Leinster Junior B Hurling Championship Quarter Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-10 Gracefield 0-7

Saturday 18/1/14 @ Heywood College, Ballinakill

Castletown Slieve Bloom got over the first hurdle in their Leinster Junior B campaign by defeating Offaly champions Gracefield. 

This competition, organised by Killeedy GAA Club in Limerick, was our first outing of the year. 

A good start saw Castletown Slieve Bloom take a lead of 0-4 to no score but Gracefield eventually opened their account and a good fight back saw us cling to a one point lead at half time, 0-5 to 0-4, with first half points coming from Paul Harding, from play and frees and John Paul Campion. 

The second half continued in the same vein as before. Harding continued his impressive scoring feats and along with Campion and a fine Gavin Daly effort from play they did enough to keep Gracefield at bay. 

The Offaly champions, for their part, threatened combacks on a number of occasions but a high wide tally cost them in the end. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom qualified to meet Ballyragget in the semi final.  

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, Paul O' Gorman, Paul Heffernan, Fearghal Burke, Gearóid Lowry, Shane Farrell, Martin Reddin, Paul Croke, Gavin Daly (0-1), Darragh Delaney, John Paul Campion (0-3), Jack Peters, John Palmer, Paul Harding (0-6, 0-4f), Mick Butler

Subs: Brian Carroll for Darragh Delaney (45 mins) & Des O' Sullivan for John Paul Campion (52 mins)

Leinster Junior B Hurling Championship Semi Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-5 Ballyragget 1-11

Saturday 25/1/14 @ Heywood College, Ballinakill

Castletown Slieve Bloom were eliminated from the Leinster Junior B Championship by a strong Kilkenny team at Heywood College. Of the five teams competing in this competition; (Gracefield (Offaly), Ballyragget (Kilkenny), St. Martins (Wexford), St. Thomas (Galway)), we were the only club who were not competing with their second team, with Junior B being our third outfit. 

A Paul Harding free opened the scoring and before John Paul Campion had scored another from play Ballyragget had managed a goal. A Ballyragget point from play was responded to by a Harding goal from a free. Two points from the Kilkenny men and one from Mick Butler, all from play, left the scores at 1-3 each before a Harding free gave us a lead approaching the break. Ballyragget equalised on the stroke of half time with a point from play. 

Level at break, 1-4 each.  

In the second half Ballyragget stepped up a gear and Castletown Slieve Bloom simply ran out of steam. A series of unanswered points from play and frees left the margin at 7 points before a Harding point from play ended the scoring. 

A disappointing end but we had acquitted ourselves well in the competition. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, Paul O' Gorman, Paul Heffernan, Fearghal Burke, Gearóid Lowry, John Palmer, Martin Reddin, Gavin Daly, Mick Butler (0-1), Paul Croke, Jack Peters, Paul Harding (1-3, 1-2f), Darragh Delaney, John Paul Campion (0-1), Brendan Cuddy

Leinster Hurling League Division 1 Round 1: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-15 O' Loughlin Gaels 0-21

Saturday 1/3/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Castletown Slieve Bloom Senior Hurlers played the first competitive game of the 2014 season at home to Kilkenny side O' Loughlin Gaels last Saturday. 

Played in dry, but windy, conditions the visitors opened brightly and shot three unanswered points. Castletown Slieve Bloom eventually got themselves back into the game with points from play from Ben Conroy, James Hooban, Fionán Cuddy and John Gaughan with a series of converted frees. O' Loughlin Gaels kept their noses in front however. 

A great score from Martin Phelan, on his debut, and further frees again closed the margin to a point but the visitors finished the half strongly with pointed frees to lead 0-11 to 0-7 at the break. 

A fourth minor, Dylan Conroy, joined the action as a half time substitute. The second half followed a similar pattern, and midway through Castletown Slieve Bloom seemed to have the Kilkenny men on the rack, but as in the first half a couple of missed goal chances would prove costly. Points from Brian Ferns, Hooban, Gaughan and again from Martin Phelan brought the home team right back into contention. 

Again O' Loughlins pushed on to extend the lead but it was Castletown Slieve Bloom who spent the final few minutes on the front foot and searching for a goal that wouldn't come.

Next up are Buffer's Alley away on next Saturday 8th March. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Patrick Mullaney, Evan Cuddy, Gearóid Gaughan, Tom Delaney, Enda Conroy, Ryan Mullaney, Loughlin Hegarty, Fionán Cuddy (0-1), Brian Ferns (0-1), Ben Conroy (0-2), John Gaughan (0-6f), Martin Phelan (0-2), Gavin Conroy, Seamus Lyons, James Hooban (0-3)

Subs: Dylan Conroy for Seamus Lyons (Half Time), Robert Delaney for Martin Phelan (50 mins), & James Tobin for Gavin Conroy (52 mins)

Leinster Hurling League Division 1 Round 2: Buffer's Alley 3-10 Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-12

Saturday 8/3/14 @ Monamolin

Castletown Slieve Bloom Senior Hurlers made the long trek to Monamolin in Wexford on Saturday 8th March for Round 2 of the Leinster Senior Hurling League. 

Both sides knew that the winners here were more or less assured of a quarter final place. 

The visitors got off to a disastrous start and three early goals were conceded before the game settled at all. Despite this Castletown Slieve Bloom hurled well in patches and points from Seamus Lyons, Gavin Conroy, Ben Conroy and James Hooban kept them right in contention, trailing by just 6 points at the break, despite the goals. 

The second half continued as the first had left off with a more determined Castletown Slieve Bloom trying to chip away at the Wexford men's lead but the goal was badly needed just wouldn't come. Points from Ben Conroy, Lyons, Hooban and John & Gearóid Gaughan kept us in the game. 

In a game that got heated at times Gearóid Gaughan was sent off towards the end. 

This ends our involvement in the Leinster League for 2014. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Patrick Mullaney, Evan Cuddy, Ryan Mullaney, Tom Delaney, Enda Conroy, Gearóid Gaughan (0-1f), Loughlin Hegarty, Fionán Cuddy, Brian Ferns, John Gaughan (0-1), Ben Conroy (0-2), Martin Phelan, Gavin Conroy (0-1), Seamus Lyons (0-5, 0-4f), James Hooban (0-2)

Subs: Robert Delaney for Ferns (15 mins), Gearóid Lowry for Hegarty (half time), Dylan Conroy for Martin Phelan (45 mins), John Lowry for Ryan Mullaney (48 mins) & Barry McKelvey for Lyons (55 mins)

ACHL Division 3 Round 1: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-11 Mountmellick 5-11 Sunday 23/3/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Castletown Slieve Bloom's 3rd team, operating at a level higher than last year opened their league campaign against a strong Mountmellick team at Slieve Bloom on Sunday morning last. Fielding a new look and generally young team, this was always going to be a difficult game. 

Playing into a strong breeze a goal from Dylan Conroy early on and several pointed frees from the same player kept us in touch. A late burst of scores from the visitors before half time was responded to by a Barry McKelvey point from play and the score at the break was Mountmellick 3-9 Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-6.

Castletown Slieve Bloom turned around with the breeze at their back and Conroy converted two more frees early on before Mountmellick pounced for a soft goal and undid all of the hard work. The same player pointed from play to reduce the margin back to 6 but Mountmellick scored 1-1 without reply to finish the game off. 

James Tobin pointed a long distance free and Dylan Conroy finished with a point from play and a goal from a free to a solitary Mountmellick point from play, but it was all too late. 

Next up are Clough Ballacolla away on Thursday 16th April. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Craig Finlay, James Delaney, Ciarán Cuddy, Gearóid Kirwan, Fearghal Burke, James Tobin (0-1f), Shane Phelan, Michael Mulhall, James Mullaney, Darragh Delaney, Padraig Cuddy, Michael Butler, Ross Holmes, Barry McKelvey (0-1), Dylan Conroy (2-8, 1-6f)

Subs: Paul Croke for James Mullaney (42 mins), Paul O' Gorman for Shane Phelan (45 mins), Eoin Cuddy for Darragh Delaney (50 mins)

Ref: Anthony Costigan (Rathdowney)

ACHL Division 1 Round 1: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-15 Camross 2-9 Saturday 29/3/14 @ Castletown

In the opening game of the All County Hurling League Division 1, Castletown Slieve Bloom welcomed last year's county champions to Castletown. In very poor conditions and on a badly cut up pitch both teams provided an entertaining game. Scores were exchanged early with Ben Conroy, Fionán Cuddy and Seamus Lyons all on target from play for the homeside. Lyons also added a couple of frees. In the second quarter Castletown Slieve Bloom pushed and won a number of frees which Lyons again converted. 

Approaching half time a defensive lapse saw a Camross forward pulled down and the resulting penalty went all the way to the net to level the game at 0-8 to 1-5.  

On the changeover it was Camross who began brightest and posted a couple of points from play and a free. For a large part of the second half Castletown Slieve Bloom seemed to be heading for victory with points from play from Ben Conroy (3), James Hooban after a great run, and substitute Barry McKelvey. Lyons added a free and a '65' with Camross only posting two points during this time. 

Similar to the first half, with about a minute left on the clock failure to clear a series of frees that were dropping into the home goalmouth allowed Camross create and convert another goal chance to snatch a draw. 

Overall a good start to the league in tough conditions and short a large number of regulars. 

Next up are Rathdowney Errill away on Saturday next 5th April. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: J.P. Bennett, Tom Delaney, Robert Delaney, Enda Conroy, John Lowry, John Gaughan, Kevin Conroy, Fionán Cuddy (0-1), Martin Delaney, Ben Conroy (0-6), James Hooban (0-1), Joe Delaney, Seamus Lyons (0-6, 0-4f, 0-1 '65'), Loughlin Hegarty, Gavin Conroy

Subs: Dylan Conroy for Joe Delaney, Barry McKelvey (0-1) for Martin Delaney

Ref: Michael Ward (Borris in Ossory Kilcotton)

From Leinster Express

LATE GOAL SNATCHES SHARE OF THE SPOILS FOR CAMROSS

by Joseph Troy

Great rivals Camross and Castletown Slieve Bloom played out an entertaining draw in miserable conditions in Castletown on Saturday evening with a late goal from Tomás Burke earning the draw for the county champions. 

The handling and striking of players was impressive as conditions were very heavy underfoot. Zane Keenan opened the scoring for Camross with a free from 50m after four minutes. 

Seamus Lyons followed up with a free of his own for Castletown, which was followed up by a Ben Conroy score after a great catch from a long ball from Kevin Conroy. 

Tomás Burke collected a David Mortimer pass soon after to level the game. Ben Conroy followed up with a nice score from the right wing, and then turned provider for midfielder Fionán Cuddy to open his account. 

Then, following some quick handling by Keenan and Burke, Mortimer collected the pass and shot over from close range. Ben Conroy again put Castletown ahead by a point on 21 minutes with a good score under pressure from two Camross defenders. 

Tomás Burke pointed from an acute angle, before Castletown surged two ahead with a brace of Seamus Lyons points, one from play after a super catch under pressure. Lyons put Castletown further ahead with a straightforward free, but right on the stroke of half time, David Mortimer was through on goal and was fouled in the small square. Zane Keenan dispatched the resulting penalty with aplomb to leave it a draw at the break. 

Upon resumption, Ben Conroy's goalward shot just scraped over the Camross crossbar and then Lyons landed a super free from distance. Keenan closed the gap to one with a tidy point from play and it was nip and tuck from there on out. A Keenan free levelled the scores but a Seamus Lyons free, and a good score from Castletown centre forward James Hooban, put the home side back in front. 

Ben Conroy was then on hand yet again to score from an acute angle on the right hand wing from 20 metres, and from an almost identical point from the same spot, his sixth of the day in a hugely impressive display. Keenan again pointed a free and then Castletown substitute Barry McKelvey shot after collecting a tidy pass from James Hooban to put Castletown three ahead. J.P. Bennett was on hand to save an excellent flick from David Mortimer, before Tomás Burke finished the game with a goal under pressure for Camross to level the match after a barrage of pressure on the Castletown goal. 

A very entertaining league game finished level, with Ben Conroy's six point haul being the highlight of the game. He was ably assisted by Rob Delaney, Fionán Cuddy, James Hooban and Lyons. Mortimer was busy at full forward for Camross in the early exchanges, but both Burke brothers were heavily involved along with Zane Keenan.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: J.P. Bennett, Tom Delaney, Robert Delaney, Enda Conroy, John Lowry, John Gaughan, Kevin Conroy, Fionán Cuddy (0-1), Martin Delaney, Ben Conroy (0-6), James Hooban (0-1), Joe Delaney, Seamus Lyons (0-6, 0-4f, 0-1 '65'), Loughlin Hegarty, Gavin Conroy

Subs: Dylan Conroy for Joe Delaney, Barry McKelvey (0-1) for Martin Delaney

Camross: Tadgh Doran, Michael Phelan, Malvin Maloney, Kevin Lalor, Martin Burke, Gearóid Burke, Matthew Collier, Dean Delaney, Darren Gilmartin, Zane Keenan (1-6, 0-4f, 1-0 pen), Tomás Burke (1-2), James Palmer, Thomas Brickley, Aaron Moore (0-1), Murty Delaney 

Subs: Lorcan Burke for Murty Delaney, David Mortimer for Palmer

From Laois Nationalist

CHAMPIONS CATCH THE FOX

by Pat Delaney

Danganroe was the venue on a miserable Saturday evening but the meeting of these two always lifts the gloom and the latest chapter was no different.

The home club was coming to terms with the vandalism of their excellent facilities only 48 hours previously but the prospect of scoring a victory over the reigning county champions put the other problems in the shade. The former champions unveiled their new manager, former Tullamore custodian and Portlaoise and Laois hurling boss, Damien Fox. 

The visitors took the lead after two minutes with a point from new signing Darren Gilmartin but that was to be the only time they would lead in this evenly contested affair played out in a downpour. 

Seamus Lyons equalised three minutes later and the home team went in front with a point from Tom Delaney. Tommy Burke levelled again only for Ben Conroy and Tom Delaney to put the locals in front after 12 minutes. 

The sides were level at the end of the quarter with points from Aaron Moore and Zane Keenan from a free. Tom Delaney and Tom Burke traded points but the home team were moving well and went three clear thanks to points by Martin Delaney and Ben Conroy.

On the stroke of half time Camross were awarded a close in free that Zane Keenan drove low and hard past a packed defence to leave matters all square at the break, 0-8 to 1-5. 

The second half followed a similar pattern and the home team went in front after 34 minutes. 

Zane Keenan replied only for his cousin Martin Delaney to restore the home side's advantage. 

Keenan and James Hooban traded points but the home team pulled further ahead when substitute Barry McKelvey put three between the sides.

With three minutes remaining it looked as if the home side had recorded their first success of the year but there was one more act to this drama. Camross captain of last year, Tommy Burke, beat two defenders and hammered what proved to be the equaliser in the final minute of an intriguing contest. 

ACHL Division 1 Round 2: Rathdowney Errill 2-17 Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-17 5/4/14 @ Rathdowney

Having drawn with Camross last week our seniors welcomed back our county senior and minor players for the second round fixture in Rathdowney. Played in good weather conditions the first half was evenly contested. The home side goaled from play midway through but the scores were level on several occasions before conceding a goal from a free late in the half for the second week running. In that first half points from play from Fionán Cuddy (2), James Hooban and Ben Conroy along with pointed frees from Seamus Lyons (5) saw us trail by 3 at half time- 2-6 to 0-9. 

The second half was again evenly contested and the scores were level midway through before Rathdowney Errill pushed on again to secure the win. The two first half goals being the difference between the sides in the end. 

The Castletown Slieve Bloom forward line having some success in drawing fouls that Lyons converted. Lyons added 0-7 from placed balls and Fionán Cuddy a third point from play. 

Next up are Ballinakill at home on Saturday next 12th April. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Paddy Mullaney, Tom Delaney, John Gaughan, Enda Conroy, John Lowry, Kevin Conroy, Evan Cuddy, Fionán Cuddy (0-3), Conor Phelan, Ben Conroy (0-1), James Hooban (0-1), Ryan Mullaney, Gavin Conroy, Seamus Lyons (0-12f), Brendan Reddin

Subs: Martin Delaney for Gavin Conroy (40 mins), Loughlin Hegarty for Ryan Mullaney (50 mins) and Dylan Conroy for Enda Conroy (55 mins)

Ref: Brochan O' Reilly (Portlaoise)

From Leinster Express

GOALS THE KEY FOR RATHDOWNEY ERRILL AS THEY CLAIM THE WIN

by Greg Mulhall

Rathdowney-Errill opened the league with a hard-fought win over Castletown-Slieve Bloom on home soil on Saturday last, as goals proved the difference on the day in what was a bitterly close game throughout.

Rathdowney-Errill opened the scoring after just two minutes with County-star, Ross King, sending over his first free of the day. King doubled Rathdowney’s advantage three minutes later with another pointed free to see his side pull two clear.

It took Castletown-Slieve Bloom until the tenth minute to open their account, with midfielder, Fionan Cuddy, splitting the posts the first time of asking to cut the Rathdowney lead in half.

King was causing problems for the Castletown defence as he popped over a brace of points from play to bring his tally to four points after just twelve minutes of play, but Castletown-Slieve Bloom claimed the next three points in quick-succession through Ben Conroy, James Hooban and Seamus Lyons to level the proceedings after sixteen minutes of play.

Rathdowney pulled in front yet again thanks to a Shane Dollard point, before full-forward Damien Bowe superbly caught a sideline cut into the square, rounded his man and buried the ball past Paddy Mullaney in the Castletown-Slieve Bloom goals to send them four points clear.

Points from Seamus Lyons (2) and Fionan Cuddy sandwiched a Ross King free, before Rathdowney claimed a huge psychological advantage before the break as Ross King planted a twenty-one metre free low past the mass of players on the line to make it 2-6 to 0-7 approaching the whistle.

Castletown-Slieve Bloom responded well with a Seamus Lyons brace right on the stroke of half time to see them trail by three points at the interval.

Rathdowney opened the scoring with a point from Paddy Purcell, before Castletown-Slieve Bloom went on to claim the next four points - all through the ever-present Seamus Lyons. Rathdowney replied almost immediately with three points in two minutes from King to leave the gap at three points.

Seamus lyons stepped up to the mark again to slot the next three points, bringing his tally to eleven points for the day. Rathdowney eased out the final ten minutes of the game as they outscored Castletown seven points to one with Bowe (2), King, Dollard, Enda Meagher, Paddy Purcell and Mark Kavanagh - while Fionan Cuddy claimed Castletown’s sole point as Rathdowney ran out two point victors.

Scorers - RATHDOWNEY-ERRILL: Ross King 1-9, 1-6f; Damien Bowe 1-2; Shane Dollard and Paddy Purcell 0-2 each; Enda Meagher and Mark Kavanagh 0-1 each. CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Seamus Lyons 0-13, 0-10f; Fionan Cuddy 0-3; Ben Conroy 0-1.

RATHDOWNEY-ERRILL: Noel Brennan; Lar Mahon, Paddy Bergin, Jimmy Corrigan; john Keane, Joe Fitzpatrick, Alan Delaney; Paddy Purcell, Shane Dollard; Enda Meagher, James Ryan, John Purcell; Tadhg Dowling, Damien Bowe, Ross King. SUBS: Jimmy Fx for Brennan; Andrew Kavanagh for Fitzpatrick; Mark Kavanagh for John Purcell; Ray Bowe for Mark Kavanagh.

CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Paddy Mullaney; Tom Delaney, John Gaughan, Enda Conroy; Evan Cuddy, Kevin Conroy, John Lowry; Fionan Cuddy, Conor Phelan; Ben Conroy, James Hooban, Ryan Mullaney; Brendan Reddin, Seamus Lyons, Gavin Conroy. SUBS: Martin Delaney for Enda Conroy; Loughlin Hegarty for Ryan Mullaney; Dillon Conroy for Gavin Conroy.

From Laois Nationalist

RATHDOWNEY ERRILL PROVE GOALS WIN GAMES

by Alan Hartnett

In what turned out to be a shootout between Rathdowney Errill's Darren King and Castletown Slieve Bloom's Seamus Lyons, it was the home side's ability to get goals in the first half which ultimately proved the difference in Rathdowney on Saturday evening. 

Both these teams came into the fixture on the back of positive first round results. Castletown Slieve Bloom had fought out a very credible draw with county champions Camross while Rathdowney Errill had thumped a hapless Colt side by 18 points. 

There was 10 minutes on the clock before Castletown Slieve Bloom had registered a score through Fionán Cuddy and by that time Rathdowney Errill had three courtesy of Ross King. 

Ben Conroy, James Hooban and Seamus Lyons all split the posts for the away side but Rathdowney Errill kept in front via King and Shane Dollard before extending their lead in the twentieth minute with the game's first goal.

Damien Bowe delightfully gathered a Ross King sideline cut before slipping his man and rifling a low shot to the bottom corner. Seamus Lyons responded with three consecutive frees for Castletown Slieve Bloom but King kept the home side in front with his fifth point of the half. 

Nevertheless Fionán Cuddy and Seamus Lyons landed points which looked set to send the sides in level at the break. However, Ross King had other ideas and when Damien Bowe was fouled on the 21 metre line the Laois ace smashed the resulting free beyond the wall of Castletown defenders to leave the score reading 2-6 to 0-9 at half time. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom outscore the home side in the third quarter of the game as six points from the excellent Seamus Lyons were responded to by King (2), Paddy Purcell and Enda Meagher. 

The gap stood at two at this stage with fourteen minutes remaining but in that period Castletown's only score came via Fionán Cuddy who spectacularly caressed the ball between the posts with a shot over his shoulder. 

Nevertheless Rathdowney Errill finished much the stronger of the two teams as Damien Bowe (2), Ross King, Paddy Purcell, Shane Dollard and substitute Mark Kavanagh all raised white flags before referee Brochan Reilly's full time whistle. 

This victory takes Rathdowney Errill to the summit of the division and they will seek to stay there when they take on Camross next week. Castletown Slieve Bloom will look to bounce back against high flying Ballinakill who, like Rathdowney, have a 100% record. 

Scorers - RATHDOWNEY-ERRILL: Ross King 1-9, 1-6f; Damien Bowe 1-2; Shane Dollard and Paddy Purcell 0-2 each; Enda Meagher and Mark Kavanagh 0-1 each. CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Seamus Lyons 0-13, 0-10f; Fionan Cuddy 0-3; Ben Conroy 0-1.

RATHDOWNEY-ERRILL: Noel Brennan; Lar Mahon, Paddy Bergin, Jimmy Corrigan; john Keane, Joe Fitzpatrick, Alan Delaney; Paddy Purcell, Shane Dollard; Enda Meagher, James Ryan, John Purcell; Tadhg Dowling, Damien Bowe, Ross King. SUBS: Jimmy Fx for Brennan; Andrew Kavanagh for Fitzpatrick; Mark Kavanagh for John Purcell; Ray Bowe for Mark Kavanagh.

CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Paddy Mullaney; Tom Delaney, John Gaughan, Enda Conroy; Evan Cuddy, Kevin Conroy, John Lowry; Fionan Cuddy, Conor Phelan; Ben Conroy, James Hooban, Ryan Mullaney; Brendan Reddin, Seamus Lyons, Gavin Conroy. SUBS: Martin Delaney for Enda Conroy; Loughlin Hegarty for Ryan Mullaney; Dillon Conroy for Gavin Conroy. 

ACHL Division 1 Round 3: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-13 Ballinakill 1-8 12/4/14 @ Slieve Bloom

From Leinster Express

CONROY DRIVES CASTLETOWN SLIEVE BLOOM TO VICTORY

by Damien Moran

Castletown Slieve Bloom recorded their first win of the their league campaign when they had eight points to spare over a spirited Ballinakill side on Saturday evening. 

While they were the better side over the hour, the final scoreline perhaps flattered them slightly as goalkeeper Paddy Mullaney made a number of good stops including an excellent double save midway through the second half. 

They held the upper hand in terms of territory and possession but at times they were wayward with their passing. Ballinakill battle had throughout and were best served by Brendan O' Mara, James Walsh and Eamon Jackman. 

Ben Conroy's scoring was the difference between the sides as he accounted for 1-4 while the second goal was put in by Loughlin Hegarty after Conroy's initial shot was saved. 

Playing with the strong wind blowing straight down the field in Slieve Bloom, the home side built a 2-7 to 0-5 lead by the break. 

Seamus Lyons and Edward Dwyer exchanged points before Castletown Slieve Bloom struck for an early goal. Ben Conroy cut inside the defence but his effort was saved by Mark Hamm. The rebound however broke straight to Loughlin Hegarty who dispatched the ball to the back of the net. 

Midway through the half there was still three between the sides as points for Ballinakill for Eamon Jackman and TJ Lalor were cancelled out by Seamus Lyons and Ben Conroy but Castletown Slieve Bloom put daylight between the sides in the closing minutes of the half. Points from Lyons (2), Ben Conroy (2), and James Hooban were followed by a goal from the impressive Conroy with Ballinakill managing just two points in reply from Daniel Bergin and Damien Carter.

Castletown Slieve Bloom thought they had a third goal before the break but it was chalked off as Gavin Conroy was adjudged to have thrown the ball into the net. 

With the wind at their backs, Ballinakill made a strong start to the second half with points from James Walsh and Edward Dwyer but scores from Brendan Reddin and James Hooban quickly re-established Castletown Slieve Bloom's eight point lead. 

Ballinakill were denied a goal twice in the space of a matter of seconds midway through the half thanks to a fine double save from Paddy Mullaney.

At the other end Ben Conroy slotted over three points in a row to extend the lead to 11 but Ballinakill hit back with a well taken goal from James Walsh as he blasted the ball past Mullaney. 

They kept pressing to the end but only added one further point from Walsh but that was cancelled out in the final minute by Fionán Cuddy. 

Scorers -  

CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Ben Conroy 1-4 (0-1f), Seamus Lyons 0-4 (0-3f), Loughlin Hegarty 1-0, James Hooban 0-2, Gavin Conroy & Fionan Cuddy 0-1 each

BALLINAKILL: James Walsh 1-2, Edward Dwyer 0-2, TJ Lalor, Eamon Jackman (f), Damien Carter & Daniel Bergin (f) 0-1 each

CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Paddy Mullaney; Tom Delaney, Robert Delaney, Enda Conroy; John Lowry, John Gaughan, Kevin Conroy, Fionan Cuddy, Brendan Reddin, Brian Ferns, James Hooban, Seamus Lyons, Ben Conroy, Loughlin Hegarty, Gavin Conroy SUBS: Barry McKelvey for Lyons (42 mins) and Dylan Conroy for Hegarty (53 mins)

BALLINAKILL: Mark Hamm, Padraig Lalor, Eoin Delaney, Conor Delaney, Barry Dunne, Patrick Dwyer, Brian O' Mara, Eamon Jackman, MJ Dunphy, Seamus Dwyer, Edward Dwyer, James Walsh, Daniel Bergin, TJ Lalor, Damien Carter SUBS: Evan Dunne for Daniel Bergin (40 mins)

Ref: Pat Moran (Graiguecullen)

From Laois Nationalist

CONROY CROWNS FIRST LEAGUE VICTORY

Last Saturday marked the first win of the current league campaign for Castletown Slieve Bloom. 

Ben Conroy's accuracy was ultimately the deciding factor in a spirited contest as he finished with 1-4 to his name. 

Ballinakill provided stiff opposition and had several opportunities for goals but couldn't convert. This was in part due to the excellent goalkeeping of Paddy Mullaney. 

Seamus Lyons and Edward Dwyer exchanged points before Castletown Slieve Bloom struck for a goal. Loughlin Hegarty followed up Conroy's saved effort to score the first goal of the game. 

Midway through the half there was still three points between the sides as points for Ballinakill were met by scores from Lyons and Conroy. A late surge by the home side, however, broadened the gap with the aforementioned Lyons and Conroy scoring two apiece along with James Hooban. Conroy then grabbed a goal. Daniel Bergin and Damien Carter struck a point each for Ballinakill to give them some faint hope. 

At half time the score read 2-7 to 0-5 to the home side. 

Ballinakill made an impressive start to the second half with points from James Walsh and Edward Dwyer. Brendan Reddin and Hooban responded with scores of their own.

It was at this point that Mullaney showed his talents and denied Ballinakill a goal on two occasions in quick succession.

Conroy continued his fine performance knocking over three scores. Walsh put a degree of respectability on the scoreboard when he struck a late goal. 

Ballinakill went looking for further goals but the sides would only exchange a point each before the contest drew to a close. 

Scorers -  

CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Ben Conroy 1-4 (0-1f), Seamus Lyons 0-4 (0-3f), Loughlin Hegarty 1-0, James Hooban 0-2, Gavin Conroy & Fionan Cuddy 0-1 each

BALLINAKILL: James Walsh 1-2, Edward Dwyer 0-2, TJ Lalor, Eamon Jackman (f), Damien Carter & Daniel Bergin (f) 0-1 each

CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Paddy Mullaney; Tom Delaney, Robert Delaney, Enda Conroy; John Lowry, John Gaughan, Kevin Conroy, Fionan Cuddy, Brendan Reddin, Brian Ferns, James Hooban, Seamus Lyons, Ben Conroy, Loughlin Hegarty, Gavin Conroy SUBS: Barry McKelvey for Lyons (42 mins) and Dylan Conroy for Hegarty (53 mins)

BALLINAKILL: Mark Hamm, Padraig Lalor, Eoin Delaney, Conor Delaney, Barry Dunne, Patrick Dwyer, Brian O' Mara, Eamon Jackman, MJ Dunphy, Seamus Dwyer, Edward Dwyer, James Walsh, Daniel Bergin, TJ Lalor, Damien Carter SUBS: Evan Dunne for Daniel Bergin (40 mins)

Ref: Pat Moran (Graiguecullen)

ACHL Division 5 Round 1: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-23 Ballypickas 1-8 14/4/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Having entered a team at this grade for the first time in many years the campaign began on Monday last against Ballypickas at Slieve Bloom. 

On a perfect evening for hurling, and after a slow start, the team settled down to play some excellent hurling and register a big win. 

Ballypickas opened the scoring with a point from play and goaled from play after ten minutes. At this stage Dylan Conroy (3) and Ross Holmes had got the side off the mark. 

From here to the break Shane Phelan, Conroy, Holmes and Robbie Burke (making his adult debut) all pointed. 

The half time score was 0-13 to 1-3. 

The second half followed a similar pattern with Conroy, Phelan and Burke stretching the lead further with the visitors responding with a handful of points. 

This was an excellent start to the year with 8 of the starting 13, and all of the scorers, under 17 years of age.

Next up are Abbeyleix away at 7pm this Thursday.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, Patrick Kirwan, Paul O' Gorman, Eoin Cuddy, Mark Delaney, Gearóid Kirwan, Dylan Conroy (1-14, 0-8f), Michael Mulhall, Shane Phelan (1-3), Jack Peters, Craig Finlay, Ross Holmes (0-4), Robbie Burke (0-2)

Subs: Lorcan Dunne for Jack Peters (45 mins)

Ref: Eoin Scully (Camross)

ACHL Division 3 Round 2: Clough Ballacolla 4-20 Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-8 16/4/14 @ Ballacolla

Our Junior B hurlers, operating in the Junior A league lost out to Clough Ballacolla in the second round of the league. In the end it was a heavy defeat, despite the sides being level at half time, with Barry McKelvey landing two first half goals. 

This was a tough test as it was Clough Ballacolla's second team and indeed it was this team who Castletown Slieve Bloom defeated in the Division 3 final last year. 

This team's next outing is away to Rathdowney Errill on Wednesday 30th April. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Craig Finlay, Ciarán Cuddy, Paul Heffernan, Fearghal Burke, Gearóid Kirwan, James Tobin, Damien Brophy, Dylan Conroy, Michael Mulhall, Darragh Delaney, Padraig Cuddy, Mick Butler, Ross Holmes, Barry McKelvey, Shane Phelan

Subs: Eoin Cuddy for Shane Phelan (50 mins)

Ref: John Lalor (Shanhoe)

ACHL Division 5 Round 2: Abbeyleix 2-9 Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-10 17/4/14 @ Abbeyleix

Following a big opening round win two days earlier our Junior C hurlers travelled to Abbeyleix full of confidence. The game started very badly, for them however, and Abbeyleix had 1-3 on the board before we opened our account. Things quickly got worse as Abbeyleix got in for their second goal. At this stage the score stood at 2-4 to 0-2, with both scores coming from Dylan Conroy from play. The same player added two points from frees on the lead up to half time to leave the scores 2-4 to 0-4 at the break. 

The second half was evenly contested and in the end it was the two early goals that proved the difference. 

Conroy, Jack Peters and Shane Phelan got on the scoresheet in the second half. 

This team's next outing is at home Rathdowney Errill on Sunday 27th April. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Brian O' Connor, Jim Jim Moore, Paul O' Gorman, James Delaney, Gearóid Kirwan, Mark Delaney, Eoin Cuddy, Dylan Conroy (0-8, 0-5f), Michael Mulhall, Shane Phelan (0-1), Jack Peters (0-1), Craig Finlay, Mark Heffernan, Robbie Burke, Ross Holmes

Subs: Des O' Sullivan for Mark Heffernan (35 mins)

Ref: Mark Gorman (Clough Ballacolla)

Palmer Cup Quarter Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-15 Colt 1-7 19/4/14 @ Raheen

Our Seniors travelled to Raheen to take on the home side on Easter Saturday in the quarter final of the Palmer Cup. This competition is usually played earlier in the year but was delayed due to participation in the Leinster Hurling League. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom were in control from start to finish. Goals early on from Gavin and Ben Conroy and first half points from Dylan Conroy and Ben Conroy were added to in the second half by John Lowry, Brian Ferns, Fionán Cuddy, Paddy Mullaney and Sham Lyons all from play. 

We advance to play Clough Ballacolla in the semi final. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Paul Bennett, Tom Delaney, Robbie Delaney, Enda Conroy, Kevin Conroy, Paddy Mullaney (0-1), John Lowry (0-1), Fionán Cuddy (0-1), Brian Ferns (0-1), Dylan Conroy (0-1), James Hooban, Martin Delaney, Gavin Conroy (1-0),  Loughlin Hegarty, Ben Conroy (1-8, 0-6f)

Subs: James Tobin for Martin Delaney (43 mins), Ross Holmes for Dylan Conroy (49 mins), Seamus Lyons (0-1) for Loughlin Hegarty (49 mins), Loughlin Hegarty for Lyons (54 mins inj)

Ref: Michael Ward (Borris in Ossory)

From Leinster Express

PALMER CUP ROUND UP

by Greg Mulhall

Entering the business end of the Palmer Cup, eight teams across four games were out at the weekend to contest for a place in the semi-finals - resulting in wins for Borris-Kilcotton, Camross, Castletown-Slieve Bloom and Clough-Ballacolla.

Borris-Kilcotton emerged from Abbeyleix with a deserved four point victory after a hard-fought game. Having gone into the dressing rooms level at four points apiece, Borris-Kilcotton blitzed Abbeyleix five minutes into the second half to hit them for 1-3, with Robert Jones bagging 1-1. 

Borris Kilcotton were served well on the day with Ciaran Comerford landing five points, John Wall landed three, Willie Whelan fired a brace for the eventual winners. From an Abbeyleix perspective, Eoghan Fennelly gave an exhibition in free-taking as he sent over ten frees on the day, as well as a sideline cut and a point from play as Abbeyleix fell at the quarter-final stage.

Elsewhere in the Palmer Cup, Camross enjoyed a facile thirteen point victory over neighbours, Mountrath. Camross started the game well as they went six points clear before Dan Russell eventually opened the Mountrath account.

Zane Keenan led the scoring ranks with seven points on the day, while Darren Gilmartin (4) and Dan Lalor (3) contributed to the Camross win. Scores were hard to come by for Mountrath, but Dan Russell managed to send over six points for his side as they bowed out of the competition.

Castletown-Slieve Bloom ramped to an eleven point win over Colt on a scoreline of 2-15 to 1-7 to see them progress to the next round. Having led by eight points at the break, Castletown-Slieve Bloom eased through the second half.

Colm Kavanagh put in a hard shift for Colt as he fired over four points on the day and Shane Mullins was on hand for the goal. Ben Conroy led the way with 1-9 to his name, while Gavin Conroy bagged a goal and Fionan Cuddy a brace of points as Castletown booked their place in the next round.

In the final and most thrilling game of the weekend, Clough-Ballacolla got the better of rivals Rathdowney-Errill after extra-time. At the interval the visitors, Rathdowney-Errill led by 0-10 to 1-4, with Damien Bowe accounting for six of his sides points.

Canice Coonan snatched a huge injury-time equaliser for Clough-Ballacolla as it looked to send the game to extra-time, but a John Keane looked to have put a nail in the Clough-Ballacolla coffin. But there was to be a final twist as Sean Corby sent over a late, late equalising point for the home side.

Extra-time flew by with the sides matching each other point for point, leaving a dramatic late point from Ciaran Finane to seal the victory for Clough-Ballacolla.

From Laois Nationalist

CONROY CROWNS FIRST LEAGUE VICTORY

by Pat Delaney

Castletown Slieve Bloom easily brushed aside a disappointing Colt in Saturday's Palmer Cup quarter final and their reward is a semi final meeting with three in a row chasing Clough Ballcolla this weekend. 

At no stage were they in danger of being caught and an early brace of goals by the Conroy brothers, Ben and Gavin, laid the foundations for this comprehensive victory. 

Colt have struggled and took time to get on the score sheet. Colm Kavanagh converted two close in frees and points from Henry Keyes and Brian Keegan left the half time score reading 2-6 to 0-4. 

On the changeover Castletown Slieve Bloom added points from Ben Conroy, James Hooban and Brian Ferns before emptying the bench. 

A feature was the introduction of teenager Ross Holmes for another debutante Dylan Conroy, who not only made his debut but also got the game's opening score. 

Colt were thrown a glimmer of hope when Shane Mullins' shot a good goal but despite their best efforts they were a well beaten team long before the final whistle. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom were short several first choice players including Evan Cuddy who will captain Laois minors in their Leinster campaign on Saturday next. However, they will look forward with confidence to their meeting with Clough Ballacolla, a pairing that has produced stirring battles in recent years in league and championship. 

CASTLETOWN SLIEVE BLOOM: John Paul Bennett, Tom Delaney, Robbie Delaney, Enda Conroy, Kevin Conroy, Paddy Mullaney (0-1), John Lowry (0-1), Fionán Cuddy (0-1), Brian Ferns (0-1), Dylan Conroy (0-1), James Hooban, Martin Delaney, Gavin Conroy (1-0),  Loughlin Hegarty, Ben Conroy (1-8, 0-6f)

Subs: James Tobin for Martin Delaney (43 mins), Ross Holmes for Dylan Conroy (49 mins), Seamus Lyons (0-1) for Loughlin Hegarty (49 mins), Loughlin Hegarty for Lyons (54 mins inj)

Colt: Bosco Grant, Eamon Delaney, Mark McDonald, Mick Farrell, Craig Moore, Aaron McGowan, Brian Keegan (0-1), Colm Kavanagh (0-4), Dan Dalton, Henry Keyes (0-2), Ger Doolan, Shane Mullins (1-0), Kevin Farrell, Padraig Dunne, Steven Sinnott

Subs: PJ Sinnott for Dalton and Tony Ryan for M Farrell

ACHL Division 2 Round 1: Clonaslee 3-11 Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-9 20/4/14 @ Clonaslee

Our Junior A hurlers began their league campaign with a tough assignment, away to Clonaslee. Clonaslee will be operating at Senior B level in Championship, while our second team will be operating two levels lower at Junior A level. 

A very bad start saw us trailing by 2-4 to 0-0 before Dylan Conroy opened the scoring with a free on 13 minutes. The opening goal came inside 30 seconds with the second one arriving before 3 minutes had elapsed. Clonaslee went on to add a third five minutes before the break and were cruising 3-6 to 0-7 at the break. They were also turning around to play with a strong wind. Our first half points came from Conroy frees and two from play from Martin Delaney. 

A much better second half performance capped by a late goal from substitute full forward John Paul Bennett restored some respectability. Martin Delaney and Dylan Conroy added second half points.  

This team's next outing is at home to Camross on this Thursday 24th April. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Fearghal Burke, Joe Delaney, Tom Delaney, Martin Reddin, Robbie Delaney, James Tobin, Adrian Dollard, Tadgh Dooley, Darragh Delaney, Eoin Dooley, Martin Delaney (0-3), Kevin Carroll, Mick Butler, Dylan Conroy (0-6f)

Subs: John Paul Bennett (1-0) for Eoin Dooley (45 mins), Ross Holmes for Mick Butler (52 mins), Craig Finlay for Dylan Conroy (57 mins), Shane Phelan for Kevin Carroll (58 mins)

Ref: Anthony Costigan (Rathdowney)

ACHL Division 2 Round 2: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-11 Camross 1-10 24/4/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Our Junior As were at home to Camross in the 2nd Round of the ACHL Division 2. Like the first round v Clonaslee it was a slow start that undid them in the end. 

Camross were 0-3 to 0-0 up before Dylan Conroy pointed two frees. In between them Eoin Dooley pointed from play. It was score for score from there to half time with two Conroy points, one from play, and a Martin Delaney point from play leaving the half time score 0-6 apiece. 

James Tobin pointed a free from his own 65m line to edge the home side back in front but the next three scores went to the visitors. First from play and then two long range frees were converted by the Camross goalie. 

Tadgh Dooley and two Dylan Conroy frees kept us in touch before Camross goaled with about 10 minutes to play to leave them 1-10 to 0-9 in front. 

Dylan Conroy was dragged down when he had dangerously got inside the defence and he pointed the free. 

Shortly after this Barry McKelvey collected a ball on the endline and turned his man before blazing over. 

Despite pressing hard for a goal in the final 5 minutes, this was to be the game's final score and time ran out. A slow start once again proved costly. 

Next up in this division are Trumera on Thursday next 1st May at Trumera.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Fearghal Burke,  Adrian Dollard, Tom Delaney, Martin Reddin, James Tobin (0-1f), John Lowry, Mick Butler, Tadgh Dooley (0-1), Padráig Cuddy, Eoin Dooley (0-1), Martin Delaney (0-1), Barry McKelvey (0-1), John Paul Bennett, Dylan Conroy (0-6, 0-5f)

Ref:  John Lalor (Shanahoe)

Palmer Cup Semi Final: Clough Ballacolla 2-12 Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-14 25/4/14 @ Ballacolla

From Leinster Express

ACHL Division 5 Round 3: Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-19 Rathdowney Errill 1-15 27/4/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Our Junior Cs got back to winning ways with a high scoring victory in the third round of the league. 

They led 1-11 to 0-9 at half time with good scores coming from Dylan Conroy, Martin Phelan, Shane Phelan and Ross Holmes. 

The second half was equally entertaining and despite a goal for the visitors midway through, John Lyons made a string of excellent saves to keep them at bay. 

Michael Mulhall and Robbie Burke joined in the scoring and secured the win. 

Next up are Timahoe away at 6pm this Sunday.

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, James Delaney, Paul O' Gorman, Kieran Drea, Eoin Cuddy, Mark Delaney, Gearóid Kirwan, Dylan Conroy, Michael Mulhall, Shane Phelan, Martin Phelan, Robbie Burke, Damien Fitzpatrick, Ross Holmes, Craig Finlay

Subs: Jack Peters for Damien Fitzpatrick (40 mins)

Ref: Eoin Scully (Camross)

Minor Hurling League Round 1: Castletown Slieve Bloom 5-19 Clough Ballacolla 2-10 28/4/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Castletown Slieve Bloom minor hurlers got their year off to a great start with a good victory in the opening round of their league.

Having begun very brightly Castletown Slieve Bloom raced into an early lead of 1-9 to 0-2. The visitors reeled this in, helped by some unnecessary fouling, and were only trailing by two at half time, 1-9 to 1-7. 

The homeside, who won the Under 17 Championship late last year, pulled away in the end for a big win.

There was a good spread of scorers throughout. 

As there are 3 teams in the group we have a bye in the next round and will play Borris in Ossory Kilcotton, after a break for exams, on Monday June 23rd. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Shane Cuddy, Eoin Cuddy, Eoin Peters, Fearghal Burke, Michael Mulhall (0-1), Evan Cuddy, Shane Phelan, Conor Phelan (1-1), Kieran Drea (0-2), Robbie Burke (0-1), Ryan Mullaney (1-7), Dylan Conroy (0-3), Glenn Tobin, Martin Phelan (1-2), Ross Holmes (1-2)

Subs: Joe McCormack (1-0) for Eoin Cuddy (20 mins) and Conor Kavanagh for Dylan Conroy (55 mins)

Ref: Michael Ward (Borris in Ossory)

ACHL Division 2 Round 3: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-14 Trumera 1-15 1/5/14 @ Trumera

Castletown Slieve Bloom's tough start to life in the ACHL Division 2 continued on Thursday evening last as they travelled to face near neighbours Trumera. 

Despite the end result we were well on top for most of the first half and went in at half time leading by a single point 0-10 to 1-6. 

Trumera came back in the second half and in the end ran out winners by a narrow margin. 

Next up for the Junior A team are The Harps at home on May 17th.  

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Tom Delaney, Adrian Dollard, Fearghal Burke, Michael Mulhall, James Tobin, John Lowry (0-1), Darragh Delaney, Kevin Carroll, Dylan Conroy (0-9, 0-8f), Martin Delaney, Padraig Cuddy (0-1), Martin Phelan (0-1), John Paul Bennett, Eoin Dooley (0-2)

Subs: Ross Holmes for Darragh Delaney (40 mins), Barry McKelvey for Padraig Cuddy (45 mins), David Cuddy for John Paul Bennett (55 mins)

Ref: Mick Cleere (Rathdowney Errill)

ACHL Division 5 Round 4: Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-12 Mountmellick 0-9 11/5/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Our Junior Cs continued on winning ways with a solid victory over Mountmellick at Slieve Bloom. 

Once again there was a good spread of scorers and many of the younger players notched up big tallies. 

Next up are Shanahoe, away, at 7.30pm on Thursday 22nd May. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, Patrick Kirwan, Paul O' Gorman, James Delaney, Mark Delaney, Gearóid Kirwan, Robbie Burke (0-1), Dylan Conroy (1-2), Des O' Sullivan, Ross Holmes (0-4), Shane Phelan (0-5), Damien Fitzpatrick (1-0), Martin Mulhall (1-0)

Subs: Eoin Cuddy for Des O' Sullivan & Des O' Sullivan for Mark Delaney

Ref: Mark Gorman (Clough Ballacolla)

ACHL Division 2 Round 4: Castletown Slieve Bloom 4-13 The Harps 0-8 17/5/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Castletown Slieve Bloom finally got a win in Division 2 as they welcomed The Harps to Slieve Bloom on a glorious evening. 

Early goals from Martin Delaney and James Tobin, from a long range free, were followed by good points from Martin Phelan and Dylan Conroy both from play. Conroy followed this up with 2 pointed frees and a goal from play. 

The Harps offered little in return and the half time score was 3-5 to 0-4. 

The second half was evenly contested for the opening ten minutes, before the scores began to flow again. Martin Phelan was to the fore shooting an impressive 1-5 in the second period. Dylan Conroy, Shane Phelan, Mick Butler and Ross Holmes also got in on the scoring. Phelan's point came within seconds of entering the action as a sub. 

Next up for the Junior A team are Ballypickas away on Saturday 31st May. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Tom Delaney, Adrian Dollard, Fearghal Burke, Eoin Dooley, James Tobin (1-0), John Lowry, Kevin Carroll, Mick Butler (0-1), Padraig Cuddy, Martin Delaney (1-0), Martin Phelan (1-5), Dylan Conroy (1-5, 1-2f), Joe Delaney, John Paul Bennett

Subs: Ross Holmes (0-1) for Bennett (45 mins), Shane Phelan (0-1) for Dylan Conroy (48 mins), Darragh Delaney for Kevin Carroll (50 mins), Gearóid Lowry for Eoin Dooley (52 mins) & David Cuddy for Martin Delaney (52 mins)

Ref: Mick Ward (Borris in Ossory)

ACHL Div 5 Round 7: Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-12 Borris in Ossory Kilcotton 5-11 3/6/14 @ Borris in Ossory

Castletown Slieve Bloom faced Borris in Ossory Kilcotton in the Junior C league played at Borris in Ossory. Both sides had been going well and lay in 2nd and 3rd positions in the table, both on 10 points. The winners were likely to guarantee a semi final spot. 

Having struggled to find 13 to put out a team Castletown Slieve Bloom were caught napping on three occasions during the first half and conceded some soft goals to go in at the break 3-6 to 0-6 in arrears. Despite this we were making some inroads at the other end and Dylan Conroy, Martin Phelan (2) and Shane Phelan (having been switched to attack) landed good scores from play. Ross Holmes added two more from placed balls.

A good start to the second half saw Martin Phelan goal from close range before Holmes added a '65' and Dylan Conroy another point. Despite conceding another soft goal the visitors battled on and Martin Phelan added another goal soon after. Playing with wind advantage Holmes and Conroy added further scores before an excellent move saw Phelan complete his hat-trick and leave two between the sides with minutes to play. 

Another defensive lapse saw a player left unmarked and he buried from close range to bring the gap back to 5 points and so time ran out. 

This team still has an excellent chance of reaching a league semi final and play The Harps next on Tuesday 10th June in Slieve Bloom. This will be there last game of the group stage, as Graiguecullen have withdrawn from the league and so we will receive a walkover in the final round. 

Today's team was possibly a club record as it contained two father and son combinations- Patrick & Gearóid Kirwan and Shane & Mick Phelan!

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, Patrick Kirwan, Daniel Brophy, Shane Phelan (0-1), Mark Delaney, Gearóid Kirwan, Michael Mulhall, Martin Phelan (3-2), Ross Holmes (0-5f), Dylan Conroy (0-4,0-1f), Craig Finlay, Mick Phelan, Des O' Sullivan

Ref: Kevin Drennan (Camross)

ACHL Division 1 Round 4: Clough Ballacolla 1-17 Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-13 4/6/14 @ Ballacolla

Having picked up a win, draw and loss in the first three rounds this fourth round encounter saw us face the reigning league champions. Playing with a wind in the opening half it was Castletown Slieve Bloom who started brightest and early scores from Dylan Conroy (2 frees), Brian Ferns, Brendan Reddin and Ben Conroy saw us maintain a narrow lead throughout the half. Dylan Conroy pointed from play and Loughlin Hegarty intercepted a short puck out and returned it between the posts. A Dylan Conroy free was to close out the first half and see us lead 0-9 to 0-7 at the break. In truth the lead could have been much greater as we accumulated a large number of wides in this half. 

The second half began brightly when Hegarty picked out Ben Conroy who was unmarked in front of goal and he buried it to leave us 5 ahead. The next fifteen minutes saw the homeside dominate and gradually reel in our lead before shooting for a goal of their own. A Dylan Conroy free saw us regain a foothold in the game and the same player and substitute Gavin Conroy pointed to reduce the deficit. A late point from Fionán Cuddy reduced the gap to three but Clough Ballacolla won possession from the puckout and worked a point to finish the game. 

The next game in Division 1 is at home to Borris in Ossory Kilcotton next Wednesday at 7.45pm. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Paddy Mullaney, Tom Delaney, Gearóid Gaughan, Enda Conroy, John Gaughan, Kevin Conroy, Conor Phelan, Fionán Cuddy (0-1), Brendan Reddin (0-1), Dylan Conroy (0-6, 0-4f), Brian Ferns (0-1), James Hooban, Ben Conroy (1-2), Loughlin Hegarty (0-1), Martin Phelan

Subs: Gavin Conroy (0-1) for Ferns (Half Time), Barry McKelvey for Hegarty (50 mins)

Ref: Mick Cleere (Rathdowney Errill)

From Leinster Express

CLOUGH BALLACOLLA CLIMB TO THIRD WITH CASTLETOWN WIN

by Greg Mulhall

Clough-Ballacolla climbed to third in the table as they collected their third win of the campaign following a hard-fought four point victory Castletown-Slieve Bloom in Ballacolla on Wednesday night.

Aided by the addition of their county stars fresh from their heroic efforts against Galway the previous weekend, Clough-Ballacolla also benefitted from Ballinakill’s defeat at the hands of Rathdowney on the same night to move up to third in the table, Castletown-Slieve Bloom slumped to third from the bottom with their second defeat of the campaign.

Castletown-Slieve Bloom opened the scoring with just a minute on the clock thanks to a Dylan Conroy free, before Brian Ferns and Ben Conroy followed up with points to send Castletown-Slieve Bloom three points clear after three minutes.

Clough-Ballacolla briefly interrupted the Castletown-Slieve Bloom scoring with a point from county star Willie Hyland, before Castletown-Slieve Bloom resumed their scoring spree with a further two points from James Hooban and Dylan Conroy put them four points ahead after six minutes.

Clough-Ballacolla hit-back with two points in as many minutes courtesy of Mick McEvoy and John A Delaney, before Ben Conroy put three between the sides once again. Points from Mick McEvoy and wing-back Canice Coonan brought Ballacolla to within a point, before Dylan Conroy and Loughlin Hegarty pushed the Castletown-Slieve Bloom leab back out to three.

Clough-Ballacolla closed out the half as John A Delaney and Picky Maher exchanged points with Dylan Conroy to leave the half time score at seven points to nine in favour of Castletown-Slieve Bloom.

Castletown-Slieve Bloom restarted the scoring with a goal from Ben Conroy less than a minute gone in the second half, but it was to be their last score until the fiftieth minute. Clough-Ballacolla went on to dominate the the following twenty minutes as they racked up 1-7 without reply. Ciaran Finane excellently teed up Picky Maher for the goal, while Maher also helped himself three points - as did Willie Hyland.

Castletown-Slieve Bloom resurrected in the final ten minutes with points from Dylan Conroy (2), substitute Gavin Conroy and Fionan Cuddy, but Ballacolla sealed the result with further points from Picky Maher, Willie Hyland and substitute Seamus Maher to see them emerge with four points to spare.

Scorers - CLOUGH-BALLACOLLA: Stephen Maher 1-5, 0-2f; Willie Hyland 0-5; John A Delaney and Mick McEvoy 0-2 each; Canice Coonan, Ciaran Finane and Seamus Maher 0-1 each. CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Dylan Conroy 0-6, 0-4f; Ben Conroy 1-2; Brian Ferns, James Hooban, Loughlin Hegarty, Gavin Conroy and Fionan Cuddy 0-1 each.

CLOUGH-BALLACOLLA: Danny Hanlon; Eoin Doyle, Darren Maher, Jim Doyle; Canice Coonan, Brendan McEvoy, Tom Delaney; Shane Hanlon, John A Delaney; Stephen Maher, Mick McEvoy, Willie Hyland; Ciaran Finane, Damien Bergin, Shane Hyland. SUBS: Seamus Maher for Shane Hyland.

CASTLETOWN-SLIEVE BLOOM: Paddy Mullaney; Tom Delaney, Gearoid Gaughan, Enda Conroy; Conor Phelan, Kevin Conroy, John Gaughan; Fionan Cuddy, Ben Reddin; James Hooban, Brian Ferns, Dylan Conroy; Ben Conroy, Loughlin Hegarty, Martin Phelan. SUBS: Gavin Conroy for Brian Ferns; Barry McKelvey for Loughlin Hegarty.

REFEREE: Mick Cleere

From Laois Nationalist

PICKY PICKS VISITORS' POCKETS

by Pat Delaney

This was the second meeting of these sides this year and the result was the same as in the Palmer Cup semi final. On Wednesday the Hawthorn was again the venue and the visitors, fielding a stronger team, more than held their own but like the earlier meeting ran out of steam. 

John Gaughan opened the scoring with a point and Bernie Ferns doubled the lead three minutes later whiel Ben Conroy posted his side's third point. Willie Hyland opened the home team's account from a free after 11 minutes but Dylan Conroy restored the visitors' three point advantage. 

Clough/Ballacolla had two from Mick McEvoy and John A Delaney operating in a new role in midfield. Ben Conroy interrupted the sequence but Canice Coonan and Mick McEvoy pushed the home side in front. 

Delaney added his second but two late points from Dylan Conroy saw the visitors led 0-9 to 0-7 at the interval.

The visitors got the perfect restart when James Hooban lofted a high ball into the square where Ben Conroy got the final touch and the net shook. Clough/Ballacolla replied with a point from a free and a brace from Hyland. The home side then took control with Stephen Maher smashing home a great goal in the 41st minute and his side led by two points.

The next three scores were all local, Ciarán Finane and Maher putting five between the sides. The visitors had not scored for 16 minutes but a brace of points from Dylan Conroy and Gavin Conroy left a goal seperating the sides. 

Stephen "Picky" Maher and the substitute of the same name added points before Fionán Cuddy one back. Hyland delivered the insurance point and the champions showed that at full strength they will challenge strongly for honours

ACHL Division 2 Round 5: Ballypickas 1-9 Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-11 7/6/14 @ Ballypickas

Having defeated The Harps in the previous round, Castletown Slieve Bloom headed to Ballypickas looking for their second win. For long periods this did not look like happening. 

A good start was made with Dylan Conroy pointing from play and following up with a close in free and a '65'. Ballypickas' only reply was a single point. David Cuddy shot 1-1 in quick succession but the home side took over for the next ten minutes and edged in front before three Dylan Conroy points (two from frees) saw the half time score stand at 1-7 to 1-6 in favour of the visitors. Castletown Slieve Bloom had played with a reasonably strong breeze in the first half.

Ballypickas began the second half brightly and shot two points to take the lead for the first time. Castletown Slieve Bloom introduced two subs five minutes in and began to regain a grip on the game and finally opened their account in the 40th minute with Padráig Cuddy shooting a goal. Dylan Conroy added two frees shortly after and points from play from Padráig and David Cuddy saw Castletown Slieve Bloom close out for a deserved victory.

Next up for the Junior A team are table toppers Shanahoe who have won 5 from 5 at home on Monday 16th June. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Tom Delaney, Adrian Dollard, Joe Delaney, Eoin Dooley, Tadhg Dooley, Gearóid Kirwan, Mick Butler, Darragh Delaney, Dylan Conroy (0-8, 0-5f, 0-1 '65'), Martin Delaney, Padráig Cuddy (1-1), Shane Phelan, David Cuddy (1-2), Ross Holmes

Subs: Kevin Carroll & Michael Mulhall for Martin Delaney & Darragh Delaney (35 mins)

Ref: John Lalor (Shanahoe)

ACHL Div 5 Round 8: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-6 The Harps 0-13 10/6/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Castletown Slieve Bloom faced The Harps in a crucial league game at Slieve Bloom in the ACHL Division 5. The Harps arrived, and left, with their 100% record still intact. 

A win here would have secured a semi final spot, a feat unlikely to be achieved now. The Harps started brightest but all of their work was undone when a Dylan Conroy free from 70 metres went all the way to the net. Three Conroy frees with a Daniel Brophy point from play sandwiched in between brought the first half scoring to a close with the home team leading 1-4 to 0-5.

The Harps again started well but a Dylan Conroy goal from play and two Shane Phelan points from play brought the gap back to one. Despite a few chances late on the equalising point did not come. As Graiguecullen have pulled out of the league this will be our last group game. We must now await other results but it is unlikely that we will be qualifying for a semi final.  

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Lyons, Patrick Kirwan, Paul O' Gorman, Martin Mulhall, Eoin Cuddy, Mark Delaney, Gearóíd Kirwan, Michael Mulhall, Robbie Burke, Ross Holmes, Dylan Conroy (2-3, 1-3f), Shane Phelan (0-2), Daniel Brophy (0-1), Craig Finlay, Des O' Sullivan

Subs:  Stephen Phelan & Aiden Delaney for Des O' Sullivan & Daniel Brophy (50 mins), James Campion for Martin Mulhall (55 mins)

Ref: Eoin Scully (Camross)

ACHL Division 1 Round 5: Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-15 Borris in Ossory Kilcotton 0-14 11/6/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Having lost out to Clough Ballacolla in Round 4 Castletown Slieve Bloom Seniors got back on track with a good win against neighbours Borris in Ossory Kilcotton. 

An early exchange of points, with Brian Ferns and Sham Lyons pointing for the homeside, had the teams well matched but when Loughlin Hegarty fielded a long ball and fed James Hooban to blast a goal it was to open up a lead that we wouldn't relinquish. Points followed through Hooban, Lyons (2 frees), Fionán Cuddy and Gearóid Gaughan operating in a new role at centre forward. John Gaughan pointed a free from distance and Gearóid added a second from play to leave the home side ahead 1-9 to 0-6 at the break. 

Seamus Lyons added three frees in the early stages of the first half before John Gaughan pointed a lomg range free. Borris in Ossory Kilcotton were making strong inroads at this stage but two late points from Fionán Cuddy brought the gap to a more comfortable four points. 

Next up in Division 1 are Portlaoise away on Wednesday next 18/6. Two wins from the remaining two games would leave us challenging strongly for a semi final spot. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Paddy Mullaney, Tom Delaney, Declan Keenan, Enda Conroy, John Gaughan (0-2f), Kevin Conroy, John Lowry, Fionán Cuddy (0-3), Brian Ferns (0-1), Dylan Conroy, Gearóid Gaughan (0-2), Barry McKelvey, Seamus Lyons (0-6f), Loughlin Hegarty, James Hooban (1-1)

Subs: JR Kingston for Barry McKelvey (45 mins), Mick Butler for Dylan Conroy (48 mins) and Ross Holmes for Gearóid Gaughan (56 mins)

Ref: Brochan O' Reilly (Portlaoise)

From Leinster Express

From Laois Nationalist

ACHL Division 3 Round 7: Borris in Ossory Kilcotton 1-10 Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-12 15/6/14 @ Knockaroo

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior B hurlers finished their league campaign with a good win away to Borris in Ossory Kilcotton last Sunday evening. Despite some confusion over the throw in time we started well but struggled to convert possession into scores. Craig Finlay finally opened the scoring from an acute angle and Barry McKelvey followed with two good points from play. From here to half time pressure on the home defence resulted in frees and Shane Phelan converted 4 out of 4. This left the half time score 0-10 to 0-7 in our favour. 

The second half was very evenly contested and McKelvey added another point from play early on. Shortly after Shane Phelan rattled the net from play. The same player added two frees and substitute Ross Holmes landed two very good points from play that were to turn out to be the difference between the two sides. 

This team's league campaign finished solidly and they can look forward to their Junior B Championship campaign with optimism. They open against Ballyfin on Tuesday 15th July. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Brian O' Connor, Mark Delaney, Paul O' Gorman, Patrick Kirwan, James Tobin, John Palmer, Gearóid Kirwan, Michael Mulhall, Mick Butler, Darragh Delaney, Padraig Cuddy, Shane Phelan (1-6, 0-6f), Craig Finlay (0-1), Barry McKelvey (0-3), Fearghal Burke

Subs: Ross Holmes for Mark Delaney (40 mins)

Ref: Eoin Scully (Camross)

ACHL Division 2 Round 6: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-7 Shanahoe 2-14 16/6/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Despite being well in the game up until the closing minutes our Junior As were eventually well beaten by a strong Shanahoe side who have a 100% record in the league. Come championship time this team will be operating at Junior A level, while the victors will be playing two grades higher at Senior B. 

This gulf was evident early on as Shanahoe shot some fine points to open up a good lead. It was ten minutes before Dylan Conroy opened our account with a pointed free. Shortly afterwards JR Kingston drilled home  a goal with a ground stroke. Shanahoe responded almost immediately with a soft goal. Castletown Slieve Bloom also responded quickly and it was Kingston who got onto a long ball and drove at the defence, drawing the full back and handpassing to Barry McKelvey who finished well. 

Dylan Conroy pointed a free and the half time score was 2-2 to 1-7 to Shanahoe. 

We made a positive start to the second half and really took the game to the visitors. Tadgh Dooley landed a good point from play, Conroy a free and Kingston from play. During this time many scoring chances were also spurned. Dooley again pointed from play and Conroy kept us in the game with a well taken free. 

Shanahoe responded well despite being outplayed in the third quarter and were holding a four point lead before a long ball was gathered by the full forward who buried home from close range.

Next up for the Junior A team are Park Ratheniska away on Sunday at 12pm. This is the final league game with the championship due to begin on Sunday 27th July v Rathdowney Errill. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: John Paul Bennett, Tom Delaney, Adrian Dollard, Fearghal Burke, Michael Mulhall, James Tobin, Gearóid Lowry, Tadgh Dooley (0-2), Kevin Carroll, Padraig Cuddy, JR Kingston (1-1), Dylan Conroy (0-4f), Martin Delaney, Barry McKelvey (1-0), Eoin Dooley

Subs: Mick Butler for Kevin Carroll (45 mins)

Ref: Anthony Costigan (Rathdowney Errill)

ACHL Division 1 Round 6: Castletown Slieve Bloom 4-15 Portlaoise 0-16 18/6/14 @ Rathleague

From Leinster Express

From Laois Nationalist

ACHL Division 2 Round 7: Park Ratheniska 2-12 Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-7 22/6/14 @ Ratheniska

These results left the final ACHL Division 1 table looking as follows;

Rathdowney Errill qualified directly for the final while Clough Ballacolla and the 3rd placed team qualified for a semi final. We were in joint 3rd place with Camross and our head to head could not separate us (as it had finished a draw). Score difference also could not be used as Camross had received a walkover from Portlaoise. Therefore a play-off between Castletown Slieve Bloom and Camross was necessary to decide on the second semi finalist. 

Minor Hurling League Quarter Final: Rathdowney Errill 2-19 Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-16 7/7/14 @ Rathdowney

Castletown Slieve Bloom minor hurlers were beaten in the quarter final of the league, away to Rathdowney Errill. Although understrength this was a good battling performance.

Ryan Mullaney opened the scoring with a converted free and Martin Phelan added a goal and a point from play shortly after in responses to two Rathdowney Errill scores. This was to open up a good lead. Mullaney added town from play and one from a free while Shane Phelan pointed from play. Mullaney again converted a free before an excellent move saw Martin Phelan blast home and the half time score read 2-9 to 1-8 in our favour. 

A Ryan Mullaney '65' opened our second half account, followed shortly after by a good Dylan Conroy point, laid on by Shane Cuddy and a Mullaney point from play. Martin Phelan added two from play and Mullaney 2 from frees but by this stage Rathdowney were in control and they held on for a 3 point win. 

The next game is Championship Quarter Final v the defending champions, The Harps Gaels, on Monday 24th August.   

Castletown Slieve Bloom (13 a side): Craig Finlay, Fearghal Burke, Shane Farrell, Gearóid Kirwan, Conor Phelan, Glenn Tobin, Dylan Conroy (0-1), Shane Phelan (0-1), Ross Holmes, Ryan Mullaney (0-11, 0-8f), Robbie Burke, Shane Cuddy, Martin Phelan (2-3

Ref: John Lalor (Shanahoe)

ACHL Division 1 Play-Off: Camross 1-18 Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-19 10/7/14 @ Shanahoe

From Leinster Express

From Laois Nationalist

Actual team & scorers;

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Paddy Mullaney, Enda Conroy, Declan Keenan, Evan Cuddy, Tom Delaney, Gearóid Gaughan, Conor Phelan, Fionán Cuddy (0-4), Brian Ferns (0-1), Ryan Mullaney, Paul Cuddy (0-2), John Gaughan, Brendan Reddin (0-3), Ben Conroy (0-8, 0-6f), James Hooban (0-1)

Subs: Dylan Conroy for John Gaughan (45 mins), Gavin Conroy for Brian Ferns (50 mins)

Junior B Hurling Championship 1st Round: Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-11 Ballyfin 0-8 15/7/14 @ Slieve Bloom

Castletown Slieve Bloom's Junior B hurlers were the first team from the club into championship action in 2014 and they opened with a solid win. A good array of players got on the scoresheet and the home team led for most of the game, even if it was close throughout. 

Next up are Clonaslee at home in the quarter final on Tuesday next the 22/7. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Brian O' Connor, Ciarán Cuddy, Paul Heffernan, Fearghal Burke (0-1), Damien Brophy, John Palmer (0-1), James Tobin, Mick Butler, Paul Croke, Darragh Delaney, Padraig Cuddy, JR Kingston (0-2), Dylan Conroy (1-5), Barry McKelvey (0-1), Shane Phelan (0-1)

Subs: Ross Holmes for Darragh Delaney (45 mins)

Ref: Con Dunne (Clonaslee)

Senior Hurling Championship 1st Round: St Lazerian's Abbeyleix 2-14 Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-11 20/7/14 @ O' Moore Park

Junior Hurling Championship Round 2: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-14 Borris in Ossory Kilcotton 2-10 13/8/14 @ Rathdowney

Castletown Slieve Bloom Junior As bounced back from a first round defeat to Rathdowney Errill by beating Borris in Ossory Kilcotton in this 2nd Round tie. Tadgh Dooley opened the scoring from play and early frees from Dylan Conroy and a Kevin Carroll point from play saw us well in control of the game. At this stage the losers won a penalty, which was saved, but the ball was forced in from the rebound. Borris Kilcotton added a point from play immediately. Tadgh Dooley added a second from play and a Dylan Conroy a free and when Ross Holmes goaled from close range the score stood at 1-6 to 1-1. Further Conroy points from play and frees left the half time score 1-10 to 1-4. 

A close second half saw us eventually close the game out as substitute Barry McKelvey scored 1-1 from play shortly after coming on. 

Next up for the Junior A team is a quarter final against the losers of Camross v Mountmellick. The game is fixed for Sunday August 31st. 

Castletown Slieve Bloom: Ger Cuddy, Gearóid Lowry, Adrian Dollard, Fearghal Burke, Eoin Dooley, Shane Farrell, James Tobin, Kevin Carroll (0-1), Tadgh Dooley (0-2), Dylan Conroy (0-9, 0-8f), JR Kingston (0-1), Martin Delaney, Shane Phelan, Padráig Cuddy, Ross Holmes (1-0)

Subs: Barry McKelvey (1-1) for Ross Holmes (40 mins)

Ref: Kieran Bowe (Rathdowney Errill)

Senior Hurling Championship 2nd Round: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-19 Borris in Ossory Kilcotton 0-20 15/8/14 @ O' Moore Park

Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-11 Clough Ballacolla 3-24 30/8/14 @ O' Moore Park

U21 Hurling Championship Preliminary Round: Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-18 Clough Ballacolla 2-16 4/10/14 @ Rathdowney

U21 Hurling Championship Semi Final: Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-11 Portlaoise 2-11 8/11/14 @ Shanahoe

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