Passage West GAA

Junior A Football

The Junior A Footballers went back training in January eager to improve on their 2003 performances. A team meeting was held at the start of the year to give the players a chance to air their views. The outcome was very positive with all the players present agreeing to give the year their best shot. Both football panels trained together and the benefits could be seen later on in the year when Seamus O'Flynn, Diarmuid Holly and Michael Rea, (who all started the year in the B panel) went on to play starring roles in the championship.

The players showed a great attitude in training, which was a lot tougher than recent years. A trip to Dundee was organized and this played a huge part in building team morale. During the year there was a steady progression in performances with the team peaking in the championship. They received a bye in the first round when Delaneys couldn't field a team, they then defeated Na Piarsaigh by a point in the quarter final. The second half was one of the best seen by a Passage team in recent years. They came up against a much fancied Nemo team in the semi final. Passage rattled them and all who witnessed this great display, felt that inexperience cost Passage a place in the final.

This was a very young Passage side with the majority of the players coming from last years U-21 B championship winning team. The older members of the squad helped the younger players all year and hopefully the lads will have learned from the experience.

There was big improvement in the League performances this year with wins against Mayfield, St Michaels, Carrigaline and narrow defeats to Douglas, St Finbarrs and Bishopstown. In the McSweeney cup Passage defeated Na Piarsaigh in the quarter final before losing to Whites Cross in the semi final in what was the teams last game of the year.

Manager Ciaran O'Reilly was pleased with the teams improvement but feels the next step must be taken to win some silverware. His vision for next year is a more professional approach, an improvement in mental attitude and more work on the skill factor. The team will need a few new players next year with Brian Culloty and Michael Rea showing what new faces can do for the panel. They brought a vast amount of experience, which was a benefit to the younger players.

Ciaran is also worried about the amount of injuries that the dual players are picking up. He feels training should be lightened and will sit down with the hurling manager to discuss the problem at the start of next season. Thanks to the management and players for all the effort they put in over the year.

Junior B Football

Having finished runners-up in the C league in 2003 Passage were promoted to the B league this season. A total of 51 players were used during the year and despite the constant changing of personnel the team performed consistently throughout the campaign. There were some great displays in the league with wins against Na Piarsaigh, Brian Dillons, Ballyphenane and sweetest of all against St.Nicks. who had beaten Passage in the final of the league last year. That final was the only match Passage lost in the league showing a proud record of nine wins and one draw.

Back to this season, the lads drew their first two league games against Lough Rovers and Douglas, both of which were away from home. In the championship they easily defeated Brian Dillon's in the first round by 14 points. Next up was Rathpeacon who were runners-up in the county final in 2003 and remained unbeaten this year. Passage gave them one of their hardest matches in what was a very tough and close game. Despite losing by 4 points manager Ciaran O'Reilly was very proud of the lads' performance on the night.

In the Seandun Cup Passage were beaten by Lough Rovers in the quarter final. Ciaran O'Reilly was pleased with the way the team improved and developed in the higher grade over the last 12 months. A lot of this improvement he feels is down to the two squads training together. There was a big effort in training with the players showing in fitness, mental attitude and ball skills. Dermot Holly, Seamus Flynn, and new kid on the block Michael Rea made it on to the A team and all played starring rolls in the A championship later in the year. So overall it has been a good season with the team establishing itself in the B league. Thanks to all the players(all 51 of them) who answered the call to arms and to the manager Ciaran O'Reillyand his side kick Paul Maxwell for all their time and effort during the year.They have brought a professional approach to the whole football set-up in the club over the last two years and the benefits can be seen in the performances on the pitch.

Junior B Hurling League Semi Final

Passage 0-15 Na.Piarsaigh 1-5

The Killer B’s defeated Na Piarsaigh to qualify for their first Hurling Final since 1991 last Sunday morning. The team in 1991 defeated Fr.O’Callaghans to win the League and the top scorer on the day was the great Justin Mc Carthy who was playing his last ever game for the boys in green before retiring. Top scorer last Sunday was another Legend Tom Harrington who I suspect will never retire. Harris scored 10 of the 15 points Passage put on the scoreboard in what was a vintage display. Na Piarsaigh were hot favourites going into the game as they had beaten Passage already this season. Passage started well and led by a point at the interval. The exchanges were very scrappy and Piarsaigh gave away several frees throughout the game. Mr.Harrington pointed every one given to break the Northsiders hearts. Piarsaigh couldn’t match the Passage lads hunger and commitment on the day. Old foes Lough Rovers await Passage in the final and I’m sure the lads can’t wait for this match to come around. Players to play well were Michael O’Sullivan, Jason O’Byrne, Harris, Papa and John Cotter.

Team: Paddy Carroll, Ralph Healy, Jason O’Byrne, Papa, Adrian Maxwell, Michael O’Sullivan, John Cotter, David Whitty, Gerry Dorgan, Ian Dargan, Tom Harrington, Ronan Power, Pat Sheehy, Dave Dorgan, Donal Enright

Subs Used: Mark Lenihan and Nicholas Lester

Manager: Kieran Keane

Selectors: Barry Fitzgerald and David Maxwell.

Passage West G.A.A. Club News Archive

Junior A Hurling

Great things were expected of the Junior A Hurlers at the start of the season. Having contested 3 of the last four City Championship Finals it was felt that 2004 would finally be the year that the championship would be won. Manager Bernie Meade plans for the year were dealt a huge blow at the start of the year when star players Niall Harrington and Conor Quigley headed off to Australia.The squad was further depleted when Nicholas Lester and Ralph Healy decided to drop down to the B panel as they couldn't give the time required to the Junior A Hurlers. Despite theses setbacks the team got off to a great start in the league drawing with Ballinhassig in the first game and following this with a big win against Ballygarvan, St.Vincents, Bishopstown and Brian Dillons.

Passage were drawn against old rivals Whitechurch in the first round of the championship and preparations were going well until the week before the game when star players Alan Keane and Eoghan O'Brien were injured and doubtful for the game. On the night Ozzie stared and only lasted 8 minutes while Alan only came on for the last quarter.

Junior B Hurling

The Junior B Hurlers affectionately known as the "Killer B's" were one of the great success stories of the year. They reached the semi final of the championship and narrowly missed out on a top four place in the league. Manager Billy Cotter called for a bigger effort from everyone at a players meeting in January and what a response he got. The players started road running at the start of February to build up their fitness.

Twice a week Billy put the lads through their paces and at this early stage one could see the players determination to do well. Barry Fitzgerald and Ollie Mehigan were drafted on to the backroom staff to help last years selectors Dave Maxwell and Russell Quigley. The squad was strengthened by the arrival of new players Willie Ashman, Paul Brady and Stephen Deasy. Goalkeeper Paddy Carroll came out of retirement, Nicholas Lester and Ralph Healy dropped down from the A panel after a slow start to the season in which they were defeated by Lough Rovers and Belgooly the B team gave a spectacular display in defeating Blackrock away from home in the league. They then defeated a poor Fr O'Callaghans team before turning on the style against Na Piarsaigh.

Towards the end of the season there were big wins against Brian Dillons, Douglas to leave them short just one point to qualify for the semi-finals. It was in the championship that this fine team left its mark. They defeated Nemo Rangers by 2 points in the first round to secure the clubs first win in the B championship in 10 years. Next up were Shandon Rovers who had defeated the Passage lads in 2003. This was the game that everything came together, and made all the training and effort worthwhile. The lads were outstanding hurling like men possessed and their second half performance will live long in the memory. They then met Lough Rovers (who were undefeated all year) in the semi-final. Passage gave them some fright before losing by 4 points in what was a great game of hurling. Billy and his management team are all staying on next year and have vowed to go one step further. It should be one rollercoaster of a year so hang on and enjoy the ride. Thanks to everyone who supported the team over the year your support was truly appreciated. Also thanks to the players and management for all their time and effort throughout the year.

MINOR FOOTBALL

With Willie Ashman at the helm the Minor Footballers were one of the great successes of the year. Passage got their season off to a flyer with a great win against Crosshaven in the League. Then they lost 2 games to Tracton and St. Finbarrs but one could see that the team were fast improving. The panel was starting to grow and Willie was developing a good team spirit. Next up was Kinsale and what a performance the Passage lads gave. They hammered a side who were unbeaten up to that stage by a scoreline of 4-14 to 0-2. This result qualified the team for the semi-final of the League and St. Vincents were the opposition. Passage defeated the team from the northside to set up a final showdown with Tracton which at the time of writing this magazine is still to be played. As a result of reaching the League Final Passage represented the City Division in the County League as Tracton are from the South East. The lads lost the quarter-final of this competition to Kilmurry by 2 points in November. Passage met Ballyphenane in the semi final of the City Championship after receiving a bye in the quarter-final. After a very close and tough game Passage advanced to the Final winning by 3 points in the end. The Final was a huge disappointment as Passage should have won the game. They missed several good goal scoring opportunities in the first half especially. The Barrs played a lot better in the second half to win the match and leave Passage down but not out. Willie Ashman has vowed to come back and win the trophy next year.

MINOR HURLING

Having failed to participate in any minor competitions in 2003 a big effort was made at the start of the year to make sure that there would be a sufficient number of players to field minor panels for 2004. Willie Ashman was chosen as manager and what a great decision this turned out to be. It was decided to enter the team in a 11 a side Hurling League and hopefully by Championship time there would be a full panel of players available. Passage defeated the Barrs in their first league game and then had a great win over neighbours Shamrocks in what was a fiercely contested game. Even at this stage it was clear to see that Willie was turning these young players into a fine hurling side.

By Championship time Passage with the addition of a few U-16 players were ready for battle. They received a bye at the quarter final stage and advanced to meet St. Finbarrs in the semi final. This was the teams best display of the year. They played some great hurling to crush the Togher team and march into the final where they would meet the Rockies. Blackrock just proved to be too strong for this gallant Passage side who were a credit to the Club. At the time of writing the team still has a League Final against Ballygarvan and a quarter final of the County League to look forward to. With the exception of Keith Forde this panel will all be minor again next year and with Willie Ashman hopefully staying at the helm this young side will be a force to be reckoned with. Thanks to Willie and the players for all their effort and hard work over the year.

U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

U-21 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

CLUBHOUSE OPENING

Passage West GAA Club which is one of the oldest clubs in the country finally opened the doors of its new Clubhouse on Thursday the 8th of April. The new Clubhouse is the result of several years of planning and intensive fundraising by members and supporters of our great club. The club was allocated a Lotto Grant from the Department of Sport for the project and the clubs hard working finance committee raised a significant amount of funds through various fundraising activities such as Golf Classics, Table Quizzes, Christmas Swims and Race nights over the years.

Without the Voluntary effort of so many players, members and supporters the Clubhouse wouldn't have opened on time. There were many late nights and Saturdays of work put in from last Christmas and on behalf of the club I would like to thank everyone who helped out. The Internal Décor of the Pavilion is a credit to everyone involved, the large balcony outside overlooks the pitch and is a great place to watch a match as I can testify (even better with a nice cold pint). I would like to thank the local Community for supporting this Venture and the club is now well equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead. There is live music every weekend and the club caters for all types of parties. Bookings can be taken through our Club Bar Manager Johnny Collins.

GOLF CLASSIC

2004 HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

TRIP TO DUNDEE

One of the highlights of the year was the visit in March of the Junior Football Panels to Dundee in Scotland. It was a brave decision taking the likes of Jonathan Leonard and Fitzy away on an overseas trip but everything worked out a treat. Passage were invited over by Fr. Eugene O'Sullivan who is a native of Kilkenny to play Abertay University. Abertay Gaelic Football Team was founded in 1996 and under the guidance of Fr Eugene they have won several Scottish and British Universities Championships. Fr Eugene is a colourful character who is famous in Dundee for making the Front Page of the local Newspaper, after he was sent off in a local Shinty match. The following weekend his team were playing Inverness and the player that was marking Fr. Eugene said "I better brush my hair if I am marking you, I might get in the paper". Fr Eugene really looked after the travelling party and everyone who travelled will have fond memories of a great weekend in Scotland. Thanks to Kevin O'Brien for helping me organise the trip.

Last Thursday night was a special night for the Passage Club as their excellent Minor Hurling team won the City Championship beating Bishopstown by 7 points in Ballinlough. Their was enormous pressure on the lads leading up to the final as they had lost 4 finals in the past 12 months but they rose to the occasion in style and finally banished all those painful defeats. Bishopstown started brightly and were 4 points up before Daniel “Podge” O’Leary opened Passage’s account with a well-taken point. Bishopstown replied with a free to open up a 4-point lead after a quarter of an hour. Worryingly for Passage 4 of their points came from frees. Passage made a few positional switches and slowly Passage started to come more into the game. Man of the match Cian Mc Carthy fired over 2 points to narrow the gap and the Passage defence started to tighten up. Points from Thomas Mullane and Podge cancelled out 2 more Bishopstown frees. Cian Mc Carthy pointed 2 65’s and a beauty from play to give Passage the lead for the first time in the match just before the break. Bishopstown pointed another free before the excellent Thomas Mullane pointed for the last score of the half. The half time score was Passage 0-9 Bishopstown 0-8. As in the first half Passage were slow out of the starting blocks and Bishopstown capitalised on this scoring 2 quick frees to give them the lead again. Then came the decision which helped sway the match in Passage’s favour, the selectors switched Thomas Mullane into full forward and Podge out to centre field. The switch benefited both players with Mullane scoring a goal almost immediately. Cian cooly fired over 2 quick frees and Passage were hurling well now. Bishopstown pointed a free but they couldn’t halt the game slipping away. Cian who else pointed another free and Brian Morris scored a great point to give Passage a 5-point cushion. Just as it looked like Passage were home and dry up popped the Town’s centre forward to score a soft goal to leave the game delicately poised again. Straight from the puck out Cian Mc Carthy scored a glorious point from out by the sideline on the bank side, he then pointed another free which swung the game back in the boys in green favour. The final nail in the coffin for Bishopstown was Thomas Mullanes stunning second goal. To their credit Bishopstown didn’t throw in the towel they scored another 2 points but Cian Mc responded with another 2 frees to round off his incredible scoring spree. To score 12 points in a major final is some achievement even more remarkable is the fact that he has 2 more years left in the minor grade. What a player, what a team congratulations to all the lads on this great victory.

Goalkeeper Michael Mullane had a solid game and will be the minor goalie for the next 3 years. For one so young he has no fear and was unlucky for the goal, well down Mick. Right corner back David “Teabags” Tett did his job well and kept his opponent scoreless. He has bags of potential and is also a member of the Junior A Hurling Panel.

Full back Willie Ashman Jnr is the Captain of this fine team and the ladies favourite. He had a solid game clearing several dangerous situations. The future looks bright for Will.

Left corner back Ciaran Dunne is Mr Dependable. This season he has already starred with both the Junior A and B teams in Championship. He had a tough opening 10 minutes but soon settled down to give a great display. He was outstanding when moved to centre back.

Right half back Damien”Rocky”Ashman is a tough no nonsense defender who seldom gives his opponents any scores. Played well on the night and enjoyed the physical exchanges.

Centre Back Gavin O’Flaherty took no prisoners on the night and had a good game. I don’t think his man got any scores either.

Left halfback Liam O’Sullivan would go through a brick wall for you. Definitely a man you would want in the trenches with you. Excellent game and was unlucky with some of the frees the referee awarded against him in the first half.

Centre Midfielder Eric Burke has been one of the best players all year. He played well on the night against Bishopstowns best player.

Centre Midfielder Thomas Mullane scored 2-2 to show what a class hurler he is. Already a star on the Junior A Hurling team.

Right half forward Patrick Coakley ran himself to a standstill. He worked hard all night and won several breaking balls at crucial times when the game was in the balance.

Centre Forward David O’Connell had a great game and won plenty of balls especially in the second half when the need was the greatest. Has improved all year and can be proud of his part in bringing the cup back to Passage.

Left half Forward Cian Mc Carthy was the man of the match scored 12 points and has a big future in the game. You’re the man Cian.

Right corner forward Brian Morris scored a great point just after Bishopstown scored the goal. Worked hard all night and im glad everything worked out for him on the night. Great game Kid.

Full Forward Daniel”Podge” O’Leary scored 2 points and helped swing the game in Passage’s favour when moved to midfield. Already a star on the Junior A team and can become some player.

Left corner forward Gary “Colin Farrell”Mc Carthy despite being hampered by a bad injury gave his all and was unlucky not to have scored a few scores. Another player who ran himself into the ground.

Team: Michael Mullane, David Tett, Willie Ashman, Ciaran Dunne, Damien Ashman, Gavin O’Flaherty, Liam O’Sullivan, Thomas Mullane (2-2), Eric Burke, Pa Coakley, Dave O’Connell, Cian Mc Carthy (0-12), Brian Morris (0-1), Daniel O’Leary (0-2), Gary Mc Carthy.

Last Tuesday night in Ballinlough Passage beat St. Vincents by a single point to reach the semi final of this years A Hurling Championship. Passage who went into this game as underdogs and were written off by many gave their best performance of the year so far to beat the Northsiders. This was a very close and tense game with the sides being level on 8 occasions. Vincents opened the scoring from a 65 in the second minute and almost immediately Passage were level from the caman of Paul Keane. For the next 20 minutes this seemed to be the trend Vincents would go ahead by a point and Passage would be level from the games next attack. Seamus Forde back from his holiday in Turkey at the weekend showed no ill effects to score three points in this opening quarter. Fordy spent the week working on his fitness swimming and pounding the beaches every morning so I have been told. With the sides deadlocked at 4 points a piece Kevin O’Rourke gave Passage the lead for the first time with a truly wonderful point from out by the dugout. The score seemed to lift Passage and 2 points from Ozzie and Daniel O’Leary increased the lead to 3 points. Vincents came back strong narrowing the gap to a point with 2 well taken points from their excellent centre forward. An Alan Mc Carthy point and a great solo effort from Brendan “Chopper” Harrington, which lifted the crowd, restored the 3-point cushion for Passage. Vincents however failed to read the script and finished the half on a high scoring 2 late points, which left only a point between the sides at the interval. The half time score was Passage 0-9 St.Vincents 0-8. Podge opened the scoring in the second half after 2 minutes with a well-taken point. This was the last score for 5 minutes as both sides wasted several scoring opportunities. Passage were getting on top but then disaster struck both sides were reduced to 14 men. The sending off was worse for Passage as they lost their inspirational full back that was hurling far better than the Vincents player sent off. Passage seemed to be rattled over the episode and to make matters worse Vincents were soon level scoring 2 points in quick succession. Kevin O’Rourke lifted the siege temporarily with his second great score of the evening but Vincents were on a roll. They pounced for the games only goal shortly afterwards and pointed 2 frees to give them a 4-point lead. Just when one feared the worst this Passage side lifted their game and refused to be beaten. Fordy fired over 3 unanswered points and Chopper Harrington pointed for the equaliser much to the delight of the large Passage crowd on the bank which was again like playing with an extra man. Alan Mc Carthy put Passage ahead but Vincents quickly equalised and it seemed that we were heading for a replay. Passage launched one more attack and from the resulting play were awarded a 65. Seamus Forde stood over the sliothar without a care in the world and coolly fired the ball over the bar. From the puck out the referee blew the final whistle and Passage were through to the semi final. Passage are progressing nicely, improving with every game and have a nice habit of saving their best for the Championship. So Mayfield be aware Passage aren’t just showing up next Saturday to make up the numbers. Players to play well were David Horan, Conor Quigley, Chopper, Seamus Forde, Kevin O’Rourke and David O’Sullivan.

Team: Kevin Mullane, David O’Sullivan, Niall Harrington, Michael Harrington, David Horan, Daniel Howard, Conor Quigley, Brendan Harrington, Ozzie, Thomas Mullane, Paul Keane, Kevin O’Rourke, Daniel O’Leary, Seamus Forde, Alan Mc Carthy.

Passage had a good win in the Junior A Hurling League against neighbours Douglas that sets them up nicely for their Quarter Final Championship clash with St.Vincents. Passage short a few regulars had to battle hard against a very good Douglas side and were only guaranteed victory in the closing stages of the game. Passage showed a great improvement in their hurling and it was clear to see that coach Billy Cotter will have his team in peak condition for the Vincent’s game next week. Great news for the team is Paul Keane scored 9 points and is now back to full fitness after his bad shoulder injury at the start of the year. Players to impress on the night were Ozzie, Robert Coughlan, Kevin O’Brien, Thomas Mullane and Keano.

Team: Kevin Mullane, Conor Quigley, Michael Harrington, Kevin O’Brien, David O’Sullivan, Daniel Howard, David Horan, Ozzie (0-2), Robert Coughlan (0-1), Kevin O’Rourke, Paul Keane (0-9), Thomas Mullane (0-2), Dave Molumby, Paul Brady, Daniel O’Leary (1-0).

This was as the scoreline shows one of the games of the year, one man said the game of the century such was the skill on view. Passage unbeaten all year in this grade gave a great performance on a night when the game of hurling was the winner. This match showed everything that is great about our beautiful game. Credit too Ballinhassig also for their part in this wonderful game they scored 2-19 and yet failed too win this must have been hard to stomach. Passage had stars all over the pitch but two in particular were outstanding Daniel Hanlon and Cian Mc Carthy. Daniel scored 1-5 and Cian got 2-6,others to play well were Eric Kenefick who scored 2 goals, full back Darragh Harrington and half back Eoghan O’Neill.

Team: Michael Mullane, Keith Deasy, Darragh Harrington, Emmet Summers, Eoghan O’Neill, Ricky Higgins, Ricky O’Herihly, Kieran Burke, Timmy Mawe, Adrian Murphy, Daniel Hanlon (1-5), Graham Carroll, Eric Kenefick (2-0), Cian Mc Carthy (2-6), Eoghan O Connor.

Started this Tuesday and will run for 2 weeks. Cork Stars Tom Kenny and Conor Mc Carthy are running the event and a great time will be had by all.

This Friday night the 5^th of August the U-14 Camogie Team will contest the quarter final of the U-14 League against St. Catherines. Passage topped their section winning all their games, which is a great achievement and the girls, would welcome your support on the night so please come along. The venue is provisionally booked for Caherlag Erin’s Own but this could change.

Last Saturday night in a sun drenched Ballinlough Passage qualified for the Minor City Hurling Championship Final by defeating St. Finbarrs. This Passage side now have a great chance to atone for last year’s Final defeat but they will have some battle against Bishopstown to do so. The Barrs didn’t know what had hit them in the opening 15 minutes as Passage raced into a 10-point lead. A goal each from David O’Connell and Daniel O’Leary plus points from Johnny O’Byrne, Patrick Coakley and 2 from the impressive Cian Mc Carthy left Passage in total control. In a blink of an eye the boys from Togher had narrowed the gap to 4 points when they scored 2 goals in a minute. Passage responded immediately with Thomas Mullane who hurled with confidence throughout scoring a great goal. The Barrs kept battling hard scoring another goal before the break but they couldn’t cope with the Passage sides attacking play, which yielded another 2 goals before the break. Daniel O’Leary scored one and made the other for young Johnny O’Byrne. The half time score was Passage 5-4 St. Finbarrs 3-0. Cian Mc Carthy gave an exhibition in the second half scoring 6 points and making several scores to help Passage breeze through to the final. Patrick Coakley scored 2 great goals and points from Thomas Mullane and Gary Mc Carthy rounded off the scoring on a great night for the Passage Club. This was a great team performance with all 19 players who played doing their bit to reach the final. Goalkeeper Michael Mullane despite being so young played with confidence and authority and is a star in the making. David “Tea bags” Tett was back to his best didn’t give the corner forward a puck. Full back and Junior A Star Ciaran Dunne did his job before having an excellent game when moved to centre back. Neil “Nelly” O’Brien had a solid game in the other corner and played his part in this great victory. Damien “Damo” Ashman alongside his brother William and Gavin O’Flaherty formed an unbreakable half back line. Bishopstown will have to have some forwards to get the better of these three. In the middle of the park Eric Burke and Thomas Mullane were outstanding and won this battle hands down. The half forward line of Pa Coakley, David O’Connell and Cian Mc Carthy were in sensational form scoring 3-9 between them what a performance. Corner forward Brian Morris was playing well until he had to retire with injury after only 10 minutes; the race is on to get him fit for the final. Full Forward Daniel “Podge” O’Leary scored 2 goals and would have scored more but for his unselfishness in front of goal making several scores for his team-mates. Alongside him youngest player on the pitch Johnny O’Byrne had an excellent game scoring a rocket of a goal and a point. Gary “Colin Farrell”Mc Carthy, Keith”Chino” Deasy, Adrian”Wacker” Murphy and David Cooney all came on and played their part to help Passage reach the final. This was selector Keith Forde’s last game as he is off to join the army. Fordy’s shouting and roaring will be missed on the sidelines in the final best of luck in your new career Fordy.

Team: Michael Mullane, David Tett, Ciaran Dunne, Neil O’Brien, Damien Ashman, William Ashman, Gavin O’Flaherty, Thomas Mullane (1-1), Eric Burke, Patrick Coakley (2-1), David O’Connell (1-0), Cian Mc Carthy (0-8), Brian Morris, Daniel O’Leary (2-0), Johnny O’Byrne. (1-1)

Passage minus several regulars had to battle hard to defeat a very good Delaney’s side last Saturday week in the quarter final of the City Championship. The players who stepped in Neil O’Brien, David Cooney, Johnny O’Byrne and Adrian Murphy were outstanding and played a big part in Passage reaching the semi final. This was a much different Delaney’ side that Passage had hammered in the League and manager Willie Ashman was relieved to get through this close game. Passage started well racing into a 5-point lead in the first 5 minutes. Delaney’s fought back well and only trailed at the break by 2 points. The half time score was Passage 2-5 Delaney’s 2-3.Passage again got a great start to the second half and opened up a 7 point lead which was badly needed. Delaney’s came back strong and might have nicked it only for the 2 outstanding saves young Michael Mullane made. His brother Thomas scored 2-5 from the middle of the park. Patrick Coakley scored 2 great goals and Johnny O’Byrne chipped in with 4 points. Full Forward Daniel O’Leary rounded off the scoring with a well-taken point. Other players to play well were midfielder Eric Burke who was the man of the match, Gavin O’Flaherty, Damien Ashman and David O’Connell. Passage will benefit from this tough encounter and should get the better of the Barrs in the semi final.

Team: Michael Mullane, David Cooney, William Ashman, Neil O’Brien, Damien Ashman, Ciaran Dunne, Gavin O’Flaherty, Thomas Mullane (2-5), Eric Burke, Patrick Coakley (2-0), David O’Connell, Adrian Murphy, Johnny O’Byrne (0-4), Daniel O’Leary (0-1) and Brian Morris.

This fine football side remain unbeaten this season after hammering Mayfield last Tuesday night. Mayfield couldn’t live with the Passage lads attacking play and the scoreline could have been a lot worse only for some poor finishing from the Passage forwards. This victory almost certainly guarantees Passage a place in the semi final later on in the year. Players to shine on the night were Emmet Summers, Ricky Higgins, Shane Howard, Johnny O’Byrne, Adrian Murphy and Alistor Matthews.

Team: Cian Mc Carthy, Keith Deasy, Daniel Hanlon, Emmet Summers, Aidan O’Flaherty, Ricky Higgins, Ricky O’Herihly, Eamon Fitzgerald, Shane Howard, Kieran Burke, Michael Mullane, Adrian Murphy, Johnny O’Byrne, Alistor Matthews and Eoghan O’Connor.

The girls secured another victory during the week, which leaves them unbeaten for the season so far. Passage’s ability to score goals was the difference between the two teams on the night. Laura Mc Carthy, Sinead O’Reilly (Cork Star), Ciara O’Brien and Shauna Jordan scored the goals which helped Passage to an easy victory. Passage drafted in Ashley Maxwell who is on holidays from Canada to play in goal. Ashley kept a clean sheet and made several good saves. Kate Boland, Laura Mc Carthy, Samantha Mackey, Sinead O’Reilly and Shauna Jordan were others to shine on the night.

Team: Ashley Maxwell, Erin Twomey, Aisling Maxwell, Kate Boland, Laura Mc Carthy, Samantha Mackey, Sinead O’Reilly, Natasha O’Sullivan, Ciara O’Brien, Shauna Jordan, Muirean Doyle and Emma O’Connell.

Six Passage players Ricky Higgins, Daniel Hanlon, Trafford Murphy, Ricky O’Herihly, Eamon Fitzgerald and Shane Howard represented Seandun recently in a U-15 Blitz. Shane Howard captained the side to victory. Seandun defeated Clare, Limerick and Tipperary to qualify for the final where they met and beat Limerick again. Congratulations to all the lads on this great achievement.

Congratulations to Sinead O’Reilly on being the first Passage girl to represent Cork in Ladies Football. Sinead was selected to play left half back on the Cork Primary Schools team against Kerry at half time of the Munster Football Final.

The Club would like to offer its condolences to the O’Mahony family on the death of their father John. John was a staunch Passage GAA man throughout his life and was a member of the Passage 1960 Intermediate Championship Winning Team regarded by some as the best Hurling team the club ever produced. John served on various committees over the years and devoted his life to the Passage Club. His son Michael is the current Chairman of the Juvenile Club.

Luck Deserts Minor And U-14 Footballers

Passage were defeated by Fr. O'Neills in the semi final of the U-14 B Football county in Cobh last Saturday afternoon. Passage started well and the Fr.O NEILLS goalkeeper made an outstanding save from passage mid fielder Shane Howard. Fr. O Neill's eventually with the aid of the breeze started to Pile on the points and at the break they led by 7 points. At the start of the Second half they scored two frees to give them a 9-point cushion and Passage Were in big trouble. just as you feared the worst (not for the first time this season) Passage dug deep and showed great character.

Shane Howard kicked 2 lovely points and with the aid of a few astute positional changes Passage were slowly getting back into the game. Ricky Higgins came thundering into the game at centre field and the goal they badly needed finally came from the boot of Graham Carroll.Two points from Eamon Fitzgerald and Kieran Burke plus a beauty from the excellent Trafford Murphy narrowed the gap to a point with 2 minutes remaining. It was game on now but then the man in the middle came along and spoiled everything with a very bad decision which finally cost the Passage lads a place in the final.

Graham Carroll won the ball and was racing towards goal when he was clearly fouled and from the clearance Fr. O Neills scored a point, which lifted, the passage siege. It is frustrating when you might get only one chance to play in a county final as a player to have it snatched away in such circumstances. Passage missed two goal chances in the dying seconds but it wasn't to be. This wont be the last we see of this outstanding team and if they learn from this game the glory days will be just around the corner. Players to play well on the day Ricky Higgins was man of the match which was remarkable as he spent the week prior to the game in hospital, Daniel Hanlon, John O Brien,Trafford Murphy, Shane Howard.

Passage representing the city division(they are in the league final against Tracton who are from the south east) lost to Kilmurry in a very exciting Quarter final of the county league last Saturday afternoon in st.Peter's Pitch.They trailed by 6 points at the break but narrowed the gap to 2 Points with a minute to go after Gavin o Flaherty and Patrick Coakley scored 2 goals.

Passage then were awarded a penalty with a minute to go but failed to convert it and the chance of victory was gone. Players to play well were Gavin O Flaherty,Garry Mc Carthy,Thomas Mullane,Willie Ashman who goes into hospital this week for a knee operation best wishes will and hope you make a speedy recovery, David Daly.

Passage West GAA 2004 Club News