Hurling

1st year Limerick Colleges Hurling

On Thursday 8th October the 1st years of Charleville CBS topped their blitz at Castletown/Ballyagran GAA grounds. Also in the group were near neighbours Coláiste Ciarán, Croom and Ard Scoil Mhuire, Bruff.

Charleville lined out against Croom in their first match and started very strongly with great scores from Cillian O’Gorman and Bill Cagney. Mid-way through the first half Darren Casey sliced through the Croom defence, and laid on Shane Feane who banged the ball into the back of the Croom net.

It was a strong first half performance by Charleville CBS with great work coming from the very solid Darragh Cotter at full back and James Dillon and Darren Butler in the half-back line. Further scores by Charleville CBS left the half time score at 1-7 to 0-3 points in favour of the CBS

Croom started the second half much stronger and got a few fine early scores. Charleville had their backs to the wall but battled gamely, David Geary showed his class taking some great scores under huge pressure from the Croom defence. With minutes to go the game was in the balance. Captain James Fitzgerald was having a great game now at centre back beside Patrick Carey who hurled two fine matches. Goalie Ciarán Carey put his body on the line in the dying moments to ensure a result for Charleville. The game ended 2-9 to 2-9 after a thrilling finish. 21 players in total hurled for Charleville in what turned out to be a very good performance working hard right to the finish.

Croom defeated Bruff by 4 points meaning that Charleville would have to win their match with Bruff by 5 points or greater to top the group. Right from the start Charleville got going led by the industrious Darren Butler at mid-field who opened with two amazing points after bursting through the Bruff defence several times in the opening minutes. Cillian O’Gorman, David Geary and Dylan Brazil all netted for the CBS in the opening 10 minutes leaving the CBS with a commanding lead of 3-3 to 0-1. Gerald Barry and Shane Madigan were working hard up front for Charleville while Seán Galvin and Mark Crowley were very solid at the back.

Odhran Hennessy and Michael Mortell were introduced at the start of the second half to improve things further. Also introduced were Darren Fitzgibbon, Nathan Moloney and Thomas Carroll who all played their part in the victory for Charleville. The game ended 5-7 to 2-3 following two more goals from David Geary at full forward.

Charleville CBS first years took part in their second blitz on Thursday 23rd October. This time they faced up to Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher, Árd Scoil Mhuire, Bruff and Árd Scoil Rís, Limerick again played in Castletown/Ballyagran GAA grounds.

Dromcollogher were first up and they proved to be worthy opponents indeed. It was point for point in the opening minutes with Cillian O’Gorman and David Geary on the scoreboard for Charleville. At the back Darren Butler and Patrick Carey were dominating the half backline with Shane Feane working tirelessly at mid-field. At the break it was nip and tuck, Charleville with a slender two point lead, five points to three.

The second half was again hard fought until mid way through when Cillian O’Gorman struck a ground ball low to the back of the Dromcollogher net after hard work by Darren Fitzgibbon, Shane Madigan and Odhran Hennessey. James Fitzgerald and Darren Casey were hurling well and this meant that Charleville had a strong hold on the game. It finished 1-9 to 0-5 in favour of Charleville CBS.

In their second match they played Árd Scoil Rís and this promised to be a ding dong battle as there is a great rivalry between the two schools in Limerick Colleges hurling. Charleville started the brighter and opened with a goal and two points in the early minutes, the goal coming from a long ball into the square and doubled on by Darragh O’Callaghan who had a great opening half. It wasn’t long before Charleville had their second, Dylan Brasil brought down in the square and the resulting penalty was dispatched by Cillian O’Gorman. Árd Scoil then started to get on top, and had a lot of play towards the end of the half. Thanks to some mighty defending from Seán Galvin, Darragh Cotter, and Mark Crowley and in goals Bill Cagney, Árd Scoil was limited to just four points in the half.

Charleville went in at half time 2-2 to four points up but were put under pressure right from the start. Despite great effort from James Dillon and James Fitzgerald Charleville still found themselves losing their slender lead. With just five minutes to go David Geary rattled over point to put the CBS two points up but this would not be enough as Ard scoil finished the stronger outscoring the CBS by five points in the dying minutes. It finished Charleville 2-4 Árd Scoil Rís 1-10.

Nathan Moloney and Thomas Carroll made their first starts for the Charleville CBS against Bruff in the third match of the day and both got into it right from the start. This was a much less intensive affair with Charleville racking up some great scores more notably a David Geary goal from 20 yards and a Michael Mortell volley over the Bar. Darren Butler also powered on scoring a goal and two points from midfield while his partner Shane Feane slotted over a lovely long range effort. The score ended 2-6 to 3 points

Bill Cagney (Ballyagran), Patrick Carey (Effin), Darragh Cotter (Ballyagran), Shane Feane (Effin), James Dillon (Ballyagran), Darren Butler (Charleville), Cillian O'Gorman (Milford), James Fitzgerald (Charleville), Darren Casey (Charleville), Darragh Brown (Newtown Shandrum), David Geary (Newtown Shandrum), Sean Galvin (Milford), Odhran Hennessey (Kilmallock), Darren Fitzgibbon (Charleville), Michael Mortell (Ballyhea), Mark Crowley (Ballyhea), Nathan Moloney (Charleville), Gerald Barry (Ballyagran), Thomas Carroll (Charleville), Shane Madigan (Kilmallock), Darragh O'Callaghan (Charleville), Dylan Brasil (Charleville) Ciaran Carey (Charleville)

Rice Cup (Under 14 Hurling)

The Rice cup 1st rounds are played in a blitz format with the top two teams from each group progressing to the Quarter Finals. Ennis CBS, Doon CBS, Mt. Sion CBS and Abbey CBS were in our group played on the 25th of March 2010 in Morris Park, Thurles.

Charleville CBS 2-5 Doon CBS 1-2

First up was Doon CBS who we had already beaten in the First year hurling competition. As games are only 15 minutes aside, it is important to start well and we did thanks to an early goal from David Geary. Further scores from Darren Casey, Eugene O’Leary and again David Geary increased our advantage coming to the end of the first half. Impressive displays from Darren Butler, James Dillon, James Fitzgerald and Chris Walsh meant that we led by six points at the break. Doon inevitably made their comeback in the second half and brought the lead back to two points with a well taken goal. With the game in the balance Charleville dug deep and with another opportunistic goal from the excellent David Geary, we held out for a well earned four point win.

Charleville CBS 2-6 Mount Sion 0-2

Next up was Mount Sion of Waterford City who we new very little about. Playing with a strong wind in the first half we dominated the game but failed to take great scoring opportunities. Robbie Hanley, Darren Casey, David Geary and two great long range efforts from James Fitzgerald gave us a 5 point advantage at half time. An early goal from Mount Sion in the second half mirrored the first game and again big players for Charleville stood up and drove things on for us. Cillian O’Gorman, Shane Feane, Darragh Brown and Darren Butler all put in sterling performances as we reaffirmed our lead mid way through the second half. Goals from Eugene O'Leary and David Geary sealed victory in the closing five minutes.

Charleville CBS 3-4 Abbey CBS 1-5

In the third match of the day, Abbey CBS were to be the challengers. This time we began the match playing against the breeze and therefore struggled in the opening minutes going four points behind early on despite great work from Darragh Cotter and Patrick Carey who gave nothing away in our full back line the whole tournament. With two minutes to go in the half great work from Darragh Brown and Nathan Maloney put Eugene O'Leary through for a goal that put the minimum between the sides at half time. We dominated the second half and quickly took the lead with two goals coming from David Geary. Fine performances from Darren Casey, Mark Crowley, Chris Walsh and Bill Cagney who played half the match in goals and half the match corner forward all helped steer Charleville to victory.

Charleville CBS 2-5 Ennis CBS 0-1

With qualification secure we were now playing for top spot against Ennis CBS. Again David Geary was the star up front taking some great scores. Sean Galvin, Michael Mortell and Darren Fitzgibbon were all working hard, while Odhran Hennessey in goals brought off two great saves. A goal each from Darren Casey and Robbie Hanley sealed the victory as we ran out easy winners in the end. We now face Thurles CBS in the coming weeks in the quarter final of this very prestigious competition.

Bill Cagney (Ballyagran), Patrick Carey (Bruree), Darragh Cotter (Ballyagran), Shane Feane (Bruree), James Dillon (Ballyagran), Darren Butler (Charleville), Cillian O'Gorman (Milford), Chris Walsh (Kilmallock), James Fitzgerald (Charleville), Darren Casey (Charleville), Robbie Hanley (Kilmallock), Darragh Brown (Newtown Shandrum), David Geary (Newtown Shandrum), Eugene O'Leary (Ballyhea), Sean Galvin (Milford), Odhran Hennessey (Kilmallock), Darren Fitzgibbon (Ballyhea), Michael Mortell (Ballyhea), Mark Crowley (Ballyhea), Nathan Moloney (Charleville), Gerald Barry (Ballyagran), Dylan Lee (Charleville)

Charleville CBS 2-5 Thurles CBS 0-9

The Quarter-Final of the Rice Cup Between Charleville CBS and Thurles CBS went right down to the wire as Charleville CBS held out to claim their place in the final. Played in Tipperary Town on the 20th April in superb conditions, these two fine teams displayed a materclass in hurling.

It was Thurles who began the brighter taking some nice scores and putting the Charleville defence under pressure early on. James Fitzgerald opened Charleville's account as Thurles led 4 points to one after 15 minutes. In the 20th minute, Eugene O'Leary broke through the Thurles defence only to see his shot saved by the Thurles goalie. Charleville were now firmly in the game, but were still finding it hard to clock up the scores.

Great work from Patrick Carey and the outstanding Darragh Cotter in the full back line were keeping Thurle at bay while Darren Casey and Chris Walsh began to dominate further up the field. It was point for point in the closing minutes of the half as O'Leary scored two vital points to keep Charleville in the hunt, one of those shots whizzing over the crossbar. This left it at 6 points to 3 in favour of Thurles at the break.

Charleville came out strong in the second half as centre back Darren Butler began to exert himself on the game. After great work from Darragh Browne Charleville finally broke down the Thurles defence through David Geary who rifled to the back of the Thurles net. Charleville now in the lead for the first time in the match, thanks to two more points from Eugene O'Leary were dominent. This pressure was again rewarded when Dylan Lee picked up a great ball in and rounded his marker to score a second goal for Charleville.

Inevitably Thurles fought back and with a slender four point lead, it was always going to go right down to the final whistle. Robbie Hanley was defiant throughout this period of Thurles dominance as were half backs James Dillon, Killian O'Gorman and Shane Feane. Still Thurles pushed on and with just two points between the teams and time up, the Charleville defence held strong led by goal-keeper Odhran Hennessey.

This was an excellent team performance by Charleville CBS with leaders emerging throughout the field. They now march on to the semi-final where the opposition is, as of yet, unknown

UNDER 15 MUNSTER COLLEGES

Charleville CBS were defeated in the first round of the Under 15 Munster Colleges hurling championship by a very strong Tulla side from Co Clare. Though beaten by seven points at tthe end this was a game that hung in the balance until the last five minutes. Playing against the wind in the first half CBS were having to defend resolutely but conceded two goals despite some excellent saves by Mikey Browne in goal.At half time the score was 2 10 to 0 6. In the second half CBS battled well and were only 5 points down with 10 minutes to play. Pat O Callaghan and Jamie Moloney had scored two goals to bring CBS into the game. Conor Twomey, Jack Buckley, Noel Foley, Jonathan Mc Carthy and Luke Hanley were doing everything they could around the middle of the field to claw Tulla back. The Clare keeper made three excellent saves in the dying minutes to deny O Callaghan. In the end Tulla snatched a couple of goals towards the end to ensure victory and a passage to the semi final.

CBS TEAM Mikey Browne, Liam O Shea, Michael Curtin, Chris Walsh, Luke Hanley, Jonathan McCarthy, Kyle McCarthy, Jack Buckley, Noel Foley, Daniel Relihan, Conor Twomey, James Fitzgerald, Pat O Callaghan,Jamie Moloney, J P Moloney, Subs used, Eugene O Leary, Darren

Limerick Colleges (Under 16 ½ Hurling)

Charleville CBS 2-7 Hazelwood College 0-9

The first round was played in atrocious weather conditions on Wednesday the 24th March as both schools battled it out for a place in the semi-final. Drom were the superior side in the first half, with 6 of the 8 points coming from play. Only for centre forward David Reidy's accurate free taking, Charleville would have been in serious trouble at the break. Instead at half time, thanks to Reidy's 5 points, Charleville trailed by 3. With only Alan Dennehy, Jonathan McCarthy and John Morrissey holding their own, it was hard to see where a Charleville fight back would come from.

On the resumption, Drom were out of the blocks first and extended their lead to 4. However, with the Charleville midfield pairing of Kieran Murphy and Conor Twomey getting on top and Gavin Kelleher having the beating of his man, Charleville were rewarded in the 38th minute with an excellent Ciaran Ryan goal. This was closely followed by a point from the sideline from James O'Brien, who was dominant throughout the half. Midway through the second period, a save from the Drom keeper was batted to the net by the hitherto quiet Dean Copps. This gave the locals the lead for the first time, which they were not to relinquish, despite the trojan efforts of Hazlewood in the final five minutes.Charleville dominated Drom throughout the second half. A David Reidy free wrapped up the Charleville scoring to see them into the semi final against Doon CBS at home.

Kinnane Cup (Under 16 ½ Hurling)

Charleville CBS 3-15 Cashel CS 1-6

The prospects were bright for Charleville CBS in this Munster under 16 ½ competition. As defending champions we were always going to be the team to beat. In the first round we saw off Cashel Community School on the 14th October, with a comprehensive win over the Tipperary Opposition. We got off to a great start with Gavin Kelleher and Dylan McCarthy making a huge impact upfront. By half time we were up four points and hurling strong with Alan Dennehy, John Morrissey and Conor Twomey dominating in the half backline.

In the second half we added to our advantage as the challenge from Cashel dwindled. An injury to centre half back Alan Dennehy didn’t help things but for captain, David Reidy standing in to soak up the pressure in the final minutes of the game. We ran out 3-15 to 1-6 winners in the end with sterling performances from John Madigan, Alan Dennehy, David Reidy and Pa O’Callaghan up front.

Charleville CBS 0-13 Nenagh 1-8

In the Semi-Final Nenagh CBS were the challengers having been narrowly beaten in last years final. The wet conditions did not take from what was a wonderful game of hurling, David Reidy, Pa O’Callaghan and Alan Dennehy all standing out in the first half. With only two points in it at half time it was going to take a mighty effort in the second half and thanks to the work of Conor Twomey, Dean Copps and James O'Brien Charleville found themselves 2 points up with ten minutes to go. Neangh really put on the pressure in the final quarter and began to dominate the game. It went right down to the wire but thankfully we held out to gain our spot in the final.

Charleville CBS 1-14 Coláiste Chríost Rí 3-13

It was to be an all Cork affair with Coláiste Chríost Rí of Cork City travelling up to Ballyhea for the final. We began brightly with fine scores from James O’Brien and Pa O’Callaghan. Chriost Rí then hit their purple patch showing great speed up front and taking some fine scores including a goal in the 13th minute. With just a few minutes remaining in the half Pa O'Callaghan brushed past the Chríost Rí defence to fire home from 14 yards out, leaving Charleville 4 points up at half time.

The second half did not go as well as Chríost Rí dominated the opening period. Two goals in quick succession rocked our defence and left us trailing by 6 points with just 10 minutes left to play. It was all to play for in the closing minutes, as James O'Brien opened up the Chríost Rí defence only to blast the ball over the bar. Conor Twomey was shoved up the field in the dying moments and brought off a fine save from the opposing goal keeper. However it was not to be our day and we were denied a Munster Colleges double. David Reidy led by example with TJ Garvey making some fine saves in the goals. James O'Brien, Pa O'Callaghan, Alan Dennehy and Dylan McCarthy all hurled well on the day.

TJ Garvey (Ballyhea), Diarmuid O'Shaughnessy (Ballyhea), John Madigan (Charleville), Jonathan McCarthy (Ballyhea), John Morrissey (Ballyhea), Alan Dennehy (Charleville), Conor Twomey (Newtown Shandrum), Kieran Murphy (Effin), Dean Copps (Ballyhea), David Reidy (Athlacca), James O'Brien (Charelville), Pa O'Callaghan (Ballyhea), Ciaran Ryan (Charleville), Gavin Kelleher (Charleville), Dylan McCarthy (Kilmallock), Adrian McElligott (Ballyagran), Donal Cagney (Newtown Shandrum), Jack Walsh (Ballyagran), Cathal Casey (Charleville), Jamie Moloney (Charleville), Jason Connery (Charleville), Jack Buckley (Charleville), Noel Foley (Kilmallock), Liam O'Shea (Ballyhea), Daniel Relihan (Ballyhea), Mike Browne (Ballyhea), Luke Hanley (Ballyhea)

Limerick Colleges (Under 18 ½ Hurling)

Charleville CBS 3-22 Hospital 1-8

Charleville CBS senior hurling team began their year with a comprehensive win over Hospital in the Limerick Colleges Senior Hurling Semi-Final in Hospital on the 30th September 2009. Charleville got off to a great start with early scores from David Reidy, James O'Brien and two long range efforts from Mark Kavanagh. In Defence Barry McCarthy and Andrew Cagney were dominant and provided a great platform for the Charleville forwards. Mid way through the first half a high ball in to full forward John Madigan was caught and rifled to the back of the net. Charleville drove on from here and were never in danger of loosing this one.With the half back line on form it made it difficult for Hosptal to score or break through.

Fine performances from Shane Butler at wing back, Mark O'Loughlin and Timmy Rea at mid field and up front Darren Sheedy and Breandán Casey led to a first victory of the year for the CBS. The Final is yet to be played as Ard Scoil Rís on the other side of the draw are still involved in the Croke Cup (All-Ireland U-18 1/2) Competition.

TJ Garvey (Ballyhea), Stephen Roche (Ballyhea), Barry McCarthy (Charleville), Dean Copps (Ballyhea), Alan Dennehy (Charleville), Mark Kavanagh, (Charleville), Shane Butler (Charleville), Andrew Cagney (Charleville), Mark O'Loughlin (Kilmallock), Timmy Rea (Effin), Darren Sheedy (Effin), David Reidy (Athlacca), James O'Brien (Charleville), John Madigan (Charleville), Pa O'Callaghan (Ballyhea), Breandan Casey (Charleville), Barry Bresnihan (Ballyagran), Alan McCarthy (Charleville), Simon Gleeson (Charleville), John Morrissey (Ballyhea), John Fitzgibbon (Newtown Shandrum), Ciaran Ryan (Charleville), Conor Twomey (Newtown Shandrum), Kieran Murphy (Effin), Dara Carey (Ballyagran)

Charleville CBS 1-12 Ard Scoil Rís 0-18

Played on Wednesday 21st of April, this Limerick Colleges under 18 half hurling Keane Cup final was expected by many observers to be a one sided affair but the minnows pf colleges hurling once again punched above their wieght and nearly brought off a shock result.

The opening exchanges saw the expected early onslaught from the underdogs but when the Harty Cup champions and All-Ireland finalists withstood their efforts and scored two points on their first attacks, many feared the worst. However this Charleville side did not lie down and matched Ard Scoil for the remainder of the half. Andrew Cagney led by example and opened the scoring for Charleville as did his mid-field partner James O'Brien. The Half back line of Mark O'Loughlin, Mark Kavanagh, and Alan Dennehy were excellent throughout. Young Pa O'Callaghan with meagre possession had a brace of points as did half forward David Reidy. At the break, incredibly the locals were only two points adrift.

The champions as expected lifted their game in the second half but charleville matched their efforts. When O'Callaghan goaled to give the locals a two point lead, a shock was certainly on the cards. However like all good champions Ard scoil found another gear and their duperior fire power allowed them to finish strongly and enter the final moments with a three point lead. Charleville had a chance to level in the dying moments when a close-in free from David Reidy was fumbled by the keeper and taken off the line by the corner back, so ending a gallant effort from the CBS.

In defeat Charleville had many excellent perfomances with Shane Butler, John Madigan and Stephen Roachpreventing Ard Scoil from having any direct shot on Keeper TJ Garvey. Timmy Rae and captain Barry McCarthy worked tirelessly in the half forward line while inside them, Dean Copps with two excellent ponits and Breandán Casey were a constant threat. This result gives great hope for a stronger performance in next years Harty Cup campaign.

Harty Cup (Under 18 ½ Hurling)

Charleville CBS 1-11 Nenagh CBS 2-15

Charleville CBS were back hurling Harty Cup this year having won the Kinane Cup last year. Our first opposition was to be Nenagh CBS at Ballybricken on the 7th October 2009. It was score for score in the opening twenty minutes with neither side giving much away. An injury to Cork county minor Andrew Cagney left a hole in defence which Nenagh were quick to exploit, scoring a goal and two points just before the break. Nenagh led by five at the break despite the efforts of Mark O’Loughlin, Barry McCarthy and Alan Dennehy who were all in top form.

The introduction of Pa O’Callaghan put us right back in it when he took a brilliant goal just after half time. Another point from O'Callaghan put just three points between the teams and when he was pulled down in the square with 15 minutes to play it looked like Charleville could produce a shock result. The resulting shot was saved however after a brilliant effort from Mark Kavanagh. Nenagh pushed on from here and with Tipperary County minor Brian Stapleton at mid-field, proved too strong in the closing stages of the game winning 2-15 to 1-11

Charleville CBS 5-14 Coláiste an Spirit Naoimh 2-5

The Second match against Coláiste an Spirit Naoimh, Bishopstown on the 3rd November, went very differently as we raced into a huge lead in the opening half which we would never relinquish. Playing with a strong wind in the first half Charleville capitalised on this advantage with great scores coming from Pa O'Callaghan, Barry McCarthy and David Reidy. Charleville dominated the opening half but expected a big comeback from bishopstown in the second half taking into account a very strong breeze.

This revival failed to materialise as another goal from Pa O'Callaghan, his third of the day was to kill off the game as a contest. Mark Kavanagh, Andrew Cagney, Darren Sheedy, Barry McCarthy and Pa O’Callaghan all excelled in what was a great team performance.

Charleville CBS 0-9 Thurles CBS 2-16

We needed to win our last match to qualify for the Quarter-final. Last years Harty and All-Ireland Champions, Thurles CBS stood in the way. From the start we seemed under pressure and leaked a few soft scores, not hurling to our full potential. Barry McCarthy's absence was noticeable as his physical presence around the field would have made a difference. Mark O'Loughlin and Shane Butler tried hard against an endless Thurles onslaught.

Despite being behind by so much we came out in the second half and fought hard working better as a team. Pa O'Callaghan turned on the style around the middle of the field, as Stephen Roach and Alan Dennehy closed off the Tipperary side in defence; however nobody worked harder than Darren Sheedy up front. Thurles ran out convincing winners in the end but this was a very young Charleville CBS Harty Cup team and next year promises to be a very interesting one.