LISMORE GOLF CLUB

- John claims last turkey prize -

The club was a hive of activity this week as the Christmas season approaches. On Saturday we had two society outings and on Sunday we had the annual Christmas morning breakfast followed by our kids Christmas party, a visit from Santa and also our presentation of prizes for all the winners of the last six weeks of turkey competitions.

John O’Donovan (19) claimed the winners spot in the turkey competition compiling a sparkling round of 31 points. John’s round had no fewer than 8 three pointers. Second place this week went to Martin O’Driscoll (14) who has been the nearly man for the last month or so. Martin’s score of 30 points finally secured his Christmas dinner after many weeks of coming so close to the winners enclosure.

The battle for the last of the Christmas turkeys has rarely been so close, with Pa Morrissey (9) just edging a close battle between four players on the last hole. Saturday saw us hosting the ladies of Carrignavar for their annual Christmas outing and also the Saturday morning gang had their Christmas outing. A great day of golf was had by all.

Bernie was busy in the kitchen all weekend providing all the players with much needed and excellent food, ranging from the full Christmas dinner for all who played on Saturday and the full Irish breakfast for all the Sunday morning lads.

DAVE MCGRATH AND HIS TROOPS SECURE THE BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS 2007

This year we held our inaugural battle of Saturday morning versus Sunday morning. Both the Saturday and Sunday morning time slots were full as everyone went out to battle with the pride of their respective teams at stake.

The top twenty scores from both days were to decide who won the coveted claret jug. Michael Fitzgerald’s team put in an impressive performance on Saturday notching up a total score of 503 points. This however, was not going to be good enough as Dave and his troops amassed a great total of 515 points.

Needless to say Dave and his troops were very gracious in victory! The lads celebrated throughout the day and will no doubt bask in their glorious victory for many months to come. Michael and his men will have to go back to the drawing board for the coming year if they want to retain some pride.

It has been suggested by Bernard that the scores for Sunday morning were already pre arranged and printed in Ted’s last week so the lads on Saturday had no hope of winning!!

DERMOT O’LEARY AGRI LTD SPRING LEAGUE

The entry sheet for the spring league is currently posted in the clubhouse. The league is scheduled to start on the 7th of January so please put your name down as soon as possible.

RESULTS

Monday 10th December – Sunday 16th December ’07 - 12 Hole Stableford by Centra - 1st John O’Donovan (19) 31 Pts; 2nd Martin O’Driscoll (14) 30 Pts; 3rd Pa Morrissey (9) 28 Pts L1.

FIXTURES

Monday 17th – Sunday 23rd December 3 Person 12 Hole Stableford Champagne Scramble

- LISMORE LADIES GOLF CLUB -

FIXTURES

Open 3 Ball Scramble, Mon 17th – Sun 23rd Dec. Open 3 Ball Scramble, Mon 24th – Sun 30th Dec. Presentation of Prizes, Wed 19th Dec at 7.30pm.

TALLOW G.A.A. CLUB

- Minor county final -

When I got a phone call on Saturday to tell me the county final was cancelled again my first reaction was total disbelief. This was like something from a Fr Ted sketch. I was joking last week when I said keep your mobile on. My next immediate reaction was anger –anger that hasn’t reached abeyance even with time to cool off.

The affairs of our county are run in a shambolic manner. We are treating our young players disgracefully. As P.R.O. for Tallow GAA Club for the last ten years I have attempted to bring public awareness to the problem. The general GAA public in Waterford is well aware of the deficiencies in our fixture “plan”. Those charged with implementing some form of a coherent fixture of games have failed abysmally.

Not alone that, they appear incapable or unwilling to bring any rationale to bear. To be fair, not all in the “lifers club” are without vision but those showing initiative or innovation, are swimming against the tide and will be ground down.. Nothing has changed in the last ten years. If anything things have got worse. I’m working at grass roots and can bear witness at first hand to the destruction of spirit among club players caused by their ineptitude.

Extenuating circumstances will be claimed, multiplicity of clubs involved in group teams, fixture congestion, prevailing weather conditions etc. are proffered as excuses for cancellations. Before we got lost in the realms of semantics, let’s cut the fancy words. It’s a mess!

There is no coherent plan and decisions are made on an ad hoc basis, often swayed by regional influence and an ear at court. There is no plan! Our minor hurlers qualified for the county final early in August. We are waiting 18 weeks or so to get one game played.

Outside of the drawn encounter with St. Mary’s, three other county final dates were set. The cumbersome format and protracted running of the Eastern intermediate championships served only to complicate things. Group teams are necessary to keep the game viable and ensure lads hurl through the ages but they cannot be allowed to dictate the fixture schedule on the most tenuous excuse.

The reasons we have been given for Sunday’s cancellation do not stand up. The county executive capitulated. Calling it off at barely a day’s notice added insult to injury. The Board(s) has failed to control the agenda and I’m afraid the buck stops at the top. The gloves are off. We will be relentless in pursuing better treatment of our clubs and club players. We will not be muzzled while our young players are treated this way. We won’t go away you know so don’t bother making any phone alls.

The sooner we get a full time administrator in this county the better. We want a professional administrator, one who will draw up a coherent fixture plan and stick to it and not pander to the vested interests of clubs. If clubs have to “bite the bullet”, so be it. Buses were booked (the players were on the bus en route a couple of weeks ago), meals arranged, work schedules rearranged and in the case of one family Christmas holiday plans were changed to facilitate the playing of the game.

It’s not just our players who have been treated shamefully. The young lads hurling with St Mary’s deserve better. In many ways we are fortunate with the bunch of minor players we have in Tallow at the moment. They are a dedicated group and easy to manage. From 16 to 18 is the age group we suffer most hemorrhaging of players but to a man this crop of players have stayed the course.

This is how we reward them. I can tell you this. It wouldn’t happen in youth soccer. We can only offer our apologies to the lads, their selectors and families. We regret the inconvenience caused but matters were outside of our control. Take a break for now lads. Have a good Christmas. We will regroup in 2008. There is still a county title to be won.

CLUB A.G.M.

The club AGM will take place on Friday, January 11th at 8pm in the clubrooms at Pairc Eamonn de Paor. If you have something constructive to say this is the place to say it. It’s easy to be a critic while doing nothing yourself.

We would in particular welcome new members as we don’t want to become a “lifers club”. A great deal of public and private money has been invested, and spent wisely I might add, in developing our club facilities. Further phases of development are to follow.

The current Tallow players are the people who will immediately benefit from this development. We would encourage them to take a more active role in all aspects of club activity, that includes buying a club Lotto ticket now and again. Just a small gesture of appreciation of the work others are doing on their behalf would be very welcome. Clubs need to regenerate to survive so if you have an interest in hurling, outside of attending Waterford championship games, please come along.

You will be welcome with open arms. The club will hold an open/information night early in the new year and again we will be encouraging new members to get involved. It’s your club and we need your input.

PITCH OPENING

Plans are being drawn up for an official opening of Pairc Eamonn de Paor. Availability of county teams will determine the date but it could be mid/late April. I will keep you posted. Tune in to RTE end of year highlights programme on Friday night. We are hoping there may be a little tribute to the late Eamonn de Paor.

LOTTO

10/12/07. Numbers drawn: 1, 3, 10, 13. No jackpot winner. Consolation prizes to: Anne Lukey, Betty Tobin, Kate Ryan, Peter Kennedy. Promoter: John Pratt. 17/12/07. Jackpot: €2100. Results on next edition.

NOLLAIG SHONA

Nollaig shonasach agus athbhliain shuaimhneach dhaoibh go leir. We wish all our friends and supporters a happy and peaceful Christmas. Our thanks to the editor and staff for their courtesy throughout the year.

DUIRT SIAD

“The new executive has failed at the first hurdle.” Shamrocks and former county board chairman James Tobin on the executive’s decision to call off the county final.

FERMOY BOYS AND GIRLS AMATEUR BOXING CLUB

- Brilliant success for Fermoy boxers -

At the Cork league last Thursday night at the Glen Boxing Club, Fermoy had youth 1 (63kg) Arthur McDonagh 3 times national champion and four nations champion boxing Dillon Curley of St Colman’s BC Shanagarry.

Arthur started fast with a solid right left right combinations to win round 1 12 points to 2, round 2 started with feint L’s jab and catching with right crosses after 30 seconds of round 2 the contest was over as Arthur out classed him with the 15 point rule, which means that when you go 15 points behind, the contest is stopped in favour of Arthur.

RSCO round 2 this was a good win for Arthur as it was his first contest of the season and the form he is in, he will be very hard to beat this season and it will take a good boy to beat him. Well done Arthur.

CIARA WINS FOR MUNSTER

Fermoy lady boxer junior (57kg) Ciara Noonan had a brilliant victory over Deirdre Ward of Monivea BC Galway in the Munster versus Connacht inter Provincial held at Gort Community Centre on Friday night last. Ciara started with solid left jabs and body shots to win round 1 4-0. In the second round Ciara upped the tempo with right hand to body left hooks to lead to win round 2 8 points to 2.

The third round Ciara used the ring well cutting her off and drawing her on to her right hand left hooks combinations to win the contest 14 points to 2. That was a great achievement for Ciara to be selected by Munster and win her contest. Her record to date is 17 contests 15 wins, her next fight will be on New Year’s Eve in Macroom with her opponent yet to be named.

After that she will be boxing in Fermoy Ireland v Sweden. Well done Ciara.

THANK YOU

Fermoy Boys and Girls Amateur Boxing Club would like to thank The Avondhu for the coverage they have given us over the past year and would like to wish you a happy Christmas and prosperous new year. The above club would like to thank all those who supported our flag day on Saturday last. Your support was greatly appreciated.

MITCHELSTOWN JUNIOR G.A.A. CLUB

- Successful AGM sets up for 2008 season -

Mitchelstown GAA Club held a successful AGM in the Town Hall last Monday night. The outgoing secretary J Cleary opened the meeting with minutes of last year’s AGM. The chairman B Kiely then took over and welcomed everyone to the AGM and gave an excellent account of the activities for the year both on and off the pitch. The secretary, who followed, likewise gave another excellent report on the activities of 2007.

The report of the night must go to the treasurer, D Lyons on a very detailed and honest report on the financial side of affairs. In fairness it has to be said the three above names with an excellent committee has this club back on a positive track and who knows a small bit of luck for 2008 might bring bigger things.

After a brief and frank discussion the election of officers took place for 2008 with J Skinner acting as presiding officer. Election of officers as follows:

President: Rev Canon O’Leary; Vice President: Jimmy Skinner; Chairman: Barry Kiely; Vice Chairman: Tom O’Flynn; Secretary: John Courtney; Assistant Secretary: John Cleary; Treasurer: Donal Lyons; Assistant Treasurer: Donal Lyons; Substance Abuse Officer, Ailbe Coleman; PRO: Martin O’Sullivan; Assistant PRO: John Courtney;

Insurance Officer: Tom O’Flynn; Membership Officer: Cyril Kiely; North Cork Board delegate: John Courtney; Cork County Board delegate: Ollie McGrath; Minor Premier football Manager/Coach: Ollie McGrath; Executive Committee:

All present on the night and anyone else interested enough. Managers/Coaches for U21 ‘A’ football junior ‘B’ and junior ‘A’ to follow at next meeting in the near future. Everyone welcome. The membership for the club is set at €20 for an adult, students €10. Why would you not want to be a member at these giveaway offers.

ST STEPHEN’S DAY CHARITY CHALLENGE IN AID OF COPE FOUNDATION

Mitchelstown players of all ages will take part in a friendly game on the above day for this excellent COPE Foundation challenge. Everyone on the day of the match, which will take place at Limerick Road, are asked for a mere €10 each to watch or play in this event. Please come along young and old. See you there, check times with chairman.

U21 ‘A’ North Cork football medals will be presented shortly. Venue: The Hunters Rest. Watch these notes for a star on show. Thanks to everyone who were very generous at our church gate collection.

Congratulations to Hannah O’Flynn on winning a car in the County Board draw (Laurence talk nice to your mam for Christmas). Best of luck and best wishes on their recent marriage to John Cleary and Noreen Noonan.

Thanks to The Avondhu, Paddy Ryan and sons, for the excellent coverage they have given us throughout the year. The club wishes everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

GRANGE FERMOY ATHLETIC CLUB

- A good year -

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Grange Fermoy AGM was held on December 3 at the Grand Hotel. A good crowd attended and the following officers were elected: Chairman: Brian Regan, Vice Chairman: Sean Roche, Secretary: Clo Fitzgibbon, Treasurer: Mrs Hartnett, Assistant Treasurer: Julie Noonan, Registrar: Eileen Noonan, Junior Rep: Mary Riegel, Senior Reps: Maurice Tobin and Brian O’Connor. Senior PRO: Maggie Dunne.

A review of the year showed that juvenile club membership has risen to ninety and senior membership to forty-five. A financial report by Carmel Barry, outgoing treasurer showed that the club was in excellent condition. Carmel was thanked for her report and her service to the club and all wished her well for the future.

After a good track season, the athletes have showed great improvement in cross country. The best individual performance was by Michelle Hartnett when winning the ladies U18 Cork cross country championships by a huge margin. Michelle is an athlete with the pedigree and talent to win a national cross country title. Unfortunately when competing in the ladies U17’s Cork county championship, she was forced to abandon the race with an injury that is taking time to heal. It is misfortunate that her attempt at a national title may not come this year.

Another good performance was by Helena Noonan, finishing sixth in the U14 ladies. Her team mates of Celine Fitzgibbon, Jennifer Cahill and Chloe O’Flynn packed well to claim silver in the team event. In the U13 girls Jennifer Cahill ran a fantastic race to claim 3rd individual title in the U13 girls Cork county championships. Both Helena Noonan and Jennifer Cahill went on to represent Cork in the Munster championships, claiming silver and bronze medals respectively, on the Cork team.

Meanwhile in the eight year to ten-year age groups, a new group of emerging athletes were making their mark. Young athletes such as Ruairi Guithrie, Jerome Fitzgibbon, Seamus Fox, David Noonan, DJ Cahill, Joshua Barry, Robert Cogan and Kevin Fox all ran excellent races throughout the year. These athletes are forming a strong base for future Grange teams.

The young female athletes also showed promising potential. Vickie O’Sullivan, Sarah Crotty, Sinead Fenton, Sandra O’Sullivan, Ellen Fox and Eimear Regan all had good performances throughout the year.

The senior men’s team of Gary O’Sullivan, David Towey, Brian O’Connor and Shane Maher led by their mentor Maurice Tobin won the Men’s B novice county championship. More importantly this was the first year for a long time that Grange had fielded a full Men’s team in both novice, intermediate and senior county level. Maurice has been busy signing new recruits for next year.

With such new additions as Tim Murphy, Maurice’s title haul should be larger next year.

TRAINING FOR JUVENILES

Training for juveniles finished on Tuesday December 18. After the Christmas break training starts again on Tuesday January 8 at St Colman’s pitch. These will be indoor sessions, mostly made up of Circuit training, but also incorporating indoor track event training.

Flood lights have been installed at the track at Colaiste an Chraoibhin by the Club, so Thursday nights will be moved to this location. Again all sessions start at 7pm.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

The juvenile athletes had a “surprise” guest at their annual Christmas Party at Supermac’s this year. The surprise guest kept the athletes entertained throughout the party, with balloon modelling, various party games and ‘Pass the Parcel’ prizes. Everybody enjoyed the entertainment and we hope to have our guest back next year.

BALLYLANDERS SOCCER CLUB

- Narrow win for juniors over Meanus -

Meanus 0 Ballylanders 1

After many weeks of games being called off Ballylanders took to the field eager to play and this enthusiasm earned them all three points on Sunday, 15th December. Ballylanders juniors travelled to Meanus who on previous meetings left Bally with many a bruise. So this just increased the desire to take them to the cleaners and show them how to play!

Ballylanders did this and although the score was narrow the conditions were fierce and so the game was defended like a rugby scrum in the Meanus area to stop a fluid Ballylanders from scoring.

The pressure mounted and when the breakthrough came it was a screamer from the versatile Shane Hennessy. With ten home defenders in front of him, he struck his shot on the run from twenty five yards as he bent the ball past the keeper’s outstretched hand, who couldn’t get anywhere near it as it hit the back of the net. (0-1)

Ballylanders then for the rest of the game fought the elements and stood resolutely to deal with any pressure. But applied a lot of their own and should have come away with a bigger goals tally, but the win was the main objective. With this achieved the home team often found themselves on the back foot.

The away team put up a fine spirited performance, one they should be proud of, well done lads!

HAVE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Ballylanders Soccer Club would like to take this opportunity to wish the players, coaches, fundraisers, tickets sellers, grounds man, referees, committee members, community members involved in fundraising events, our opposition throughout the season, our supporters, readers of The Avondhu (not forgetting The Avondhu staff themselves) and our community, a brilliant Christmas and new year!

JUNIORS

The junior team have no fixture this weekend. Please note, training is on this Thursday 8-9pm in Galbally on the astro turf pitch, arrive early please.

U16s

The Under 16s of the first division have no fixture this weekend. Training this week will be on Wednesday, 7pm at Castlepark. These are the usual dates and times if changed go by those ones.

U14s

The Under 14s have no fixture going to press. Training this week will be on Wednesday, 7pm at Castlepark. These are the usual dates and times, if changed go by those ones.

U12s

The Under 12s of the second division have no fixture this weekend. Training this week will be on Thursday, 6.30-8pm at Castlepark. These are the usual dates and times, if changed go by those ones.

U10s

The under 10s of the first division have no fixture this weekend. Training this week will be on Tuesday, 6.30-7.30pm at Castlepark. These are the usual dates and times if changed go by those ones.

LOTTO DRAW RISES AGAIN TO €6,900

Ballylanders (one draw, two jackpot) double lotto draw result. The numbers drawn in the Ballylanders double lotto draw on Monday, 17th December were 6, 15, 17 and the bonus number was 1. There was no jackpot winner. The three €25 winners were - Thos P O’Connell c/o Post Office, Olivia and Seamus O’Donnell co Justin and Eddie Slattery c/o Michelle.

Pick three jackpot was €3,900. Pick three and the bonus number jackpot is €6,900. Next draw is 2nd January and will be held in The Kingdom Bar.