Weekend sport

Cobh Ramblers end season on a high

Cobh travelled to Athlone for their final league match of the season and came away with a terrific win, on a scoreline of 2-1. This win, made it three on the bounce, with the goals coming from from Danny O'Connell and Jason Abbott. Its huge boost for the club for next season and for Manager Darren Murphy.

Seasons end for young Ramblers under 14's

Ramblers U14 season came to an end with semi-final defeat to Galway United.A huge achievement to reach this stage and so much more to come from all these Young Rams The Club to wishes to thank. Dave Eric, Brendan, Conor, and all the players and parents this season

Ramblers U14 team lineup v Galway United in the National League Semi-Final.

LOI17 FT Cobh Ramblers 2-1 UCD

Fantastic achievement to reach the Final! After going a goal down the Rams fought back with David Eguaibor scoring the equaliser to force extra-time. Jake Freyne then grabbed the winner to cap off a superb team display

Rams will face the winners of Galway and Shelbourne in the final.

Under 14 Division 1 Springfield Ramblers 3 Fermoy 2

Super win for the boys at a blustery Stephen Ireland Astro Sunday morning. Two down at half time, a great second half display secured the points for Springfield Ramblers. Ronan Walsh hit a hat trick

Cobh Ramblers FC are currently taking expressions of interest from prospective players for our 2022 League of Ireland U14 side. Parents/Guardians of players born in 2008 are invited to apply http://cobhramblers.ie/u14-expressions-of-interest/

SMALL IN STATURE , YOUNG IN AGE BUT MASSIVE IN SIGNIFICANCE!!

Springfield Ramblers U13B vs Kinsale. The very first competitive Springfield Ramblers game at Stephen Ireland Astro Cobh 4 Football. The first of 7 games which would otherwise have been called off due to waterlogged pitches this weekend. What a great facility! Stand out players for Springfield Ramblers were Zak Ireland, Connor Phillips and David Quigley.

Evan Scores winning goal for City

Congratulations to former Springfield Ramblers Player Evan Lynch who scored the only and winning goal in Cork Citys U15 LOI national cup semi final win over Derry City in Lecarrow Co. Roscommom in what was one of the games of the season. Evan is the son of Committee member Nigel Lynch. Brilliant stuff Evan well done. Evan is son of Committee member Nigel. Brilliant stuff Evan, well done.

Editors Note When Evan was at Primary school at Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhligh in Rusbrooke he was a brilliant athlete and I predicted a bright future for him in whatever sport he concentrated on, I have made many enquiries about his progress, now I know. Timmy Wilk All-Ireland minor hurling medal winner was another star pupil there at the time. Both of them had the top 2 times on the 600m circuit in the school, which every pupil in the school got a chance to measure their fitness. Sadly because of Covid I have not been able to do the daily training in the school for almost 2 years. Having retired from parish duty I have plenty of time on my hands, hopefully the training will resume again in the New Year. If anyone has news of the progress of other sportspeople in any sport I would love to hear about them and give them a mention on the Xplore Cobh app. All you have to do is.

email liamkelleher44@gmail.com

Looking forward to hearing from you Many Thanks------Fr Liam

Springfield Ramblers U13B girls

The girls were away to Kanturk and lost a hard fought battle 3 nil. Springfield were 1 down half way into the first half and Ruby Sillett was unlucky not to equalise before half time only for the tall grass stopping the ball dead on the goal line. Springfield’s defence Naomi Meade, Lily Cousins, Maiya O’ Connor, Sarah McMurtry & Áine Halpin found themselves working hard to keep Kanturk at bay but conceded another 2 goals. Only for the heroic display from Honor Cronin in goal it could have been more. Justyna Michalak worked hard up front had a firm shot saved close to the end of the game. Player of the match Honor Cronin.

Cobh Wanderers

F.A.I. Junior Cup 2nd Round Result: Marlboro Trust 3-4 Cobh Wanderers A.E.T. F.T.: 3-3. Scorers: Niall Abbott 5, Keelin Ryan 42&92, Alex Lynch 57.

This fantastic cup tie was lit up with some superb skills by two players , its fair to say, at opposite ends of their careers. Alex lynch beat three or four defenders down the right hand side before finishing with a left foot effort into the corner to give Wanderers the lead for the second time in the game on 57 minutes. Wanderers took the lead for the third and decisive time two minutes into extra-time when Davin O' Neill produced some unbelievable skill to leave players on their backside before crossing from the end line for Keelin Ryan to grab his second with a tap-in. Niall Abbott had opened the scoring with a header in the 5th minute and Wanderers should have added to this before the home side somehow found themselves in front after 20 minutes. Keelin Ryan grabbed an equaliser before half-time following great work by Jamie Gilmartin to give him a simple finish. Despite creating numerous chances to stretch their lead Wanderers were caught out with an injury time deflected free to level it up again. Wanderers got the winner they deserved in extra-time and continue another brilliant cup run this season. Well done to all involved on both sides for a hugely entertaining game.

Wanderers Legends

While the official opening of the “Stephen Ireland Astroturf” project took place last weekend at Old Church Park, it was a good time to recall a few legends that contributed hugely to the history of Cobh Wanderers AFC and the existence of the grounds that eventually allowed this development to take place, with the huge commitment of Cobh4Football, Springfield/Ramblers, the trustees of the Stephen Ireland fund and others for the benefit of so many in Cobh and beyond. Just some of these legends of the 40-year history of Cobh Wanderers were captured in this photo outside the dressing rooms on the day of the opening. Six of the people pictured played a combined total of 1,057 games for Wanderers and scored 112 goals between them. The seventh person, John Barry, may not have contributed to these stats but what he has done for the club cannot be measured in mere figures. Noel(ie) Keane played 107 times and scored 13 goals. He was part of the group who founded the club in 1981 as a breakaway, by some Cobh players, from College Corinthians. They adopted the name from the old Cove Wanderers of the 1940’s and used their Black & Amber colours. Noel was also the first treasurer of the club and player/manager of the first team in the Cork AUL. They won the 1st division in 85/86 before getting senior status in ’89 in the AUL Intermediate league, winning the shield in that 1st season. They also reached the semi-final of the Intermediate Cup that year (a feat only eclipsed by Michael Deasy’s team in 2017) but went down 2-1 to Ballyfermot United in St. Colman’s Park. Noel then led the team into the Munster Senior League in 90/91 gaining promotion in their first season and winning the Beamish Cup with a 2-0 win over L.O.I. side Cork City in Turners Cross.

John Barry has served as Chairperson and President of the club since the beginning and was instrumental in the acquisition of the land at Ticknock that now boasts fully floodlit grass and artificial pitches along with superb dressing room facilities. John, along with his many and varied co-workers/volunteers have looked after Old Church Park and all the phases of its development throughout the years with a thoroughness pride and commitment that is unequalled. It is fair to say that without JB there would be no Old Church Park.

Tim Stack followed up an illustrious career with Cobh Ramblers to play 269 games for Wanderers and amass 55 goals in the process. He has served the club as treasurer and committee member for many years and again was part of the team that insured the purchase of the land at Ticknock in 1995. Tim also ensured that all the playing stats of the club were recorded and tabulated throughout his time at the club. Anthony Stack played 156 times and scored five goals for Wanderers. He was player/manager of the junior team in the early 90’s.

Donal Collins played 141 times for the club and scored three goals. He remains a loyal supporter of the Wanderers. His expertise and commitment to the club were instrumental in the development of the land into a top class playing field from ’97 to ’99 when Wanderers played the first official game at the venue on the 5th September 1999. This game produced a 3-1 win against Glasheen in the M.S.L with Jimmy Hally getting the first ever goal.

Ter Shealy has served the club in every way possible over a long number of years. As a player, he took to the field 150 times for Wanderers scoring 32 goals. His commitment as a player continued into his roles off the field as a committee member and part of the fabric of Cobh Wanderers. His recent work along with another legend, Jamsie Rowe, in the preparation of the land for the astroturf development was nothing short of miraculous.

Willie O’ Hanlon was one of many distinguished goalkeepers that have served the club at all levels. He played a massive 390 times and scored four goals along the way. Willie has always been part of the fabric of Cobh Football and continues to do so through Springfield and Springfield/Ramblers. Willie’s sons Will, Emmet and Derry have also gone on to play with distinction for the club. Emmet is part of the current exciting senior squad under the manager Davin O’ Neill, whose father Paul is another legendary figure in the history of Wanderers and Ramblers.

There are of course too many other people who should be mentioned when talking about the history and development of a club and its facilities over 40 years and my apologies to all the ones who inevitably are “left out”.

The names of the people who formed the first committee in 1981 and all subsequent committee members along with all management staff and players, volunteers and supporters have all contributed to the continued success of our wonderful club. We would not exist without the support of all our sponsors over the years especially to Jack Doyle’s and all its incarnations in the past. To the people who have and continue to support our lotto draw each week. This all goes towards sustaining the club through thick and thin.

Our current chairperson, Frank McCall, has largely driven the recent history of the club and its development, along with the wider developments at Old Church Park. He has led the process and ensured the interests of the club have been kept front and centre at all times. The details will be revealed in his memoirs some day and they should be an interesting read.

It would be remiss of me to finish this piece without including the name of Joe Stack. Joe’s record as a player may never be surpassed. His 538 appearances and 256 goals are staggering statistics for any player at an amateur club. Joe managed the junior team for a number of years and player/managed the Over 35’s to much cup success. However, Joe’s work off the pitch as secretary, chairperson and committee member cannot be overestimated. I am proud to say that we served together over many years in the interests of Cobh Wanderers and I have not known anyone more passionate about the club than Joe Stack.

Cobh Wanderers is part of everyone that has contributed to the club since 1981. The development of the club has led to it being” the right place at the right time” to allow for the magnificent facility now in place in Old Church Park. The sight of so many kids playing football today and yesterday on the Astroturf pitch is enough reason for everyone involved to take a bow!

Sean Geasley Thanks Sean for a brilliant article great history there

Pirates RUGBY

Pirates 16s came away from Rathcooney still unbeaten with a 34 - 19 victory against Old Christians RFC. In testing conditions underfoot and in hand for both teams, Pirates scored the first try early in the opening half resulting from pressure applied to the home team on their 22. This set the tone for the remainder of the half as Pirates came to term with the conditions. A great display from the full squad has them top of the table , with a home tie versus Midleton Rugby Club the remaining pool fixture.

Pirates 18s came away with an away win agsinst MIDLETON RFC . Leading 14.12 at HT coming back from a 0.7 deficit, Pirates dug deep to get the winning try, after going behind again 14.15 courtesy of a home penalty. In a tense final few minutes Pirates defence stood tall to the home sides barrage of attacks, in doing so keeping their top of the group table position. A superb all round performance from the squad with perfect goal kicking display from fullback Adam L ynch , converting all three tries two of which were from the sideline. Tries by Jack Worral (2) and Casey Whelan.

Draw -- Cobh Pirates Annual 6 Nations Draw returns Included this season, two great away trips to Twickenham, London and Stade de France, Paris Tickets at €15 per match OR €50 for all 5 matches. Maximum 300 tickets.Prizes list below, draw to take place on December 26th in Clubhouse.T&C apply.All support gratefully appreciated.Best of luck to all who enter the draws.

Tickets available from Committee members and in the Clubhouse.

Athletics

Park Run

We had a great time last Sunday for Cobh junior parkrun, we loved seeing everyone back and we also welcomed some new faces too. If you would like to join us this Sunday then please register and print your barcode. Warm starts at 9.20 and run at 9.30 am. We need you to get your barcodes ready, NO BARCODE NO RESULT! If they are mislaid or looking a little worse for wear then please reprint them. We cannot accept barcodes on phones or barcodes left at home so please please please reprint your barcodes and have them ready for Sunday 24th of October. If you need to print off a new barcode then you can do that by going through an old results email or else use this link,

https://www.parkrun.com/barcodereminder/ Or if you are new to park run and haven’t registered before use this link, https://www.parkrun.ie/register/ We can’t wait to see .

Ballymore/Cobh AC Lilly and Ava qualify for Nationals after qualifying in Munster

A small but determined band of athletes travelled to Two Mile Borris in Tipperary on Sunday. The weather was horrendous in Cork in the morning with gale force winds and driving rain but on arrival at the venue at 11am the wind had abated and the rain reduced to a drizzle. The course was in excellent condition as the under 9 girls were set on their way at 11.30. Maria Frawley was the only representative from the club in a field of 92 hopefuls and given the no 1 on her vest and she did her best. The next up for the club was Sarah Drumgoole in the girls under11. Sarah ran her usual gutsy race, in a field of 141 finished an excellent 40th. Next it was the turn of Lilly Frawley in the girls under 13, having missed the Co Championship, it was difficult to predict her outcome in the race, in a field of 105 she was always in the firing line and putting in a tremendous finish she moved up to 6th to take an individual Munster medal and a team gold was added with the Cork winning team. Daire O'Leary was the only competitor from Cobh competing in the boys section under13 and he should great heart in a field of 92. Then it was on to the under 15 girls race where the East Cork team champions took the field. Made-up of of three stalwarts, unfortunately with 4 to score for the team in East Cork it was 4 in Munster and with x country mostly a team event it was a pity a 4th girl could not be found. Ava Chandler, Caoimhe Carolan and Aisling O'Leary gave it their all. Ava after a slow start gradually improved and passed 4 Cork gils on the home straight to make one of the top 10 Cork girls in finishing 9th for the team and so like Lilly made it to the National Championships. Caoimhe and Aisling have showed huge improvement during the season and have a great future in sport. It baffles me that with so many young people on the Great island that so few take part in X country. I have been involved in sport for over 50 years I firmly believe that x country for overall fitness is the basis for all sports.

Lilly

Ava and Ashling at the start

Caoimhe

Daire

Sarah

Maria

Well deserved award for Cobh Tidy Towns

Great News! Cobh scooped the Overall Pride of County Cork Award for 2021 at the “MuintirCork Pride in Our Community Awards” last night. The Five Foot Way replanting and Signage project was a mammoth project just before first lockdown which has brought joy to many and we are delighted with the recognition. The Award was presented by the County Mayor Cllr Gillian Coughlan to our Chairperson Hendrick Verwey and stalwart volunteer Jim O'Rourke. Congratulations to all the other category winners in last nights awards. Community spirit and collaboration is alive and kicking in Cork!

Cobh Tidy Towns are Pride of County Cork.

It was great to see the groups from all over Cork City and County that participated in this year’s Pride in Our Community 2021 Competition in attendance at the Awards in the Kingsley Hotel.

The Awards organised by Cork County Federation of Muintir na Tire in conjunction with Cork County and City Councils. Guests included County Mayor Cllr Gillian Coughlan, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, Cork County Council CEO Mr Tim Lucey National President Muintir na Tire Paddy Fitzpatrick, and representatives of Community groups from all over the city and county.

County Mayor Cllr Gillian Coughlan announced Cobh Tidy Towns as the overall winners of the Pride of County Cork Award. Their entry this year was a Mural outlining the history of Cobh from the arrival of the railway to Queenstown in 1862 right to present day Cobh - a colourful welcoming town with a wealth of history and so much to see, do and to enjoy. The Mural shows a steam train speeding towards Queenstown and the transfer of mail sacks to ships. Mail was the primary reason that the railway was built. The ships that transported the mail also carried passengers and Queenstown became the largest Irish departure point for emigrants to North America. Queenstown became prosperous with distinctive Victorian architecture.

Cobh News Weekly Roundup with Fr Liam Kelleher

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