Mitchels under 14 team were very unlucky to go out of the Suck Valley league at semi-final stage when a controversial call (was it over the line or not) went against them in the last minute of this game. Just before that Mitchels had also hit the post, but nevertheless the lessons learned from this game will hopefully stand to them in the future.

Played in Duggan Park in very poor weather conditions, this was always going to be a low scoring game. Mitchels got off to a great start when Tony Sweeney took a lovely point on the run from 30 yards out. Jamie Redmond then after some neat play sent a shot that looked bound for the top corner of the net but a wonderful save by the Pearses goalkeeper denied him. Shortly after the goalkeeper was called into action once again when he saved a blistering ground shot from Cormac Killion.

After that though, Mitchels seemed to drift out of the game for the rest of the half. Pearses got a fortunate goal when from a long distance free nobody claimed the ball and it drifted into the net. Pearses added two points from play and went in at the break four points up.

In the second half Mitchels began to gain control of the game again but were unable to put up the scores. Michael Clune had a point from a 65 to leave a goal between the teams and then they pushed for the score they needed. Unfortunately though it was not to be. Colm Morris in defence gave a man of the match display and was ably assisted by Keith Fehily and Bernard Kennedy. Michael Clune tried hard in midfield and Rory Byrne caught some great ball while up front Tony Sweeney was the pick of the forwards. The under 14s now get ready for the Féile competition which will be coming up soon.

The minors have a busy schedule in the next few weeks. On Saturday evening last they got started in the Mayo League when they lost to Tooreen by 3-14 to 0-4. They were missing a number of players against Tooreen but hope to have most of them back for their trip to Ballinasloe on Thursday evening, when they take on Ballinasloe in the semi-final of the Suck Valley Shield. If they win that they will play the final against Pearses of Roscommon on next weekend.

U-16 Hurling League Section A Round 1 Wed 29 March at 6.30

Castlebar A V Tooreen A, Ref: James McGrath in Castlebar;

U-16 Hurling League Section B Round 1 Wed 29 March at 6.30

Castlebar B V Tooreen B, Ref: Gerry Kilbride in Castlebar;

The Under 16s also have a busy schedule in the next few weeks. The Mayo league begins this Wednesday. Mitchels and Tooreen have each entered two teams into the league and they both play against each other in the 1^st round of the league this Wednesday.

At the weekend then they play Pearses of Roscommon in the final of the Suck Valley Shield.

Will be held in The Welcome Inn on Monday April 3^rd at 9pm. It is important for all juvenile coaches to attend.

Under 8 Fr. Michael Murphy 0857345167

Under 10 Conal O’Domhnaill 0876877489

Under 12 Barry Murphy 0868318748

Under 14 Gerry Lane 0878278705

Under 16 Michael Clune 0879685577

Under 18 Darren Greaney 0872671369

Senior Ray Coy 0872021677

Club Coach Ger White 0863520671

Chairperson Tony Stakelum 086 8586842

Under 8s’ and Under 10s’ will start on Wednesday April 5^th and will train on Wednesday evenings at An Sportlann from 6 – 7pm.

Under 12s’ will start on Wednesday April 26^th and will train on Monday & Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7.30pm.

Under 14s will start on Wednesday March 29^th and will train on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7.30pm.

Equipment is available through Team Managers or Club Coach

For the fifth year Castlebar Mitchels Hurling Club are running an Easter & Summer project titled 'HURLING ON THE GREEN’, providing the children of Castlebar an opportunity to play hurling/camogie, while having lots of fun, on green areas, at no cost once you become a member.

When? this Easter from Monday April 10^th -Thursday April 13^th

Time? 10am – 1.30pm.

Where? Monday, Wednesday and Friday sessions will be on the Mall

Tuesday and Thursday sessions on St. Bridget’s Crescent

Summer details will be announced later

For the second year Castlebar Mitchels Hurling Club are running an Easter & Summer Academy for teens. Once again there is no cost once you are a member.

When? this Easter from Monday April 10^th -Thursday April 13^th

Time? 2.30pm – 5.30pm.

Where? An Sportlann

Hurling History

Did you know that 100 years ago Castlebar Dr. Hydes, as they were known then, beat Ballyhaunis by 1-13 to 1-2 in the County Senior Hurling Final played in Claremorris. The football final between Ballina and Kilmeena was played on the same day. Mr John Higgins from Balla refereed the hurling final, while trains from Newport, Ballina and Ballyhaunis brought contingents of supporters to the games.