County Champions! The Minors gave St Michael’s supporters something to shout about with the highlight of the club’s season coming with the sound of the final whistle in Pairc Ui Rinn at 9 p.m. on Friday 21^st November.

Conor Kilcoyne’s cheerful words from the victory stand and Frankie O’Connell serenading us with the sound of “We’ll Bring Glory Home” made this victory feel like it was somehow inevitable.

It was only in the last few minutes that Michael’s pulled away and put four unanswered points together.

The highpoint for Carrigaline was not so much their first-half goal as a superb save made by the Carrigaline keeper early in the second half when the teams were locked at 0 – 7 to 1 – 4. Certainly their fans gave their loudest cheer for that one and the rumble from the stand suggested that they thought this was the turning point of the game.

It is testament to the skill and spirit of a superb Michael’s team that they were at their most convincing when Carrigaline began to throw everything at them. Even though the boys in blue sensed that something was on, their scoring in the last 25 minutes was kept down to two points. This was in a period when Michael’s got six. Every man on the team played a part in putting that statistic together.

Once again Eoghan Buckley was immense and Steve Mahon created havoc for the opposition winning lots of possession and taking off on so many jinking runs. But this was not a performance by individuals: Every one of the Michael’s players stood up to a tough but fair physical test from their opponents.

The first half saw Michael’s outplay Carrigaline in many areas of the field and yet there was little enough between them at half time when the score stood at 0-6 to 1-2.

Point scorers for Michael’s were: Eoghan Buckley (5), Steve Mahon (5), and one each from Steve McCarthy, Kevin O’Regan and Robert Creagh.

For Carrigaline, a ball that ricocheted off the crossbar was banged in for Carrigaline on the 14^th minute and they had a clear chance five minutes later. But for a stunning save by Martin Burke on the Michael’s line on the 19^th minute the tide could have turned – we might not have gotten to hear Frankie singing at all.

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The Cork Premier Minor County Football Final has been postponed due to heavy rain. The fixture is set for Páirc Uí Rinn on Friday 21st November, where St. Michael's will bid to make it 2 County Titles in 3 years.

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Michael’s will have to do it all again after this hard-fought match ended with honours even.

Michael’s, who went in as favourites, will feel that it was a game they should have won. Yet Carrigaline will reflect on a match that they could have won.

Like any game there were some key talking points in the post mortems, but it should be said that it was to the credit of both teams that they produced such an entertaining game of football in atrocious weather conditions. As ever the Pairc Uí Rinn surface was superb notwithstanding the fact that the rain poured down throughout the encounter.

The dying minutes had some fingernail-biting moments as goal chances came to nought when the merest point would have done it. The opening quarter was a close battle with Michael’s missing a few efforts and each team only managing one point.

But the game exploded after Aonghus O’Driscoll won a free which Kevin O’Regan played in short to Steve Mahon for a brilliantly taken goal.

Eoghan Buckley – not for the first time - was a powerhouse for St. Michael’s and his runs from midfield and point-scoring were a thorn in Carrigaline’s side. The goal was the difference between the teams at half-time.

Carrigaline then got a goal of their own to tie it up at 1-6 to 1-6 and send their fans into raptures. A speculative effort from distance could have crept under the bar for a second goal but for the vigilance of Martin Burke who saved well.

Then came the talking points – a goal for Michael’s that was ruled out as a square ball, followed moments later by a defensive slip-up on a night when the ball was the proverbial bar of soap and Carrigaline were in to score their second goal. They added a point to go four points clear entering the last quarter.

Donal Cremin was sprung from the bench to make a good impact at this stage with the tireless Buckley and Mahon and Steve McCarthy. Captain Conor Kilcoyne and his team looked at the scoreboard to read Michael’s 1-11, Carrigaline 2-8, at the final whistle.

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St. Michael’s 2-12 Blackthorns (Mitchelstown) 3-7

Report by Liam Heylin

Next stop a County Final for the Minors but in the dying minutes of this nail-biting match in Fermoy, St. Michael’s were trailing by two points and Steve McMahon was stepping up to take a penalty – Pressure? Who said anything about pressure?

Steve was as cool as his blue boots tucking the ball safely into the back of the net. That was a cue for celebrations from the St. Michael’s fans. But in truth it was as much a relief as a celebration. This was a match which was balanced on a knife-edge from start to finish.

The lads from Mitchelstown were a formidable sight going forward – not least through the powerful footballing of their number 12, Shane Beston. But it was to the credit of Michael’s defence that these guys didn’t cause even more trouble.

The signs were ominous half way through the first half when the Blackthorns led by a goal and a point to one point. That particular goal was a bit of a fluky long range free that dipped at the last second and crept agonisingly under the bar.

But it was a goal nonetheless and Michael’s had to get serious to get back into it. Steve McCarthy carried the ball into the danger zone before off-loading to Eoin Buckley who got a point. Good fielding by David O’Leary saw more Michael’s possession, capitalised on by Pat Deasy.

Mitchelstown added another and Eoin Buckley and Steve McMahon both pointed to bring the sides level. Each team tagged on another point before the ‘Killer’ blow. Conor Kilcoyne won possession in midfield and took off like the express train to Blackrock (not stopping to take passengers!) and he blasted the ball into the back of the net.

A goal ahead, the Michael’s lead was narrowed to two points before the break.

A superb save on the line by Martin Burke kept Michael’s ahead but sustained pressure saw the Blackthorns score another goal. At the other end Eoin Buckley got another two points when the team really needed it to stay in touch. By then the score was 1-8 for Michael’s and 2-5 for Mitchelstown. Level again!

Mitchelstown exploded with a goal and a point sending their supporters into raptures. Kevin O’Regan and Steve McMahon clawed back a point each before the penalty made it 2-10 to 3-6. Pat Deasy added a point in the last kick of the game to end a thrilling match.

See the Evening Echo Report here

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U14 CITY CHAMPIONSHIP

Ryan Dineen collects the County Championship cup last week after victory against Carrigaline.

The under 14s will look to him again if they are to be successful in the City Final

U14 City Semi-Final

St. Michael’s prevail against the Blues

St. Michaels 3-10 St. Finbarrs 3-08

St Michael’s and St Finbarr’s produced another thriller in the semi- final of the Under 14 City Championship on Saturday at Togher.

These two teams have met so many times before in big games, so a great game was on the cards and a great game was what we got.

Both teams matched each other on scores from start to finish with the Barrs leading on the break by 1-04 to 1-03. Michael’s captain Ryan Dineen played a leaders role, with the help of Alan Nolan at full back and Andrew Murphy at centre-back.

The second half was just as tight, but in the third quarter St. Michael’s determination came to the fore. Goals from Sean Kearney, Olan Hanley and Paul Lawlor strengthened Michael’s claim for a place in the final. However, the Togher side was not giving up the chase easily and with ten minutes to go were only a point behind.

Again St Michael’s pulled away, but again the Barrs clawed their way back to within two points with only minutes left on the clock. An interception from corner forward David O’ Sullivan on the Micheal’s goal line and another unbelieveable goal line save from Liam Hurley secured the win for the Dazzlers on a score line of 3-10 to 3-08.

Many thanks to Mick Cummins of St Finbarrs for his kind words to the lads at the end of the game and no doubt these teams will have many a good game in the future if this standard is kept up.

Scorers: Olan Hanley 1-02, Paul Lawlor 1-03, Sean Kearney 1-0, Peter O’ Brien 0-02 (1f), David O Sullivan 0-01, Ryan Dineen 0-02.

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U14 County Champions Pictures

Alan Nolan bursts out of defence

Olan Hanly retains the ball

David O' Sullivan begins another attack

County Champions!! Players and Selectors celebrate...

FIXTURE OF THE MONTH

Premier Minor County Semi-Final 2008

St. Michaels v Mitchelstown

Sunday 12th October

Time & Venue TBC

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Night at the Dogs!!

One of the biggest social events and fundraisers on the St. Michael’s Gaelic Football Club calendar is just around the corner.

The Night at the Dogs is set to go ahead on Friday October 3 at 8 p.m. at Curraheen Park greyhound track in Bishopstown.

Adult tickets cost €10 and are widely available from club members.

If anyone is looking for tickets contact Marie at 087 6160124 or Ger at 087 818 2923.

The night was a great success last year and promises to be a highpoint of 2008 for the club. The need to raise funds has never been greater for St. Michael’s having just undertaken the biggest step in its history with the move to its own clubhouse and grounds at Pairc Uí Mhichíl Naofa in Mahon .

The cost of that development is in the region of €1 million and half of that figure has to be met by fund-raising initiatives such as the dog night. Given the enormous value of the club to the local community in providing such impressive gaelic football facilities to children adults and schools in the locality, St. Michael’s are confident that the community will not be found wanting in support of this big night for the club – Friday October 3.

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Dazzlers dazzle in Mallow

The under 14s took the county A title with an awesome display of football on Wednesday night in Mallow against Carrigline on a score line of 5 18 to 1 04.

After an early scare which saw Carrigline go a goal ahead after just two minutes the early nerves faded away and saw a well prepared team do what they were trained to do and not panic but to plough away and play good fast football to score 3 12 without reply in the first half .

With everyone doing their job it was hard to pick someone who stood out over anyone else on this performance. It was a complete team performance. The second half saw the same theme as the first with no let up and by the end of the game Micheal's were county champions by a score line of 5 18 to 1 .04 a victory well deserved for these lads .

Over the last number of years where just pipped at the post in their efforts to secure silverware for the club and themselves. But such nights were banished from memory in Mallow as they their skills and phenomenal work-rate paid dividends with a prized county title. Coaches and mentors praised their players for the way they played on the night and for the discipline on the pitch during the game.

And now comes the preparation for the City Championship and on this performance things are looking good for this squad of players. Although it was hard to pick man of the match on this occasion special mention must go to Aaron Kennedy who has been waiting on the sidelines for many a match and has shown great improvement at training and always seems to be there waiting in the wings to get his chance to show what he can do and on Wednesday night he come on and scored a goal after just five minutes on the pitch . Well done Aaron keep up the good work .

And well done the Under-14 team and squad for this marvellous achievement.

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GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH!!

St. Michael’s Gaelic Football Club reached a new membership high when the 300^th adult member joined the growing club.

Registrar, Seán Horgan, who has been busy building up the membership of the club over the past couple of years was glad to give Noreen Russell a token of the club’s appreciation for becoming the 300^th registered member for the year.

Noreen is no stranger to the club and has been a supporter for many years with her family having a long association with the club. That association has never been stronger than now as her son, Mark, is the captain of the club’s top team, the Intermediate team.

Mark Russell accompanied his mother to the presentation at the club’s new club house at Páirc Uí Mhichíl Naofa in Mahon . He said the squad were about to get back into full-time training and were looking forward to the season ahead. “We are still a very young team,” the 22-year-old said. Mark said the time spent working in the gym last Winter added to their level of fitness and that when they played their first match of the championship they were in great condition.

“At the end of the first game we were as fit in the last five minutes of that match as were in the first five minutes,” he said. But in their last game of the championship Mark said that some people remarked that they looked tired. So he said that was something they would be addressing for the championship in 2009 – to keep the fitness levels at their optimum and keep up the momentum throughout the season.

Noreen Russell (nee Coughlan) and her family have had close associations with St. Michael’s and Blackrock hurling club for many years. Becoming the 300^th adult member of St. Michael’s for 2008 is a support that registrar, Seán Horgan, said, the club needs right now.

“There are a lot of fund-raising initiatives underway at the moment and keeping up the level of club membership is important for the future of the club,” he said.

The move to new pitches and clubhouse at Páirc Uí Mhichíl Naofa is costing the club over €1 million and approximately half of that will have to be paid for by the club’s members and supporters. With 300 adult members now, the club also has approximately 150 underage members registered. While the registrar has a preference for people paying their membership in January, lapsed members should note; Seán will happily take a subscription at any time of the year!

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St. Michaels advanced to meet the winners of Douglas/Mitchelstown in the semi final of this year’s championship with a dramatic victory last Monday evening.

These sides have been well acquainted in recent years with Michaels defeating the Barrs in 2006 on the way to their 1^st county title in 30 years and the ‘Blues’ turning the tables on their close rivals in last year’s semi final. This year, however, pointed to a St. Michaels victory on form. Up to this game, they had only been beaten once, while St. Finbarrs had to overcome a championship defeat in Round One.

The first 20 minutes of this tie told a different story. The Barrs raced into an eight point lead with a goal from Robert Browner and were well on top around midfield. Yet by half time, this had been reduced to a solitary point as Eoghan Buckley started winning ball around the middle and goals from Steve Mahon and David O’Leary brought Michaels back into the contest.

Playing with the wind in the second half, the introduction of Conor Kilcoyne and Patrick Deasy looked to have made the difference as St. Michaels raced into a three-point lead. However, back came the Barrs again to lead with four unanswered points. Crucially, a hit and hope ball from Kevin O’ Regan was pounced upon by the aforementioned O’Leary and his pinpoint pass found Mahon who goaled from an acute angle. Further scores from Buckley and Steve McCarthy looked to have clinched victory when suddenly the Barrs Ian Leahy found space to tuck his shot into the far corner of the goal.

A frantic last five minutes of injury time ensued and it took some top class saves from keeper Martin Burke and vital interventions from Ciarán O’ Shaughnessy and David Healy to ensure safe progress to the semi final for the third year in a row.

St. Michaels: M Burke, C Ó Ruiséal, C O’Shaughnessy(c), A Ó Drisceoil, D Healy, R Dineen, A Neville, C O’Herlihy, S Creagh, S Mahon, K O’Regan, R Creagh, S McCarthy, E Buckley, D O’Leary.

Subs: C Kilcoyne & P Deasy for Ó Drisceoil & S Creagh (30mins), S Creagh for O’Herlihy(inj 57 mins)

St. Michael’s Minor team qualified for the semi-final of the Premier County League with a well-deserved victory over Carrigaline.

St. Michaels, short several key players, started well and led by 7 points to 1 at one stage. However, Carrigaline reduced the defecit to 3 points before a goal from Kevin O’ Regan and strong performances from Aonghus Ó Drisceoil, Steven Creagh and Conor Kilcoyne ensured victory. Eoghan Buckley finished with 7 points from play in a man of the match performance.

St. Michaels: M. Burke, C. Ó Ruiséal, A. Ó Drisceoil, K. Harte, D. Healy, K. O’ Herlihy, B. Lyons, S. Creagh, C. Kilcoyne (c), A. Neville, K. O’Regan, P. Deasy, E. Buckley, S. Mahon, R. Creagh.

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Great performances from James Heylin, Cathal Hannon, Aaron Giltanen and David O' Leary ensured that the Minor second string progressed to Round 2.

St. Michaels got their league campaign back on track with a hard fought win over Mitchelstown last Friday evening. Starting brightly, points from Eoghan Buckley, Steve Mahon, Stephen McCarthy, Kevin O' Byrne and Conor Kilcoyne saw Michaels race into a 7 point lead.

However, the 2nd quarter of the game belonged to Mitchelstown and the score at the break was 7 points to 1-03. Again, Michaels struggled at the breakdown in Midfield as the 2nd half progressed and following some fine Mitchelstown play, it was the North Cork boys who led by 3 points with 15 minutes remaining.

Then a howler from the Mitchelstown goalkeeper gifted Michaels Carroll a goal. Buckley began to dominate around the centre and James Heylin, Kevin Harte and Conor Kilcoyne stepped it up a gear. Man of the Match Stephen McCarthy was a constant threat and worked hard all over the pitch. A goal from Buckley settled proceedings with a couple of minutes left, but only after Mitchelstown saw a penalty come back off the upright and some outstanding defending from full back Ciarán O' Shaughnessy.

St. Michaels will qualify for the semi-final of the league if they beat Carrigaline in their next league game in August. Even more pressing is the upcoming Championship q-final against County Champions the Barrs in what is the game of the round.

St. Michael's: M Burke, J Heylin, C O' Shaughnessy, K Harte, K O' Herlihy, R Dineen, A Ó Drisceoil, C Kilcoyne (capt), S Zebo, M Carroll, P Deasy, E Buckley, S McCarthy, K O' Byrne, S Mahon.

St Michael’s Gaelic Football Club reached a momentous stage in the club's history as they took possession of the keys for impressive clubhouse facilities at their new home Pairc Mhichíl Naofa.

As members gathered to celebrate this historic occasion for the club it was all systems go for one of the key fundraising events on the St. Michael s calendar, namely the annual Golf Classic.

Members and supporters of St. Michael s Gaelic Football Club have almost booked out every card for the classic, which will take place at Harbour Point Golf Club on Friday July 25^th.

Joint sponsors of the event are: owners of The Welcome Inn on Parnell Place, Christy Walsh and Paudie O Regan; and Blackrock Motor Company managing director, John O Sullivan. The organisers of the event, headed by Bernard Hurley, thanked those main sponsors at a special launch event hosted by Beamish and Crawford.

Almost 60 teams have been secured for the golf classic and it is hoped that 15,000 will be raised and put towards new the pitch and facilities in Mahon. Mr Hurley said that year after year many of the same sponsors had put their hands in their pockets to support the club and he thanked them for this.

Development committee chairman, Derry O' Sullivan, informed the large gathering of club members, friends and supporters that the new clubhouse was now open for business. Pat Allen of Pat Allen and Son Construction Company formally handed over the keys of the club to Mr O Sullivan. The development committee chairman said the new clubhouse was finished to the highest standards and he said that the reaction of those who had visited it in the past few days was overwhelmingly positive.

Mr O Sullivan thanked Pat Allen and his son, Brian, for the work they had done on the development. Cyril Keane of Beamish and Crawford wished St. Michael s the best of luck with the golf classic and in their new clubhouse and facilities and he said the company was glad to be associated with the club s good work in the community.

Executive Chairman, Padraig Conway, afterwards thanked all of the sponsors and said the club now had a home of which they could be proud. Mr Conway said that the development costing approximately 1 million would be financed roughly half-and-half by grant support and club fundraising. In the context of the latter he said there was always a lot of work to be done and that if everyone in the club dedicated some small part of their time to the club then an unfair burden would not fall on a small few shoulders.

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Young Blackrock woman, Vicki O Sullivan, has just started a nine-week visit to South Africa where she will be working with children in the townships and training them in sports and physical education.

Pictured here is Vicki getting a send-off from friends in St. Michael's Gaelic Football Club who gave some sponsorship in the form of sports gear.

Left to Right shows Pat Giltinan, chairman of the underage section of St. Michael s, Mark Russell, captain of the intermediate team, Vicki O Sullivan, Martina Ryan and Ken Hurley of the underage committee, and St. Michael s players, Eoghan Buckley and Shane O Sullivan.

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Intermediates bow out of championship

BALLINORA came from six points down after 35 minutes to win by five in a cracking Evening Echo Premier IFC third round tie at Páirc Uí Rinn yesterday.

Scorers for Ballinora: C. O’Shea, C. Brosnan (0-2 frees) 0-4 each; C. Sheehan 0-3; K. Conway 1-0; M. Murphy 0-2.

St. Michaels scorers: E. Buckley, J. Linehan (0-2 frees) 0-4 each; S. O’Sullivan 0-2; W. Kennedy 0-1.

BALLINORA: E. Walsh; D. O’Neill, M. Hodge, W. Dineen; E. Lougheed, D. O’Hare, L. Hodge; P. Martin, G. O’Leary; C. Healy, G. O’Halloran, C. O’Shea; M. Murphy, C. Brosnan, C. Sheehan.

Subs: D. O’Neill for David O’Neill; K. Conway for O’Halloran.

ST.MICHAELS: A. Deasy; C. Murphy, B. Ahern, M. Russell; B. Lombard, W. Sherlock, C. O’Brien; R. Downey, W. Kennedy; J. Linehan, J. Browne, M. Drummond; E. Buckley, K. O’Connell, S. O’Sullivan.

Subs: N. O’Reilly for S. O’Sullivan; D. Coughlan for Kennedy.

A home fixture for this week saw St. Michaels again take on St. Finbarrs for the second time in a matter of days in Páirc Mhichíl Naofa as part the Under 14 league.

The weather conditions were perfect for football and another good game was expected. The Barrs on this occasion started the better and scored two unanswered points within minutes of the throw-in. Again some good saves from goalkeeper Liam Hurley helped St Michaels stay within a couple of scores of the visitors. Points from Olan Hanley, Peter O’ Brien and Dale O’ Neal made sure that the Dazzlers were ahead by half time.

The second half told its own story as the St Michaels players seemed to move up two gear shifts and at times seemed to just walk through the Barrs defence with ease. Goals from Olan Hanley, Cian O Leary and Paul Lawlor put the result beyond doubt and a good job done on the day.

Players for mention on the day had to be Aaron Kennedy, Sean Kearney, James O’Connell and Mark Quirke who put great effort into training and always turn out for every game and training session without question.

Well done lads and keep up the good work. Training for the Under 14s continues Thursday nights at 7.30 pm and Saturday at 12.30pm until further notice.

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Under very rainy conditions in Togher, St Michaels kept the momentum of county championship football going for the Dazzlers.

St. Michaels started very well in the first period and within minutes were taking points with ease. After ten minutes they were ahead by 0.04 to 0.01. Saves by keeper Liam Hurley kept the Barrs at bay while the full back line were doing their jobs well.

In fairness to the Barrs they kept ploughing away at the Michaels defence and were rewarded with a goal to bring them within a point at half time - Barrs 1.02 St Michaels 0.06. What happened at the start of the second half can only be explained in terms of a complete lack of concentration by the whole back line and Michaels found themselves behind by 8 points after conceding 3 goals within minutes of the restart.

But as the old saying goes, the games not over till the fat lady sings and the Dazzlers never gave up the chase. Attack after attack gained its reward and the points started to go over the bar again from the boots of Olan Hanley, David O’ Sullivan, Ryan Dineen and Callum Crowe. The self-belief had returned to the lads. A penalty was awarded to the Dazzlers to bring them all square but was missed by Peter O Brien - probably the only mistake he made all night. Goals did come from Ryan Dineen and Cathal Cormac to draw level at 4.05 to 3.08.

To former St. Michael's player Damien Delaney on his recent elevation to the Irish International Soccer Team

The U12 team have retained the trophy won in such style last year with a hard-fought victory over Aghada.

Champioooneees! That was the sound that rang out over Blarney as the Under-12 St. Michael s team beat Aghada to win the County Football Final.

County Finals whatever the age of the players - attract the crowds and they came in numbers to witness an honest, entertaining and stouthearted match that went all the way to a nail-biting finish.

In fairness to Aghada they would probably be the first to admit that Michael s dominated for long periods of the game. And on the other side of the coin, Michael s would admit that their rivals really put it up to them in the last ten minutes.

Apart from the wonderful win itself, Michael s will take most encouragement from the way they responded to the pressure at the end. The defence were tested to the limit and on the day they had the answers.

Throughout the game, captain Alan O Callaghan led by example covering a tremendous amount of ground in the Number 6 shirt. Wherever the ball looked like it was spilling into a danger zone in the Michael s half, O Callaghan was there to mop up.

This kind of spirit was evident throughout the defence and indeed the entire team. With minutes to go and Aghada getting the bit between their teeth it was bodies-on-the-line stuff from Michael s. Patrick Hogan timed his defensive dive to perfection as an Aghada player struck in search of what might have been a winning goal. Moments like that summed up the never-say-die effort that was put in all over the field for 60 enthralling minutes.

It all started for Michael s with a point from David King. But with lively supporters cheering Aghada to lift their game, the lads from Blackrock needed scores to help them to settle. They didn t have to look any further than Dan Lenihan who coolly slotted over two points in a row after one from O Callaghan to put the team on track.

The team then built on that platform for even better things ahead. Paul Tobin got into space and hit the back of net with and there really is only one word for it a rasper!

Moments later, the game had swung down to the other end of the field and with Michael s back-peddling, fingertip defending by their excellent captain saved them again. Aghada got their second point and Keith Hegarty added another for Michael s. Dan Linehan’s pinpoint pass for David King saw him finish the first half as he started, with a point. The half-time score was 1-6 to 3 points.

Tobin got a useful point to start the second half but Aghada were clawing their way back into it and with the score at 1-7 to 4, Aghada got a penalty. The park went quiet as Aghada blasted from the spot towards the top right-hand corner. But Jim Keating dived spectacularly to save the perfectly taken penalty. Two minutes later Kevin Foley took a dangerous ball in both arms and cleared it. Dan Lenihan got his third from a Michael s free that came from a block-down of an Aghada ball way out on the wing.

As Aghada marched forward again Martin Clune did well in defence. In a tense closing ten minutes Aghada did manage to score a goal and looked like they might bring the game into extra time. But at least two more super saves from close range shots kept Michael s in it when it mattered. Undoubtedly, keeper Keating was the hero of the second half.

Robert Coughlan wisely used up some time with a soccer-style dribble down the left wing and King in the number thirteen shirt was unlucky to hit the cross-bar.

At long last the final whistle came at 1-9 to 1-7. As Michael s celebrated, hats off to Daniel Meaney who made time to console a heartsick Aghada player and help him to his feet no more than expected from a most sporting Michael s team.

Families and supporters waved flags and honked car horns to welcome the winners home to Church Road on a sunny day that signalled bright times ahead for the Dazzlers.

To Eoghan Buckley and Richard Dineen who represented Cork Minors with distinction in their defeat to Kerry. Everyone connected with St. Michael's G.F.C are proud of your efforts.

St. Michaels Eoghan "Bonesy" O' Connell in action during the Cumann na mBunscol Mini-Sevens in Croke Park before the Dublin/Kerry All-Ireland Football Semi-Final. Eoghan is the cousin of Ireland rugby player Paul O' Connell

Families are being urged to get behind St. Michael s Gaelic Football team and to write themselves into the latest chapter of the club s history.

The new facilities at Páirc Mhichíl Naofa in Mahon are nearing completion and it is hoped that supporters will soon be walking around the new facilities that the club is providing for its footballers.

Launching a new Buy-a-Plaque initiative, Gary Tobin, chairman of the fund-raising committee, explained, to acknowledge the great support given over the years by our long-serving members and their families, we intend to erect a plaque in our clubhouse listing the names of those who wish to be associated with the huge progress made by the club.

It is our intention that these plaques would be family plaques. For instance, The Murphy Family, McGrath Park, Church Road, Cork, or if individuals wish to be named, this can be accommodated also.

We are limiting the number of plaques to 100 and we are asking a very reasonable once-off charge of 100 per plaque. This will be produced to high quality and will be on public view to all who visit our facilities.

We are taking bookings currently on a first come, first served basis. We already have a commitment from 30 families prior to launch; therefore we would recommend that you book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

Gary Tobin can be contacted for further information or with confirmation of booking at the following email address: gary@gtfm.ie

This is one of a number of fund-raising initiatives being undertaken by the club to start repaying the substantial cost of paying for the new facilities. Approximately half of the 1 million cost of the facilities will have to be met by fund-raising in the community.

In dazzling style, the U12 team claimed the City Championship with a facile replay victory over Na Piarsaigh on Saturday last.

Despite conceding a goal in the opening minutes, the St. Michael's forwards were simply brilliant and, led by Keith Hegarty, gave the Na Piarsaigh backs a torrid time.

However, it wasn't just down to the forwards. Strong play from goalie Jim Keating, David Redmond and Luke Carroll provided a platform for victory in what was a one-sided final. The introduction of David King in the second half only served to add to the misery of the Northside outfit.

The team now march on to the County section where they will face Beara in the quarter final.

Conditions were ideal with bright sunshine at Trabeg for the meeting of Nemo and St Michael s in the under 12-football semi final.

The two teams didn t disappoint serving up a classic game of football giving the spectators a very entertaining night. Michael s started brightly going into an early lead but Nemo soon took control with Cian Divine causing problems for the Michael s defence. Then the game burst into life as Michael s hit a purple patch mid-way through the first half scoring three goals without reply. Rob Coughlan, Keith Hegarty and Paul Tobin were very much to the forefront in the Michael s attack during this spell. To their credit Nemo fought their way back into the game leaving the score line 3-3 to 1-6 at half time in favour of the Blackrock side.

Nemo dominated the early part of the second half and powered on by Craig Donnellan, Aidan Devine and Brian Coomey ran into a 3-point lead at the half way stage. However, Michael s danger man Hegarty then got a great goal - his second of the night - to level the score with 10 minutes remaining. It was a seesaw battle keeping the large attendance on their toes until man of the match Alan O Callaghan drove over two magnificent winning points to seal victory for Michael s the first a superb effort from distance. The final score was: Nemo 2-10 St Michaels 4-6. Michaels can thank heroic displays from David Redmond, David O Connor, Luke Clarke and Michael Clune during this period.

Great credit should be given to players from both sides for the effort, skill and determination shown on the night.

St. Michael's Gaelic footballers will be swapping their football boots for dancing shoes for a big teen disco that is coming up on Friday May 16^th.

The venue for the occasion is the hall at Blackrock Hurling Club on Church Road.

It is organised by the fundraising committee of the underage section of the club and is aimed at teenagers under the age of 18. As usual with teen discos there will be a strict no alcohol policy for the event and teenagers will be required to leave bags at the cloakroom on entering the premises as they will not be allowed to bring bags into the hall.

The fund-raising committee of St. Michael’s Gaelic Football Club have organised the disco with the advice and co-operation of the community guards at Blackrock Garda Station who will be represented on the night to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Adult club members will also be present on the night.

It is hoped that that the event will raise much-needed funds for the new club facilities currently being developed at Pairc Mhichíl Naofa in Mahon at a cost of over €1 million, half of which has to be paid for through fundraising by the club.

Tickets for the event are limited and cost 10. They will be on sale at Blackrock hurling club on Church Road on Friday May 9^th from 4 to 6 p.m. Those who can t make it to the club to buy tickets at that time should contact Marie at 087 6160124.

To St. Michaels' Eoghan Buckley and Richard Dineen, part of the Cork Minor Panel to play Kerry on Wed week.

Eoghan Buckley, who was recently honoured by the club for being the first ever St. Michael's player to captain a Cork Minor Team to a Munster title

St. Michael’s 0-13 Glanmire 0-06

The perfect week got better and better last Sunday as St. Michael’s eased into Round 3 of the Minor Championship. Winners of the competition in 2006, many of this year’s panel were members of the side beaten narrowly at the semi-final stage last year.

Glanmire, still hurting from their defeat to this team in the 2006 U16 County Final, knew they were up against it and were physical before the game even began – Cork Minor Eoghan Buckley roughed up before the ball was thrown in. Michael’s could not get going and trailed by 2 points to 1 playing against the wind after 20 minutes. However, scores from Stephen McCarthy and Richard Dineen ensured that the sides were level at 3 points apiece at half time.

Playing with a strong wind in the 2^nd half, the St. Michael’s half back line and midfield started to dominate. Captain Conor Kilcoyne and Robert Creagh began to exert their influence and Buckley was starting to find space away from his marker. Without doubt, he is a marked man at this level but his ability will always generate scores for himself and others.

Michael’s led 6-3 but back came Glanmire to reduce the lead to the bare minimum entering the last quarter. Man of the Match Mark Ryan and Cork Minor Richard Dineen were playing great stuff at this stage and dominated the back lines. Finally, with 10 minutes remaining, St. Michael’s clicked. Buckley, Stephen McCarthy and Andrew Neville cut loose and some exquisite points from the trio ensured that there would be no shock result on what was a great surface in Carrigtwohill.

Fine performances also from Ciarán O’ Shaughnessy, Stephen Creagh and Ciaran O’ Herlihy.

St. Michaels: M. Burke, C.O’Ruiséal, M.Ryan, K.Harte, D.Healy, C.O’Shaughnessy, R.Dineen, S.Creagh, C.Kilcoyne (capt), A.Neville, C.O’Herlihy, R.Creagh, S.McCarthy, E.Buckley, B.Lyons.

On so many occasions during this intense and thrilling encounter, St. Michael’s players, mentors and supporters must have begun to think that a championship win would never arrive. However, arrive it did with a sublime Mark Drummond point deep, deep into injury time to send the aforementioned delirious and leave a strong Glenville outfit dejected.

Undoubtedly, this St. Michael’s team’s preparations for this game had been less than ideal. Despite a rigorous winter physical training regime, the side had failed to sparkle in the League. Hard fought wins over Carrigaline and Aghabullogue were countered by disappointing performances against Newmarket, Ballinora and Clyda Rovers.

Yet, it was a youthful St. Michael’s who drew first blood in rain driven Cloughduv last evening. John Browne, picked at centre forward, bursting through to take a fine point. Glenville, as expected, then took control and their strong running and excellent movement of the ball saw them lead by 2 points to 1 after the first quarter. With Brian Lombard and Wayne Sherlock dominating the half back line, Michael’s slowly got back into the game and scores from Shane O’ Sullivan, Will Kennedy and Ken O’ Connell saw them lead by 4 points to 2 with just minutes remaining in the first half. Back came Glenville and they scored 2 points in quick succession to leave the score at 4 points apiece at the break. It was end-to-end stuff but there was still hope for the Blackrock boys.

The second half was as exciting a game as the large crowd could have hoped for. The rain subsided and both sides served up a fabulous 30 minutes of football. Glenville, through their excellent backs, and lightning quick forwards dominated the first 10 minutes and led by 6 points to 4. St. Michael’s seemed shell shocked but kept working hard. Credit where it’s due, hard calls had to be made on the line and the introduction of Cork Minor Eoghan Buckley proved to be a masterstroke. Buckley, fresh from scoring 5 points the previous night against Limerick, was a constant threat – always showing for the ball and finishing the game with 2 points. More importantly, however, the other forwards were boosted by his presence and Mark Drummond and Jack Lenihan were obviously flying as a result.

Buckley pointed with his first touch and suddenly Glenville, one of the strong favourites to win this championship, were rocked back on their heels. Shane O’ Sullivan, the stmichaelsgaa.com Man of the Match, had his marker well beaten and when Mark Drummond was fouled in the small square, the ball was poked home in the melee that ensued by Mark Russell. Importantly, the referee played a crucial advantage after the foul.

Unbelievably, Michael’s led by 3 points following a punched Lenihan effort with only minutes remaining. It was backs to the wall time. Could they hold out??

Glenville came at the Michael’s defence in waves. Sherlock was immense, ‘Super’ Chris Murphy almost matching him. Captain Mark Russell rallied the troops and Eoin O’ Brien, Brian Ahern and Lombard were never going to back down. Buckley replied to a Glenville score by rounding the keeper and blazing over. Roy Downey was having one of his finest games in a green and gold jersey and Will Kennedy was fulfilling all the promise he had been showing since his arrival in 2006. Yet, with a minute remaining, disaster struck. Glenville finally broke through and a wicked deflection saw the ball trickle past goalkeeper Alan Deasy.

Now it was the turn of the Glenville crowd to be heard. Had they gotten out of jail? Could they even win it now? A draw to St. Michael’s at this stage was as bad as a defeat. Yet Gary McPolin, Ray Delaney, Seán O’ Keefe, Alan Delaney and Noel Creedon have instilled a great belief in these players. From the kick-out, Downey won it in the air; Kennedy moved it forward to Browne; Buckley was free inside but instead it was the onrushing Drummond who settled the matter in dramatic fashion.

A.Deasy

C. Murphy B. Ahern E. O’ Brien

Of the team that finished, the average age of this side is 23. Surely, there is still a lot more to come from this talented side.

To St. Michaels' Eoghan Buckley who scored 5 points from play at corner forward for Cork Minors on Wednesday evening.

Hopes of advancing further in the Feile competition for 2008 were dashed on Sunday evening as Douglas advanced at the expense of a valiant St. Michael s side

Douglas asserted themselves early in the game and indeed half way through the first half they were three goals and three points to one point ahead. This was a time that a lesser team would have folded. But Michael s got right back into it and showed Douglas that they would not have it all their own way.

Once again, Paul Lawlor in the Number 11 shirt was highly impressive and scored a crucial goal to keep St. Michael s in it by fisting the ball to the net. Lawlor was back on the score-sheet moments later with a point. At this stage it was definitely a case of game on, with St. Michael s back in the hunt.

Michaels kept trying and they were rewarded when Joe Logue scored a point. More significantly, the Blackrock boys struck with a craftily executed goal. Michaels were awarded a free, which was taken quickly and gratefully received on the edge of the square by Logue who tucked it away.

Shortly afterwards Stephen Murphy rattled the back of the net and now the scoreline was something to get the Blackrock faithful shouting on their team. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for Michael s. Douglas organised and driven hard from the sideline - proved as formidable as their advance billing and finished the game with another two goals.

Michaels net-minder, Ken Hurley, was not to be faulted and did well to prevent two definite goal chances for Douglas at the end.

The Under-14 St. Michaels team got off to a dazzling start in the Feile competition with a commanding performance on a rainy night on the new pitch at St. Michael s Park.

As the clocks sprang forward to give the extra hour of daylight, so too the St. Michael s team had a spring in their step particularly for the second half of this encounter when they held Nemo scoreless and racked up an impressive list of scores themselves. In fairness to the visitors, they were the ones who started the brighter. St. Michael s had some impressive passive movements and opened their account with a point from Peter O Brien.

However, Nemo’s Colin Horgan rocked the home team with a cracking goal after ten minutes which saw them believing that they might have their way over a club that has been so dominant in this competition. O’ Brien got two more points to even the score but once again Nemo pulled ahead with a point.

Key player for Michael s on the night was Paul Lawlor in the Number 11 shirt. He thundered a shot off the Nemo cross bar but that was only an indication of the kind of threat he was to have in the rest of the game. Stephen Murphy was turning up all over the field when it counted and holding off Nemo who were growing in confidence. Nemo keeper, Micheal Martin, showed real class to dive across his line to stop Michael s getting their first goal. Lawlor scored a point before the half time whistle to put the home team in front by the narrowest margin.

Unfortunately for the visitors it was one-way traffic in the second half as Joe Logue opened with a point. Eoin O’ Connell looked like he had scored a point too but the ball dropped just under the cross bar, starting the celebrations for St. Michaels who looked far more comfortable at 1-6 to 1-1. Lawlor scored the second goal, Cathal Cormac pointed, Lawlor pointed and then it ended as a contest when Joe Dowling scored Michael s third goal. Lawlor side-footed another goal as the visitors were put under pressure. Sub, Dale O Neill scored a goal, followed by one from Joe Logue, another from Peter O Brien and finally one from John Cotter who came on as a sub.

In fairness to Nemo, the last rally of scores came as the game had really come to an end as a contest. For Michael s it was an encouraging start. Coaches and mentors will have made sure that the lads kept their feet on the ground after their impressive performance and reminded the players that this is just the beginning.

To St. Michaels' Brian Lombard on his fine performance at centre-back for the Cork U21s v Kerry last Saturday.

The week beginning Monday 7th April is looming in what could be a crucial series of games in deciding the success of St. Michaels.

That week also sees the Intermediate team's 1st championship outing against Glenville - followed by the Junior A championship v Bishopstown the following morning.

The St. Michael's Minors face rivals Glanmire in their 1st round tie while the Junior A & C teams play Bishopstown & Fr. O' Callaghans respectively in championship the same week. For a full list of fixtures see below.

The U12 County Championship & League Winners 2007 and their selectors receiving their medals from Cork captain Eoghan Buckley and Youth Affairs Chairman Pat Giltanen.

Winning young footballers from St. Michael s Gaelic Football Club were told at a special medals presentation that they made the future of the club look bright.

St. Michael’s 0 – 13 Carrigaline 1 - 5

U14 CITY CHAMPIONSHIP

St. Michael’s prevail against the Blues

St. Michael’s 0-13 Glanmire 0-06

A.Deasy

C. Murphy B. Ahern E. O’ Brien