2011

Officers for 2011

President- Fr. Willie Hennessy P.P. 

Vice President- Denis Wall, Mick Cuddy

Chairperson- Monica Delaney

Vice Chairperson- Padraig Cuddy

Secretary- John Finlay      

Treasurer- Seán Fleming T.D.

P.R.O- Loughlin Hegarty

Assistant Secretary- Fionán Cuddy

Assistant Treasurer- Paul Cuddy

ASAP Officer- Gearoid Gaughan

Committee-  Mick Phelan, William Delaney, Richard Poole, Gerry Gaughan, P.J. Delaney, John Bergin, Seán Mullaney, James Dooley, P.J. Mullaney

Senior Management- Danny Reddin, Patrick Cuddy

Junior A Management- Mick Phelan, Paul Cuddy, Martin Lowry

Junior B Management- David Cuddy, Joe Heffernan Jnr. 

U21 Management- Padraig Cuddy, Ken Holmes

Minor- Joe Delaney, Fionán Cuddy, Ciarán Cuddy, Monica Delaney, Loughlin Hegarty

Senior Captain- Kevin Conroy

Junior A Captain- Enda Conroy

Junior B Captain- Paul O' Gorman

U21 Captain- Loughlin Hegarty

Secretary's Report 2011

It is my pleasure as secretary of Castletown Slieve Bloom G.A.A. Club to present the secretary’s report for 2011. This is the Club’s 38th A.G.M.  2011 saw a significant milestone in the club’s history with agreement reached with Slieve Bloom to amalgamate the resources of both club’s to form an exclusively hurling club. The club’s name was changed to reflect this. Pooling of the resources allowed for five teams to compete in nine county hurling competitions. Whilst honours were only secured in one competition the club was competitive in the rest of the competitions with the exception of minor where player numbers were limited. We reached the final in four competitions, the semi final in one competition and the quarter final in two competitions.

At senior level the year we competed in the league and finished sixth place in the table with five wins and four losses. In the championship the seniors finished second in the qualifying stages but lost out at the quarter final stage after a replay with the eventual champions.

In the division 3 league the Junior A team secured the honours.  In the championship they lost out at the quarter final stage to the eventual victors.

In the division 4 league the Junior B team lost the final. In the Championship they lost out at the semi final stage again to the competition winners.

The U21 team reached the final of the championship with some notable wins. Unfortunately they lost the final to a superior team on the day. We didn’t compete in the minor championship. In the minor league we lost the first match and conceded the remaining matches.

Overall 2011 was a reasonable year for the club despite limited success. Combining both clubs’ resources gives additional scope when preparing adult teams with a bigger pool of players. It is important to continue with the amalgamation and for all to work towards building competitive teams in the future. I would like to thank my fellow officers in the Slieve Bloom Castletown Club for their help and co operation during the year.

I would like to thank all those who have participated in club activities and helped the club over the past year.  I would like to thank the players for their efforts at all levels, minor U21, Junior and senior. I would also like to congratulate and thank all the players from the Club who represented Laois at county level.

Minors

This year our minors amalgamated with Slieve Bloom. The team competed in the Minor A league. In the league competition the team lost all of the qualifying matches suffering a heavy loss to The Harps and conceding to Portlaoise and Borris Kilcotten. The championship format was on a knockout basis. Due to the heavy loss in the league and lack of numbers we withdrew from the championship. It was a very disappointing year for the minors. In reality we didn’t have the numbers to compete in the A league and Championship. The County Board didn’t help matters either as they wouldn’t allow us to go back into the B championship.

I would like to thank Fionán Cuddy, Joe Delaney, Ciarán Cuddy and Martin Lowry for managing and training the team and all the players who took part despite our limited resources.

U21

The U21 team was an amalgamation of Castletown, Slieve Bloom and Ballyfin. The U21 championship competition was run on a knockout basis. For the first time in a number of years the team reached the final of the A competition after good wins over St Fintan’s Raheen and Borris Kilcotten. However we were beaten in the final by a superior Rathdowney Errill team. Although we lost there is optimism for the future with a number of players showing significant promise.  I would like to thank Pauric Cuddy and Ken Holmes for preparing the team and all the players who took part.

Junior A

The Junior B team had a good run in the division 4 league winning 9 matches out of 11 and finishing top of the table. Victory over Borris/Kilcotton in semi final qualified us for the final against Timahoe. Unfortunately we lost out by a margin of 2 points. The championship is on a knockout basis. We reached the semi final with wins over Portlaoise and Ballacolla. We were defeated in the semi final by Camross by a margin of 2 points. Lack of fitness particularly in the last quarter of the match and injuries on the day were key factors in the defeat. This was a missed opportunity and with the player potential we had, this championship should have been won.

I would like to thank David Cuddy and Joe Heffernan for managing the team.

Junior B

The Junior B team had a good run in the division 4 league winning 9 matches out of 11 and finishing top of the table. Victory over Borris/Kilcotton in semi final qualified us for the final against Timahoe. Unfortunately we lost out by a margin of 2 points. The championship is on a knockout basis. We reached the semi final with wins over Portlaoise and Ballacolla. We were defeated in the semi final by Camross by a margin of 2 points. Lack of fitness particularly in the last quarter of the match and injuries on the day were key factors in the defeat. This was a missed opportunity and with the player potential we had, this championship should have been won.

I would like to thank David Cuddy and Joe Heffernan for managing the team.

Junior A

The Junior A team started well this year with an excellent run in the Division 3 league losing only one match, finishing top of the group and securing a place in the final. Honours were secured in final after defeating Portlaoise by a margin of 6 points. I would like to congratulate the team on the win. In the championship we finished second in the group winning one match and losing one match. For the second year in a row we lost out at the quarter final stage, this time to Park Ratheniska, who went on to win the competition. Again I believe this competition could have been won with a bit more effort and commitment.

I would like to thank Mick Phelan, Paul Cuddy and Martin Lowry for managing and preparing the team.

Senior

The senior team had a varied year. In the ACHL Div 1 we had a less than reasonable run and finished sixth in the table, with four wins, a walk over and four losses.

In the championship we were drawn in a group of four with Abbeyleix, Mountrath and The Harps. We qualified for the quarter finals with a win over Mountrath and a draw against Abbeyleix. We were drawn against Clough Ballacolla in the quarter finals. The quarter final went to a replay after a draw in the first game. The opportunity was certainly there for us in the drawn game to win the match with some fine displays from younger players. However conceding frees cost us with Clough Ballacolla scoring 2-6 out of 3-9 from frees. In the replay we never got going. Two goals from placed balls in the first half cost us dearly and we were well beaten on the day. Despite the disappointment of the drawn game there are some promising signs for the future. It is important now to focus on 2012 and build on the amalgamation of the clubs and to develop the number of younger players with potential coming through from underage levels and U21 level.

I would like to thank Danny Reddin and Patrick Cuddy for all the work they put in, preparing and coaching the teams.

Membership

Membership dropped slightly in 2011 from 180 to 171. There are also 89 juvenile members. Membership levels are very encouraging in light of the difficult financial times prevalent. All the club membership promises have been delivered with members getting free admission to home league games, text updates for match fixtures and results,  Social night for members, Club Merchandise and free draw for all Ireland tickets. I would like to thank all who worked to enlist members and who delivered on the membership commitments. 2012 is likely to be a more difficult year for memberships and a sustained effort will be needed to encourage and maintain current membership levels. 

In conclusion I would like to thank all those involved in Castletown GAA Club over the past year. The operation of the Club requires a lot of effort and I would like to thank my fellow officers and committee members for their help and co-operation.

I would also like to thank the following:

Pat Phelan – Sale to Tipperary Draw tickets

Mary Hooban – Looking after jerseys

Tom Doheny and Jimmy Conroy – Physio’s

Secretaries in Seán Fleming’s office – Race night preparation and general administration,

Pat Delaney – Race night MC and preparation

I would also like to thank all our supporters and ticket sellers without whom the Club could not exist. More supporters, volunteers and resources are always needed to ensure the club continues to function.

I wish to sympathise with all those who have suffered bereavements during the year.

I would like to thank all those who have helped me in my role during the year particularly my fellow club officers Monica Delaney and Seán Fleming. I have decided to step down as secretary and I will not be seeking re election for 2012.

Finally I would like to wish the Club every success in 2012.

Is Mise,         

            Seán O’Fionnalaigh

                        Runai

Other Events during 2011

The A.G.M on 9th January 2011 was attended by the following;

Seán Fleming

Seán Mullaney

John Finlay

Monica Delaney

James Hooban

Ben Cuddy

Padraig Cuddy

Gerry Gaughan

Alan Doheny

P.J. Mullaney

William Delaney

Richard Poole

John Bergin

Paul Cuddy

Mick Cuddy

Fionán Cuddy

Brian Carroll

John Gaughan

Declan Keenan

Brian O’ Connor

Kevin Conroy

John Lyons

P.J. Delaney

Danny Reddin

Patrick Mullaney

Martin Phelan

Tom Phelan

Mick Phelan

Pat Phelan

James Dooley

Gearoid Gaughan

Loughlin Hegarty

Robert Delaney

Apologies:

Fr. Hennessy

Willie Byrne

Tom Dooley

John O’Sullivan

Joe Delaney

Brendan Peters

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At the AGM, it was agreed to proceed with an amalgamation with Slieve Bloom for a 2 year trial period. Under this agreement Castletown would become a hurling club called Castletown Slieve Bloom and Slieve Bloom would become a football club called Slieve Bloom Castletown. 

At a Special General Meeting on Monday 24th January a motion to change the name of the club was proposed by Monica Delaney and seconded by Michael Butler. As there was no counter motion the motion was deemed to be passed. 

The attendance at this meeting was; Monica Delaney, John Finlay, Seán Fleming, Seán Mullaney, Ben Cuddy, Brendan Peters, P.J. Delaney, Fr Hennessy, P.J. Mullaney, William Delaney, Eoin Dooley, Jim Moore, Tim Dooley, Francis Hegarty, Willie Byrne, Richie Poole, Aidan Phelan, Patrick Cuddy, Mick Phelan, Danny Reddin, Mick Cuddy, Fionán Cuddy, John Bergin, Gerry Phelan, Paul Cuddy, Gerry Gaughen, Padraig Cuddy, Joe Delaney, Fint Cuddy, Mick Butler, Martin Phelan, Kevin Conroy, James Hooban, Dec Keenan, Robert Delaney, John O’Sullivan, Barry McKelvey

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Membership Card 2011

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The following are the results of all games played by Castletown in 2011;

SHC

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-13 St Fintan’s Mountrath 2-10

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-12 Abbeyleix 0-11

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-07 The Harps 0-18

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-12 Clough Ballacolla 3-09 (Qtr Final)

Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-08 Clough Ballacolla 2-12 (Qtr Final replay)

Palmer Cup

Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-13 Mountrath 0-10

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-15 Colt 0-06 (Semi Final)

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-07 The Harps 2-17 (Final)

ACHL DIV1

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-16 Abbeyleix 0-13

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-08 The Harps 1-18

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-14 Clough Ballacolla 0-15

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-06 Camross 2-15

Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-06 Borris Kilcotten 2-10

Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-19 Colt 0-10

Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-11 Ballinakill 1-14

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-12 Rathdowney Errill 0-18

Castletown Slieve Bloom ----   Portlaoise ---- Conceded by Portlaoise

JHC A

Castletown Slieve Bloom 4-25 Abbeyleix 0-07

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-10 Portlaoise 0-17

Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-09 Park Ratheniska 2-09 (Qtr Final)

ACHL DIV 3

Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-18 Rathdowney Errill 2-07

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-14 Rosenallis 2-10

Castletown Slieve Bloom 4-17 Abbeyleix 0-10

Castletown Slieve Bloom 4-15 Mountmellick 1-4

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-13 Kyle 0-11

Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-07 Park Ratheniska 0-12

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-14 Borris Kilcotten 1-09

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-13 Portlaoise 1-16

Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-12 Mountrath 0-14 ( Semi Final)

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-13 Portlaoise 0-10 (Final)

JHC B

Castletown Slieve Bloom 5-09 Portlaoise 0-06

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-15 Clough Ballacolla 1-09

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-11 Camross 0-16 (semi final)

ACHL DIV4

Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-09 Borris Kilcotten 1-08

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-12 Ballypickas 1-10

Castletown Slieve Bloom ----- Portlaoise ---  Conceded by Portlaoise

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-12 Ballinakill 1-04

Castletown Slieve Bloom 1-09 Ballyfin 3-06

Castletown Slieve Bloom 3-14 Colt 0-09

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-18 Rathdowney Errill 1-12

Castletown Slieve Bloom 5-16 Clonad 1-10

Castletown Slieve Bloom 4-17 The Harps 1-07

Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-11 Timahoe 0-08

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-12 Camross 2-09

Castletown Slieve Bloom 2-11 Borris Kilcotten 0-09 (Semi Final)

Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-11 Timahoe 2-07 (Final)

U21 HC

Castletown/Slieve Bloom/Ballyfin 2-08 St Fintan’s Raheen 0-13

Castletown/Slieve Bloom/Ballyfin 6-08 Borris Kilcotten 1-07

Castletown/Slieve Bloom/Ballyfin 1-10 Rathdowney Errill 2-21 (Final)

Minor HC

Castletown Slieve Bloom scr Clough/Ballacolla w/o

Minor League

Castletown Slieve Bloom 0-06 The Harps 6-12

Matches to Portlaoise and Borris Kilcotton conceded

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A Social Night was held in Mountrath Golf Club on Saturday 28th May. 

Brendan Reddin was presented with the "Young Hurler of the Year" award for 2010. Presentations were also made to Seán Mullaney and John O' Sullivan in recognition of the service they had given to Castletown GAA. 

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The following were graded Senior at the beginning of 2011 by the Senior Management and therefore could not compete at a lower grade for the year;

John Lyons, Gearoid Gaughan, Loughlin Hegarty, Brian Ferns, Fionán Cuddy, Declan Keenan, Patrick Mullaney, Paul Cuddy, Cyril Cuddy, Ger Reddin, James Hooban, John Gaughan, David Cuddy, Robert Delaney, Kevin Conroy, Brendan Reddin, Adrian Dollard

The following were graded Junior A at the beginning of 2011 by the Junior Management and therefore could not compete at a lower grade for the year;

Tom Phelan, Joe Delaney, Barry McKelvey, Damien Brophy, Gavin Conroy, Enda Conroy, Tom Delaney, J.P. Campion, Eoin Dooley, Paul Harding, Seamus Lyons, Padraig Cuddy, Seán Keenan, Ben Conroy, John Lowry, James Dooley, Martin Delaney

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A Scrap Metal Collection took place in a joint fundraising effort with Castletown Tidy Towns. 

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A Race Night took place on Saturday 29th October in the Castletown Inn. 

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For Match Reports from 2011 please click here

2010                                                                                                       2012

INDEX