4th November 2005

U-13 FOOTBALLER’S ARE CROWNED LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Passage 2-7 Ballinure 1-0

Last Friday evening in Mahon Passage beat local side Ballinure to clinch the City Division U-13 Football League title. What a start to the Jazz Weekend for Passage. They totally outplayed their opponents who were favourites going into the game. The sides had met earlier on in the year with the victory going to the Mahon side but Passage have improved since as the score line shows. Straight from the throw in Passage midfielder Padraig Walsh launched a high ball into the Ballinure full back line. Their defence couldn’t cope and from the broken ball Stephen Kenny dispatched the ball to the back of the Ballinure net. For the next 5 minutes Passage laid siege to the Ballinure goal but couldn’t register any scores. Finally after all the pressure Centre Forward Marc Howard who was hugely influential throughout fired over a 21 yard free to increase the Passage boy’s lead. Passage goalkeeper Eoghan O’Mahony son of the legendary Micky was then called into action making two great saves. Against the run of play Ballinure scored a goal from a long ball delivery, which caught the Passage defence ball watching. To their credit this was the only mistake the excellent defence made all night and Ballinure didn’t score for the remainder of the game. Passage came storming back and helped by their brilliant half forward trio of Marc Howard, Stephen Kenny and Colm O’Driscoll took over proceedings. Horward fired over another free and full forward Ryan Palmer scored a tremendous point right on the stoke of half time to give Passage a 3 point lead at the interval. The Half Time score was Passage 1-3 Ballinure 1-0. As in the first half Stephen Kenny again opened the scoring in the second half with a delightful solo point. Marc Howard immediately fired over his third free and the large Passage crowd present sensed that the trophy was taking the short trip down the harbour for the next 12 months. Roared on by their supporters Passage increased the tempo and Ballinures challenged wilted under the pressure. Stephen Kenny one of many who were candidates for man of the match scored 1-1 in a magical 5-minute spell. His goal was an absolute gem soloing through several Ballinure defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom right hand corner. It was left to the mighty Padraig Walsh to hammer the final nail into Ballinures coffin with a fine long range point to leave the final score Passage 2-7 Ballinure 1-0. To the delight of everyone present Captain Marc Howard was presented with the League trophy at the end of the match. This win will set the lads up for their championship game next week and on this display they will be favourites to complete the League/Championship Double. All 19 players who took to the field were heroes on another great day for the Juvenile Club. Goalkeeper Eoghan O’Mahony had a quiet evening, as the ball was in the other half for the majority of the match. Twice he was called into action and twice he saved his team job done couldn’t be faulted for goal. Corner backs Padraig Dunne and Jack Summers were excellent throughout. Both thrived in the physical contest with their opponents. Chris O’Byrne a classy and strong fullback totally dominated the edge of the box and cleared ball after ball. The half back line was sensational. Halfbacks Rory O’Hanlon and Andrew Carey won their battles hands down. Centre Back Corey Higgins gave an exhibition of outstanding defence play. He broke up several attacks and another who thrives on the physical contact. Class Act. Midfielders Padraig Walsh and Niall Mc Carthy worked their socks off and I’d doubt you would find a better partnership anywhere. Totally dominated the midfield area against very good opponents. The half forward line teased and tormented the Ballinure defence all evening. Stephen Kenny scored 2-2 from play and was the most skilful player on show. Some of his passes and solo runs were a joy to watch a great future in the game. Alongside him Marc Howard is a top class centre forward. He loves taking players on and has bundles of skill, he is also a great free taker a most for any team. Colm O’Driscoll the other member of this great half forward line is also very skilful. He won the entire ball which came his way and distributed it very well picking out his team-mates in better scoring positions. Colm is a great team player and can be proud of his performance. The full forward line never gave the Ballinure full back line a moments rest. Sean Keogh and Tomas Lester won every ball that came into their corners and set up some valuable scores. Full Forward Ryan Palmer had an excellent game and his point just before the break was crucial as it took the pressure off his team-mates at the break. The four subs who came on Eoghan Murphy, Rory O’Connor, Richard Coughlan and Adrian Corkery all played their parts in this wonderful victory. Roll on the Championship!!  

Team: Eoghan O’Mahony, Padraig Dunne, Chris O’Byrne, Jack Summers, Rory O’Hanlon, Corey Higgins, Andrew Carey, Padraig Walsh, Niall Mc Carthy, Stephen Kenny, Marc Howard, Colm O’Driscoll, Sean Keogh, Ryan Palmer, Tomas Lester.

Subs Used: Eoghan Murphy, Adrian Corkery, Rory O’Connor, Richard Coughlan

Manager: Tomas Lester

Coach: Terry Howard

Selectors: Bernie Meade, Micky O’Mahony and Pat Walsh

U-13 Ladies Football League Final

Passage 3-4 Ballincollig 3-5

It was heartbreak for the U-13 girls as they lost this very exciting game of football by only a single point. Such was the closeness of the contest everyone present said that a draw would have been a fair result on the day. Passage played with the wind in the first half and led by 4 points at the break. The Half time score was Passage 2-2 Ballincollig 1-1. Ballincollig fought back early in the second half and it was end-to-end up to the final whistle. Best for Passage were midfielder Sinead O’Reilly who scored 3 great goals, Muirean Doyle, Aisling Maxwell, Laura Mc Carthy, Gemma Cooney and Natasha O’Sullivan.

Team: Muirean Doyle, Aisling Maxwell, Laura Mc Carthy, Niamh Cahill, Gemma Cooney, Samantha Mackey, Erin Twomey, Sinead O’Reilly, Shauna Jordan, Claire O’Brien, Natasha O’Sullivan, Kate Boland, Tara Marsukai, Lisa O’Brien, Aine Healy.

Subs Used: Rebecca Farr

U-14 Ladies Football League Final

Passage 4-3 Ballyvourney 2-11

Passage never really recovered after conceding 2-5 in the first 15 minutes of this League Final. They battled very hard and it was a credit to the girl’s skill and teamwork that they narrowly failed to pull off a great comeback. Karen Twomey was inspirational in this fight back scoring 3 great goals. Others to play well were Laura Mc Carthy, Gemma Cooney, Kate Boland and Claire Lester.

Team: Kate Boland, Aisling Maxwell, Laura Mc Carthy, Emma Lydon, Lisa O’Brien, Sinead O’Reilly, Gemma Cooney, Lisa O’Sullivan, Laura Mc Carthy, Claire Lester, Karen Twomey, Natasha O’Sullivan, Claire O’Brien, Karen Hughes, Muirean Doyle, 

Sub Used: Niamh Cahill

U-16 Football Quarter Final County Championship

Passage 3-9 Cullen 0-13

City Division winners Passage had to battle hard to achieve a 5-point victory over Cullen in a very entertaining quarter final of the u-16 football county last week. Passage will play the winners of Newcestown and Kinsale in the semi final this weekend. Players to play well for Passage were James Kind, Alistor Matthews, Ricky O’Herihly, Ricky Higgins and Keith Deasy.

Team: Cian Mc Carthy, Darragh Harrington, Keith Deasy, Emmet Summers, Ricky O’Herihly, Ricky Higgins, Trafford Murphy, Shane Howard, Eamon Fitzgerald, Johnny O’Byrne, Michael Mullane, Aidan O’Flaherty, Kieran Burke, Alistor Matthews, James Kind.

Subs Used: Darren Hanlon, Michael O’Connell, Edward Murphy and Simon Mc Carthy.

Managers: John O’Hanlon, Tom Harrington and Ciaran O’Reilly.

JUVENILE AGM REPORT

Chairman Report

Michael O Mahony started the meeting off with a minutes silence for members who sadly passed away over the year.He then welcomed everyone in attendance before giving his report for the year.2004 will be remembered as one of the most successful ever at juvenile level in the clubs history.Over 60 matches were played with the teams reaching 5 finals and 2 county semi finals.

The U-14's won the City Championship Double Hurling/Football and the U-16 Footballers also won the City Championship.Micky thanked all the players,managers,selectors for their effort and excellent behaviour over the year.The players were a credit to their families and the club.

Micky thanked the following people for all their hard work over the year the Social Committee, Bar Manager Johnny Collins,Tomas Lester ,Billy Cotter and everyone who helped make the Street Leagues a great success,Ned Harrington for his excellent work in keeping the playing pitches in top condition,the Camogie and Ladies Football sections,Oliver Collins,Celine Welsh and Kieran Keane for the work been done in the local schools,Billy Delaney Coach Hire for his excellernt service,the outgoing Committee,the Adult Committee for all their help,parents,supporters and all the sponsors who kindly sponsored the club over the year.

Micky congratulated Ricky Higgins on his selection for the Cork U-14 Hurling Team which was a great honour for Ricky and the Club.He also congratulated Johnny O Byrne,Shane Howard and Ricky for making the Seandun U-14 Team.Micky again thanked everyone for their hard work and said that more volunteers were needed for the coming season.

AN RUNAI REPORT

U-10/U-11 Hurling and Football

The Footballers played in the John Kerins Memorial Tournament narrowly losing the final in Pairc Ui Rinn to Donoughmore.They also played a few challenge games during the year and will be competing in the U-12 grade next year.Thanks to Paul Maxwell,Edward Ahern and Damien Taffe for coaching this great bunch of lads.Manager Paul Maxwell said that he really enjoyed the year but stressed the need for more matches.

U-12 Hurling/Football

The Footballers competed in a very strong League Section winning 2 matches,losing 5 and drawing one game.They also played a few challenge games winning all of them.Under the guidance of Coach Terry Howard a big effort has been put in since they finished their League campaign and hopes are high for the next season.Many thanks to Terry Howard,Tomas Lester,Pat Walsh and Micky O Mahony for looking after this team.

The Hurling team in their first competitive year had a good season.In the league they won 5 games and lost two which qualified them for the semi final.They narrowly lost to a very strong Na Piarsaigh side who went on to win the County. In the Championship minus several players the lads lost narrowly to Delaneys .Thanks to Coach Tomas Lester,Pat Walsh,Terry Howard and Micky O Mahony for looking after the team during the year.

U-14 Hurling/Football

The Hurlers put in many hard hours on the training pitch this year and they were rewarded by winning the City Championship.They also qualified for the semi final of the County beating a good Newcestown side in the quarter final.They were very unlucky to lose the semi against Dr.Crokes.In the league they won 4 and lost 1 to qualify for the semi final.After a hard fought game in Togher the lads were beaten by a couple of points.In the Lord Mayors Shield Passage were unbeaten winning all 4 games to qualify for the final.

The Barrs beat us again in an excellent game of Hurling in Churchroad.A special mile maith agat to the Coach Tom Harrington,Manager John Hanlon and Selector Ciaran O Reilly for their utter dedication to this team.Also a big thanks to the wonderful bunch of lads who make up this great Hurling Team for bringing the Championship Cup to Passage.

The Football team comprising mostly of the same players also had a great year.They were graded A in the league and put in some great performances.In the Championship they defeated Brian Dillons in the final to complete the Championship Double.In the County they easily defeated Castletownbere in the quarter final before losing to Fr. O Neills in the semi final in controversial circumstances.The team also played some challenge matches during the year winning the majority.Many thanks to the players,Coach Ciaran O Reilly,Manager John Hanlon and Selector Tom Harrington for completing the Championship Double.

U-16 Hurling/Football

At a committee meeting early in the year it was decided to enter teams at both football and hurling despite a lack of players.Tom O Neill and Tom Farrell went about forming a panel,but it was too soon to get properly organised and it was decided to withdraw the football team from the league.Attentions switched to hurling with training fixed every week.With the help of a few U-14 players a decent panel was formed and they qualified for the league semi final.They were beaten by Blackrock in the semi and in the Championship they lost to a very strong Douglas side who dropped down from the A grade.

With some more players becoming available the selectors decided to enter a team in the Football Championship.What a decision this turned out to be Ballinure were defeated in the semi final and Passage won the Final beating St. Michaels after extra time.In the County Passage came up against a very strong Fr.O Neills team and were easily beaten.Thanks to the two "Toms" and players for the big effort they put in over the year.Also congratulations to everyone for winning another Championship for the club.

Street Leagues

A completely reformed structure of the coaching and organisation led to the best Hurling Street League in many a year.Congratulations to everyone involved for making the event such a huge success.A Football Street League will be held before Easter.

Social

Three outings to Dublin Zoo, Trabolgan and Croke Park were organised over the year.Many thanks to the people who sponsored these outings. A social evening for all our sponsors was held in November and was a great success.Thanks to our social committee of L.Hanlon,C.Higgins,C.Hanlon,J.Hanlon,L O Mahony,D.Summers and J.Collins our pavilion manager for all their help at the various functions.

Finance

Our 2 main fundraisers during the year were Bag Packing and the Calendar.Many thanks to James O Donoghue of Dunnes Stores and John Hanlon for organising the calendar.Thanks to all sponsors who without their help the club would struggle to function.

Camogie/Ladies Football

The ladies have competed in many competitions in camogie and with the big improvement shown it wont be long before they will be winning some silverware.Many thanks to the hard working committee for the endless hours they are giving in looking after the teams. Our ladies footballers under the guidance of Catherine O Neill have now affiliated to the Ladies Football Co.Board and will be playing competitive football this season.Thanks to all the girls, Catherine and Kieran Keane for the great job they are doing .It was felt that volunteers are needed to set up a Ladies Football Committee for the coming year.

Bord Na Nog

Thanks to our Board delegate Ned Harrington and proxies Tom Harrington,John Hanlon and Micky O Mahony for attending the meetings every Saturday night.

Treasurers Report

Jan O Reilly gave her report for the year.She thanked everyone who helped out in fundraising and all the kind sponsors who donated cash.Jan told everyone present that she wouldn't be going forward this year as Treasurer due to Work Commitments.She said she will help out as best she can and give advice to her successor.Jan was thanked by several people for the tremendous work she has done over the past few years.So thanks again Jan.

Liz Farr then addressed the meeting on behalf of the Camogie Club with a brief outline of the camogie clubs activities for the year 2004.All the teams showed a great improvement and it is felt a major break through is near.The Club travelled to Croke Park for the All ireland Camogie Finals in September.Indoor Training for 6 to 9 year olds has started in St.Peters every Tuesday between 5-6pm.Finally Liz thanked all the coaches,the Juvenile Committee,players,sponsors and supporters .

Club Chairman Keith Maxwell then addressed the meeting.He congratulated the Juvenile Committee on the great year they had both on and off the field.They showed great organisation and it seems to be getting better every year.It was great to see all the trophies that were won and this was a just reward for all the hard work been put in by everyone.It is hoped to have the juvenile pitch sorted out by early summer and everyone will remember what Keith promised.Finally he wished everyone the best of luck for the coming season.