Imokilly play Avondhu in semi-final of Cork SFC Colleges / Division Section

Imokilly footballers line out in the semi-final of the Cork SFC Colleges/Division Section in St Catherines grounds in Ballynoe on Thursday evening, June 30th, at 7.30pm. Imokilly played Carbery in the first round and played some great football, but were overcome in the run-in by an injection of Carbery’s strong subs and hard work by the O’Driscoll brothers and Rory Deane.

We were due to play Muskerry last week, but due to circumstances beyond their control they did not field a team and next up, it’s the men from North Cork. Eoin Burke, Kilshannig; Jamie O’Gorman Kilshannig; Dave Pyne and Darragh O’Brien, Glanworth and Shane Beston, are all mightily experienced, Avondhu already have defeated Beara.

However, while I agree it’s tough to keep a divisional team going, Eoin O’Neill and his management outfit have made a great effort with the Imokilly panel.

While they lack games and may not have big stars sprinkled about the place like their opponents, I expect them to have a right cut off Avondhu and if we keep it going for the hour this time, we could be in with a great chance. Imokilly abú.

EAST CORK JUNIOR A JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The East Cork Junior A Football Championship threw in last Friday evening in Lisgoold with Bride Rovers defending their title against Cloyne, with Eoin Coleman of Youghal on the whistle. Cloyne ran up a lead of 1-3 before Rovers managed their first score, a point, well after twenty minutes.

There was only a goal in it at half-time 1-3 to 0-3 in favour of Cloyne.

However, the poor start by Rovers was the difference all through as Cloyne ran out winners 1-9 to 0-5.

Cobh, who are going well in hurling and football leagues this season, had a surprisingly big win over Midleton 1-11 to 0-4.

Elsewhere, Carrig na bhFear had a facile 8 point victory over Youghal by 1-16 to 2-5. Lisgoold and Aghada had well merited victories over Erins Own and Glenbower Rovers respectively, while Carrigtwohill and Castlemartyr fought out a dour draw, 1-5 apiece.

There are some cracking games this week as follows: Sunday 3/7 Lisgoold v Youghal in Killeagh at 12 midday, ref Arthur Murphy. Monday 4/7 Cloyne v Aghada, Killeagh at 8pm, ref Niall O’Neill. Wednesday 6/7 Erins Own v Carraig na bhFear in Glenville at 7.30pm, ref Andrew Dorgan. Thursday 7/7 Midleton v Carrigtwohill, venue TBC at 7.30pm, referee TBC.

EAST CORK CHAMPIONSHIP

PROGRAMMES

Folks, it’s championship season and we, our patrons are back in numbers to our games. We must ensure customer service as they expect an accurate programme for the game. However, it has already come to notice that some clubs did not even play according to numbers last week. So going forward, please supply a proper team / list using proper numbering, otherwise it will be a matter of a fine for the relevant club by the Board. Just be fair to the patrons who have paid to attend the game and to your opponents.

WORD ON EAST CORK LEAGUES

Due to some clubs having difficulties fixing their final games in the Junior Hurling Leagues 1, 2 and 3 Div, due to clashes with the Junior A Football Championship, etc. the CCC has decided to extend the deadline from Sunday, July 3rd to Wednesday, 6th July. Any games fixed after this date will not be accepted.

AGE GRADES TO BE REVIEWED

The recent meeting of Coiste Bainistíochta has set up a special work group to examine the issue of age grades in the GAA. The 2022 Congress saw several different motions on age grades and on how they should be defined. This new group will explore all the issues raised and provide recommendations for a Special Congress to be held later this year. Make your club’s voice heard and get in touch with your county board rep and Central Council delegate.

REVIEW OF CENTRAL COUNCIL ROLE

Ard Chomhairle, or Central Council, is the main decision-making body in the GAA outside of annual Congress. Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy has just announced a new work group to review the role of Ard Chomhairle and to ensure it runs the Association effectively. The group will be chaired by the experienced Iar-Uachtarán Christy Cooney from Youghal.

Every club sends a representative to its county board and every county board has delegates that represent them at Central Council. It’s important that this pathway for clubs to feed into the thinking and decisions of the Association is working.

CORK GAA SEASON TICKETS

Cork GAA season tickets are now on sale at €150 each. This ticket covers all games under the jurisdiction of Cork County Board which includes junior, intermediate and senior hurling and football championships, but does not include championship games in the divisions. If purchased for the commencement of the championship this ticket is excellent value. The Cork GAA Club season ticket can be bought online doing a little bit of manoeuvering by going to the ‘More’ section of the Cork website, then Cork GAA Offers and finally into the little section ‘Buy club season’ ticket. However, should you have any difficulty in that, I have no doubt the County Board office will assist.

IMOKILLY SENIOR HURLERS PREPARE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Hurling preparation under Denis Ring and his group is very limited as lads are unavailable due to the football championship and club games. However, they have gathered a few Monday evenings and got in a recent challenge game. Hopefully, Shamie Harnedy, St Ita’s and Ciarán Joyce, Castlemartyr will be back in harness with the division soon. Anyways, the championship does not commence until August so plenty of time to get in some preparation.

ELTON JOHN IN THE PÁIRC ON FRIDAY

This Friday, Elton John comes to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for a concert. The gates are open at 6pm with the show commencing at 8pm sharp. Don’t be stuck for a lift from the town as the stadium is accessible by all public transport as Bus Eireann will operate a 202 direct from Lapps Quay to Monahan Road every ten minutes from 5pm to 8.30pm. Let’s hope the weather is fine as it is another major boost to the city.