftime. Raising their game after halt time the Kilmacs went on to dominate the second half even if they didn’t reflect it on the score board and were winners on the score 4-7 to 2-6. All the players can feel proud of their contributions to a fine team effort but especially prominent were Niall Hayes, Liam Cahalane, Liam Thompson, Martin Collins, Richie O’Sullivan, Diarmaid O’Callaghan and Oisin O’Sullivan. The outstanding individual player, who was everywhere and superb in everything he did, was captain Eamon O’Sullivan who was presented with the Fintan O’Callaghan Memorial cup by Fintan’s parents. Team Diarmaid O’Callaghan, Liam O’Driscoll, Oisin O’Sullivan, Stephen Crowley, Eamon O’Sullivan, Richie O’Sullivan, Martin Collins(0-4), Liam Cahalane(0-1), Declan O’Sullivan(1-0), Niall Hayes(0-2), Liam Thompson(1-0), Denny Hayes(1-0), Eoin Collins, David O’Donovan(1-0), Kevin O’Donovan, Odhran Connolly, Emma O’Callaghan, Matthew O’Neill, Jonathon O’Regan. Well done to all who worked with the preparation of the team.

U14 Hurllers that won the west Cork Championship

12/04/08

Could the replay possibly match the drawn game, for entertainment, excitement and quality of football, was the question being asked last week about the Under 21 B Football Final. Well it did and it was even better. The clerk of the weather played a part by providing an almost perfect evening for football, in the fine Rosscarbery venue. Both teams gave it their all again in the same positive sporting manner. While a few yellow cards were issued, they were very much of a technical nature. St James’s were thoroughly disappointed no doubt by the narrow defeat but they can take a lot of positives from their campaign and this fine bunch of players must have a bright future. Kilmacabea Club wishes them well. Both clubs have a lot in common at many levels.

For Kilmacs this was a very heart warming victory. Almost half of last year’s team had moved on. The new players joining the panel had never won anything under age, until they captured the 2007 Non Exam Minor League Title. Most of the panel had a taste of success last year for the first time and it whetted their appetites for more. They honed the traditional skills of the game and played for each other as a team. Daniel O Donovan, clearly much improved after his recent injury, had us two points up by the fourth minute. However the Ardfield men got a bit of a grip around the centre and were three points clear by the 20^th minute. Were we going to be overrun this time? The selectors made a few positional switches up front involving Daniel, John O Driscoll and Coleman O Riordan which steadied the ship and four more points to two from James’s narrowed the gap to one at the break.

The second half lived up to everything these two teams had produced so far. The quality of the exchanges and the closeness of the scores had everybody on tenterhooks. Only twice was there more than the minimum between the sides. To the delight of Kilmacs and the dismay of Ardfield, one of those was at the final whistle, when the score was 0-12 to 0-10. Ruairi Hourihane did Trojan work around the centre of the field. His partner Kevin O Sullivan should be very happy also with his contribution. Clive Sweetnam’s work rate at centre back was very significant and he went forward for two great points from play which proved to be the difference in the end. Sam O Driscoll was solid as ever at full back. What he lacks in stature he makes up for in skill, courage and ability to read situations. Mark Jennings and Stephen Calnan completed a very effective last line of defence and gave great cover to Colin McCarthy in goal; he wasn’t tested as severely this time as he had been in the earlier games. His reading of the game and great kick outs were very important in a game where every ball counted. On the wing Thomas French was his usual lively self, ever ready to drive forward and link up with the attack and Jonathan Hill policed his opposite number very effectively for the hour. John O Driscoll at centre forward won some great ball especially in the second half. Richard Jennings, Timothy Nyhan, Coleman O Riordan and Andrew O Callaghan hero of the drawn game all worked very hard in attack. Daniel O Donovan, who was held scoreless in the drawn game, notched 10 points (6 from frees) matching the opposition’s total. What more needs be said. Connor O Callaghan came on as sub late in the game. Tom Collins, Patrick O Driscoll and Joseph O Callaghan all played their part during the campaign. The shrewd management of Mick O Donovan and his co- selectors Dan Hourihane and John Keohane meant it was in fact a twenty two man effort. All of them can take immense pride in this success.

Kieran O Sullivan was present for the presentation of the magnificent trophy commemorating his late parents as was Teresa Cadogan representing the sponsors Clona Milk. Captain Ruairi’s acceptance speech was the most emotional this writer has heard in over twenty years involved with the club. The graciousness of the St. James’s camp in defeat was exemplary and when Ruairi called for three cheers for them, he got a very genuine response. See below for some images of the lads celebrating.

U21 final 2008 1 U21 final 2008 2

U21 final 2008 3

09/03/08

The first competitive game was played on the redeveloped full size pitch when the U-16 footballers took on Gabriel Og in their first game of the season on Sunday morning 9^th March. It was a fine day for what turned out to be a very entertaining game. Due to other commitments it was a struggle to get a full party but the younger lads who took to the field certainly did not let the side down. Gabriels had already a game under their belt and it showed as they were much faster and combining better. This was reflected on the scoreboard with Gabriels going in at half time comfortably ahead on the score of 2-8 to 1-3. With Gabriels getting another goal on the restart it could easily have become a white wash on the scoreboard. Instead with a few positional switches and a huge work rate from the men around the middle, Joseph Collins, John O’Sullivan, Sean O’Regan and Thomas Jennings the Kilmacs raised their game and by the 24^th minute of the half had took the lead. From here to the whistle the game swung from end to end and even though victory went to Gabriels on the score of 6-10 to 5-8 there was a lot of pluses to be taken from the game especially the attitude and effort of all. Team –Niall Hayes, Finnán Tobin, Eoin O’Neill, Padraig McCarthy, Thomas Jennings(1-0), Richie O’Sullivan, Joseph Collins(1-2), Sean O’Regan(0-1), Declan O’Sullivan, John O’Sullivan(0-4), Padraig French, Padraig Burke(1-1), Tommy Hayes(2-0)

Back (Left to Right)Padraig Burke,John Collins, Eoin O'Neill, John O'Sullivan, Tommy Hayes, Sean O'Regan, Padraig French
Front (Left to right) Padraig McCarthy, Thomas Jennings, Declan O'Sullivan, Richie O'Sullivan, Niall Hayes, Finnán Tobin

Some images from the game.

09/02/08

It may have seemed like two for the price of one, as Kilmacabea GAA celebrated their victories of 2006 and 2007 playing seasons, at their club Dinner Dance in the West Cork Hotel on Saturday night the 9^th February but in fact all seven finals were played during the calender year 2007. It must have been unique achievement for the club to have successes in two seasons in a row in both football and hurling.

Pride of place must go to the small but enthusiastic panel of hurlers and their dedicated mentors, led by T.J. Collins, who are fostering the ancient game of the Gaels in what would be seen as traditional football country. The fact that they might have campaigned in C or D grade didn’t take in any way from the sense of achievement of all concerned. A few recruits from our neighbour’s territory across the harbour helped the cause. A little help from your friends can be very valuable. One of those players has the distinction of winning Under 16 Championship medals in both football and hurling. The football was won with his home club Castlehaven. Medals were presented by club Vice President Fr. Pat O Sullivan MSC for the 2006 U.14 Hurling Championship and the 2007 U.16 Hurling Championship, with most the player being involved in both victories.

Fr O Sullivan presented plaques to the Minor Footballers who won County B 12 a side non exam League. They can be very proud of their achievement, it being only the third time that the club has ever captured a county title at any level. Next to receive their medals were the U.21 Footballers who clinched the B Championship in 2007, having been narrowly defeated in the 2006 final virtually the same group of players. The shield which was awarded to them as Buckley Finance Team of the Month of June was also on display to enhance the impressive array of trophies decorating the top table.

The U21 footballers displaying their 2007 trophies, the B championship and June Team of the Month.

The final group to receive their Celtic Crosses from Fr. Pat were the 2006 Junior 1 League winners, again a first for the club at this level. Sincere thanks to the 2007

Winners Bandon for the loan of the Michael Godley Memorial Cup to honour the occasion. Also on display was the All Ireland Junior 7 a side Shield won a competition hosted by St Jude’s Club in Dublin. Cill Mhic Abaidh add their name to an impressive spread of clubs from Cork to Donegal

The formalities were completed with the presentation of new individual awards to be presented annually to Club Members of the Year. Diarmaid O Donovan presented the Timothy O Donovan Memorial Cup in memory of his brother, to Sam O Driscoll as Young Player of 2007. Sam just pipped one or two other under age players in the votes of the members. Timothy O Donovan who lost his life in 1993 at the early age of fifteen had won three Under 14 Football Championship medals, a rare enough distinction. The evergreen Timmy O Mahony was awarded the Player of the Year Trophy for his outstanding defensive displays in 2007. Did he ever have a bad year since he first pulled on the green and gold jersey? Finally hardworking club honorary secretary John O Sullivan was presented with a plaque Club Person of the Year. His work load was doubled if not trebled in 2007 with all the administration involved in fund raising and grounds development.

The two hundred patrons were well looked after by the West Cork Hotel management and staff and were entertained until the early hours of Sunday morning by John O Brien musical duo. Chairman Patrick Burke and M C John Keohane can be well pleased with their nights work.

21/10/07

The U 16 hurlers took on Ardfield in the championship final on Sunday 21^st October in Rosscarbery. After getting the ideal start with a goal and a point in the first minute the early exchanges were even. The team were playing well within themselves and had a physically advantage when they received a major set back when a player was sent off for a clumsy challenge after 10 minutes. As they were only a point ahead at this stage this looked like a major blow early in the game. The next 10 minutes were even as both sides came to grips with the situation. In the last 10 minutes of the half the Kilmacs had managed to extend their lead to 3 points when they were dealt what appeared to be further severe blows with the concession of two goals coming up to half time and went in down on the score 1-5 to 3 –2. With the concession of a further point at the start of the second half and with Padraig Burke making a great save it looked as if it might not be the Kilmacs day. They were now working very hard throughout the pitch and got to grips with the numbers disadvantage and were creating opportunities but not taking them. They got the break they needed when Colin McCarthy(1-1) got a goal in the 4^th minute. This lifted the team and with the effort of every player they increased the tempo and eventually regained the lead mid way thro the half. From here to the end it was close but the Kilmacs were on top possession wise but again were not reflecting it on the score board. It was nip and tuck to the end but in the last minute as in the first John O’Sullivan(2-3) split the defence to goal and to copper fasten a deserved victory. The final score was 3-10 to 3-6. As well as those already mentioned Joseph Collins((0-5) and Michael Dineen were the power house at midfield, Richard(0-1) and Thomas Jennings were very lively, Sean O’Regan, Eoghan O’Neill and Liam Cahalane were on top of their game in defence. Other panel members were Kevin Hayes, Padraig McCarthy, Liam Thompson, Tommy Hayes.

Billy Creedon Chairman of the West Cork Board presenting the cup to Colin McCarthy captain of the Kilmacabea U16 hurlers after they defeated Ardfield 3 – 10 to 3- 6 in the West Cork final on Sunday 21/10/07 in Rosscarbery.

Back Left To Right - Sean O’Regan, Kevin Hayes, Padraig Burke, Michael Dineen, Joseph Collins, Conor O’Callaghan, Tommy Hayes, Eoghan O’Neill,

Front L-R Liam Cahalane, Thomas Jennings, Colin McCarthy, John O’Sullivan, Liam Thompson, Richard Jennings, Padraig McCarthy.

20/10/07

27/07/07

An award ceremony for the U21 footballers, who were named June Carbery team of the month, was held in The Leap Inn on Friday 27^th July. The award was presented by Buckley Financial Services of Dunmanway. The Under 21 footballers had a fantastic year winning the West Cork ‘B’ Championship. The team defeated Ballinscarthy 1-12 to 2-04 in the first round, Barryroe 2-17 to1-05 in the quarter final, Muintir Bhaire 3-09 to 0-12 in the semi-final and Caheragh 1-13 to 0-10 in the final to gain the title. This small panel of 19 players, along with mentors Dan Hourihane, John Keohane and Michael O’Donovan, have been together from underage. They have experienced great success along with some disappointment along the way. This championship and honour of June Carbery team of the month was a just reward for their efforts over the years.

Below is a photo of the Under 21 panel, mentors and Mr. Timmy Buckley of Buckley Financial Services, along with the Under 21 West Cork championship trophy and the team of the month award. For more pictures from the night please click here.

Back row (L to R): Daniel O’Donovan, Kevin O’Sullivan, Michael O’Donovan,
Niall McCarthy, Ruairi Hourihane, James Calnan and Timothy Nyhan.
Middle row (L to R): Clive Sweetnam, Sean O’Regan, Mark Jennings, Brian O’Sullivan,
Thomas French, Barry Ronan, Brian O’ Donovan and Mick O’Donovan.
Front row (L to R): John Keohane, Dan Hourihane, Timothy O’Donovan, Timmy Buckley,
Ciaran O’Donovan, John O’Driscoll, Sam O’Driscoll and Ger O’Donovan.

27/06/07

The minor non-exam team continued the clubs good week when they took on Bishopstown in Ahiohill on Wednesday 27-6-07 in the final. Bishopstown started in a hurry and showing great skill looked a team of all talents and was completely on top from the start one of the turning points of the game came in the first minute. Bishopstown were awarded a harsh penalty but Joseph Collins produced a superb save to keep the sheet clean. Bishopstown continued to dominate possession for the next 10minutses but kicked some good scoring chances wide and the Kilmac's were doing well to be behind 0-1 to 0-2 after 11 minutes when a second turning point came. Again Bishopstown cut through the Kilmac defence but were denied by another outstanding save from Joseph Collins. From this the team seemed to lift themselves all round the field. The defenders were now on top of their game and the Kilmac's were winning possession. In possession they were moving the ball excellently and were now creating and scoring and playing superb football throughout the pitch. Ball was played accurately from defence to attack and converted to the extent that the Kilmac's were 0-7 to 0-3 ahead coming up to the halftime whistle when a third crucial moment came. After another attack Mark Jennings strike for a point deceived the Bishopstown goal keeper and looped into the corner of the goal so that the Kilmac’s went in ahead on the score 1-7 to 0-3. Coming out at the start of the second half they continued where they left off and extended their lead by 2 points. Bishopstown were always dangerous and they broke through for a goal after 5 minutes. The Kilmac's were still winning possession but now unlike the first half they were giving away possession easily and started to look nervous and were now amassing the wides. Being able to bring on a player of Kevin O’Sullivans ability after 15 minutes when the gap was down to 5 points was a big boost and the Kilmac’s were able to weather the pressure and went on to win on the score of 1-11 to 1-4. This was a all round superb performance. Joseph’s saves were crucial in keeping the Kilmac’s in the game early on. Captain Sam O’Drsicoll produced his usual dynamic performance leading from the front and winning ball he had no right to and Stephen Calnan was rock solid beside him. Clive Sweetnam was a giant at center back driving the team forward scoring (1-1)and got great support from Jon Hill and Thomas Jennings who once they settled, mastered their dangerous opponents. Brendan McCarthy(0-1) was effective in getting through a huge amount of work at midfield. The attack with Colin McCarthy leading the scoring with 6 points from play and frees, Mark Jennings(0-1), Timothy Nyhan (0-2), Andrew O’Callaghan and Sean O’Regan were superb as a unit with excellent passing and movement and running off the ball and created and scored some excellent points. John O’Sullivan was an effective sub and Padraig Burke, Richard Jennings, Joseph O’Callaghan and Colman O’Riordan were also part of the panel. This was a fine game of football played in the right spirit throughout by both teams and was a pleasure to watch. Bishopstown had very skilful and dangerous players but the saves by Joseph and the all round effectiveness of the defensive work must have been soul destroying.

This group of Kilmacabea players have worked as hard as any team with little success over the years but they have never faltered and it is a credit to their own determination as well as their ability that they have succeeded. Well done to what the mentors Sean Tobin and Michael Gore with help from Johnny O’Sullivan have achieved with this group.

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