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2006 Match Reviews
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Monday, 23 March 2009 18:57 |
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Junior A Football Final
Starlights 1-7 Duffry Rovers 0-4 Well done to our Junior A footballers who had a well deserved victory over the Duffry Rovers in the Co. Final on Saturday at 1pm in Oylegate. While the outcome was uncertain until well into the second half I think it would be fair to say that the Starlights were the better team on the day. The first half of the game was a dour enough affair with the half time score 3pts to 2 to the Starlights. However, the Stars did turn on a bit of sparkle in the second period with staunch defenders in the form of Captain Fantastic Niall Sunderland, the ever reliable Joe Carley, stalwart Gareth Kavanagh, the talented Wayne Breen and the hard working Joe Newe and skilful Brian Murphy keeping the Duffry forwards to only 2 scores and the inspirational introduction of super sub Oisin Carley getting the only goal of the game. The combination of youth and experience in the guise of 45 year old Padge (Skinner) Walsh and the 19 year old Fran O`Gorman worked well in the middle giving good supply to our forwards gave us the scores to put the Duffry away in the closing stages. Old heads like Ronan Furlong, Declan Ivers and Damian (Milo) Mahon blended well with the fast and fit young guns Davy (Speedy) Morrissey, Rory O`Connor, Lee Murphy, Cathal Murphy for Lee and Oisin Carley for Rory to leave the final score at 1-7 to 4 pts to the Starlights. This was a much needed win for the Club this year and this team has worked hard throughout the campaign and deserved their honours yesterday. It was heartening and an example to all young players to see Padge (Skinner) Walsh and George (Bombers) O`Connor receiving County medals at 45 and 44 respectively. A special mention for Niall Sunderland who has been nothing short of a marvellous leader and captain - there were times during the halftime speeches that I regretted not being able to record what Niall was telling his charges - his constructive criticism and encouragement and attention to detail and total determination on the field was an example to all of them. I do remember him saying at halftime on Saturday that he wasnt leaving Oylegate without the title - and he didn’t! In his acceptance speech he thanked the mentors Jim Nolan, Johnny Russell, Tony McClean and John Walsh for the work that they had done over the year and for preparing the team so well for the final hurdle. He had a special word of thanks for Padraig Doyle, team masseur who actually togged out for them on one occasion and for Medical person Tom Boland who was with them everyday and for Marie Lynch for looking after the jerseys. He thanked the Club for providing all the players with new tee shirts prior to the game and he thanked the Oylegate club for the use of the pitch and the referee, Co. Board Chairman Sean Quirke and the Duff and Browne families who sponsored the cup. Later the win was celebrated in style in the Clubhouse where the entertainment was once again provided by the players and the mentors - they can do it on and off the field! Jim Nolan and Tony McClean played the music and I think as Skinner would say `The whole Panel sang it out`. May I say as Club Secretary thanks lads for the pride and the passion - its not about cups but it is about winning them with heart and hand! 7/10/2006 Junior A Camogie League Final
Rapparees 0-9 Rathnure 3-9 The Junior A Camogie team were defeated by Rathnure on Saturday, it wasn’t our day unfortunately and Rathnure wanted it more, this was our 4th meeting this season, Rathnure beat us in the league and we beat them twice in the Championship, the main one being the County Final. Rathnure weren’t going to be beaten again and they proved that on the field. The Rapps were very slow to get into the game in the first half but came back well in the second half when they got to within 5 points of Rathnure, but then Rathnure got another goal with about ten minutes which seemed to finish our girls altogether. Ah well we can’t win them all and we did afterall win the important one. The final score was Rathnure 3-9 V Rapps 0-9, best for the Rapps were Aideen Doyle, Jane Mythen, Michelle O’Rourke and Dawn O’Connor who played the 2nd half with a leg injury. 16/9/2005 Junior B Hurling (John Jude Cup)
Cloughbawn 3-7 Rapparees 1-6
A junior B team missing six regulars were well beaten by Cloughbawn in the final of the John Jude Doyle Cup. We dominated the opening quarter of the game but failed to rack up much of a tally on the scoreboard. Cloughbawn then struck for a goal and that invigorated their display while some of our lads seemed to tire. A second goal for the hoops before the break saw them lead by 7 points. The Rapps needed to get a couple of scores early in the second half to get back into the game but we conceded a third goal almost straight away and the game was effectively over. We continued to struggle on manfully but we just found it too hard to score. Missing were Mick Hall, Wayne Breen, Dermot O’Shea, David Tyrrell, Oisin Carley and Pa “Fuzzy” Casey who had a very unfortunate work accident. Best for us were Pádraig Doyle, Eric Flynn, Rory Newe and Mick Nolan. Best of luck to Fuzzy in his recovery. Team: John Tyrrell; James Newe, Podge Hall, Fiacre Ryan; Pádraig Doyle, Eric Flynn, Adrian Kirwan; Rory Newe, Graham Doyle; Joe Newe, Mick Nolan, Ger Foley; Pa O’Brien, Ed Shallow, Damien Breen. Joe Donnelly for Ed Shallow and Ed for Pa. 16/9/2005 Senior Football
Starlights 0-6 Castletown 1-6 9/9/2006 Junior A Camogie Final
Rapparees 0-7 Rathnure 0-4 6/9/2006 Minor Hurling
St Martins 3-12 Rapparees 0-7 3/9/2006 U18 Camogie
Rapparees 2-5 Buffers Alley 2-4 The U18’s beat Buffers Alley yesterday evening in the Championship – Rapps 2-5 V Buffers Alley 2-4, they now go on to meet Oulart in the semi-final on Tuesday 12th September. 30/8/2006 U18 Hurling
Rapparees 2-18 Ferns 1-1028/8/2006 Junior A Camogie
Rapparees 3-7 St Martins 2-5 The Junior A’s beat St. Martins yesterday evening to reach the County Final. The final score was St.Martins 2-5 V Rapparees 3-7. The scorers for the Rapps were Aoife Newe 3-0, Charlene Murphy 0-6, Bridget Carley 0-1. An excellent game of camogie – St. Martins got off to a great start – they were a point ahead at half time – St. Martins 1-3 V Rapps 1-2 but the Rapps pulled out all the stops in the second half and played some fantastic skillful camogie. They now go on to meet Rathnure in the County Final on Saturday 9th September (time and venue to be decided) 27/8/2006 Senior Hurling
Rapps 2-10 Shelmaliers 2-11 It was with bitter disappointment that Senior hurlers exited the Championship on Sunday last in Wexford Park losing out to the Shelmaliers by the narrowest of margins - 2-12 to 2-13. Looking at it positively ( if that is possible at this stage) it was a much more spirited performance than our previous debacle against St. Martins and we had plenty of chances to win it - with the play in the Shels half for most of the second period and despite scoring 2-6 we struck about 11 wides in that half any two converted would have won it for us and any more would have sown up the game and put it out of the Shels reach. In Senior hurling you only get a certain amount of time in any game where you are on top and dominating and if you do not capitalise and penalise then the game is lost. Unfortunately, when we hit our purple patch we incapable of putting teams away and until we get our forwards to do that we will not be in contention for the honours in Wexford. With only 3 out of our 6 forwards scoring - Tomas (Mossy) Mahon hurling well and notching up a personal tally of 1-7, Richard Murphy getting his usual tally of 1-1 and Eoin Quigley. The rest of our scores coming from Adrian Fenlon and Ollie O`Connor a point each from the middle of the field and one from Declan (Skippy) Ruth. We have problems that need to be addressed and solutions need to be found - but lets not sound the death knell and lets not have undue and harsh criticism. It was heartbreaking to hear Paudge (Skinner) Walsh say in the dressing room after the game that he was finished with senior hurling - a man whose heart and soul is in the game and with the Rapparees. He has given so much over the years both on and off the field - he has done as much as he could - he has loved and served his Club through thick and thin and I don’t think that any of our players appreciated the calibre of the man with them or indeed the calibre of the men that are and have been with them over the past number of years. Other Clubs would have happily paid for the services of men like Skinner - but his heart and his loyalty was always with the Rapps and it is devastating to see him go without attaining the success that he so badly wanted for us. We will never be able to thank him enough for the time, the dedication, the effort, the loyalty and the love he has given us - money couldn’t buy it. What’s done is done now and we will all have to pull together and strive to ensure that we come back stronger than ever in next years Senior Hurling Championship as the saying goes `Every storm begins with a breeze`. Lets start the breeze. 26/8/2006 Junior Hurling
Rapps 1-14 St Fintans 1-5 Our Junior hurling team put in a gutsy performance on Saturday evening last to avoid relegation - beating St. Fintans 1-14 to 1-5. We began well - playing with the wind and recorded the first 2 scores - passes from Maurice Donohoe and Damian Barron were converted with ease by Anthony Russell who had a marvellous game throughout. The Fintans hit back quickly with a goal but Rapps weren’t inclined to stay behind for long as Anthony Russell struck over another fine point following another great pass from Maurice Donohoe. An excellent catch by Cathal Murphy in the 13th minute resulted in another good score taken by Cathal himself. Shortly afterwards a foul on Cathal was blown by Referee Mick Gannon and the accurate Tony Boland made it 5 points to 1-1. The Fintans drew level then following a mistake between Declan Barron and Peter O’Sullivan in the middle of the field. Another good catch by Cathal Murphy who is blocked down on the strike and the ball goes out for 65 which is expertly converted by centre back Jim Holden. The Fintans take the lead shortly before the break but it is short lived with both Maurice Donohoe and Damian Barron getting in two good strikes leaving the halftime score 8 points to 1-4 to Rapps. The start of the second half sees some brilliant defending by the Rapps backs as we turned around to play against a wind that was rising all the time. Niall Sunderland, Declan Ivers, Fiacre Ryan, Joe Carley, Damian Barron and Jim Holden were all in excellent form and held the Fintans to just one point in the entire second period. Our two men in the middle Declan Barron and Peter O’Sullivan really came into their won and fought and hassled and harried for every ball while up front our forwards continued to score with a marvellous goal coming from Maurice Donohoe and a second point from Cathal Murphy who worked hard for possession coming out to the half forward line and wonderful linking between Anthony Russell and Maurice Donohoe netting them each another 2 points. If we had hurled like this in the Championship we would never have ended up in relegation! Anthony Russell 5pts, Maurice Donohoe 1-3, Cathal Murphy and Tony Boland - 2pts each, Damian Barron and Jim Holden 1 pt each. 20/8/2006 Junior Football
Starlights 0-13 Duffry Rovers 0-11 The Stars recorded a victory over Duffry Rovers in the quarter final of the Junior football Championship replay on Saturday evening in Killurin. It was a competitive and close game that could have gone either way. Many times during the match it looked as though there was nothing between the sides and up to the final 6 minutes one would have been excused for anticipating another draw and extra time. However, the Starlights stuck to the task and finished strong scoring 13points to the Duffry’s 11. Some of our points were actually outstanding scores - Lee Murphy’s frees were impeccable, Anthony Russell got 2 points both very fine kicks as were Davy Morrissey’s 2 points but I know I’ll be forgiven for signalling out one score on the night as the score of the season so far - and that was a brilliantly executed sideline that went straight over the bar in true Matty Forde style - struck expertly by Brian Murphy. Throughout the game there was good consistent pressure from our forwards scoring 6 points in the first half and 7 in the second and good solid defending from our backs - particularly Joe Newe who threw himself in front of a certain goal and Niall Sunderland - Captain Fantastic - who came out as far as the middle of the field in the closing stages of the game to stop the ball going anywhere near his own goal. John Daly got in several good block downs in the middle of the field and Wayne Breen as always does the job hes out there to do. Well done to all concerned - players and mentors - this places us in a semi-final slot - and with a little bit of luck and determination we could go all the way. Scorers: Lee Murphy - 5 points, Davy Morrissey, Anthony Russell and Brian Murphy - 2 points each and Declan Ivers, Ronan Furlong - 1 point each. 18/8/2006 Junior B Hurling
Monageer / Boolavogue 1-9 Rapparees 2-11 The Junior B hurlers got over their disappointment at losing out on qualification for the District final by overcoming Monageer in the semi-final of the John Jude Doyle shield on Friday night. Having got off to a flying 1-3 to 0-0 lead we allowed Monageer back into the match with some unanswered points. However we began to pull away in the second half and won by five points in the end, 2-11 to 1-9. Best for us were John Tyrrell in goal, Wayne Breen in midfield and Mick Nolan and Fuzzy Casey up front. Team: John Tyrrell; James Newe, Podge Hall, Fiacre Ryan; Rory Newe, Eric Flynn, Adrian Kirwan; Wayne Breen, Oisin Carley; Ger Foley, Mick Nolan, Joe Newe; Damian Breen, Pa Casey, Graham Doyle. Dermot O'Shea, Pa O'Brien and Ed Shallow. 17/8/2006 U12 Hurling Shelmaliers 4-2 Rapparees 4-8 14/8/2006 U21 Hurling
Oulart/The Ballagh 2-8 Rapparees 0-12 This was such an improved performance from our young guns despite being beaten by Oulart by 2pts it did restore some sense of pride in the jersey and in the Club. It was a good game of hurling with many of our players trying particularly hard and I will be forgiven if I single out Fran O`Gorman not just for his accuracy getting 9 points from frees but for his persistance and determination - he was beaten three times on one ball but never let it out of his sights and drove forward after it each time eventually picking it and getting it in to his forwards - he has an attitude that no-one is going to get the better of him - and thats what we need - we need the passion with the hurling to win anything. Another player that I am going to mention is Fiacre Ryan who has come on in leaps and bounds this year and had a great game last night - I am going to put this down to hurling - Fiacre has gotten some great games under his belt at Junior B this year - and to all those young guys who think perhaps that Junior B is beneath them - take a look at Fiacre Ryan - as Feno said he was told at the beginning of the year that Fiacre Ryan couldn't hurl - he was one of the best hurlers out of the 30 last night - it just proves that hurling and constant hurling pays off. Well done to all the lads they went well - but again I have to come back to my hobbyhorse - we hurled well around the field and what did we score - again no prizes for guessing - our quota - 12points - once again not enough to beat anyone! Scorers: Fran O`Gorman 9pts/Eoin Quigley 2pts/Mark Mythen 1pt. 14/8/2006 U14 Hurling
Rapparees 4-16 Rathnure 3-4 13/8/2006 Junior Hurling
Clongeen 0-16 Rapparees 1-9 Our juniors hurlers were out on Sunday at 5.30pm against Clongeen down in Grantstown and this was one that we had to win or face relegation. Despite showing a bit more heart and hurling than the Seniors they were beaten - Clongeen scoring 16points - and no prizes for guessing our score - 1-9 or 12points - our usual tally. Different team - different venue - different grade - same problem! We scored 1-7 in the first half to Clongeens 6points and seemed to be hurling well after the break we could only manage 2 points in the second half and one of those was from a free - any wonder we were beaten. Scorers: Tony Boland 3pts/Jim Holden 2 pts/Maurice Donohoe 2pts/Mark Mythen 1 goal/Cathal Murphy/Ronie Furlong 1pt each. 12/8/2006 Senior Hurling
Rapparees 0-8 St Martins 0-16 What could one say about our performance in Senior Hurling over the weekend - to begin with it certainly wasn’t senior hurling - it was closer to Junior B and indeed that is probably totally unfair to Junior B’s as they do try to hurl and generally there is a bit of passion and hunger about them - both attributes that were sadly lacking in our Senior hurlers on Saturday in Wexford Park against St. Martins in the second round of the Championship 8 points to 16. To say that we were bad would be an understatement - we looked as though we had never hurled before! How could we let ourselves and our club down like this? Our hurlers will have to ask themselves that question - how could they allow themselves to go out and look that bad - have they no respect for themselves - never mind the club? I could go on - but I won’t - we will have to put it behind us and try to address some of our problems before the next game or we will be exiting another championship. Our main problem - our age old problem - our problem for the past 13 years - at the very least - and our problem at all grades of adult hurling - we cannot score enough to beat anyone. That’s it - it’s as simple as that - and it has been for the past number of years - so why are we not seeking a solution? We can hurl out of our skins in every other area of the field but if the ball is not going into the back of the net or over the bar then it’s not worth a curse - the scores must go on the board. We have constantly played all our best hurlers in the backs - this is not just our way - its Wexford’s way - we have to change that - I’m not running down the defence positions but you have to be more skillful to hurl in the forwards - in the backs if you are out in front of your man you can gain possession and clear - as a forward you must be out in front - gain possession - beat your man - and score - we cannot do that so we don’t win games. In the long term we need to change our coaching methods at U/10 but in the short term we need to do specific work with forwards – from our half forward line in there is no movement – when one of our forwards gains possession he actually doesn’t know what to do – he looks around for anyone else to pass it to and generally speaking there is no one else there as no one else wants the dilemma! We will have to adopt Brian Cody’s style of catch and strike – now I know the Kilkenny forwards struck 18 wides on Sunday – but you are far better to take the chance than be hooked – that hands the initiative back to the opposition – our forward play has to become automatic – as in catch and strike – we need a forward plan and we need players who are not afraid to take on their markers and head for goal – we need leaders on the field – we have a lot of good young hurlers on our Senior hurling panel but they need leadership on the field and someone has to take on that mantle. 11/8/2006 U16 Hurling
Rapparees beat St Annes 10/8/2006 U12 Hurling
Rapparees 6-18 Buffers Alley 1-2 9/8/2006 Minor Hurling
Rapps beaten by Buffers Alleys 31/7/2006 U21 Football Starlights 1-9 Shelmaliers 1-13 Disappointment for our U/21 footballers last night at Bellefield going down to the Shelmaliers 1-13 to 12points in extra time - the final score is not really a true reflection of the game as there was never much between the sides throughout at half of normal time the score was 1-5 to 6pts to the Starlights and at fulltime 10 points each it was only in extra time that the Shels managed to pull away. Unfortunately, for Starlights we lost 2 key players during the game Derek Tobin and Ricky Fox - Derek in normal time and Ricky in extra time - so considering that we were playing with 14 men at times we put up a remarkable performance. Despite losing the game mentors were happy with the commitment and the fight shown by many of these young players who in fairness had not trained for this football championship at all and had only played together once prior to last night - and that was when they played the first round. This is due to the crazy system in the county whereby U/21 hurling began first and our players managed to get themselves into a semi final spot and then the powers that be decided to begin the football campaign - really encouraging for a dual club - why on earth the hurling couldn`t have been completed before the football began is defies reason and certainly is not of any benefit to either code - so why I would like to ask is it being done like this - who is it benefiting?
Best for the Starlights on the night Mark Mythen/Cillian Lett/Fran O`Gorman/Cathal Murphy/Lee Murphy/Davy Morrissey/Eoin Quigley/Derek Tobin/Ricky Fox and goalie Pa Doyle.
Scorers: - Ricky Fox I goal/Lee Murphy 4pts/Davy Morrissey 3pts/David Tyrrell and Cillian Lett 1pt each.
Well done lads you showed courage and determination and the game could have gone either way in normal time. 29/7/2006 Junior A Football Starlights 0-10 Duffry Rovers 0-10 On Sunday evening our Junior Footballers drew with Duffry Rovers in Bree in the Championship. We have played the Duffry so often this year at all grades of the Championship we are getting fed up looking at each other! The game which finished at 10 points each was played in a wind swept Bree and although we had several chances to win it – including a penalty – which was kicked wide – we were happy enough to come away with the draw in the final analysis. There were some fine displays of football on the night by Brian Murphy, Ricky Fox, Lee Murphy, Declan Ivers and Cillian Lett and Cathal Murphy, Joe Newe, Joe Carley, Anthony Russell, Sean Kelly Davy Morrissey and John Daly worked hard to keep us in contention throughout. The first half finished at 7 points to 3 to the Duffry so the momentum had to be stepped up in the second period with Starlight scoring 7 points to the Duffry`s 3 exactly the reverse of the first period – the wind being an obvious influence on both halves.
Scorers: Brian Murphy 3pts/Lee Murphy/Anthony Russell 2pts each and Davy Morrissey/Ricky Fox and Sean Kenny 1pt each.
28/7/2006 Junior A Camogie
Rathnure 1-6 Rapparees 2-5 The Junior A’s played Rathnure last Friday night in the Championship. The final score was Rathnure1-6 V Rapparees 2-5. The rapps scorers were Niamh Buckley 1-0, Charlene Murphy 0-3, Sarah Nolan 1-0 and Oarnait McSwiney 0-2. A fantastic game of camogie . 28/7/2006 Juvenile Hurling Rapparees beaten by Oulart by 4 points. 27/7/2006 Junior B Hurling
Marshalstown 2-8 Rapparees 3-10 Our Junior B`s pulled out all the stops on Thursday night last in Farmleigh beating Marshalstown 3-10 to 2-8 and securing a place in the closing stages of the district campaign. Marshalstown had not been beaten in this competition and I think it came as a surprise to them that the Rapps were the only ones to topple them. Rapparees worked hard as a team last night and it was this combined effort that forced the win. The fullback line of Fiace Ryan/James Newe and Adrian Kirwan were solid throughout as were the half back line of Rory Newe/Eric Flynn and Padraig Doyle, Michael Hall and Wayne Breen fought hard in the middle for possession and up front David Tyrrell at fullforward and the dazzling Pa Fuzzy Casey and the accurate and stylish Ger Foley picked off the scores assisted by Michael Nolan Joe Newe and Oisin Carley. And John Muckers Tyrrell in the goal brought off a couple of excellent saves to keep us in contention.
When David Tyrrell came off with an injury early in the second half we thought that the death knell would sound for us but the lads picked up their game and more than compensated for the loss - with about 10 minutes to go we had a lead of 5 points and didnt drop it till the final whistle. An excellent overall team performance from a team who showed little promise at the beginning of the season - but have become a settled side who are improving with each and every game.
Scores: Ger Foley 5pts/Pa Fuzzy Casey 2-1/ David Tyrrell 1 goal and Michael Nolan/Michael Hall/Joe Newe and Oisin Carley 1pt each.
26/7/2006 Minor Hurling Rapparees 6-22 Oulart/The Ballagh 3-5 Well done to our minor hurlers last Wednesday night who beat Oulart in the Championship 6-22 to 3-5.
Oulart were no match for this team who seemed to outclass them in every position on the field with the result that the game ceased to be a contest early in play - but our lads continued to hurl away and take their chances as though the final outcome was always in doubt - netting 5-11 to 1-2 in the first half and 1-11 to 1-3 in the second period. This is an uplifting trend - it is good to see that we play our own game regardless of the opposition - and if we get a chance to bury teams we do so - this might sound ruthless but trust me it is the way to go.
Well done to all concerned - players and mentors.
21/7/2006 Junior B Football
Starlights 1-13 Cloughbawn 1-2 Considering the fact that we didnt have a team at 8pm last night and the game was due to start - we did remarkably well to come off with a convincing win over Cloughbawn in the Junior B Football Championship last night in Bellefield - 1-13 to 1-2. I want to say a most sincere thank you to all the juveniles who turned up for us and particularly to Arran Ronan and Thomas Collins and Barry Nolan who went home and got their gear when they heard that we were short and Podge Hall and Matt Flynn who answered the call (literally) as well. I think it would be fair to say that everyone enjoyed their game and there was some marvellous defending and some marvellous scores taken - the biggest cheers on the night would have to be for a point scored by Sean Russell and another by Pa O’Brien - Benny Mythen had an excellent game at fullback and up front Barry (Baz) Nolan got us off to a blazing start scoring 1-2 in the first 15 minutes - Ger Foley our accurate marksman scored a total of 7 points and Dean O’Connor gave a trojan performance at corner back despite suffering from a tummy bug prior to the game and Damian Breen at wing back got great possession and kept striving forward - Paul Byrne at wing forward looked dangerous in attack and picked off a lovely point for himself - our staunch defenders Fiacre Ryan and James Newe gave us their usual hard working performance and David Wall held his own in the corner back position. Oisín Carley and Tony Mackey were main men in the middle and fought hard for possession throughout. A good team performance and a good result. Team: Matt Flynn, Dean O`Connor, Benny Mythen, David Wall, Fiacre Ryan, James Newe, Damian Breen, Oisin Carley, Ger Foley, Paul Byrne, Tony Mackey, Barry Nolan, Pa O`Brien, Podge Hall, Sean Russell. Subs: Arran Ronan for Podge Hall and Thomas Collins for Sean Russell. Scorers: Ger Foley 7pts, Barry Nolan 1-2 Sean Russell, Tony Mackey, Paul Byrne, Pa O`Brien 1pt each. 20/7/2006 Minor Hurling
Harriers 1-16 Rapps 3-11 Our Minor hurlers had a good win over a strong Harriers team last night in Pairc Garman - in a most entertaining game that came right down to the wire - 3-11 to 1-16. Fair play to the lads they battled hard to the very end and held on to get the win. 17/7/2006 U21 Football Starlights 3-3 Bannow/Ballymitty 1-8 Our U/21 footballers over came Bannow/Ballymitty by the narrowest of margins to go through to the second round of the championship last night in a sun basked Bellefield. We got off to a slow start probably because these lads had up to this been concentrating on the hurling championship and it came as a surprise almost when we got the fixture for football - thus our football left a lot to be desired in the opening stages - matters werent improved when we lost Rory O’Connor perhaps a little harshly after a tackle on a Bannow player. At this stage Bannow definitely looked the better footballers and we seemed to be struggling to stay with them finishing the first half 1-1 to 4pts. The sending off seemed to galvanize the Stars into action and in the second half we more than compensated for the missing man - the plan which was to get the ball in quick to David Tyrrell at full forward worked with him scoring 3 goals in all and definitely being the difference between the sides - but the ball had to be got in there and great credit is due to Derek Tobin/Fiacre Ryan/ Mark Mythen who drove forward time after time as did Killian Lett and John Daly and Cathal Murphy when he moved back to the middle of the field following the sending off. Pa Doyle gave his us his usual staunch performance in the goal to deny Bannow several times and only succombing towards the end of the encounter. Pa Doyle, Fiacre Ryan, Derek Tobin, Larry Doyle, Rory O`Connor, Killian Lett, Mark Mythen, John Daly, Ronan Lamb, Cathal Murphy, Tony Mackey, Davy Morrissey, Eoin Quigley, David Tyrrell, Tom Quigley. Subs: Lee Murphy for Tom Quigley, James Newe for Larry Doyle. Score: 3-3 to 1-8. Scorers: David Tyrrell 3 goals, Davy Morrissey 2pts and Lee Murphy 1pt. 17/7/2006 U14 Football Semi-final
Starlighst 8-11 Craanford 1-3 14/7/2006 U16 Hurling
St Martins Beat Rapparees 14/7/2006 Senior Hurling League
Rapparees 4-11 Shels 2-7 Team: Brian Carley; John Murphy, Garret Kavanagh, Derek Tobin; Kevin walsh, Ryan Quigley, Mark Quigley; Eoin Quigley, Tom Wall; David Morrissey, Ollie O'Connor, Fran O'Gorman; Ricky Fox, MArk Gahan, Peter O'Sullivan. Karl Cullen for Jake, Eddie Tobin for Peter and ... 13/7/2006 Junior B Hurling Rapparees 4-16 Cloughbawn 3-7 This was a good win for the junior B's against a weakened Cloughbawn side. It seemed that we knew we were better than them however and we did not get going in the first half. We were slotting over a lot of good points in particular from Ger FOley, Mick Hall, Mick Nolan and Fuzzy Casey but they got two poxy goals to keep them in the game. The first one came from a sideline cut - the ball headed towards the square, Podge Hall missed the catch, the ball landed in the sand and the full forward kicked it in. The second one was the result of two backs going up for the same high ball and absolutely bursting each other. The ball squirmed out to the forward and he slotted it home. That left the half time score at 0-11 to 2-4 even though we dominated the game. We went out determined to sort out the situation and we started hitting the tackles at a more serious rate. David Tyrrell had come on as full forward and hit the crossbar in the first minute before banging home two goals to kill the game. We played well and got some good passing mvoements together but Cloughbawn gave us space to do that. It will be tougher from now on. Team: John Tyrrell; James Newe, Podge Hall, Fiacre Ryan; Adrian Kirwan, Eric FLynn, Padraig Doyle; Michael Hall, Wayne Breen; Pa Casey, Joe Hyland, Oisin Carley; Joe Newe, Mick Nolan, Ger Foley. David Tyrrell, Damian Breen, Pa O'Brien, Barry Nolan, 12/7/2006 Minor Hurling
Rapparees 1-13 Shelmaliers 2-13 11/7/2006 Senior Football League
Clongeen 1-3 Starlights 0-8 The Starlights were unfortunate to end their All County League campaign last evening just short of a League Final slot. Beating Clongeen 8 pts to 1-3 meant that they ended up with 8points in all as did Killanerin - but because they had beaten us earlier in the season - they go through to play Castletown in the Final. After a poor start to the campaign Starlights came good in the end and just missed the boat almost by default. In a windy Clongeen last night we made very hard work of it - scoring only 5 points in the first half against the wind and only 3 in the second half aided and abetted by it. Despite having the ball in the Clongeen goal area for almost the entire first 18 minutes of the second half we had only one point to show for it - a dismal display - but doing just enough in the closing stages to pip it. Team: Pa Doyle, Pa Murphy, Liam Boland, Derek Tobin, Killian Lett, Mark Gahan, Mark Quigley, Ollie O’Connor, Tom Wall, Willie Hudson, John Daly, Anthony Russell, Maurice Donohoe, Gary Brilly, Davy Morrissey. Subs - Rory O’Connor for Davy Morrissey, Mark Mythen for Anthony Russell, Ronie Furlong for Maurice Donohoe. Scorers: - Willie Hudson 4pts, Gary Brilly 2pts, Anthony Russell and Maurice Donohoe 1pt each. 10/7/2006 Junior A Camogie Championship
Rapparees 3-13 St. Ibars 1-6 10/7/2006 U16 Co Football Final
Starlights 3-8 Taghmon/C 1-11 (after ET) Taghmon/Camross proved a very hard nut to crack and it was only a goal from Paul Byrne at the end of normal time that allowed us to stay in the game. A strong wind proved detrimentral to both sides but in the first period of extra time it was the Stars who were against the wind who played the strongest and went into a deserved two point lead. However Taghmon came back strongly at us and drew level and it was left to substitute full forward Oisin Dunbar to slot over a point and crash hiome the match winning goal to leave us victorious. Star performances from Sam O'Shea and Jonathon Whelan at corner back, John James Dunne and Paul Byrne. Brendan Doyle, Sam O'Shea, John Ryan, Jonathon Whelan, Dean Ryan, John James Dunne, Thomas Collins, Joe Cullen, Dean Leacy, Paul Byrne (C), James Peare, David Wall, Aaron Ronan, Darren Buttle, Barry Nolan, Ricky O'Leary, Evan O'Rourke, Fergal Mackey, Jimmy O'Leary, Oisin Dunbar, Ashley O'Connor, Adam Jordan, David Doyle, Matthew Deane, Andrew Kelly 10/7/2006 U21 Hurling
Rapparees 1-17 St Anne's 2-10 Congrats to our U/21 hurlers who did well last night in Bellefield beating St. Annes 1-17 to 2-9 and qualifying for the County Semi Final. The Annes proved to be strong opposition and our lads had to pull out all the stops to beat them - led by Derek Tobin - Captain Fantastic - who leads with courage and commitment - he was ably assisted in the fullback line by Declan Barron and Patrick Quigley who both gave excellent displays in defence as did Fiacre Ryan in the halfback line - Fiacre is improving with every outing - Fran O'Gorman and Peter O’Sullivan did well in the middle - with the very skilful and accurate Frano scoring a total of 9 points - up front there were some excellent scores taken with all our forwards trying hard to break through a staunch Annes defence - probably the best score of the game was a marvellous point by Derek Tobin from a free in his own half. Cathal Murphy made a huge difference when he was introduced for Daithi Mernagh - getting a point almost immediately he entered the fray and working well in the full forward position contesting everything and blocking and hassling making it difficult for the Annes defence to get in any sort of a clearance - his efforts paid off when he kicked a ball that looked to be going into the top corner of the net but at the last minute rose up and over the bar - the Annes goalie made a good save on another of his shots - Ricky Fox in the corner was dangerous each time in possession notching up a total of 1-1 and Mark Mythen who started at full but moved to the corner after the arrival of Cathal Murphy - found more space in this position which enabled him to distribute good ball to the rest of the forwards. Overall a very good performance with everyone focused and committed - well done to all concerned - players and mentors alike. It is marvellous to be looking forward to a Semi Final slot against Oulart - rather unfair of the powers that be that have so little regard for this championship that they cannot find a neutral venue for both semi finals - these U/21s are the future of all our clubs and perhaps the future of the county and yet they are not important enough for county fixtures committee to look for a neutral venue for county semi finals - what a lot they are doing for hurling in Wexford! 9/7/2006 Junior A Hurling
Rapparees 1-13 Davidstown 2-21 Our Junior A’s had a similar problem on Sunday evening when they lined out against Davidstown at Bellefield. Albeit it in much better weather conditions nothing else had improved - again we were struggling to make the 15 and once again we had to rely on minors in Tommy Foley, David Murphy and Pa O’Brien and U21 Cathal Murphy who is playing tonight and shouldn’t have had to line out but many thanks to you Cathal - without you we wouldn’t have been able to fulfil the fixture. Our Junior B’s who had played the evening before helped out here too and well done to John Tyrrell in the goal who made a couple of brilliant saves and Pa Casey who did well at corner back. Once again we struggling to make the 15 we were never going to be strong enough for Davidstown first team and the final score was 1-13 to 2-21. Team: John Tyrrell, Pa Casey, Declan Ivers, Tommy Foley, Joe Newe, Gareth Kavanagh, Damian Barron, Ollie O’Connor, Cathal Murphy, Maurice Donohoe, Damian Mahon, Tony Boland, Pa O’Brien, Ronan Furlong, Jim Holden. Scorers: Ronie Furlong 1-4 Ollie O Connor 4 pts, Damian Mahon 2pts, Tony Boland and Maurice Donohoe 1pt each. 8/7/2006 Junior B Hurling
Rapparees 1-7 Ballyfad 2-11 What with the Oxygen Concert in Dublin and our U/21’s playing in the second round of the Championship tonight and holidays and injuries we were seriously depleted this weekend when it came to lining out our Junior A and Junior B squads. Our Junior B’s played Ballyfad in Bellefield on Saturday evening in horrendous weather conditions and despite gallant efforts by many of our players we went down to them 1-7 to 2-11 with Ballyfad’s second goal coming in the final stages of the game. The lads did their best to stay with them and I would have to compliment Ricky Fox who despite his commitment to U/21 hurling championship on Monday - stood into the goal for us until our regular goalkeeper John Mulqueen arrived. Rory Newe who lined out at wing back and gave an excellent account of himself is also part of the U/21 squad as is Lee Murphy our corner back and Barry Nolan who played at wing forward despite being in our Juvenile County final tonight and David (Biscuit) Murphy who lined out at corner forward and scored an excellent point despite being one of our Minors who will begin their championship campaign this Wednesday night in Bellefield, and the talented cousins Tommy (Tucker) Foley at half back and Ger at centre forward who scored 6 points in total and corner forward Pa O’Brien who will also be playing minor for the club this week. I would like to say a most sincere thank you to all these guys and wish them well this week in their respective championship - but it does beg the question - where are all our adult players???? We shouldn’t be depending on our minors and juveniles to give us a dig out in Junior B – it’s about time some of our older players gave us a bit of commitment. These players did the best they could but were just not strong enough for Ballyfad despite some good hurling - particularly from Wayne Breen in the middle and Adrian Kirwan in the fullback line - struggling to make 15 we were never really in with a chance. Team: Ricky Fox (replaced by John Tyrrell), Adrian Kirwan, Podge Hall, Lee Murphy, Tommy Foley, Eric Flynn, Rory Newe, Wayne Breen, Pa Casey, Joe Hyland, Ger Foley, Barry Nolan, Pa O Brien, Ed Shallow, David Murphy. Scorers: Ger Foley 6pts, Ed Shallow 1 goal and David (Biscuit) Murphy 1pt. 5/7/2006 Junior B Football
Starlights 0-8 Monageer 2-5
Our junior B`s despite putting up a good fight for it after losing a player early in the game went down to Monageer last night 8pts to 2-5 in the Junior B Football Championship. This time the player was sent off for a stupid incident not injured - and we were forced to play with 14 for most of the game which definitely cost us the match. It was heartening to see so many turn up for the game - we had 23 to choose from - and I would like to say a most sincere thank you to all of them. A very fine performance was put in by Mark Mythen at half back and Fiacre Ryan once again despite having picked up an injury in the U/21 match on Monday night played his usual tough game as did James Newe and Benny Mythen and the young and stylish Dean O’Connor is making the corner back position his own. Damian Tobin went well at centre back as did Micheal Nolan when he went back in the defence in the second half. Ger Foley playing at midfield got some fine points 5 in all 3 from frees and 2 from play and John (Muckers) Tyrrell was really unfortunate narrowly missing the net on two occasions - Damian (Boo) Breen made some fine solo runs on the wing and again was unlucky not to get more out of them. All the lads tried hard - but it is always going to be a struggle with a man down - if we had had the full compliment I think we would have beaten them. Team: Keith Sheehan, Dean O'Connor, Benny Mythen, James Newe, Fiacre Ryan, Damian Tobin, Mark Mythen, Ger Foley, Pa Casey, Damian Breen, Tony Mackey, Ciaran O'Connor, Ed Shallow, John Tyrrell, Michael Nolan. Scorers: Ger Foley 5pts, Mark Mythen, John Tyrrell, and Damian Tobin - 1pt each. Subs: Barry Nolan for Ed Shallow, Stephen Tyrrell for Pa Casey and David Wall for Keith Sheehan. 04/07/2006 Jun A Football
St Marys (M) 1-10 Starlights 1-8 A poor display of football by what appeared to be a strong team on paper dashed all hopes of retaining our League title as St. Mary’s Maudlintown beat us in Páirc Garman last night by 2 points - 1-8 to 1-10. This was a most disappointing result from a side that had been going well in this competition and had produced some very entertaining games and some fine displays of football. From the outset we were struggling - we never seemed to settle and didn’t appear to be in command at any period - there was no drive and no passion about us and some of our more experienced footballers didn’t provide the leadership and guidance that we had hoped for. Senior footballers like Gary Brilly, Willie Hudson, Liam Boland, Anthony Russell, should have been head and shoulders above the rest at this grade and instead failed to sparkle. A most disappointing effort from last years champions. Team: Georgie O’Connor, Joe Carley, Liam Boland, Derek Tobin, Brian Murphy, Cillian Lett, Joe Newe, John Daly, Ollie O`Connor, Anthony Russell, Ronie Furlong, Willie Hudson, Cathal Murphy, Gary Brilly, Declan Ivers. Scorers: Willie Hudson 4pts, Ronie Furlong 1goal, Gary Brilly 3pts, Ollie O`Connor 1pt. 03/7/2006 U21 Hurling
HWH Bunclody 0-9 Rapparees 2-10 Our U/21 hurlers put in a good performance yesterday evening in Bunclody to beat the home side 2-10 to 9pts. Althought we started slow we gathered momemtum in the final 10 minutes of the first half which continued after the break and we finished by far the stronger side. The first half was a constant battle with nothing between the sides except a goal in the 14 minutes from a ball in by Ricky Fox that Cathal Murphy got a touch and sent to the back of the net - despite stretching the lead several times to 4 points - it was short lived with Bunclody going down the field immediately afterwards and clawing it back to the goal again - the halftime score was 1-6 to 6 points. Rapps came good in the second half scoring outscoring Bunclody 1-4 to 3 points with good solid hurling from Derek Tobin who was excellent in the full back position along with Declan Barron and Patrick Quigley - who came forward time after time and made good clearance deny Bunclody any access to goal. Ed Tobin and Fran O Gorman battled well in the middle as did Fiacre Ryan and Kevin Walsh in the half back line and up front Ricky Fox and Davy Morrissey looked dangerous in possession as did David Tyrrell who came on as a sub and got the second goal. A bit of a struggle at times - but this is their first game together and they fought hard and stuck to the task and achieved a result and are through to the next round against St. Annes in Bellefield next Monday night 10th July at 8pm. Well done to all concerned - players and mentors - particularly Adrian Fenlon who is trainer/coach with this team - and Garret Kavanagh - it is heartening for the club to see guys the calibre of Adrian and Garret putting time and effort and years of hurling experience into our young players. Team:Pa Doyle, Patrick Quigley, Derek Tobin, Declan Barron, Kevin Courtney, Kevin Walsh, Fiacre Ryan, Ed Tobin, Fran O`Gorman, Daithi Mernagh, Eoin Quigley, Peter O'Sullivan, Ricky Fox, Davy Morrissey, Cathal Murphy. Scorers: Fran O`Gorman 6pts, Ricky Fox 2pts, Cathal Murphy and David Tyrrell 1 goal each, Ed Tobin and Daithi Mernagh 1 pt each. 28/6/2006 Junior B Hurling Championship
Rapparees 1-13 Duffry Rovers 2-6 The Junior B’s finally got themselves a victory to keep their chances alive in the championship. The last two weeks of almost constant matches have sharpened everyone up and it was great to get a win under our belts, especially without our main marksman, Mick Nolan. We started well and pulled away within the first few minutes but conceding two soft goals allowed the Duffry to only trail by a point at the break. The first one came off the post and was knocked in by the corner forward the second shot was saved well by Muckers but landed under his body and the first man to react was an opposition player who tapped it in. For the first 15 minutes of the second half it appeared that we were going to let the match slip away – despite our superiority we were making little headway up front. Then a late scoring spree of 5 points put away the Duffry men. Best for us were James Newe who brought balls out of the back line with his teeth, Michael Hall in midfield, Oisin Carley on the half forward line, Tucker Foley who looked lively at corner forward and Milo who replaced the injured Pádraig Doyle and went on to star at first centre forward and then centre back when Eric went off. John Tyrrell; James Newe, Padraig Hall, Fiacre Ryan; Padraig Doyle (0-1), Eric Flynn, Adrian Kirwan; Michael Hall (0-2), Wayne Breen; Ger Foley (0-1), Oisin Carley (1-1), Rory Newe (0-1); Joe Newe (0-1), Pa Casey, Tommy Foley (0-4). Damian Mahon (0-2) for Padraig Doyle, Damian Breen for Eric Flynn, Pa O'Brien for Pa Casey. 27/6/2006 Junior A Football
Starlights 1-9 Kilmore 1-8 Our junior footballers had a very hard earned win in Bellefield last night against Kilmore in the All County Football League pipping it by one point 1-9 to 1-8. This was a tough keenly contested game throughout with most of the lads working really well all around the field - they fought well for possession - defended well and took their scoring opportunities with defiance. Kilmore - a strong footballing side - stuck to their task well but the Stars eventually wore them down and sneaked ahead by the narrowest of margins. 25/6/2006 Junior B Hurling
St Fintans 2-11 Rapparees 2-9 Heading to Killinick on Sunday evening we were expecting that they would be a far stronger side what with it being their only team and former County player Larry O`Gorman coaching them - but our lads held up extremely well and it was neck and neck to the final whistle. This was a good entertaining and competitive game with our backs performing well once again - only one change in the set up here - Rory Newe was in at half back instead of Tommy Foley who failed to show as did Ger Foley, Cathal Murphy, Damian Breen, Pa Casey and Joe Newe - so it was down to the bare 15 and it is this reason and this reason only that we lost the game - when Brian Kehoe pulled up with a hamstring we were down to 14 men - at the halftime break Fiacre Ryan Snr. - there as a spectator - volunteered his services to the team to give them some chance and I would have to say was unlucky for 2 goals in the second period. It is to our shame as a club that this had to happen - particularly when we are out in the U/21 Championship in a weeks time you would think that our young players would be eager for as much hurling as they could get instead they stay away and leave a player like Padraig Doyle at 47 hurling 3 games for us in the space of 5 days - what sort of clubmen are we breeding at all - what's going to happen when Padraig Doyle and his likes are finished hurling - where will our club be then? This game was a lively encounter with all the lads who showed up doing their very best - we had 3 sets of brothers on the field the Newes, the Nolans and the Halls and a father and son combination with the 2 Fiacre Ryans - some good scoring - lovely to see Michael Nolan linking up with his younger brother Barry to send a lovely point over the bar.The hard working and very committed Pa O'Brien got another good score and Peter O'Sullivan and David Tyrrell got the 2 goals for us. Delighted with the performance lads - ye did well and were unlucky not to scrape it. Team: John Tyrrell, Fiacre Ryan, Podge Hall, James Newe, Padraig Doyle, Eric Flynn, Rory Newe, Oisin Carley(0-1), Peter O'Sullivan (1-1), Brian Kehoe(0-1), Michael Nolan (0-4), Michael Hall, Pa O'Brien(0-1), David Tyrrell (1-0), Barry Nolan(0-1). Subs: None - a volunteer from the sideline - Fiacre Ryan Snr for the injured Brian Kehoe. 24/6/2006 Senior Hurling
Shamrocks 3-6 Rapparees 3-7 Our Senior Hurlers played the Shamrocks in the league on Saturday evening at 7pm beating them narrowly 3-7 to 3-6. Team: Pa Doyle, John Murphy, Gareth Kavanagh, John Barron, Liam Boland, Ryan Quigley, Kevin Walsh, Karl Cullen, Tom Wall, Mark Quigley, Eoin Quigley, Davy Morrissey, Ricky Fox, Davy O’Connell, Fran O` Gorman. Scorers: Davy O’Connell and Richard Murphy 1 goal each Ricky Fox 1-1 Fran O’Gorman 4 pts and Ryan and Eoin Quigley 1 pt each. 23/6/2006 Junior B Hurling
St Marys (R) 1-11 Rapparees 1-7 This was a competitive performance from the Junior B's down in Rosslare's state of the art new complex and it was only a goal for the home side in the final minute that decided the result. We had plenty of possession and dominated proceedings occasionally but shot far too many wides. At half time only a point separated the sides with Tommy (Tucker) Foley going extremely well alongside the more experienced Eric Flynn and the evergreen Padraig Doyle in the half back line and Fiacre Ryan and James Newe performing well alongside the solid Podge Hall in the full back line - our defence was as strong as it could be - unfortunately up front we had loads of chances but failed to make anything of them - our scores were hard to come by but Selectors were happy with the much improved hurling. John Tyrrell; James Newe, Padraig Hall, Fiacre Ryan; Tommy Foley(0-1), Eric Flynn, Padraig Doyle; Oisin Carley, Pa Casey; Joe Newe(0-1), Cathal Murphy(0-1), Ger Foley (1-2); Ed Shallow(0-1), Dermot O'Shea, Rory Newe; Pa O'Brien, Barry Nolan, Damian Breen. 21/6/2006 Junior B Hurling Championship
Rapparees 2-5 Shamrocks 2-11 Another disappointing performance from the Junior B’s last night in Bellefield going down by 6 points to the Shamrocks. As usual our team appeared to be strong on paper but were just second to every ball on the night with the notable exception of Pádraig Doyle and at times Fuzzy Casey. We had the breeze in the first half but struggled to make any inroads, missing a couple of scorable frees and goaling opportunities and went in 1-5 to 0-4 down. We played down the hill in the second half but rarely got the ball through the Shamrocks midfield and half backs. Matty Flynn; Tommy Foley, James Newe, Fiacre Ryan; Joe Newe, Eric Flynn, Pádraig Doyle; Wayne Breen, Oisín Carley; Ger Foley (0-2), Lee Murphy, Pa Casey; Michael Nolan (1-2), Pádraig Hall, Graham Doyle. Rory Newe for Graham, Michael Hall (1-0) for Pádraig Hall, Dermot O’Shea for Fuzzy, Pa O’Brien and Woody Hyland (0-1) for Wayne and Lee, Muckers for Matty. 17/6/2006 Senior Football
Starlights 1-13 Fethard 0-10 Our Senior squad played Fethard in Bellefield on Saturday evening and had a convincing win - 1-13 to 10pts. Starlights were dominant from the start only allowing Fethard to come back into the game in the closing 12 to 15 minutes. With flashes of the magic that is John Hudson Stars led at half time 1-6 to 4pts. Gary Brilly linking up well with the star full forward and producing most of the scores between them. Gary had been a major addition to the squad and threatens the goal every time he’s in possession. It was good to see Liam Boland back to form in the full back position and Mark Gahan performing well in front of him at centre. Tom Wall made some invaluable interceptions to set up a Starlights attack from what could have easily been a score at the other end. Mark Quigley showed marvellous fielding skills throughout the game as did Jason Russell making some excellent catches in the middle of the field and managing to finish well at one stage taking an fine point for himself. A good performance and well done to John Hudson for showing for his club despite imminent Inter County fixture. Team: Pa Doyle, Pa Murphy, Liam Boland, Maurice Donohoe, Mark Quigley, Mark Gahan, Tom Wall, Ryan Quigley, Jason Russell, Anthony Russell, Cillian Lett, Willie Hudson, Ollie O’Connor, John Hudson, Gary Brilly. Subs: John Daly for Ollie O’Connor, Rory O’Connor for Maurice Donohoe, Davy Morrissey for John Hudson and Brian Murphy for Anthony Russell. Scorers: John Hudson 5pts, Gary Brilly 1-4 Willie Hudson, Ryan Quigley, Anthony Russell and Jason Russell - 1pt each. 16/6/2006 Junior B Football
HWH Bunclody 2-14 Starlights 0-7 Our Junior B footballers were beaten in the Championship on Friday night by Bunclody. From the onset we were no match for a much better and a much fitter side who were up for it from the throw in. When it comes to Championship, training and being in the field is essential even at Junior B level - some teams train to win this grade whilst others think its enough just to show up for matches - on Friday night the Starlights found out that it isn’t! Hardly surprising then that the final score was 2-14 to 7 points. Thanks to all who turned up and in particular the younger guys - but we really have to ask ourselves if there is any point in continuing with Junior B if the present attitude is to prevail - perhaps we would be better of with just Senior and Junior with all players fighting to get a place - this might have more of a beneficial effect overall than the present situation. Team: David Wall, Stephen Tyrrell, Benny Mythen, Dean O`Connor, Fiacre Ryan, Tony Mackey, James Newe, Pa Casey, Ger Foley, Damian Breen, Michael Nolan, John Tyrrell, Sean Russell, Damian Tobin, John Murphy. Subs: Barry Nolan for Sean Russell, Pa O’Brien for Damian Breen and Sean O’Brien for Damian Tobin. Scorers: Ger Foley 3 pts, Damian Tobin 2pts, John Murphy and Michael Nolan 1pt each. 13/6/2006 Junior B Hurling
Bannow/Ballymitty 4-9 Rapparees 1-7 Not a good performance by our Junior B’s last night down in Bannow - anything but - it was one of those nights where nothing went right for us - no matter how hard we tried - but fair play to the lads that turned up and fair play to them for battling it out to the bitter end. And it was bitter - final result being 4-9 to 1-7. We had only the 15 despite lads staying behind in Bellefield who could have hurled for us - so when one of our players went down injured we had to hurl for 20 minutes with only 14 men - and it is a mark of the player in question - Adrian Kirwan - that he returned to the fray and despite not being able to run stayed on till the end of the game - thank you for your loyalty Adrian - its a dreadful pity we haven’t more like you - who knows maybe that’s why we’re not winning county titles! Lots of ye tried very hard lads and I would have to say that Fiacre Ryan is one of the most improved players I seen to date this year - keep it up Fiacre you are getting better every game - Padraig Doyle at 47 seems to have the secret of eternal youth when you see him taking off after a guy who wasn’t even born when he started to hurl and Damian Breen and Pa O’Brien were determined in the full forward line. Team: Matt Flynn, Fiacre Ryan, James Newe, John Foley, Padraig Doyle, Eric Flynn, Adrian Kirwan, Brian Kehoe, Oisin Carley, Joe Newe, Lee Murphy, Ger Foley, Damian Breen, Michael Nolan, Pa O`Brien. No subs Scorers: Brian Kehoe 1-2 Ger Foley 2 pts, Lee Murphy, Michael Nolan and Joe Newe - 1 pt each. 12/6/2006 U14 Football
Shelmaliers 1-1 Starlights 4-11 10/6/2006 Junior A Hurling League
Rapparees 1-13 Buffers Alley 1-17 Junior hurling followed the senior game - the Opposition this time being Buffers Alley and the result being more disappointing with Rapparees losing 1-17 to 1-13. 10/6/2006 Senior Hurling League
Rapparees 2-14 Naomh Eanna 1-11 The senior hurlers won their league encounter against Naomh Éanna at the weekend 2-14 to 1-11. The match which began with a minutes silence for the late Sally Murphy of Ballyboe was a dour enough affair with Rapparees only taking control in the second period - the halftime score was 1-6 to 8 points to Naomh Éanna. It wasn’t until the final 20 minutes that the Rapps pulled up their socks and began to come to grips with the game scoring a total of 2-6 to the oppositions 5 points. Team: - Pa Doyle, John Murphy, Gareth Kavanagh, Liam Boland, Mark Quigley, Ryan Quigley, Peter O`Sullivan, Tom Wall, Eoin Quigley, Richard Murphy, Ollie O`Connor, Ricky Fox, Cathal Murphy, Mark Gahan, Davy Morrissey. Scorers: Richard Murphy - 2 goals, Ricky Fox 6pts, Ollie O`Connor 4 points, Eoin Quigley 3pts, Ryan Quigley 1pt.
8/6/2006 Junior A Football League
Starlights 2-15 Sarsfields 0-3
Starlights played the Sarsfields last evening in basking sunshine in Bellefield in the All County League in what was really a very one sided affair in the second half at least. Stars struggled in the first doing everything except putting the ball over the bar and after 20 minutes had struck 11 wides - we got our first score after 16 minutes with Davy (Speedy) Morrissey getting his name on the scoreboard. Cathal Murphy was the next to register kicking one over and this was followed by another from Speedy. It began to look as thought the Starlights had gotten their act together however they kicked another 5 wides before Rory O’Connor and Maurice Donohoe got another 2 scores and then just before the halftime whistle David Tyrrell rattled the net following an excellent pass from Cathal Murphy - leaving the halftime score 1-5 to 2 points to the Stars. From the onset of the second half the outcome was never in doubt - with Starlights totally dominant in every area and some marvellous shooting making up for the wides of the first period - to leave the final tally 2-15 to 3 points. With some excellent scoring from Davy (Speedy) Morrissey notching up a personal tot of 6 points and Rory O'Connor getting 3 points. Good defending in the backs and good distribution from John Daly and Cathal Murphy up front - this was a good overall team performance. Team: Georgie O'Connor, Joe Newe, Niall Sunderland, Gareth Kavanagh, Liam Boland, Brian Murphy, Maurice Donohoe, John Daly, Killian Lett, Cathal Murphy, Davy Morrissey, Lee Murphy, Rory O`Connor, David Tyrrell, Declan Ivers. Subs: Anthony Russell for the injured Declan Ivers, Michael Donohoe for the injured Gareth Kavanagh and Ricky Fox for Lee Murphy. Scorers: Davy Morrissey 6 pts Rory O’Connor 3 pts David Tyrrell 1-1 Ricky Fox 1 goal Cathal Murphy, Maurice Donohoe, Anthony Russell, Brian Murphy, and Michael Donohoe 1 pt each. 5/6/2006 Senior Football League
Starlights 0-9 Killanerin 0-11 Our Senior Footballers lined out last night against Killanerin in Bellefield in glorious sunshine and got off to a good start notching up 5 points in the first 20 minutes to Killanerin’s one - the scores coming from Willie Hudson - 2 points Rory O’Connor 2 points and a very well struck point from John Daly. Stars then took their foot off the pedal - as they are prone to do - and a couple of bad passing among the backs allowed Killanerin to capitalise on our mistakes and get right back into the game leaving the halftime score 6 points to 4 to Starlights - Willie Hudson getting his third point of the half. Killanerin began the second period a lot better than the first putting 2 points on the board before Starlights scored - with Pa Murphy coming from the fullback line up the field and kicking a marvellous point - a first for Pa I think! John Daly added another one along with Gary Brilly and that was it for the entire period while Killanerin notched up 7 points to leave the final score 11 points to 9. It was a game that should have been won - however after a good start - Starlights looked as though they were just out for a bit of a canter - and didnt appear to be quite serious enough - despite several chances towards the end with Gary Brilly driving a couple wide and a good goal coming from sub Cathal Murphy - which was disallowed as goalkeeper was being fouled by another player at the time. Team - Pa Doyle, Ollie O Connor, Mark Gahan, Pa Murphy, Liam Boland, Killian Lett, Tom Wall, John Daly, Jason Russell, Willie Hudson, Michael Donohoe, Rory O Connor, Maurice Donohoe, Gary Brilly, Davy Morrissey. Subs: Anthony Russell for Davy Morrissey, Brian Murphy for Michael Donohoe, Cathal Murphy for Willie Hudson. Scorers: Willie Hudson 3 pts, John Daly and Rory O’Connor 2 pts each, Pa Murphy and Gary Brilly 1 pt each. 5/6/2006 U14 Camogie
Oylegate/G'Brien 1-3 Rapparees 0-0 4/6/2006 Junior A Camogie
Rapparees 6-4 St Martins 1-3 Scorers: Molly Dwyer 3-0, Louise Hore 2-0, Aoife Newe 1-0, Charleen Murphy 0-3, Sara Nolan 0-1. 3/6/2006 Junior B Championship
Rathnure 1-09 Rapparees 0-12 As usual we were away from home and the sun was out so we struggled to make 15. Nevertheless this was a very good result for our lads. Star man was Milo who only came out to make up the 15 and turned the game on it's head when he was introduced at centre forward. Prior to this Rathnure had been pulling away from us but Milo proved both a target man and top scorer to keep us in the game. If we get the missing lads back we could make a run at the District Final here. Team: Matty Flynn; James Newe, Padraig Hall, Fiacre Ryan; Joe Newe, Eric Flynn, Ed Shallow; Wayne Breen, Oisin Carley; Graham Doyle, Mick Nolan, Kevin Waldron; Damian Breen, Muckers Tyrrell, Pa O'Brien. Milo for Pa after 15 mins and then Pa reintroduced for Wayne after 45 mins. 1/6/2006 U12 Football Championship
St Martins 3-7 Starlights 3-11 This was a great win for the lads against a big and talented St Martins side. We were down 1-6 to 0-6 at half time and made a great come back in the second half. 31/5/2006 U12 Camogie
Rapparees 1-0 Duffry Rovers 0-0 Sarah Collins scored the decisive goal 30/5/2006 Senior Hurling League
Duffry Rovers 2-10 Rapparees 1-11 A pristine display from dead balls by Fran O’Gorman was not enough for the Rapps seniors against the Duffry tonight. After running into an early 0-6 to 0-1 lead we allowed the Black Country men to get back into the game before half time to leave the half time score 0-7 to 0-4. This total of 0-7 represented 3 frees and two sideline cuts from Fran, a 65 from Ollie and a fine point on the run from Tom Wall. The second half started well with good points from Mark Gahan and Richard Murphy to open up a five point lead. However the Duffry responded with 2 points (one from a free) and a goal to draw the game after 8 minutes. The exchanges heated up then and in fairness to our lads points from Fran (a free) and Richie Murphy gave us back the lead. We had what seemed to be a goal when their goalie dropped the ball but we had no umpire down there and it was not allowed. The Duffry then hit a couple of wides and Brian Carley made a good save before the countrymen pointed a free to leave a point in it with 10 minutes remaining. Both sides had opportunities before two points from the hosts left them a point up entering the last couple of minutes. An extraordinary goal from a sideline cut by Fran O’Gorman then handed us a seemingly victorious 2 point lead. However the green, white and orange hit back from the puck out with a goal of their own and then rounded out the game with a pointed free to win by two. That free should have actually gone our way as Fran was fouled twice before the ref called him for an infringement and to be honest they seemed to be getting the majority of the 50/50 decisions. This is not an excuse however since we had the chances to win the game but did not take them. Brian Carley; Jake, Garrett, Karl Cullen; Kevin Walsh, John Barron, Eddie Tobin; Tom Wall (0-1), Ollie (0-1 ’65); Fran (1-6, 0-4 frees, 1-2 sidelines), Liam Boland, Speedy Morrissey; Richard Murphy (0-2), Mark Gahan (0-1), Ricky Fox. 30/5/2006 Junior A Hurling League
Glynn/arntown 5-10 Rapparees 4-13 Our league game against Glynn last night at 7pm in Killurin was a most entertaining encounter finishing up level Rapparees 4-13 Glynn 5-10 - this being the fairest result in a seesaw game that could have gone either way. There were some marvellous scores taken on both sides and as target practice this couldn’t have been better. With our Seniors playing at the same time against the Duffry - we did well to get the two teams out and many of our very young players lined out with the juniors and gave very good accounts of themselves - Daithi Mernagh, Oisín Carley and Pa Doyle. It was good to see Anthony Russell back on the hurling fields again and even getting his name on the scoreboard from the half back line. Davy (Corkey) O’Connell did well up front winning a lot of possession and distributing well as well as rattling the net on two occasions. Cathal Murphy who despite carrying a hamstring injury managed to notch up a personal tally of a goal and 3 points and Tony Boland was in marvellous striking form getting 1-8 - the goal coming from a penalty. It was nip and tuck the whole way throughout with neither side able to forge ahead but it was good to see our lads go right back up the field and take a good score immediately after conceding one to the opposition. Our marking was that bit loose in the backs and maybe this was due to lack of experience but Fiacre Ryan, Daithi Mernagh and Kevin Courtney tried hard as did Pa Casey when he replaced Fiacre Ryan. But this was a good chance for many of our young guns to show their worth and I’m sure the selectors will be delighted with the results. There’s plenty of young talent coming in the club - it just needs to be blended with what’s already there and given plenty of games at all levels - matches = experience! Pa Doyle, Fiacre Ryan, Niall Sunderland, Daithi Mernagh, Anthony Russell, Joe Carley, Kevin Walsh, Peter O’Sullivan, Brian Kehoe, Cathal Murphy, Davy O’Connell, Tony Boland, Joe Newe, Jim Holden, Oisin Carley. Subs: Pa Casey for Fiacre Ryan, Lee Murphy for Joe Newe. Scorers: Tony Boland 1-8 (5) frees, (1) 65 and the goal for a penalty, Davy O’Connell 2 goals, Cathal Murphy 1-3, Anthony Russell and Peter O`Sullivan 1 point each. 27/5/2006 Junior A Football Championship
Bannow 0-6 Starlights 0-8 Starlights pulled out all the stops on Saturday evening in New Ross to win this first round replay against Bannow/Ballymitty and move on to the second round of the Championship. Bannow had the better of the exchanges in the first half winning a lot of ball around the middle of the field and keeping our backs under pressure - on the few occasions that we did manage to get the ball into their half we capitalised on it well - with Ronie Furlong getting our first point and Cathal Murphy getting the second from a very tight angle from an attack on the subsequent kick out. Despite the fact that they had the ball in our area most of the half after about 4 or 5 attacks on their goal the sides were level at 3 points apiece - Davy Speedy Morrissey getting the third point for the Stars - then just before the half time whistle Brian Murphy who was playing well at centre back struck over a really fine point to put the Starlights ahead. Starlights began the second half well and after two attacks we had notched up another 2 points - one from Cathal Murphy who was going very well despite carrying an injury into the game and the second from a free won by Declan Ivers and struck over well by Lee Murphy. Our third of the second period came from a lovely bit of link up work between Declan Ivers and Cathal Murphy and the final score came from a fine kick by Cillian Lett - leaving the final result 8 points to 6 in the Starlights favour. A good overall performance with all fifteen playing well - Brian Murphy, Niall Sunderland and Gareth Kavanagh doing extremely well in defence and Rory Newe was quite capable of holding his own in his debut at Junior A . Everyone tried hard and got a good result and march on to the next round of the championship - thats Senior and Junior Football through and Senior hurling - not bad lads keep it up. 21/5/2006 Senior Hurling Rd 1 Replay
Rapparees 3-12 Duffry Rovers 2-14 For a team that wasn’t fancied the Duffry have certainly shown up well in the first round of the championship and have given us what could turn out to be two vital tough encounters. This was a see saw match with both teams building up good leads throughout the duration and being reeled back in. In the first ten minutes the Duffry ran up a three point lead with our lads conceding some easy frees at the back while we squandered some easy chances up front. The revised midfield combination of Ollie and Ryan were going fairly well however. The second ten minutes belonged to the Rapps however as we went on to our own five point lead with scores from Mossy, Derek Tobin, Fran, Ricky, Richard Murphy and a goal from Mossy after a lay off from Mark Gahan. If seemed like the engine had begun to hum nicely with green and red dominance throughout the pitch and the Duffry trailing in our tailmist. However, the Black Forest men came thundering back at us with their own brace of scores from Damien Fitzhenry, Micheal Doyle, Matthew Flynn O’Conner, Paul Nolan and a goal from Ger Coleman. The goal was a messy affair with the monsoon conditions contributing to a couple of defensive errors before the ball was humped over the line. The sickening blow came as half time approached with the Duffry number 12 Alan O’Neill running from nearly half way to dash the ball to the far corner of the net and give the opposition a huge boost going in at half time. Rapps heads were bowed as we knew we had squandered a fine lead. With hindsight it seemed that we had lost control of midfield at halftime with our thirtysomething combo beginning to tire. The management team tried to address this at halftime by swapping Fran O’Gorman with Ryan after the break. Things seemed to go from bad to worse then as not only did the countrymen get the opening score of the half but talisman Skippy Ruth hobbled off with a hip injury soon after. Ryan Quigley then dropped back to centre back with Eoin Quigley coming in at wing forward. The loss of Skippy seemed to galvanize the lads however and the flow started going with us again. Tom Wall’s introduction for Ollie who had given his all also added to the momentum. Mossy missed a free before pointing a few and Richard Murphy was getting the better of his man in the corner. It was Richard who made the breakthrough with a fine goal to add to points by Mossy and Speedy. A couple of minutes later we had found the net again through Mossy to lead by two points. What followed then was nail biting time. Liam Boland came on for Derek Tobin and showed up well clearing a lot of ball. The Duffry were landing balls on our back line and in fairness they handled them all well. It was with great relief then that we finally heard the final whistle. Best for us were Cabbage and Jake in the full back line, Ryan when he dropped to centre back, Mossy in patches and Richard Murphy when the ball actually found its way to him. Team: Brian Carley; Kevin Walsh, Garrett Kavanagh, Jake Murphy; John Barron, Declan Ruth, Derek Tobin (0-1); Ryan Quigley, Ollie O'Connor; David Morrissey (0-1), Mossy Mahon (2-6), Fran O'Gorman (0-1); Ricky Fox (0-1), Mark Gahan, Richard Murphy (1-2). Eoin Quigley for Declan Ruth (inj), Tom Wall for Ollie, Liam Boland for Derek. 15/5/2006 U14 Football
Starlights 5-10 Ferns 1-6 Ferns were quickest into their stride in this game knocking over the first score and looking like they meant business but the Starlights Forwards proved too strong for the boys in red freely scoring goals and the game as a contest was over at half time. They go on now to face St Annes in Rathangan next Monday Night. Panel: Davy Murphy, Lee Treacy, Cathal O Connor, Diarmuid Cullen, Jamie Barron, Conor Ronan, Mel Doyle, Alan Tobin.Willie Dunne, Padraig O'Gorman, Richard Farrell, Naoise Dunbar,Glen O Sullivan, M J Doyle, Pat Tobin, Christopher Doyle, Barry Mythen, Brendan Kearney,Garry Millar, Graham Donohoe, Jamie Fox, Tom Ryan, Liam O Tiarnaigh, Jack Kelly, Brian Morrissey. Referee John O’Rourke 14/5/2006 Junior A Camogie
Faythe Harriers 0-2 Rapparees 3-7 A really tough game and the girls well deserved the win. Charlene Murphy was outstanding in midfield while in the backs Angela Russell and Michelle Murphy stood their ground well and in the forwards Louise Hore and Oarnait McSwiney were impressive. The scorers for the Rapps were Charlene Murphy 0-2, Oarnait McSwiney 1-1, Tracy Breen 0-2, Aoife Newe 1-0, Louise Hore 0-2 and Aishling Kehoe 1-0. 14/5/2006 Junior A Hurling Championship
Oulart 3-11 Rapparees 0-7 If there’s little to say about our Senior hurling performance there is nothing that can be said about our Junior game against Oulart in Ferns on Sunday evening. We were outclassed in almost every position on the field - it was one of the worst displays that I have ever seen from a Rapparees team at any level. We scored 5 points in the first half and a total of 2 points for the entire second period - leaving the final result 3-11 to 7 points. There is no way to put a gloss on this game and I could see absolutely no positives in it except that it is an early wake up call for us - and if we don’t heed it now another year’s Championships will pass us bye! Scorers: Tony Boland - 6 points , Maurice Donohoe 1 point. 13/5/2006 Senior Hurling Championship
Rapparees 0-15 Duffry Rovers 2-9 Our hurling was abysmal in Wexford Park on Saturday evening and all we can feel is lucky to have a second shot at it. The Duffry have to be disappointed that they didn’t finish us off and indeed would have and should have except for the courage and determination of Declan Ruth and the skill and drive of Mossy Mahon. Without both of these men we could have left Wexford Park at any stage in the second half. Skippy led from the back and drove the rest of the team on almost despite themselves. His presence at centre back was both commanding and dominating and you could almost see him grit his teeth and open his shoulders as he came forward time and time again. Meanwhile, Mossy up front stuck to the task and his artistry eventually paid off as he notched up a personal total of 7 points including the final one to draw the game. Ricky Fox and Fran O’Gorman fought hard for possession throughout and neither was afraid to take on the opposition and push forward, but our finish left a lot to be desired at times despite the efforts of Richard Murphy at corner forward and Mark Gahan at full. To try and take the positives from this - we did claw our way back into the game, our County men that we would be looking to for leadership and guidance took on both of these mantels and finally we finished strong. Adrian Fenlon was a huge loss to us at centre forward when he went off early in the game with a serious facial injury. Adrian has his jaw broken in two places and I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all his team mates and all club members to wish Adrian a very speedy recovery. We will have to dig deep if we are to come out next week and beat the Duffry without him. Scorers: Tomas Mahon - 7points, ( 5 from play) Declan Ruth 2 points from 65`s and Fran O’Gorman, Ricky Fox and Richard Murphy 2 points each. Brian Carley; Jake Murphy, Garrett Kavanagh, Derek Tobin; Karl Cullen, Declan Ruth, Kevin Walsh; Tomas Mahon, Tom Wall; Fran O’Gorman, Adrian Fenlon, Eoin Quigley; Ricky Fox, Ryan Quigley, Richard Murphy. Mark Gahan for Adrian, Davy Morrissey for Tom Wall, John Barron for Karl Cullen, Ollie O’Connor for Eoin Quigley. 12/5/2006 U16 Football
Fethard V Starlights This was a nice journey down to Fethard, the cleanest dressing rooms we were ever in a lovely pitch and a great set of floodlights but after that the game was a non entity. Our lads were on top from the start and all that was in question was the final score. A good run out for one or two fringe players and the job of the selectors is becoming increasingly harder. We have now won three from three starts with the game against Kilmore to be refixed, our next game is another trip south to Horeswood. Brendan Doyle, Jonathan Whelan, John Ryan, Sam O Shea, Dean Ryan, Joe Cullen, Thomas Collins, Sean Miller, Dean Leacy, Paul Byrne, John James Dunne, Ashleigh O‘Connor, Barry Nolan, Darren Buttle, Jimmy O Leary. David Doyle, Oisin Dunbar, Ricky O Leary, Evan O Rourke, Matthew Deane, Paudge Dwyer. Ricky O Leary, David Wall, Andrew Kelly (stiff neck). Referee David Jenkins 11/5/2006 U12 Football
Shelmaliers 2-6 Starlights 2-8 This was a now typical Shelmaliers versus Starlights game with no quarter asked or given and the result not certain until the final whistle. The pitch was good but the day was wet which did not make for great football but the lads were giving their all. The Stars seemed to be shading it in the first half but two close range goals meant that the shells went in four points up at half time. Starlights came out more determined in the second half and soon found the Shelsmaliers net, it was a great tussle to the end with neither team able to bury the other but the Starlights with the aid of another major ran out the winners. This is the second win for the under 12 Boys , the next game is at home to Naomh Eanna. Craig Kinsella, Daniel Owen, Aaron Sinnott(ii), Daniel O’Brien, Patrick O Shea, Kevin Ryan, Adam Horan, Paul Devereux, Dale Galway, Liam Ryan, Kevin Foley, John Yates Conor Farell, Timmy Dwyer, Neil Mc Crea. Patrick Hore, Aaron Sinnott(i), Jack Flood, Sean Mc Grath, Dylan Mc Grath, Sean Cloherty, Damien Fitzgerald, Jack Conroy, Dylan Furlong. Next week end is a busy one with the Team traveling to Horewood on Friday evening and hosting Kilmore on Sunday morning. 11/5/2006 U14 Football
Glynn/Barntown V Starlights A good start for the Under 14 Footballers taking the points in their first encounter since winning the Feile Peil. Purt, Peter and Dave were happy with the game even though the lads made hard work of it the first half and not really getting into their rhythm until after the break. Panel: Davy Murphy, Lee Treacy, Cathal O Connor, Diarmuid Cullen, Jamie Barron, Conor Ronan, Mel Doyle, Alan Tobin.Willie Dunne, Padraig O Gorman, Richard Farrell, Naoise Dunbar,Glen O Sullivan, M J Doyle, Pat Tobin, Christopher Doyle, Barry Mythen, Brendan Kearney,Garry Millar, Graham Donohoe, Jamie Fox, Tom Ryan, Liam O Tiarnaigh, Jack Kelly, Brian Morrissey. 11/5/2006 U12 Camogie
Rapparees 1-0 Buffers Alley 3-0 Jessica Martin scored the Rapps goal 10/5/2006 U14 Camogie
Rapparees 10-1 Marshalstown 0-0 A great performance by the girls overall,they are now in the league semi-final next Wednesday – no venue as yet or who they are playing. The scorers for the Rapps were Megan O’Shea 2-0, Nicola Davitt 2-2, Kate Cullen 1-0, Leanne Hore 1-1, Shauna O’Connor 1-0, Katie Collins 1-0 and Katie Butler 1-0. 7/5/2006 Junior B Football
Starlights 2-5 Shamrocks 1-9 Sunday evening at Bellefield our Junior B’s lined out in the first round of their Championship against the Shamrocks and we beaten by the narrowest of margins - 1-9 to 2-5. This was a good game and some of the lads put up some fine performances for us, none better that Brendan Mythen who was excellent in the full back position coming out with ball after ball and making some fine clearances and then when moved into the full forward position scored a goal - we couldn’t have asked for a more committed all round display from him. Michael Nolan put some good scores on the board getting 4 points in all and Ciaran O’Connor played a marvellous game from the middle of the field scoring 1-1. Stars did well in the first half getting the better of the exchanges and the score at half time was 1-3 to 4 points in our favour but the Shamrocks proved stronger in the second. However our lads played well and were unlucky not to get the draw in the closing stages - many of our young players did well on the night including James and Rory Newe, Fiacre Ryan, Ciaran O’Connor and Tony Mackey and of course our older heads like Padraig Doyle playing in the middle of the field and Podge Hall in the full forward line were a stablizing influence throughout - it was a good turn out and a good overall performance unfortunate that we didn’t get the result - but well done lads. 7/5/2006 Junior A Football
Starlights 0-7 Bannow/Ballymitty 0-7 Our Junior Footballers lined out against Bannow/Ballymitty on Sunday at 3.30pm in New Ross in excellent conditions. Similiar to our Senior team it took them a while to settle and our backs did well to keep out several strong attacks by Bannow with some excellent defending by Niall Sunderland, Joe Carley, Joe Newe, Brian Murphy, Cillian Lett and Wayne Breen and the evergreen Georgie Bombers O’Connor who did well to defend his goal from a rasper of a shot that he got a hand to and knocked over the bar. The attack up front improved in the closing stages of the half with Davy Speedy Morrissey getting a point from a free and Lee Murphy sending another two over to leave the half time score 5points to 4 to the Starlights. Bannow came out the stronger in the second half leaving Starlights rueing the chances they squandered in the first - we only managed to score 2 points in the entire half one from Rory O’Connor and one from Davy Morrissey to Bannow’s 3 leaving the final result a draw. One thing that I couldn’t help remarking on the sideline at this game was the number of knick-names on both sides - for the Stars we had Bombers/Speedy/Git/Garfield/Shag/Rosie and for Bannow - Duckie/Sweat/Meme/Chick/Minnie/Tyre/Fingers/Turf/Spruce - I know that it is a feature of GAA but its seldom that you hear that many! Bombers; Joe Carley, Niall Sunderland, Joe Newe; Brian Murphy, Killian Lett, Wayne Breen; John Daly (0-1), Davy Morrissey (0-3, 1 free); Lee Murphy (0-2 frees), Ronie Furlong, Ricky Fox; Rory O'Connell (0-1), David Tyrrell, Deccie Ivers. Tommy Foley for Lee Murphy, Eamonn Sheridan for David Tyrrell, Cathal Murphy for Rory O'Connell. 6/5/2006 Senior Football Championship
Starlights 0-13 Duffry Rovers 1-5 The senior footballers got themselves off to a good start last weekend with a good win over the Duffry 0-13 to 1-5. We took a long time to get going but when we did we played some fine football, combined well and took some very fine scores - the first coming from Ollie O’Connor and then it was John Boots Hudson all the way to the half time whistle notching up 6 in all 4 from frees and 2 from play. Despite not scoring himself Gary Brilly got a lot of possession in the full forward line and laid on some excellent passes that the scores came from. Skippy Ruth when moved out to the middle made a huge difference catching and fielding well; Tom Wall worked hard throughout and made some good interceptions and Mark Gahan was his usual commanding self in the full back position. The half time score was Stars 7 points - Duffry 1-2 and it looked like anyone’s game - but from early in the second half it looked like the Stars would get the final result. The margin in fact should have been greater as Stars missed countless scoring chances in the first 15 minutes but apart from that the entire half was a fine display from the team again with John Hudson showing some of the sparkle that sets him apart - aided by brother Willie whose flashes of speed and brilliance can at times equal his older brother. Ryan Quigley scored 2 excellent points from difficult angles and Jason Russell drove forward from the middle of the field and finished well sending another 2 over the bar. Adrian Fenlon was constantly pushing forward from the centre back position - in fact the attack was being led from the back as not only did the backs defend but came up the field time and again to set up their forwards. Starlights management will be happy to have the first game out of the way but will also be happy with the brand of football and the attitude displayed – it’s only the first step but if this can be maintained it could be a long hot summer! Pa Doyle; Pa Murphy, Mark Gahan, Maurice Donohoe; Tom Wall, Adrian Fenlon, Mark Quigley; Ryan Quigley (0-2), Jason Russell (0-2); Daithi O'Brien, Declan Ruth, Willie Hudson; Garry Brilly, John Hudson (0-8, 6 frees), Ollie O'Connor (0-1). Michael Donohoe for Maurice and Derek Tobin for Ollie. 5/5/2006 U16 Football
Starlights 3-6 Craanford 0-9 This was a good performance from the lads to continue a strong start to the championship. 4/5/2006 U12 Football
Starlights 3-11 Kilmore 0-1 We got a couple of goals in the early minutes and really the game was over as a contest after that. We had some good performances but it's hard to measure yourself this early in the season. Our next outing is away to the Shels which will prove more difficult. 27/4/2006 U14 Camogie
St Martins 7-2 Rapparees 0-0 This was a disappointing result given our first two wins. Katie Butler and Claire Murphy performed best for the Rapps. 23/4/2006 Junior Football
Blackwater 1-9 Starlights 0-12 The sides ended level on Saturday evening in Bellefield after an entertaining game between ourselves and Blackwater - both sides performed well but Starlights were the better side and would have won easily if they had kept their fouling to a minimum. Blackwater scored 1-5 from frees in the first half out of a total of 1-6 to the Starlights 8 points. If we had disciplined ourselves at all we would have been well ahead going into the second period. We were less inclined to foul in the second half but we were also less inclined to score and ended up getting only 4 points but managing to keep Blackwater to 3 to leave the final tally 12 points to 1-9.
Many of the lads performed well particularly Davey (Speedy) Morrissey notching up a personal tally of 6 points - it was good to see Wayne Breen back and fighting fit - and Liam Boland who gave a fine account of himself in the half back line and Brian Murphy who saved our bacon on many an occasion and not only came out with the ball but made some very good clearances and gave good delivery to his forwards - well done Brian.
Veterans Georgie (Bombers) O`Connor, Declan Ivers and Niall Sunderland were going well and provided good support and encouragement to many of the younger players - Tommy (Tucker) Foley made his debut on Saturday coming on for Lee Murphy.
Scorers: Davey (Speedy) Morrissey 6 points, Lee Murphy and Ronie Furlong - 2 points each, Rory O`Connor and Declan Ivers a point each.
21/4/2006 U16 Football
Starlights 2-10 Taghmon/Camross 2-8 Halftime 2-07 0-06 Starlights started this game on full throttle and with the aid of a purple patch before half time went in with a ten point advantage. Taghmon had not given up and came out full of running in the second half giving our midfielders a hard time of it and taking some nice scores. There was an anxious last five minutes when Taghmon had us reduced to just two points, their big midfielder broke through the backline and shot at goal, Brendan Doyle got a toenail to it however and saved the day. We were let off the hook on this one, we will need to play and concentrate for a full sixty minutes if we want to proceed at this grade. Paul Byrne and Barry Nolan were best of the forwards; John James Dunne did well at midfield while Joe Cullen was a rock at centre back Brendan Doyle, Fergal Mackey, John Ryan, Sam O Shea, Dean Ryan, Joe Cullen, Thomas Collins, Sean Miller, John James Dunne, Paul Byrne, James Peare, Aaron Ronan, Barry Nolan, David Wall, Jimmy O Leary. David Doyle, Oisin Dunbar, Ricky O Leary, Evan O Rourke, Matthew Deane, Alan Franklin, Paudge Dwyer. Andrew Kelly (injured lifting a sack of manure). Referee Timmy McCormack 18/4/2006 U16 Camogie
Duffry Rovers 4-5 Rapparees 0-0 A very disappointing performance! 17/4/2006 Junior B Hurling
Rapparees 3-3 Tara Rocks 0-16 This was our first proper match this year and as for the last couple of years we got a good trimming from Tara Rocks. This is their first team and we always seem to struggle against these teams. In fact we had as much possession as the Rocks but just couldn't convert our chances into scores. While we didn't fare out as well as the seniors the juniors gave a good account of themselves against a very strong and physical Tara Rocks side with Podge Hall doing well at full back and Joe Carley and Eric Flynn playing well in front of him. Cathal Murphy worked hard in midfield getting a good amount of possession and working and hassling for every ball. The forwards were a mix of youth and experience with Mark Kenny getting the first goal and veteran Padraig Doyle getting the second. Graham Doyle notched up 3 points and young Ger Foley knocked in the third goal. The Rocks were a bit too stonrg down the middle for us but the lads did well and the management were very pleased with the turnout. 17/4/2006 Senior Hurling
Rapparees 2-17 Monageer 0-7 We gave a good account of ourselves here with an excellent team performance especially considering that most of our lads turned out for the Pa Mernagh Memorial match the day before and supported the Coiste na nOg Karaoke the previous night. Adrian Fenlon at centre forward led the attack up front winning marvellous possession, distributing well and putting 3 points over himself. Once again our young talent came to the fore with Karl Cullen and Kevin Walsh playing well in the backs and Fran O'Gorman and Ricky Fox scoring well at the other end. All the backs did well to keep Monageer to 8 points while Mark Gahan at full forward and Richard Murphy beside him put the heads down and drove towards goal at every available opportunity. Scorers: Fran O'Gorman 1-5; Adrian Fenlon 0-3; Richard Murphy 0-3; Ricky Fox 0-3; Mark Gahan 1-0; Daclan Ruth 0-1; Davy Morrissey 0-1; Tom Wall 0-1. 18/4/2006 Feile Peil Final Starlights 4-05 Shelmaliers 4-03 Club history was made on Monday when the Under 14 Footballers qualified for the All Ireland Feile Peil which will held in Wicklow. Starlights came into the match on a high after winning their three group matches with some ease and raced in to a 2-02 to no score lead after 15 minutes. The Shelmaliers were not lying down however and put two goals past our keeper to be just two points behind at half time. The Shels got the first point of the second half and the pressure was on but the Starlights soaked it up and stuck to their game plan finally running out two point winners in what was a heart stopping second half. Pat Tobin the Captain became the first member of the Starlights to lift the Trophy and start a new chapter in the history of the club. It was double celebrations for Purt Doyle as he celebrated his Forty Sixth birthday with the win. Panel; Same as Saturday with the addition of Willie Dunne, Naoise Dunbar and Graham Donohoe. 15/4/2006 Junior A Hurling
Liam Mellows 1-15 Rapparees 1-7 This was a lacklustre performance with many of our lads never really getting into the game. Liam Mellows in fairness took many excellent scores from well out the field as well as scoring all bar one of their frees: frees that we gave away too frequently. Scorers: Ollie O'Connor 0-5; Tony Boland 1-0; Brian Kehoe 0-1; Ronie Furlong 0-1. 15/4/2006 Feile Peil Purt Doyle, Peter Byrne and David Wall brought their charges to Ferns on Saturday morning. They left Bellefield at 9.30 were first in the field and eager for the challenges that lay ahead. First up were Bunclody, by all accounts missing some of their stronger players but trying none the less, but our boys were far too strong and came off easy winners Starlights 3-10 Bunclody 1-01. St Martins were next, these we never take lightly and we had picked out a few of their players for special attention, the plan worked and the direct football of the Starlights was far too much for the Martins to handle. Starlights 2-10 St Martins 0-01. Next came the home team and for the first time during the day the Starlights fell behind but this only proved to be the spark our boys needed and even though Ferns gave them the hardest fight we again came out on top. Starlights 3-05 Ferns 1-01 This was a very professional effort from start to finish with everything thought of from the warm up before the game to the treat provided by Mick Donohoe at the end. I don,t like to single anybody out but strong displays by Christopher Doyle, Jack Kelly and Paudie O Gorman could not go unnoticed. The Final is in Piercestown on Monday and so hopefully by the time this goes to print we will have won the Feile Peil 2006 Panel; M J Doyle, Liam O Tiarnaigh, Conor Ronan, Lee Treacy, Garry Millar, Jamie Fox, Jack Kelly, Pat Tobin (Capt), Jamie Barron, Davy Murphy, Tom Ryan, Brendan Kearney, Mel Doyle, Jamie Barron, Richard Farrell, Paudie O Gorman, Christopher Doyle, Dean Kenny, Brian Morrissey, Cathal O Connor. 14/4/2006 U16 Football
Ballyhogue 0-9 Starlights 2-8 Halftime 0-02 1-03 Fulltime 0-09 2-08 Billy Crosbie, Dean O Connor, David Wall and Fiacre Ryan’s Under 16 Starlights traveled to Bree on Friday with high hopes of getting a win in their first outing in Division three. There was a bad start when the first choice keeper didn’t show but Brendan Doyle volunteered to fill the gap and proved his ability with an assured display. Starlights started the better and owned the ball in the first half but could not match the possession with scores, Ballyhogue got to grips with the game in the second knocking over some fine points and keeping the Starlights scoreless for fifteen minutes. There is plenty of work to be done in the training field with over elaboration and a lack of directness in the forwards and short passing also causing a problem. A win is a win and the lads will build on this hopefully improve over the coming weeks. Next game is is versus Taghmon, Friday night in Bellefield (7pm) Sam O Shea, John Ryan and Joe Cullen played well in defence; Sean Millar went well in his first game at Midfield while up front Barry (Baz) Nolan scored a very useful 1-03. Brendan Doyle, John Ryan, Andrew Kelly, Sam O Shea, Dean Ryan(0-01), Joe Cullen, Thomas Collins, Sean Miller, Dean Leacy, Paul Byrne(0-03), James Peare(0-01), Aaron Ronan, Barry Nolan(1-03), David Wall, Jimmy O Leary(1-0). David Doyle, Ricky O Leary for David Wall, Evan O Rourke, Sean Mackey, Matthew Deane, Alan Franklin for Andrew Kelly, Paudge Dwyer Referee Arthur O Neill 14/4/2006 U14 Camogie
Buffers Alley 1-1 Rapparees 1-3 The U14’s played Buffers Alley on Good Friday. Our scorers were Nicola Davitt 0-3, Megan O’Shea 1-0 12/4/2006 U16 Camogie
Cloughbawn 0-0 Rapparees 3-1
The U16’s played away to Cloughbawn -couldn’t believe this was the same team who played Blackwater the previous week – a dramatic improvement – they played like a team – Shauna Fenlon was outstanding in the goal making some fantastic saves and Shauna O’Connor, Chrissie Murphy and Roisin Butler were very prominent throughout the match – a great move was made by the team’s mentors by putting Kate Cullen who is a back in the forwards and she scored 2 goals. 9/4/2006 Senior Football
Starlights 0-8 HWH Bunclody 0-7 Starlights Senior Footballers were out on Sunday evening in Bellefield in the third round of the League against Bunclody and beat them by the narrowest of margins in a keenly contested game. The scoreline reads like the tale of two brothers - the Hudson Boys - with Willie scoring 3 of the 4 points we got in the first half and John scoring 3 or the 4 points we got in the second. A sincere thanks to John Hudson and Jason Russell who came from that riveting game against Armagh in Wexford Park to line out for his club it was greatly appreciated lads and well done to you too John on your contribution to an excellent display by the County on the day. The remaining 2 scores came from Maurice Donohoe and Rory O’Connor - in what was a hard and closely contested game of football from start to finish and a good and necessary result for the Starlights having lost the previous 2 games. Well done lads - best on the day were Mark Gahan and Adrian Fenlon in defence and of course the Hudson boys up front and a particular mention for Pa Doyle who did remarkably well making his debut in the senior goal for the Stars - I think that I can say with confidence that we will be seeing a lot more of Pa. 8/4/2006 Junior Football
Buffers Alley 1-8 Starlights 0-9 Our Starlights Junior Football team lost out to Buffers Alley on Saturday in Monamolin after many mistakes and having squandered a plethora of chances. This was most definitely a game that could have and should have been won and players will have to ask themselves why it wasn’t - we were clearly the better team throughout and still came away 2 points down. In the last 20 minutes of the first half the ball only went down the field twice and on both occasions Buffers Alley made it count getting a goal and a point whilst we had all the possession at the other end we either dispossessed or drove it wide. We started the second half well and it looked as though we had finally found our football and appeared to be getting our act together sending over the first 2 points of the half when an incident between the Ref and one of our players disrupted the pattern at which point we lost the momentum completely and never regained it - leaving the final result Stars - 9 points Buffers Alley 1-8. Best on the day for the Starlights were John Daly, Ollie O'Connor, Declan Ivers and Brian Murphy who gave one of his finest performances to date. Scorers: - Ronan Furlong/Declan Ivers and Daithi O`Brien - 2 points each, John Daly/Ollie O`Connor and Gary Brilly - a point each. 7/4/2006 Junior A Hurling League
Rapparees 2-11 Cloughbawn ?? It was a first win for this team in the current League having lost the first round to Oulart and it was a well deserved victory with Rapps scoring 2-11 and showing once again that many of our young players are eager to establish themselves at adult level. Ed Tobin, Fran O`Gorman and Kevin Walsh showed that they were well able for the fray while Peter O’Sullivan fought hard for every ball and notched up a personal tally of 3 points. There is a good mix of young and not so young blood on this team which seems to be working well - with young gun Ed Tobin scoring one of our goals and long time servant Gareth Kavanagh getting the second one. With men like Niall Sunderland, Joe Carley and Declan Ivers leading the attack from the back and the latter showing flashes of the skill he was renowned for at senior level and Maurice Donohoe and Ollie O’Connor the older heads up front it is not difficult to see how the some of our young players would perform well. It was a good team performance and a good game of hurling - there’s plenty of talent here lads and with more training and more games this team should improve as the League progresses. Scorers: Peter O`Sullivan and Ollie O`Connor - 3 points each, Ed Tobin and Gareth Kavanagh - a goal each, Richard Murphy and Fran O`Gorman 2 points each and Maurice Donohoe - 1 point. 4/4/2006 U16 Camogie
Blackwater 4-2 Rapparees 0-0
2/4/2006 Minor Football Championship
Starlights 1-6 Adamstown 1-13 Halftime 0-04 0-06 The pitch in Bellefield was perfect the day was bright if a little breezy and everything seemed set for a good game of football. Adamstown started very well using the wind advantage and were soon three points up but the lads fought back to level and points were exchanged before half time with Adamstown going in six points to four up. Our backs were to the wall in the second half but when Pa O’Rourke lifted the ball over the keepers head into the back of the net things were looking up. This was short-lived however with Adamstown getting their goal less than two minutes later and taking control of the game from there. Adamstown played a lovely brand of football supporting one another, making runs off the ball and taking some lovely scores, we seemed to be in trouble in too many areas of the field. We have now lost control of the Championship, it looks as if Adamstown, St Martins and St Saviours will qualify and that The Shelmaliers and Starlights would end up in a playoff, Ferns would also have a mathematical chance of qualifying. Best for us on the day were Patrick Higgins, Joe Cullen and Tommy Foley. Pa Doyle, Pa Higgins, John James Dunne, John Higgins, Karl Cullen, Rory Newe, Joe Cullen, Oisin Carley, Ger Foley, Ricky Fox, Declan Barron, Ciarain O Connor, Daithi Mernagh, Pa O Rourke, Tommy Foley. Paul Byrne, James Peare, Aaron Ronan, Barry Nolan, John Ryan, David Murphy and Dean O’Connor. Referee Paul O Neill 1/4/2006 Senior Hurling League
St Martins 0-14 Rapparess 2-11 The victory came in the Senior hurling as we notched up their second win in the League beating St. Martins in Bellefield on Saturday - 2-11 to 14 points. This was a good win for the Rapparees considering we were without many of our more senior and experienced players. The young guns who took their place stood up to it well - so beware lads – they’re waiting in the wings to come on to that team. Adrian Fenlon led from the centre forward position scoring 5 points and gave the excellent delivery that he is known for into the inside forwards. Richard Murphy seems to be good for a goal and a point or two any day he lines out for us and yesterday was no exception with Richard scoring 1-2. Fran O’Gorman had a good game in the middle and ended up with a tally of 1-1, Eoin Quigley scored 2 fine points and Ryan Quigley got one from the full forward position. Our backs also performed well with John Barron and Kevin Walsh doing their bit at full back and centre back respectively. John Murphy gave his usual staunch display on one corner while Derek Tobin was excellent in the other corner and Karl (Chawky) Cullen was another young gun firing on all cylinders. Mark Quigley and Tom Wall were also strong on the day and goalkeeper Brian Carley made a very fine save on a well struck shot to deny the Martins their goal. Ricky Fox did his bit up front as did Ed Tobin when he replaced Davy Morrissey. This was a good overall team performance from the Rapparees and a good second win for them and quite an entertaining game to watch with the Martins giving it their all as well. 1/4/2006 U14 Camogie
Rapparees 3-3 Bunclody 0-0 26/3/2006 Minor Football Championship
Starlights 5-8 Sarsfields 0-5 Halftime 5-04 0-01 Somebody up there wanted us to win this Match. It poured rain for the weekend and we were on the point of calling it off on Saturday evening but we reckoned we would play if we could at all so we had an early morning pitch inspection. The pitch held up very well, there was water lying in one small area off the pitch (just under the scoreboard) and once we located a referee we were set to go. We got the first score for a change but had to fight hard for it Sarsfields had good possession but were kicking wides, a ball was blasted into the Sarsfields square and when it rebounded to Oisin Carley he blasted it to the back of the net. Our forwards remained on top for the rest of the half and made use of their wind advantage with goals from Daithi Mernagh, two from Declan Barron and a net ripper from Tommy Foley. We scored four points as well the best of which was a solo from left half back by Joe Cullen. We started the second half eighteen points up and realized if we hold tight we could not be beaten and even though the Sarsfields tried gamely the difference was too much and we finished comfortable winners. Next game is at home to Adamstown at 11.30 on Sunday the 2nd April. Pa Doyle, Pa Higgins, John James Dunne, John Higgins, Karl Cullen, Rory Newe, Joe Cullen, Oisin Carley, Ger Foley, Ricky Fox, Declan Barron, Ciarain O Connor, Daithi Mernagh, Pa O Rourke, Tommy Foley. Paul Byrne, James Peare, Aaron Ronan, Barry Nolan, John Ryan, David Murphy and Dean O’Connor. Referee Willie Wickham Under 14 Hurling The Under 14s had a run out against Mount Sion of Waterford on Sunday Morning (26/3/2006) This game was played on the back pitch and though conditions were not great the Hurling was of a good quality with both teams giving their all. Mark Quigley refereed and Mentors, Maurice Treacy, Brian Hogan and Nicky Doyle (The Still) were happy enough with their charges who came out on top on this occasion. Training will continue for the Under 14 hurlers on Monday Nights. 25/3/2006 Senior Football League
Castletown 2-9 Starlights 1-6 Our Senior Footballers were beaten in the second Round of the League by Castletown in dreadful conditions in Castletown on Saturday last. It was a poor performance from the Starlights going down 2-9 to 1-6 with the goal coming in almost the final minute of the game with Damian Tobin who replaced Daithi O’Brien making a good strike to the back of the net. Starlights squandered many scoring chances in both the first and second half and held possession for almost the entire last quarter of the match but failed to score except for the frees taken well by Willie Hudson. Conditions were bad but Stars will have to get their act together before their next outing if they are going to feature in any way in this League Competition. Scorers: Willie Hudson 5 points, Damian Tobin goal, Garry Brilly 1 point. 22/3/2006 U14 Camogie
Rapparees 8-5 Shamrocks 0-0 The scorers were Nicola Davitt 2-5 Leanne Hore 2-0 Hazel Denton 1-0 Ciara Foley 2-0 Shauna O’Connor 1-0 19/3/2006 Junior A Hurling League
Rapparees 1-6 Oulart 1-10 No official referee showed up to Bellefield on Sunday to officiate at the Div 1B hurling game between Rapparees and Oulart. Michael O`Neill was the named Ref on the fixture - he failed to show and neither Club had any word from him - now if either of the two Clubs failed to field we get a fine - what happens in the case of the Ref????? Oulart agreed to have Adrian Fenlon officiate - Jack O`Brien was contacted and the game went ahead and stands as an official League Match. For our first outing of the season it was a hard, tough and very well contested game with both sides giving it everything. Oulart got on the board first and got up a score of 1-2 before the Rapparees struck with a fine point from Richard Murphy - who added a well taken goal shortly afterwards followed by an Ollie O`Connor free and two excellent long distance scores by Ed Tobin - leaving the sides level at halftime at 1-4 each. Rapparees had failed to capitalise on the wind in the first half and were always going to be struggling against it in the second but our backs played extremely well with huge performances from John Barron who gave a fine display at centre back Joe Carley and Peter Sullivan - the man for all seasons Niall Sunderland and Gareth Kavanagh - and with Damian Mahon in goal - our defence held Oulart to 6 poins in the second half and despite a multitude of chances up front we were only able to manage 2 points one from an Ollie O`Connor free and another from Fran O`Goramn playing at wing forward - leaving the final tally Oulart 1-10 Rapps 1-6. Despite the famine up front our lads played well with many fighting well and hurling well - Ed Tobin Peter O`Sullivan Richard Murphy and as usual Ronie Furlong. Scorers: Richard Murphy 1-1 Ed Tobin and Ollie O`Connor 2pts each and Fran O`Gorman 1pt. 18/3/2006 Senior Hurling League
Ferns 1-5 Rapparees 1-9 Our senior hurling league campaign kicked off on Saturday 18th March with a win over Ferns in Ferns at 1pm. From the onset both sides struggled with some bad refereeing decisions and very poor conditions. Ferns who had the wind in the first half (and it was gale force) only managed to put 5 points on the board - thanks mainly to the valiant efforts of backs like John Barron, Jake Murphy, Eoin Quigley and a solid display by Declan (Skippy) Ruth. Rapparees managed only 1 point in the first half from a long range free by Declan Ruth leaving the halftime score Rapps 1pt - Ferns 5pts. Ferns began the second half well getting an early goal and then Rapparees lost Tomas Mahon following an incident between himself and referee Joe Kelly - this finally seemed to galvinise the Rapparees into action and they denied Ferns any further score while notching up 1-8 themselves - to leave the final score at Rapparees 1-9 Ferns 1-5. Tomas Mahon notched up a point before being sent off - Adrian Fenlon replaced him as the free taker and proved himself well notching up 5 points - Richard Murphy was responsible for a well taken goal and point and Mark Quigley who had a marvellour second half in the half back position sent a lovely ball straight over the bar from well out the field. Ronan Furlong and Mark Gahan both played well in the full forward line despite ending up scoreless but they both fought hard for possession and made a lot of play. Scorers: Adrian Fenlon 5pts, Richard Murphy 1-1 Mark Quigley/Mossy and Skippy 1 pt each. 17/3/2006 Junior B Hurling League
Our weekend got off to a bad start with only 13 turning up for Junior B hurling against Taghmon in Bellefield at 2pm on St. Patricks Day. The 13 included Podge Hall who got out of his sick bed to field and Cathal Murphy who was carrying an injury from the previous weekend. Those who want to make excuses will say that Paddys Day is a dreadful day for a match - but the Feast of St. Patrick is celebrated in Taghmon as well and yet they were able to arrive to Bellefield with a team! All I can say is `a most sincere thank you` to those 13 who turned up and hope that we as a Club will give you the same loyalty over the year and to those who didn`t show I would just like to say that ye could learn a very valuable lesson from clubman Rory Murphy aged 8 who was to go to Croke Park with his Daddy for the Club finals but refused to go because Fran Carty had told him that his club needed him to march in the St. Patricks Day parade! Where were all those adult players on St. Patricks Day when their club needed them?????????
17/3/2006 Minor Football
St Martins 1-4 Starlights 0-8 St Martins started this match on a run of three wins from three starts so the lads knew they were in for a tough contest. It was bitterly cold with a swirling wind and we played on the far pitch which was extremely heavy under foot. The Martins started the quicker and had the first score but when our midfield pairing of Ger Foley and Oisin Carley got into their stride they were beaten on very few occasions. The pitch did not lend itself to good football and our forwards squandered four scoring chances by taking the wrong option and not picking up the ball. At half time we were two points up and some strong words refocused the forwards on the job at hand, the second half saw better play and some well taken points and though we did succumb to a goal in the last five minutes we were the better team on the day. Pa Doyle had another good game in goal and he had a solid defence with Karl Cullen marking the St Martins key man out of the game. Our midfield is improving and forwards are growing in confidence but we are only half way to qualifying as we would need four wins in this group. Our match against Taghmon was postponed as Ricky Fox, Karl Cullen and Declan Barron are away on Minor Countyduty and our next game is at home to the Sarsfields on Sunday the 26th. Pa Doyle, Pa Higgins, John James Dunne, John Higgins, Karl Cullen, Rory Newe, Joe Cullen, Oisin Carley, Ger Foley, Ricky Fox, Declan Barron, Ciaran O Connor, James Peare, Pa O Rourke, Tommy Foley. Paul Byrne for James Peare, Aaron Ronan, Barry Nolan, John Ryan, David Murphy and Dean O’Connor. 12/3/2006 Junior A Camogie League
Rapparees 2-8 Monageer 0-0 Aideen Doyle (1-1) Alisha O'Brien (0-6) Aoife Newe (0-1), Niamh Buckley (1-0) Minor Football 12/03/2003 Bellefield Starlights 2-11 Ferns 1-08 A lot of rain had fallen on Saturday evening - Sunday Morning so it was a pleasant surprise to see the pitch in Bellefield had held up and was surprisingly solid under foot. Ferns togged out a bigger team and we knew we had a fight on our hands right from the throw in, Ferns won the ball and had the first white flag raised in a matter of a couple of minutes. They kept the pressure up and soon had another couple of points before a long high ball was sent into the Stars square, it was latched onto by a Ferns forward and ended up in the back of the net. Our backs and midfield were in trouble at this stage and we might have folded under this pressure, but players dug deep and worked their way back up the field to tag on two points before finding the net from a Declan Barron fisted ball. We ended the first half a point in arrears and Ferns knocked over the 1st point of the second from a free but the Stars were now working hard and when Ciaran O'Connor was introduced it added a bit of strength to what is a smallish forward line. We never looked back from here and when Declan Barron added a second goal we were never going to be caught. This was a disciplined hard fought match with improvements in player performances and attitude and there was great individual performances from Rory Newe marshalling the defence and Ricky Fox who had one of his better games up front. Pa Doyle, Pa Higgins, John James Dunne, John Higgins, Karl Cullen, Rory Newe, Joe Cullen, Oisin Carley, Ger Foley(0-02), Ricky Fox (0-03), Declan Barron(2-00), James Peare, Paul Byrne(0-01), Pa O'Rourke(0-03), Tommy Foley (0-01). Ciaran O'Connor(0-01) for James Peare, Aaron Ronan for Paul Byrne, Barry Nolan, John Ryan, David Murphy and Dean O’Connor. Referee Paul O’Neill 11/3/2006 U14 Camogie League
Rapparees 8-1 Ferns 1-0 Hazel Denton (2-0), Ciara Foley (1-0), Nicola Davitt (2-1), Leanne Hore (1-0), Megan O'Shea (1-0), Shauna O'Connor (1-0) Junior Football League 11/3/2006 Clonard 0-6 Starlights 2-12 The Junior footballers scored an easy win over Clonard on Saturday at 3pm in Clonard. From the word go it was Starlights all the way - the final outcome never seemed to be in any doubt - with Starlights looking the stronger in every position on the field. The half time score was 1-8 to 2 points to the Stars following an excellent goal well taken by Declan Ivers, a brace of points from Michael Donohoe and 4 points on the trot just before the half from Gary Brilly. The second half was more of the same with the lads never letting up - the backs played as a unit never letting Clonard settle with Brian Murphy, John Foley and Niall Sunderland giving some outstanding performances. John Daly was excellent in coming forward in the middle of the field and notched up a personal tally of 1-1 and up front the forwards kept taking their scores leaving the result at the full time whistle Starlights 2-12 Clonard 0-6. This was an excellent win with a marvellous team performance that puts the Starlights on 4 points with 2 games played in the League - we might be on target to win this years league again. Minor Football 5/3/2006 Hollymount Shelmaliers V Starlights Halftime 0-07 1-01 Fulltime 2-10 3-04 A visit to Hollymount is always going to be tough and this was no different, it was a nice sunny morning and conditions were good for football. Shelmaliers started the better kicking over some nice points with our team struggling in front of posts and indeed five minutes before the break they were seven points to one up. A nice ball from the back line found its way to Tommy (Tucker) Foley and he found the net, this left us trailing by three points at the interval. The second half was a nip and tuck affair and although the Starlights goaled through Ger Foley and Pa O’Rourke we were never able to get ahead of our opposition and squandered an easy free and drove a penalty over the bar very late in the game. The three points missed from these efforts would have left the sides level at fulltime. A lot of work yet to be done in the training field but the commitment was well up on last week. Pa Doyle was rock steady in the goal, the back line as a whole performed well but midfield on were under pressure for the entire game, scores win games and we are struggling to get theses at present. Pa Doyle, Pa Higgins, John James Dunne, Joe Cullen, Rory Newe, Karl Cullen, Dean O Connor, Oisin Carley, Ger Foley, Ricky Fox, Daithi Mernagh, James Peare, Paul Byrne, Declan Barron, Tommy Foley. Pa O Rourke for Paul Byrne, John Higgins for Dean O’Connor, Jonathan Jordan, Barry Nolan and John Ryan. Patrick Quigley (Parklands) would have been available but for injury sustained during the week, we understand he may be out for sometime so we wish him a speedy recovery from all the team. Referee Kevin Carthy ACFL Premier A 5/3/2006 Gusserane 1-9 Starlights 2-5 The All County Football League got off to slow start last Sunday when we travelled to Gusserane with just 17 players to begin our campaign. The football was on the sluggish side as well - no marks for guessing that this was our first outing (apart from Kerry)! We missed a lot of chances in the opening 12 minutes with Willie Hudson getting the first point on the board. This was followed by a good goal from centre forward Gary Brilly and then John Daly got the final point of the first half leaving the half time score at 1-2 to 1-6 to Gusserane. Cathal Murphy who started at corner back was replaced by Ronan Furlong after pulling a hamstring early in the first half. Starlights performed better in the second half with a goal and a point from Willie Hudson and points from Gary Brilly and David Tyrrell while Gusserane only managed 3 points but had done enough in the first half to clinch it by the narrowest of margins. One we could have won or at least drawn - with Daithi O’Brien getting a point that was disallowed as a square ball - pity to lose the two points - but with a lot of our players not there on the day maybe it wasn’t a bad result. Team: Lee Murphy, Ollie O’Connor, Adrian Fenlon, Cathal Murphy, Mark Quigley, Ryan Quigley, Tom Wall, John Daly, Jason Russell, Willie Hudson, Gary Brilly, Daithi O`Brien, Michael Donohoe, David Tyrrell, Davy Morrissey - with Ronan Furlong replacing Cathal Murphy (injury) and George O’Connor replacing Lee Murphy. Minor Football 26/02/2006
Bellefield
Starllights 2-03 St Saviours (Tara Rocks & St Pats) 1-07 This was a bitterly cold and windy Bellefield, the game being played with the net at the rear of the town goal actually sitting on one of the uprights. St Saviours won the toss and took wind advantage making the best of it and kicking over three points before being awarded a penalty, this was driven hard and low and beat the keeper to the corner of the net. Points were exchanged before Oisín Carley latched on to a loose ball in the square and it finished in the back of the net. St Saviours kept up the pressure to half time but the Starlights were happy enough going in four points down with the wind advantage to come. The second half was as hotly contested as the first with some hard football but no great scoring from either side. Paul Byrne received the ball on the twenty one and drove a great ball passed the St Saviours netminder. Starlights looked to be on their way but let themselves be drawn into exchanges with the other team and lost all focus on winning this one. A disappointing finish and a disappointing result but some good football played at times with fine displays from Oisín Carley, Rory Newe and James Peare in particular. Patrick Doyle(Capt), Pat Higgins, Declan Barron, James Peare, Rory Newe, Karl Cullen, Dean O’Connor, Oisin Carley, Gerald Foley, Ricky Fox, John James Dunne, Daithi Mernagh, Paul Byrne, Joe Cullen, Tommy Foley. Pa O’Rourke for Tommy Foley, Jonathan Jordan for John James Dunne Aaron Ronan, Barry Nolan, Patrick Higgins, David Murphy and John Ryan Referee Art O Neill Senior Football - Paidi O Se Tournament 25/2/2006 Ventry, Co. Kerry Starlights 0-5 An Gaeltacht 0-12 As you are all aware at this stage the Starlights were beaten by An Gaelteacht in the Paidi O`Se Tournament on Saturday morning last in a bitterly cold and windy Gallarus - that last pitch before America! The final score of 12 pts to 5 pts does not reflect the true nature of the game: while An Gaeltacht always looked as though they would end up winners, if the Starlights had capitalised on all the chances they created An Gaeltaacht would have been under serious pressure. It was a good run for our lads and an indication that we are very passable footballers even when we go outside our own county - which is often the true test.We had some very fine individual performances none better that the fullback display given by Mark Gahan holding the great Dara O Cinneide to a point from play. Adrian Fenlon got a lot of possession in the centre back position and looked commanding in this line, our latest addition Gary Brilly was strong on the ball at centre forward and a great find in the goal was made in Lee Murphy who made a couple of fine saves - however the same could be said of the Gaelteacht keeper who stopped several shots from John Hudson, Michael Donohoe and Davy Morrissey. We had about 3 or 4 shots on goal in the second half which would have made a huge difference if even one of them had reached the target. However I would have to say that it was a very worthwhile exercise and Management was happy that the Starlights didn't let themselves down. From a visiting teams point of view I would think that it would be a much better tournament if the visiting teams played each other and the Kerry teams did likewise and then at least there would be a greater outside interest in the final. The remainder of the weekend was spent enjoying the sights/sounds and hospitality of Dingle. In all 41 of us travelled to Kerry and I feel it safe to say that everyone on the trip really enjoyed it and in the future I think we should look to participate in more of these tournaments outside the county in both hurling and football - it was a good indicator and also a very good club weekend - thanks to all who travelled - there was no dissent for the entire weekend - everyone got on well and arrived home tired but happy!!
1. Lee Murphy 2. Ollie O'Connor 3. Mark Gahan 4. Pa Murphy 5. Tom Wall 6. Adrian Fenlon 7. Mark Quigley 8. John Daly 9. Jason Russell 10. Shay Deegan 11. Gary Brilly 12. Willie Hudson 13. Michael Donohoe 14. John Hudson 15. Davy Morrissey
Subs: Brian Murphy for Shay Deegan and David Tyrrell for Davy Morrissey.
Scorers:
Michael Donohoe 2 pts
John Hudson 3 pts. |
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Copyright © 2010 Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club Enniscorthy, Co.Wexford. All Rights Reserved.
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2006
