SUCCESSFUL CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER FOR INTERMEDIATE HURLERS

Last Thursday evening July 31st, Kilworth travelled to the seaside town of Youghal to contest Castlemartyr in the opening round of the 2025 Co-Op Superstores Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship. Playing against a strong breeze for the opening thirty minutes in front of a large consortium of travelling supporters Kilworth initially struggled to keep up with Castlemartyr’s fast paced attacking riddim and after fifteen minutes of play they trailed the Imokilly divisional side by 8 points with the scoreboard reading 1-07 to 0-02. A desperately needed placed ball point on the sixteenth minute by Liam Óg Hegarty ignited Kilworth’s fightback and further scores by Captain Eoin Carey and center forward Brian Sheehan minutes later reduced the deficit back to 5 points after 20 minutes played.

Corner forward William Condon unfortunately picked up a nasty injury resulting in his retirement from play, but his replacement Michael Sheehan immediately hit the ground running and quickly notched up 3 points from play within eight minutes which were all instrumental to Kilworth’s victory. Eoin Carey who lined out at wing forward added a second score to his tally and along with further scores from play by Jamie Sheehan and Liam Óg respectively Kilworth after playing against the strong breeze trailed their opponent’s by just a mere goal at the interval. Half time score: Kilworth 0-11, Castlemartyr 1-11.

Kilworth donning their Mike Walsh Pharmacy sponsored black coloured jerseys due to a colour clash between the sides continued to excel upon the restart as within 40 seconds on the clock a shot by Jamie Sheehan blasted the back of the Castlemartyr net putting the sides back on level terms. The East Cork side responded by adding 2 scores from play minutes later but that would be the final time they led in the contest as Kilworth’s defence led by veteran full back Kieran Lane worked in overdrive for the remaining 25 minutes of play. 

With plenty words of wisdom issued from manager Pat O’Brien, Kilworth really laid down a strong marker as they kept their opponents scoreless for the next 24 minutes of play. Kilworth edged away at the scoreboard during this period, with five consecutive placed ball strikes by the accurate Liam Óg all raising white flags and held a 3 point advantage with just seven minutes of play remaining. Castlemartyr however, claimed 2 further points leading up to the final whistle, but these were both quickly cancelled out, firstly from a peach of a strike by substitute Cormac Donnellan and finally a converted sideline cut fifty yards out by Eoin Carey deep into injury time left Tucky’s Tigers with a three point cushion upon Éire Óg referee Diarmuid Kirwan’s final whistle. Full time score: Kilworth 1-18, Castlemartyr 1-15.

Next up Kilworth face Ballincollig in round two which takes place in Rathcormac on Saturday August 16th at 6.30pm.

Team & Scorers: Killian Heggtveit, Luke Carey, Kieran Lane, Austin O’Hara, Sean Óg Kenneally, David Twomey, Michael Gowen, Liam Whelan, Leo Coffey, Eoin Carey 0-04 (0.1-f, 1-sl), Brian Sheehan 0-01, Jamie Sheehan 1-01, Liam Óg Hegarty 0-08 (0.6-f, 1-65”), Noel McNamara, & William Condon. Substitutes used: Michael Sheehan 0-03, & Cormac Donnellan 0-01.

KILWORTH GAA & COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

Kilworth festival is now in full swing so please continue to show your support where possible as this fundraiser for the new GAA dressing room and community gym complex will benefit everyone in the future. This Friday evening sees the famous festival show at the marquee which is followed on Saturday by a “Night of Darts”. Finally, on Sunday “Fair in the Square” returns which kicks off with the Fancy Dress Parade starting at 1.30pm followed by the usual entertainment which has something on offer for everyone. All support is greatly appreciated.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of last week’s lotto jackpot of €15,600 held on Monday July 28th, the numbers drawn were: 02, 04, 11 & 17. The lucky dip winner of €50 was Sheila Lewis c/o Dave Hogan. The lucky dip winners of €25 each were Willie Walsh c/o Yearly, Mark O’Keeffe c/o Yearly, & Mary Morrissey c/o Hair By Helen. The jackpot prize on Monday August 04th is €15,800.

Tickets cost just €2 each or three lines for €5 and they are available online, in the local business outlets or from your usual local sellers. As always, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Saturday, August 16th; Co-Op Superstores PIHC - Round 2; Kilworth V Ballincollig in Rathcormac at 6.30pm.

Sunday, August 17th; Denis Gallagher Refrigeration JB2HC - Round 2; Kilworth V Ballyhea in Shanballymore at 12pm.

Please keep a watchful eye on club social media platforms for fixture updates etc.

MAIN CLUB SPONSORS: Mike Walsh Pharmacy, The Village Inn, Aherne’s Pub, KDC Ltd., Kilally Stables, Mitchelstown Dental Clinic, Joe & Trish Bonner, and Centra Kilworth.

KILWORTH JUVENILE GAA CLUB NOTES

BUSY FORTNIGHT FOR U11'S

The past fortnight has been exceptionally busy for our U11 squad. It began with hosting Killavullen in a hurling challenge game which was played in Kilworth on Saturday, followed by a football activity day at Páirc Ui Chaoimh the next Tuesday. During this event, they played three games against teams from Cork (Midleton & St. Nicks) and Waterford (St Marys). Two days later, on Thursday, they returned to headquarters for the hurling equivalent, facing sides from Waterford (Lismore) and Tipperary (Fethard & Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams). The week continued with internal games on Saturday morning and bank holiday Monday. Tonight, they travel to Fermoy for a hurling challenge against our neighbors. Despite the hectic schedule, it's all part of the fun! The activity days at Páirc Ui Chaoimh were excellently organized by our GDAs and included a stadium tour where the boys sat in the home dressing room, visited the gym used by Cork players, and participated in a Q&A session with former Cork Senior Hurler Mick Daly in the media room. Hopefully, there will be many more memorable days for these boys in one of the best stadiums in the country.

MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

A nail-biting first-round championship match unfolded in Grenagh’s impressive new facilities under ideal conditions on Wednesday 23/7/2025. Referee Patrick John Coughlan initiated the game, and we started supported by a strong breeze. Despite opening the scoring and maintaining even possession, we went behind by four points due to Grenagh's slick passing and brilliant score-taking. The situation appeared dire when our Captain Killian Watts was forced off after just 15 minutes. What followed was a remarkable turnaround. Galvanized by the loss we intensified our efforts and dominated both possession and field position for the next half hour, spanning either side of halftime. By the interval, we led 1-9 to 0-6. Highlights during this period included clinical finishing from Danny Kenneally and Con Rielly, precise kicking from Dan Fitzgerald and Kevin Reidy, coupled with impressive running from Denis O’Riordan, Mike Lenihan, and Cathal Burdette. Defensively,  Adam Duggan marshaled a committed display with Sam Beecher, Sam O’Brien, and Kevin Maher constantly involved. The loss of the excellent Alex O’Flynn at halftime began to take its toll towards the end of the game as Grenagh’s impressive free-taker scored several long-range points. A late goal from Grenagh added tension to the thrilling contest. However, Darragh Kellaway's inspired save, dogged defending from Sean O’Riordan, and Ronan Fenton's efforts stemmed the tide. The siege was lifted by strong runs from Sean Murphy at wing back, great hold-up plays from Kuba Coismak, and constant pressure from Sean Kelleher. The final whistle saw us secure victory after a rollercoaster of a game filled with fine football action. Full time score: Kilworth Araglen Óg 2-12, Grenagh 1-13.

TONY FORRESTAL CUP

Pictured are JJ, Darragh, Tadhg, and Micheál who all played their part in ensuring Cork North qualified for the next stage of the Tony Forrestal cup with victory over Waterford and Tipperary in Sunny Dungarvan last Saturday.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

09th August 2025; Fe12 Football League V Ballyhea in Kilworth at 2pm.

11th August 2025; Fe14 P2 Hurling League V Kiltha Og in Kilworth at 7.15pm.

11th August 2025; Fe16 P2 Hurling Championship V Bride Rovers in Rathcormac at 7.30pm.

12th August 2025; Fe13 Football League V Aghabullogue in Aghabullogue at 7.30pm.

13th August 2025; Fe18 D2 Hurling Championship V Kanturk/Dromtarriffe in Kanturk at 7.30pm.

15th August 2025; Fe14 P2 Hurling League V Fermoy in Kilworth at 6.30pm.

16th August 2025; Fe12 Football League V Charleville in Kilworth at 2pm.

18th August 2025; Fe13 Hurling League V Bandon in Araglen at 7.30pm.

18th August 2025; Fe16 D1 Football Championship V Charleville in Charleville at 7.30pm.