The past number of weeks have been packed with activity on the field, while our astro development and pitch widening remains on track for completion.
Premier Junior Hurling
The league is near completion with Rovers currently sitting in first position with one game away to Watergrasshill to come with our league final destiny in our own hands. This is because of a well earned 5 league points after overcoming Cloughduv 1-19 to 1-16, Dungourney 2-12 to 1-12, while we shared the spoils with Midleton after a 21 point a piece draw.
All three games brought different challenges with Rovers relying on almost every player on the panel to contribute due to injuries and holidays. Not surprisingly, Cloughduv arrived in Shanagarry with a physical game plan which Rovers matched. An excellent goal from Cork Under 20 Panelist Mark O’Dwyer was the difference in the end, with Kieran Walsh and Kevin Tattan also delivering excellent performances.
Rovers travelled to Clonmult Memorial Park in Midleton next in what was a different type of game. Midleton packed, with a younger brigade, supplemented with the experienced Aidan Ryan and Peter Dowling raced into an 8-2 lead after 20 minutes and it took a mammoth effort for Rovers to only go in at half time 3 points down. Driven by Brian Hartnett, Ruari Cummins and James Kennefick, Rovers were a different team in the second, but to be fair to Midleton they showed many touches of class as well. A very late Kieran Walsh point drew the game in what can be described as a point gained rather than lost.
As June arrived, current Intermediate A County Champions Dungourney arrived to Shanagarry on a roasting hot Thursday evening. Due to injuries, it allowed other Rovers players such as Eoghan Devanney, Aidan Beausang, Shane O’Neill and Jack Beausang to step up and take their opportunity and they were not left wanting. In fact Shane crucially contributed 1-2 while Jack scored 0-1 which along with scores from Brian Hartnett and Dan Ruddy kept Rovers in front. However as Dungourney introduced some firepower of their own from the bench, Rovers managed to just get the cushion they needed after a very well taken goal from Ciaran Sheehan.
Depending on other results Rovers may qualify for the League Final before the Watergrasshill game on June 28th, but either way we can be very happy with our current standing with 6 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss.
East Cork Division 3 Hurling
In similar vein to the Premier Juniors, our second hurling team sit top of the League but have the comfort of knowing their is a final to come after an unbeaten campaign. Our final games against Fr O’Neills was cancelled as O’Neills were short on numbers, while an agreement was reached with Castlelyons to double up the league match with the final as both teams sit in the top positions.
Looking back, it was the 1-22 to 1-15 win away to Carrigtwohill on May 19th that gave Rovers qualification for the final. Dan Ruddy with an 8 point haul from play was most impressive while Cormac Aherne impressed from open play and his impeccable free taking. Chris Scanlon was as solid as ever between the posts, with Alan Lenihan, Eoghan Devanney and Eoin McGrath doing well against a lively Carrig full forward line. As ever manager Kevin Moynihan provided fair game time to substitutes Cormac Devery, Seamus Kearney, and Stephen and James Walsh.
The final against Castleyons is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be played in late June. Rovers will participate in the Junior C Hurling Championship again this year with Dungourney, Midleton and Bride Rovers in the group.
East Cork Division 3 Football League
After qualifying for the league semi-final after impressive wins against Glenville, Cobh and Midleton, we welcomed Glanmire to Shanagarry on May 22nd. Unfortunately for Rovers, Glanmire were able to mix a physical running game with some silky shooting and ran out deserved winners on the day 0-08 to 0-16. Despite this result, we can look forward to our championship campaign which commences on July 1st against Cobh in Rostellan.
Congratulations
All at Russell Rovers would like to congratulate our player Mark O’Dwyer, his teammates, and all involved with Cork Under 20’s who won the All Ireland Hurling Championship. Mark is still underage for this grade next year and has been juggling his Cork commitments while completing his Leaving Certificate. We look forward to seeing Mark in the black and ambern again later in the summer.
As well as Mark, we’d like to wish Ruari Cummins, Shane O’Donovan and all members of our community the very best in their exams.
Russell Rovers Nursery and St Colmans
Our nursery takes place every Sunday morning from 11am-12pm for boys and girls aged 4-6 years old, focussing on Fun, Friends, Skills and Activity. We welcome new players to the club. For older kids, St Colmans Juvenile GAA are busy across all ages and regularly post updates across social media.
Teddy McCarthy
It was with great sadness we learned of the passing of of the great Teddy McCarthy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all at Sarsfields and Glanmire GAA. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.
Lotto
Our Lotto Jackpot now stands at €5,000 with the draw every Monday night. Recent €20 lucky dip winners include Brendan Wall, Des Archer, Noel Hennessy, Liam McLeod, Tommy, Emma & Molly C/O McGraths, Brendan Kearney, Mossie Tattan, Georgina Cody, Anthony Mallon.
You can keep up to date with Russell Rovers across Social Media as well as on a dedicated information Whatsapp Group.
