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Randal Óg Notes
Week ending February 14th
After weeks of preparation on the training pitch it was finally time for the action to get under way on the field of play last weekend. First up, on Saturday were the U-21 footballers who entertained Kilmichael in a challenge game. The game was an intense and tough encounter which produced some good football on both sides despite the early season conditions. Randals were particularly well served in defence by the performances of Seán O' Sullivan and Kieran O' Brien.
Gerard Lynch added to his midfield display with two points to his name, while Cathal Dullea on the forty contributed four points. The Randal full-forward also converted possession into scores. Gearoid White scored three points while Andy Crowley grabbed Randals only goal, fisting to the net after seeing his own shot rebound off the crossbar. Ultimately Randals were undone by the three goals they conceded themselves but this was a good display from the Randals lads and very encouraging for the championship which is fast approaching. Randal Óg 1-9 Kilmichael 3-8.
Team: D. Lynch, K. O'Brien, S. Patterson, S. O' Sullivan, B. Dullea, C. O' Sullivan, G. Lynch (0-2, 0-1f), P. O'Donovan, C. Dullea (0-4, 0-2f's), P. Lynch, G. White (0-3, 0-1f), A, Crowley (1-0).
The Junior footballers also made their first foray into action when they took on Clonakility on Sunday morning. Predictably conditions suited defences and here Randals had stand-out performances from Shane Patterson, Aidan O'Brien and Brendan O' Mahony. Randals were under the cosh in the first half but two scores from Mike Hurley and one-a piece from Gerard Lynch and Patrick Crowley kept them in touch as they trailed 0-7 to 0-4 at the break.
On the resumption Randals showed more scoring threat. They were rewarded with two more points from each of Lynch and Crowley. Fergal Kelly also got in on the scoring act with two points of his own. In the end Randals deservedly secured a draw Randal Óg 0-10 Clonakilty 0-10. It was important that a grafting performance was rewarded with a result as league football is just around the corner. Unlike in recent seasons, Randals will be hoping for league results as well as performances in the build up to a crucial championship season.
Team: D. Lynch, C. O' Sullivan, S. Patterson, A. O'Brien, G. Lynch (0-3, 0-2f's), C. Patterson, B. O' Mahony, J. Collins, D. O' Regan, P. Crowley (0-3), F. Kelly (0-2), M. Hurley (0-2, 0-1f), P O' Donovan, S. Holland, K. Burke. Subs used: D. O'Brien, P. Lynch.
Week ending January 31st 2010
The Junior championship draws have been made for the county qualifiers. Both draws see Randals first in semi-final action. In the hurling Randals will face new comers Bantry with the winners playing Gabriel Rangers in the final. In the football Randals face Kilmeen, in a mouth-watering clash with the winners going on to face Goleen.
The optimism with which Randals face into the new season is a reflection on their encouraging showing in 2009. Those achievements are being celebrated with the club dinner, to be held this Saturday, February 6th in the Parkway Hotel from 8.30pm. Tickets, €25 are still available from members of the club committee and it is hoped that supporters will show their appreciation by turning out in force.
Week ending January 24th 2010
Despite matches still being some way off yet, the fixture list for the new football season is beginning to take shape, while the hurling structures for 2010 remain in the pipeline. First into championship action will be the under-21 footballers. They will compete in a three team tournament including Glengarriff and Goleen. Their opening fixture is down for the 27th of March against Glengarriff in Castletown Kenniegh. The winners then go on to play Goleen the following week, while the final game of the round robin will see Goleen play the winners of the first game. The top two teams then qualify for the final. Glengarriff will start the championship as favourites, having competed in the final last year and beaten both of the other sides en route. Randals and Goleen for their part played out a tense draw so these teams should again be evenly matched. One win could see either team into a West Cork final with everything to play for.
Meanwhile Randals Junior footballers also know which opponents they will face in the league for 2010. Randals have been paired with Arigideen, Bantry, Máthuna's, Dohenys, Goleen, Kilmeen and Newcestown. This formidable line-up means Randals will have to hit the ground running when league action gets under way but in the long term hopefully a tough league will stand to the team come championship time.
Tickets for the club dinner are now on sale from committee members. It will be held on Saturday February 6th in the Parkway Hotel from 8.30pm. Tickets are €25 and it is hoped to get a good turnout in recognition of the wonderful entertainment the teams have provided in the last twelve months and the renewed pride they have brought to the area.
Week ending November 29th
The Randal Óg AGM was held in the clubhouse on Friday night last, November 27th. It is a sign of how successful Randals have been in the last twelve months that the curtain has yet to come down on playing activities for the 2009 season but already it's time to turn attention to matters off the field for the coming year.
Randals thrilling run to the county Junior B hurling final was the main highlight to be commented from the past year. There were a great many thanks to be paid too to the many volunteers who helped to keep the club running during the year, whether they mentored teams, maintained the grounds or were involved in the club lotto. Incoming officers were elected as follows:
President: Mick O'Brien
Vice-Presidents: Jimmy O'Mahony
Chairman: Billy O'Connell
Vice-Chairman: Martin O'Sullivan
Secretary: Finny O'Donovan
Assistant Secretary: Frank O'Donnell
Treasurer: Dan O'Sullivan
Assistant Treasurer: Tony Calnan
PRO: Barry Lynch
Registration Officer: Denis Lynch
Insurance Officer: Donie Brien
The Junior and U-21 hurling selectors were returned en mass while Frank O'Donnell, Colman Daly and Mick McCarthy were added to the existing Junior B football selectors. Martin O' Sullivan, Kevin McCarthy and Frank O' Donnell will take charge of the Junior D team, while JC Daly, Dan O'Regan and Shane Patterson take the reins for the U-21's. We wish them all the best of luck in the new season.
A club social event is also planned for late January or early February next year while a golf outing on St. Stephen's Day has been organised for Skibbereen golf club. Anyone interested is requested to check details locally. On the pitch Randals faced Cloughduv in the build-up to their West Cork Junior B hurling final. Freezing conditions inhibited good hurling and playing against a driving wind in the first half Randals failed to get into the game early on. Nonetheless Randals battled well throughout and had goals from a John Collins free and a second half poacher's goal from Gearoid White kept them in touch but ultimately they lost on a score line of 3-8 to 2-7. This game will stand to Randals but they will realise too that the performance was below par. The committed performances of Kieran O'Brien, Brendan O'Mahony and Geoffrey Kingston stood out but much more will be required from the team if they are to annex the divisional title.
Team: P. Lynch, K.O' Brien, D. O' Mahony, C. O'Sullivan, D. O' Mahony, G. Lynch (0-3, 0-3f's), P. White, B. O'Mahony, P. Crowley (0-1), S. Holland, J. Collins(1-2, 1-1f's), G. Kingston (0-1), G. Collins, M. Dineen, B. Lynch. Subs used: G. Sheehan, A. Crowley.
Week ending November 22nd
Randals West Cork hurling final against Arigideen Rangers was called off at the weekend. It's a sign of how busy Randals have been this year that they remain in championship contention into the depths of winter. With the AGM being held on Friday night, the 27th at 8.30pm in the clubhouse this is an opportune time to invite anyone interested in getting involved to turn up. All are welcome, particularly new members.
It has been a season of exciting and brilliant encounters both in famous victories and agonising defeats as Randals acquitted themselves admirably in all competitions. The junior footballers were most unlucky to succumb to eventual county champions Kilbrittain in a pulsating show down. In what was as good a display as produced by Randals since they were champions themselves in 1999 they gave Kilbrittain probably their sternest test of the campaign. Kilbrittain 2-12 Randals 1-10 was how it finished, a bitter 5 point defeat which didn't do justice to the quality of performance on show, but one which sees Randals poised as real contenders for the year ahead.
The junior hurlers got off to a flyer with a comfortable win in the West Cork qualifier. This was followed by a tough championship match with Killavullen, where Randals ground out a result, something that they've narrowly failed to do so often on recent years. With new talent progress through the ranks the team visibly grew in stature and in a never-to be forgotten semi-final they pulled off the most unlikely of victories Randals 5-05 to Belgooley's 2-12. It was a surreal game as Randals trailed by 8 points at one stage but one that was all the more glorious for that. So it was on to a county final for the first time in nine years. Despite set-backs at crucial stages Randals battled bravely in a game that thrilled the whole county. Ballinacurra 4-12 to Randals 1-20, tells its own story where perhaps Randals were beaten only by the clock.
It was a journey of ups and downs, ultimately though it was a season where Randals restored pride in the jersey and when called upon they displayed the never-say die attitude that has been synonymous with the side over the years and a vital ingredient to its past successes. For many a campaign now, it's been said that Randals rely on the same players when the chips are down. This past year has seen the emergence of good young players like Brian and Cathal Dullea, Gerard Lynch, Geoffrey Kingston and Gearoid White, players that ensure the future looks bright and that we can look forward with anticipation to the coming season.
Week ending November 15th
After a long lay-off due to the inclement weather Randals junior hurlers were finally back in action last Sunday. They faced the challenge of St. Gabriels, who Randals had beaten earlier in the season in the county qualifier. Given the wintry conditions and the lack of match play it was unsurprising that the quality of fare on offer wasn't of the highest standard but both teams battled well. Randals were rewarded with the first scores of the game through Mike Dineen, a John Collins free and a Kevin O'Sullivan point. That good work was undone when St Gabriels picked up a loose ball as Randals came out of the defence and duly crashed the ball to the back of the net, 1-0 to 0-3. Randals responded in a fashion similar to what they have all year and Brendan O' Mahony and Collins again added long range efforts but Gabriels still led 1-3 to 0-5.
Gabriels ascendency was further rewarded as they stretched the gap to 4 points. Collins added a free to Randals tally and then the score of the came when Brendan O'Mahony rounded off some excellent team work with a point nonchalantly converted. Ger Collins made his presence felt with a point of his own as Randals started to come to grips with the contest. Sean Holland then swung the game decisively in Randals when his touch finished a long ball to the Gabriels net. Gerard Lynch added a free and Gerard Collins rounded off the scoring as Randals secured their place in the West Cork final 1-10 to 1-07.
Team: P. Lynch, B. Dullea, D. O'Mahony, G. Sheehan, D. O' Mahony, S. Patterson, G. Lynch (0-1f), J. Collins(0-3, 0-2f), P. Crowley, C. Dullea, B. O'Mahony (0-2), G. Kingston, K. O'Sullivan (0-1), M. Dineen (0-1), S. Holland (1-0). Subs used: C. O'Sullivan, G. Collins (0-2).
Randals were solid in defence through with special mention for the performances of Donagh O'Mahony and Shane Patterson who manned the middle of the defence brilliantly. Up front the work rate of Geoffrey Kingston was to be commended and Cathal Dullea who delivered the outstanding display of the day. Randals had numerous chances and were lucky not to be left to rue a number of wides and a missed penalty. Greater sharpness particularly in shooting will be required the next day out
Week ending October 18th
Randals prepared for their upcoming championship encounter with Gabriel Rangers away to Douglas last Sunday. In dreary conditions the game got off to a bright start with each side trading points. Mike Dineen, who was Randals danger man throughout, opened the scoring. This was pegged back by Douglas, before a John Collins free and a Séan Holland point put Randals in command. However in a physical game Douglas broke a lot of high ball in and around the Randal square and on this occasion it paid dividends as the corner forward bellowed the net from close range. Randals dominated the remainder of the half but only had further frees from Collins to show for their efforts and led 0-7 to 1-3 at the break.
In a nip and tuck contest Geoffrey Kingston showed his alertness when tapping over a pull-back from a free that dropped short. Patrick Crowley slotted over from a loose ball around the middle but when Douglas goaled again Randals were in trouble. Collins, who was immense over the hour, bore down on goal only to see his effort come back off the keeper before Barry Lynch came on to the rebound to fizz the ball to the roof of the net with a ground stroke. The teams were level. However, Douglas greater urgency saw them pull away with a string of unanswered points. Kingston was unlucky to see his shot on goal tipped on to the post and Dineen provided Randals last score with a point late on, a reward for a fine hour's hurling for the full-forward. There were strong performances in defence too with Ger Sheehan mopping up superbly in the full-back, David O'Mahony in excellent form, covering the ground well and Gerard Lynch sweet-striking as ever. Randals ultimately lost on a score line of 2-10 to 1-10 but if they can convert their chances more efficiently they can look with confidence to their clash with St. Gabriels.
Team: P. Lynch, G. Sheehan, D. O'Mahony, C. O'Sullivan, G. Lynch, S. Patterson, D. O'Mahony, P. Crowley (0-1), J. Collins (0-5, 0-5f's), G. Kingston (0-1) B. O'Mahony, S. Holland (0-1), P. O'Donovan , M. Dineen (0-2), B. Lynch (1-0) Subs used: G. Collins.
Week ending October 11th
Randal Óg's were in Junior 'B' hurling championship action against St Colum's at the weekend. After a long lay-off Randals showed signs of rustiness early on. Opening scores for Randals came from Gearoid White and John Collins but Colum's bright start was rewarded with a 0-4 to 0-2 advantage at the ten minute mark. Randals shooting was particularly off the pace; however Mike Dineen put that right with two excellent points in quick succession. Sandwiched between those was a fine Patrick Crowley solo effort as Randals began to assert themselves more around the middle. The crucial score of the game arrived when White intelligently held back for the ball breaking off Dineen to finish coolly with a ground stroke to the net. From there Randals never looked back. Kevin O'Sullivan, Crowley and John Collins again all added to Randals half-time haul as they led 1-8 to St. Colum's 0-5.
The second-half remained physically competitive but Randals greater hurling began to tell at this stage. Brendan O'Mahony was a powerhouse around the middle while Cathal Dullea worked tirelessly on the wing. Their efforts were turned into further scores with White registering another point and three more frees for Collins. Geoffrey Kingston marked a cameo appearance from the bench with his customary point regardless. White then capitalised on the increasingly one-sided nature of the encounter to achieve that rare individual feat- a hat-trick in championship hurling. Two quick fire goals from White were enough to put a gloss on the score, complemented by a sideline converted by Crowley from the twenty yard line at the death. In the finish Randals ran out convincing 3-16 to 0-8 winners. They now march on to face St. Gabriels in the semi-final this coming weekend.
Team: P. Lynch, B. Dullea, D. O'Mahony, C. O'Sullivan, G. Lynch, S. Patterson, D. O'Mahony, P. Crowley (0-5), B. O'Mahony, S. Holland, J. Collins (0-5, 0-4f's), C. Dullea, M. Dineen (0-2), G. White (3-2), K. O'Sullivan (0-1). Subs used: G. Kingston (0-1) G. Collins, K. O'Brien, B. Lynch, G. Sheehan.
Week ending September 27th
Randals were back in action in the West Cork Junior B Football championship over the weekend. They faced a strong Newcestown and given the long stretch since Randals last played football it was no surprise that the game lacked the quality usually associated with a championship encounter. Nonetheless Randals acquitted themselves well for battle and had the opening score through John Collins. Randals dominance at midfield however received little reward with Cathal Dullea scores, a point from play and one from a free, rounding off Randals scoring for the half. In contrast Newcestown got the crucial score of the game mid way through the half, when a long free into the square was finished through a crowd of bodies to the back of the net. With defences on top Newcestown held an important lead 1-3 to 0-3 at the break.
Randals came back into the game second half. A Patrick Crowley point closed the gap, and then Collins got inside the full-back to finish coolly to the net. Randals now led. In a tit-for tat struggle Brendan O'Mahony made his impact felt with a wonderful point hooked over his shoulder, and another Crowley point saw Randals extend the advantage to two points. From their though the team failed to push on and mounting Newcestown pressure yielded some very scoreable frees. The last ten minutes was all Newcestown and ultimately Randals succumbed to a one point defeat. Randals had determined and dogged performers, particularly in defence with Shane Patterson, Colm McSweeney and Brian Dullea all to the fore but in the end it was a depressingly familiar story as Randals were once again narrowly defeated in the football championship, this time on a score of 1-7 to 1-6.
Team: R. O'Regan, J.J. Hurley, S. Patterson, C. McSweeney, C. O'Sullivan, C. Patterson, B. Dullea, D. O'Regan, G. Daly, G. Lynch, C. Dullea (0-2, 0-1f), P. Crowley (0-2), J. Collins(1-1), F. Kelly, A. O'Brien. Subs used: G. White, B. O'Mahony, S. Holland, K. O'Sullivan, L. Murphy.
Week ending Sept 13th
There was no activity on the field of play this week as Randals took the opportunity to celebrate the wedding of Eric McSweeney and Eileen Crowley on Friday last. Eric has been a fine servant of the club for many a year and we wish him and Eileen all the best. Congratulations. Best of luck too to the Cork footballers this weekend, in particular to Graham Canty and Alan O'Connor from the Carbery division.
Week ending Sept 6th
Randals were in Junior D football championship action away to Castlehaven over the week end. Randals got off to a good start and dominated possession but in a pattern that was to repeat itself through out the game Castlehaven drew first blood. Two frees from Séan Holland kept Randals in touch. Randals had Denis Lynch to thank in goal for keeping them in the game when he pulled off a fantastic one-on one save. Randals then worked the ball well up the left before Martin O'Sullivan found Damian McCarthy in space, who duly kicked Randals first score from play. The next score came from down the opposite flank as David O' Mahony picked up a loose ball to kick a fine point himself and Randals led for the first time 0-4 to 0-3. Two more points from the Haven reversed that position coming up to half-time.
Randals controlled the midfield exchanges for the hour with storming performances from Donagh O'Mahony and Brian Dullea. O'Mahony added two points to his display. Luke Murphy solidly anchored the defence while Holland remained deadly accurate from frees and kept his cool in a tight game to kick three second half points. The lead changed hands on a number of occasions with neither side able to get more than two points clear. Ger Collins made a fine impact when he came off the bench and he too kicked a score. Patrick Lynch looked to have sent the game to extra time when his fine chipped effort landed just over the bar to tie the game with minutes remaining. However Randals were left to rue a number of missed chances. Having kicked the far greater number of wides, Randals fell behind once more when Castlehaven hit the winning point late on. Despite a committed performance and a frenetic final effort it was to no avail. A late shout for the ball having crossed the 'Haven goal line was waved away and Randals succumbed on a score of 0-12 to 0-11. A 24 man panel lined out, highlighting the strong participation levels within the club.
Team: D. Lynch, K. O'Brien, K. Burke, D. O'Riordan, C. Dullea, L. Murphy, B. Lynch, B. Dullea, D. O'Mahony (0-2), D. McCarthy (0-1), S. Holland (0-5, 0-5f's), D O'Mahony (0-1), M. O' Sullivan, G. White, A. O'Sullivan. Subs used: M. McCarthy, G. Collins (0-1), JC Daly, P. Lynch (0-1).
Castlehaven were marginally the better side and deserving of victory but it has to be said that this was a tight game that could have gone either way. As it was tensions boiled over late on and referee TJ Collins was in no way helped by the fact that he had no other neutral match officials with him on the night. Despite the outbreak of the proverbial 'schmozzle' Collins was left in no position to act and regardless of who the blame lay with for starting it, it ended without even a yellow card on either side. Despite being only Junior D, this was still championship football with both sides putting their season on the line and they deserved better.
Week ending August 30th
A hectic week just passed saw Randals in action 3 times in the space of just 6 days. First up were the Junior hurlers, taking on Kilbrittain and beginning their campaign to add the South West divisional title to their county qualifier success. Randals recent hurling exploits stood them in good stead. A fast start saw Randals lead 0-7 to no score after just ten minutes. Ted Coakley looked particularly sharp, a fantastic dummy unlucky not to result in a score. Coakley nonetheless notched ac crucial score, his goal clinically dispatched. Gearoid White took up where he left off in the county final scoring 1-2 himself and was a constant threat through out. John Coakley, returning from injury impressed greatly, his sensible distribution being a noteworthy feature of the game. Coakley also scored two points of his own.
Geoffrey Kingston delivered a typical all action display and was rewarded with the goal of the game, finishing off a wonderful flowing move to crash the ball to the net from an incisive pass from John Coakley. All in all the team left the disappointment of the county final behind them and this win should see them back in the groove for the remainder of the season. It finished Randals 3-15 Kilbrittain 0-5.
Team: P. O'Donovan, K. O'Brien, D. Mahony, C. O'Sullivan, D. O'Mahony, S. Patterson, G. Lynch, B. O'Mahony, P. Crowley, J. Coakley (0-2, 0-1f), J. Collins (0-8, 0-5f's, 0-2 65's), G. Kingston (1-2, 0-1f), K. O'Sullivan (0-1), G. White (1-2) , T. Coakley (1-0). Subs used: B. Lynch, C. Dullea, C. Dullea, A O' Sullivan and A. Crowley. Randals went on to receive the Buckley Financial Team of the Month award after the game in recognition of their heroic efforts to try to capture the county title.
The U-21's were in championship action on Friday. They met a strong Skibbereen challenge. Skibbereen's ability to get goals would prove the difference between the teams with Patrick Lynch making two outstanding saves to keep Randals in the game. Kieran O'Brien and Dan Hayes anchored the defence well, with Hayes providing one of the touches of the match with a wonderful flick to dispossess his man. Brian Dullea gave an exhibition of top class defending while Gerard Lynch's striking was its customary brilliance. Cathal Dullea, playing a captain's part, produced the hardest working display of the night and was suitably rewarded when he finished a determined run with a crucial goal. Gearoid White continued his scoring form and was a constant threat scoring 1-6.
The most eye catching performance of the night though was Gavin Connolly's, hitting two goals in the process. His second goal was the best individual score of the game as Connolly dummied on his left and swivelled to fire home expertly off his right in a crowded area. While that score gave Randals a glimmer of hope it wasn't enough and ultimately they were defeated on a score of 5-10 to 4-10. Though the result was disappointing this was a fine team performance and already many of the players on show have made the break through to the Junior side. As always this is a stepping stone and on the evidence of this display the future looks bright for Randals hurlers.
Team: P. Lynch, D. Hayes, B. Dullea, K. O'Brien, G. Lynch (0-4, 0-2f's 0-1 65 0-1p) , C. O'Sullivan, C. Dullea (1-0), J.J. Collins, B. Lynch, G. Connolly (2-0), G. Kingston, G. White (1-6, 0-4 f's). Sub: A. Crowley.
The Junior footballers were in league action against Tadgh MacCarthaigh's. This was their first outing since the championship and a lack of football sharpness told early on. Performances from Shane Patterson, Colm McSweeney and Brian Dullea saw Randals compete well. Greater second-half precision saw Randals get good scores through Mike Hurley, Kevin O' Sullivan and John Collins, with Collins rounding off Randals best move of the game with a superb finish between the keeper's legs, for Randals only goal. Randals ended up on the wrong side of a 3-5 to 1-4 score line but this is a starting point for the footballers for the rest of the season.
Team: D. Lynch, C. McSweeney, S. Patterson, C. O'Sullivan, A. O'Brien, C. Patterson, B. Dullea, D. O'Regan, P. Crowley, F. Kelly, C. Dullea (0-1), M. Hurley (0-1), K. O'Sullivan (0-1), J. Collins (1-1), B. Lynch.
Week ending August 23rd
After the excitement and occasion of a county final it was back to matters more routine for Randals this past week with the Junior 4 footballers twice in action. First up were Dohenys. Randals gave a good display and controlled the play for much of the game. First half goals by Gearoid White and Aidan O' Sullivan, a coolly finished effort, saw Randals lead 2-4 to 0-6 at the break. Points came from Ger Collins, two from White and JC Daly. However this was scarcely reward for their first half dominance. Dohenys scored two goals of their own, including one in injury in injury time to tie up the game 2-8 a piece in the finish. Randals second half scores coming from Collins, Martin O' Sullivan, Damian McCarthy and John Murphy. The stand out display for Randals was at midfield where Luke Murphy and Brian Dullea excelled and at full-back where Kenneth Burke delivered a commanding performance.
Team: D. Lynch, D. O'Riordan, K. Burke, K. O' Brien, D. O'Mahony, C. Dullea, P. Lynch, L. Murphy, B. Dullea, G. Collins (0-2), M. O' Sullivan (0-1), D. McCarthy (0-1), A. O'Sullivan(1-0) Gearoid White (1-2, 0-1 f's), JC Daly (0-1) Subs used: A. Crowley, J. Murphy (0-1) and A. Hayes.
The team were then back in action over the weekend against Kilmeen. Early dominance saw Randals take the lead through a Gearoid White goal. He got in behind the defence and dispatched the ball across the keeper into the corner of the net. Points from Sean Holland, White and Martin O' Sullivan saw Randals lead 1-3 to 0-3 at the break. An early Kilmeen goal coupled with the advantage of the wind saw them run out winners as Randals failed to cope with the intensity of the game for the full 60 minutes. Holland got Randals only point of the second half however battling performances were on show from Damien McCarthy and Cian Dullea. A game played in the right spirit it was noteworthy for the sensible referring of Donal Shorten. It finished on a score line of 1-7 to 1-4.
Team: D. Lynch, D. O'Riordan, M. Dineen, K. O' Brien, D. O'Mahony, C. Dullea, B. Lynch, D. McCarthy, B. Dullea, M. O' Sullivan (0-1), S. Holland (0-2, 0-2f's), P. Lynch, A. O'Sullivan, Gearoid White (1-1), JC Daly. Subs used: A. Crowley and K. Calnan.
Congratulations too to the Sam Maguire minor hurlers and their mentors on defeating Newcestown in the West Cork final last week. It was a stirring victory on a score line of 2-10 to 1-5 and included a strong Randal Óg representation on the side, so well done to all.
Week ending August 16th
Randals entered to county final action last Saturday evening as rank outsiders, however a thrilling game saw them emerge defeated but unbowed. The game was played in perfect hurling conditions on an immaculate Páirc Uí Rinn surface, which both teams did credit to. The game started disastrously for Randal when Ballinacurra opened the scoring with a goal. Randals opening score came from a John Collins free as Randals grew into the game. By the quarter hour mark a period of dominance had been rewarded with fine scores from Geoffrey Kingston and Brendan O'Mahony while Patrick Crowley knifed through the Ballinacurra defence to add two points. Each was an exquisite effort in its own right. Géaroid White, lively and ever threatening throughout, brought the teams level, winning the ball out in front and turning expertly to score. The teams were tied 1-3 to 0-6 and it was no more than Randals deserved.
That good work was undone though when Ballinacurra got through for a second goal. Despite a good initial save from Paudge Donovan, Randals were unable to clear their lines and the Ballinacurra forward pulled on the ball to send it to the roof of the net. Randals were rocked back 2-4 to 0-6. Once again they gave a superb display of defiance. White won a twenty yard free converted once more by Collins, and a third pointed free of the day. Crowley once again showed his point scoring skills from midfield, a score that saw Randals close the gap further- only two points in it once more.
Randals resolve was to be tested once more when Ballinacurra goaled for a third time. On this occasion the ball dipped cruelly under the bar and into the top corner as the Ballinacurra forward went for his point. Having played the better hurling Randals faced a 3-5 to 0-9 deficit. Surely this body blow would be too much for the underdogs to take on any normal day. But this was no normal day and Randals were unyielding. Randals pressure resulted in a 65, and Collins well in the groove at this stage gave the perfect response. Patrick Crowley capped a fine first half displayed with a fourth point from midfield while White cut in from the end line to get the last point of the half, from an acute angle. Randals had amassed an incredible twelve points at half time and yet trailed by a goal 3-6 to 0-12. Shane Patterson was leading the resistance in defence, ably assisted by Gerard Lynch and David O'Mahony while Séan Holland's work rate was as commendable as ever.
The second half was no less frantic; Collins added another free and White, coming into his own at this stage pointed as well. Then a long free struck by Gerard Lynch, from the half back line was brilliantly touched to the net by White and Randals led 1-14 to 3-7. The sides went tit for tat, Randals having another score from a Collins placed ball. The sides were level when Ballinacurra crashed a twenty-one yard free to the net 4-9 to 1-15. This time Randals would not recover, but it wasn't for the want of trying. Collins added a seventh free of the day to give renewed heart to the side. White scored yet again as Randals frantically sought to close in on the title but time was against them. With Ballinacurra keeping the scoreboard ticking over further efforts by Crowley and Collins only served to tighten the margin. Crowley added a point late on to leave the bare minimum between the sides but it was too late and Randals had to succumb to short shrill blast of the referees whistle. Bitter defeat was all that remained on a heroic but ultimately tragic score line of 4-12 to 1-20.
Team: P. O'Donovan, B. Dullea, D. Mahony, G. Sheehan, D. O'Mahony, S. Patterson, G. Lynch, J. Collins (0-8, 0-6f's, 0-2 65's) P. Crowley (0-6), S. Holland, B. O'Mahony (0-1), G. Kingston (0-1), K. O'Sullivan, G. White(1-4) , G. Collins. Subs used: T. Coakley, M. Dineen and Cathal Dullea.
This was as good a game seen at the grade since the inception of the Junior B county competition back in 1984. Randals can count themselves unlucky. Credit goes to their battling qualities. David O'Mahony was outstanding at wingback. Lynch marshalled the half back line commandingly and Patterson cleared the Randal lines on innumerable occasions. Kingston was industrious throughout and slotted in well in defence as the team was reshuffled in the second half. Brendan O'Mahony delivered his usual domineering performance while the performances of White, Collins and Crowley are evidenced by the high total they ran up. Commiserations to all the lads. A special mention too for the team mentors who worked so tirelessly this season, and have brought the team on in leaps and bounds.
This was quite a learning curve, a first season in so many where Randals have had a decent championship run. Boys have become men, hardened championship campaigners this summer and disappointing as this defeat is, they did themselves proud on the big stage. Supporters brought colour and atmosphere, not just to the game but to the build up to the occasion. Many thanks. Hopefully this only serves to whet for success next year. Many thanks to all the clubs for their well wishes in the run up to the final, and on a personal level thanks to Billy Connell, Finny O'Donovan, Brenda and Dympna Lynch and Gabrielle Crowley for the help they gave me in the hectic run up to this game.
Week ending August 9th
The quiet before the storm, this week as Randals warmed up for their county final appearance with a challenge game against Clonakility. The team started well and their work-rate was a noticeable feature of the game. Clonakility provided top-class opposition and provided Randals with a taste of what they will have to strive for if they hope to prevail next Saturday. Clonakility showing all the quality of a Junior A side were comfortable on the ball and made Randals work for everything they got. That said Gerard Lynch had a fine game at midfield, striking well and contributing a number of points from placed balls. Brendan O'Mahony once again excelled, this time at midfield and scoring two points in the second half.
John Coakley and Patrick Crowley made welcome returns from injury and got valuable game time under their belts. Crowley in particular added the point of the game, scoring from out on the wing after a mazy run. Mike Dineen proved a constant threat at full forward, scoring a point of his own and staking a claim for a starting berth the next day. Impressive too were the displays of Cathal O'Sullivan and Cathal Dullea as they came into the defence. Randals will be disappointed to lose the game but the work-out was most worthwhile and a timely reminder of the standards that will have to be reached. The concession of a number of soft goals proved their undoing in the end and this will need to be rectified for the next day. Understandably perhaps the intensity levels were lower than we have seen of late, championship matches made this Randals first challenge game in over in a month. That however will need to change too as Randals go in the next day as underdogs.
Team: P. Lynch, K. O'Brien, D. O'Mahony, C. O'Sullivan, D. O'Mahony, S. Patterson, C. Dullea, G. Lynch (0-10, 0-10 f's), B. O' Mahony (0-2), G. Kingston, J. Coakley, K. O'Sullivan, G. Collins, M. Dineen (0-1), B. Lynch. Subs used P. Crowley (0-1), A. O'Sullivan, S. Holland, and A. Crowley.
We'd like to wish all the players, the team and the mentors all the best of luck. Opportunities like these don't come along too often so we hope everyone can make the best of it. We'd like to thank all the supporters and well-wishers who have made such an effort in getting behind the lads and showing their colours for the county final. It's been great to see the buzz around the area after such a long barren spell. All supporters are most appreciated and we hope to get a good crowd at the game. Throw-in is at 6.30 pm this Saturday in Pairc Uí Rinn and precedes the Junior B football final between Kilbrittain and Kilbrin.
Finally we'd like to wish congratulations to Gavin Daly and Eimear Keane who got married during the week. Gavin has been a fine servant of the club for many a year and we wish him and Eimear all the best. Congratulations.