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:

The minor  footballers were in championship action when they played St. Colms in Aughaville on Thursday 25/8/10. With a young team it was important they got a decent start. Unfortunately conceding a goal in the first play of the game followed quickly by 4 points meant it was going to be difficult to achieve a result. As the team found their feet the game levelled out and was balanced with the score at half time 1-6 to 1-1 in favour of Colms. Continuing the effort in the second half the gap was reducing to the point that the game was there for whoever wanted it. Unfortunately concentration wandered and with players losing the run of themselves a game was lost that could have been won if the focus was on football. Final score Kilmac 2-4 St. Colms 1-12.

The U12 hurlers were in championship action on Tuesday 31^st August when they took on Colm Og  in Ballydehob. This was a game played with the right attitude and commitment of all players. The first half was even with both sides able to create chances and the half time score was Kilmacabea 2-4 Colm Og 3-2. With Colms stretching the gap to 6 points by the 10^th minute and on top it looked as if the game was theirs. Some positional switches were to have a major impact and the game was level midway thro the half. This lifted the Kilmacs and in the last quarter they were able to stretch their lead to go thro to the next round on the score 5-11 to 5-3. The continued effort of all the players when the game looked as if it was going against them was crucial in the turnaround.

The big game this week is the U14 Football County final vs. Youghal in Ballincollig on Saturday 4^th September at 4pm. The parish is encouraged to give them the support their efforts deserve.

After two meetings which went to extra time Bantry Blues and Kilmacabea met for the third time last Friday evening in Skibbereen in the Junior C Football Championship. Having lost several players through promotion, injury, suspension and social commitments Kilmacs found themselves trailing by 1 - 3 before the experienced Noel Crowley opened their account with a point from a free. Hopes were raised when Noel McCarthy quickly added two, one from a free. By half time the Blues had added three more points from play with vetern James O Donovan replying with one for Kilmacs. With the strong evening sun the only difficulty on an otherwise perfect evening Noel Crowley narrowed the gap with a pointed free after the resumption, followed by a point from play from the youthful Richard Jennings. These were cancelled by points from Bantry before they struck for their second goal on the thirteenth minute to put the outcome beyond doubt. A point from Aiden Glavin and two more from Noel McCarthy completed Kilmacs contribution. With time up Kilmac goalkeeper Padraig Burke advanced bravely to deny an advancing forward possession, when he failed to clear the ball the resultant cross was tapped into the empty net to rub salt in Kilmac wounds when they were bowing out of their third championship in eight eventful days. Final score Bantry Blues 3 - 9; Kilmacabea 0 - 9.
 
Members requesting tickets for the All Ireland football final should contact club treasurer Pat O Callaghan without delay.
 
A limited number of club flags are available for sale for Saturdays Under 14 Co. football final. Contact John O Sullivan.

U14 football west Cork champions

Cup being presented to captain Shane McDermott by John O’Driscoll vice chairman Carbery Bord na nOg

 

The same group as U12’s in 2008 after losing the final to the same opposition. Practice make perfect!

        Latest news:

Kilmacabea played Timoleague in the final of the U14D hurling championship on Wednesday 14^th July 2010 in the superb facilities at Clonakilty. When these two teams met in the championship at U12 two years age victory went the way of the eastern team so it was expected their shouldn’t be a lot between the sides. The game started in a heavy downpour but this did not deter the players. Martin Collins gave an instant notice of intent when he sliced thro the Timoleague side in the first attack to plant the ball in the back of the net. The Kilmacs now had the comfort to settle them and getting a grip around mid field, held the early advantage. Despite this Timoleague were competing manfully and responded with a goal of their own after 10 minutes to leave the minimum between the sides. Eoin O’Sullivan responded with an important goal for the Kilmacs and while the Kilmacs had a slight advantage for the rest of the half they were having to work very hard for scores. The score line at half time was Kilmacabea 2-5 Timoleague 1-3 and the result still in the balance. Aidan Williamson was introduced at half time in the forwards and  his physical strength was a factor in tipping the balance in the Kilmacs favour. Starting the second half strongly the Kilmacs created and scored 4 points to increase the gap. When Kevin Whooley finished to the net after a good combined move at 7 minutes and when this was followed shortly afterwards by another goal from Euan Tobin the game was now effectively out of reach. Timoleague to their credit never gave up, kept battling away and were always dangerous. The greater strength advantage of the Kilmacs was to tell as the game progressed and the Kilmac’s were champions on the score 4-16 to 2-4. Ruairi O Mahony had a solid game in goal and used his puckouts to effect.  Odhran Connolly controlled the full back line and was unbeatable. Darren Whooley’s reading of the game was excellent and time after time came out of defence clearing the ball. Shane O’Neill and Diarmaid O’Callaghan(0-2) completely dominated the half back line driving the team forward. Captain Martin Collins(1-9) at midfield led the team by example and was a class apart. His able partner Euan Tobin(1-0) covered huge amounts of ground and was uncatchable. Young Tiernan Kerrisk worked hard and played his part. Shane McDermott showed great skill and combined well with the rest of the attack. Eoin O Sullivan(1-0) was his usual stylish  self and was always dangerous. Kevin Whooley(1-5) was a superb target man and was unstoppable. Aidan Williamson made a huge impression competing throughout the field. Ciarán French and DJ Glanton also showed up well when given the opportunity and played their part on the night and during the year. Others who played their part during the year but were unavailable on the night  were Matthew O’Neill, Jonathan O’Regan and Daniel O’Sullivan. Their have been nights during the year when the team struggled for numbers and the importance of  all those who turned up  so that the team fielded can not be overstated in the final achievement. Thanks to Timoleague for a sporting game and thanks to referee Martin Collins. The level of support of the parish was also a great encouragement.

 
The U14 hurling panel

Team captain Martin Collins being presented with the cup by Fachtna McCarthy

The U12 footballers were in championship action on Friday 7/5/10 when they played Gabriel Og in Church Cross and what a game it turned. The Kilmacs hit the ground in fine form and were completely on top throughout the pitch. Controlling possession and combining effectively the team were well in control and looked to be comfortably on their way. A taste of what was to come came with the reminder of a couple of goals from the Gabriel youngsters just before half time to leave the score 2-7 to 2-2 in favour of the Kilmacs. Gabriels started the second half with a goal and when they followed that up with another goal a few minutes later they were now in the lead and the game was turned on its head. Back came the Kilmacs with a goal of their own. The game was now end to end and excitement at fever pitch. Back came Gabriels and pushed ahead with another goal and had another couple of chances hit the post and the bar. The game was now anyone’s. The Kilmacs tacked on a couple of points to bring the game to within a point. The Kilmacs got a goal in the 20^th minute and the pendulum was now swinging their way. Gabriels were not letting it go without a fight and were unlucky to see their response again come back off the bar. The Kilmacs had now settled and were able to push on for the scores to win the match. The final score was 5-13 to 5-5 which did not reflect the closeness of a game that could have gone either way. The game was played in the right spirit throughout and was a credit to both sides even if defeat is hard to accept. Team: John Patrick Sheehan, Ellis Wilson, Sean French, Ashling O’Callaghan, Tiernan Kerrisk 0-1, Jamie O’Donoghue, Dan Lynch 1-0, Darren Whooley 2 -1, Ciarán French, Ross Cantwell 1-2, Ian Jennings, Myles Tobin, Damian Gore 1-9, Dylan Morgan.

Images  of the U12s in action:

                  Ciarán French                                                   Dan Lynch watched by Ciarán French and Damian Gore

                   Myles Tobin                                                                                  Darren Whooley

     Damian Gore tackling with Tiernan Kerrisk facing

U14 Feile B Champions

Back Left Shane O'Neill, Aidan Williamson Mian Row Ciarán French, Damaian Gore, Darren Whooley, Jonathon O'Regan, Diarmaid O'Callaghan, Euan Tobin, Odhran Connolly, Martin Collins, Kevin Whooley, Eoin O'Sullivan, Tiernan Kerrisk, Sean French, Issac O'Shea, Ruairi O'Mahony.
Front Shane McDermott,Matthew O'Neill, Daniel O'Sullivan.

It was great to see a big crowd from the parish travel to support the U14’s in the Feile “B” Football County Final against Fr. O’Neills of Ballymacoda, East Cork in Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday 24^th April 2010 and what a day it turned out to be. The game was all that is good in sport. The Kilmacs took to the field in determined fashion and were well on top through the first half and went in at half time not flattered and in control at 3-3 to 1- 1. For a full match report click here

Fr. O’Neills came out for the second half and made a game of it with a tremendous fight back and by the 20^th minute the gap was down to 2 points. It was then the Kilmacs showed their true steel and regrouping, raised their game to push on to win the match on the score 3 - 12 to 4 –3. The nature of the victory made it all the sweeter and the crowd justifiably pleased with the outcome. This was a victory based on the all round ability of the team. Their were times during the game when the football played was magnificent with excellent fielding, ball handling and passing and movement which were completed with fine scores. It was a credit to both teams, the level the game was played at and it was played with a positive attitude throughout. 

Kilmacabeas victory was a result of the better overall balance of the team and their determination to succeed when the need was greatest. Matthew O’Neill had a tremendous outing and made a number of vital saves at key times throughout the game to keep the Kilmac’s in it. Odhran Connolly had his hands full with his opponent but stuck with the task and by the end of the game had his dangerous opponent mastered. Darren Whooley and Tiernan Kerrisk in the corners though young in years were both highly impressive and showing how good defenders do the job properly. Shane O’Neill had a huge game at centre back and controlled the centre of defence while driving the team forward. Either side of him Daniel O’Sullivan and Aidan Williamson were rocks thundering forward with the ball time after time. Man of the match Martin Collins was heroic. His fielding was unmatchable and his work rate throughout the pitch was truly unbelievable especially when the need was greatest. Euan Tobin(0-1) at midfield also got through a huge amount of work driving the team forward and linking effectively with the forwards. Diarmaid O’Callaghan even up against a good player was his usual effective self and was the hub of the attack contributing 6 points. Shane McDermott(1-1) showed no ill effects of his recent injury and with Eoin O’Sullivan(0-1) were part of a very dangerous attacking unit that linked very effectively to create and take chances. Kevin Whooley(2-1) was fantastic at full forward winning possession, linking with his attack, taking on and beating the defence and scored some cracking goals. Jonathon O’Regan(0-2) showed true forward play at its best, losing his marker, finding space and with the skill to link with the attack or take scores. Young Damien Gore also tormented his marker to link with the attack and play his part. Gavin Daly came on as substitute and did an effective job in turning the tide when needed most. Other members of the panel were Issac O’Shea, Ciarán French, Sean French and Ruairi O’Mahony who was out with injury.

The win was a credit tom the players and their families for their enthusiasm and dedication. None of it could have happened without the huge interest, work and time given to them by their mentors Tom Sheehan, William Williamson and above all Kevin O’Driscoll who also trained them. Well done to all involved for the pleasure given.   

Stephen O'Mahony Chairman Cork Bord na nOg presenting joint captains Euan Tobin and Odhran Connolly with the trophy

For images of the final and semi-final click here (office 2007)

or click here (office 97-2003 compatible)

  Pitch opening 2009

          Images of pitch opening weekend

Joseph and Kay Ronan have kindly supplied some images of the saturday night of the pitch opening weekend when the Kilmacabea junior A team played Bandon. Click here for more images

For details of local monthly draw to fund pitch development click here         

        April 2010

Fr. O Neills and Kilmacabea played the Cork Final of the U14 Feile Football in Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday 24^th April 2010. The day was dry which allowed a good open game of football. With both sides having qualified after a series of games over the past 5 weeks this game was played in a spirit, commitment and with a level of ability that was a fitting finale to the competition. Kilmacabea started strongly with Martin Collins and Euan Tobin having the edge at midfield. Diarmaid O’Callaghan had the first score of the game in the 2^nd minute after a couple of wides. Fr. O’Neills responded instantly and in their first meaningful attack their impressive full forward Billy Dunne had the ball in the back of the Kilmacabea net. Kilmacabea were now playing positively with lovely flowing moves. After one such move involving Martin Collins, Jonathon O’Regan, Eoin O’Sullivan, and Euan Tobin, the ball was finished to the net by Shane McDermott. This was followed by points from Jonathon O’Regan and another flowing move was finished to the Fr. O’Neills net by the lively Kilmacabea full forward Kevin Whooley in the 11^th minute. The game now settled and while Kilmacabea had the majority of possession scores were hard to come by. Kilmacabea went in ahead 3 – 3 to 1 – 1 after another flowing move involving Shane O’Neill, Euan Tobin and Shane McDermott was again finished to the net by Kevin Whooley. After being starved of possession for a long period Billy Dunne showed his danger when he set off on a mazy run only being denied a goal by a vital block by Kilmacabea goalkeeper Matthew O’Neill just before half time. Fr. O’Neills rearranged their team for the second half and introduced effective sub Dermott Finn. Their half back line with David O’Driscoll especially now taking more possession and the midfield of Kevin O’Sullivan and Eoin Motherway competing better. They got an instant boost in the first minute when Billy Dunne again found the net after another good save by Matthew O’Neill in the Kilmacabea goal. Fr. O’Neills now had their period of supremacy and Billy Dunne added another goal in the 10^th minute and the gap was down to 2points. The game was now highly exciting and finely balanced. Kilmacabea were scoring points but the excitement intensified and the game was again down to a 2points margin when Billy Dunne goaled again in the 20^th minute. It looked as if the game was now going Fr. O’Neills way and they drew further good saves from Matthew O’Neill in the next few minutes. Kilmacabea responded instantly to that goal with a point and this proved to be a key score. As happens when a team has their spell in control it then swings back. After a period of high anxiety Kilmacabea regrouped and rose their game and went on to score the next three points and victory was theirs. There was some outstanding individual performers from both sides and undoubtedly some stars at a higher level in the future but the Kilmacabea victory was a result of the greater overall balance of the team. The cup was presented to the winning joint captains Euan Tobin and Odhran Connolly by Stephen Lynch, chairman County Bord na nOg amid scenes of great joy. Kilmacabea Matthew O’Neill, Darren Whooley, Odhrán Connolly, Tiernan Kerrisk, Daniel O’Sullivan, Shane O’Neill, Aidan Williamson, Euan Tobin(0-1), Martin Collins, Eoin O’Sullivan(0-1), Diarmaid O’Callaghan(0-6), Shane McDermott(1-1), Damien Gore, Kevin Whooley(2-1), Jonathan O’Regan(0-2) Sub Gavin Daly

Fr. O’Neills David O’Reilly, Daniel Harrington, Declan Dalton, Cal Hegarty, Michael Millerick, David O’Driscoll, Sean O’Connor, Kevin O’Sullivan, Eoin Motherway, Cillian Broderick, Thomas Millerick(0-1), Marc Motherway, Jordan Hennessy, Billy Dunne(4-2), Pat Steele. Sub Dermott Finn.

Referee Donie Forde(Donoughmore)

          February 2010

          Pitch opening 2009

          Images of pitch opening weekend

Joseph and Kay Ronan have kindly supplied some images of the saturday night of the pitch opening weekend when the Kilmacabea junior A team played Bandon. Click here for more images

U14 County Champions 2009

Back Row L-R Tiernan Kerrisk, Odrahan Connolly, David Kapinski, Martin Collins, Kevin Whooley, Aidan Williamson, Niall Hayes, Richie O'Sullivan, Diarmuid O'Callaghan, Declan O'Sullivan, Kevin O'Donovan, Euan Tobin, Ruairi O'Mahony.
Front L-R Shane McDermott, Eoin O'Sullivan, Daniel O'Sullivan, Matthew O'Neill, Shane O'Neill, Darren Whooley, Jonathan O'Regan, Isaac O'Shea.

After all the wet weather and difficulties with pitches the uncertainty was over with the fixing of the County U14 Football Final for Castletownkenniegh on Saturday 5/9/09. The day was dry and while there was a strong wind, it was a good day for the match given conditions during the week. Aghinagh started brightly and had the first  score but Richie O’Sullivan soon cancelled that. The Kilmacs had the advantage in possession but Aghinagh defended excellently and scores were at a premium. Diarmuid O’Callaghan then finished a good flowing move with a goal in the 8^th minute. The Kilmacs began to convert the possession with further scores from Diarmuid O’Callaghan were ahead 1- 4 to 0-1 after 16 minutes. Aghinagh had looked dangerous on the break and they had a bit of luck when a long range effort ended in the back of the net off the post. They followed this up with a good move to score a second goal to level the match shortly afterwards. The Kilmacs while winning the possession were not being allowed to play with their usual fluency. They edged ahead again in the 22^nd minute with a point from Diarmuid O’Callaghan but suffered another set back in the 26^th minute when a speculative lob again ended up in the net. The Kilmacs after being the better team went in at the interval 2 points behind on the score of  1-5 to 3-1 and the large crowd of followers were a little worried that maybe this wasn’t to be their day. This was now the time for the team to show their true worth and they came out for the second half in determined mood. Diarmuid O’Callaghan soon added another point and the Kilmacs were now opening the game up and making space for themselves. The turning point came when after a fine move the length of the pitch Euan Tobin was on hand to blast to the net. This was followed soon after when Jonathan O’Regan who was to prove a very effective sub, did well to win possession and was coolness itself to pick his spot for the goal that was to signal a complete take over. The Kilmacs were now on top in all sectors of the pitch. Aghinagh continued to battle bravely and to their credit never gave up but the Kilmacs continued to increase the margin with some fine long range points from Niall Hayes(2) and Diarmuid O’Callaghan. In the 22^nd minute Euan Tobin  took a pass from Richie O’Sullivan after another flowing move to fire a fine goal and the game was effectively over. Aghinagh gamely kept going but the Kilmacs were now playing confidently even though a lot of scoring opportunities were not taken. Richie O’Sullivan capped a fine individual performance with a great goal in the 25^th minute. Aidan Williamson made an instant impression when he was at the end of another move soon after to score another goal. From here it was a matter of playing out time, for the Kilmacs to record a famous victory and the first county title for the underage club. The final score was Kilmacabea 6-9 Aghinagh 3-1. The trophy was presented by Míchéal Mac Suibhne, Runaí Bord na n-Og an Chondae to captain Niall Hayes amid scenes of great celebration. This was a fine team performance with each and every player contributing his part as they have done through the year. Shane O’Neill was unlucky with the shots that beat him but was very solid and made some important stops and used the clearances effectively. Declan O’Sullivan was masterful in defence with nothing getting by him and was also able to get forward himself. Darren Whooley won everything that came his way often against fellows twice his size. Martin Collins at centreback was out standing throughout the game, unbeatable and driving forward at every opportunity. Odhran Connolly had a very impressive performance and was another who was unbeatable. Daniel O’Sullivan capped his season with a super display and was first to everything and used it effectively. Niall Hayes(0-2) with the ability that we have come to expect showed the leadership needed in the sticky patches and got through a huge amount of work to drive the team on. Euan Tobin(2-0) linked well with those around him especially going forward and found the scoring zone when it was needed. Richie O’Sullivan(1-1) was unstoppable at centre forward showing superb skill matched by work rate. Diarmuid O’Callaghan(1-6)again showed his scoring ability as the leading scorer even if he had more wides than his normal high conversion rate. Eoin O’Sullivan showed his skill and linked very well as part of the attack. Shane McDermott won plenty of ball and played his part. Kevin Whooley worked hard, linked well and was very unlucky especially with a number of goal scoring chances. Jonathan O’Regan(1-0) made a huge impact showing both his football ability and competitive attitude. Aidan Williamson(1-0) and Matthew O’Neill also played their part. Other members of the panel were David Kapinski, Tiernan Kerrisk, Kevin O’Donovan, Ruairí O’Mahony and Isaac O’Shea. The players achieve the reward they have earned but it is also due to the work of the mentors William Williamson and Tom Hayes with them throughout the year and the huge input of coach Kevin O’Driscoll which has had a massive impact on the success of this group. Well done to all for the pleasure you have given.  See  below  for more images of the day.

The Fr Crowley Cup competition was began on Saturday 28^th February and with a fine afternoon was a very enjoyable exercise for all.

On Saturday 7^th the Finals of the Fr. Crowley cup was played. While conditions were not pleasant it did not dent the enthusiasm of all involved and provided great excitement. The team of Richie O’Sullivan(Droum) won out over the team of his cousin Fiona O’Sullivan(Mealisheen) in a closely contested final. The cup was presented to the winning captain by the sponsor of the cup Fr. Michael Crowley. This competition continues to introduce players to the game since it started in 1972.

A look at all involved in this years Father Crowley cup