Castlebar Mitchels under 16s had an easy win in this Suck Valley shield semi-final played in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe on Saturday. The last time these two teams met in the first round of the league, it ended in a draw. This time however the Mitchels lads showed signs of their steady improvement. Andrew Buttler opened the scoring with an early point before Michéal Clune slammed home a goal for the Mitchels. Ahascragh /Fohenagh fought back with two points and but for some excellent goalkeeping by Marty Gallagher they might have taken the lead. Mitchels then took over control of the game with Ronan Kenny, Philip Redmond and Liam Murphy asserting themselves around the middle and a goal from Luke McGrath left them 2-1 to 0-2 ahead at half-time.

Whatever manager Michael Clune said to them at half-time, it worked. Mitchels came out all fired up and two goals from Luke McGrath put them in the driving seat. Ahascragh /Fohenagh tried to fight back, but some stubborn defence by Colm Morris, Liam Williams, Christy Walsh and James Lowe allowed them little leeway. Up front Darren McTigue, Sean Brizay and Padraig Condon worked hard to set up scores and a Philip Redmond goal and two points from the stick of Andrew Buttler put the seal on the victory.

Mountbellew/Moylough 5-4 - Castlebar Mitchels 0-1

Unbeaten in all their games so far, Mountbellew/Moylough proved to be just too strong for the Mitchels under 12 team in this Suck Valley league semi-final played in Ballinasloe on Sunday. Mountbellew/Moylough got off to a wonderful start with two early goals and really never looked back after that. The Mitchels fought hard and Art O’Sullivan scored a long range point from a free to leave the half time score at 4-2 to 0-1. In the second half the Mitchels lads gave their all but they found the Mountbellew/Moylough team too strong to break down.

It has been a great league for the under 12 team, getting lots of good competitive games and finishing in fourth place. Over the weeks they have continued to improve and it will no doubt stand to them later in the year when they play in the championship. The team take a break now for a while and training will begin again on Wednesday April 26^th.

Next Sunday at 12noon the Mitchels under 14 hurlers take on Pearses of Roscommon in the Suck Valley League semi-final in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. Mitchels finished joint top of the under 14 league with Ahascragh/Fohenagh and have been consistent all season. They face tough opponents in Pearses and no doubt the game could go to the wire. Mitchels will be hoping though that the experience of players like Michéal Clune, Fergal Durkan, Alan Gavin, Richard O’Dea, Damien McHale and Goalkeeper Barry Lane will see them through to the final.

The game will be followed at 2pm by the minor shield semi-final between Mitchels and Ballinasloe. Mitchels have been eratic at times in the minor league but if they can pull everybody together it will take a good team to beat them. The team is backboned by the Hayes and Sheridan brothers with Danny Collins, Conor Douglas and Sean Gavin also adding lots of experience. We wish both teams the best of luck and hope they can join the under 16s in the finals.

Under 14s Wednesday evening @ 7pm in An Sportlann

Under 16s Wednesday evening @ 6pm in An Sportlann

Under 18s Outdoor training on Wednesday @ 5pm at An Sportlann

This weeks draw will be held in Bosch on Friday night.

The Jackpot stands at €12,900. Spinning the wheel this week will be Colette Burke and Julie Anne Walsh.

Last week Jenifer Hiney and Pauline Moran both spun the wheel and each won €100

House Draw €20 went to Mary Ruane

€20 Maura Kenny

€20 Eileen McDonnell.

There will be a juvenile meeting of our club in the Welcome Inn on Wednesday 8^th March @ 9pm.

If you are interested in hurling or camogie and would like to get involved in our club as a player, coach, administrator, helper, or supporter please contact somebody on the committee.

Chairperson Tony Stakelum 086 8586842

Juvenile Chairperson Gerry Lane 087 8278705

Senior Manager Ray Coy 087 2021677

P.R.O. Fr. Michael Murphy 094 9043150

Hurling History

Did you know In 1902 the Castlebar hurling team travelled to Roscommon to play the local Gaels team in a challenge. Roscommon Gaels won the game on a 2-5 to 1-6 scoreline and afterwards the visitors were entertained by the local club before the local band played them to the train on leaving.

In May of 1902 a return game was played in Castlebar in Mr. A. Larminie’s field. The Roscommon team arrived by train at 11.30am and were led to the field by the Foxford Brass Band. This time the Castlebar lads had the upper hand and won the game on a 3-7 to 1-2 scoreline. Afterwards the visitors were entertained in the Town Hall before being led by the band back to the train.

The Castlebar team was as follows: J. Cotter (Captain), J. McGough, M. McAlpine, M. Boland, J. McCormack, P. Ryder, J. Ryder, P. Walsh, T. McIvey, T. Twiggs, A. Ryan, C. Murphy, P. McLaughlin, P. Fallon, D. Gildea, P. Patterson, W. Treacy.

Are you related to any of these players?