Cobh GAA Notes 21-07-12

Cobh u14 Footballers

U14 Football Championship Quarter Final : Russell Rovers 2-10 Cobh 3-2

Having produced our performance of the season so far in defeating Glenville in the previous round we had a more disappointing performance in damp and slippy conditions in Shanagarry. In spite of us having the advantage of the wind, Russell rovers took the game to us in the first half, and managed to score two early goals which always meant we were chasing the game. We never really got going until close to the end and we managed to score 3-1 in a final 15 minutes which at least restored some pride and was the cause of quite a bit of anxiety on the Russell Rovers bench. Highlights from a Cobh point of view was the performance of  Eoghan O’Flynn when particularly after being moved to centre back, and the performance of Sean Laffin and Morgan Doody is the second half. Once we began to perform in the second half both Morgan and Sean demonstrated lot of the things that we had all been working on in training :  winning first time possession and looking to take the ball beyond the first opponent. Sean’s first score for Cobh (goal) was the cause of some celebration, and good reward for hard work at training. Considering we hit the crossbar and had a disputed scramble where the ball appeared to cross the line, we could have stolen this game, but overall Russell Rovers were well worth their victory on the night. Scorers for Cobh were Neil Harte 1-1, Sean Laffin 1-0, Adam O’Donovan 1-0, and Sean Hilliard 0-1.

u14 Hurling Championship 

Our U14 hurlers advanced to reach the East division Championship Final by beating Cloughduv in an entertaining game at Ballinure (Ringmahon) on Wednesday night. This is a game in which we were always ahead, but had to endure some nervous moments during the early second half as Cloughduv looked like they might overturn a first half Cobh lead.

For the first half we played with the advantage of a brisk wind, but found it difficult to turn chances into scores, registering a number of wides, and finding the excellent Cloughduv keeper hard to beat. We tried several different formations up front to try to unlock the scores, and it was only really after the move of Ciaran Leahy to Full forward, and Sean Hilliard to the wing forward position, that we began to get some regular scoring going. A key moment was when corner forward Max Kahn got on the end of a long delivery and  first time flicked the ball to the net to register our only goal of the first half. We finished the first half with a 1-8 to 1-2 lead. The big question was would that be enough considering we had to face the wind in the second half.

Cloughduv started the second half well, and grabbed an early goal, which was followed by two points, reducing the gap to just one point, but with 15 minutes to go Neil Harte shook the net having found a loose ball around the edge of the penalty area. This score was to mark a change in fortune for the Cobh team, and the scores started to flow. The pick of the scores was a fantastic point by Ciaran Leahy from near the sideline just in front of the large and, at this stage, rejuvenated group of Cobh supporters. Again the Cloughduv keeper was to make several fine saves but when a slick series of short passes found captain Pádí Kearney in front of goal with just the keeper to beat, he registered our third, and the decisive goal of the match. We scored 2-4 in that last 15 mins, and won the match by those 10 points.

Overall it was a strong team performance against a determined Cloughduv team. We had to work hard throughout as you would expect in a championship semi-final. Several of the Cloughduv forwards were a constant threat (particularly in their full forward line), but in the back line we had excellent performances throughout  from Jeffrey McCarthy, Odhran Kidney Power, and Aaron Dolan. Our midfield and forwards changed a lot during the game as we sought to unlock the scores, but  throughout the game our strong midfield diamond of David Coffey, Adam O’Donovan, Pádí Kearney, and Niall Spriggs provided the leadership and drove the team forward. Up front we also did well, particularly in that final 15 minutes, but strongest performances throughout the game came from Ciaran Leahy and Sean Hilliard. Scorers for Cobh were Niall Spriggs 0-9, Max Kahn, Neil Harte and Pádí Kearney 1-0 each, Ciaran Leahy 0-2, and Sean Hilliard 0-1.

In the East Division Final we will meet either Passage or Glen Rovers who clash on Thursday 19^th. Final is expected to be on Wednesday 25^th July with final confirmation of fixture, opponents and location, following completion of the other semi final. Well done to the lads who have put a lot of effort into this campaign. We have had a fortunate series of home fixtures (Mayfield, Watergrasshill, and St Catherine’s) which has had the effect building great local interest in this team. Mentors are regularly amazed at the depth of knowledge about this team and all of its individual players, within the GAA public in Cobh, and beyond. On their journey they have overcome several teams who would all have had genuine hopes of progress in this competition, and they fully deserve their place in the final. Well done lads.

Congratulations to David Coffey : Cork Fe 14 Football

Last month in our report on the Cobh Glenville U14 Football  Championship match we commented on “the confident performance of David Coffey in goals with several great saves and always long and accurate kick outs and clearances”. Over the years, David has a long history of confident performances in goals in important Gaelic football matches (particularly against Glenville). But this was to be an especially important game for David because, directly as a result of it, he was brought to the attention of the Cork U14 football selectors, and invited him to join the U14 development squad for regular training sessions. This has lead to David being selected on the Cork panel to compete in the Jim Power U14 Football Tournament. This year marks the 20th year of the tournament which will be held on July 14th at various West Waterford venues, and sees Cork compete against  teams from Kerry North,  Tipperary, Waterford, Kerry South, Clare, and Limerick. David brings with him the best wishes of the Cobh GAA club, and the Club will also be extending their thanks to the Glenville Club for their strong recommendations on David’s  behalf, to the Cork U14 development squad mentors.

Other Results:

Minor Football Championship: Cobh 3-6 Ballinhassig 1-11

u21 Hurling Championship: Cobh 1-10 Fr. O Niells 3-16

Cobh Family Fun Day 2012

Come along to Cobh GAA on the 4th of August (2-6pm) for a Fantastic Fun Filled Day for all the family.

Events Include:

• Bouncing Castles
• Face Painting
• Novelty Races
• Penalty Shoot-Outs
• Long Puck

Live Music form “Aces Wild” and Bar and Hot Food Available on the Day.

Admission €5 and €20 for a family ticket!