News - June  to December 2003     

Date

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Christmas Quizes 2003 - deadlines extended

Christmas Quiz - sponsored by Cummins Sports. A prize of 40 Euro's is available for the quiz. Closing Date now January 31st. 2004.

Christmas 'Treasure Hunt' Quiz - sponsored by Cummins Sports. A quiz for people under 16 years of age. All answers are to be found in the website. A prize of 40 Euro's is available for the 'Treasure Hunt' quiz. Closing Date now January 31st. 2004

Short story Competition

Short story competition - sponsored by Cummins Sports and XtraVision for all boys and girls under 14 years. All would be scribes are required to describe a great hurling or camogie match which they witnessed during 2003. Prizes include a PS2/Xbox game and the successful entries will be published on the website. Click Here for details of the Short Story Competition  Closing Date March 17th 2004

Christmas 2003

We wish all contributors, readers and all GAA fans everywhere a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

Click here for a brief report on the website activity for the year

Our recommended Christmas Reading list can be got by clicking here

Camogie - thanks

A big thank you to all the girls who helped with the bag packing the during the week. Thank you also to all who helped fill the buckets. See you all in the new year!

Senor County Championship 2004 Draw

Blackrock have been drawn against Killeagh in the first round of the 2004 Cork County Hurling Championship. 

The losers play the losers of the Douglas V Sarsfields game, the winners advance. Other interesting matches are St. Finbarr's V Midleton, Glen Rovers V Cloyne, while newcomers Bride Rovers have a tough opener with Na Piarsaigh.  Newtownshandrum, the  Munster Club champions open with a game against the CIT. UCC play Erins Own, while the draw is completed by Castlelyons against Delaney's. 

The divisions enter at Round Three. 

Blackrock National Hurling Club A.G.M

Blackrock National Hurling Club A.G.M. will be held at the Club hall on Sunday 11th January 2004 at 2.30pm. All members and intending members are asked to attend.

Camogie Club AGM.

Camogie Club AGM Monday, January 19^th at 7.30 in the Hurling Club A big turnout would be appreciated.

Coaches.

Any adult who feels he/she can give the necessary time commitment to coaching or administering Primary section hurling groups or teams should also contact Eamonn as soon as possible if they wish to be included in the schedules for 2004.

Thanks.

The club wishes to thank all the young Rockies who carried out the bag packing recently at Dunne's Stores in Douglas Court. We had a terrific response and wish to record our thanks to everyone who contributed.

Rockies on the move.

Congratulations go to J.P. Carroll, Mark Drummond and Billy McCarthy who have been included in the Cork under 16 panels. 

Best wishes also go to Robert Creagh who has been chosen as captain on the Douglas Community School under 14 team. 

Ten under 14 Rockies played recently on the Seandun panels, which played a series of challenge matches in Clare. Well done to Graham Howard, Roy Power, Gerard O’ Regan, Brian O’Sullivan, Brian Ahern, Stephen Guerin, Christopher Bonus, Gordon Ahern and Declan Kelleher and David Carroll.

Coaching Courses.

A level 1 coaching course will commence in early January (possibly Monday January 12^th). All foundation level coaches who wish to take part should immediately contact Eamonn O’ Donoghue, Chairman Juvenile section. A foundation level hurling course for newer coaches will also be held in April. Any adult who feels he/she can give the necessary time commitment to coaching or administering Primary section hurling groups or teams should also contact Eamonn as soon as possible if they wish to be included in the schedules for 2004.

Wayne Sherlock -Munster Provincial Council Hurler of the Year for 2003.  

Congratulations to Wayne Sherlock who has received recognition in the Munster Provincial Council awards announced recently when he was named Hurler of the Year for 2003. Wayne has served the Blackrock club loyally since he was 12 and has been ever present on the Cork team over the past 4 years. He is a tremendous role model for all young hurlers and a very worthy recipient of this important award. Wayne will receive a presentation at a gala dinner in the South Court Hotel in Limerick on Thursday 11th December.

Coaches. 

A special presentation was made by Pat Roche of the Primary Section to Kieran Ryan, a coach with the under 10 panel for the past couple of years. Kieran is now returning to his native Clonoulty Hurling club in Co. Tipperary. He acquired his foundation and level 1 coaching certificates with the Rockies and also contributed to all the Blackrock adult teams. He is a remarkably dedicated hurling coach and everyone in the Blackrock club wishes him well in the future.

Chairman of the Minor, Juvenile and Primary sections, Mr Eamonn O' Donoghue wishes to thank all the coaches, mentors and other volunteers who have contributed so much time and effort to developing the hurling skills and life experience of the hundreds of young Rockies who have played with the club during 2003.

" I want to pay tribute to the dedication and commitment of these men and woman throughout the past year towards the development of these youngsters. The club and society owe a massive debt to these unsung heroes."

Indoor hurling.

This has now finished until Saturday 17^th January at St. Anthony’s School Hall. Over 150 young Rockies turned up last Saturday, the final morning of the winter programme.

The 10s and 11s panels finished at Ashton School Complex last Monday evening after a very successful couple of months hurling on Astroturf.

Indoor Hurling. 

The final session of our winter indoor hurling programme takes place next Saturday 6th December. Very large numbers of young hurlers attended and over thirty new Rockies joined up. Our thanks to everyone who helped in any way, including the Rocky coaches, the parents and the young Rockies, whose behaviour was exemplary. 

A special word of thanks to Mr. Flor O' Sullivan, principal of St.Anthony's School for his cooperation and assistance in making this hurling programme an outstanding success.

Indoor Hurling. 2004

The very successful Blackrock indoor hurling programme continues at St. Anthony's School hall at Ballinlough next Saturday morning commencing at 9 am. The winter programme ends on Saturday 6th December next.

Our Spring 2004 indoor hurling programme begins on Saturday 17th January 2004.

Christmas Presents - Club Gear.

All orders for Club fleeces, jackets, hats etc must be received by next Saturday if the garments are required for delivery before Christmas.

Under 13 league final.

Blackrock's long winning run finally came to an end last Sunday in the under 13 league final when they were outclassed by a much superior Na Piarsaigh team who ran out easy winners on the scoreline of 4 --- 10 to one point. On the day nothing went right for the Rockies, who tried hard from start to finish but could not convert their possession to scores. Having recently defeated the same team to capture the City Championship, the Rockies could not capture their form on this occasion. Congratulations to the Na Piarsaigh team and mentors on their victory and the sporting rivalry between these two fine teams will be renewed in 2004.

Under 12 League final. 

The Blackrock under 12 team was well beaten by Na Piarsaigh in the final of the above competition played at Douglas last Saturday. Playing against a strong gale in the first half, the Rockies were behind by 4 --- 5 to 0 --- 1 at half time. The second half was evenly contested until the final minute when Na Piarsaigh scored three quick goals. Congratulations to Na Piarsaigh on their victory and well done to the young Rockies who did very well to qualify for this final.

Congratulations 

Congratulations to Wayne Sherlock on his recent marriage to fiancée June Lynch at Holy Cross Church Mahon. All Rockies wish Wayne and June the very best for their future together.

Indoor Hurling Commences- Saturday November 1st

There was a great turnout of young Rockies last Saturday morning at St. Anthony's School in Ballinlough for the first indoor hurling morning of the Winter indoor hurling programme. Almost 150 young boys arrived and that included 20 new Rockies who were attending for their very first morning. Within minutes, these youngsters as young as four were hurling away and enjoying themselves. The emphasis during the indoor hurling is on enjoyment and fun and it is a great way for young hurlers to spend a cold winters Saturday morning while learning the skills of hurling.

Welcome to our new Rockies, 

Ray Murphy, Eoghan O' Leary Cian Cashman, Mark Quinlan, Eoin Desmond-Doyle, Adam Murphy, Dylan McCarthy, Aaron Ahern, Dara Baldwin, Ben Lawlor, David O'Keeffe, Peter O'Keeffe, David Nason, Nathan Montgomery, Daniel Cullen, Alan O'Keeffe, Ben Smith, Cian Sheedy O'Sullivan, Cian O' Gallachoir, Finn O'Donovan, David Dalton, Owen Sheridan, Aodhan Hourigan, Tim Lowney, Sean Desmond, Conor MacCurtain, John Connell, David Hogan, John Lyons and Tom Murray.

Indoor sessions continue until Saturday 6th December.

Camogie update

We have taken a break for the cold winter months for U. 12 down. We will let you all know when we are resuming. In the meantime keep practicing - remember practice makes perfect!

Training for U.13's continues at 4.00 on Wednesdays.

The U.11 A & B finals between Douglas 1 And Glen Rovers and Douglas 2 & Bishopstown will be held in Blackrock on Sunday 2nd November starting at 2.30.

Blackrock is also hosting the Seandún U.15 Blitz on Sunday 9th November starting at 12.00.

A presentation ceremony for the U.14 league runners up will be held in the club on Friday November 28th. Details will be posted later.

We are still actively recruiting for the Junior team - contact any member of the camogie for details.

Under 10 Sarsfields Hurling Blitz -  Donal Buckley Cup

The Blackrock under 10 panel emerged victorious in the Sarsfield hurling blitz at the weekend, defeating Ardmore, Carrigtwohill and Ballinhassig. John Fitzgerald, Rory Burke and Cian Kavanagh were excellent in defence, while Sean Holland, Andy O'Connell, Andy Mintern and Dylan Stokes performed well in all the games. Coaches JP Devine, Richard Stokes, Kieran Ryan and John Mintern were very pleased with the performance of these young Rockies. We wish to thank the Sarsfields Hurling Club for their invitation to this very well organised blitz.

Under 13 Hurling league semi-final. 

The Rockies had a comprehensive win over Midleton in the semi-final of this competition, which was played at Church Road last Saturday. Blackrock was ahead by only a goal at the interval after a well fought first half. However Simon Zebo fired over four points early in the second half and when Stephen McCarthy followed up by scoring two goals the match was over as a contest. Ian Ring, Patrick Parfrey and Eoghan Buckley contributed points while Conor Kilcoyne and Aonghus O'Drisceoil added goals. Raymond Norberg had a fine game at full back while Bryan Lyons and Howie Leahy performed well on their introduction.

Jimmy Brohan

Our feature on Jimmy Brohan is now on the site.

Jimmy Brohan......a hurling Life

Under 13 Team win 2003 City Championship

Blackrock under 13 hurlers retained the Corn an t-Athair Nessain trophy for the City Championship under 13 hurling when they defeated Na Piarsaigh by 1 --- 11 to 1 --- 7 in an excellent game of hurling.

County Senior Hurling Final 

Blackrock 1 --- 9 Newtownshandrum 0 --- 17. 

Blackrock's marvellous odyssey in the Cork County Senior Hurling Championship came to an end last Sunday for this year when the Rockies finally had to give way to a very committed Newtownshandrum team in the Cork County Final. 

Defeated only once in the championship since 1999, this group of players has given all Rocky supporters some fantastic times winning three county titles, as well as league and City Championship titles. 

On the day Newtownshandrum proved the better team and congratulations come from all in Blackrock and best wishes are extended to the Newtown club in the Munster and All-Ireland club championship. 

Everybody associated with the Blackrock hurling club would like to express our appreciation and thanks to our inspirational captain, Wayne Sherlock and the players, to Timmy Murphy, mentors and officers, for their massive efforts over the past few years and we all look to the future with hope and confidence.

click here for full match report

Under 12 league semi-final. Blackrock: 2 --- 6 Douglas: 1 --- 5. 

This match, played at Church Road last Saturday contained some great hurling from two excellent teams who gave everything. Douglas led at the interval by 1 --- 3 to 0 --- 4, however the Rockies fought back to level at 1 --- 5 each with less than ten minutes remaining.

Under 13 Ch'ship Semi-Final Blackrock:  2 --- 11     Midleton:  3 --- 3

This was a fine sporting game and the result was in doubt right up until the end. A spectacular goal by Olan Kelleher and some fine points from Stephen Mc Carthy enabled the young Rockies to take the lead, while some stout defending from Ciaran O'Herlihy and Sean Long curtailed the powerful Midleton attack. Robert Creagh was outstanding in goal for the Rockies

Blackrock's date with destiny. 

Cork County Final Sunday 12 th October 2003. At Pairc Ui Chaoimh 3.15.

Blackrock V Newtownshandrum.

Thousands of Rockies, young and old are expected at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday12th October for the County Final, which promises to be a very exciting game. All young Rockies should wear their Rocky jerseys, bring their flags and cheer on the Senior team captained by Wayne Sherlock 

Click here for Match Preview

Tim Dennehy Blitz. 

The under 12 Rockies captured the Tim Dennehy trophy following the annual blitz at Church Road last Saturday. They defeated Clonoulty in a very exciting final; Douglas was in third place after a series of very close matches. Christopher Murphy captain of Blackrock received the trophy from Paddy Dennehy, father of the late Tim who played with Blackrock. Thomas Butler accepted the runners up medals on behalf of the Tipperary team. The event was run off in glorious weather and was very successful. The under 12 panel have now captured two trophies in successive weekends, a fitting reward for all the work put in by the young Rockies and their mentors. click here for report

Final outdoor morning 2003 -   indoor hurling begins on Saturday Nov 1st at St.Anthonys School Hall

Last Saturday over 70  4 and 5 year old Rockies received their medals from Mr Alan Carey of Carey Tool Hire, sponsors to the Blackrock Superleagues, after a very enjoyable mornings hurling.  This was our final outdoor morning and indoor hurling begins on Saturday Nov 1^st at St.Anthonys School Hall for youngsters aged from 4 to 9

click here for photos of the day

Under 8's and 10's travels on October 4th, 2003

Our thanks to the Cloughduv Hurling club for looking after our under 8 Rockies last Saturday morning at their lovely home venue. 

Our under 10s teams travelled to the Feile na mBailte in Co. Waterford again last Saturday and enjoyed the hurling and played in some great games

Senior County Championship Semi-Final. Blackrock 1 --- 12 Cloyne 1--- 10. 

The concluding stages of this game were absolutely heart stopping, with the width of a crossbar between the Rockies and the men from the famous East Cork village. Cloyne gave it everything, however Blackrock under Timmy Murphy were well prepared and never underestimated the challenge. Blackrock now proceed to contest the County Final against Newtownshandrum in what should be a very exciting match next Sunday. click here for report

Tim Dennehy U-12 Hurling Tournament 

Sat. Oct 4th 2003 at Church Road Blackrock.  

click here for full details

"All-Ireland Finals" 

A special series of "all-Ireland finals " has been arranged next Saturday for all our under 4/5 year old (born 1998 and 1999) registered Rockies. These begin at 10 am and eight teams will take the field including the Cork Rockies, Cork Reds, Cork Robots, Cork Rovers, Cork Rangers, Cork Radicals, Cork Rebels and Cork Rakes. This is one All-Ireland Cork will win! So bring your Rocky or Cork jersey and join in the fun.

Under 14 County Final. Blackrock 4 --- 7 Newtownshandrum 1 -12.

Two goals down with 8 minutes to go, the young Rockies scored three goals and two points in the final minutes to capture the Cork county under 14 trophy from a brave Newtownshandrum team, who had played their hearts out. This was a fantastic team effort by a great panel of Rockies and a very committed group of mentors. Their never-say-die spirit won them the day. The trophy was presented to Stephen Guerin, who despite carrying an injury played a captains part to capture the title.  - click here for match report

Under 12's emerge victorious in the Midleton Dave Hogan Under 12 Blitz.

The under 12 hurling panel travelled to Midleton on Saturday 27th September to take part in the above blitz along with the hosts, Midleton, Douglas and Dungarvan.

After 3 preliminary games the Rockies qualified fort the Final against Douglas. Trailing 1 --- 3 to 0 --- 3 at the interval, the Rockies finished strongly with from David Healy and Colman Ruiseal. Further points arrived from placed balls from Eoin O'Farrell and Patrick Deasy.

The Blackrock National Hurling Club wishes to thank Midleton for inviting the club and for their hospitality for the day. Captain David Healy accepted the trophy from Jim O' Sullivan.

Final Outdoor Saturday Morning Oct. 4th  - indoor starts Nov 1st

Next Saturday October 4th is the final outdoor hurling coaching morning for all hurling groups at Church Road. Indoor hurling begins at St. Anthony's School Hall on Saturday 1st November

Super league finals 

There was an enormous crowd at Church Road last Saturday to watch the Super league finals in the under 6/7 age-group. Pegasus and Charmeleon finished at 4 goals each in the Cup Final and were joint winners. Joey, Blastoise and Mew narrowly defeated Pikatchu, Kaiba and Yughio respectively in the Shield, Plate and Bowl finals. Almost 90 boys played in this League and it was the most successful and enjoyable of the year. Well done to everyone involved

Under 14 victory in County Semi-Final

Blackrock 3 --- 12 Sarsfields 3 --- 8. This game went to extra time before the Rockies eventually emerged as winners with the aid of some excellent free taking from Roy Power and a stunning goal from captain Stephen Guerin. At half time Blackrock led by 8 points, however a battling performance by Sarsfields resulted in them levelling the game with a goal in the final minute of normal time. David Carroll and Ian Giltenan gave good performances for the Rockies. Blackrock now meet Newtownshandrum in the County Final

Superleagues Under6/7 Finals Sat Sept 27th. 

Large crowds are expected at Church Road on Saturday next 27th September for the finals of the Super leagues. There will be four finals as follows, 

Cup Final Pegasus V Charmeleon 

Shield Final Joey V Pikatchu 

Plate Final Kaiba V Blastoise 

Bowl Final Yughio V Mew

The finals will commence at 10.15 sharp and will be followed by a presentation of special Super league medals to all the young Rockies at the pavilion. Regardless of the outcome, the youngsters by their enthusiasm and good spirits have all been winners. Come along to Church road next Saturday and support them.

Blackrock under 14s captured the City Championship. 

Blackrock under 14s captured the City Championship following victory over Glen Rovers on the scoreline of 3 --- 10 to 1 --- 6. at Bishopstown on Wednesday evening last.

All-Ireland Hurling Final Tickets Draw Result.. 

1st Prize winner of Two Stand tickets for All-Ireland Hurling Finals and Hotel accomodation is... Peter Bermingham C/O Martin o'Farrell. 

2nd Prize winner of Two Stand tickets for All-Ireland Hurling Finals is ..... Ken Pallister C/O Le Pub, Kiely's Cross Ardmore. 

Congratulations to you both and a big thankyou to everybody who took part in the draw.

All Ireland Final Cork V Kilkenny 

Best wishes from everyone at the Blackrock club to the Cork Hurling team for the All-Ireland Hurling Final next Sunday. Good luck especially to Alan Browne (captain), Wayne Sherlock, Paul Tierney and Adrian Coughlan and selector Donal Collins. Recently the residents of Ravensdale and Castle Park organised a spectacular tribute to Wayne Sherlock who grew up in Ravensdale. The entire area has been decorated in Cork banners, flags and bunting. Well done to all involved, the display of red is well worth visiting.

Saturday Mornings - record numbers attend

Record numbers attend Saturday morning coaching in Church Road on Saturday 6th September. Over 90 under 6 and 7s play in the super leagues, while another 150 attend the coaching sessions as All-Ireland fever grips Cork

County Junior Championship.

Blackrock to play Carbery champions Argideen Rangers in the County Junior Championship.

Blackrock under 14 team reach City Final 

Blackrock under 14 team reach City Final after a comprehensive defeat of St.Vincents. The Final is on in Bishopstown next Wednesday evening 10th September at 6.15 versus Glen Rovers.

Under 6/7 Super leagues. 

The first round was played last Saturday morning in glorious sunshine at Church Road. Almost 90 Rockies played on 8 teams. The boys played some fine hurling, with fun and enjoyment being had by all. Our thanks to the children, parents and coaches who all got into the positive spirit of the occasion and contributed to a wonderfully successful morning's hurling. Results.

Junior Camogie 

Blackrock entered a junior team in the Butlerstowm 7-a-side competition on Sunday 31^st August. This was the first junior team to compete for Blackrock in about 11 years.

In the semi-final we came up against Bournea from Tipperary who were a more experienced team. Despite the best efforts of Clíona Meaney in centre field we lost the semi-final 2-2 to 2-9.

Junior City Division Final Victory. 

Blackrock defeated Passage in the Junior A City Division Final to capture the Hyde Memorial Cup for the first time since 1973. Despite a brave effort from Passage, Blackrock ran out winners by 8 points. Frank Barry who brought off two outstanding saves was the proud captain, while young Colin O'Reilly who scored two goals and three points was declared man-of-the-match. Congratulations to everyone involved in what was an outstanding achievement.

Click Here for a report on the City Championship Final

Saturday morning hurling coaching 

Saturday morning hurling coaching for all age groups between four and ten begins on next Saturday 30^th August at 10 am. All young Rockies must wear a full face-guard hurling helmet at these coaching sessions. Rockies are also encouraged to attend the County Board Family Day with the Cork Senior Hurling team later in the afternoon at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Under 6 and 7 Super leagues. 

Under 6 and 7 Super league invitations have now issued to all registered Rockies in those age groups. Players are to report to the coachs at 10.00 sharp and the Games will begin at 10.15  am sharp on Saturday 6^th September. Please wear the colours as notified on the invitations - click here for details. Carey Tool Hire sponsors the super-leagues.

Special Club Draw for All-Ireland tickets

The Blackrock Hurling Hall Development Committee will hold a special club draw over the next fortnight. Draw tickets for some fantastic prizes related to the All-Ireland Hurling Final are available for purchase from any committee member, price 5 euro per ticket or book of 5 tickets for 20 euro.

Rockies on Cork under-age teams

Congratulations go to JP Carroll who has recently played in the Cork under 15 team while best wishes go to both Stephen Guerin and Brian Aherne who are on the Cork under 14 panel, which will compete in the Tony Forrestal Tournament next weekend.

Senior Team reach County Semi-Final

Blackrock Senior hurlers gave an outstanding performance to defeat Midleton by 18 points in the permanent tsb Cork County Senior Hurling Championship quarter final on Saturday evening last. The Rockies will play Cloyne in the County semi-final. Click here for Match Report

Junior (A) Team March reach City Championship Final

City Junior A Championship Semi Final. Blackrock 1 --- 15 St.Vincents 0 --- 10

Our Junior A team will play in the City Junior Championship Final next Sunday, supporters should make a special effort to attend the game as this team and mentors have worked exceptionally hard and have played great hurling all year.

All-Ireland Semi- Final replay

Captain Alan Browne and Wayne Sherlock contributed to Cork's success over Wexford at Croke Park last Saturday. Best wishes to both and the other Rocky panel members in their preparations for the upcoming All-Ireland Final against Kilkenny.

Under 6 and 7 Super leagues. 

The team details for these leagues will be posted to all registered under 6 and 7 Rockies in the week beginning Monday 25th August. The teams are as follows; (1) Yughio (John Kennedy) (2) Pegasus (Allan Russell) (3) Joey (John Cormack) (4) Kaiba (Jody Crowley) (5) Pikatchu (Jimmy Brohan) (6) Charmeleon (Martin O' Farrell) (7) Blastoise (Peter Fitzgerald) (8) Mew (John O'Brien)

Cork Under 14's

Congratulations to Brian Aherne and Stephen Guerin on being selected on the Cork Under 14 Team

Junior (A) Team March on in Championship

The Junior A Team qualified for the Semi-|Final of the City Championship with a 4-12 to 0-5.victory over St. Finbarrs at Ballinlough on Wed July 30th. This was an all round very satisfactory performance by this Rocky team, which seems to be growing in confidence with each game   Click here for Match Report

All-Ireland Semi-Final

Good wishes from everybody to Alan Browne and Wayne Sherlock who are playing with Cork against Wexford in the All-Ireland Semi-final on Sunday August 10th at Croke Park. Also to Paul Tierney and Adrian Coughlan who are on the Cork panel, as well as Donie Collins who is a selector.

All-Ireland Semi-Final

Best wishes to Paul Tierney and David Cashman who are on the Cork under 21 panel which play Tipperary in the Munster under 21 final

Senior Championship 2003

Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final Blackrock V Midleton at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on sat August 23rd at 7.00pm

Blackrock Under 6/7 Super leagues.

The Blackrock under 6 and 7 super leagues will commence on Saturday 6th September and will continue on the 13th, 20th with the finals on the 27th September. Eight teams of 14 players each will be selected and the details of the teams will be posted to all the registered Rockies born in 1996 and 1997 during the week beginning 25th August

St. Michael's in Feile Finals 

Best wishes to the St. Michael's Feile team who travel to Galway next weekend