Team Information 2008 Junior A Hurling Management Team 2008: Denis Burns, Dan Joe Foley and Mick O'Donnell. Competitions: East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship. Preliminary Round: Carraig na bhFear 2-15 V Erins Own 0-18. (22/06/08) Round 3: Carraig na bhFear 0-14 Dungourney 0-12 (27/07/08) Quarter Final: Carraig na bhFear 2-17 Bride Rovers 0-11 (05/08/08) Semi Final: Carraig na bhFear 1-15 Erins Own 0-09 (07/09/2008) Final: Carraig na bhFear 2-15 Killeagh 0-09 (13/09/2008) Cork County Junior A Hurling Championship Quarter Final: Carraig na bhFear 1-20 Ballymartle 1-06 (21/09/2008) Cork County Junior A Hurling Championship Semi Final: Carraig na bhFear 0-09 Dripsey 1-12 (11/10/2008) East Cork Junior Hurling League Division 1. Junior B Hurling Management Team 2008: Seamus O'Reilly, Ollie Murphy, Aidan O'Reilly, Michael Sherlock, Richard Forde. Competitions: East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship. First Round: Carraig na bhFear 4-10 Aghada 4-09. Quarter Final: Lisgoold 0-16 Carraig na bhFear 0-09 East Cork Junior Hurling League Division 3.

Dripsey end Carraigs county quest 11/10/2008 Cork County Junior A Hurling Semi Final Páirc Uí Rinn Dripsey 1-12 Carraig na bhFear 0-09 So the journey is over. Dripsey edged out Carraig na bhFear for a place in this years County Junior A final with a late flurry of scores that sealed a six point win, but that does not tell the full story as Carraig trailed by a single point with a few minutes remaining. Dripsey started well and had the first four points of the match in the opening ten minutes. Carraig started slowly but were creating chances, although some tight defending by Dripsey meant the forwards had little time on the ball and a number of early chances went abegging. Con Burns had Carraigs first point from a free, and he followed this up with another shortly afterwards to cut the gap to two points midway through the half. The game was being played at a high intensity and both sides were guilty of a number of misses in the middle period of the first half. Ronan Spillanes direct running was troubling the Drispey defence and he was unlucky not to win what seemed a certain penalty as he was brought down on his way towards the Dripsey goal, but no free was awarded. Carraig had a number of other goal chances too, but some fine defending and a few near misses meant the Dripsey goal remained intact. Dripsey extended their lead to three points again with a pointed free, but Con Burns replied in kind with a free soon afterwards to cancel this out. Paul Murphy had Carraigs first point from play on 23 minutes, as the gap came down to the minimum. But the final three scores of the first half all went to Dripsey, and all were from frees, to leave the half time scoreline Dripsey 0-08 Carraig 0-04. Carraig came out determined to improve on their performance in the second half, and after five minutes, had the first point of the half from another Con Burns free, after some excellent work by Aidan Sheehan, Ronan Spillane and Martin Hickey. Dripsey responded with a point from distance as they managed to keep the gap to four points. Carraig were coming into the match more, another Burns free was again followed up by another point for Dripsey, but time was still on Carraigs side. Bernard Murphy and Brian Hegarty were both sprung from the bench, and both made a massive impact. Murphy helped to curb Dripseys ariel dominance, and after winning the ball in his own half back line, he took a return pass 65 metres out and sent it sailing over the bar for a score that roused the large Carraig crowd in attendance. Brian Hegarty won a great ball on the left flank and sent it over, the gap down to two. Carraig were now on top, creating chances and clearing well from defence. However, the chances that were being created were not being converted, a few balls dropping short and others dropping wide. Martin Hickey hit a huge point from 70 metres and the gap was down to a point with 5 minutes remaining. More pressure from Carraig lead to a 65, but this sailed just to the right and wide. As Carraig searched for the equaliser, they were dealt a big blow when a missed clearance in defence lead to a goal from close range for Dripsey with a 2 minutes remaining. Dripseys spirits were raised again and they tacked on two more points in injury time to close out the game and book their spot in next weeks final. Congratulations must be extended to Dripsey, themselves heading into their first ever County final, and we wish them the very best of luck in their endeavours. The feeling at the final whistle was one of heartbreak and disappointment. Having come this far, to fall at the penultimate hurdle is hard to take. Carraig gave it their all, left everything out on the pitch and you cannot ask anymore of a team than that. But aswell as the disappointment, there is an overwhelming feeling of pride in what this team has achieved in 2008. A first East Cork title was won, and after 7 championship games, it came down to a few pucks of a ball seperating us from a place in the County decider. While it may take a while to get over the disappointment of this match, 2008 will go down as the greatest year in Carraigs long history and the players have the ability to bounce back and go even further.  An enormous amount of credit must go to the management team of Dan Joe Foley, Denis Burns and Coach Mick O'Donnell. The work put in by these three has to be seen to be believed, they set out their plans last January and have worked tirelessly to get the team to where it is now. They have helped take Carraig to a new level and set new standards, to which the players have responded... The journey is over, for now, but perhaps it has only just begun! Team: Conor Hegarty Tomás Sheehan, Colm O'Reilly, Stephen Casey, Daniel Coleman, Diarmuid O'Driscoll, Timmy Geaney (Capt) Shane Horgan, Martin Hickey Aidan Hegarty, Con Burns, Ronan Spillane, Paul Murphy, Aidan Sheehan, Nicky Pike Subs: Bernard Murphy for Nicky Pike, Brian Hegarty for Aidan Sheehan, Michael Geaney for Ronan Spillane, Tyrone Kennedy for Daniel Coleman. Tom Neally,Brian Sheehan,Daniel Foley,Daniel O'Keeffe,Richard Mullins,Tony Dunne,John O'Sullivan,Paul O'Keeffe,Eamon Bowen,Barrie Casey,Mark Crowley,Darren Noonan,Michael Minihane, John Vaughan Scorers: C. Burns 0-05 frees, P.Murphy, M.Hickey, B.Murphy, B.Hegarty 0-1 each

Carraig advance to County Semi Final with win over Ballymartle

21/09/2008 Cork County Junior A Hurling Championship Venue: Páirc Uí Rinn Carraig na bhFear 1-20 Ballymartle 1-06 Carraig stepped into the County Junior A Championship arena for the first time on Sunday night last, and quickly got accustomed to it. Early points from Aidan Sheehan, Con Burns and Paul Murphy settled Carraig after a nervy opening few minutes. Ballymartle were strong on the ball and delivered quickly to their full forward line, who looked lively in the opening exchanges. 2 points from play brought them back into the game, before a Martin Hickey 65 found the target to give Carraig a two point lead again. But Carraigs accuracy deserted them for a ten minute spell midway through the half as Ballymartle got to grips with the game. Ballymartle can thank their goalkeeper for some excellent saves, as he denied Paul Murphy, Aidan Hegarty and Aidan Sheehan at different times throughtout the game. On 20 minutes Ballymartle were awarded a penalty as their full forward beared down on goal. The shot was dispatched to the net despite the best efforts of Keeper Conor Hegarty, who very nearly got to the ball. This put Ballymartle into a one point lead, but only served to wake Carraig up. In the closing 9 minutes of the half, the backs tightened up and the forwards cut loose. The on form Aidan Hegarty pointed from play, Ronan Spillane converted brilliantly from the left wing and Con Burns put over a free all in quick succession to put Carraig in front again. Hegarty then added two more points from play in a matter of minutes, the second as he intercepted a low puck out from the Ballymartle Keeper. Captain Timmy Geaney got in on the act, pointing after a lovely run on the left wing, before Hegarty again pointed for his fourth of the half to leave the half time scoreline 0-11 to 1-02 in Carraigs favour. Carraig started the brighter of the two teams in the second half, with Stephen Casey excelling at corner back, Diarmuid O'Driscoll strong at centre back and Martin Hickey causing endless problems for the opposition at midfield. A Con Burns free was replied to with a point from play by Ballymartle, before Carraig scored a long range free from Martin Hickey and Con Burns added another point after some great work by the forward line. Ballymartle had another point from a free before Carraig began to pull away in the final quarter. Hegarty again, Ronan Spillane from a tight angle on the left and Aidan Sheehan all pointed to extend the lead. Ballymartle were finding it hard to get through the Carraig backline as the tried their best to get the goal that would bring them back into the game. They landed another point and Conor Hegarty made a good save from a low shot, before the ball was cleared by a combination of Carraig defenders. Con Burns added another point from a free, before substitute Brian Hegarty pointed well from on the run. Paul Murphy scored another good point for Carraig before Ballymartle had their last point of the night, coming from play. In the dying moments of the game, the Carraig forward line broke through the defence and although Sheehan's initial effort was saved, super sub Michael Geaney was on hand to divert the ball into the net to seal the win. A good performance and a great effort from the players, coming so soon after the East Cork win. The semi final now awaits us, as we face either Dripsey or the Winners of Seandún. Team: Conor Hegarty Tomás Sheehan, Colm O'Reilly, Stephen Casey, Daniel Coleman, Diarmuid O'Driscoll, Timmy Geaney Martin Hickey, Shane Horgan Aidan Hegarty, Con Burns, Ronan Spillane Paul Murphy, Aidan Sheehan, Nicky Pike Subs: Brian Hegarty for Nicky Pike Michael Geaney for Ronan Spillane Tyrone Kennedy for Daniel Coleman Tom Neally for Diarmuid O'Driscoll Daniel Foley for Paul Murphy Scorers: A.Hegarty 0-5, C.Burns 0-5, M.Geaney 1-0, P.Murphy,A.Sheehan, R.Spillane, M.Hickey 0-2 each, T.Geaney,B.Hegarty 0-1 each

Carraig create history - East Cork Junior A Hurling Champions 2008 13/09/2008 East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship Final Carraig na bhFear 2-15 Killeagh 0-09 Champions. For the first time in our long history, Carraig have won the East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship. Outsiders to many at the start of the year, the team put together a series of performances that saw them beat last years Champions Erins Own twice, 2006 Champions Dungourney and Bride Rovers second string, culminating in Saturday evenings memorable victory over Killeagh in Ballynoe. Carraig started brightly and attacked from the off. The full forward line of Aidan Sheehan, Paul Murphy and Nicky Pike were on top and Sheehan opened the scoring by raising a white flag, followed quickly by a point from Paul Murphy. Killeagh responded to the early onslaught and got up to speed. Mark Landers sent over a free from 40 yars, before corner forward Ruari Crowley added a point from play to level the scores up. Killeagh then took the lead with another pointed free from Landers. As any indiscretions were likely to be punished by Landers, Carraig had to keep their discipline, and succeeded in doing so. Daniel Coleman and Timmy Geaney were in good form on the wings, while Stephen Casey and Tomás Sheehan cleared any balls sent into the full forward line. Outfield, Ronan Spillane, Shane Horgan and Martin Hickey got through a pile of work, sending the ball in fast to the forwards.  Paul Murphy was on form, picking off his second point of the game to level the scores  approaching the midway point of the half. Then came the breakthrough. Ronan Spillane won possession well out the field with a great tackle and delivered the ball into space on the right wing, the ball broke and Martin Hickey raced onto it.  The defence opened up in front of him and Hickey dispatched the ball to the back of the net from 20 yards to swing the game in Carraigs favour, 1-3 to 0-3. Carraig looked to build on this but Killeagh defended well, and it took a few minutes for the next score to arrive, when Murphy landed another point from the right corner. He followed this up with another point to bring his first half tally to four. Landers replied with a 65 for Killeagh on 25 minutes, before Con Burns had his first point of the night from a free. On the stroke of half time, Landers pointed another free to leave the scoreline 1-06 to 0-05 at the short whistle. Carraig came out for the second half in a determined mood. Aidan Hegarty scored the first point of the half after a few minutes. The sides then traded scores, Landers scoring another free, Martin Hickey converting a 65 for Carraig. Killeagh were winning more possession around midfield but could not get the openings they desired in their forward line, with Carraig defending well. Another point for Killeagh cut the gap to four again, but Con Burns pointed a free for Carraig after some great work by Nicky Pike on the left wing. Then came the score of the night, Martin Hickey, now operating at centre back, won possession on his own 20 yard line and advanced to his own 65 before unleashing a huge shot on the run that sailed straight between the posts for a massive point for Carraig. Killeagh were still creating chances however, and they had the next two points, one from play and one from a free, as they kept in touch. Midway through the half, a long ball broke kindly for corner forward Eoghan O'Loughlin, who raced clear on goal. But Tomás Sheehan got a block in on the shot, and when the ball rebounded to O'Loughlin again, Conor Hegarty saved the shot and the ball was cleared by Sheehan. The ball went outfield and soon afterwards Aidan Sheehan landed it over the bar, another turning point and greeted with a big cheer from the Carraig crowd. Then came the second goal. Again the ball was won back in midfield, Aidan Sheehan won primary possession inside, his neat handpass behind the full back left Paul Murphy in on goal, he duly applied the finish and Carraig were on their way. Killeagh were not to score again, as Carraig finished strong and hurled with greater intensity. Con Burns added two more frees, substitute Brian Hegarty added a great point from the left wing and after a few wides shared between the forwards, the last score of the night came from the hardworking Nicky Pike, after a fantastic run on the left side. Killeagh tried in vain to get the scores that would bring them back into the match, but to no avail. Referee James Bermingham blew the full time whistle and Carraig had done it. The scenes that followed will never be forgotten by those who were there. Unbridled joy, pure emotion, relief, happiness and great satisfaction for all associated with the club, on what was undoubtedly the biggest occassion in the clubs history. Captain Timmy Geaney lifted the cup to spark great celebrations, no less than this team deserve after the work that has been put in not just this year, but over the last number of years to get to this point. It takes a huge behind the scenes effort to be organised aswell as this team is, and for that, big credit must go to the Three wise men - Denis Burns, Dan Joe Foley and Mick O'Donnell. We should also acknowledge the contribution of our Captain in absence, Cathal Horgan, currently travelling the globe. Cathal is a big inspiration to all the players on this panel and a real leader. Well done to all, savour it, enjoy it, ar aghaidh na bhFear! Team: Conor Hegarty Tomás Sheehan, Colm O'Reilly, Stephen Casey, Daniel Coleman, Diarmuid O'Driscoll, Timmy Geaney Martin Hickey, Shane Horgan Aidan Hegarty, Con Burns, Ronan Spillane Paul Murphy, Aidan Sheehan, Nicky Pike Subs: Brian Hegarty for Diarmuid O'Driscoll Michael Geaney for Nicky Pike Tom Neally, Tyrone Kennedy, Brian Sheehan, Daniel Foley, Daniel O'Keeffe, Richard Mullins, Tony Dunne, John O'Sullivan, Bernard Murphy, Paul O'Keeffe, Eamon Bowen, Barrie Casey, Mark Crowley, Darren Noonan, Michael Minihane, John Vaughan Scorers: P.Murphy 1-04, M.Hickey 1-02 (0-1 65), C.Burns 0-04 (frees), A.Sheehan 0-02, N.Pike, B.Hegarty, A.Hegarty 0-01 each.

Carraig on the road to final

08/09/2008 Venue: Rathcormac East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship Semi Final Carraig na bhFear 1-15 Erins Own 0-9 A solid performance saw Carraig na bhFear reach the East Cork Junior A Hurling Final for the first time since 1966, as they saw off the challenge of 2007 champions Erins Own in Rathcormac on Sunday night last. Both teams had good early chances but the opening score came for Carraig from Aidan Hegarty after two minutes. Erins Own replied with a point soon afterwards but Con Burns gave Carraig the lead again with a point from 40 yards on the left wing. Ronan Aherne then sent a sideline ball over the bar for Erins Own for well over 50 yards as both sides tried to assert a dominance on the game. Carraig were solid in defence, allowing the Erins Own attack little space and time in which to get clean ball. Colm O'Reilly and Diarmuid O'Driscoll dealt admirably with the long high balls being delivered from the Erins Own defence, mainly via the free taking of goalkeeper Kieran Murphy. Carraig were getting on top at midfield and Shane Horgan was in great form, cleaning up a number of breaks and sending good ball into the forward line. Martin Hickey landed a long range free to give Carraig the lead again, this was followed up with a point from corner forward Paul Murphy and Hickey again from another free,to put Carraig three points ahead with 15 minutes gone. Murphy was causing major problems for the Erins Own defence, and on 21 minutes, he was on the end of a low ball in from midfield and cut through the defence. Despite the attention of two defenders, Murphy finished the ball to the roof of the net and Carraigs lead was extended to six points. Erins Own responded with the next score a few minutes later, a point from play.Con Burns scored another point for Carraig soon afterwards after some great work and vision from Nicky Pike to pick him out, before Martin Hickey followed up with another free, again from distance, to extend the margin to eight. Erins Own were coming more into the game however, and they had the next three points of the game in the run up to half time, one from play, one from a 65 and one from a close range free. Despite the resurgence, Carraigs defence was continuing to hold up strong, Timmy Geaney playing the captains role and leading by example. Colm O'Reilly hit a number of important clearances to ease the pressure and at half time, the scoreline read Carraig 1-7 Erins Own 0-6. Carraig nearly had the dream start to the second half when Aidan Sheehans run got him in behind his man. His attempt at goal was blocked, but he managed to boot the ball across the goal to the waiting Nicky Pike, who finished to the net only for the referee to award a free out for a square ball. Instead, it was Erins Own who had the better start, getting the first three points, all from frees by the accurate Mark Collins. With 5 minutes gone, the margin was down to one and the game was there to be won by both teams. But Carraig upped the tempo. Some good defending by the whole backline as a unit kept our opponents at bay, before Con Burns had our first point of the half from a free to settle the side down. With the backs now making some inspirational hooks and blocks, the whole team was lifted and two excellent points from Paul Murphy opened the margin out to four again. From here to the end the game swung in Carraigs favour. Ronan Spillane got his first point of the night midway through the half as Carraig introduced fresh legs and became the dominant side. Sub Brian Hegarty made an impact with his good passes and Con Burns was now in great form at centre forward. Burns landed the next point from 40 yards and he set up Murphy again who got his fourth point of the night, bringing his total to 1-4,all from play. In the closing moments, Martin Hickey hit another one of those long range frees, before Aidan Hegarty finished what he started with the last point of the match, much to the delight of the Carraig faithful. Next up, a first final in 42 years, against Killeagh. The team will be aware that they can definitely improve on their performance, as they aim to bring the Jamesy Kelleher Cup to Carraig for the first time. Carraig V Killeagh is on next Saturday in Ballynoe, Home of St.Catherines GAA club, with a 6pm throw in. Team: Conor Hegarty Tomás Sheehan, Colm O'Reilly, Stephen Casey, Daniel Coleman, Diarmuid O'Driscoll, Timmy Geaney Martin Hickey, Shane Horgan Aidan Hegarty, Con Burns, Ronan Spillane Paul Murphy, Aidan Sheehan, Nicky Pike Sub: Brian Hegarty for Nicky Pike, Michael Geaney for Aidan Sheehan, Tom Neally for Daniel Coleman, Daniel Foley for Ronan Spillane Scorers: P. Murphy 1-4, Con Burns 0-4(0-1 frees), M.Hickey 0-4(frees), A.Hegarty 0-2, R.Spillane 0-1

Carraig through to Junior A Semi Final

06/08/2008 Venue: Watergrasshill East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship Quarter Final Carraig na bhFear 2-17 Bride Rovers 0-11 Carraig overcame a strong first half challenge from Bride Rovers to book a place in the semi finals of the East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship with a convincing second half display. Carraig were first out of the blocks and an early run through the heart of the Rovers defence by Con Burns earned him a 21 yard free. Burns shot from the free was saved however and this provided an early boost for the Rovers. The resulting puckout lead to a free being won by their forwards, which was duly converted to give them an early lead. Shortly afterwards, another free was conceded by Carraig in midfield and again this was sent over the bar to put the Rovers into a two point lead. However, as that ball was sailing over the bar, the Referee spotted an off the ball incident and issued a straight red card to the Bride Rovers full forward. Carraig responded to the early Rovers points with two of their own, Martin Hickey splitting the posts from 50 yards and Ronan Spillane scoring a great point from the sideline to level the scores soon afterwards. Despite being a man down, Bride Rovers were on top in the middle sector of the field and Carraig were finding it difficult to get through their half back line. Two points from the Rovers, one from a free, put them back into the lead, before Carraig finally broke through. Ronan Spillane showed good strength to win a high ball on the edge of the small square and dispatched it to the corner of the net to give Carraig a timely boost midway through the half. The Rovers responded well again however, picking off the next 3 points, one from play and two from frees. In an effort to stem the Rovers dominance, Carraig brought the extra man into the midfield area for the closing minutes of the half and were beginning to win more breaking ball. Aidan hegarty got onto a break and pointed from in front on the posts. With a few minutes remaining in the half, Nicky Pike raced onto a loose ball and pointed from outside the 45 to level the scores again. Carraig had a few more chances before half time but these came to nothing and the sides went in level at the break 1-4 to 0-7. Half time was unusually long, as the original referee, John Buckley, was no longer able to continue. He was replaced by Denis O'Leary from Watergrasshill for the second half. When play eventually resumed, a different Carraig team was on view. Martin Hickey pointed an early free from his own 65 yard line, and Paul Murphy found space in the right corner soon afterwards to put Carraig two clear. Timmy Geaney was on top at centre back and cleared alot of good ball, while Carraig were picking up more breaks from puck outs and stronger tackling when not in possession. Rovers were reduced to long range frees for chances and they scored their first point of the half on five minutes to cut the gap to a point again, but Carraig replied instantly with a pointed free from con Burns after great work by Tom Neally at midfield. It was point for point at this stage, Rovers replying with another long range free, before Paul Murphy got his second of the night. Terry Broderick replied for Bride Rovers with an excellent point and the gap remained at a solitary after 10 minutes of the half. The Carraig began to cut loose. Ronan Spillane broke free at wing forward and pointed confidently to extend the lead, before a rush of points in the next 12 minutes followed. Sub Brian Hegarty, Full forward Aidan Sheehan, Hegarty again, Con Burns from a free and Paul Murphy with an excellent effort from the right wing all pointed, and suddenly the lead was 7 points. A long ball in from Midfield was well won by Aidan Sheehan, who turned the full back and headed along the endline for goal. His effort was blocked, but the ball fell to the alert substitute Michael Geaney who pulled first time high into the net to give Carraig their second goal. Bride Rovers continued to press forward, but Carraigs extra man in defence meant they struggled to find space and time to get in too many shots on goal. Cathal Horgan and Stephen Casey dealt confidently with any balls that came into the goal area and cleared their lines well. Con Burns, Carraigs best player in the second half, pointed another free and followed this up with a point from play as Carraig kept up the pressure on the Rovers goal. Rovers pointed another free from close range with a few minutes remaining, and Burns had the final score of the night, again from a free, before the referee blew for full time. Final score Carraig 2-17 Bride Rovers 0-11, but that tells only half the story as Bride Rovers gave an excellent account of themselves and pushed Carraig until the final whistle. Next up its a semi final against the Winners of the Erins Own V Russell Rovers/Midleton quarter final, most likely on the final weekend of August. Team: Conor Hegarty Tomás Sheehan, Cathal Horgan (Capt), Stephen Casey, Shane Horgan, Timmy Geaney, Daniel Coleman Martin Hickey, Tom Neally Nicky Pike, Con Burns, Aidan Hegarty Paul Murphy, Aidan Sheehan, Ronan Spillane Subs: Brian Hegarty for Tom Neally Michael Geaney for Nicky Pike Richard Mullins for Daniel Coleman Scorers: C.Burns 0-5 (0-4 frees),R.Spillane 1-2,M.Geaney 1-0, P.Murphy 0-3,B.Hegarty 0-2 ,M.Hickey 0-2 (0-1 free), A.Hegarty,N.Pike,A.Sheehan 0-1 each

Lisgoold on top in B Championship

25/07/2008 East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship Quarter Final Venue: Caherlag Lisgoold 0-16 Carraig na bhFear 0-9 No complaints as a better balanced and sharper Lisgoold team ran out worthy winners in the quarter final of the Junior B Championship. Shorn of four players from the previous round against Aghada, either through holidays or promotion to the A team, this was always going to be an uphill battle for a reorganised Carraig side. Lisgoold have already won the County Section of the Junior B Championship, and should be in contention for overall County Junior B honours in the coming weeks. Lisgoold started the better of the two teams, and for the opening 15 minutes, controlled the game completely. Carraigs defence was put through its paces in that opening quarter of the match and despite the best efforts of Richard Forde and Richard Mullins in particular, Lisgoold scored the first 6 points of the match in this period, without reply. Carraig were conceding soft frees, and were duly punished on nearly every occasion by the accuracy of Lisgoold free taker Maurice O'Connell. A penalty chance was blasted over the bar by their goalkeeper to leave the score 0-6 to 0-0 after 15 minutes. Carraig finally got on the score sheet through Michael Geaney, who converted a free after good work by John Vaughan and Darren Noonan. With that score, Carraig finally began to find a bit of confidence and a second free from Geaney on 19 minutes left just 4 points between the sides after what was a considerable period of dominance for the opposition. Coming up to half time, Lisgoold replied with two more points, one from play and one from a free. Another Geaney free saw Carraig get their third score of the night, but Lisgoold replied in kind with another point. Carraig finished the half the better of the two sides, and two more frees from Geaney left the scoreline 0-9 to 0-5 at the break, although worringly, Carraig had yet to score from play. The second half saw Lisgoold extend their lead immediately with two early points, as they were fastest to the breaking ball and punishing mistakes with scores. Barrie Casey had Carraigs first point from play 5 minutes into the half after some good forward play by Bertie Sheehan and Daniel Foley. However Lisgoold had another point in response to this and the gap remained at 6. Casey assumed the free taking role for Carraig and his first effort of the half went straight over from well over 80 yards soon after, to keep Carraig in the game. Another free for Lisgoold was duly dispatched soon afterwards, to keep Lisgoold in control. Midway through the second half, it looked as if Carraig were about to mount a comeback when Casey scored two frees in quick succession to cut the gap to four. The next score at this stage was crucial and it went to Lisgoold, who broke downfield and tapped the ball over from close range. Carraig had made some positional changes, which saw Darren Noonan go to centre forward and Richard Mullins come out to midfield, while Noel Mullins was introduced to good effect at corner back also. Try as they might Carraig could not break down a stubborn defence and when Eamon Bowen picked up a second yellow card with five minutes remaining, it was a tall ask for Carraig to pull the game out of the fire. Lisgoold used their extra man in defence and broke out when the opportunities presented themselves to get two late points, and extend the lead to seven. Both sides had late chances, Carraig piling the pressure on but not breaking through, while at the other end, Brian Sheehan pulled off two top class saves to deny Lisgoold a goal. Referee Denis O'Flynn called for full time and the final score read Lisgoold 0-16 Carraig na bhFear 0-9. A disappointing end to the Junior B hurling championship but overall the B team have performed well this year and still have a few league games remaining, which could see them in contention for the league title if victory is secured in both. There is still the matter of the Junior B football championship to come aswell, with Carraig due to face Midleton in the quarter final. Also, a number of this team are heavily involved with the Junior A hurling and football panels and Under 21 hurling team aswell, so there's still plenty left to play for as we approach August. Team: Brian Sheehan, Richard Mullins, Richard Forde, Michael Minehane Kieran Daly, Bernard Murphy, Ollie Murphy Eamon Bowen, Darren Noonan John Vaughan, Michael Geaney, Daniel Foley Bertie Sheehan, Aidan Bowen, Barrie Casey Subs: Stephen Cahill for Bertie Sheehan Noel Mullins for Aidan Bowen Robert O'Driscoll for Daniel Foley Scorers: M. Geaney 0-5 frees, B. Casey 0-4 (0-1 frees) Wides: Carraig 7 Lisgoold 11 Frees: Carraig 18 Lisgoold 15

Carraig edge Dungourney in close game

21/08/2008 Venue: Ballynoe East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship 3rd Round Carraig na bhFear 0-14 Dungourney 0-12 Carraig na bhFear advanced to the quarter finals of the East Cork Junior A hurling championship after a close and exciting win over Dungourney last evening. Played before a large attendance on the well prepared Ballynoe pitch, Carraig got off to a good start when Con Burns opened the scoring inside the first two minutes. Carraig had the advantage of a considerable breeze for the opening half and Martin Hickey used this to full advantage to convert a long range free soon afterwards, as Carraig settled well. The full back line of Tomás Sheehan, Cathal Horgan and Stephen Casey were on top and the forwards were applying great pressure on the Dungourney defence, getting in a number of crucial blocks and hooks. Aidan Sheehan won a free 25 yards from goal and Con Burns converted this, to leave Carraig three points ahead. Dungourney replied with a well taken free from distance to open their account in the next attack. Carraig began to turn the their greater share of possession into scores. Corner forward Ronan Spillane was fastest onto a breaking ball and hit a point over his shoulder in front of goal. This was followed by a point from Nicky Pike after a strong run through the defence. Martin Hickey drove over a long range effort after good work by the defence, and the score was now 0-6 to 0-1 after the opening quarter.  Aidan Sheehan was causing problems for the Dungourney defence at full forward and he got his name on the scoresheet with a fine effort. The most unlikely score of the night followed on 20 minutes, when corner back Tomás Sheehan, operating as a third midfielder, intercepted a Dungourney clearance 50 yards from goal and slotted the ball over the bar from the left wing for Carraigs fifth point in a row, all from play. Dungourney responded however, and a point from a 65 and another from a close in free had the margin back to five points approaching the 25 minute mark. More good work from the full forward line earned Carraig a free, which Burns scored. Dungourney then picked off two more points, both from frees to close the margin to four. However Carraig had the final score of the half when Martin Hickey converted another long range free on the stroke of half time, to leave the half time score Carraig 0-10 Dungourney 0-5. The second half saw both teams increasing the intensity. Dungourney, now aided by the wind, scored an early free and then had their first point from play two minutes later to cut the gap to three points. Colm O'Reilly was strong at the heart of the Carraig defence and limited alot of Dungourney attacks to half chances. Carraig needed a score to lift the early siege and Ronan Spillane provided it when he accurately split the posts from a tight angle five minutes into the half. With Dungourney puck outs now landing on top of the Carraig full back line, the ball spent alot of time in the Carraig half, and any mistakes were being punished. Dungourney picked off another point from play  after a scramble for possession  30 yards from goal. Carraig replied again, this time Hickey landing his best effort of the match with a free from 80 yards into the wind that dropped just over the cross bar, to keep the gap at four. The sides exchanged points once again, Dungourney getting the first before sub Paul Murphy struck for Carraig. The Dungourney half back line were winning alot of ball and launching attack after attack on the Carraig defence. Another pointed free left them three behind again. With ten minutes remaining, a goal chance presented itself to Dungourney but a combination of pressure from the defence, a good hook by Timmy Geaney and a few lucky bounces meant the Carraig goal remained intact and the ball was cleared. With five minutes remaining the gap was reduced to two, another point from play for Dungourney. Two minutes later they won a free 30 yards from goal which was duly converted and the gap was down to the minimum. But Carraig have made a habit of finishing games strong this year and so it was to prove. Martin Hickey and Aidan Hegarty ran at the Dungourney defence on a few occassions to switch the focus of the siege and it was Hegarty who had the final point when a powerful run bought him the space to split the posts from 40 yards out with two minutes remaining. The Carraig forward line kept the pressure on for the last few minutes of injury time and didn't allow the ball to come out easily. Dungourney had a free which was dropped in around the goal mouth but cleared for a 65. The 65 was dropped in again but it landed well short of the goalmouth and was cleared by Con Burns and Shane Horgan. Referee Edward Sheehan blew the whistle soon afterwards and Carraig had a deserved 2 point win. Credit to a fine Dungourney team for their part in this tough championship encounter. Carraig now advance to meet Bride Rovers in the quarter final in two weeks time, on the August bank holiday weekend. Team: Conor Hegarty, Tomás Sheehan, Cathal Horgan (capt), Stephen Casey, Daniel Coleman, Colm O'Reilly, Timmy Geaney, Martin Hickey, Tom Neally, Shane Horgan, Con Burns, Aidan Hegarty, Ronan Spillane, Aidan Sheehan, Nicky Pike Subs: Paul Murphy for Daniel Coleman John O'Sullivan for Colm O'Reilly Scorers: M.Hickey 0-4 (0-3 frees), C.Burns 0-3 (0-2 frees), R.Spillane 0-2, A.Hegarty, T. Sheehan, A.Sheehan, N.Pike, P.Murphy 0-1 each

Hurlers dig deep for win

09/07/2008 Junior Hurling League Division 1 Venue: Killeagh Carraig na bhFear 1-20 Killeagh 2-15 Carraig picked up another win in division one of the junior hurling league after beating Killeagh on Wednesday night last in less than convincing fashion. Carraig played into the strong wind in the first half and lead early on through points from Ronan Spillane and Brian Hegarty from a free. Killeagh opened their account with two long distance points from frees before Brian hegarty replied from another free to give Carraig the lead again. But the concession of numerous soft frees was undermining alot of the good work being done in the middle sector of the field and Killeagh duly punished Carraig at every opportunity from placed balls, former Cork captain Mark Landers was unerring and popped over another four frees on the trot to put the home side into the lead. Another free from Hegarty, followed by two from play from Con Burns and Aidan Sheehan, closed the gap for Carraig. Killeagh then hit a purple patch before half time, scored 1-2 in the space of a few minutes leading up to the break to give them a half time lead of 1-09 to 0-7. Carraig got the first two scores of the second half, both from Aidan Hegarty, but were still struggling to get up to speed in many areas.The home side replied with two points of their own, one from a free, before substitute Paul Murphy had one from play for Carraig. Killeagh added a second goal shortly afterwards to lead 2-12 to 0-10 with 20 minutes remaining. Carraig got the next three points, from Martin Hickey, Brian Hegarty and Ronan Spillane, and the hosts replied with another pointed free. Hegarty pointed a free for Carraig, before Killeagh had another point from a free to keep the gap open with just over ten minutes remaining. At this point Carraig began to up the pace and came into the game, lead by Colm O'Reilly at centre back. Aidan and Con both had points, to which Killeagh replied with their last point of the game. Ronan Spillane converted a free and Paul Murphy added a point to keep chipping away at the lead. Then a long ball in from the left wing broke to sub John O'Sullivan, who pulled on the bouncing ball to finish it to the net and level the scores. In the closing minutes, Carraig worked hard and won a 65 which Martin Hickey pointed, which was followed soon afterwards by another pointed free from Hickey, after Ronan Spillane was fouled in possession. The game finished soon after and Carraig had dug deep for the win, on a scoreline of 1-20 to 2-15. The team will be aware however, that a much improved performance will be required in the Championship next week. Team: Conor Hegarty, Tomás Sheehan, Cathal Horgan, Stephen Casey Daniel Coleman, Colm O'Reilly, Timmy Geaney Martin Hickey, Tom Neally Brian Hegarty, Con Burns, Aidan Hegarty Nicky Pike, Aidan Sheehan, Ronan Spillane Subs: Paul Murphy for Nicky Pike, John O'Sullivan for Brian Hegarty, Shane Horgan for Daniel Coleman Scorers: B. Hegarty 0-5 frees, A.Hegarty,C. Burns 0-3 each ,R.Spillane 0-3 (0-1 frees), M.Hickey 0-3 (0-1 65, 0-1 free),  J. O'Sullivan 1-0, P.Murphy 0-2, A.Sheehan 0-1.

B's overcome Aghada

09/07/08 East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship Venue: Lisgoold Carraig na bhFear 4-10 Aghada 4-9 6 points down at half time, 3 points ahead with 10 minutes to go, level with 5 minutes to go and 3 points up with 3 minutes to go. No, not Cork V Kerry last sunday, this was Carraig V Aghada in the East Cork Junior B championship first round. Those who made the trip to Lisgoold were treated to an entertaining hours hurling by both teams, with Carraig coming out on top having completely turned the game on its head in the second half. Carraig started the brighter of the two teams, and on 3 minutes, John O'Sullivan cut in from the right wing and drew two men before passing to Shane Horgan, who controlled and shot to the net to give Carraig a great start. Aghada took control soon after however, and shot a number of wides in quick succession before finally finding the target with their opening point. The Carraig defence was loose and under pressure for most of the opening half, and Aghada took full advantage of two mistakes to score two goals in a row in the opening 15 minutes. They followed this up with two more points, one from play and one from a free, amidst another flurry of wides, to extend their lead to 2-3 to 1-0 after 20 minutes. Slowly Carraig found thie feet again, Barrie Casey, now operating at midfield, got Carraigs first point from 50 yards out in front of goal, and when Paul O'Keeffe picked up a loose ball in the corner forward position soon after, his shot sailed narrowly over instead of under the crossbar to reduce the gap to four points. A long ball in from the Aghada half caused mass confusion in the Carraig defence, and instead of being cleared, the ball beat everyone and bounced into the corner of the net for their third goal of the half. They added another point from a free in their next attack, to extend the gap to eight points approaching the break. Carraig got two points before the short whistle, captain Michael Geaney converting a free, and wing forward Daniel Foley scoring from play to cut the gap to six at half time, a fair reflection of Aghadas dominance of the half, in which they also hit nine wides (to Carraigs six). Whatever was said at halftime, had an immediate effect. Rather like the Cork footballers last Sunday, Carraig got the first score of the half and never looked back. Daniel Foley split the posts to get the ball rolling, and this was follwed shortly afterwards by a point from Bertie Sheehan. A high ball in on the next attack was broken down by Shane Horgan, his shot was saved but Paul O'Keeffe snuck in to whip the ball to the back of the net from a tight angle. Suddenly, Carraig were only a point down and well on top. Horgan was well on top in the forward line now, winning every ball. His smart handpass found John O'Sullivan who stepped past his marker and dropped the ball over the bar from just inside the 45 yard line to level the scores. Soon afterwards Casey scored from distance to put Carraig into the lead. Aghada began to respond and both defences began to get on top, which lead to a period of 10 minutes without a score for either side. When the drought was over, John O'Sullivan was on target again for his second point of the game. Bernard Murphy added another point from midfield and Carraig were three ahead heading into the closing 10 minutes...which is where the drama really began. Aghada came back to score two points in quick succession, their first scores of the half. With the gap down to the minimum, Carraigs move of the match followed. Shane Horgan, now operating at centre forward, won possession and hand passed to Daniel Foley on the left wing. Foley broke through his markers challenge and set off from 45 yards out, drew the full back to the 20 yard line and gave a quick handpass straight to the waiting hand of Michael Geaney at full forward, who turned and blasted the ball high into the roof of the net. Four point game, but not for long. Aghada won the ball from the puckout and worked it into the large rectangle, where it was buried to the net to cut the deficit to one again. A few minutes later, they were level, scoring a free from a tight angle after a prolonged attack. The game was in the balance, but Carraig conjured up another goal. Shane Horgan won the ball in the air, passed it 20 yards to Geaney, who grabbed it out of the air, lost his marker and scored high into the net again giving the keeper no chance. There was still time for Aghada to mount a comeback. They scored a point from play and then added another coming to the end of normal time, to ensure a nervy few closing minutes. But the defence held firm, lead by Eamon Bowen and when sub Richard Forde cleared a Carraig free well down the field, referee Maurice McCarthy blew the full time whistle. Well done to the team, and to their management team of Aidan O'Reilly, Mick Sherlock and Noel Walsh. Team: Brian Sheehan, Richard Mullins, Ollie Murphy, Tony Dunne Barrie Casey, Eamon Bowen, Kieran Daly Bernard Murphy, Darren Noonan John O'Sullivan, Michael Geaney, Daniel Foley Bertie Sheehan, Shane Horgan, Paul O'Keeffe Subs: John Vaughan for B. Sheehan R.Forde for T.Dunne, T.Dunne for D. Noonan Scorers: M.Geaney 2-1 (0-1 free), P. O'Keeffe 1-1, S. Horgan 1-0, J. O'Sullivan, D. Foley, B. Casey 0-2 each, B. Sheehan, B. Murphy 0-1 each Referee: Maurice McCarthy - Lisgoold

Strong finish sees Carraig through 22/06/2008 East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship Preliminary round Carraig na bhFear 2-15 Erins Own 0-18 Late points from Martin Hickey and Aidan Hegarty assured Carraig na bhFear a place in the third round of the East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship after a thrilling game against Erins Own in Castlelyons last night. The points came at a crucial stage of the game, with Erins Own having come from 6 points down to tie the game with 5 minutes remaining. The game started at a lively pace, Carraig playing with a strong wind at their backs opened the scoring through Aidan Sheehan. Erins Own responded shortly afterwards and the pattern for the opening exchanges was set, both sides swapping further points, Carraigs coming from a Brian Hegarty free. Carraig were hurling with confidence and succeeded in creating space for the inside forward trio of Nicky Pike, Aidan Sheehan and Ronan Spillane. Spillane drove over Carraigs third point, quickly followed by one from Nicky. Erins Own replied again with another point from play and it was clear that there was never going to be much between the teams. Spillane hit his second point from 30 yards out after some excellent defending by the Carraig forwards, forcing mistakes in the oppositions defence. Again Erins Own points but Con Burns replied soon afterwards to make it 0-6 to 0-4 after the opening 15 minutes. Colm O'Reilly and Timmy Geaney made some excellent clearances for Carraig at half back and limited the oppositions attacking threat. Colm extended the lead for Carraig with a point from all of 90 yards from a free. Erins Own replied with another well worked point but the efforts of Carraigs attackers were being rewarded aswell, Brian hegarty scoring his second free of the night to keep Carraig on top. Then, 5 minutes before half time, Aidan Hegarty burst onto a breaking ball 40 yards from goal and a driving run brought him away from 2 defenders to the 21 yard line, where he hit a rocket of a shot to the top of the Erins Own net to give Carraig a massive boost and a 5 point lead. Erins Own had the next point from a free, before Spillane added his third point of the half from out on the left wing. The final score of the half went to Erins Own, leaving the half time scoreline 1-09 to 0-08 in Carraigs favour. The second half saw Carraig get on the board first, Brian Hegarty again unerring from a free. Erins Own were now making use of the strong wind however, and began raining balls down on the Carraig full back line of Stephen Casey, Cathal Horgan and Tomás Sheehan. But this was also to prove somewhat costly for them as they hit a succession of wides early on, despite hitting 3 points in the process, one from a 65 after Conor Hegarty made an excellent save in goal for Carraig. Brian Hegarty relieved the pressure again with his fourth free of the game, to put Carraig three up. Then, midway through the half, Aidan Sheehans hard work saw him win a ball 30 yards from goal on the right side of the field, his shot dropped short but the bounce beat both the full back and the goalkeeper as it spun across the small rectangle, and substitute Paul Murphy reacted first to double the ball into the back of the net for a crucial second goal to make it 2-11 to 0-11. Champions die hard however, and Erins Own responded again, their half back line winning numerous puck outs and their forwards a succession of frees, which saw them get the next 6 points without reply in the space of 10 minutes. But the final word belonged to Carraig. Martin Hickey hit a long distance free into the wind and put Carraig ahead again, then good play by Timmy Geaney allowed Aidan Hegarty time to point from the left wing before another long distance free from the increasingly influential Hickey extended the margin to three, to the joy of the large Carraig following in attendance. The last few minutes saw a succession of balls dropped in on the Carraig goalmouth, but the defence kept their discipline, lead by captain Cathal Horgan and cleared their lines consistently. Having weathered the storm, Referee Brian Walsh blew the full time whistle and Carraig had their win. Team: Conor Hegarty Tomás Sheehan, Cathal Horgan(c), Stephen Casey Daniel Coleman, Colm O'Reilly, Timmy Geaney Martin Hickey, Tyrone Kennedy Brian Hegarty, Con Burns, Aidan Hegarty Nicky Pike, Aidan Sheehan, Ronan Spillane Subs: Paul Murphy for Nicky Pike Tom Neally for Daniel Coleman Unused: Darren Noonan, Paul O'Keeffe, Daniel O'Keeffe, Eamon Bowen, Richard Mullins, Daniel Foley Scorers: B. Hegarty 0-5 frees, A. Hegarty 1-1, R.Spillane 0-3, P. Murphy 1-0, M.Hickey 0-2 frees, N.Pike, C. Burns, A.Sheehan 0-1, C.O'Reilly 0-1 free

Carraig take points against Castlemartyr 14/06/2008 Carraig na bhFear 0-14 Castlemartyr 1-10 Carraig picked up their first win in division one of the East Cork Junior Hurling league with a hard fought and deserved victory over Castlemartyr on Saturday night, in Carraig na bhFear. The early exchanges saw a few mistakes from both teams as both sides took time to settle. The visitors opened the scoring with a free but Carraig responded almost immediately witha  well taken score from the stick of Aidan Hegarty. Hegarty followed up with another point shortly afterwards and he was causing plenty of problems for the Castlemartyr defence, adding his thrid point after 10 minutes. Castlemartyr responded with a point from play of their own, but Brian Hegarty struck two frees for Carraig to extend the lead further. Carraig defended well, with the full back and half back lines both on top, denying Castlemartyr time and space on the ball. The defence was also visible further up the field, with the full forward line of Nicky Pike, Aidan Sheehan and Ronan Spillane pressurising the opposition into mistakes, and this lead to points from Spillane, Aidan Sheehan and Con Burns before half time. Castlemartyr added another free before the short whistle to leave Carraig 0-8 to 0-4 in front. Castlemartyr were first on traget after half time with a point from play. Carraig replied through Aidan Hegarty  after some good work by the Carraig half forward line as a unit. The sides exchanged scores again, with Castlemartyr scoring another close in free, Carraig scoring through Con Burns from play. Castlemartyr added two more points in the next five minutes as they tried to apply more pressure and close the gap on the scoreboard. But Carraig rallied well, and when goalkeeper Conor Hegarty pointed a free from just inside his own 45 yard line, the team lifted their game again, with further points from Aidan and Brian Hegarty again soon after. Castlemartyr went in search of a goal that would bring them back into the game, but Hegarty saved on a couple of occasions with the full back line clearing the ball away from the goalmouth. Another point from play for the visitors was followed by a pointed 65, after an initial free came back down off the post, but was put out to safety by Stephen Casey. Carraig repsonded again however, with five minutes remaining, Brian Hegarty converted a free won by Paul Murphy who had cut through the defence and was brought down 30 yards from goal. Hegarty had Carraigs final score with a well taken point from play. Castlemartyr attacked for the closing minutes, and at four points down, they converted a 21 yard free in the last minute to reduce the gap to a point, but time had run out and Carraig came away with the points on a scoreline of 0-14 to 1-10. Team: Conor Hegarty, Tomás Sheehan, Cathal Horgan (c), Stephen Casey Daniel Coleman, Colm O'Reilly, Timmy Geaney Tom Neally, Tyrone Kennedy Brian Hegarty, Con Burns, Aidan Hegarty Nicky Pike, Aidan Sheehan, Ronan Spillane Subs: Paul O'Keeffe for Nicky Pike, Daniel Foley for Ronan Spillane Paul Murphy for Con Burns Scorers: A.Hegarty 0-5, B. Hegarty 0-5(0-4 frees), A.Sheehan,C. Burns 0-2 each, C.Hegarty 0-1(free), R.Spillane 0-1. Referee: John Buckey (Sarsfields) *The eagle eyed amongst you will have noted that the scorers total does not match the final score. Our stats taker (who is never wrong) recorded an extra point in either half for Carraig that the referee did not, but the official score is 0-14 to 1-10.

B's defeat Erins Own in League 10/06/2008 Carraig na bhFear 4-10 Erins Own 1-10 Carraig made in back to back wins in the Junior Hurling League divison 3 when they defeated Erins Own in Caherlag on Tuesday last. Starting the faster and sharper of the two teams, Carraig had the first point of the night from Michael Geaney which was followed shortly afterwards by another from Paul Murphy. Erins Own replied with 2 points, on from a 65 but the Carraig half back line trio of Barrie Casey, Cathal Horgan and Richard Mullins were in excellent form and clearing nearly everything that came towards them. Daniel FOley and Aidan Sheehan were working very hard in the full forward line and Sheehan put Carraig into the lead again with a point from close range after good work by Michael Geaney. Sheehan then added a well taken goal shortly afterwards, good reward for Carraigs early pressure. This was to be the start of a good period of sustained pressure from Carraig. Another point from Geaney was followed quickly by a goal from Paul O'Keeffe, who cut through the Erins Own defence with a solo run before finishing clinically to the far corner of the net. Kerian Daly and Nicky Pike extended the lead on 20 minutes, before Erins Own responded with their 3rd point. Michael Geaney from a free, and Daniel Foley from play, put two more points on the board for Carraig before Erins Own pointed a free on the stroke of half time to leave the scores 2-8 to 0-4. The second half promised to be a closer affair, with Carraig now playing against the wind and into the glare of the low sun. However Paul Murphy tagged on an early point for Carraig to keep the momentum going. Erins Own responded well, scoring from a 65, and adding 3 points from play in the next 10 minutes. They then added a goal which could well have brought them back into the game, but straight from the puckout, Carraig responded with the third goal of the night, Paul Murphys looping effort deceiving the keeper and dropping in just under the crossbar. Erins Own responded with three more points over the next 10 minutes, sandwiching a fourth Carraig goal, Murphy's second of the night. Erins Own tried hard to get another goal back, but the Carraig defence finished strongly and cleared plenty of ball, aided by Nicky Pike at midfield in particular. Final Score Carraig na bhFear 4-10 Erins Own 1-10. The Junior B team are due to play championship on July 8th V Aghada in Lisgoold. Team: Brian Sheehan Tomas Sheehan, Ollie Murphy, Tom Neally                                           Richard Mullins, Cathal Horgan, Barrie Casey                                                                   Conor Hegarty, Nicky Pike                                                        Paul O’Keeffe, Michael Geaney, Kieran Daly Daniel Foley, Aidan Sheehan, Paul Murphy Subs: Darren Noonan for Conor Hegarty Michael Minehane for Richard Mullins Daniel O’Keeffe for Aidan Sheehan Michael Foley for Kieran Daly Teddy Manley for Paul Murphy Scorers: Paul Murphy 2-3, Aidan Sheehan 1-1, Michael Geaney 0-3 (0-2 frees), Paul O'Keeffe 1-0, Daniel Foley, Kieran Daly and Nicky Pike 0-1 each

B's lose to Saints 27/05/2008 Carraig na bhFear 0-05 St. Catherines 1-10 Carraig na bhFear suffered their second defeat of the Junior Hurling league division 3 campaign when they were comprehensively outplayed by a much sharper St. Catherine outfit. Despite having home advantage, Carraig failed to take hold of the game and struggled with their first touch and control for much of the game.  Carraig only scored a point from play over the hour and can have no complaints with the result. The early exchanges were close, both sides exchanging points, but Catherines created more of the chances, and could have goaled twice but for some good saves from Noel Finneran. However, approaching the half hour mark, Catherines did find the back of the net, to leave the half time score 0-03 to 1-04 in the visitors favour, all Carraig points coming from the stick of Ronan Spillane. In the second half Catherines consolidated their lead with some well taken points from broken play, while Carraig chalked up a number of wides and only scored 2 points in the half. Carraig tried hard to get back into the game, with Tyrone Kennedy and Conor Hegarty working hard, and Eamon Bowen clearing alot of ball from defence, but they could not find the scores to reel in the Saints, who ran out winners by 8 points.

A's draw for second time 29/04/2008 Carraig na bhFear 1-07 Dungourney 0-10 Carraig drew for the second game running in division 1 of the Junior Hurling league after a tough and close game. The game was played on a wet and muddy pitch in conditions more in common with December than late April. Carraig played with the aid of the strong wind in the first half and got into the game right from the throw in, hassling the visitors when they had possession and making some decent openings in attack. Carraig opened the scoring through Darren Noonan who finished well in front of goal from 30 yards. Dungourney were finding scores hard to come by but they responded with a pointed free. Carraig then began to take control and with the defence on top, added further points from Kieran Daly and a long effort from Martin Hickey, who was excelling at midfield. Dungourney replied with another point from a free but Carraig replied instantly with a point from Ronan Spillane almost straight from the puc out. Ronan added two more frees, and coupled with another Dungourney free, this left the half time scores at Carraig 0-6 Dungourney 0-3. Given the conditions, this was hardly a big lead and Dungourney started the second half in positive fashion, pointing from distance to trim the lead. They then added a free to cut the lead to a single point. Carraig won a free 70 yards from goal and Spillanes effort was met by full forward Michael Geaney who doubled the ball to the corner of the net to give Carraig the initiative again. Dungourney responded with two points, one from a free to cut the gap again. Midway through the second half Geaney was pulled down by the full back under a high ball and the referee awarded a penalty. Aidan Sheehans effort was saved by the keeper and diverted wide. Dungourney added another point shortly afterwards as they made good use of possession even though they found the defence hard to break through. With eight minutes remaining Spillane converted a free for Carraigs first point of the half. A couple of good scoring chances were missed shortly afterwards and Dungourney took advantage of this in the closing stages, scoring two late points, one from a 65 and the other from long range. At full time neither side could complain with the outcome, points shared and plenty to work on. Team: Conor Hegarty, Stephen Casey, Cathal Horgan, Tomás Sheehan Tyrone Kennedy, Colm O'Reilly, Daniel Coleman Shane Horgan, Martin Hickey Kieran Daly, Darren Noonan, Aidan Hegarty Ronan Spillane, Michael Geaney, Aidan Sheehan Subs: D. Foley for K.Daly, R. Mullins for D. Coleman Scorers: R. Spillane 0-4 (0-3 frees), M. Geaney 1-0, D. Noonan, K.Daly, M. Hickey 0-1 each

B's edged out by Castlelyons 09/04/2008 Castlelyons 2-10 Carraig na bhFear 1-09 The Junior B hurlers made the trip to Castlelyons on Wednesday evening last for their second outing in the Junior League. The team was short of a few regulars due to work and college commitments, plus the involvement of a number of players in the upcoming Under 21 Football final. Nevertheless, Carraig put it up to their hosts and will be disappointed not to have come away with something from the game. Carraig opened the scoring through Kieran Daly but Castlelyons  got the upper hand in the opening stages and converted a number of points to build up a 3 point lead. A well taken goal from Bertie Sheehan midway through the first half cancelled out a Castlelyons goal, and coming up to half time only 3 points seperated the sides.Just on the stroke of half time, a sideline ball from Castlelyons found its way into the back of the Carraig net to extend the lead to 6 points. In the second half Carraig became the more dominant team, with Conor Hegarty and Tony Dunne prominent. Michael Geaney scored a few long range frees and an excellent point from Teddy Manley closed the gap. Castlelyons added a couple of frees to keep their noses in front as the final whistle sounded, with Carraig losing out by four points in the end. Team: P. Murphy P.Walsh, M. Geaney, D. O'keeffe T. Sheehan, C. Horgan, S. Cahill N.Pike, K.Daly T. Manley, C. Hegarty, S.Horgan B. Sheehan, T. Dunne, B. Sheehan

A's strike late for draw 06/04/2008 Russell Rovers 2-15 Carraig na bhFear 3-12 Venue: Shanagarry A late goal from Ronan Spillane saw Carraig collect a share of the spoils after a tough game against Russell Rovers. Carraig played with the advantage of the wind in the first half, and points from Aidan Hegarty and Aidan Sheehan from play gave Carraig an early lead. Rovers replied witha  point of their own from a free. On 10 minutes, full forward Con Burns flicked a long ball to the back of the net and Carraig had a goal. Rovers responded well however, and scored 3 points, 1 from a free, to close the gap. Carraig responded with a period of sustained pressure, scoring points through Aidan Hegarty and Martin Hickey. A long ball in from Rovers lead to a cross which was well met 13 yards out for a goal for the home team. Paul O'Keeffe and Brian Hegarty then instantly replied with points for Carraig. Rovers then added another point from a close range free before Carraig had a great point from the stick of Aidan Sheehan. Then, on the stroke of half time, a mistake by the Russell Rovers Keeper allowed Con Burns to flick the ball off his hurley in front of goal, and the ball crossed the line. Half time Carraig 2-7 Russell Rovers 1-5. Rovers started the second half the better team, piling on the pressure and picking up 2 early points. Then Brian Hegarty scored a free to keep Carraig in front. A long sideline ball in from Rovers was met in the air by their midfielder, who finished the ball to the net to give them the lead for the first time. Sideline cuts were to prove a constant threat throughout the second half, with Rovers scoring points from 3 of these, all well executed. Rovers began to extend their lead, with further points, Carraig responding with two more of their own from Brian Hegarty, one from a free. But with 5 minutes to go, the gap was 5 points and the home side looked set for the win. With 9 of the team having featured in the U21 semi final the day before, you could be forgiven for thinking Carraig would run out of steam in the closing stages. But Paul O'Keeffe made a great 30 yard run into the heart of the Rovers defence and found Aidan Sheehan in space at a tight angle. Aidan's shot rose just over the crossbar and the gap was down to 4 and Carraig took control in the closing stages. With time up, Colm O'Reilly caught a ball on his endline and sent it long. Ronan Spillane gained possession in the Rovers half and was brought down. Brian converted the free and there was a goal between the teams with time for one last attack. From the puckout, Martin Hickey won a free at Centre back, and his long crossfield pass found Spillane in space 25 yards from goal. He took on his man, and off balance, found the far corner of the net from 13 yards to crown the comeback. Rovers had one last attack but time ran out and a draw was the result. Team: Conor Hegarty Stephen Casey, Cathal Horgan, Tomás Sheehan Tyrone Kennedy, Martin Hickey, Daniel Coleman Shane Horgan, Aidan Sheehan Brian Hegarty, Darren Noonan, Paul O'Keeffe Ronan Spillane, Con Burns, Aidan Sheehan Subs: Colm O'Reilly for Stephen Casey Tom Neally for Daniel Coleman Scorers: C Burns 2-0,B Hegarty 0-5,R Spillane 1-0, A Sheehan 0-3, A Hegarty 0-2, M Hickey 0-1, P O'Keeffe 0-1

B's Defeat Rovers in opening encounter 06/04/2008 Bride Rovers 2-5 Carraig na bhFear 3-8 Venue: Rathcormac Carraig na bhFear picked up the points on offer in the opening game of the Junior Hurling League Division 3 match, with a well earned 6 point win over Bride Rovers. Carraig were the sharper team from start to finish. Barry Casey had a fine game, win plenty possession for his team, converting some well struck frees aswell. Daniel Foley was on form in the forward line while Tom Neally at midfield, Dee O'Driscoll and Daniel O'Keeffe in defence also did well. A good start to the season for the B hurlers, who will be hoping to continue to progress being made by the team over the last two seasons this year.