Darragh Neville did excellent work as goalkeeper, and impressed all when he saved a penalty shot.   The workrate of each team member in misty wet conditions ensured the  Macroom forwards were well supported and kept busy.  The subs contributed well when brought on and ensured the energetic  pace of the game was maintained.     

Well done to all. 

Macroom U-12s play in Fitzgerald Stadium; 19/08/2015.

At the invitation of the Munster Council, Macroom U-12s participated in a blitz in the famous Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney. On a lovely day, 20 players travelled, under the care of Enda Kiernan, and they were well supported by a large coterie of parents, siblings and relatives. The venue was majestic but not quite as intimidating as on Munster Football Final day.

 Macroom played Finuge and Dr Crokes, both Kerry, Feohanagh/Castlemahon, Limerick and our Cork neighbours, Knocknagree in 4 games, 11 a-side, of 15 minutes duration.  As the emphasis was on enjoyment, no official score was kept but we reckon that Macroom did very well; they were better in 2 games, equal in another and were a little behind in the 4th. All players played in at least 2 games. They played much good football and notched some lovely scores.

 Afterwards the team was taken for a meal in McDonald’s and a great time was had by all.

Panel: Frank Lazlo, Dean Granville, Barry Galvin, Darragh Kiernan, Liam Holland, Gerry Kelleher, Jack Sexton, Darragh Neville, Sam Kelleher, Mark Hunt, Robert Lucey, Ben O’Connell, Martin Sosa, Conor Seery, Marcin Olefsky,  Ronan Morey, Jensen Ward, Dylan Molyneux, Kieran Doody, Dylan Wenger

Under 11, Macroom v. Lee Gaels in Kerry Pike on 15/8/2015.

Macroom U-11s travelled to Kerry Pike on Sat. 15/8/2015 for their final league game of the season. Lee Gaels players were drawn from Dripsey and Gleann na Laoi. Luckily the day was dry, sunny and breezy.  The game was 11- a- side and Macroom had the bare complement.

 The first half was evenly contested. Mark Hunt goaled early and he and Robert Lucey added points. Lee Gaels got a goal and added 3 points before the break, and these were answered by further points from Robert and Mark leaving the midway score Macroom 1-5 to 1-3 for Lee Gaels.

 Macroom had wind advantage for the second half, played well and the scores cascaded in the third quarter.  Two goals stood out. Ronan Morey side footed a volley for one and Oisín O’Sullivan deftly lobbed the goalie for another. The final score was Macroom 6-9, Lee Gaels 1-4.

 All the boys tried very hard. Frank Lazlo, captain for the day, was very good in goal; James Slattery and Jenson Ward were very solid in the full back line. Liam Holland and Dylan Molyneux were masters of the half line. Mark Hunt and Robert Lucey controlled midfield and contributed handsomely to the scoreboard. Ronan Morey played well and got two goals; Darren Sweeney worked effectively and tirelessly. Marcin Olefsky and Oisín O’Sullivan were prominent and Oisín, still 9, scored 2-3. 

Scorers;  M Hunt 2-2, R Morey 2-0, O O’Sullivan 2-3, R Lucey 0-3 and Jenson Ward 0-1. 

Report: Con Kelleher 

Under 12 Newcestown v. Macroom, challenge match in Newcestown on 8/8/2015.

Macroom travelled to play Newcestown in a challenge match on the 8^th July 2015. The day was fine, bright and breezey and Macroom were short many good players.

Macroom started well but were off target with their shooting. Newcestown were stronger and had many fine players, and led well at the interval. Macroom improved greatly in the second half and were more in the game. Unfortunately the game became over physical and was terminated early when Darragh Kiernan was injured when he was fouled in an over robust tackle.

All the Macroom players tried very hard and Barry Galvin, Gerry Kelleher and Dylan Molyneux played exceptionally well. Frank Lazlo brought off several very good saves and others to do well were Conrad Twomey, Dean Granville, Martin Sosa, Darragh Kiernan, Liam Holland, Ronan Morey and Conor Seery.

Scorers; Mark Hunt 0-1, Ronan Morey 0-1, Jenson Ward 0-1.  Final score; Newcestown 3-5, Macroom 0-3

Macroom v. Aghada, U-13, away on 12/7/2015.

Macroom U-13s played Aghada in a league game on Sunday morning, 12/7/2015. Rostellan must be one of the most picturesque venues in the country, and the surface was lovely. Fortunately the weather was warm, dry, with a mild breeze blowing.

 The match was 13-a-side and Macroom had 16 players togged.

 Macroom started well and were unlucky with their shooting, often going for goals when points were easily available. Tadhg O’Leary pointed and David Hunt goaled, and Aghada replied with 3 points. The halftime score was 1-1 to 0-3.

 The second half was nip and tuck, with Macroom backs defending well. Gerry Kelleher won the game for Macroom with a goal and a point in quick succession. The goal was very well worked up the right and Gerry expertly slotted home. Aghada kept up the pressure and got 3 points; however they were unable to get a goal. Liam Linehan added a point and the final score was Macroom 2-3, Aghada 0-6.  

 This was a great win away from home. Reece Lee kept a clean sheet and kicked well. James and Barry Ghane Sweeney, Darragh Neville and young Liam Holland, when he was called in. David Hunt and Jack Sexton largely controlled midfield and got though a huge amount of work.  Bradley O’Shea, Kieran Doody and Tadhg O’Leary linked the play. Liam Linehan, Michael Kelleher and Adam McCarthy tried hard. Liam kicked a good point and made an effective contribution when switched out to midfield.

Agadha gave the team a warm welcome, the game was played in a great spirit and the referee had a good game.

Panel; Reece Lee, James Galvin, Barry Galvin, Shane Sweeney, Cormac Buckley, Darragh Neville, David Hunt, Jack  Sexton, Bradley O’Shea, Kieran Doody, Tadhg O’Leary, Michael Kelleher, Liam Linehan, Gerry Kelleher, Adam      McCarthy and Liam Holland.

Scorers; G. Kelleher 1-1, D. Hunt 1-0, T O’Leary 0-1 and L. Linehan 0-1.

Macroom played Ballinhassig away in an U-12 league game on Sat. , 4/7/2015. 17 players travelled, and a number of others were absent due to holidays and injury.

 Playing with the aid of a fairly strong on a pleasantly warm day, Macroom held the initial advantage and scored 2 early points. Ballinhassig settled and the exchanges were even enough until half-time, when Macroom led by 0-5 to 0-2. Michael Kelleher and Jack Sexton scored two points each and Kieran Doody got the other. Conor Seery was unlucky with a goal attempt, and Frank Lazlo made some fine saves.

 Playing against the wind, Macroom did well, and although under pressure and were leading 0-6 to 0-5 until the last few minutes. Ballinhassig were awarded a penalty; Frank made a wonderful save but, unfortunately, the rebound was finished to the net. Ballinhassig won by 1-5 to 0-6, an unusual score for an underage game.

All the boys did their best; outstanding for Macroom were Frank Lazlo, Sam Kelleher, Darragh Kiernan, Kieran Doody, Liam Holland, Jack Sexton and Dylan Wenger.

Scorers;  Michael Kelleher 0-2, Jack Sexton 0-2, Kieran Doody 0-1 and Cian Riordan 0-1.

Selection: Frank Lazlo, Cian Riordan, Darragh Kiernan, Sam Kelleher, Jerry Kelleher, Liam Holland, Ben O’Connell, Kieran Doody, Robert Lucey, Jack Sexton, Robert Lucey, Conor Seery, Ethan Riordan, Dylan Wenger, Martin Sosa and Conrad Twomey.

Report on U8 outing to Eire Og

Macroom u7s & 8s travelled to Ovens on Thursday 25^th June to play Eire Og & fielded 4 teams, 2 at each age category. The lads stood up very well against physically bigger opposition and battled hard all the way to the end. It way a very good test for them against a traditionally very strong underage club. Again, all recent skills learnt at training were demonstrated with massive strides made by all players. A large following from Macroom was there to cheer the lads on and a great night was had by all.’’

Report: Tony O'Sullivan 

Trip to Inchigeela, Macroom U-12s/U-11s, 20/6/2015. 

Macroom travelled with twenty players to play Iveleary in two challenge matches on Sat. last and were warmly welcomed . The day was warm and a moderate westerly breeze blew. The pitches were beautifully presented. Many parents and grandparents were present.

Iveleary were hampered by the absence of some of their better players and Macroom comfortably won both matches, 11 and 9 a-side respectively. Feature of Macroom’s play was the high numbers of points scored by both of their teams. Robert Lucey was one captain, perhaps appropriately, as his father, Martin, hails from Inchigeela. At one stage, Robert was marking his first cousin.

Jamie Murphy, a member of the Premier Intermediate panel, has become a selector/coach and he is very welcome.

Report: Con Kelleher 

Macroom v. Kilnamartyra, U-11, 13/6/2015.

 On Saturday last, Macroom hosted Kilnamartyra in an under 11 league tie, 13 a-side, in Tom Creedon Park. It was a lovely afternoon for football, with the sun shining, but not too hot, and a light westerly breeze.

 Macroom had wind advantage in the first half and began well. Mark Hunt got an early point and Conor Seery added a goal shortly afterwards. Kilnamartyra had some fine players, and due to strong play from midfield and half back, they were well in the game and they scored 1-1. Frank Lazlo made some great saves. However before half time, Darren Sweeney notched 1-1 and Mark Hunt added another goal. At the break Macroom led by 3-2 to 1-2.

 The second half was nip and tuck. Although under pressure, Macroom were able to respond to Kilnamartyra scores.  Frank made some more great saves. James Slattery and Jensen Ward were very solid in the full back line, and the half back line of Max Wyscinski, Dylan Wenger and Dylan Molyneux played well. Liam Holland, as usual, was excellent and Mark Hunt had his best game this year. The half forward line of Darren Sweeney, Robert Lucey and Oisin O’Sullivan (9) were very hard working and effective. Marcin Olefsky and Conor Seery played in the full line and were very prominent, with Conor Seery finishing as top score with 2-2. His second half goal was decisive, and this was supplemented by points from Liam Holland and Robert Lucey. Tommy O’Driscoll made a big contribution when introduced.

 The match was of a high standard, was played in a good spirit before a large crowd on a well prepared pitch. Hughie Kelleher refereed the game well and fairly. Final score: Macroom 4-6 to Kilnamartyra3-5.

Team: Frank Lazlo , James Slattery, Jensen Ward, Max Wyscinski, Dylan Wenger, Dylan Molyneux, Liam Holland, Mark Hunt(Captain), Darren Sweeney, Robert Lucey, Oisín O’Sullivan, Conor Seery, Marcin Olefsky and Tommy O’Driscoll.

Report: Con Kelleher 

Macroom U-11s.

Ballinora v. Macroom, in Ballinora on 27/05/2015.

Macroom played Ballinora away in a league game on 27/5/2015 and the match was 11 a-side, 20 minutes each half. The evening was dry, cool and breezy. Macroom had good support.

Ballinora played with wind advantage in the first half. The match was evenly contested for the first ten minutes with Ballinora having the upper-hand. Towards the end of the half, Ballinora got a flurry of scores and led by 4-4 to 0-1 at half-time, Seán Murphy getting the Macroom point. Feature of this half was Frank Lazlo’s excellence in goal and the committed and sound performances of Liam Holland and Jenson Ward. Seán Murphy was a threat in the forward line but his supply was limited.

Macroom did better on the change-over and scored 1-1, both scores coming from Mark Hunt, and the goal was well crafted. However Ballinora, playing with confidence and dash, continued to dominate and added 2-5. Frank Lazló made many fine saves in the second half.

All the boys tried hard, and best on the night were Frank, Jenson Ward, Liam Holland, Mark Hunt, Robert Lucey, and Seán Murphy.

Final score: Ballinora 6-9, Macroom 1-2.

Scorers:  Mark Hunt 1-1, Seán Murphy 0-1.

Selection; Frank Lazló, Jenson Ward, Dylan Molyneux, James Slattery, Dylan Wenger, Liam Holland, Mark Hunt, Robert Lucey, Ronan Morey, Seán Murphy, Darren Sweeney and Marcin Olefski.

 Report: Con Kelleher

U- 11, Macroom v. Clondrohid, 20/05/2015 in Tom Creedon Park, Macroom.

Macroom played Clondrohid in a league match on Wednesday evening. The evening was dry and bright, the wind was light and the pitch was beautifully prepared.

The match was 11 a-side, and the first half was evenly contested, with Macroom shading possession. However scores were scarce and Clondrohid led 2 goals 1 at half-time.

On the resumption, Clondrohid got two early goals, their confidence increased and they ran out easy winners on the score of 7-3 to 1-2.

All the boys did their best but they were hampered by the absence of several key players. Clondrohid had some girls playing who were strong, and good footballers.  

Keelan Kelleher played his first ever match and did well. Liam Holland, Max Wyzscinski and Dylan Wenger were excellent and others to impress were Frank Lazló in goal, Jenson Ward, James Slattery, , Dylan Molyneux and Ronan Morey. Tommy O’Driscoll and Zakk Davis tried very hard.

Macroom had only 11 players available and they were all on the age. The absent players were sorely missed. Clondrohid has a good U-11 team, their players are strong and well able to play. The excellence of their girls, perhaps, tipped the balance in their favour.

Scorers; L Holland 1-0, M Wyzscinski 0-1 and D Wenger 0-1.

Panel: Frank Lazló, James Slattery, Jenson Ward, Max Wyzscinski, Dylan Wenger, Liam Holland, Dylan Molyneux, Keelan Kelleher, Ronan Morey, Zakk Davis and Tommy O’Driscoll.

Hughie Kelleher refereed the game fairly and well.

U12 v Canovee 

Canovee hosted Macroom in the third round of the U-12 league. On a dull, dry and windless evening, conditions were ideal for football, and both teams contributed to a good and keenly contested match.

Macroom had the better of the opening exchanges but did not convert some of their opportunities. Michael Kelleher opened Macroom’s account with a good point and added a goal a short time later. Ethan Riordan added another point and Emilius Vilisius scored 1-1 in the next few minutes. Michael Kelleher kicked a lovely point and this had Macroom leading by 2-4 to 1-4 at the break.  As well as the scoring forwards, Darragh Kiernan and Kieran Doody did great work and were very effective in the half forward line. Jack Sexton and Liam Holland controlled midfield. And they were backed up by a very solid half back line of Darragh Neveille, Sam Kelleher – captain on the night – and Dean Granville. Frank Lazlo was safe and dependable in goal and Cian Riordan – Ethan’s twin – and Barry Galvin were very competent in the full back line. 

Canovee came at Macroom with ‘all guns blazing’ at the start of the second half and the match was nip and tuck. Macroon defended valiantly and their valour was rewarded when Kieran Doody scored 2 goals. Emilius kicked a good point from play and Michael converted a difficult free with great skill. Dylan Wenger played well when introduced in the second half. After a tight struggle, Macroom emerged victorious on the score of 4-6 to 2-7.

The Canovee U-12 team is good and they have many fine footballers. 

Macroom played with skill, intelligence and commitment. This was their best display to date, and it augurs well for the rest of the season.

The match was played in a good spirit on a well prepared pitch, and the referee had a good game.

Scorers ; Michael Kelleher 1-3, Kieran Doody 2-0, Emilius Vilisius 1-2 and Ethan Riordan 0-1.

Panel; Frank Lazlo, Cian Riordan, Barry Galvin, Dean Granville, Sam Kelleher, Darragh Neville, Jack Sexton, Liam Holland, Michael Kelleher, Kieran Doody, Darragh Kiernan, Emilius Vilisius, Ethan Riordan, Martin Sosa, Dylan Wenger and Arik Krawczyk.

Report: Con Kelleher

Kilmurry v. Macroom, 18/4/2015 in Kilmurry – U-11: Rebel Óg Eastern League.

The Macroom U-11s travelled to Kilmurry to play their second league game.  The day was dry and fine, but a strong wind blew. Due to a number of unfortunate circumstances, numbers were very tight. Macroom played bravely and well against a good Kilmurry team and the score at half time was 3-1 to 1-0, with Robert Lucey getting the Macroom score. The first half was competitive and the team was unlucky to concede some ‘soft’ scores. Max Wyzchinski, James Slattery, Liam Holland, Robert Lucey, Jenson Ward and Mark Hunt did particularly well.

 Early in the second half, Seán Murphy, one of our best players, had to leave the field through injury, and a lot of Macroom’s scoring power was lost. Kilmurry got an early goal and this score put the match beyond our reach. Frank Lázlo made some excellent saves, Darren Sweeney and Marcin Olefsky tried very hard and Dylan Molyneux was very effective when switched to the half backs. Unfortunately the team’s great efforts were not good enough on the day. Liam Holland got a point in the second period.

Final score; Kilmurry 4-7, Macroom 1-1.

U14 V Inniscarra

Macroom U14 travelled to Ballyanly for their opening league game on Saturday afternoon 28^thFeb. With a near gale force wind blowing Macroom opted to play with the wind in the first half. Macroom dominated from the off but had several scoring attempts blown off course however maintaining pressure secured Eoin Twomey a goal opportunity for Macroom’s first score after 12 minutes. Macroom added three more goals and five points before half time . At half time Macroom were ahead 4:05 to Inniscarra no score.

Inniscarra playing with the wind in the second half struggled with its force and also saw their scoring attempts blown off course. The first score from Inniscarra came as a goal after 15 minutes but Macroom responded immediately from kick out with a goal. Macroom increased its defence and keeping the ball low with short passing scored two more goals  Inniscarra managing just one more goal and a point in this half.

Full time score Macroom 7:05 inniscarra 2:01. 

Macroom : Tadgh O’Leary, Cormac Buckley, Darren Quinn, Robert O’Donovan, Kuba Bydziak, Cillian Donovan (0:01) Shane Meaney, David Hunt, Jack O’Riordan (1:0), Dylan O’Sullivan (2:0), Liam Linehan (0:01), Eoin Cahill (Captain), Dylan Twomey (2:01), Eoin Twomey (1:0), Bradley O’Shea (1:02). Subs – All used, Shane Sweeney, Adam McCarthy, Kevin Bradley