REVIEW OF THE YEAR (NB Draft - camogie is outstanding)
When it comes to Autumn and we review the happenings of the year there are always ups and downs; this team did well while that could have been better. However overall the feeling in the club this year is positive on the whole – a couple of cups rest in the newly refurbished pavilion in Bellefield and there is a feeling of hope for 2006.
The year started well back in February with wins for adult and minor football teams in their respective league campaigns. Coming after a Senior title in 2004 it appeared that all was rosy in the big ball garden. As the year turned out this perspective was to change dramatically and 2005 was to prove to be better with the camán and sliothar than the football.
Our under 8’s and 10’s started early and continue to train every week, taking part in as many tournaments as we can manage. We’ve won a few and more importantly given the boys the opportunity to enjoy themselves and, hopefully, begin a lifelong journey with out national games.
At under 12 level our young lads, many of whom won a Rackard league double with St Aidan’s during the school year performed just as well for the club. They reached the football final and were very unfortunate to lose out to Fethard. We lost our goalkeeper halfway through the match and this proved a turning point in what was a very exciting and skilful game.
The youngsters made up for this disappointment later in the year though when they had a great victory in the hurling final against a very good Faythe Harriers side. The Harriers had beaten us in the group stages at a wet and sodden Páirc Charman and made us work all the way to the final whistle in order to bring the cup back to Enniscorthy.
In contrast our under 14’s had a difficult year but tried hard throughout the campaigns. We did well in the football making it through to the semi-final after some up and down performances. We scored relatively freely in the group stages but also conceded a lot and this was our downfall when it came to the knockout stage.
The hurling however was more disappointing and while we were in with a chance to make the semi-finals at the end we were well beaten in the final group game to end our hopes. This is a young side though so hopefully they may fare better next year.
The juvenile footballers never really got going this year and while they scored some good wins they also had some poor losses. Things were better on the hurling field though. We won all our group matches with the exception of the St Martins game and thankfully we learned from that defeat to go on and beat the Piercestown men in the final. It had been eight years since we won this grade and this team is exceptionally hard working and having won at under 12 and 14 have now deservedly added a juvenile title. Hopefully they can carry this on to the minor grade.
Our minor footballers had to play with a number of juveniles throughout the year but still made it to the league semi-final where they lost narrowly to a good Bannow side. The year ended disappointingly however with us having to withdraw from the championship due to a lack of interest from players.
Results on the hurling front were much better and we went unbeaten to the minor final where we fell to a fine Oulart side. A bad start had us struggling and while the lads showed great mental toughness to get back to within two points at one stage, a soft goal eased the Oulart boys away again towards the end. We also made the league semi-final and lost to the Shels away from home in what was in many ways a mirror or the county final with a bad start leaving us struggling. Again we drew ourselves back again but conceded goals at a vital stage.
It was a very young panel at minor however which leaves us hopeful for the future.
At adult level our under 21 hurlers drew Bunclody in the first round and in what was one of the best games I have seen all season Bunclody scraped past us. It was a shame that because of the championship structure our lads only got to play one game at this level. It should be looked at because we’re all missing out on what can often be the most entertaining grade. Our U21 footballers have drawn Adamstown in Round one and hopefully we can make an impact there.
Our senior footballers did well enough in the league while not setting the word on fire but, in a case of history repeating itself, fell into the relegation play-offs after losing our first two games. We did the same in 2003 after winning the title in 2002 and after our fine performances in the Leinster championship in 2004 we had been hopeful of a good season.
The football gloss was somewhat rebuffed however when our junior A team won the league final against Gusserane. This victory was driven by Willie Hudson half our total and showed how much he was missed by the seniors this year.
Our senior hurlers were poor in the league and ended up being relegated from the Premier A division and yet when it came to championship time they moved up a gear and after winning well against St Pat’s and Monageer, gave Oulart arguably their hardest game in the championship.
Our Junior A hurlers exited the championship to eventual finalists Oulart ‘A’ while the junior B’s produced up and down performances and eventually fell to Bunclody.
So, as I said at the start, more good than bad: two underage crowns and a junior football league title is not a bad return. The pavilion is still gleamingly new and beginning to attract more and more townspeople to enjoy the facilities on offer. We have our official opening on the weekend of the 10th and 11th of December. Hopefully next year can be even better!
MATCH REVIEWS
27/12/2005 Jim Byrne Cup
Starlights 1-7 Duffry Rovers 1-7
4/12/2005 Jim Byrne Cup
Duffry Rovers 3-9 Starlights 1-5
We lost our first match in the Jim Byrne Cup to-day, we were beaten 3-09 to 1-05 by Duffry Rovers.
The Duffry played the better football but we stayed with them up to the last 10 minutes when they tagged on a goal and two points, we were caught for height and strength and need our older players participating if we are to go much further.
Best for us on they day were James Peare at corner back, Dean O Connor at wing back, Rory Newe at centre back, Ricky Fox wing forward and Paul Byrne at corner forward.
Our scorers were Paul Byrne 0-02, Daithi Mernagh 1-00, Ronan Doyle 0-01, Ger Foley 0-01 (pen), John james Dunne 0-01
A special mention must be made of Paul Byrne who was the first man up on the day and had an excellent game scoring two points.
3/12/2005 Senior Football League Div 1
Starlights 1-14 Gusserane 2-8
The senior footballers retained their division 1 league status with a victory on Saturday in Bellefield over Gusserane. The lads played well throughout and really never looked in any danger of losing - for most of the game they had a lead of 4-5 points with Tomas (Mossy) Mahon and Willie Hudson linking up extremely well in the half forward line to record a score of 13 points between them - Willie getting 7 and Mossy 6.
David Tyrrell got the goal and Davey (Speedy) Morrissey getting a point to bring our tally to 1-14 to 2-8 for Gusserane. John Daly and Jason Russell were strong in the middle of the field and our backs were staunch in defence particularly Adrian Fenlon/Ollie O’Connor and Liam Boland. We saw some excellent football for the time of year and the conditions and fair play to all the lads who turned up for us - it isn’t easy to get out there on the 3rd December and give a gutsy performance to keep the club up - 18 lads showed on the day to do that for us and everyone got a game with Rory O’Connor replacing Brian Murphy, Cathal Murphy going on for Davey Morrissey and Damian Tobin for David Tyrrell - many thanks to all of you - its easy turn out for the club in the throes of championship - it takes a much better clubman to field in the beginning of December to keep the clubs status where it should be.
12/11/2005 Minor League Semi-final
Shelmaliers 4-7 Rapparees 3-7
This was a bit like a replay of the county final: we were slow out of the traps, well behind on the back bend, a neck in front coming into the home stretch and then edged out at the end.
We never got going in the first half and were seven points behind at the break. The lads knew they were better than that and they were asked to show it in the second period. They duly obliged and dragged themselves back into the match and got a point ahead well into the half. But then the boat sprung a leak and we conceded two goals in a row.
The mental strength that was questioned in the county final seemed to be present today though as we stuck over another couple of points but we needed more and time ran out.
6/11/2005 U21 Football
Adamstown 2-6 Starlights 2-4
Unfortunately we lost the first round of the U/21 Football championship yesterday to Adamstown in Newbawn. This was despite a really good performance from the Starlights.
We went down 2-4 to 2-6. We had plenty of possession and plenty of chances but the vital scores just didn’t come. It was obvious that Adamstown had done more in the line of football - but our young guns showed that they were well capable of good football and perhaps with a little bit more coaching we could have a good side for next year as we are only losing one or two off this team.
It’s a young side with plenty of talent - all they need is a bit more football. Two sets of brothers ended up on the field for us yesterday - Rory and Ciaran O’Connor and Pa and Daithi Mernagh. They gave good accounts of themselves as did Cathal Murphy who played strong and direct football from the middle of the field. Ricky Fox, Sean Farnan and David Tyrrell did their best to keep the ball in the danger area and Davy Morrissey worked tirelessly throughout.
There was some pretty good defending from our backs and a special thank you to Damian Barron for turning out for us - Damian wouldn’t be a regular sight on a football field. Derek Tobin and John Daly were solid in defence as well. It was a good overall performance lads and our mentors, while disappointed at losing were happy that there is a lot of talent coming forward to work with next year.
It’s a pity we couldn’t get over the first hurdle - because with a little bit of football under our belts we could have given this championship a good shot.
5/11/2005 Junior Hurling Relegation Semi-final
Rapparees 1-16 Shelmaliers 3-09
Congratulations to our Junior hurlers who put in a good and gutsy performance on Saturday against the Shelmaliers to avoid relegation. There was some very good quality hurling in this game in conditions that were not conducive to good hurling. A very special thanks to all those who showed up for this game – it’s not easy turn out at this stage in the year and particularly not for a relegation game - so well done to all concerned.
23/10/2005 Minor Hurling Final
Rapparees 2-6 Oulart / The Ballagh 2-13
Our lads ultimately went down to an Oulart side that we are certainly as good as; we will look back at this encounter with regret for we failed to play for long periods.
Oulart got off to a great start scoring an early goal and then following up with a number of points to take a 1-4 to 0-0 lead. We have consistently been slow starters and you cannot allow this if you want to win finals. After a quarter of an hour we started finding the range however when Ricky Fox and Fran O'Gorman got us two points. However as the half wore on it was Oulart who extended their lead with five more points to one solitary free from Fran.
We got things more together in the second period Daithi Mernagh who was introduced at the break stuck over a point which was closely followed by a desperately close goal chance from Ricky. This omission was amended moments later however when Peter O'Sullivan hammered home a 21 yard free and Fran tagged on a sublime point from a sideline cut.
Cathal Murphy then stood up to be counted: he scored a great point before guiding another Fran sideline to the net to leave us only 2 behind with the wind in our sails. However the game turned on a long range Oulart free which somehow found it's way to our net soon after. This gave the country men a lift and they went on to pull away towards the end.
We certainly have the hurling to compete for county titles but Sunday showed we may be lacking in the mental strength to win at the higher level. Bad starts and tailing off when a goal is conceded are mental problems but they can be remedied. They key is to fix them before this team hits adult competition.
Team: Pa Doyle; Patrick Quigley (K), Kevin Walsh (capt), Tommy Foley; Deccie Barron, Karl Cullen, Kevin Courtney; Fran O'Gorman, Peter O'Sullivan; Ger Foley, Lee Murphy, Oisin Carley; Ricky Fox, Cathal Murphy, Mark Kenny; Joe Cullen for Lee, Daithi Mernagh for Deccie, John James Dunne for Mark Kenny, Rory Newe, Brian Newe, Mick Frayne, Pa O'Brien, Emmet Kennt, James Peare.
15/10/2005 Jun A Football League Final
Starlights 0-14 Gusserane 0-6
The Junior Footballers did themselves proud beating Gusserane on their own pitch 14 points to 6. It was touch and go up to half time with the midway score at 7 points to 4 in our favour. However in the second half the outcome was never in doubt - Gusserane scoring only 2 points in that half to the Starlights’ 7. Most of this scoring was down to the accurate Willie Hudson, who got a total of 7 points in all and was a joy to watch throughout the game. Skinner as usual was staunch in the middle as were Derek Tobin, Niall Sunderland and Liam Boland in the backs. They were aided and abetted by the able and agile veteran Georgie (Bombers) O'Connor in the goal, Jason Russell did his usual amount of hard work to keep us pushing forward and Ronie Furlong picked off a couple of nice points along with Ollie O'Connor and John Daly.
We kicked well throughout and deserved our convincing victory. Well done to Jim Nolan, Tony McClean, Johnny Russell and John Walsh who have put in a long and arduous League campaign to eventually come away with the spoils. Thanks also to all the lads who turned out for us at this level throughout the year - final day is the easiest day to turn out – it’s not so easy back in March to make the 15 - so well done to ye.
15/10/2005 U16 Hurling County Final
Rapparees 1-11 St Martins 0-06
It’s 8 years since we last won a juvenile hurling title; Liam Boland was the captain then and we beat the same team St. Martins in the final. This year's crop of juvenile Hurlers did the business in Cushinstown on Saturday and came away with the Division 1 Hurling Trophy. These lads have won Under 12, Under 14 and now Under 16 and this success is down to the hard work of the panel and Seamus Deegan, Paudge Walsh and Michael Foley.
The run up to the game had been less than ideal, the venue was changed on no less than four occasions but credit the Selectors and Players they kept their focus and never allowed themselves be diverted from their target.
The venue was as near perfect as you could get for the time of year and a large following encircled the pitch, the Rapparees started slowly as usual and St Martins, with the wind in their favour, had two points on the board in the first couple of minutes, scores were exchanged in a very tight game of hurling until Joe Cullen latched on to a ball and did what he has being doing for his hurling life, he headed straight for the goal giving the Goalie no chance with a scorching shot to the back of the net, this left us leading at half time and was in the end the winning of the game.
Hurling in the second half was as tough and uncompromising as the first with both teams struggling to take the upper hand but two unanswered points put the Rapps ahead and sowed the seed of doubt in the St Martins minds. They went on to win by an eight point margin in what was a hugely entertaining game.
This was a thirty two man effort but there was some great displays on the day, most notably the assured goalkeeping of James Peare and his towering fullback Pa Doyle, the nimble Tommy Foley at wing back, Big Ger in the middle of the field and up front the deadly Joe Cullen.
Thanks to our Under Age sponsor Tomas Kinsella Meats who once again dug deep and provided Hoodies for the players, it was great to get a chance to repay his faith in the club with the great win.
Thanks also to the Parents who turned up on the day but have provided a back up to us over the past years, their help and assistance is invaluable.
George O'Connor touched on this in his speech in the dressing room after the game. He congratulated the team on the marvellous and convincing win and the very fine display of hurling. He went on to say that he had no doubt that he would be looking at some of our lads in Croke Park in the very near future but most of all he asked them to have respect for the men who have got them where they are - the men who have worked and worked on their hurling ability to get them to the level they have now achieved. He asked that they respect themselves and the title and the cup they had just won.
Panel
James Peare, Patrick Quigley(P), Patrick Doyle, Patrick Higgins, Tommy Foley, Daithi Mernagh(Capt), Rory Newe, Gerald Foley, Patrick Quigley(K),John James Dunne Oisin Carley, Ciarain O Connor, Aaron Ronan, Joe Cullen, Shane Kenny.
Barry Foley for Shane Kenny, John Ryan for Patrick Higgins and Patrick O Rourke for Ciarain O Connor, Sam O Shea., Andrew Kelly., David Murphy., John Higgins., David Wall., Darrren Buttle., Darren Cullen., Paul Byrne., Jimmy O Leary., David Doyle., Philip Sinnott., Brendan Ellis
09/10/2005 U18 County Semi-final
Rapparees 5-7 Shelmaliers 0-9
Oisin Carley did a "Joe Cullen" on it in the minor semi final, bagging four goals in what was a fine victory in difficult windy conditions.
We started with the wind and Lee Murphy and Mark Kenny scored for us first in the first couple of minutes before Oisin got his first goal. The Shels then scored a point but Fran O'Gorman got us going again with three points from the middle of the field.
About half way through the half Oisin pounced for his second major and from then to the end of the half it was ping pong up and down the field until Ger Foley landed our third goal. We got the ideal finish to the half as Oisin completed his hat-trick and we went in 4-6 to a point up.
The strength of the wind cannot be overestimated so despite our excellent scoring in the first half we knew that the second period would be no cake walk.
Ricky Fox scored a point early in the second half to get us off the mark but it was the Shels who held the whip hand and put our backs under enormous pressure scoring eight points. The had a number of goal chances but fortunately not putting them away. To add icing to the cake, just as time was running out Oisin Carley landed his fourth goal.
Team: Pa Doyle; Tommy Foley, Kevin Walsh, Patrick Quigley, Deccie Barron, Karl Cullen, Kevin Courtney, Fran O'Gorman and Peter O'Sullivan; Ger Foley (1-0), Lee Murphy (0-1), Oisin Carley (4-0); Ricky Fox, Cathal Murphy, Mark Kenny; JJ Dunne, Daithi Mernagh, Michael Frayne,Joe Cullen, Rory Newe, Brian Newe, Daithi O'Brien, Emmet Kenny.
25/9/2005 U16 Hurling Semi-final, Killurin
Rapparees 5-17 St Anne's 2-7
It was a marvelous consolation to all in the Club and particularly to Padge Walsh (who is manager of both teams) to see our juvenile hurlers qualify for the County Final following an outstanding performance against St. Annes on Sunday morning in Killurin.
Our lads got off to a slow start and were 1-3 to one point down before they got to grips with the game - but once they came to terms with it there was no stopping them.
They gave an excellent account of themselves all over the field and it would be difficult to single out any individual for special mention but I think that I will be forgiven if I mention the full forward Joe Cullen who came off with a personal tally of 3-6 after a display that prompted several to say that he should have been introduced on to the Senior Panel the previous day - Joe you were magic - keep it up - we need someone like you striding forward with confidence and finishing with a ball in the back of the net - Tommy (Tucker) Foley gave us his usual best as did his big cousin Ger netting 1-2 for his efforts - our backs were wonderful throughout and on this team we have what we seldom have on a Rapparees squad - forwards to match them - this is a good all round side and we wish them every success in the final - we have no doubt that ye can go out their and beat the Martins - we are all looking forward to it.
Scorers: Joe Cullen 3-6 - Ger Foley 1-2 Arran Ronan 1-1 Tommy (Tucker) Foley -3pts, Oisin Carley - 2pts, Rory Newe/Daithi Mernagh and John James Dunne - 1 pt each.
24/9/2005 Senior Hurling Quarter Final, Wexford Park
Rapparees 1-15 Oulart / The Ballagh 1-17
Despite an excellent performance from our senior hurlers in a game that had everything we exited from the 2005 Championship in Wexford Park on Saturday evening last. It was one of the best displays from a Rapparees team in many years and despite losing to Oulart by 2 points we showed that we are capable of mixing it with the best of them.
It was a closely fought game from start to finish that neither team deserved to lose and either side would be lucky to win. Nothing more could have been asked of our three Countymen - they each gave some marvellous displays of hurling showing all why they are county material and delighting all with some of the finer skills of the game - Adrian Fenlon’s sideline cut that went straight over the bar was applauded by all in the stadium - Declan Ruth’s complete command of the half back line throughout the second half and Tomas Mahon’s excellent and accurate free taking giving him a personal tally of 10 points.
Gareth Kavanagh gave a staunch and solid performance at full back as did the men on either side of him John (Jake) Muphy and Derek Tobin - against stern opposition - our forwards harried and hassled looking for the elusive scores - Rickie Fox did remarkably well in his introduction to senior hurling and flicked a ball that was going wide back into Mark Gahan who got it to the back of the net without hesitation.
Rickie and Karl Cullen both making their debut into senior hurling showed that they were up to the task and are great prospects for the future of the Club. Ollie O’Connor introduced as a sub worked tirelessly and got an excellent point at a crucial time.
Everyone gave us their best on the day and unfortunately for us all it just wasnt enough. It was a game that had all the excitement right up to the bitter end and taking nothing from Oulart’s performance I would have to say that we were so unlucky to lose - the lads did all they were asked to do and we were proud of them on the day.
Well done to all of you - players and; ye have proved to all of us that hurling is alive and well at Bellefield - many thanks.
Team: Brian Carley; Jake Murphy, Garrett Kavanagh, Derek Tobin; Ryan Quigley, Skippy Ruth, Liam Boland; Adrian Fenlon, Eoin Quigley; David Morrissey, Tomas Mahon, Shay Deegan; Ricky Fox, Mark Gahan, Eamonn Furlong. Karl Cullen for Liam Boland, Mark Quigley for Shay Deegan, Ollie O'Connor for Eamonn Furlong.
19/9/2005 U18 Camogie Championship
HWH Bunclody 5-3 Rapparees 1-5
The U18's were out in the first round of the Championship against Bunclody in Bunclody yesterday at 6.30, the final score was Bunclody 5-3 V Rapps 1-5 but the score does not reflect the true nature of the match.
We had the bare 15 and in fairness to them they put a good fight, we had a few girls missing from injuries and some on holidays. Our scorers were Charlene Murphy 0-1, Sarah Nolan 0-4 and Nicola Davitt 1-0, Nicola is an U14 player and performed like she had played with this squad all her life, an outstanding performance for a girl of her age.
Marguerite Casey had an excellent game, Lauren Hogan pulled off some great saves-the scoreline could have been a lot worse but for her. Aideen Doyle, Alisha O'Brien (captain) and Tracy Breen also had good games.
17/9/2005 U12 County Hurling Final
Rapparees 4-9 Faythe Harriers 3-8
This was a great victory for the lads and eased the disappointment of losing the football final earlier in the year. The Harriers had beaten us in the group stages on a wet, miserable day and made us work hard for this win. Fair play to the boys though: may it be the first of many!
Cathal O'Connor; Dane Fortune, Brendan Kearney (0-2, 1 '45, 1 free), Brian Ronan; Mel Doyle, Richard Farrell (capt.), Dale Galway; Paul Devereux, Diarmuid Cullen (0-1 free); Conor Ronan, Tom Ryan (1-0), Jamie Fox (0-6); Davy Murphy, Jamie Barron (1-0), Kevin Foley (2-0). Subs. - Naoise Dunbar, Kevin Ryan, Seán O'Gorman, Timmy O'Dwyer, Patrick O'Shea, Neil McCrea, Killian Doyle.
10/9/2005 Junior A Camogie Co. Final
Rapparees 0-8 Bannow/Ballymitty 3-8
The junior A camogie team fell at the final hurdle in what would have been a remarkable achievement in winning the county title after only coming up from junior B last year. They were beaten by Bannow/Ballymitty in a close fought tussle.
The final score was Rapps 0-8 V Bannow/Ballymitty 3-8. It was a hard fought game, but the girls never gave up. They gave it their best shot but it just wasn't meant to be; it was an achievement on its own for them to reach a county final being that it is their first year at Junior A, something they all should be proud of.
Our backs were in the firing line but dug deep and stood their ground. Our forwards were really unlucky not to score goals, they came so close on several occasions. We would like to thank everyone who took the time out to come and support the girls on the day.
As one contributor to the club website put it “I think they will be playing Senior in the next three to five years, the standard of their young players is very high and if they maintain their form they will have to succeed.”
Also fair play to the camogie girls who, as usual, had a great night afterwards in the clubhouse.
9/9/2005 Under 12 County Semi-final replay
Rapparees 3-13 Shelmaliers 1-1
The conditions were dreadful down in Kilurin for this re-match but our lads got a great start and continued to dominate. To score 13 points at this level in a semi-final is good going particularly in the wet.
3/9/2005 U12 Hurling Co. Semi-final
Rapparees 4-8 Shelmaliers 5-5
The under 12 hurlers drew with the Shelmaliers in an epic encounter last Saturday afternoon at Glynn/Barntown’s impeccable Kilurin headquarters. The match went to and fro many times, especially in the final few minutes and I think both teams were happy to get another day out at the final whistle. The final score was 4-8 to 5-5 which is very high scoring for this grade and reflects the quality of the combatants.
2/9/2005 Junior A Camogie Championship
Rapparees 2-9 Faythe Harriers 2-5
We beat the Harriers last Friday night in Bellefield in the Championship. The final score was Rapps 2-9 V Faythe Harriers 2-5.
It was a good tough game and we lost a few players to injury - Angela Russell and Charlene Murphy were performing well until they sustained injuries and had to be taken off. Likewise Sarah Russell was injured on the night but continued playing only to find out later she had sustained 2 cracked ribs.
Our back line was as solid as usual led by Liz Stafford (Captain), Michelle Doyle saved a penalty (watch out Fitzy), Sarah Nolan dominated midfield as usual, Niamh Buckley came on in the second half and made a great impact on the game and Louise Hore played to her usual high standard scoring the first point of the game for the Rapps and had a hand in a couple more.
28/8/2005 Junior Hurling Championship
Oulart/The Ballagh 1-14 Rapparees 1-12
Our Junior A hurlers exited the Championship last Sunday in Taghmon being beaten by Oulart 1-12 to 1-14. In fairness we had multiple chances to win the game in the closing stages - including a penalty which just didn’t hit the target. I would have to say that our lads fought long and hard and our backs played out of their skins under tremendous pressure assisted by a gale force wind right throughout the second half. However, after scoring 1-8 in the opening half we only got our first score of the second after 15 minutes - you cannot let fifteen minutes of any game go without getting a score and expect to win - once again we only scored 1-12 - not really enough to win any game - unfortunately we have this problem throughout our adult teams and until we address it and solve it I’m afraid we wont be victorious.
The Club Secretary would like to say a big thank you to all the lads who turned up and in particular to the minors who have acquitted themselves well at this grade and also to the selectors - Tomas McVeigh/Brian Kehoe/Brian Ivers/John Browne and Tom Boland - who have put in a tremendous effort this year which was evident by the number of players we had showing up for each game - ye did well lads - pity we couldn’t have gone further.
27/8/2005 Senior Football Relegation semi-final
Starlights 2-10 Glynn/Barntown 1-7
The senior footballers retained the status with a well deserved 2-10 to 1-7 victory over Glynn/Barntown last Saturday. It was nip and tuck all the way with our lads only pulling away in the last ten minutes. The turning point was the move of Jason Russell from the goal to midfield where he put the reins on a rampaging Willie Carley. The win has put a cap on a disappointing season for the seniors but we can be happy with the result and look ahead to the hurling.
22/8/2005 U14 Hurling Championship
Glynn/Barntown 3-10 Rapparees 1-4
The game wasn't as bad as the final result suggests: our lads were physically much smaller than the Glynn lads which has a big impact at this grade. Our lads were unlucky too missing a number fo scoring chances. We can look back at a few missed opportunities earlier in the year but as the man says you learn more from defeat than victory so look forward to next year with optimism.
22/8/2005 U16 Hurling Championship
Rapparees 4-15 Adamstown 1-9
A good solid win for the lads who finish the group stages on 12 points. Best for us was Pa Doyle at full back, Patrick Quigley, his namesake Squiggles who took a lot of hardship at midfield and the star corner forward Shane Kenny and Aaron Ronan. Keep it up lads and make sure you get yourselves some silverware this year.
18/8/2005 U12 Hurling Championship
Rapparees 6-9 Glynn/Barntown 0-2
Our under 12's proved to be too strong for Glynn / Barntown last night in the final group game of the championship which assures us of qualification for the semi-finals.
16/8/2005 District Junior B semi-final
Rapparees 2-5 HWH Bunclody 0-14
The Junior B team limped out of the championship last night in a very disappointing manner. We fielded a strong team on paper but, like in our earlier game against the Shamrocks we never got going at any stage and let ourselves down.
Bunclody started strongly and dominated possession for the first half and but for some extremely wayward shooting would have been out of sight at half time. We on the other hand hardly got down the field and when we did, could not make space for ourselves.
Kevin Walsh, playing his first game at this level starred in the first half and was supported in the backs by Pádraig Doyle while John Redmond tried hard to live off scraps in midfield. Just before the break Graham Doyle goaled to leave trailing by just four.
Things improved a little after half time as Mick Nolan started to show in the forwards and our half backs started to get on top. However the scores did not come and we started going for goals when there was no need. Despite a further major from Mick Nolan time ran out on us and Bunclody deservedly progressed to the district final.
John Mulqueen; Kevin Walsh, Pat O’Neill, Adrian Kirwan; Pádraig Doyle, Eric Flynn, Colm Matthews; John Redmond, Nicky Kehoe; Cathal Murphy, Dermot O’Shea, Pa Casey; Michael Nolan, Lee Murphy, Graham Doyle. Joe Hyland for Pa Casey, Stephen Murphy for Lee Murphy, Fiacre Ryan for Nicky Kehoe, Rory Boland for Dermot O’Shea, Pa O’Brien and Pádraig Hall.
14/8/2005 Senior Hurling Championship
Rapparees 1-12 Monageer/Boolavogue 0-11
Our Senior hurlers progressed one step further in the 2005 Championship last night beating Monageer by 4 points in Monamolin.
We started well and after the first 12-15 minutes looked to be cruising but had only put 4 points on the board - the return wasnt reflecting the hurling - we had driven several bad wides giving Monageer both the chance and the confidence to come back at us which they did - notching up their first score in the 16 minute and then adding on another two or three. A finely taken goal by Ryan Quigley left the half time score at 1-5 to 5 points but we had gone out of the game in the final 10 minutes of the first half.
We began the second half with a little more fire in us and thanks to a fine performance by Tomas Mossy Mahon scoring 6 out of the 7 points in the second half and some solid displays by our staunch fullback Gareth Kavanagh, Shay Deegan who did some marvellous catching in the middle of the field, Mark Quigley who came on for Ollie O'Connor and Brian Carley who managed some brave goalkeeping in the final 10 minutes we came out of it with a win 1-12 to 11 points.
Despite what we may have thought of the game and there is no doubt huge room for improvement - we won it - every game in the Championship is difficult to win and Monageer had done a lot of work prior to this encounter - we are in a far better position than our footballers ended up in last week - we have won our first two games in the 2005 Championship - what more can we ask - all we have to do is get down to business now - get the much needed hurling under our belts and do the preparation for the next step.
Brian Carley; Derek Tobin, Garret Kavanagh, John Murphy; Eoin Quigley, Declan Ruth, Liam Boland; Adrian Fenlon, Shay Deegan; Ollie O'Connor, Ryan Quigley, Davy Morrissey, Eamonn Furlong, Pa Mernagh. Mark Quigley,
10/8/2005 Minor Hurling Championship
Rapparees 5-11 Shamrocks 2-4
Our Minor hurlers gave an outstanding display at Bellefield last night to secure a place in the Semi Final beating the Shamrocks convincingly 5-11 to 2-4 - with the two goals for the Shamrocks coming late in the game.
This was a one sided game from start to finish with the Rapps out doing the Shamrocks in every area of the field - they played hard and took the knocks - played for each other did some marvellous defending and took some lovely scores - it was a good overall team display and while there were some outstanding performances you could not signal out any
individual as it was a complete effort with everyone blocking/chasing/hooking and driving forward.
It augurs well for the future of hurling in the Club that we have such talent at both Minor and Juvenile - every single member of both teams can hurl and hurl well - they are a credit to the Club to themselves and to the men that are putting in such marvellous work with them.
If we keep them together and keep them at it - we should have no worries
for the future Rapparees Senior hurling team.
7/8/2005 Junior A football championship
Starlights 1-11 HWH Bunclody 1-7
Our Junior A's looked good from start to finish apart from a bleak period of 10 minutes at the start of the second half when we failed to score however we found our feet again around the 12 minute with a fine point from Damian Mahon and were back on track again. It was a fine overall performance with the evergreen Skinner acting as a "magnet" in the middle of the pitch and many of our younger players feeding well off him. Some lovely scores were taken - 4 points from Lee Murphy - 3 from frees and 1 from play - Damian Mahon/Davy Morrissey/John Daly - 2 points a piece and one each from Declan Ivers and Rory Murphy and a well taken goal from David Tyrrell. Well done lads you restores some of the pride that we lost as a Club the previous night.
George O'Connor; Joe Carley, Niall Sunderland, Joe Newe; Brian Murphy, Colm Matthews, James Buckley; Paudge Walsh, John Daly (0-2); Lee Murphy (0-4) Damian Mahon (0-2), David Morrissey (0-1); Declan Ivers (0-1), David Tyrrell (1-0), Rory O'Connor (0-1). Sub. - Willie Hudson for O'Connor.
6/8/2005 Senior Football Championship
Starlights 1-6 Clongeen 2-8
Our Seniors gave a dismal display and never looked like they were defending a title - what can you say except that they are true to form - last year a County Final - this year out in the first round - is this a psychological problem or what? It would be worth getting a Sports Psychologists to examine it - it has been a pattern definitely since 1993 - and we still havent found the solution. Most of our scores came from John Hudson totaling 1-4 with Tomas Mahon and Mark Quigley notching up a point each - the latter being one of our best players on the day. Scoring only 3 points - and winning only 2 balls from our own kick outs in the entire second half could not have provided us with a win and left us exiting from the 2005 Championship with our tails between our legs!
28/7/2005 U12 Hurling Championship
Harriers 1-3 Rapparees 0-4
It was a sodden night on a sodden pitch in Pairc Charman and our under 12's got a wake up call as the Harriers came away with the points. It is far from the end of the line as we have won all our matches up to this so it is better to lose now than later.The remaining matches are against St Anne's and Glynn so we can only hope for improvement.
27/7/2005 U18 Hurling Championship
Rathnure 2-4 Rapparees 3-12
There was a really good win for our Minors last night against Rathnure - well done to players and mentors. It's never easy to beat Rathnure especially on their own turf.
It was level pegging at half time - 2-3 a piece - with the Rapps having the better of the exchanges but missing a lot of chances. However in the second half the lads never let up and took some fine scores coming from Rickie Fox, Mark Kenny, Cathal Murphy and Lee Murphy while our backs kept the Rathnure forwards under control restricting them to just one point in the entire second half.
Some excellent work around the middle of the field from Fran O'Gorman and Peter O'Sullivan and some really fine defending from Declan Barron, Kevin Courtney and Kevin Walsh - over all a fine display.
This is a reasonably good minor team who should do well in the Championship if they keep their heads and keep plugging away at it - all of them can hurl which augurs well for the future of Senior hurling in the Club - perhaps we should keep working with these lads over the next year or two and turn them into a force to be reckoned with.
Maria Nolan
22/7/2005 U16 Hurling Championship
Geraldine O'Hans 1-4 Rapparees 7-12
Too easy for the lads - Ross had 6 good lads but weren't up to it elsewhere.
21/7/2005 U12 Hurling Championship
Oulart V Rapps - win for Rapps
18/7/2005 U14 Hurling Championship
Faythe Harriers 2-8 Rapparees 0-12
We left this game behind us, not taking many chances in front of goal and giving away two majors at the other end. Still we're not out of it yet so with hard work, it can be rescued.
17/7/2005 Junior A Football League
Starlights 1-11 Glynn/Barntown 1-3
The Junior A Footballers recorded a good win last night in Bellefield over Glynn/Barntown - which hopefully puts them in a position to contest the League Final - with we think perhaps the Shelmaliers - but we await confirmation of same.
It was a good team performance with the backs in particular playing very well to keep the Glynn/Barntown tally to 1-3 - only allow them through for 1 point in the entire second half - with our forwards upfront notching up a tally of 1-11.
At half time the scores were level 5 points to 1-2 put with very solid efforts in the second half from Ollie O'Connor, Killian Lett, John Daly and Derek Tobin giving good supply to the men up front the second half was totally dominated by the Starlights with Pa Mernagh getting 3 points, Ronan Furlong 1 goal, Jason Russell, Davy Morrissey and David Tyrrell 2 points each and Killian Lett and Damian Mahon 1 point each. Maria Nolan
15/7/2005 Junior B Hurling Championship
Rapparees 0-12 Davidstown 2-4
We needed to win this game to qualify for the next stage of the championship and the lads duly obliged. We were missing a few stalwarts prior to the throw in: DJ & Podge were both suffering from quad muscle injuries while Mick Nolan who was hyper accurate against Rathnure was at Barry Lambert's wedding.
Nevertheless we had the full complement of our minors available and it was a strong side which took the field. The game started relatively slowly with both sides finding it hard to score. We ran a few points ahead with half time approaching but then Davidstown struck for their first goal which it has to be said was fortunate to creep in at the far post. Half time score was 0-6 to 1-3.
Tom Boland called the changes at half time, moving Padraig Doyle out to midfield with Fuzzy going in and swapping Graham Doyle & Rory Boland. We crept ahead again picking off our points but then Davidstown got their second goal to drag them back into it again. Our lads stood up however and took the final few scores to take victory.
Team: John Tyrrell; John Foley, Pat O'Neill, Niall Arrigan; Nicky Kehoe, Eric Flynn, Adrian Kirwan; John Redmond; Pa Casey; Cathal Murphy, Lee Murphy, Rory Boland; Stephen Murphy, Padraig Doyle, Graham Doyle. Kevin Courtney, Fiacre Ryan, Pa O'Brien, Daithi O'Brien, Ed Shallow.
15/7/2005 U16 Hurling Championship
Rapparees 2-10 St Martin's 3-8
This was a great game which our lads dominated for long periods. We failed to register that on the scoreboard however and the Martins got in for a couple of scuttery goals to take the game. We on the other hand had a number of opportunities in front of the goal which went a begging. The Martins aren't a bad side though and it was better for our lads to get a shock now rather than later on like last year!
14/7/2005 Senior Hurling League
Rathnure 1-14 Rapparees 2-8
14/7/2005 U12 Hurling Championship
Rapparees 4-9 Shels 1-1
13/7/2005 Minor Hurling Championship
Rapparees 5-21 St Anne's 2-8
A huge win for the minor hurlers and it'll be hard to keep their heads out of the clouds now! The Anne's were missing their talismanic county minor Cian McGovern who was injured in the Leinster final and once we got a run on them they struggled to come back.
There were good performances all around the field so it would be bad form to pick out any individual in particular. The important thing is that we got the win under the belt and we've a match away to Rathnure in two weeks time to hopefully set up a showdown in Bellefield with the Shamrocks to reach the semi-finals.
Team: Pa Doyle; Tommy Foley, Kevin Walsh, Patrick Quigley; Kevin Courtney, Karl Cullen, Deccie Barron; Fran O'Gorman, Peter O'Sullivan; Oisin Carley, Lee Murphy, Ger Foley; Mark Kenny, Cathal Murphy, Ricky Fox. Emmet Kenny, Patrick O'Brien, Mick Frayne.
13/7/2005 Junior B Hurling Champ.
Rathnure 1-3 Rapparees 2-11
This was a good win for the Junior B's and was an example of how a handful of players can make the difference at this grade.
We started well with Mick Nolan picking off points from all over the place and Rory O'Connor causing havoc whenever he got the ball.
Our backs hurled well throughout and midfield dominated with Dermot O'Shea showing for everything in the half forwards.
We went in 0-8 to 1-0 up at half time and went through a worrying 15 minute spell after the break when we failed to score. However we then notched a point and a goal in a minute and the game was over.
John Tyrrell; John Foley, Pat O'Neill, Niall Arrigan; Adrian Kirwan, Eric Flynn, Nicky Kehoe; Pa Casey, John Redmond; Graham Doyle, Dermot O'Shea, cathal Murphy; Rory O'Connor, Padraig Hall, Mick Nolan. Lee Murphy for P Hall (inj), Kevin Courtney for Fuzzy casey (inj).
Monday 11/7/2005 U21 Hurling
Rapparees 1-12 HWH Bunclody 1-15
This was a cracking match with serious shots going in from each side, we were fielding a lot of young lads and this possibly told in the end.
Bunclody won it in the end with a late goal but we had squandered a number of chances prior to this. Pa Mernagh was our only forward who scored in the second half and this tells it's own story. Nevertheless it was a very enjoyable match and it's just a pity when you see games like this that the U21 grade do not have more opportunities to show their stuff.
Friday 8/7/2005 U16 Hurling
Rapps bt Oulart - don't hv score yet
Thursday 7/7/2005 Junior Football
Shelmaliers 0-7 Starlights 1-8
Thursday 7/7/2005 U12 Hurling
St Martins 1-4 Rapparees 4-4
A good win in their first outing for the lads. We were missing a few who would normally be first choices because they were unable to train during the week but the rest of the team put it up to them by showing how it's done.
Saturday 2/7/2005 U14 Football Semi Final
Horeswood 1-12 Starlights 2-4
Wednesday 29/6/2005 U12 Football Final
Starlights 0-9 Fethard 1-7
The under 12's were mightily unlucky to lose this match and were easily as good as the opposition. The turning point of the game was an injury to goalkeeper Timmy O'Dwyer who had to retire and Fethard scored the decisive goal soon afterwards.
We went ahead early in the first half with points from Brendan Kearney, Jamie Fox, Richard Farrell (0-2) and Kristen Buckley to lead 0-5 to 0-2 however we never managed to shake off the seasiders and they scored a point before the break to leave us with a slender 2 point lead.
Jamie scored again after the break but this was followed but a period where Fethard were the stronger, slotting over two points and generally raiding our defences. It was at this stage that Timmy got injured and despite the best efforts of Dale Galway who manfully volunteered to tend the posts Fethard stuck in that goal.
Richard Farrell stuck over another couple of scores and Jamie Fox added another to his total as we drew back to level terms. Fethard then made a break and scored what proved to be the winning point. The game was far from over however and our lads showed their grit, raining attacks down on Fethard's backs. It wasn't to be however and we hadn't got the crucial score when the final whistle blew.
All credit to the lads, their mentors and to referee Jamed Flood who had a fine game.
Team: Timmy Dwyer, Davy Murphy, Tom Ryan, Andrew Davis; Mel Doyle, Richard Farrell, Jamie Barron; Jamie Fox Paul Devereaux; Kristen Buckley, Brendan Kearney, Diarmuid Cullen; Seánie O'Gorman, Dale Galwey, Kevin Foley. Michael O'Connor, Niall McCrea, Andrew Davis, Patrick O'Shea, Kevin Ryan, Darragh McBride, Stephen Collins, Danny O'Brien, Niall Larkin, Naoise Dunbar, Conor Ronan, Brian Ronan, Cathal O'Connor.
Wednesday 29/6/2005 Jun Camogie Champ
Rapparees 1-4 Bannow 2-9
Wednesday 29/6/2005 Jun B Hurling Champ
Shamrocks 2-12 Rapparees 1-6
This was a very disappointing performance from the Junior B's coming as it did on the back of two good displays and with it being in Fr Murphy Park. We never really got going and the Shamrocks, while not being much stronger than us, showed the greater commitment to win through.
Best for us were Niall Arrigan, Eric Flynn and Joe Hyland.
Tuesday 29/6/2005 Jun A Hurling League
Rapparees 3-10 Rathnure 1-8
A good result last night for our Junior hurlers beating Rathnure 3-10 to 1-8 in very poor conditions in Bellefield. A torrential downpour just before the game did little to encourage - but the lads went out there and preformed extremely well - moving the ball well and taking some very fine scores - Tony Boland - 5pts, Damian Barron 1-1, Maurice Donohoe and Jason Russell a goal each, Rickie Fox and James Buckley - 2pts each. Our backs stood up well to some serious challenges by Rathnure and our goalkeeper Eddie Shallow made one or two fine saves to keep us well ahead throughout. Well done to Mackers and all concerned - a good win. Maria Nolan
