Last Sat saw the commencement of the Genfitt Cup for 2003 when Castlebar hosted Ballina in a game played in Ballyheane courtesy of the Breaffy/ Ballyheane club. From the start it was obvious that the Mitchels were rusty after the long winter lay off. First touch skill was lacking and the vital coordination between eye and wrist was somewhat out of sync.

Many familiar names were missing from the Mitchels team but their replacements, particularly the ‘young ‘uns’ making their debut, certainly showed that there will be no automatic selections and all players will have to work hard and prove their ability to hold a place. From the start Ballina took the game to the Mitchels and ran up what looked to be an unassailable lead of 1-8 to 0-0, despite the great work of Joe Butler in the left corner position and Eamonn Shaughnessy in the goal. However, powered on by the fighting spirit of John Joe Ormsby, Ger Whyte, Owen Shaughnessy of the older brigade, they fought their way back into the game with 2 gls and 1 pt within three minutes from Tony Power, Stephen McGeough and Johnny Lavelle to leave the half time score at Mitchels 2-1 Ballina 1-8.

The second half saw the Mitchels begin to strike cleaner and to find some open spaces. Other players like Chris Dorney, Martin Greaney, Kieran Horan; Don Greaney began to find their rhythm and to put more ball into the forwards where Gearoid de Barra, Timmy Lynch and Sean Kelly began to influence the game. Scores however were difficult to come by as some poor shooting cost them dearly. In the last quarter it was obvious that the fitness just wasn’t there and slack marking let Ballina back in to dominant the last 10 mins and score some excellent points at will.

A lot to look forward to in the coming season, particularly with the hurling skills as shown by the Joe Butlers, Gearoid de Barra and Sean Kelly allied to the experience of the Ormsbys, Greaneys, Whyte, Shaughnessys and McGeoughs. The current strategy will be closely looked at over the next few games. When the serious training starts who knows what this team can produce.

Eamonn Shaughnessy, Chris Dorney, John Joe Ormsby, Joe Butler, Martin Greaney, Ger Whyte, Kieran Horan, Own Shaughnessy, Don Greaney, Tony Power, Gearoid de Barra, Johnny Lavelle, Timmy Lynch, Stephen McGeough, Sean Kelly

Castlebar Camogie Club hosted Skehanagh from the Galway league in McHale Park last Sat evening. Having already played two away fixtures in the Galway league this was the first opportunity for the girls to play in front of a home crowd. The girls have been thrown in at the deep end in joining the Galway league in this their first year. In fact some of the girls did not know how to use a hurley in Sept of last year, so it was obvious that they are on a voyage of discovery and the learning curve will be sharp. Playing against a sharp setting sun, they set about taming the girls from Tuam. From the start they under continuous pressure and forced to defend for most of the half. With considerable skill they thwarted the best efforts of the Skehanagh girls and limited them to two scores from play during this period. Finding it difficult to get the ball into the forwards it was always going to be difficult to get scores but as half time approached they were well satisfied with their efforts to trail by only five points, a goal from a goalmouth scramble putting a distance between the teams Claire Horan was leading from the full back position and was ably assisted by Catherine O Boyle and Fiona O Malley in the corners. Audrey Flynn organised the defense and the half back line of Emma Feeney, Ann Marie Browne and Helen Lydon cut down the approaches to goal with some skilful tackling. Sharon Ryder and Elaine Byrne at centre field tried manfully or should that be woman fully to link with the forwards.

In the second half, expectations were high that the girls could come more into the game but the Galway girls with cleaner strike and an ability to play the ball in the air once again put them under severe pressure. Maeve Murphy from centre forward was showing that she could match the Galway girls for skill and commitment and with Sinead Muldoon and Phil Callaghan tried to supply the full forwards line of Eleanor O Boyle, Noreen Heston and Helen Maloney with quick and early ball. The Galway goalkeeper was forced to make some very good saves, as the Castlebar girls were hungry for scores. In the final ten minutes however the better skill, experience and fitness level of the Galway girls saw them surge back up field and take some easy scores to put a unbalanced look on the scoreboard.

This was a difficult game for the girls but with the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication being shown, improvement is well on the way. Experience can sometimes be a costly item to acquire but the light at the end of the tunnel is there. The girls are enjoying it and having some great craic along the way.

Sat last saw a considerable number of Juveniles coming forward for registration. U10s and U12s will commence in McHale Park on Wed (tonight) between 6 and 7 pm. Late comers will also be permitted to register at that time but parents should be advised that this year space will be limited and thus the numbers will have to be managed so as to ensure the best possible attention for each Juvenile

Once again Castlebar Mitchels Hurling/Camogie Club are running the project Hurling on the Green whereby the children of Castlebar are provided with an opportunity to play hurling/camogie, while having lots of fun, in their own area and at not cost to club members. By bringing hurling to the local ‘green areas’ within the town, not only the children benefit but also the parents and indeed the local community. It is hoped that sponsorship will once again cover the costs involved.

Three coaches will be involved. Steve McGeough from Clare who is a member of the Club’s senior team and is also training the U-16 panel. He is a student at GMIT in Castlebar. Maeve Murphy from Tipperary plays senior camogie, coaches the U10s and is also a student at GMIT CAstlebar. Martin Greaney from Breaffy plays on the senior club team as well as with Mayo and is a student with GMIT in Galway.

Tue Apr 22 - Rowan Drive: Wed 23 Apr - The Mall: Thu 24 Apr - St Brigids Crescent: Fri 25 Apr The Mall.

There will be two sessions daily when children may attend one or both Session One - 10am - 1130 pm and Session two 12 noon to 1.30 pm

The Summer schedule is as follows

The Mall - Mondays July 7,14,21,28, Aug 11,18 and Fridays July 11, 18, 25, Aug 1, 8,15,22

Rowan Drive - Tuesdays Jul 8, 15, 22, 29 Aug 5, 12,19

St Brigids Crescent - Thursdays July 10,17,24,31, Aug 7,14,21

U-12s :- Gerry Lane: Sara Casey : Andy Neary : Tom Brophy : Paddy O Brien : Liam Osborne : Maeve Murphy : Sean O Donnell : Tom Dollard.

Last weeks lotto was held in Coynes with Paul Basquill spinning the wheel. Paul came very close to scooping the jackpot but had to settle for ?100. To spin next week will be Amanda Ennis who will have the opportunity in Stalkys, when she will try for the jackpot now standing at ?3800. Other winners were house draw Conan Keane, ?20 To John McHugh and Mary O Donoghue. See you next week in Stalkys about 1030 pm.

Noel Byrne

PRO Castlebar Mitchels Hurling and Camogie Club