2010 Season
Goleen GAA
The U10s on their visit to Pairc Ui Chaoimh

MIZEN ROVERS U-16 HURLING FINAL
Back from left: Paul O' Sullivan (coach) James Murphy, Shane O' Leary, Brendan Dwyer(Captain), Cathal O' Sullivan, Conor O' Driscoll, Eoghan Dwyer, Stephen Pyburn, Aaron Barry, Keith Whitley, Connie O' Driscoll (coach) Front from left: Darren O' Donovan, Eoghan Sheehan, Kodie Healy, Sean Flynn, Ryan O' Callaghan, Daryl Connell.

O' Donovan Rossa Park Skibbereen was the venue on Sunday 12th for the final of the U-16 Hurling Championship with Mizen Rovers taking on the mighty St. Oliver Plunketts from Ahiohill. We had met them many times over the last number of years with the sports fairly evenly divided. Our most recent encounter saw Plunketts have the honours at minor hurling so we were cautious to our approach to this contest. Mizen went into the frame as reigning champions having defeated Barryroe in last years showpiece and from the time Tom Hayes, the Leap referee threw in the sliotar you could see that our lads were not going to release their grip on this cup without a battle. So it was, Mizen had the early scores with the hurley of Conor O'Driscoll raising three white flags in a row, but Plunketts were not for bending and struck over a couple of points. They were trying hard for a goal but couldn't get past the back line of Stephen Pyburn and Keith Whitley and if they did they had to beat our corageous goalkeeper Eoghan Sheehan whose blocking and puck outs were top drawer. The half back line of the skillful Aaron Barry and the determined Daryl Connell gave our supporters plenty of opportunities to applaud. The twin towers at mid field Brendan Dwyer and Shane O'Leary were seldom beaten in the air or on the ground and both could one day play hurling at the highest level. Kodie Healy was on the half forward line working hard as ever along with "man of the match" Conor O'Driscoll who gave as good a display of hurling as was ever seen on that pitch scoring 2 - 8 in the process. James Murphy was at full forward going well partenered by Darren O'Donovan who emulated the great Lar Corbett by scoring a hat trick of goals in this final. The game was very much in the melting pot at the short whistle and when Plunketts got the first score of the 2nd half things looked a bit dodgy. Sprung from the bench were Eoghan Dwyer and Cathal O'Sullivan and both led by example to set up some fine scores. The backs were freshened up wth Sean Flynn and Ryan O'Callaghan entering the fray. We were on our way, with green and white flags being raised regularly at the Plunketts goal. The final score Mizen Rovers 5 - 13 St Oliver Plunketts 2 - 7. Following the final whistle Noel Coakley of Carbery Bord na n-Og complemented the Mizen lads on their fine hurling skills and praised the club for supporting the traditonal game. He then presented the cup to our captain Brendan Dwyer surrounded by a huge crowd of jubilant supporters. The convey headed for Brendan's home village of Durrus where the team recieved a fine welcome before finshing off the night back at headquarters in Goleen where this epic victory was played and re-played till late.

Junior B Final
It was on - It was off - but on Saturday last the 11th it finally came to pass that the Junior B football game versus O'Donovan Rossa went ahead. On a sunny but blustery afternoon with a 5pm throw in the action commenced at the community field. Aided by a strong breeze Goleen reached the short whistle leading on a scoreline of 1-07 to 0-04. Comment amongst the fine crowd that turned out to witness the action was that Goleen did not have enough done when aided by the breeze. However, on the resumption we were treated to a battling display which we have not seen for quite a while and on reaching the final whistle Goleen emerged victorious on a score line of 2-12 to 0-10. Our league campaign has not yet ended and future matches will be advertised locally. Credit to the panel Ronan Kennedy, David O'Leary, William Burchill, Declan Hodnett, Peter Sheehan, Brendan O'Regan, Sean Sheehan, Patrick Scully, John Cullinane, Jason Nyhan, Liam Connell, Tim Murnane, Daniel O'Driscoll, Paudie Scully, Colum Cleary, Luigi Cifone, Brendan Scully, Dominic O'Callaghan, Brian Clarke, Daniel O'Callaghan, Joe O'Mahony, Kieran Sheehan. Finally we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our near neighbours Gabriel Rangers on winning the SW JA title and we wish them every success on their county trail. Dermot Sheehan.

Minor Football Final:
Goleen Minor Footballers and their fine band of supporters headed off for Leap on Tuesday last to contest the South West Final against Ardigeen Rangers. We lined out for the final with Toby Snashall in the No. 1 Shirt, and he wore it with distinction, with his massive kick outs a couple of good line saves. The Kennedy cousins, Ronan & Chris, manned the full back line, sound as ever. The half back line is nowadays seen as the driving force of any team and we are lucky to have the finest in the O’Connell Bros. Aran & Daryl along with the ever dependable Sean Sheehan. Paudie Scully who now plays at the highest level for the club sorted midfield on his own. Centre forward was that fine athlete Patrick Healy, flanked on one side by the stylish Aaron Barry and on the other by the lad that keeps the scoreboard operator busy, Conor O’Driscoll. On the inside line were neighbours James Murphy and Aiden Molloy, the latter opening the scoring with a goal and point and Murphy giving as fine an exhibition of point scoring as you would see at any level. The Goleen lads were quick out of the traps and with fast flowing football had 2-03 on the board in no time. Ardigeen didn’t panic and by half time were well back in the game having scored a penalty. Goleen started the second half as in the first and scores arrived again from throughout the field. Again Ardigeen fought back and it was time for fresh legs to steady the ship. On came Mike Supple, Emmet Cadogan and Kodie Healy along with Shane O’Leary and Keith Whitley, both of whom were unlucky not to make the start through injury. The game was secured with more late points with Goleen running out winners on a scoreline of 3-15 to 3-05. After the final whistle Ogie Crowley, Runaí of Carbery, paid glowing tributes to the Goleen team and their club following. Teresa Cadogan on behalf of Clona Milk presented the fine trophy to our Captain, Aran Connell who delivered an emotional speech, which befitted such a great sporting achievement for our Parish. Connie O’Driscoll

The past week has been a hectic one on the playing fields, with victories being recorded by all teams. After the minor victory on Tues week the Junior team had a home league win against Skibbereen on Sat evening. On Sunday evening the U 16 hurlers defended their title in Leap and won, and on Tues last the U12 hurlers played Ilen Og in their Championship final in Ballydehob and won as well. This victory was the first championship title at U12 for the club.

Fixtures;
U 16 football championship v Barryroe in Leap Fri Sept 17th.
The U 12 football league playoff is against Colm Og no date yet.
We wish Cork teams all the best on Sunday in Croke Park. UP THE REBELS! Tim Sheehan.

Team Photos of the U10 hurlers sent in by Luigi


Mizen Retain U14 Hurling Championship
The under 14 hurlers retained the championship in Bantry on Saturday June 12th with a comfortable win over Caheragh. Again as in the league final the Mizen boys were slow to get going and found themselves 1 02 to no score behind after about seven minutes. Mizen got to grips around the middle where half backs Ryan O'Callaghan and Brendan Goggin got going and midfielders Gavin Johnston and Eoghan Sheehan plus Cathal O'Sullivan at half forwand began to get the sliotar into the other forwards quicker. Darren O'Donovan opened the scoring with a point. Two goals followed soon after and once the team edged in front they were never led again. The half time read Mizen 7 05 Caheragh 3 05.

Caheragh raised another green flag early in the second half but 4 long range points from Darren O'Donovan in reply, negated this major. Captain Eoghan Dwyer ,Tadhg Cullinane, Cathal O'Sullivan and Ryan O'Callaghan all scoring in the second half Mizen were reduced to ten players midway through the half but there was no way back for Caheragh. Final score Mizen 13 12 Caheragh 5 05.

Padraig Downey in goal was safe all through and full backs Sean Flynn and Jed Little completely sealed off the path to goal in the second half in what was a very good team performance. Subs Jason Whitley, Robert Franzoni and Michael O'Driscoll all contributed when introduced in the second half. The cup was presented to Eoghan Dwyer after the game by Liam Minihane on behalf of Carbery Bord na nOg amid joyous scenes of celebration.

Win for Footballers
The under 14 footballers had their second league win accounting for Glengarriff at home last Thursday on a score of 7 11 to 4 12. This was another good performance from this panel with Ryan O'Callaghan outstanding in midfield all through and Padraig Downey making some great saves in goal.
Panel: Padraig Downey, Jed Little, Brendan Goggin, Padraig Reidy, Robert Franzoni, Ryan O'Callaghan, Cathal O'Sullivan, Eoghan Sheehan, David Franzoni, Darren O'Donovan, Jason Whitley, John Supple.

U12 Hurlers in winning form
The under 12 hurlers have recorded two wins a home victory on Saturday last over Caheragh 6 09 to 1 01, and away on Monday 21st over Oliver Plunketts 8 07 to 1 01.

The Mighty Mizen
Mizen Rovers U10’s hosted the return leg against Durrus on Saturday 19th June. Mizen Rovers were beaten on the previous meeting where the wind took its toll. However the Goleen Community Pitch was looking glorious on a warm summers evening. Mizen Rovers dominated from the start with an early goal from a free on the left side of the pitch from James Kelly. This was quickly followed up by James with a point from play. Another long ball from midfield dropping into the goal mouth saw Maria Sheehan first to react and plant the ball in the back of the net for Mizen’s second goal in the space of 5 minutes. Michael Sheehan almost took the score to three goals with an excellent strike that forced a save from the goalkeeper. Danny Cullinane was solid in defence mopping up any attempt from Durrus to close in on the Mizen goal, his good clearing work lead to a long ball out of defence that Michael Sheehan used to good effect once again bending the back of the oppositions net. Durrus finally opened their account with a point from a free.

Mizen was quickest to react as Michael Sheehan struck once again after a through ball from James Kelly. The Mizen forwards were in fine form with each taking strikes from play. Maria Sheehan was again quickest to react as she took the breaking ball and a clear shot to take her tally to two goals. Michael Sheehan was once again in poll position in front of the Durrus goal as his first shot rebounded off the post and he popped it over the bar for another point to Mizen. The Rovers were on the rampage by this time and James Kelly took his chance as he added another goal for Mizen to the score. Jack O’Driscoll put himself on the score sheet as he launched a long ball in from the left side of the field for one of the best scores of the half. Durrus bravely fought on and began a bit of a comeback before half time finishing with two good points before the whistle, leaving the half time score 5-4 Mizen, 0-3 Durrus.

The second half began with a couple of changes as Caoimhe Reidy moved out into the forward line after keeping a clean sheet in the first, while Michael Sheehan moved into the goal mouth. Mizen started the second half in the same manner as the first as James Kelly recorded a point and a goal. Durrus showed more determination in their attack that brought out a good early save from Michael Sheehan and good defensive work from Jodi Connell. In the second half Tadgh Reidy laid off some good balls to Michael O’Reilly who had a quiet first half but now in space he moved in from the right side of the attack and he took a fine goal. James Kelly took another point from play before Durrus once again got on the score board with a point. Michael O’Reilly took two good goals in succession before Durrus once again turned on the pressure and began to threaten the Mizen goal, coming away with 2 points and a goal. Mizen moved the ball through the defence and mid field well all through the match and after the ball dropped once again into the Durrus box Michael O’Reilly applied enough pressure for the Durrus defence to be breached once again. Durrus replied with another point but it was Mizen who had the last point as Matthew Sheehan who had a fine game and was tight in his defence moved into the pocket and struck the ball between the posts for the last time. Mizen Rovers celebrated their 10-6 1-8 victory over the local rivals Durrus.

Panel: Danny Cullinane, Jodi Connell, Caoimhe Reidy, Michael O’Reilly, James Kelly, Jack O’Driscoll, Maria Sheehan, Matthew Sheehan, Michael Sheehan and Tadgh Reidy

Goleen GAA
Saturday last June 12th our JB Footballers travelled to Aughaville where they were hosted by Tadgh Mac Carthaigh in a league encounter. On a brilliant June evening in which a strong breeze was evident we were delighted to depart with another brace of points in the bag. The full panel of players certainly displayed a unity and trust in each other and for this we congratulate you one and all. Sunday next will see us travel to Clonakilty for another JB league game which is fixed for 7pm.

Goleen GAA - On Thursday last June 3rd our Junior B Footballers travelled to Ballydehob where Gabriel Rangers hosted us in a league game. Whilst at the final whistle we found ourselves ahead, one must realize that because of the day and time this was a weak Gabriel's team. Players from both sides suffered injuries we sincerely hope that neither will be out for too long. Activity continues this weekend details of which are not available going to press. Check locally for details. DVD is now available from Liz Barry 028-35251 & Ann Sheehan 028-35400.

Mizen Rovers - The U14 footballers travelled to Kilbrittain last Thursday for the third round of the league and registered a win.. In fact this was the first win registered by this panel as they had not won a game in their U10 or U12 days. Having played against the wind in the first half Mizen led by a point at the short whistle 4 goals to 1-08. The goals coming from Darren O'Donovan and David Franzoni, the latter showing great composure to finish his brace. Kilbrittain played some very good combined football, and kicked some fine points and but for some resolute defending from the Mizen lads the home side would have led. Mizen forwards looked dangerous when the ball was moved quickly into space. This was done more often in the second half and Mizen outscored Kilbrittain 4 07 to 3 02 to leave the final score Kilbrittain 4 10 Mizen 8 07. Ryan O'Callaghan, Brendan Goggin and Darren O'Donovan doing the scoring in the second half. Thanks to all who travelled and to the host club for refreshments afterwards.
Two days later most of these boys were in action in the U14 hurling league final against Iveleary in Kealkill. Mizen played with the breeze in the first half and failed to take advantage of it with the full forwards playing too far out the field. Half time saw the sides level 1 05 apiece. Iveleary took over at the start of the second half and but for some poor shooting and some outstanding saves from Sean Flynn in goal they would have built up an unassailable lead. The lead at one stage was at eight points but to the locals credit they refused to give in and cut the lead to two points by the final whistle. There were a couple of chances to level or even win but on the balance of play the better team won on the day.Panel; Sean Flynn, Padraig Downey, Jed Little, Ryan O'Callaghan, Brendan Goggin, Cathal O'Sullivan, Gavin Johnston, Eoghan Sheehan, Eoghan Dwyer, Darren O'Donovan,Tadhg Cullinane, Jason Whitley, Robert Franzoni, Michael O'Driscoll. They now turn their attention to championship and the final with Caheragh this Saturday in Bantry.

Fixtures: Saturday June 12th U14 hurling final against Caheragh in Bantry 7.30pm.
U12 hurling away to Oliver Plunketts Monday June 14th.
A big thank you to all parents and players who helped with the flag day last Sunday, and to you the public for your generous contributions. We wish all students sitting Leaving and Junior Cert Exams the best of luck in the weeks ahead.

Mizen Rovers U14
The second round of the under 14 football league saw Mizen having a home fixture against Timoleague on Friday May 28th last. This turned out to be a very entertaining contest all through with never more than four or five points between the sides. Mizen opened the scoring with a point from ace forward Darren O'Donovan, and he quickly added another. It was noticeable at this stage that Mizen were on top in the middle of the field through the strong play of Ryan O'Callaghan and Cathal O'Sullivan but the service was not fast enough to the inside forwards and the visitors weathered the locals pressure. Timoleague hit back with a goal and a point, but the next attack saw Darren in possession and he hit the net to regain the lead. A neat Padraig Reidy point extended the lead. Timoleague in an effort to curb the threat of the inside line adopted a sweeper in front of the full back line, and levelled the match with two points.

The sides traded points to leave the half time score 1 04 each. Mizen reshuffled their defence with Eoghan Sheehan taking up the loose man role. Brendan Goggin and Jason Whitley in the half forward line got more involved in the game with Brendan scoring a great point from distance in the first minutes of the second half. Mizen dominated the next ten minutes with Jed Little, Tadhg Cullinane, Robert Franzoni and Eoghan Sheehan conceding nothing at the back in front of safe goalkeeper Padraig Downey, Darren finished off a good team move to the net and added a further point. A goal for Timoleague undone some of the good work, but Mizen extended the lead out to four again courtesy of Darren O'Donovan from a free and from play. The visitors replied with a point to leave three between the sides. Mizen extended the lead out to five again but Timoleague again cut the lead to a goal. In the dying minutes Mizen gave away possession in midfield and the ball ended up in the net to tie up the game. The visitors had a free in the last minute to win the game but the ball went wide. Final score Mizen 2 10 Timoleague 3 07.

This was a much improved performance from the locals on round one and hopefully it will continue. When these two sides met at under twelve two years ago Timoleague won the fixture by more than twenty points.

Mizen Rovers U12
Mizen Rovers u12 football panel that played Caheragh in Bantry on Monday last in Championship. This was a close affair throughout a point seperated the sides at half time with Caheragh having their noses in front, on a score 4-05 to Mizen's tally of 2-10. Caheragh were much sharper in around the goal. Mizens Tadhg Cullinane contributed 1-10 in this half with the other goal coming from Finnian Healy. Caheragh's Killian Murray did a lot of damage for his side, setting up scores and scoring himself. Tadhg levelled at the start of the second half, but that was as good as it got for the westerners. Caheragh now playing with the elements tacked on the points and but for some outstanding saves by Mizen keeper Padraig Downey and sterling defensive work by the backs, the margin at the end would have been much greater. Mizen tried hard but could not open up their opponents defence to get the goals needed to win. Final score Mizen Rovers 3-13 Caheragh 6-13. They now play Colm Og in the next round. Panel;Padraig Downey, Sam Coughlan,Mark O'Reilly,Inez Connell, Lorna O'Callaghan, John Supple,Padraig Reidy(captain),Jason Whitley,Finnian Healy,Jean Paul Van der Vlugt,David Franzoni,Michelle Murnane,Brid Kennedy,Tadhg Cullinane,James O'Driscoll.

Mizen Rovers U10
On Saturday 29th May, Mizen Rovers U10 side took the short trip to Durrus for a match against their local rivals. There is currently a large squad of players and Mizen was able to give all of them a run out with two matches being played at the same time. The older more experienced group lined up against a strong head wind in the first half but were still able to display their skills with some great inter-passing between the backs, midfield and forwards. However it was Durrus who scored first with an early goal and a point. Mizen struck back with a good interchange between Michael Sheehan who laid off the ball to Tadgh Reidy who then slipped it to Jack O’Driscoll who took his goal in some style. Durrus managed another goal later in the half and was answered with a point from James Kelly moving up from midfield. James took another point in reply to another goal from the hosts. Michael Sheehan took the score to 1-3 Mizen, 3-1 Durrus before half time. Mizen played well in the second half with the wind behind them with an early point from James Kelly and a fine strike in the net for Matthew Sheehan. The wind then dropped and Durrus taking full advantage struck the back of the net twice in a short space of time even against some brilliant goalkeeping from Danny Culnane and his defence. James Kelly who struggled with the cross wind put a couple of frees wide but then took a long range free that dropped into the goal. Durrus once again moved forward and broke down the resolute Mizen defence for their last goal of the match and even after another 2 points from James Kelly they took the victory after the full time whistle 6-1 to 3-6. The Mizen side all played extremely well and contributed to a good performance and the coaches must be complemented on their improvement from last season.
Panel: Danny Cullinane, Jodi Connell, Caoimhe Reidy, Michael O’Reilly, James Kelly, Jack O’Driscoll, Maria Sheehan, Matthew Sheehan, Jake Coughlan, Michael Sheehan and Tadgh Reidy