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2009


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. The club teams play their home games in the William Goulding Park.

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.

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

    Weekly Notes:

The second junior football team had an easy victory Oliver Plunkett’s in a very one sided game, keeping up their good run in section 3 of the league. Congratulations to Daniel O Donovan and Ruairi Hourihane and their team mates on Carbery’s good win in the senior football championship. The second round match in the junior football championship between Kilmacabea and Tadhg MacCathraig’s goes ahead on Monday evening next at 8pm in Rosscarbery.

The U-16’s footballers resumed their league campaign with a home match against near neighbours Castlehaven on Sunday 21/6/09. Playing with good skill and commitment they were able to create the scores to fashion a comfortable victory with goals coming from Diarmaid O’Callaghan, Eamon O’Sullivan, Oisin O’Sullivan and Liam Thompson. Team – Denny Hayes, David O’Donovan, Liam Cahalane, Liam O’Driscoll, Niall Hayes, Tony Shanahan, Declan O’Sullivan, Eamon O’Sullivan, Richie O’Sullivan, Liam Thompson, Padraig French, Oisin O’Sullivan, Diarmaid O’Callaghan, Jonathon O’Regan. The U12 hurlers continued with a home game against Skibbereen and after a hugely competitive and sporting game played in great excitement put up a great performance before losing out on the score 6-4 to 4-3. Team Ellis Wilson, Dylan Morgan, Tiernan Kerrisk, Myles Tobin, Darren Whooley(1-3), Ciáran French, Matthew O’Neill(2-0), Eoin O’Sullivan, Ross Cantwell, Luke Read(1-0), Christy Wilson, Karl Ronan, DJ Glanton, Odran Kerrisk, Oran Hogan, Sean Burke, Colin Twomey, Stephen O’Donovan.

The first prize winner in the June club draw was Pat O Callaghan, Droum; second May Cahalane, Maulatrahane and third Eileen Tobin, Kilfinnin. Consolation prizes went to Jonathan Hill, Clonkeen Hs.; Eabha O Donovan, c/o Bawnfune; Aidan Glavin and Maureen Crowley    

Fixtures for the week :
U14 football league vs. Kilmeen in Rossmore on Thursday 25th June at 7.30pm
U10 football in Leap on Thursday 25th June at 7.00pm
U16 football league vs. Dunmanus in Durrus on Sunday 28th June at 11.30am

As these details are liable to change check locally prior to travelling

    Latest News

       01 March 2009

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

On Saturday 7th 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.

All involved in the father crowley cup

A look at all involved in this years Father Crowley cup

The winning captain being presented with the Father Crowley cup

Fr Michael Crowley presenting his cup to winning captain Richie O'Sullivan after the final



       03 February 2009

The new crest for the club has been released:



The crest consists of a shield depicting an amalgam of local   artist Mim Hill’s depiction of a horse leaping the ravine which gives Leap its name and a view of
Drombeg Stone Circle aligned with the setting sun. Above the shield is 1888 the year the club first competed in championship football, flanked by the harp and shamrock. In the early years the club was known as Kilmacabea Harps and Shamrocks. Underneath is a scroll bearing the clubs name as Gaeilge

It was endeavoured to fit as much as possible into a relatively simple format which will transfer satisfactorily to the fabric of sports wear. The horse is associated with the local placename, was central to agriculture the main industry of the parish. The locality is still very prominent in the sports horse industry. The stone circle is the best known of its kind in the country. It is about 3,500 years old, reminding us how far back human habitation goes in the area and brings us to tourism, the second most important industry in the parish. Beginning in 1888 Kilmacabea is one of the oldest rural clubs in the division and the name in Irish reminds us of the main reason for founding the association was to stem the rampant Anglicisation of Ireland in the late 19th century

 
The club acknowledges the help of the graphic arts section of O Neill’s Sports and Mim Hills kind permission to copy her picture. 

      29 November 2008

Minor Hurling County Championship Victory

A day of glory for the hurlers of St Fachtna’s(Kilmacabea & Carbery Rangers) as they captured the County minor “C” hurling title on Saturday 29th November. Played in the fine setting of Pairc Uí Rinn in cold but otherwise ideal conditions little did the early exchanges indicate the way things would go. Bride Rovers started in fine form and looked to be all powerful as they cruised in to a four point lead and looking very dangerous going forward. As the St. Fachtna's defence settled to the task the game levelled out and St Fachtna's started to create attacks of their own and by the thirteenth minute the sides were level on 4 points each. Bride Rovers came again and managed to forge ahead and by the 18th minute were 2 points up on the score 0-8 to 0-6. The game was end to end at this stage but St Fachtna's players were now playing with more freedom and from here to half time they forged into a 3point lead to go in ahead 0-11 to 0-8. Unfortunately just before half time there was a flare up in what was otherwise a game played in a good spirit which resulted in a player from either side being red carded. Coming out for the second half there was a worry what effect this would have on the team but this was soon forgotten in the 1st minute with first John O’Sullivan breaking through for a goal followed immediately by a goal from Sean O’Neill. This was the turning point and from here there was only going to be one winner as St. Fachtna's went on to win comfortably on the score 3-17 to 0-11. Padraig Burke was able in goal and dealt with anything that came his way. Mike Walsh and Colin McCarthy a secure last line of defence with nothing getting past them. Michael Dineen(0-1), Stephen Calnan, and Eoin Kelly were the anchor for the team putting in huge effort especially when needed during the first half. Joe Collins(0-1) drove the team on from midfield. John O’Rourke's(0-12) undoubted skill was clear to all and was the star of the show. Timothy Nyhan got through a huge amount of work to take the load for others. Padraig Hodnett’s powerful running with the ball was unstoppable and opened up the game to set up many attacks. The inside forwards John O’Sullivan(1-1) and Sean O’Neill(2-1) were very dangerous and finished off the good moves to put daylight between the teams. The subs who played Padraig Hicks(0-1), Conor O’Callaghan and Eoin Lane all looked very capable and effective. Tom Collins and Andrew O’Callaghan were also among the subs.  This was a great climax to the effort put in by the team during the year and beyond any dreams when the idea was first proposed. The cup was presented to the captain Stephen Calnan amid scenes of great celebration. This was a historic first county hurling title and hopefully it will give a huge boost to the development of hurling in the area in the future. Well done to all the players involved and to the mentors who worked with them especially T.J. Collins, John Fitzpatrick, Michael Walsh and Johnny O’Sullivan.


Diarmaid O Donovan of County minor board prepares to present the cup




Captain Stephen Calnan makes his acceptance speech




John O'Sullivan, Colin McCarthy, Stephen Calnan, Timothy Nyhan,
Padraig Burke, Conor O'Callaghan and Andrew O'Callaghan, from west of Rowry river, celebrate



      02 November 2008

Kilmacabea U14 football team defeated Urhan, 5-04 vs 2-06, in the final of the league on Sunday 23/11/08 in Bantry. This completes a clean sweep of the league titles (hurling and football) for the year 2008.


Joint captains Liam Cahalane and Denny Hayes of Kilmacabea U14 football team being presented with the plaque
 



Joint captain Liam Cahalane making the acceptance speech after winning the U14 football league to complete the clean sweep of  titles(hurling and football) for the year 2008. Panel includes Kevin O’Donovan, David O’Donovan, Eamon O’Sullivan, Liam Cahalane, Declan O’Sullivan, Eoin Collins,  Denny Hayes, Martin Collins, Liam Thompson, Euan Tobin, Thomas French, Emma O’Callaghan, Fiona O’Sullivan, Aishling Cahalane, Diarmaid O’Callaghan, Oisin O’Sullivan, Richie O’Sullivan and Niall Hayes.

    02/11/08

On Sunday morning 2nd November the U12 footballers took on Pedlars in the final of the league in Ardfield. Again the conditions were good and the pitch was in excellent condition. In the first half the Kilmacs played second best to Pedlars who were flying and were on top throughout the pitch. Even though one of the goals was of the soft variety, the Kilmacs could have no complaints going in at half time, 8 points down on the score of Kilmacabea 0-4  Pedlars 2-6. Little did the crowd expect the turnaround that took place after half time and it was as if a different team took to the pitch. Taking over completely, they proceeded to cancel the deficit to the extent that they were 7 points up with minutes to go. While Pedlars did make a nervous finish with 2 goals in the final minutes  the Kilmacs held on for a deserved victory on the score 1-16 to 4-6. Each and everyone of the players can take pride in their performance and the way they played the game and what it meant could be seen in their joy at the end. Team – Matthew O’Neill, Shane O’Neill, Darren Whooley, Daniel O’Sullivan, Odhran Connolly, Aishling Cahalane, Euan Tobin(0-1), Martin Collins(0-1), Eoin O’Sullivan, Diarmaid O’Callaghan(0-12)(Captain), Kevin Whooley(1-1), Aidan Williamson, Sean French, Damian Gore(0-1), Tiernan Kerrisk, Ciaran French.

U12 League Champions

Kilmacabea U12 footballers after winning the League final against Pedlars on the score 1- 16 to 4-6 on Sunday 2/11/08 in Ardfield.

Back row Euan Tobin, Shane O’Neill, Aishling Chalane, Martin Collins, Diarmaid O’Callaghan, Odhran Connolly, Kevin Whooley, Aidan Williamson.

Front Damian Gore, Darren Whooley, Ciáran French, Matthew O’Neill, Tiernan Kerrisk, Sean French, Daniel O’Sullivan, Eoin O’Sullivan.

Tim John

Tim John Donoghue congratulating captain Diarmaid O' Callaghan
after his man of the match performance


    07/09/08      St. Fachtnas win west cork minor Championship

The combination of Kilmacabea and Carbery Rangers  as St Fachtnas may not have been a marriage made in heaven but it has certainly proved a successful union after contesting the West Cork minor hurling final against St. James at Ahiohill on Sunday 7th September. The early exchanges were even with scores being exchanged and there was little between the sides. Towards the end of the first half St. Fachtnas were able to use their physical advantage and with some good use of the ball and space were able to create openings and with 3 chances being converted into goals they had a firm grip of the game at half time on the score 3 –10 to 0 –7. St. James made a determined effort in the second half and did close the gap  but St. Fachtnas always had enough in reserve to hold out for a historic victory on the score 4-16 to 2-16. All the players showed that they have listened to their mentors in developing the skills of the game. Padraig Burke was very reliable in goal. Colin McCarthy and Mike Walsh were a good last line of defence and were impenetrable all through. The half line of Eoin Kelly, Stephen Calnan and Paudie Hodnett were very strong with some great surging runs to set up attacks. Joseph Collins(0-3) got through a huge amount of work around the middle. Timothy Nyhan(1-0) used his size to advantage and he had two very able and skilful wing men in Conor O’Callaghan(0-1) and Sean O’Neill(0-1). The inside line were lethal with two very good finishers in John O’Sullivan(1-4) and John O’Rourke(1-6) who showed all his  ability when he moved out the field. Subs used from a plentiful supply were Padraig Donovan(of Maultrahane stock), Kieran Fitzpatrick, Padraig Hicks(1-1) vital scores, Andrew O’Callaghan and Michael Dineen. Well done to the mentors T.J. Collins and John Fitzpatrick for harnessing the resources to a cohesive unit.




Stephen Calnan accepting the West Cork minor hurling championship cup on behalf of St. Fachtnas



The panel celebrating their year!

        22/08/08

The Junior Football championship semi final against champions Bandon, was played in Rosscarbery in perfect conditions
 last Friday evening. Kilmacabea started very well with three early points but were rocked by a three goal blitz to leave
 them trailing by nine points. However they steadied the ship with three good points before half time to reduce the margin
 to a more manageable but still daunting six. On resumption substitute John C. Keohane recently returned to the panel was
called on to help the forward division allowing captain Diarmuid O Donovan drop back into his more familiar defensive role
and Kilmacs began to dominate the exchanges. Gradually the deficit was reduced to four points. John C. knocked in a goal
and it was anyone’s game. A well taken point levelled it. But champions don’t surrender easily and Bandon using their
superior physical strength and greater experience of the big-time damped the Kilmacabea momentum and reclaimed the lead
with a point and with time running out they cut through for a fourth goal to make sure of their place in the final. Kilmacs were
left wondering what they have to do to break through, what for them has become something of a glass ceiling, of the
semi final. What they have to do of course is keep up the good work because a lot of good work has been done by all
concerned. The complete panel of players, the officers and especially the team manager Dan Hourihane and his fellow
selectors Kevin McCarthy and John O Sullivan can be very proud of their efforts.        

        09/08/08

West Cork U-14 championship Triumph!!!

After much uncertainty the West Cork U-14 championship final went ahead on Saturday 9th August in Skibbereen when the Kilmacs took on Ilen Rovers. This was a test of endurance as well as skill as the game started in a downpour which proceeded to get worse. But while conditions were extremely testing, it did not affect the standard of football played, which was top drawer. It seemed to be tougher for the spectators than the players who did not let it affect the play. The Kilmacs started with the advantage of the wind and were well on top possession wise. However, despite their dominance they were finding scores hard to come by. They got the lift needed when Liam Thompson scored a goal from a free kick in the 6th minute and from here they pushed on. With all the team working for each other they were dominant throughout the pitch. Ilen were a skilful side, were making attacks and did create some opportunities of their own, but the Kilmacs defence was tight and coping well. Going in at half time the Kilmacs were ahead on the score of 4-5 to 1- 2.

Kilmacs started the second half as the first and but for a number of top class saves by the Ilen goalie could have stretched their lead further. The game continued as a contest and while the Kilmacs had a clear lead the Ilen were creating opportunities of their own to give their supporters some cheer. At the final whistle the Kilmacs were the winners on the score 5- 10 to 3-6 to add the football title to the hurling title won by this group in July and to celebrate a historic first double for the club. This was a powerful team performance with every player playing their part. The defence was sound and resolute, midfield dominated possession and the attack worked hard for each other and linked excellently to create their scores. The cup was presented to the joint captains Liam Cahalane and Denny Hayes by the chairman of Bord na nOg Mr Aidan O’Rourke. Thanks to Ilen Rovers for a sporting contest. Thanks to the referee Pat Fitzgerald for a job well done in difficult conditions and the O’Donovan Rossa club officials for braving the conditions. Well done to those who have worked with this group including William Williamson, Karl McCarthy, May Cahalane, Tom Hayes and John Keohane. The Team: Denny Hayes, Liam O’Driscoll, Fiona O’Sullivan, Declan O’Sullivan, Eamon O’Sullivan(2-0), Euan Tobin, Niall Hayes(2-0), Liam Cahalane, Oisin O’Sullivan(0-2), Liam Thompson(1-1), Richie O’Sullivan(0-2), Martin Collins, Diarmaid O’Callaghan(0-5), David O’Donovan Eoin Collins, Emma O’Callaghan, Thomas French, Kevin O’Donovan, Jonathon O’Regan, Aishling Cahalane.


Aidan O'Rourke, Chairman of West Cork Bord nOg presenting the cup to joint captains Denny Hayes and Liam Cahalane.



The team celebrates their victory.



The team celebrate their impressive season!

        26/07/08

In Kilmacabea’s last two junior football games the main talking point was how lucky they were to be still in the championship. In last Saturday evenings replay against Gabriel Rangers it was their tremendous work rate coupled with some good football which saw them through. Again a very lively start was not reflected on the scoreboard. Good defence on both sides kept the score down to one point each into the second quarter. Tom Sheahan who was having a good game at centre field had to come off injured. His youthful partner in the centre Kevin O Sullivan rose to the occasion with some great fielding, ably assisted by substitute Noel McCarthy. Half time saw Kilmacs ahead at 0-4 to 0-2.

 The second half was tit for tat with Kilmacs holding on to their slender lead. As the time ticked away could they hold out or was there a goal in Gabriels? Their corner forwards especially looked threatening when in possession but were being well policed by Sam O Driscoll and Micheal Donovan. Veteran Aidan Glavin was asked to make way for the reintroduction of somewhat recovered Tom Sheahan who moved in around the edge of the square and Kilmacs slipped into a higher gear. The lead was stretched to three points. Then a long ball in was fielded by Tom and quickly crossed by Donncha McCarthy to John O Driscoll who flicked it into the net. Two more points were added in quick succession making the gap eight points. The Western men had the final act in the drama in injury time with an opportunist goal, amid some confusion as to whether it was from play or a quick free, leaving the full time score 1-10 to 1-5, a more accurate reflection of the overall game. So Kilmacabea have again reached their high-water mark of a semi-final place for the third time in four years.

New local monthly draw  

Construction of the new club facilities is making great progress in John William Goulding Park. When completed it will compliment the excellent playing surface, which has resulted from last years upgrading of the pitch. It stood up extremely well to this years difficult weather, despite being used continuously by the clubs thirteen football and hurling teams. It is envisaged that this number will increase in future years, with the possibility of under 21 and junior hurling teams emerging.

Inevitably all this very welcome development has stretched club finances. The very successful 2006 fund raising drive and the National Lottery grant etc.is covering about two thirds of the outlay. A Credit Union loan was secured to cover the balance. To meet repayments of this loan it has been decided to hold a local monthly draw, with a prize fund of one thousand euro each month and tickets ten euro each. There will be a total of 84 prizes in the course of the year giving approximately a one in three chance to subscribers of having a favourable return on their investment. When completed this grounds development will greatly enhance the facilities available to young people locally and secure the future of Kilmacabea Club for years to come.


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Kilmacabea GAA would like to thank the following people for sponsering club jerseys:
Adult jerseys - P.J. O'Brien Haulier, Leap
U-16 jerseys - Hayes Brothers, Cullinagh Construction
U-12 jerseys - T. O'Donovan & Sons Ltd., Leap
U-10 jerseys - Pat Whooley Wrought Iron, Shreelane