Centenary celebrations continue as football league action hots up in East Cork

THE formalities have been continuing as the East Cork GAA division celebrates it's centenary. 

A recent gathering in Cobh attracted gaels from across the division. Mass was celebrated by Bishop William Cream at St Colman's Cathedral and afterwards there was a pleasant function held at Cobh GAA Pavilion, as the East Cork GAA community remembered it's roots and the formation of their very first committee under Ben Purcell from the harbour town.

Current chairperson, Avril Geary spoke of the significance of the ocasion and outlined the history and growth of the East Cork GAA division. Avril highlighted the presence of a great stalwart - Denis Hurley from Sarsfield's, for whom the games he loves have been such a central part of his life for so many years. 

Now having passed year 90, the former accomplished player and administrator is still an ever present attending club games and Cork games all over the land. 

Denis epitomises the wonderful part that our native games have in the daily routine of so many people.

Other speakers on the night included former Cork and Munster GAA Chairman Jerry O'Sullivan, who is currently the Imokilly GAA President and current Cobh GAA President Tom Hayes. 

For another legendary figure from the east, John Arnold, it is also a significant occasion. 

John first attended the divisional board meetings as a delegate when he was a teenager back in the 1970's and has been following the same roadway ever since.

Meantime, on the field of play, the top flight of the Amarenco football league, leaves little wriggle room, with each team just having five fixtures and thus every league point is crucial at both ends of the table.

In recent weeks, with underfoot conditions having improved dramatically, a busy fixture list looms. 

It's time to take stock of the situation.

As it stands, it's Carraig na bhFear and Carrigtwohill who are the only two sides to have maximum points after two games thus far. 

Lisgoold, championship winners from last season, have won their only fixture and are joined on two points by a busy Erin's Own side who have had three outings so far. 

At the bottom Fr O'Neill's and Castlemartyr are both chasing their first wins.

Carraig na bhFear have been a very consistent league team in both codes in recent seasons and have already caught the eye again in 2024. Just like their football counterparts, the hurlers also sit top of the file with Carrigtwohill after both clubs had completed two series of games. The joint leaders have both immediate games on the hulring horizon. 

It's Carraig na bhFear at home to Cobh on this Thursday and Carritwohill hosting Castlemartyr on Saturday evening.

In football, Carraig na bhFear overcame Castlemartyr by 2-11 to 0-8 and defeated Fr O'Neill's by 0-19 to 1-3. 

Carrigtwohill got the better of Castlemartyr ten days ago by 2-9 to 0-9, having already hit the ground running in their opener with a 3-10 to 0-6 win. The key game in the group could be on May 12, when the two current table toppers meet. 

However, Lisgoold, could also have a big say and their game against Carrigtwohill this weekend is another pivotal fixture.

In JFL2, activity has been relatively quiet ahead of leaders St Catherine's hoping to make it three wins on the bounce this weekend. 

They journey to Cloyne, who have only one game played yet. Midleton in fact are the only other side alongside St Catherine's to have more than one outing. 

They had lost to the "Saints" by 0-12 to 0-6, but bounced back with a 1-10 to 1-7 win over Glenbower Rovers.

Near neighbours Glenville and Carraig na bhFear had set the early pace at the summit of JFL3 with both having won two of their three matches ahead on this week's evening engagements. 

Meanwhile, Glenville will have the opportunity to join Ballinacurra at the top of division 4 if they win against Agahda in Rostellan on Sunday afternoon. Ballinacurra, who dont play again until early next month, have answered both questions asked of them so far as they defeated Glenville by 3-9 to 2-6 and edged a low scoring affair by 1-5 to 0-5 against Glenbower Rovers.