ACHL Division 3 Round 1: Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-10 St Fintan's Mountrath 0-6 Saturday 30/3/13 @ Slieve Bloom

The Junior A Hurling team beat Mountrath convincingly in the first round tie played in Slieve Bloom recently. 

The scorers on the day were;

Ryan Mullaney 1-4 (0-3f), Gavin Conroy 1-3 (0-2f), James Tobin 0-3, Barry McKelvey 1-1. 

Adrian Dollard was sent off harshly on a straight red card mid way through the 2nd half.*

Team: JP Bennett, Tom Delaney, Robbie Delaney, Shane Farrell, John Lowry, Tadgh Drea, Martin Reddin, Evan Cuddy, Ryan Mullaney, James Tobin, Padraig Cuddy, Adrian Dollard, Gavin Conroy, Barry McKelvey, Kevin Carroll

Subs: Mick Butler for Evan Cuddy (15 mins inj), Evan Cuddy for Mick Butler (h/t), 

Meanwhile The Harps conceded a walkover in the first round Junior B league clash last Sunday morning.

Ref: Kieran Bowe (Rathdowney)

*Adrian Dollard's suspension was later quashed on appeal as it was found that the referee had made a mistake and he had no case to answer. 

ACHL Division 1 Round 1: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-10 Rathdowney Errill 1-6 Monday 1/4/13 @ Slieve Bloom

Castletown Slieve Bloom defeated the reigning county champions Rathdowney/Errill in the first round of the ACHL Division 1 on Monday last in Slieve Bloom on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-6.

Backed by a strong wind the homeside went in at half time leading 2-6 to 0-1. David Cuddy and Gavin Conroy scored the goals while John Gaughan was unerring from frees. 

Youngsters Evan Cuddy & Ryan Mullaney made their Senior debuts and both performed excellently.

Team: JP Bennett, Paddy Mullaney, Gearoid Gaughan, Tom Phelan, Ryan Mullaney, Kevin Conroy, Declan Keenan, Fionán Cuddy, John Gaughan (0-6), James Hooban (0-1), David Cuddy (1-1), Evan Cuddy, Barry McKelvey, Ben Conroy (0-2), Gavin Conroy (1-0) 

Subs: Enda Conroy for Phelan ( 10 mins inj), John Lowry for Kevin Conroy (H/T inj). 

Ref: Brochan O' Reilly (Portlaoise)

ACHL Division 1 Round 2: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-6 Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton 0-11 Wed 17/4/13 @ 

Slieve Bloom

In the second round of the ACHL Division 1 our senior team were beaten by Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton in a game played in extreme winds at Slieve Bloom. The home side began well and Ben Conroy opened the scoring with a

point from play. Further first half scores from John Gaughan, David Cuddy and Conroy left the half time score 

0-5 to 0-4 in favour of Castletown/Slieve Bloom. 

Borris/Kilcotton began the second half brightly and built up a lead they would not relinquish despite strong 

pressure. 

The final score was 0-11 to 0-6.

Team: JP Bennett, Paddy Mullaney, Gearoid Gaughan, Enda Conroy, John Lowry, Kevin Conroy, Declan Keenan, Fionán Cuddy, John Gaughan (0-3), James Hooban, David Cuddy (0-1), Loughlin Hegarty, Barry McKelvey, Ben Conroy (0-2), Seamus Lyons. 

Subs: Tom Phelan for Lowry (inj), Tadgh Dooley for McKelvey

Ref: Brochan O' Reilly (Portlaoise)

ACHL Division 3 Round 2: Kyle 0-10 Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-15 Wednesday 23/4/13 @ Kyle

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior A hurlers continued their good form with a victory away to Kyle. The visitors were always in control and lead 1-7 to 0-4 at half time. The win was cemented in a good second half with a wide 

spread of scorers. 

Next up are Rathdowney Errill at home next Thursday night. 

Team: John Lowry, Fergal Burke, Eoin Dooley, Shane Farrell, Martin Reddin, Robbie Delaney, Tom Delaney, 

Ryan Mullaney (0-2f), Gavin Daly, Padraig Cuddy (0-2), Evan Cuddy (0-2), Kevin Carroll, James Tobin (0-6, 0-5f)

Barry McKelvey (1-0), Martin Delaney (0-1) 

Subs: Tadgh Dooley (0-1) for Barry McKelvey, Mick Butler for Kevin Carroll, JP Campion (1-1) for Padraig Cuddy

Ref: Eoin Scully (Camross)

ACHL Division 4 Round 3: Abbeyleix 2-7 Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-6 Wednesday 24/4/13 @ Abbeyleix

Having received a walkover from The Harps in Round 1 and given a walkover to Camross in Round 2, 

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior Bs finally got their year underway away to Abbeyleix on Wednesday 

24th April. 

Boasting an unexpectedly large panel the visitors kept in touch throughout but just couldn't gain parity 

with Abbeyleix and ended up losing 2-7 to 1-6. 

Team: John Lyons, Fergal Burke, Paul Heffernan, Martin Mulhall, Shane Farrell, John Palmer (0-1f), 

Gearoid Lowry, Jack Peters, Mick Butler, Patrick O' Rourke, JP Campion (0-2f), Dessie O' Sullivan (0-1),

Ben Cuddy (1-0), Paul Harding (0-2), Daniel Brophy 

Subs: Mark Brophy, Eoin Burke, Patrick Kirwan, Brian Dollard Unused Subs: Gavin Thompson

Ref: Tom Dunne (Clonad)

ACHL Division 3 Round 4: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-9 Portlaoise 2-8 Sunday 12/5/13 @ Castletown

Our Junior A Hurling team were defeated for the first time this year by Portlaoise on Sunday afternoon last. 

Short a number of regulars for various reasons Castletown Slieve Bloom played with the aid of a strong wind in 

the first half and had a slender 0-8 to 0-5 interval lead. 

Portlaoise settled quicker and led 0-2 to no score early on. The scoring was opened by Martin Delaney and 

followed by points from James Tobin (free) and Padraig Cuddy. The same three players added another score 

each and points late in the first half from a Tobin free and Gavin Conroy with a point from play finished the first 

half scoring and left the score 0-8 to 0-5 at the break.

Playing into a strong wind scores were always going to be hard to come by. As it turned out a solitary score from substitute Paul Harding was all that was registered. Good defending saw the home side clinging to a one point

lead late on but two goals in quick succession saw Portlaoise edge the tie. 

Next up are Clough/Ballacolla on Sunday 25th May at home. We are still well in contention for a semi final spot. 

The ACHL Division 3 table can be viewed here. The top team goes straight into the league final, with teams 2

and 3 playing in a single semi final. 

Team: J.P. Bennett, Fergal Burke, Adrian Dollard, Shane Farrell, Tom Delaney, Robbie Delaney, Martin Reddin, Tadgh Drea, Gavin Daly, Padraig Cuddy (0-2), Martin Delaney (0-2), Kevin Carroll, James Tobin (0-3, 3f), Gavin Conroy (0-1), Mick Butler

Subs: J.P. Campion and Paul Harding for James Tobin and Gavin Conroy, Darragh Delaney for Tadgh Drea

Ref: Anthony Costigan (Rathdowney/Errill)

ACHL Division 1 Round 4: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-16 Clough/Ballacolla 1-15 Wednesday 22/5/13 

@ Castletown

Second Half comeback seals win for Clough Ballacolla

ACHL Division 3 Round 5: Castletown Slieve Bloom 5-14 Clough Ballacolla 1-11 Thursday 30/5/13 @ Slieve Bloom

In a high scoring and free flowing encounter Castletown Slieve Bloom beat top of the table Clough/Ballacolla in response to the setback against Portlaoise. 

It was a great team performance and a good spread of scorers with 8 players getting on the score-sheet.

This team is still well in contention for a place in the knockout rounds. 

Mountmellick are next up, at home, on Friday June 7th. 

The ACHL Division 3 table can be checked here.

Castletown Scorers: Paul Harding 2-3, Adrian Dollard & Martin Delaney 1-1 each, James Tobin & Padraig Cuddy 0-3 each, Gavin Conroy 1-0, Evan Cuddy 0-2, Shane Farrell 0-1

Ref: Kieran Bowe (Rathdowney)

ACHL Division 4 Round 8: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-13 Clonad 1-11 Tuesday 4/6/13 @ Clonad

The Junior B team continued their good form on Tuesday evening with a good win over Clonad. Despite being short a few they were always in control. A good spread of scorers saw Ben Cuddy, Brian Carroll, J.P. Campion, Paul Croke, Gavin Daly and Tadgh Drea put over points while Paul Harding crashed a ball to net. The half score was 1-6 to 0-7 in favour of the visitors. In truth, only bad shooting kept Clonad in touch at all.  

The scoring was not opened for a long period in the second half, but points eventually came from Paul Croke (2), Brian Carroll (2), J.P. Campion and Shane Farrell. A late goal from Ben Cuddy wrapped the game up and Paul Harding was the last Castletown Slieve Bloom man to score. 

Clonad goaled late on, but the win was never in danger. 

Amazingly all Castletown Slieve Bloom scores came from play!

This team is almost certain to take a place in the knockout rounds. Portlaoise are next up in Castletown on

Saturday 15th June. 

The ACHL Division 4 table can be checked here.

Team: John Lyons, Patrick Kirwan, Paul Heffernan, Paul O' Gorman, Fergal Burke, John Palmer, Gearoid Lowry, Shane Farrell (0-1), Gavin Daly (0-1), Paul Harding (1-1), Tadgh Drea (0-1), Paul Croke (0-3), Brian Carroll (0-3),

J.P. Campion (0-2), Ben Cuddy (1-1)

Subs: Patrick O' Rourke, Stephen Phelan, James Delaney, Gary Ryan

Ref: Michael Ward (Borris in Ossory)

ACHL Division 1 Round 5: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-15 Ballinakill 1-16 Saturday 8/6/13 @ Castletown

The Senior team bounced back from the disappointing performance against Clough/Ballacolla to beat Ballinakill

on Saturday evening last. Conditions were excellent for hurling and Castletown made good start to the game with early points from Seamus Lyons, David Cuddy and John Gaughan. 

Ballinakill kept in touch and further points from Gaughan, Lyons and James Hooban left Castletown Slieve Bloom ahead 0-9 to 0-6 at half time.

We started well in the second half and a James Hooban goal brought breathing space. Hooban followed this with

an excellent score from play from out on the sideline, before getting on the end of a long delivery, shaking off his man and burying his second goal. 

Ballinakill had a goal of their own and and brought the game back to 3 points on a couple of occasions but points from David Cuddy and Barry McKelvey helped ease the pressure. A Ballinakill man was sent off for an early pull

on Gearoid Gaughan under a dropping ball late in the game. 

There was some controversy afterwards when Ballinakill pointed a 65m free with the last puck of the game and

the referee indicated that the game had ended a draw match. Everybody else had Castletown 2 points up!

Eventually, having consulted his umpires, the referee acknowledged a mistake had been made. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom remain in the reckoning for a semi final place. The ACHL Division 1 table can be viewed here. Next up are The Harps at home on Thursday 20th June. 

Team: Ger Cuddy, Patrick Mullaney, Gearoid Gaugan, Tom Phelan, Kevin Conroy, Ryan Mullaney, Declan 

Keenan, Enda Conroy, John Gaughan (0-6, 3f), Loughlin Hegarty, David Cuddy (0-2), Tadgh Dooley, Evan 

Cuddy, James Hooban (2-2), Seamus Lyons (0-4, 3f)

Subs: James Tobin for Dooley (35 mins), Barry McKelvey for Hegarty (38 mins), Gavin Conroy for Lyons 

(45 mins), Shane Farrell for Evan Cuddy (48 mins), Paul Cuddy for Enda Conroy (55 mins)

Ref: Mick Cleere (Errill)

From Laois Nationalist

Jackman earns a share in controversial finish

by Pat Delaney

Last year's finalists Ballinakill and Castletown Slieve Bloom were involved in controversy in the corresponding 

fixture last year and in the end Ballinakill received a walkover that gave them a place in the knock out stages. 

On Saturday evening last in glorious conditions the sides locked horns at Danganroe and produced a thrilling encounter that officially ended all square, although the hosts are adamant that they won by two points. 

Last time out Ballinakill were involved in a thrilling draw with near neighbours The Harps, and they were denied 

a late point and had to settle for a share of the spoils. With only one victory to their name every point is valuable

at both ends of the table. 

In a quiet opening half the home team led by nine points to six. John Gaughan and Eamon Jackman the chief scorers at either end and no indication of what was to follow in the second half. 

The home team lost a close battle with the champions last time out and turned over defending the pavillion end in the second half with the aid of a slight breeze. They extended their advantage with points by Seamus Lyons and David Cuddy. 

Ballinakill were showing signs of improvement and clawed back points through Eamon Jackman and Seamus 

Dwyer, who was enjoying his best form in the competition. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom hit back and in a purple patch their long serving goal getter James Hooban struck for 

two superb goals that seemed to have put the game beyond the visitors.

It was to get worse for last year's finalists when Damien Carter was sent off on a second yellow card but within minutes Eddie O' Dwyer got on the end of a great move and finished to the net with ten minutes remaining. 

On a balmy evening playing with 14 men was testing but it only seemed to drive on the visitors. With their 

defence shutting up shop Ballinakill slowly dismantled the deficit with a string of points by Seamus Dwyer and Eamon Jackman. Then, with the minimum seperating the teams, Ballinakill forced a late '65' and the deadly 

accurate Jackman posted his tenth point to earn a share of the spoils although the hosts were demanding a recount. 

DESPITE AN APPEAL, THIS GAME WAS OFFICIALLY RECORDED AS A DRAW. 

ACHL Division 3 Round 6: Castletown Slieve Bloom 4-8 Mountmellick 4-6 Wednesday 12/6/13 @ Slieve Bloom

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior As virtually are guaranteed a semi final spot having defeated Mountmellick at 

Slieve Bloom this evening in a game with a nervy finish. Despite a good start, and a big lead at half time, the 

home side ended up lucky to come away with the win. 

A flying first half with Paul Harding banging in four goals spread evenly across the half, along with points from 

play from Adrian Dollard, Tadgh Drea, and pointed frees from Harding and Robbie Delaney left the half time 

score at 4-4 to 0-3. 

A combination of Mountmellick improving and Castletown Slieve Bloom disappearing after the changeover led to

a gradual whittling away of the lead. A converted 21m free, a penalty and two goals from play brought 

Mountmellick back into the game. For a long time a long range free from Adrian Dollard was the only score registered. Mountmellick eventually levelled the game up to complete a huge turn around. 

Padraig Cuddy caught a long delivery and fired over to push the home side back in front and a pointed free from Paul Harding late in the game made sure of the win. 

Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton are next up on Sunday morning at 12pm and a win here will guarantee top spot and a place in the final. Anything less and a semi final place is on the cards. 

The ACHL Division 3 table can be viewed here. The top team goes straight into the league final, with teams 2 

and 3 playing in a single semi final. 

Team: J.P. Bennett, Gavin Daly, Shane Farrell, Gearoid Lowry, Tom Delaney, Robbie Delaney (0-1f), Fergal 

Burke, John Lowry, Adrian Dollard (0-2, 0-1f), Martin Delaney, Padraig Cuddy (0-1), Tadgh Drea (0-1), Gavin 

Conroy, Paul Harding (4-3, 0-3f), James Tobin

Subs: Martin Reddin for Burke (40 mins), J.P. Campion for Martin Delaney (45 mins)

Ref: Conleth Dunne (Clonaslee)

ACHL Division 4 Round 9: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-11 Portlaoise 1-7 Saturday 15/6/13 @ Castletown

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior Bs made sure a place in the knock out stages with a well earned win over 

Portlaoise in a game played in very windy conditions. 

The home side had wind advantage in the first half and made it count. Paul Harding opened well and posted 

1-1 in the early stages. Points from John Palmer (free), Paul Croke and a '65' from John Paul Campion that 

went all the way to the net widened the gap. Harding continued to add to his recent tally and was joined on the scoresheet by Ben Cuddy. John Palmer added two more frees from distance. At half time Castletown Slieve 

Bloom led 2-11 to no score!

Portlaoise, turned over with the wind and began whittling the lead away. Unfortunately for them time ran out and resolute defending maintained a comfortable lead throughout, despite Castletown Slieve Bloom registering no 

score in the second half. Paul Harding came closest with a couple of frees into the wind. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom now advance to a semi final with Clough/Ballacolla at Borris in Ossory on Thursday 27th June. 

The ACHL Division 3 table can be viewed here. Camross await the winners in the final. 

Team: John Lyons, Patrick Kirwan, Paul Heffernan, Paul O' Gorman, Fergal Burke, John Palmer (0-3 frees), 

Gearoid Lowry, Gavin Daly, Jack Peters, Paul Croke (0-1), J.P Campion (1-1, 1-0 '65'), Tadgh Drea, James 

Delaney, Paul Harding (1-5, 0-1 free), Ben Cuddy (0-1)

Subs: Gary Ryan for James Delaney (45 mins)

Ref: Eoin Scully (Camross)

ACHL Division 3 Round 7: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-14 Borris/Kilcotton 1-7 Sunday 16/6/13 @ Slieve Bloom

On Sunday morning last Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior As booked their place in the league final with what 

turned out to be a comfortable victory over Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton. It didn't look like this early on, however as Borris/Kilcotton goaled early and looked like being a handful. The homeside recovered, however, and goals from Paul Harding a sweet strike from Tadgh Dooley saw them lead 2-5 to 1-3 at the break. First half points came courtesy of James Tobin, Padraig Cuddy and Harding. 

It as all Castletown Slieve Bloom on the changeover, and points from Harding, Tobin, John Paul Campion, 

Dooley, Kevin Carroll and a late strike from corner back Gearoid Lowry ensured the victory.  

The ACHL Division 3 table can be viewed here. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom await the winners of Clough/Ballacolla and Rathdowney/Errill in the final fixed for 

Saturday 6th July. This is our third final in a row at this grade, beating Portlaoise two years ago and losing to the same opposition last year. 

Team: John Paul Bennett, Tadgh Drea, Robbie Delaney, Gearoid Lowry (0-1), Tom Delaney, John Lowry, Martin Reddin, Adrian Dollard, Martin Delaney, Barry McKelvey (0-1), Padraig Cuddy (0-1), Kevin Carroll (0-1), James

Tobin (0-2), Paul Harding (1-3, 0-3frees), Tadgh Dooley (1-3)

Subs: John Paul Campion (0-2, 0-1free) for Carroll (half time), Fergal Burke for Tadgh Drea (45 mins), Tadgh 

Drea for Paul Harding (52 mins), Kevin Carroll for James Tobin (56 mins)

Ref: John Lalor (Shanahoe)

ACHL Division 1 Round 6: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-15 The Harps 0-16 Thursday 20/6/13 @ Durrow

Castletown Slieve Bloom Senior team bounced back from the disappointment of "drawing" with Ballinakill to 

beat The Harps in Durrow on Thursday evening. Both sides had players back from inter county duty, and it was 

The Harps who settled quickest racing into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead early on. Castletown Slieve Bloom eventually 

caught the pace of the game and points from Seamus Lyons and John Gaughan (free) brought them back into

the game. Further scores from James Hooban, Gaughan from a free and Declan Keenan from play kept the

visitors in touch. Two points from play from Ben Conroy and another Gaughan free levelled the game

approaching half time. The Harps did hit back late on to lead 0-8 to 0-7 at the break.

Seamus Lyons flicked on a high ball early in the second half and was unlucky to see it fly over rather than under

the crossbar. With the game level again, it was The Harps who pushed on and held a two point lead for most of

the game. Castletown Slieve Bloom squandered a few goal chances and had wides from play and frees but were never out of touch. 

The Harps had a man sent off with ten minutes remaining and although initially slow to take advantage the

visitors eventually pushed on. A line ball from Ben Conroy was forced over the line to put Castletown Slieve

Bloom ahead for the fist time, 1-10 to 0-12. This was soon followed by a John Gaughan goal from a 21 metre

free after Seamus Lyons was upended enroute to goal. The Harps hit back from play but further scores from

Ben Conroy from play and Gaughan from frees and 65s saw Castletown run out deserving winners. 

The remaining game in the league section is away to Portlaoise. This is fixed for Thursday 4th July, but it may

yet be brought forward to Saturday 29th June. The winner here will be guaranteed a semi final spot. 

The ACHL Division 1 table can be viewed here. 

Ben leaves The Harps looking for snookers

    Ben Conroy was highly influential in the outcome of this game as he played a pivotal role for a Castletown 

Slieve Bloom side who netted twice in the final five minutes. This defeat leaves The Harps' Division 1 status 

hanging by a thread while their opponents have put themselves right in the hunt for a semi final position with one round of fixtures remaining. 

    The Harps were four in front by the tenth minute of this game courtesy of a brace each from Michael Lanigan 

and Brian Dunne before wing forward John Gaughan landed a free for Castletown to open their account. 

The sides then traded points before Conroy got into his stride and struck three consecutive points from varying angles and distances to level the game for the first time as we entered the closing stages of the first half. The 

Harps were much the better side in the opening half and they led by 0-8 to 0-7 at the break as Seán Bourke 

split the posts from half way. 

    Seamus Lyons levelled the game with a clever point on the resumption but The Harps dominated the opening third of the second half as points from Lanigan (2), Bourke, and John Brophy put them four ahead. John 

Gaughan fought back with a brace of frees for Castletown before a moment of madness from The Harps' full 

back changed the complexion of the game. 

    In an off the ball incident involving first half substitute Barry McKelvey, The Harps' Fintan Deegan was 

adjudged by referee John Lalor, after consulting his umpires, to have struck his opponent with the hurl and he

was shown a straight red card. Nevertheless, Castletown struggled to make their one man advantage count as 

the teams traded points with Brian Dunne and Brophy scores responded to by a Gaughan double which left The Harps two clear with five minutes remaining. 

    However, there was an air of good fortune as Conroy inadvertently gave Castletown the lead for the first time.

His sideline cut came back off the post before deflecting off Richie Saunders and rolling into the net. Moments 

later Conroy's rampage on goal was illegally halted just outside the penalty area but Gaughan drove the 

resulting free to the roof of the net to put the away outfit four ahead. 

    Brophy threatened to scupper the Castletown Slieve Bloom victory with two points but Conroy and Gaughan responded in kind to ensure that their team emerged victorious with five points to spare. 

    Castletown must beat Portlaoise in the final round to gain a semi final place while The Harps must beat Rathdowney/Errill and hope that both Camross and Ballinakill suffer defeats if they are to have any chance of staying up. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Paddy Mullaney, Gearoid Gaughan, Tom Phelan, Enda Conroy, Paul Cuddy, Declan Keenan (0-1), Kevin Conroy, Loughlin Hegarty, Ben Conroy (1-4), David Cuddy, John Gaughan 

(1-7 frees), James Hooban (0-1), Seamus Lyons (0-2), Tadgh Dooley

Subs: Barry McKelvey for David Cuddy (20 mins inj), James Tobin for Loughlin Hegarty (45 mins), Shane Farrell

for Enda Conroy (55 mins)

The Harps: Kevin Galvin, Barry Dunne, Fintan Deegan, Richie Saunders, John Dunne, Packie Flynn, Conor 

Dunne, Brian Dunne (0-3), Brian Galvin (0-1), Shane Donoghue, Pat Walsh, Eoin Clancy, Michael Lanigan (0-6,

0-5f), John Brophy (0-4), Seán Bourke (0-2)

Subs: Ross Young for Clancy

Ref: John Lalor (Shanahoe)

ACHL Division 4 Semi Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-10 Clough/Ballacolla 2-6 Thursday 27/6/13 @ Borris 

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior Bs qualified for the League Final with a deserved victory over Clough Ballacolla

at Borris on Thursday night. The eventual winners took time to settle and it was Clough Ballacolla that held an 

early lead. Two points from play from Paul Harding, followed by a goal from a 21 by the same player put 

Castletown Slieve Bloom in control. A goal from Brendan Cuddy midway through the half put us well in control. 

Willie Quigley struck a fine goal from distance for Clough Ballacolla to keep them in the game. The score at 

half time was Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-6 Clough Ballacolla 1-3. 

A long range free from John Palmer went all the way to the net and points from Harding, Paul Croke and Brian Carroll made sure of the win despite Clough/Ballacolla pulling a goal back late on. 

The final (v Camross) is fixed for Wednesday 10th July. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, Patrick Kirwan, Paul Heffernan, Paul O' Gorman, Gearoid Lowry, John Palmer (1-0f), Martin Reddin, Gavin Daly, Tadgh Drea (0-2), Paul Croke (0-1), Jack Peters, J.P. Campion, Ben Cuddy (1-0), Paul Harding (1-6, 1-4f), Brian Carroll (0-1)

Subs: Des O' Sullivan for Peters (45 mins)

Ref: Michael Ward (Borris in Ossory)

ACHL Division 1 Round 7: Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-18 Portlaoise 1-15 Saturday 29/6/13 @ Rathleague 

Castletown Slieve Bloom Seniors travelled to Rathleague on Saturday evening last knowing that whoever won 

this final round league game would be guaranteed a semi final spot. 

Having won the toss the visitors elected to play with the wind but found scores hard to come by early on. After 

ten minutes the score was 0-2 each, with Kevin Conroy opening from play, the first of three points he would score. After 15 mins an indirect free from John Gaughan was added to by David Cuddy and this put Castletown into the lead 1-2 to 0-3, a lead they wouldn't surrender. Points were added by Loughlin Hegarty, Seamus Lyons, James Hooban, Paul Cuddy and Enda Conroy from distance, all from play. Hegarty closed the half with a point from an acute angle.

Portlaoise had stayed in touch, mainly from frees, and the half time score stood at 1-10 to 0-7 to the visitors. The home side turned around with a strong breeze behind them and began chipping at the lead, before a series of defensive errors led to a goal and brought the gap back to two points. Castletown Slieve Bloom kicked on 

however, and points from Conroy, David Cuddy, and Seamus Lyons from frees kept the visitors in front. 

A feature of the second half was the work rate displayed in the forward line, time and again forcing the Portlaoise back line into fouling ball and man. Lyons, as usual, punishing these mistakes. 

A solid team performance, with a spread of 9 scorers from play sees Castletown Slieve Bloom qualify for their 

first ACHL Division 1 Semi Final since winning the competition last in 2008. Thursday night's games will decide 

who they face. It is likely to be Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton or Rathdowney/Errill, although if they both lose it will be Portlaoise again.

This is the first year since the amalgamation arrangement that all 4 teams have reached the knockout stages of 

their leagues (Senior, Junior A, Junior B and Junior C Football). Both Junior teams have made it to the finals, hopefully the Seniors and footballers follow suit. See the fixtures section for more details. 

The semi final is fixed for Friday 12th July. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Paddy Mullaney, Gearoid Gaughan, Tom Phelan, Declan Keenan, Paul Cuddy (0-2), Enda Conroy (0-1), John Gaughan (0-1), Kevin Conroy (0-3), Loughlin Hegarty (0-2), David Cuddy

(1-1), James Hooban (0-1), Tadgh Dooley (0-1), Seamus Lyons (0-6, 0-5f), Barry McKelvey

Subs: Paul Harding for McKelvey (25 mins inj), Shane Farrell for Dooley (50 mins), Tadgh Drea for Tom Phelan 

(55 mins inj)

Ref: Pat Moran (Graiguecullen)

From Laois Nationalist

Castletown back to haunt Portlaoise again

by Pat Delaney

When Portlaoise finally ended the Castletown bid for six in a row nine years ago it looked as if they had gone 

away but a year later Castletown knocked out the champions in the semi final and Portlaoise have not tasted success since. 

    This year under Niall Rigney and Cyril Duggan Portlaoise have been a transformed team winning all bar one

 game but were held to a draw twice. They were flying last time out at home to Camross but the arrival of 

Castletown Slieve Bloom at Rathleague on Saturday was a reminder that last year's beaten quarter finalists 

have still not gone away. 

    Last week they welcomed one D.J. Carey to their training ground at Danganroe and he obviously taught them

a thing or two about scoring and how to stop forwards scoring. 

    Not that they needed too much help. They have been going well but did lose narrowly to the champions and

then controversially shared the points with Ballinakill. Last time out they beat The Harps to strengthen their claim

for a semi final place.

    On Saturday, the visitors led from start to finish and if the Lions lost early that morning for the want of a score getter then Castletown Slieve Bloom had their own Lyons in Seamus who kept them in front with some superb 

points from placed balls. 

    But it was the contribution of defender Paul Cuddy that was the real difference between two committed teams. The senior county selector was only making his second appearance but his reading of the game is as good as ever and he landed two massive points. 

    Their goal came from a free by John Gaughan midway through the half and gave them a half time advantage 

of 1-10 to 0-7. Portlaoise, minus their county contingent plus Diarmuid Lawlor and Joe Phelan, struggled and depended on Noel Costelloe from frees. 

    The second half saw an improvement in the home team with points by Keith Murphy along with Noel and Eoin Costelloe to close the gap but again Seamus Lyons kept the visitors in front. Points by David Cuddy and Loughlin Hegarty gave them a cushion entering the final quarter. 

    Cian Taylor threw the hosts a lifeline with a well taken goal followed by points from Eoin and Noel Costelloe 

but at no time did Portlaoise look like overtaking a team that could have a big say in the race for honours. With 

two teams already in league finals it would be a brave pundit that would bet against them reaching a third. 

    On Thursday Borris/Kilcotton face Ballinakill and victory would set up a mouth watering clash between the neighbours on either side of Derrin Cross.  

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Paddy Mullaney, Gearoid Gaughan, Tom Phelan, Declan Keenan, Paul Cuddy (0-2), Enda Conroy (0-1), John Gaughan (0-1), Kevin Conroy (0-3), Loughlin Hegarty (0-2), David Cuddy

(1-1), James Hooban (0-1), Tadgh Dooley (0-1), Seamus Lyons (0-6, 0-5f), Barry McKelvey

Subs: Paul Harding for McKelvey (25 mins inj), Shane Farrell for Dooley (50 mins), Tadgh Drea for Tom Phelan

(55 mins inj)

Portlaoise: Colm Clear, Brian Smith, Brian Mulligan, Robbie McGuinness, Dara Rigney, Derek Delaney, Eoin Browne, Darragh Duggan, Dermot Costelloe, Noel Costelloe (0-7), Keith Murphy (0-2), Eoin Costelloe (0-3), Cian Taylor (1-1), Barry Fitzgerald (0-2), Keith Whelan

Subs: Rock Scully for Duggan (43 mins), Pat Ryan for Whelan (47 mins)

Ref: Pat Moran (Graiguecullen)

ACHL Division 3 Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-17 Clough/Ballacolla 2-10 Friday 5/7/13 @ Shanahoe 

In the first of 3 (hopefully 4) All County League finals Castletown Slieve Bloom beat Clough/Ballacolla by the 

tightest of margins in Shanahoe last Friday evening. Clough/Ballacolla had beaten Rathdowney/Errill 4-11 to 

1-12 in the semi final a week earlier, while Castletown had gone straight to the final having topped the group.  

Paul Harding and Martin Delaney opened the scoring for the winners but then they were hit for 1-1 in quick succession to trail in the early stages. The goal coming from a penalty after JP Bennett was adjudged to have

fouled a forward while contesting a high ball. 

Some steady freetaking from Paul Harding and Adrian Dollard from long range kept Castletown Slieve Bloom in

the game and saw them take a deserved lead. Two 21m frees were won towards the end of the half and Harding went for goal from the second but it blazed over. At this stage the winners were looking comfortable and led 

0-10 to 1-2 approaching half time. 

The concession of a 21m free, however, saw Clough/Ballacolla goal and bring them right back into the game 

with a half time score of 0-10 to 2-2. This time Robert Delaney was the man penalised. 

Early second half points from Dollard, Harding and Gavin Conroy were all responded to by Clough/Ballacolla 

and the game was level on a  number of occasions. Gavin Conroy put Castletown/Slieve Bloom into the lead 

towards the end but substitute Mick Dunphy levelled from out near the sideline. Approaching injury time Conroy

got free of his man and popped over what turned out to be the winning score. 

Anthony Delaney, representing Laois County Board, presented the cup to Tom Delaney, winning captain. In his speech Tom thanked the management team of David, Mick and Joe along with all involved with the club, Clough/Ballacolla and Shanahoe for providing the venue. Tom stated that he was looking forward to the championship that opens on July 27th v Mountrath.

Hopefully this is the start of a great week for the club with Junior B and Junior C football finals to come, along

with a Senior semi final.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: J.P. Bennett, .Gavin Daly, Robert Delaney, Tadgh Drea, Tom Delaney, Adrian

Dollard (0-4f), John Lowry, Martin Delaney (0-1), Shane Farrell, Barry McKelvey (0-1), Padraig Cuddy, Tadgh 

Dooley, Gavin Conroy (0-4), Paul Harding (0-7,5f), James Tobin

Subs: Kevin Carroll for Tobin (45 mins)

Ref: John Lalor (Shanahoe)

From Laois Nationalist

CONROY’S LAST GASP WINNER NETS LEAGUE TITLE

by Conor Lennon

The lack of a consistent scoring threat for Clough-Ballacolla was the difference between the two teams in this Division 3 League Final, played in Shanahoe last Wednesday.

Ballacolla only managed one score from play in the first half, a decent point from out on the right wing by corner-forward Ciaran Finane after just a minute.

Gavin Conroy equalised a few seconds later however, the first of his four points from play for the evening. 

Ballacolla went straight for the jugular after that though, winning a penalty when full-forward Alan Flaherty was brought down in the square by the Castletown keeper. Shane Hyland made no mistake with the finish, firing the

ball into the back of the net.

Castletown midfielder Shane Farrell was looking impressive getting himself on the score sheet in the eighth 

minute to cut the deficit to two. A long-range free from Jimmy Doyle put a goal back between the teams.

That would be Ballacolla’s last score for 20 minutes though. At the other end of the field big full-forward Paul Harding was becoming increasingly influential, scoring a great point under pressure as well as converting three frees.

Harding’s scores, added to an additional three long-range frees from centre-back Adrian Dollard, opened up a 

four point lead for the Castletown/Slievebloom amalgamated side. However, when Ballacolla were awarded a 25 metre free during one of their rare forays into the opposition half, Hyland again stepped up and slotted into the 

net to leave only the bare minimum between the sides.

Harding got his second point from play on the stroke of half-time, leaving the score 2-2 to 0-10 in favour of Castletown-Slieve Bloom.

Ballacolla improved in the second half; Ciaran Hyland and the hugely impressive Jimmy Doyle becoming more influential. Gavin Conroy and Alan Flaherty traded points before diminutive substitute Davy Campion drifted over

 a great score with his first touch.

Harding contributed another placed ball, but Ballacolla number eight James Maher replied with a well worked

score on 40 minutes. Just a few seconds later the sides were level for the first time since the eighth minute, 

thanks to a hugely inspirational free by Jimmy Doyle from inside his own 65.

Barry McKelvey, moved to the edge of the square, chipped over a score to regain his sides lead, and the 

advantage was doubled two minutes later by a Dollard free.

Jimmy Doyle bagged his third of the night, and first from play, before the two No 13s, Hyland and Conroy, 

traded scores within seconds of each other to leave it a one point game with five minutes remaining.

A thrilling end to the match was set up as Doyle’s fourth point levelled matters. A Harding free pushed his side ahead again, but a brilliant score from substitute Mick Dunphy looked to have secured a draw for Clough-

Ballacolla.

There was time for one final play though, and when a Ballacolla attack broke down the ball was fired down the 

field to Conroy, who made no mistake securing the win and the league title for Castletown Slieve Bloom on a 

score of 2-10 to 17 points.

Clough-Ballacolla: Brian Flaherty, Eoin Meade, Mark Gorman, Damien Hogan, Brendan Doherty, Jim Doyle 

(0-4, 3f), Eoin Doyle, James Maher (0-1), John Keane, Luke Maher, Ciaran Hyland, Aiden Doyle, Shane Hyland

(2-1,1-0f), Alan Flaherty (0-1), Ciaran Finane (0-1).

Subs: Davy Campion (0-1) for Damien Hogan (37m), Mick Dunphy (0-1) for Aiden Doyle (57m).

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Paul Bennett, Gavin Daly, Robert Delaney, Tadhg Drea, John Lowry, Adrian Dollard (0-4, 4f), Tom Delaney, Shane Farrell, Martin Delaney (0-1), Barry McKelvey (0-1), Pauric Cuddy, Tadhg Dooley, Gavin Conroy (0-4), Paul Harding (0-7, 5f), James Tobin.

Minor Hurling League Round 1: St. Fintan's 1-12 Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-14 Monday 8/7/13 @ Shanahoe 

Our minor hurlers were in action for the first time this year in this refixed first round game v Shanahoe/Colt. Both teams included 3 members of the Laois panel beaten in the Leinster Final the previous day. Castletown Slieve Bloom lined out with Ryan Mullaney, Evan Cuddy & Conor Phelan, while Leigh Bergin, Jack Delaney and Darragh Cripps opposed them. 

In glorious sunshine the visitors opened well with scores from play from Dylan Conroy, Shane Phelan and Darragh Delaney. Conor Phelan added a point from a free from just outside the '65'. Glenn Tobin, playing minor for the first time, pointed from play and Dylan Conroy slotted over a pair frees. This left the score 0-7 to 0-0 and the ball had hardly travelled beyond half way. St Fintan's finally opened and posted a couple of points together. 

At the other end Glenn & James Tobin and Martin Phelan all pointed before a James Tobin goal from a 21m left the score 1-10 to 0-4 at half time. 

The second half was a much more even affair and St Fintan's got it back to 4 points with about 15 minutes remaining when shooting a good goal. 

Kieran Drea, who didn't start because of a knee injury, came on as a sub in the full forward line and hit two good goals from play. Second half points from James Tobin, Martin Phelan (2) and Dylan Conroy secured the win. 

Next up are Portlaoise at home next Monday evening. See fixtures/text for more.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Craig Finlay, Eoin Peters, Ryan Mullaney, Shane Cuddy, Shane Farrell, Evan Cuddy, Fergal Burke, Conor Phelan (0-1f), James Mullaney, Dylan Conroy (0-4, 0-2f), James Tobin (1-2, 1-0f). Darragh Delaney (0-1), Shane Phelan (0-1), Martin Phelan (0-3), Glenn Tobin (0-2)

Subs: Kieran Drea (2-0) for Shane Phelan (40 mins), William Delaney for Glenn Tobin (45 mins), Gearoid Kirwan for Shane Cuddy (45 mins), Niall Phelan for Dylan Conroy (50 mins), Conor Kavanagh for Eoin Peters (50 mins)

Ref: Kieran Bowe (Rathdowney)

ACHL Division 4 Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-12 Camross 2-9 Wednesday 10/7/13 @ Borris in Ossory 

Having looked very unlikely to field a team only months earlier Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior Bs were crowned League Champions in a thrilling game played at Borris in Ossory on Wednesday night. In the second round of this league we travelled to Camross but could only gather nine players and had to give a walkover. A series of wins since then has led to the second trophy this week being secured. 

It was Camross who started sharper and they led 0-3 to 0-0 in the early stages. Two frees from Paul Harding either side of a John Paul Campion point from play levelled the scores before Fergal Burke was fouled in front of goal and Paul Harding drove the penalty to the net. This was the first time Castletown Slieve Bloom led. Further points from Harding frees and a John Palmer '65' stretched the lead before Fergal Burke closed the first half scoring with a fine effort from play to leave it 1-6 to 0-5 at half time. 

Camross scored first from a free in the second half but a Harding free kept four in it. Then came a soft Camross goal five minutes in and it was back to a one point lead. Tadgh Drea settled the winners with an excellent strike from play after good work from the defence. Camross, however wouldn't go away and two points in a row levelled the game again with 20 minutes to play. Two scores from Harding, one from play and one from a free regained the lead but then a Camross goal with 12 minutes left put them back in the lead. Again, a Harding free brought it back to all square with 10 minutes to play. 

Paul Croke made a good run and although fouled as he was striking the referee played on and when the ball landed in front of goal J.P. Campion got a vital touch to the net leaving the score 2-11 to 2-8. With 56 minutes played Des O' Sullivan made a clever run and John Palmer placed a '65' for him to pop over what looked like the insurance point. Camross did bring it back to 3 points with a point from play, but despite some late pressure Castletown Slieve Bloom held on for a deserved win. 

Afterwards Peter O' Neill, Vice Chairman of the County Board presented the cup to Jack Peters, captain of the Castletown Slieve Bloom team.

The Junior Bs play their championship first round on Tuesday 23rd July V Ballyfin. This competition is knockout and that game is a quarter final. See fixtures for more.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, Patrick Kirwan, Paul Heffernan, Paul O' Gorman, Gearoid Lowry, John Palmer (0-1 '65), Martin Reddin, Tadgh Drea (0-1), Gavin Daly, Paul Croke, J.P. Campion (1-1), Jack Peters, Brian Carroll, Paul Harding (1-7, 1-5f), Fergal Burke (0-1)

Subs: Des O' Sullivan (0-1) for Brian Carroll (20 mins inj), Darragh Delaney for Jack Peters (50 mins)

Ref: Michael Ward (Borris in Ossory)

ACHL Division 1 Semi Final: Borris/Kilcotton 1-20 Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-18 (AET) Thursday 11/7/13 @ Rathdowney 

Castletown Slieve Bloom were defeated by 5 points in a semi final that went to extra time at Rathdowney tonight. The losers opened well and led 0-3 to 0-1 with points from Loughlin Hegarty, James Hooban and Ben Conroy. Borris/Kilcotton replied with a pointed free. Hegarty and Hooban again pointed before David Cuddy intercepted a clearance and slotted between the posts to take a 0-6 to 0-3 lead. 

The eventual winners took control for the next 10 minutes or so and scored four without reply, three from play. Hooban levelled after 23 minutes before a pointed free gave Borris/Kilcotton a one point lead at half time- 0-8 to 0-7. All Castletown Slieve Bloom scores were from frees in the first half as they were awarded no free inside the attacking half. 

Paul Cuddy opened the second half scoring with a point from play after less than a minute but Borris/Kilcotton responded immediately from play. In the next 15 minutes Castletown Slieve Bloom dominated and 0-3 from frees from Seamus Lyons, and a free and '65' from John Gaughan saw them lead 0-13 to 0-11 with ten minutes to play. Ben Conroy responded from the puckout after a Borris/Kilcotton point to make it 0-14 to 0-12 before the winners got 3 scores in a row. The third of these was a goal after a long clearance deceived the full back line and a corner forward slotted home to take the lead 1-14 to 0-14 with 4 minutes to play. 

Paul Cuddy pointed from play to cut the gap before Lyons pointed a free to leave the minimum between the sides. In stoppage time in a final attack Ben Conroy appeared to be fouled repeatedly while in possession but no free came and the ball broke to James Hooban to slot over the equaliser to the sound of the final whistle. 

On an extremely warm evening extra time was always going to be tough and in the first ten minutes an early point was replied to by Tadgh Dooley after 7 minutes to leave the half time score 0-18 to 1-15 - still level. 

In the second half 3 early, and very harsh frees, were scored by Borris/Kilcotton to leave them leading 1-18 to 0-18 after 5 minutes. As Castletown Slieve Bloom went looking for an equaliser gaps appeared at the back and the winners twice pointed from play to leave 5 points between them in the end. Borris/Kilcotton advance to play Clough/Ballacolla in the league final. 

So ends a reasonably successful league campaign and this now leaves a short run in to the championship with the first round on Saturday 20th July (Sunday 21st if O' Moore Park is being used for All Ireland Football qualifiers). 

See fixtures for more.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Paddy Mullaney, Gearoid Gaughan, Enda Conroy, Ryan Mullaney, Paul Cuddy (0-2), Declan Keenan, Kevin Conroy, John Gaughan (0-2f), Loughlin Hegarty (0-2), Ben Conroy (0-2), David Cuddy (0-1), Evan Cuddy, Seamus Lyons (0-4f), James Hooban (0-4)

Subs: Barry McKelvey for Loughlin Hegarty (50 mins), Paul Harding for David Cuddy (57 mins), Tadgh Dooley (0-1) for Evan Cuddy (58 mins), David Cuddy for Paul Harding (78 mins)

Ref: Anthony Stapleton (Rathdowney)

From Leinster Express

BORRIS-KILCOTTON THROUGH AFTER THRILLER

by Greg Mulhall

A thrilling game was witnessed by all in Rathdowney on Thursday evening as it took extra time to separate the sides, with Borris-Kilcotton emerging five point victors.

From the off it was evident the result would go right down to the wire, within ten minutes of the throw-in seven scores had already been registered to - Castletown-Slieve Bloom leading four points to three.

Loughlin Hegarty slotted a brace, while James Hooban and Ben Conroy made up the four points. For Borris-Kilcotton, Ciaran Comerford opened their account after four minutes with a free, before Matthew Whelan landed two long range points from play to keep them within a point.

Castletown-Slieve Bloom claimed two points in quick-succession from James Hooban and David Cuddy, but Borris-Kilcotton were to go a step further and land three-in-a-row with Jim Fitzpatrick, Bill Meade and Dan Fitzpatrick all splitting.

Borris-Kilcotton closed out the half strongly with Matthew Whelan slotting two frees, while James Hooban claimed his third point of the day for Castletown, to see Borris hold a narrow one point advantage at the break.

Within ten minutes of the restart Castletown-Slieve Bloom had out-shot Borris-Kilcotton three points to two, thanks to a brace from Seamus Lyons, to level the game yet again. The teams continued to match each other until Borris-Kilcotton stole the lead thanks to Rob Jones’ goal in the fifty-sixth minute to put them three points ahead.

A dramatic conclusion to the sixty minutes was on the cards, with an injury time leveler from James Hooban sending the game to extra time.

Jim Fitzpatrick registered the first point of extra time with mere seconds on the clock, before substitute Tadhg Dooley equalised five minutes later to see the teams level at the interval once again.

The second half of extra time proved too much for Castletown-Slieve Bloom as they failed to register a score, while Borris-Kilcotton pushed on to slot five and seal the win.

SCORERS - Borris-Kilcotton: Ciaran Comerford (frees) and Matthew Whelan (0-3 frees) 0-5 each; Rob Jones 1-1; Jim Fitzpatrick, Kevin Finlay 0-2 each; Bill Meade, Dan Fitzpatrick, Joe Campion, Colm Stapleton, and PJ Scully 0-1 each; Castletown-Slieve Bloom: Seamus Lyons (frees) and James Hooban 0-4 each; John Gaughan (frees), Paul Cuddy, Ben Conroy and Loughlin Hegarty 0-2 each; David Cuddy and Tadhg Dooley 0-1 each.

BORRIS-KILCOTTON: Trevor Moore; Jim Fitzpatrick, Owen Bergin, Noel Delaney; Paul Drennan, Matthew Whelan, Steven Finane; Kevin Finlay, Bill Meade; Ciaran Comerford, Dan Fitzpatrick, PJ Scully; John Wall, Daire Quinlan, Rob Jones. SUBS: Colm Stapleton for Bill Meade; Joe Campion for John Wall; Frankie Cullinane for Daire Quinlan; Eric Abraham for Dan Fitzpatrick; Rory Moore for Paul Drennan.

CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Ger Cuddy; Paddy Mullaney, Geraoid Gaughan, Enda Conroy; Ryan Mullaney, Paul Cuddy, Declan Keenan; Kevin Conroy, John Gaughan; Loughlin Hegarty, Ben Conroy, David Cuddy; Evan Cuddy, Seamus Lyons, James Hooban. SUBS: Barry McKelvey for Loughlin hegarty; Paul Harding for David Cuddy; Tadhg Dooley for Evan Cuddy; David Cuddy for Paul Harding.

Minor Hurling League Round 2: Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-8 Portlaoise 1-10 Monday 16/7/13 @ Castletown 

Our minor hurlers were beaten in a second round league game played at Castletown tonight. The winners were guaranteed a league semi final spot, while the losers would await their championship first round tie. 

It was the home side who started brightest and found themselves 0-3 to 0-1 up early on thanks to two Dylan Conroy frees and a Martin Phelan point from play. A goal and two points without reply from Portlaoise left them in control but another pointed free from Conroy followed by a goal from Phelan and Conroy with a point from play brought Castletown Slieve Bloom back into the game. 

Portlaoise pointed from play to leave the half time score 1-5 to 1-4 in favour of the hosts. 

It was the visitors who started brightest in the second half with three unanswered points from play to take a two point lead. James Tobin pointed a free to get back in touch and Martin Phelan pointed from play to reduce the deficit further, but Portlaoise were awarded and scored another free. 

Scores were hard to come by at this stage and another fine point from play from Martin Phelan left two between the sides approaching full time. As Castletown Slieve Bloom pressed for a winning goal they conceded another converted free and the scoreline read 1-10 to 1-8 to Portlaoise with normal time played. 

Despite pressing for a winning goal it didn't arrive and Portlaoise advance to the league semi final. Castletown Slieve Bloom, meanwhile, await the winners of Portlaoise and Clough/Ballacolla in a championship quarter final on August 26th.

See fixtures/texts for more.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Craig Finlay, Eoin Peters, Ryan Mullaney, Shane Cuddy, Shane Farrell, Evan Cuddy, Fergal Burke, Conor Phelan, James Mullaney, Dylan Conroy (0-4, 0-3f), James Tobin (0-1f). Darragh Delaney, Shane Phelan, Martin Phelan (1-3), Glenn Tobin

Subs: Ross Holmes for Shane Phelan (h/time), Gearoid Kirwan for Dylan Conroy (45 mins inj)

Ref: Dan Guidera (Kilcotton)

Senior Hurling Championship Round 1: Rathdowney/Errill 2-11 Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-8 Saturday 20/7/13 @ O' Moore Park

Castletown Slieve Bloom were beaten by defending county champions Rathdowney/Errill on Saturday evening last in the first round of the Laois SHC. Although Castletown had twice met Rathdowney/Errill, losing a 2007 group match heavily but winning a 2009 quarter final 3-15 to 1-17, it was the first ever championship meeting of Castletown Slieve Bloom and Rathdowney/Errill. 

It was the defending champions who started brightest and had scored five unanswered points before striking for a goal to leave the score at 1-5 to 0-0 inside twenty minutes. It was 19 minutes before a Seamus Lyons free opened the challengers account but this was the first of four unanswered scores. Ben Conroy followed up with an excellent goal from play before Lyons and Conroy converted a free each. 

Remarkably, despite trailing by 8 points minutes earlier and being totally outplayed for long periods there were only two points separating the sides at half time 1-5 to 1-3.

David Cuddy opened the second half scoring with a point from play to narrow the gap to just one point but Rathdowney/Errill responded with a pointed free soon after. Then came a vital score as Ross King headed for goal, was stopped and held up by 4 defenders. He somehow broke free with the ball and slotted low past Ger Cuddy. From the puckout Rathdowney/Errill gained possession and slotted over to extend the lead from one point to six points in the space of three minutes. 

Kevin Conroy added a point from play with 36 minutes played but two points from the eventual winners left the score at 2-9 to 1-5 with twenty minutes to play. 

Seamus Lyons from a free and Paul Cuddy from play restored some hope but a Seamus Lyons free sandwiched in between two Rathdowney/Errill points closed out the scoring.

A very disappointing performance on the night where recent form was left behind. Next up are The Harps. The winners will advance to Round 3 with the losers facing a relegation battle. This game is fixed for Saturday/Sunday 17th/18th August. 

See fixtures/texts for more.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Paddy Mullaney, Gearóid Gaughan, Enda Conroy, Ryan Mullaney, Paul Cuddy (0-1), Declan Keenan, Kevin Conroy (0-1), John Gaughan, Evan Cuddy, Ben Conroy (1-1, 0-1f), Loughlin Hegarty, Seamus Lyons (0-4f), David Cuddy (0-1), James Hooban

Subs: Tadgh Dooley for John Gaughan (11 mins inj), John Gaughan for Kevin Conroy (44 mins), Brian Ferns for Enda Conroy (54 mins), Martin Delaney for Loughlin Hegarty (56 mins)

Ref: Brochan O' Reilly (Portlaoise)

From Leinster Express

BATTLING RATHDOWNEY-ERRILL BOOK PLACE IN ROUND 2

Rathdowney Errill justified their tag as favourites with a hard fought six point win over Castletown Slieve Bloom in O’Moore Park on Saturday night.

They started in clinical fashion and by the time Danny Reddin’s charges finally got off the mark twenty minutes in, last year’s champions were already eight points to the good.

The Castletown men recovered admirably after that and only went in trailing by two at the break but they were always chasing the game and never really looked like pulling off what would have been a major first round surprise.

Rathdowney-Errill were on the scoreboard within the first two minutes when Darren King pointed a long distance free. A minute later full forward Ross King pointed added another, this one from an acute angle from underneath the stand before Darren got his second five minutes in.

Joe Fitzpatrick and a third from Darren King opened up a five point to no score by the fifteenth minute and already it was looking like Frankie McGrath’s men were going to have a relatively handy night.

That looked all the more likely when Jason Phelan struck a further blow to Castletown Slieve Blooms confidence in the 17th minute. Full forward Ross King did all the heavy lifting before finding Phelan unmarked and ‘Giant’ unleashed a pile driver to the top of Ger Cuddy’s net that left the keeper with no chance whatsoever.

Castletown Slieve Bloom broke their duck in their 20th minute with a pointed free from Seamus Lyons and that point seemed to suddenly spring his side to life because only two minutes later they nabbed the game’s second goal when a searching long ball in from Evan Cuddy was expertly gathered and dispatched by the hard-working Ben Conroy.

Two converted Castletown frees late in the half from Seamus Lyons and Ben Conroy meant that despite Rathdowney Errill’s early domination they only led by two points at the break on a 1-5 to 1-3 scoreline.

That slender lead was halved on the restart when the always-dangerous veteran David Cuddy tapped over a fine score from thirty yards.

Rathdowney Errill had now gone sixteen minutes without scoring but stopped the rot in the 34th minute with a free from Darren King and three minutes later Ross King provided the finish to a scrambled attack from eight yards and all of Castletown Slieve Bloom’s admirable exertions were undone.

An excellent solo effort from Rathdowney Erill’s Joe Fitzpatrick followed as the champions kicked on and a free from Darren King gave Rathdowney Erill a 2-9 to 1-6 lead as the game entered the final quarter.

Castletown Slieve Bloom kept in touch and registered three good scores on the run but these were counteracted by Rathdowney Errils ability to keep the score board ticking over.

An excellent team score for Rathdowney Errill six minutes from time involving neat interplay between Shane Dollard and Darren King created space for Jason Phelan who unleashed a raking 65 yard effort from underneath the main stand emphasised that extra touch of class and they capped off a gritty display with one last point to run out six point winners.

Castletown-Slieve Bloom will take plenty of positives from this and they will hope to put this one behind them and give The Harps a serious run for their money in the next round.

Rathdowney-Errill will be happy with the win but they might be slightly concerned at the manner in which they left Castletown Slieve Bloom come within a point of them in the second half, especially after such a commanding start to the first half.

SCORERS - Rathdowney Errill: Darren King 0-7 (0-4 frees), Ross King and Jason Phelan 1-1 each, Joe Fitzpatrick 0-2; Castletown-Slieve Bloom: Ben Conroy 1-2 (0-1 free), Seamus Lyons 0-3 (all frees), David Cuddy, Paul Cuddy and Kevin Conroy 0-1 each.

RATHDOWNEY-ERRILL: Noel Brennan; Alan Delaney, Lar Mahon, Niall Delaney; John Keane, Pat Mahon, Jimmy Corrigan; Patrick Purcell, Shane Dollard; Enda Meagher, Darren King, Joe Fitzpatrick; Owen Holohan, Ross King, Jason Phelan.

CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Ger Cuddy; Paddy Mullaney, Gearoid Gaughan, Enda Conroy; Ryan Mullaney, Paul Cuddy, Declan Keenan; Kevin Conroy, John Gaughan; Evan Cuddy, Ben Conroy, Loughlin Hegarty; Seamus Lyons, David Cuddy, James Hooban.

Subs: Tadgh Dooley for J Gaughan (12 mins), John Gaughan for E Conroy (48 mins), Brian Ferns for Hegarty (53 mins)

Junior B Hurling Championship Q/Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 5-9 Ballyfin 0-7 Tuesday 23/7/13 @ Castletown

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior B team easily disposed of Ballyfin in Castletown on Tuesday evening in the quarter final of the Junior B Hurling Championship on a scoreline of 5-9 to 0-7.

This was a repeat of the earlier league fixture (7-12 to 0-11). 

The home side were always in control and now advance to a semi final meeting with The Harps next Tuesday in Shanahoe. 

Scorers: Paul Harding 2-5 (1-2f), Jack Peters 2-0, Fergal Burke 1-1, John Palmer (0-2, 0-1f), Darragh Delaney 0-1

Ref: Dan Guidera (Kilcotton)

Junior Hurling Championship Round 1: Castletown Slieve Bloom 4-10 St. Fintan's Mountrath 0-8 Friday 26/7/13 @ Slieve Bloom

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior As, boosted by the recent ACHL Division 3 success, began their championship year in Slieve Bloom tonight and easily disposed of a weak Mountrath challenge. 

A much changed lineout got off to the perfect start when James Tobin rounded his man and netted within 2 minutes. Tobin followed up with a pointed free before Gavin Conroy had an excellent strike from play. Tobin then won a 21m free and buried it, added a point from play and two more from frees. Mountrath were keeping in touch through frees and the half time score was 2-5 to 0-4.

The second half began just as the first and this time it was veteran Fionán O' Sullivan who goaled from close range. James Tobin pointed two frees either side of a fine Barry Mckelvey point from play. This was the first of three points from distance from the midfielder. 

Joe Delaney, on as a substitute, doubled on a high ball to really finish the game off. 

Mountrath had added three second half points from frees at this stage and they got the last point of the game, their only score from play. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom now await the draw next Monday night to find out their second round opponents. The second round is fixed for Friday 15th/Saturday 16th August (same weekend as Round 2 of the SHC). 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: J.P. Bennett, Ciarán Cuddy, Eoin Dooley, Damien Brophy, Tom Delaney, Adrian Dollard, John Lowry, Barry McKelvey (0-3), Kevin Carroll, James Mullaney, Padraig Cuddy, Gavin Conroy (0-1), Philip Holmes, James Tobin (2-6, 1-5f), Fionán O' Sullivan (1-0)

Subs: Joe Delaney (1-0) for Holmes (45 mins)

Ref: John Lalor (Shanahoe)

Junior B Hurling Championship Semi Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-8 The Harps 0-6 Tuesday 30/7/13 @ Shanahoe

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior Bs, became the first adult team since the amalgamation to qualify for a Championship Final tonight. In doing so they beat The Harps in a low scoring game at Shanahoe. 

The winners started well and Paul Croke pointed from play after 2 minutes. There followed a period of tough, honest hurling but without a score until the tenth minute when Paul Harding pointed a free to double the lead. 

The Harps quickly responded from play and added two more frees to close out the first half scoring and leave the score at the interval 0-3 to 0-2 in their favour.

J.P Campion opened the second half scoring five minutes in when he flicked a long delivery over the bar. He was operating at full forward in a half time switch with Paul Harding. 3 of the next four scores went to The Harps, however, and all from play. Paul Croke did manage to interrupt the sequence with a fine score from play and he added another afterwards. This brought the gap back to the minimum. 

In the last ten minutes J.P. Campion pointed three frees from varying distances to seal a two point win. The team will now play Abbeyleix (who beat Camross) in O' Moore Park next Wednesday night at 7.30pm. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, Patrick Kirwan, Paul Heffernan, Paul O' Gorman, Martin Reddin, Shane Farrell, Gearóid Lowry, Tadgh Drea, Gavin Daly, Paul Croke (0-3), J.P. Campion (0-4, 0-3f), Darragh Delaney, Fergal Burke, Paul Harding (0-1f), Jack Peters

Subs: Brian Carroll for Patrick Kirwan (40 mins), Des O' Sullivan for Darragh Delaney (48 mins), Seán Keenan for Jack Peters (55 mins)

Ref: Kieran Bowe (Rathdowney)

Junior B Hurling Championship Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-12 Abbeyleix 1-10 Wednesday 7/8/13 @ O' Moore Park

Castletown Slieve Bloom finally won an adult Championship and it was the Junior B team who delivered this.