A Message from Fr Liam Kelleher Co-ordinator of Xplore Local Cobh App

After spending over 4 years producing Cobh News magazine, every 2 weeks a colour publication, with some times up to 64 pages and over 100 pictures I had to cease publication for health reasons 3 years ago.

With rapid changes in Social Media, still advancing by the year, Facebook, Instagram Twitter gave a platform for all kinds of news, sports and social interaction. I believe they serve a very useful purpose, but while I think while they have done a good job, there is a need to move in a different direction.

Personally, I have maxed out on my Facebook account at 5,000 and I now use that medium mostly for posting photographs and interacting with friends all over the world. I noticed that up to 25% rarely if ever use that platform. Some of the reasons I have been told: they contain too many derogatory comments and posts which can be very demeaning and hurtful.

A few years ago I liked what Apps could achieve, and with the help of Cobh Credit Union, who invested €5,000 to set up an App for Cobh, I believed it was the answer to the modern needs and a step in the right direction, as I stated, I put in a similar sum out of my own resources to get he project off the ground.

Boon Agency who had set up Apps in other towns used the finance to put in all the information on what the town and the Great Island had to offer. All this information under the headings, News, Food and Drink, Shopping, Self-Guided Tours, Attractions, Hikes and Trails, Lifestyle, Clubs, Services, Lodgings, Useful Information, with info on location, mail contacts, phone no's, specific directions, and a way to share the information on other social media platforms. All this was uploaded free of charge, having been paid for by the contribution I personally made with the Credit union support. For reasons that would serve no useful purpose to go into now, we had to move on.

A decision had to be made

On review during the summer, I had to make a decision and question, was it worthwhile continuing with the venture? After a lot of soul searching and discussions with the producers of the App, we decided to relaunch the app under the Xplore Local banner, which includes other towns in Cork, like Midleton, Youghal, Carrigaline and Fermoy and another number of towns in Ireland.

Groups which should have a vested interest in the promotion of Cobh, like Cobh Tourism and Cobh and Harbour Chamber were invited to the launch of the App at the promenade in Cobh and of course Cobh Credit Union, who had shown their faith in the App.

With the publication of Cobh News magazine long since gone and its sister publications Youghal News and Midleton News suspended because of Covid, there was an outlet in the shape of East Cork news and advertiser published free every 2 weeks incorporating the 3 towns. To Promote the App, I arranged for a 4 page advertising feature on the the publication I contacted as many of those featured on the app and looked for a donation of €50. I needed at least 30 to cover the cost of the 4-page promotion and the printing of an extra 3,000 copies which were delivered to the houses in Cobh, outlining how the Xplore Local Cobh app could be downloaded free on Apple or Google.

Upload news directly

The major difference was that I could now add news and events directly myself to the app and that is what I have been doing since, with a growing content and even greater support. Groups or organisations have been invited to email me news and pictures etc to liamkelleher44@gamil.com and I can upload them straight away.

I also have the facility of sharing the posts, various groups and clubs have on their Facebook and Twitter pages in particular, which keeps people up to date and abreast of the news. For those who do not use these social media outlets, they can get all the information on the app. Recently when saying mass in Cobh hospital I asked all present how many had "smart phones" and I think only one, I asked one of the staff, to download the app and now each day he shows all the uploads on the big screen and the patients are delighted with it.

For all those reasons, I believe this medium has the potential to be the best, if it's not the best already for communicating meaningfully with the majority of people of all ages. To ensure it survives, all those groups to be listed on the App for the coming year are invited to contribute €50 for the year, less than €1 a week, for its upkeep and continuance. For all voluntary groups like sports clubs, schools etc there will be no fixed charge, they can make a contribution if they wish.

My thanks to all who have supported the efforts which have been made without fear or favour to keep Cobh and the Great island on the map, with everything that this wonderful island has to offer. To conclude it will offer people all over the world the opportunity to know more about Cobh and the Great Island and what it has to offer and encourage to visit Cobh. Of course it should go without saying that everybody should invite as many people and groups as you can to download the app, so please spread the good news.

Blessings

Fr Liam Kelleher

Co-ordinator of the Xplore Local Cobh App. Email liamkelleher44@gmail.com.

Busy time in Sport

It has been a very busy few days in Sport with our reports beginning on Thursday night with the fantastic 2 point win for the under 16 girls footballers in the East Cork Under 16 final against Fermoy.

In the County Ladies football divisions, Fermoy is part of the East Cork Division which it makes it very competitive with strong clubs like Inch Rovers, Aghada winners of All-Ireland Club titles in recent years, Youghal, Bride Rovers, Lisgoold, Cloyne, St Colman's Erins Own, Carrigtwohill, Midleton, with St Nicks and Mayfield included from Cork City.

So to win a title in any age group in the division is a major achievement. It was expected that the under 12 girls would have added another title on Saturday, they were due to take on St Nicks in the final on the main GAA pitch in Cobh, but the game was postponed. While the girls were disappointed they had a lovely end of season treat on the promenade.

East Cork Champions

Brilliant win for under 16 Girl's in East Cork final. It was a bitterly cold night but the fare put up by Cobh and Fermoy girls warmed the cockles of the heart of a sizable audience. Fermoy looked the smarter team but in the end they were undone by the magnificent courage and fighting, never day die spirit of the Cobh girls. Having gone behind at different stages by 5 Points and at another stage by 8 in the 2nd half their never say die spirit got them over the line. It will do wonders for the club.

Our u12 got together in the prom with hot chocolate and selection boxes to celebrate a great year. A big thank you to Truly Scrumptious for looking after all the girls today. Pity to miss out on the indoor party but the girls had a ball. Unfortunately their Autumn league final was postponed as they would have loved the opportunity to finish on a high.

They are an absolute fabulous bunch of girls with huge potential for the future the club coaches and parents are extremely proud of you all. Thanks to all involved especially Nessa, Claire, Padraig, Maurice, Neil and Eddie for putting in great effort and time with the girls throughout the year.

Pirates Rugby Club

Fine win for Pirates under 16's

Pirates 16s headed west for a friendly against Bandon who were table toppers in conference 4 of the u16s league, finishing on maximum points. On a cold and windy day, Pirates started against the wind and opened the score early with Oskar Olszewski on the receiving end of a series of catch/passes to touch down with 5 minutes of play gone. Play was to remain between the 22’s for the next 15 minutes, with both teams keeping the ball in hand and testing the defenses in the tighter channels.

In the 22nd minute a strong pick and go from Adam Dolan of the base of a scrum fed Matthew Perryman to carry the momentum only for Shane O’Flaherty to be stopped just short of the corner. Soon after a penalty from the halfway line area in favour of the home side was directed towards the posts to fall just short, which was collected by Brandon Joy. The counter attach saw Pirates advance back in the home side territory, after several phases a deemed offside infringement halted the Pirates from advancing further towards the try line.

Halftime followed with Pirates on the right side of the 5-0 score line. On resumption Pirates, now with the elements in their favour started with intent, the take from the kickoff by Adam Dolan inside his own 22, saw him start a fantastic run showing strength and speed to be halted only inside the corresponding Bandon 22. Quick hands brought the next breakdown just short on the 5-yard line, and as many yard from the touch line. The quick-thinking Cian Kidney pounced and added 5 points to the Pirates tally, touching down in the corner. Brandon Joy was very unlucky with the conversion, hitting the upright. Gearoid O'Donovan was rock solid at 15, returning every kick with phenom keeping the ball alive and the Bandon defence honest.

Ewen Lynch was first to a counterattack by Bandon, poaching a great ball from the ground allowing Brandon Joy a sneaky chip through again turning the home side back towards the clubhouse end. The resulting restart allowed Joy to cut back against the defense, checking the cover and releasing Perryman and Olszewski to run hard line, with Oscar adding the 5 points in the corner. Joy amended for his earlier close call from the same position on the side line to add the 2 points. Pirates continued to run hard lines at the home side, moving the ball at every opportunity.

Jamie McKeown was first to one such breakdown, freeing up the ball for Odhran Burke to hit his backline at pace yet again, allowing Oscar his hat trick and an easier kick to the “joy” of Brandon. Bandon were not giving up however, and in the final 10 minutes were camped between the 22 and halfway, but the Pirates defence stood tall, the final score 24-0 in favour of Pirates. A great run out for both teams, with the pending draw for the next phase of the competition awaiting. Thanks to Bandon Rugby for hosting Pirates, and the very best of luck in the remainder of the season.

The 18.5s came away from Midleton Rugby Club on the wrong side of the 24-12 score line, on a night with very very difficult conditions for both sides. Cobh try scorers were Jack Worrall and Adam Lynch, with Adam continuing his form from the tee and adding the conversions. Well done to Midelton and best of luck in the next phase of the pan Munster competition. Pirates will dust themselves off and continue their own preparation for the next phase, due to commence earlier than normal, in just a few weeks.

Under 16 Girls

Great first outing for our Under 16 girls who attended a Development Blitz hosted by Bandon RFC at the weekend. We joined forces with Mitchelstown/Mallow, Bandon, and Skibbereen to play off three 25 minutes games against the same teams, aswell as Kanturk. A great day out for all the girls developing at this age! Well done to all. Thanks for your hospitality Bandon RFC!

Jimmy Stack RIP

News reached us this week that an ex-Pirate from the 50s/60s, Jimmy Stack, passed away in England recently. The Club President, Executive Committee and Members would like to extend our sincere consolences to the Stack family.

Brian McSweeney RIP

On behalf of the Club President, Executive Committee and Club Members, we extend our sincere sympathies to our Ex-Chairman, Ted McSweeney, his wife Catherine, ex-players, TJ & Emma and current J1 player Owen, along with the extended McSweeney family on the sad passing of Ted's brother, Brian. As a mark of respect, flags will fly at half mast in the Paddocks on Wednesday December 1st, the day of Brian's funeral. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

On Sunday the J1 team stood for one minute of silence before their Munster Junior League game against Charleville RFC in Jimmy Stack's memory. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Massive congrats and well done to young Cobh Pirate Keelan O'Malley

Keelan sung like a pro on last night's Late Late Toy Show and was backed by some famous ginger haired singer (not to be confused with Brick).

Cobh Ramblers

We have been drawn away to the winner of Bandon AFC and Avondale United in the quarter-final of the Munster Cup Tie to be played the weekend of February 6th The winner of this tie will face either Rockmount, Everton or Cobh Wanderers in the semi-final stage.

Springfield Ramblers A brilliant performance and win from the U17 Girls in their 1st Division match on Sunday - away to Riverstown.

Final score 4 - 2 to Springfield. They raced into a 2-0 lead after 6 minutes with goals from Julia Moreno Fallada and Isabel O'Leary. Another Isabel goal gave them a comfortable 3 - 0 lead with 25 minutes gone. A superb header from a Riverstown corner followed by a brilliant individual effort unexpectedly brought it back to 3 - 2 before halftime.

But the girls never panicked and kept up their passing game in the second half. Rosie Speakman continued to cause havoc on both wings with non-stop attacking and accurate crosses, while the entire defence were superb keeping out a very determined Riverstown charge for an equaliser. But Springfield held out and a final goal from Rebecca Meade gave the girls a deserved 4 - 2 win in the end.Every single player contributed to the win with fine performances - too many to list.

Well done girls. Next match at home to table-toppers Douglas Hall on 12 December.

U13A Girls Match Report Springfield Ramblers 0-1 Carrigaline

A tough, competitive game for our girls against a strong physical Carrigaline Team. Although Springfield Ramblers had the better chances, in the first half they were unlucky to go a goal down at halftime. Playing against a strong wind in the second half was always going to be a hard ask to get back into the game but the girls battled on and were unlucky to lose the game. Best for Cobh were Lily Walsh Curley, Gemma Walsh, Rachel Barrett and Elle O' Donovan.

Cobh Wanderers Lotto result for Sunday 28th November 2021. Numbers drawn: 3, 9, 21, 24.

There were no winners this week so the jackpot will be €12,150 next Sunday. Tickets are available at 1.50euro in Jack Doyle's, The Ballynoe Inn, The Quarry Cock Bar, Ryan's Bar and from any committee members. Any enquiries can be made through our FB page. Thank you for your continued support.

Congratulations to Lilly Frawley Rushbrooke Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

Lilly was runner up in the final of the Tour 500 event under 14 in DCU over the weekend. On Sunday next, Lilly will be representing Ballymore-Cobh and a member of the Munster and Cork teams competing in the under 13 All-Ireland Ireland xCountry championships at Gowran Park in Kilkenny.

Ballymore-Cobh Club Relays

The inaugural Club Road Relay Race too place on Monday night and what a night it was! The teams were put together by the club race committee (Lorraine Manning) and, after studying the form and results over the last few months, each team was configured to have a juvenile and two seniors. Now some teams had OAPs instead of seniors (so fair play to Kevin Jones, Stephan Ryan and Shane Meyler).

There were some last minute adjustments to teams as a few runners had to pull out and three teams had two juveniles in them and three juveniles had to run the middle (longest) leg. Alex was always going to run this leg as he was an outright winner a few weeks ago. Lee stepped up as did Bridget to the same leg. In the main, we tried to have the juveniles on the last leg and I know the senior members did not mind them taking the glory.

Following the win by Team 1 (Rachel Carey, Bartlomiej Ludka and Aisling O’Leary), Team 4 were led home by Dáire O’Leary then Team 3 by Sarah Drumgoole, Team 2 by Luke Meyler, Team 5 by James Drumgoole, Team 6 by Brooke Manley, Team 7 by Ryan Brady, Team 8 Max OKeeffe, Team 9.

Thanks to all who turned up and supported this event, and also the people who turned up to support the runners. We had a huge number of people lining the end of the five foot way cheering them on. And as time went on members of the general public had stopped to watch this show of athleticism and support. Who couldn’t help but get wrapped up in the cheers and clapping.

Thank you as always to Mary de Barra for doing the start and finish line timing. She always provides the boot of her car for jackets and refuels the runners after. Thank you to Stephen Pender for coming out as always. Thanks to the runners who are always there for the League. Without you bunch this league would die out. Thank you to the Tigers Coaches Shane Meyler and David Barrett.

Monday was the first night we had prizes for our club league. The prizes were sponsored by Alan Corcoran of Corcoran's Centra Rushbrooke COBH, Thomas Cahill of Roca Sports Ireland and Cormac of Keen House/Keen on Sport Cobh. I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to these three businesses for providing the prizes.

Following the prize presentation, we couldn’t leave without wishing our fellow Ballymore Cobh AC member, our friend, our neighbour and our hero a very happy birthday. So we lit a candle on a chocolate donut and sang Happy Birthday to Sonia O’Sullivan. The club is incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated coach and volunteer as Lorraine.

Basketball

Cobh Basketball Club

December CLBB Fixtures

Wednesday, 1st December 2021, Coláiste Muire

19:00 U16A, Cobh v Ballincollig

20:15 Div 1, Cobh v Ballincollig Black

Saturday, 4th December 2021, Coláiste na Toirbhirte

14:30 U13B, Bandon Ravens v Cobh

Sunday, 5th December 2021, Coláiste Muire

12:45 U13B, Cobh v Carraig na bhFear

Monday, 6th December 2021, Coláiste Muire

18:45 Senior, Cobh v Midleton

Wednesday, 8th December 2021, Coláiste Muire

19:00 U16A, Cobh v Douglas Panthers

20:15 Div 1, Cobh v Kanturk 1

Thursday, 9th December 2021, Parochial Hall

18:30 U14A, Brunell v Cobh

Friday, 10th December 2021, Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí

19:30 U16A, Bantry v Cobh

20:45 Senior, Bantry v Cobh

Saturday, 11th December 2021, Upper Glanmire Sports Centre

14:00 U15, Glanmire v Cobh

Monday, 13th December 2021, Coláiste Muire

18:45 U18A, Cobh v Brunell

Tuesday, 14th December 2021, Coláiste Muire

18:00 U15, Cobh v Ballincollig

Michael Anderson RIP

Cobh Ramblers FC wish to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of our late former player Michael Anderson following his recent passing. The following tribute by club president Michael Geasley reflects on the career of another fine Rambler who served our club so well.

Michael Anderson, front row, fourth from the left

The name of Michael Anderson is afforded a special place in the history of Cobh Ramblers as a three times capped Junior International for the Republic of Ireland. One of those caps was against England at Dalymount Park (2/4/1956), a game which the Irish side won 1-0. At 19, his star was on the rise.

The footballing dialect of the day would list Michael Anderson’s position on the field of play as that of an inside-right. His transition from Minor to the Senior ranks of Cobh Ramblers, coincided with that cycle in football of a great side coming together, for many in terms of sheer ability the greatest ever to don the Claret & Blue. That same cycle of not having won a MSL title in 14 long seasons, was broken in 1956/57 with a treble of League, Elvery and Foley Cups won.

The crowning glory would surely be an Intermediate Cup, and they seemed well on their way to the final leading Albert Rovers 3-0 in a re-fixed semi-final in Cobh – the original game at 2-2 was abandoned because of adverse weather conditions. The magic of Joey O’Halloran’s two goals had powered Ramblers into what looked like an unassailable lead, but legitimate or otherwise, given that it was allowed back then, Ramblers’ goalkeeper John Harvey was barged, ball in hand, over his own goal line on three separate occasions and Alberts had staged a remarkable recovery to win 4-5.

Of little consolation was the fact that Alberts brought the Cup back to Cork for a second time. Controversary also surrounded the 1st Round FAI Cup game in Sligo that same 1957/58 season, when against the rules of a corner-kick being played twice by the taker – the original kick had come back to him via the crossbar – and his subsequent cross lead to the goal that put the home side through on a 2-1 score line.

Two wise men of soccer, Dave Stack and Moss Cummins, were at the helm for Ramblers back then. The comraderie of playing with Ramblers was divided, when players lined out on opposing side, that was the parochial nature of the District Leagues. The 1958 Final and pairing of Quarry Cocks (Top of the Hill) and Glenanaar was no different.

An early penalty for Quarry Cocks put Michael Anderson centre stage. No problem, he took them for Ramblers. There was just about enough time for Johnny Sillett to give goalkeeper John Harvey a quick coaching lesson, having studied Anderson’s preferred side (he was right-footed), and Harvey followed instructions and saved the kick. Michael Anderson for a split second and in the heat of battle, lost his self-dignity in uttering a few non complimentary words in the direction of Sillett, who in typical Sillett like fashion had the last laugh, as he plundered two second-half goals and won for his Glenanaar side the local bragging rights.

Michael Anderson had tasted that feeling that comes with success some 3 years previously, in the District League Minor equivalent of 1953, as Celtic (Top of the Hill) defeated Elton (Belmont) by 3-2 at Ringmeen. His playing colleagues that day were as follows: Brendan Brierley, Joe McGrath, Billy O’Regan, Michael Lawton, John Geasley, Johnny Dorrity, Eddie Stanton, Jimmy O’Brien (Capt.), Kevin Jones and Denis Gilley. As the fifties gave way to the sixties, that ultimate glory of triumph was denied to Ramblers, and so the cycle began again. But in players such as Tommy Foster, Leslie Lane, Jim Burke, Paddy Devlin, Joe “Sonny” Gibson, Johnny Sillett, Joey O’Halloran, and now Michael Anderson, all sadly departed, who were to the forefront of that era in adding another chapter to the history of the club, and we can only hope that the passage of time will never diminish or forget the role that they played.

May he Rest In Peace

WEEKEND SPORT from Thursday 25th November to Sunday 28th

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