U-6/7/8:

We had 35 players togged off and we played two games U-8 and U-6/7.

These games gave the large crowd great entertainment with end to end action from all involved.

The games were very close in scoring but the real winner was hurling and what a pleasure it is to see the kids performing their skills that they have been practising in training and we hope at home!

A word of thanks to Will Casey, Deckie and Pat who organised the pitches and their crew in Castlelyons - fair play lads, we will organise that game of football as promised.

Upcoming events we have lined up are a hurling blitz in our neighbours Ballyhooley which will also include Kilworth and Ballygibblin.

This will take place next weekend but the exact date has yet to be finalized. We will also have a football blitz in Mitchelstown in roughly a fortnights time again there will be four teams involved which gives all the kids taking part in the event three games.

So far this year we have played 21 matches between hurling and Gaelic football and we will be running a town football league come Sept/Oct but we will finalise dates for this popular event and let everyone know.

Remember if your young fella is playing too many computer games/DSi etc get them up to the pitch where he will meet new friends, learn the BEAUTIFUL GAMES and who knows they could one day be wearing the Fermoy or Cork colours in Croke Park.

We train every Thursday night in St Colmans at 6.30pm and Saturday morning again in St Colmans at 10.00am.

These sessions last for approx one hour - this can change if we have a match.

Remember its all about the kids taking part and having fun, fun, fun - if you as parents/guardians have any questions please mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will do our best to sort you out.

MULLINAHONE:

U-10:

Even Mullinahone GAA officials admitted that the U-10 final of their famous ground hurling tournament between Fermoy and Piltown from Kilkenny last Saturday proved one of the great matches staged over recent years.

The match had everything – brilliant ground-hurling skills, some great scores, an heroic Fermoy fight-back that was in full keeping with the proud traditions of Cork hurling and an extra-time decider.

Unfortunately, the extra-time score went against a gallant Fermoy side but, in fairness to the Piltown mentors, even they admitted that it was heartbreakingly unfair for any side to have lost this titanic showdown in such fashion.

The tournament unfolded as follows for the Fermoy U-10s:

Fermoy 3 Pilton 3:

With goals and points counting as the same, Fermoy took a little while to get into their stride last Saturday morning against a Piltown side that was going for four-in-a-row titles at U-10 level.

We’d enjoyed our ceremonial march down through Mullinahone village, with our U-12 clubmates, as the tournament once again proved brilliantly organised.

Because we were the only club taking part from Cork, Fermoy had the right to wear the famous blood-and-bandages jerseys of the Rebel County. It made it a very special day for all concerned.

The weather played its part and it was a glorious day throughout for ground hurling.

Our opening match saw Piltown quickly get into gear. They had a couple of wides before Fermoy shocked them with a great opening score.

But Piltown drew on their great experience and fought back to level and then take the lead.

It was 3-1 to Piltown mid-way through the second half but Fermoy piled forward and grabbed two wonderful scores, including a great point from Sean McCarthy.

The draw set our lads up very well for what was undoubtedly the toughest group of the tournament.

Fermoy 5 Ballgarry 2:

We had almost an hour break between our first two matches and it didn’t help our rhythm.

We were slow off the mark against Ballingarry who opened the scoring with a fine goal.

All our hard-work against Piltown suddenly looked to be in jeopardy.

However, Sean McCarthy was having his best game in a Fermoy shirt for weeks and he helped galvanise the lads. A Fermoy score lifted heads and suddenly the flood gates began to open.

A great point from a side-line cut gave Fermoy great heart and this was followed by a brilliant Adam Ronan goal.

The final score of 5-2 was harsh on Ballingarry for had made Fermoy fight hard for the win.

Fermoy 5 Carrick Swans 5:

Once again, Fermoy’s notorious slow start also cost them dear.

Carrick Swans knew that only a win would see them through to the knock-out stages so they tore into Fermoy.

Whether our lads were complacent or just tired, it’s hard to tell but they paid the price with Carrick going ahead thanks to an early goal – and they then shocked Fermoy by tagging on two further scores to leave the half-time score 3-0.

At this stage, a lot of people would have been packing their bags to go home but this Fermoy U-10 side is made of sterner stuff.

They rallied in the second half and a goal have them great heart. Carrick were visibly reeling when Fermoy got a second goal and then levelled the match within another two minutes with Tiarnan Ryan battling hard in midfield.

Fermoy took the lead for the first time but Carrick replied with a good goal and their first score of the second half.

When Fermoy scored again there was less than two minutes on the clock and it looked all over.

But Carrick mounted one last attack and got a somewhat dubious free with the two minutes already expired.

When the Carrick player calmly slotted the ball over the bar it looked as if both sides would be going home.

However, Fermoy ended up on the same points as Group C runners-up St. Patrick’s and, because we had a superior score differential, we went into the semi-final against Skeheenarinky.

Fermoy 4 Skeheenarinky 2:

If the Carrick match provided Fermoy with a scare, it worked wonders for the concentration as our lads hurled like titans from the opening whistle.

Both semis were now being played on the main Mullinahone pitch and the superior turf quality meant that the players were much better able to express their ground hurling skills.

Two early scores from Fermoy effectively settled the match. Skeheen did get a goal just seconds before the half-time break but it was very much against the run of play. Fermoy added two more scores in the second half and a second goal for Skeheen came too late to make any great difference.

Fermoy had booked their place in the final for a second meeting with Piltown who had beaten Callan in the other semi.

Fermoy 5 Piltown 7:

You don’t win three Mullinahone titles in a row without being a good side.

Fermoy discovered, once again, that a slow start can prove costly. Piltown worked hard in the opening exchanges and got their reward with a somewhat fortunate goal.

But Fermoy got a great goal after a long puck forward from Josh Shanahan and Jake Ryan buried it in the net.

Piltown hit back immediately and, after a somewhat scrambled goal, they then scored one of the points of the tournament.

The Piltown midfielder drilled the sliothar right through the posts from near halfway with a sideline cut – a score that earned justifiable applause from all present.

When Piltown then added a fourth score it looked all over for Fermoy.

But, in fairness to the lads, they never let their heads drop and suddenly started hurling as if their very lives depended on it.

When Fermoy scored a good goal quickly followed by a second, Piltown were left shaken. Fermoy hearts then appeared to be broken when the Kilkenny side attacked and got their fifth score.

Needing two scores to level the match, it appeared to be over for Fermoy with just three minutes left.

But Fermoy firmly believed in themselves and flooded forward again. A fourth Fermoy goal brought huge cheers and there was almost pandemonium when the red jerseys got their fifth score and levelled the match.

The ref ordered extra time and, despite the widespread belief that the momentum was now with Fermoy, unfortunately it was Piltown who grabbed the advantage with a scrambled goal when it appeared the ball was going wide.

Fermoy poured forward in search of an equaliser and were then hit on the break by Piltown for another score.

Try as they might, Fermoy just couldn’t get any further scores.

Final victory went to Piltown and Fermoy forward a guard of honour to offer Piltown a sporting congratulation on their victory.

All in all, it was a wonderful day for the Fermoy club and for Fermoy hurling. The lads may not have won but they left Mullinahone with their heads held high after some displays rich in courage, skill and heart.

Special mention to Sean McCarthy who was undoubtedly our ‘man of the tournament’ and Greg Lardner who courageously put his body on the goal line to prevent a Piltown score – and sustained a few heavy knocks in the process but gamely kept playing on.

Special mention to the U-10 ‘Dream Team’ of Paul Lardner and Barry Scannell who have worked so hard with these players over recent months. The standard of hurling is now unrecognisable compared to that at the start of the year – and it is entirely down to Paul and Barry’s dedicated efforts.

A place in the Decky Guckian Shield Final and a place in the Mullinahone U-10 final is fair testimony to their achievement over the season.

Well done lads – and special thanks to all the other mentors and parents who travelled on the day to give great vocal support in Mullinahone.

Fermoy panel: Josh Shanahan, David Mulcahy, John O’Brien, Luke Ahern, Ralph Riegel, Daniel Regan, Sean McCarthy, Tiarnan Ryan, James Molloy, Shane Hurley, David Lardner, Greg Lardner, Jack Scannell, Adam Ronan, Aaron Boyce, Jake Ryan, Gary Coleman and Michael O’Brien.

MULLINAHONE:

U-12:

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for the Fermoy boys.

On the Monday night we suffered a painful heavy defeat in the Avondhu championship. Such was the magnitude of the defeat, heads were down and the mentors were at their wits end trying to lift the boys’ spirits.

However the darkest hour is always before the dawn and come Saturday morning we arranged a few of the u16 hurlers to meet the players before we headed for our annual trip to the Mullinahone hurling tournament. The three players spoke concisely and explained to our lads just how they too had suffered their heavy defeats at U-12 and U-14 and it was U-16 before they won the first championship game, in fact they are playing the North Cork final today (Thursday September).

With those words ringing in our ears we loaded up and headed for Mullinahone.

Our thanks to John Ring, Padraig De Roíste and Paul O’Keeffe who willingly gave up their time to speak to speak to their younger club mates.

Thanks too to U16 mentor Paul O’Keefe who collected the players and brought them home again.

On arrival in Mullinahone our first job was to take part in the pre tournament parade through the village. We were delighted to be joined by our u10 colleagues for what is always fun event.

Special mention to Fermoy natives and stalwarts Martin Sargent and Pat Gallagher who were the proud flag bearers!

Our first game was against the Carlow representatives Myshall, whilst it took a while to get settled we were good value for our win, Fermoy 4-7, Myshall 0-1.

Game two was thirty minutes later versus Castleblayney of Monaghan and continued were we left off in game one and once again we were winners Fermoy 2-5 Castleblayney 1-0.

Having watched the other games in the group we were most impressed with the Tyrone representatives, Dungannon. They were our opponents in game 3 and this was a huge step up in quality on the previous 2 games. With both teams unbeaten, it was clear that this game could decide the destiny of the group. Opening exchanges were close, physical with no holding back from either team. Fermoy to their credit never backed down but equally never lost their focus and got the vital scores to win yet again. Fermoy 3-3, Dungannon 0-3.

Our final group game was against Cloney Quin of Clare, victory here would mean we would qualify for the semi final as group winners. After the high of the game three we were somewhat flat but nevertheless we did enough to win the game. Fermoy 1-3 Cloney Quin 1-0.

Once we finished this game we made a quick dash over to the main pitch to see our U-10 club mates who had by now reached the final.

What a game and it was great to see the club spirit as the U-12 players shouted themselves hoarse roaring the U-10 boys but after a great display the U-10 boys just lost by the bare minimum.

It was noticeable that the U-12 boys rushed onto the field to console their club mates. On this display one can have no fears for the future of the club spirit and togetherness.

We then headed to the hall where our hosts once gain did themselves proud by feeding all the players and mentors. Before we finished the U-10 players joined us for food and as they arrived, unprompted the U-12 players treated them to a round of applause.

In the semi final we were drawn against Group C winners St Mary’s of Clonmel. In truth St Mary’s were a class apart and were always in command. After the long whistle sounded we were well beaten Fermoy 0-3 St Mary’s 6-7.

Whilst defeat was our lot we took pride in the fact that the boys battled to the end.

We were now the shield final against would you believe it, Dungannon of Tyrone. They had qualified as the best second placed team on scoring difference and like us had lost the semi final.

Again just like the original group stages we were once gain in a fierce battle for each and every ball.

Early on we conceded a freak goal and a good point and we seemed to be struggling. To make matters worse we were soon down a man as we lost a player to a rather harsh sending off.

Now when all seemed lost, the boys dug deep and by half time we had narrowed the gap to a point. The half time team talk was the listened to with rapt attention. The second half was even more intense and Dungannon soon stretched their lead with another point. With five minutes to go we had narrowed the gap to a bare point.

Despite incessant pressure we could not seem to get that vital score. To make things even harder Shane O’Keeffe our free scoring forward was forced off with an arm injury. However Fermoy made light of all the problems by amazingly upping the work rate again and with time almost up we got the equalizing score with a monster point from the half back line.

So we now had to face into extra time. Both teams having played over two and half hours of hurling where now nearly exhausted.

But somehow we regrouped and with a full 15 players we fancied our chances. Extra time proved no different to the rest of the game and despite numerous scoring chances we could never pull away and when the referee blew the long whistle both teams were still deadlocked.

By now light was fading fast and the organisers decided that the fairest decision was that both teams would share the title. In truth it was a good decision as neither team deserved to lose.

After the game none other than former Tipperary senior John Leahy presented us with our medals and the shield.

It was a tired but proud bunch of players that arrived home to Fermoy.

What a day!

The panel on the day was Ryan Morrison, Shane O’Callaghan, Brendan Daly, Conor De Roíste, Ross O’Sullivan, TJ Amosu, Matthew Walsh, Ryan Sargent, Sean Óg Harnett, Conor O’Driscoll, Ted Pyne, Cillian Lynch, Shane O’Keeffe, Ronan Morrison, Jack Gallagher, David O’Callaghan, Dara McCarthy, Adam Creed and Gavin Morrison

GEAR:

Please note that a full range of Fermoy GAA gear from jerseys to hoodies and track-suits can now be obtained from Slattery Sports on Pearse Square.

It was particularly impressive to see so many people over the weekend proudly wearing ‘the colours’ – so if you need Fermoy gear, you know where to get it!

U-10:

We are continuing our normal routine of training. Our regular schedule is hurling at 6.30pm on Monday nights and football at 6.30pm on Wednesday nights at St Colman’s GAA pitch.

As always bring €2, water and a tracksuit to keep warm for before and after training.

U-11:

We have recommenced our regular schedule of hurling at 6.30pm on Monday nights and football at 6.30pm on Wednesday nights at St Colman’s GAA pitch.

As always bring €2, water and a tracksuit to keep warm for before and after training.

Our next match is an U-11 Avondhu football league clash with Mitchelstown on Saturday next, September 4. We will be leaving Fermoy's main GAA pitch at 2.15pm and €5 is required to cover transport costs.

Our next fixture is on Thursday, September 9 when we have a  home tie with Mallow. Players and supporters are asked to be at the main pitch by 6.15pm.

U-12:

Hurling and football training takes place in St Colmans at 6.30 pm on Mondays and Wednesday evening.

The usual rules apply – please wear the correct gear for training, bring a bottle of water for refreshment and a contribution of €2 towards pitch usage.

U-14:

Training continues each Monday and Thursday at 6.30pm at the main GAA pitch.

The usual training rules apply – please bring €2 towards the cost of pitch hire, boots without studs, proper training kit (hurley & helmet if required) and a drink of water for refreshment.

U-16:

Under 16 hurling replay v Mallow

Fermoy 1-11

Mallow 0-12

This semi final replay took place in Ballyhooly on a lovely night for hurling under the watchful eye of John O Keefee. Both teams were nervous and the hurling in the opening minutes suffered as a result but as the game wore on credit must go to two teams who gave it their all in what was to turn out to be a rip roaring contest.

Fermoys first score came from David Geary who was to have a great hours hurling, he was strong on the ball and his striking off his left and right was first class. Ten minutes in to  the game the teams were level at two points apiece Fermoys second score coming from the hard working Adam Forde at wing forward, both sides were to concede frees but with a cross wind nothing was easy to convert. The half time score was five points apiece with the remaining Fermoy points coming from Gary O Callaghan and David Geary.

An example of the possession which Fermoy were to have in the first half was that one of the best player s for Mallow was their goal keeper who was to bring off some great saves from Tom Keane along side Tom ,Ronan was to work hard and can consider himself unlucky not to get on the score sheet

As in the drawn game Fermoy were to have what wind advantage there was for the second half resumed with Mallow dominating all over the field and pulling away by scoring five unanswered points, at this stage Fermoy introduced the hard working Connell O Sullivan and Cillian Twomey, the introduction of these two lads saw a final push for parity by Fermoy, Martin Brennan, Geary and Twomey were to score quick points and this was to reduce the margin to four points, David Geary went for goal from  a 21metre free which was well saved at this stage Fermoy needed a goal to get back into the game and this was supplied when John Ring delivered a long ball into the goal mouth and Cillain was there to cause confusion which resulted with the slitor ending up in the net.

With Ten minutes remaining it was end to end stuff Mallow were to attack but Fermoy had two midfielders in Josh Pyne and Padraigh de Roiste the full back line which had the hard working Peter Murphy, Connor O Keefeee and Eddie Mullins repulsing the best efforts of the Mallow players out side them the half backs were awesome Brian Barry, and Craig Murphy are lads who are improving with each game in the middle John Ring was inspirational clearing ball after ball and capping it off with a super point in injury time which he scored on the run off his hurley. As in the drawn game in goals Ritchie Cronin was in command of all the backs and his puck outs were text book.

This was a total team performance with everyone giving their all,commitment,courage and a will to help his team mate were high lights for me, one example of this came in the final minutes when Connell was to put the Mallow keeper under such pressure that he was forced to concede a sixty five, when a team has this attitude anything is possible.

As in the drawn game it is the substitute bench who are vital and we are very lucky to have great lads here who when they are introduced never let us down so without naming names a sincere thank you to you all.