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Well done to our U15 Hurling team on winning the clubs first ever County Feile for Passage with wins over St Kevin’s in the semi final and Lisgoold in an epic final.

The team put on a masterful display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, taking the top prize in this fiercely contested tournament for the very first time. The young players played their hearts out in every game, and every player was magnificent in their own right. Their sheer determination and passion for the game was apparent on the field, and their commitment was second to none.

These young players are truly heroes and warriors, much like Cuchulainn from Irish folklore. They have demonstrated that with hard work, dedication, and teamwork, anything is achievable. Their victory is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the players, coaches, and everyone involved with the club. The team has brought great pride and joy to their families and community, and their achievement will inspire generations of hurlers to come. It is a remarkable achievement, and they should be proud of themselves.

On behalf of the entire club and Passage community, we congratulate you on your incredible victory. You have demonstrated what it truly means to be a champion, and you are an inspiration to all our young players. We wish you all the best for the All Ireland and we have no doubt that you will continue to make us proud. Well done!

Below are 2 of the match reports from this weeks Semi-Final and Final:

Feile County Semi-Final

Passage 2-11 St.Kevins 1 -4

The atmosphere was electric at Manning Park on Monday night as a large and passionate crowd had gathered to witness the County Feile’s semi-final match between Passage and St Kevin’s. The Passage side had been in excellent form over the weekend, and there was a buzz of excitement among the supporters, as their team took to the field with hopes of securing their first-ever Feile title. The first half of the match was a tense affair, with both sides putting on a highly competitive display. Passage held a slim one-point lead at the half-time break, but the game was still very much on the knife edge. However, the young Passage players came out after the break, firing on all cylinders, and upped the tempo to take control of the game. With every passing minute, the Passage team looked stronger and more assured and finally emerged as the victors, having put in a fantastic second-half performance. The crowd went wild as the final whistle sounded, and the team secured their place in the final. In typical Passage fashion, every player contributed to this important victory and played a vital role in the triumph. The team had shown great resolve, fighting spirit, and skill to progress to the County Feile final. The supporters will undoubtedly be proud of their team for reaching this stage, and the players themselves will have gained a considerable boost of confidence ahead of their next match. The atmosphere at Manning Park was electric; the crowd was passionate, the players played with heart and soul, and the Passage lads delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The team should be congratulated on their excellent display, and we look forward to seeing what they will do in the final as they look to make history and win their first-ever County Feile title.

Scores for Passage: Sean 2-7 (0-2 Free), Ben Horgan 0-1, Zac Hanlon 0-1, Sean O’Regan 0-1, Calum Griffin 0-1.

Feile County Final

Passage 3-7 Lisgoold 2-4

The Passage U15 young hurlers have created history by winning their club’s first-ever Feile Hurling title. The atmosphere was electric as two great sides battled it out for the honours, with every player putting in a heroic display. The young players showcased their incredible talent, determination, and fighting spirit, earning them a well-deserved victory. The first half was end to end, with both sides playing with tremendous intensity and passion. The Passage team put in a heroic display, going into every tackle as if their life depended on it. They held a slim one-point lead at the half-time break, but there was still a lot to play for in this highly competitive match. The team came back out onto the field in the second half, fending off their opponents’ fierce attacks. Slowly but surely, the Passage lads started to gain momentum and pull away from their opponents. Their lead gradually increased, and their fans roared with excitement as they inched closer to their historic victory. The young heroes of Passage held their nerve in the final stages of the match, playing with great discipline and skill. As the final whistle blew, the scoreline showed that Passage had won the match, and the crowd erupted into an explosion of cheers and applause. The team members were elated and rightfully overjoyed. They had made history, winning their club’s first-ever Feile Hurling title. The Passage young hurlers displayed incredible skills, talent, and team spirit throughout the tournament, and their hard work paid off. The players were heroes, and they will always be remembered as legends of the game. In the end, it was a night never to be forgotten. Passage had put on a masterful display and achieved the ultimate goal. They had won their club’s first title, etching their names in the history books forever. Congratulations to the young heroes of Passage on an outstanding performance!

Scores for Passage: Sean Coughlan 1-5 (0-2 Frees), Zac Hanlon 1-0, Cian Mc Donald 1-0, Callum Griffin 0-1, Philip Heavey 0-1.

Team Panel for Tournament:

David O’Connor, Aidan O’Connor, Cian Barry, Ruben Ring, Dermot Buckley, Stephen Lyons, Oisin O’Sullivan, Calum Griffin, Philip Heavey, Ben Horgan, Sean Coughlan, Alex Maher, Eoghan O’Bryne, Zac Hanlon capt, Sean O’Regan. Sean Cash, Mark Barry, Daniel Collier, Brian Griffin, Corey Browne, Cian McDonald, Morgan Kelleher.

Management Team:

Adrian Whyte, Eoin Griffin, Wally Ryan

Player Performance:

David O’Connor- it was a testament to the brilliant Passage outfield performances that David saw little action in the group stage on Saturday. This all changed for the semi-final as the young U-13 keeper had to pull off some wonderful saves to keep Passage in the game. On three occasions he managed to stop three point-blank shots before having to go off with an injured hand. One save in the second half stopped St.Kevins taking the lead and the resulting clearance ended up with Sean Coughlan scoring a great goal. This was the turning moment of the game. Unfortunately, the injury ruled him out for the final.

Aidan O’Connor – Aidan was very consistent throughout all the games not giving any of his opponents a minute’s peace. He was hooking, blocking, and playing tough no-nonsense hurling throughout. Aidan who plays in midfield for the U-14 team can be proud of his displays in the corner. None of the players he was marking scored over the five games. On several occasions Aidan managed to get in a last gasp block, and he cleared numerous balls throughout the games.

Cian Barry – Cian one of the more experienced players on the team bossed the edge of the square in the first 3 matches on Saturday in the group stage, giving a commanding performance throughout. For the semi-final, he came up against a very good full forward. Cian didn’t flinch edging a fierce battle, with the full forward in the end being moved out the field. For the final Cian showed his versatility by moving out the field in a tactical switch. He played his part in the historic win working hard around the half-back line and getting in some tremendous blocks when the game was in the melting pot. One of so many heroes during the tournament.

Ruben Ring – Ruben another U-14 player is a no-nonsense very physical cornerback who has slotted into the team this year. He is very effective in the corner not giving any of his opponents any scoring chances. He had some great battles over the 5 games and can be proud of his efforts. A coaches dream whatever job he’s given is carried out without any fuss.

Dermot Buckley – Bucks had a tremendous tournament playing his normal physical style winning all his individual battles. Unfortunately, he took a bad bang to the head in the final which forced him to come off. Up to this point, he was flying and thankfully the injury isn’t too serious, and he will be back for the battles ahead next month.

Stephen Lyons – Stevie brings a commanding physical presence to the centre-back spot and despite not playing much hurling this year he slotted in effortlessly. He was in the battle of all battles in the final against the Lisggold Cork full forward who had scored 5 goals in the semi-final. Stevie stood tall and especially in the second half he gave a heroic display which helped Passage lay the foundations for victory.

Oisin O’Sullivan – The quiet man who does his talking on the pitch. Part of an excellent half back line that hurled splendidly all weekend. Took a bad belt on the shin in the final yet stood up and was counted when it was backs to the wall especially in the final. Scored a great point in the Grenagh match and overall was on top of his game throughout the tournament.

Calum Griffin – One of the top performers throughout and ran himself to a standstill in every game. Won all his midfield battles and chipped in with 2-7 over the 5 games. Calum also has a strong physical presence, and he has been unplayable over the last few weeks. He was man of the match against St.Catherines in a challenge game two weeks ago and continued this form over the weekend. He is currently hurling with the Cork U-15 Development Squad, and this seems to have added to his confidence which is great to see.

Philip Heavey – U-14 star player Philip was the second man in the dream midfield partnership with Calum. Philip scored 2-11 throughout the tournament and like Calum he has been playing great hurling over the last few weeks. He continued this great form over the 5 games and can be proud of his great performances. Philip is currently hurling with the U-14 Cork Development Squad and reports are coming back that he is not out of place amongst the elite.

Ben Horgan – Ben was in the thick of action in every game going into every tackle without fear for his own safety. Brave as a lion he tackled, blocked and broke several balls for centre forward Sean Coughlan. Ben scored 2 points over the 5 games and he can be pleased with his performances throughout.

Sean Coughlan – Sean scored 5-26 over the 5 games and it’s a testament to what a great player he is when no one was shocked. Sean has been breaking scoring records for the last few years and will do for years to come. He is another player on the Cork U15 Development squad and has a great future ahead of him. When the opposition improved and were stronger on the Monday Sean raised his game. He was the man in the final winning the shootout with the Lisgoold’s star player.

Alex Meagher – The final player in this outstanding half forward line, Alex ran himself into the ground and went on several solo runs which created scores for other players. He was up and down the line putting his man in every game under pressure. They didn’t get a clean puck in with all the blocking and hooking Alex put in. Like Ben on the other side Alex worked himself to a standstill and hurled magnificently throughout all the games.

Sean O’Regan – Corner forward Sean was always making himself available in the corner and won several balls sent in towards him. He scored 2 great points and made a lot of scores for players by laying off passes when he could have gone for scores himself. He stood up to be counted for the Final when he went into goal and helped his team mates secure the clubs first Feile title.

Zac Hanlon – Captain fantastic Zac was unplayable over the weekend scoring 7 goals and 6 points. Zac has developed into a truly great full forward and it won’t be long going on this form before he will be joining his teammate’s on the Cork panel. All the full backs were left scratching their heads on how to stop him. Ball after ball he won and they either ended up as a score or a free going his way. Zac has thrived being captain and he will always have great memories of lifting the trophy after the final finished.

Eoghan O’Byrne – U14 player Eoghan scored the first goal of the tournament for Passage in the first few minutes of the first game against Grenagh. It was a very important score as it settled Passage down immediately and laid the foundation for the remaining games. Eoghan played great hurling throughput and was unlucky to not have scored more goals with two efforts going inches wide in the other games. First cousin to captain Zac he can be proud of his performances.

Brian Griffin – Brian is one of the 3 U-13 players on the panel and started some of the games over the weekend. He is one of the star men in his own age group and will be togging out for Cork in the Primary Games next Sat night at half time of the Cork Tipp game. Brian scored a point in the Grenagh match and had two efforts in the final that the Lisgoold keeper somehow managed to save. A bright future lies ahead for this young man.

Sean Cash – Sean played great hurling throughout the weekend when called into the backline. He has been playing very well with the U-14 Hurlers this season and brought this form into the Feile games. He came in for Bucks in the final and slotted straight in. He cleared several balls in the epic second half when the trophy was up for grabs. We don’t just have Cork Hurling stars on team Sean and Cian Barry are currently training with the Cork U14 & U15 Football Development Squads.

Mark Barry – U-14 player and younger brother to full back Cian, Mark has settled into his new defensive role very well this season. His form with the U14 team has been very good and like most of his team mates he brought his A game to the Feile. He played very well when called upon in all the games and he can be proud of his performances. He defended excellently throughout and used his speed to win several balls.

Daniel Collier- Another one of the U-13 stars Daniel played excellent hurling when called on over the 5 games. Scored a great individual point in the Vincent’s game. Like Brian he has a great future ahead and I wouldn’t back against them winning another Feile in the coming two years.

Corey Browne – U-14 player Corey Browne played his part in capturing this historic first ever trophy for Passage. He played a part in all the games and scored a great goal against St. Vincent’s in the group games. He worked hard throughout and was unlucky with two other goal chances in the Vincent’s game.

Cian Mc Donald – Unfortunately missed the group stages but took his opportunity in the final scoring a great poachers goal to give Passage the lead in the first half when it was real backs to the wall. Played well for the remainder of the game and played an important part in this great victory.

Morgan Kelleher – Arrived with 10 minutes left on the clock and the game delicately poised. Morgan was put straight into battle and his presence seemed to lift the whole team. He got stuck straight in and his physical presence was crucial in the remaining few minutes.

Shane Whyte – Special mention to star player Shane Whyte who was injured for the tournament. Hopefully Shane’s injury will clear up soon and he can get back hurling as quicky as possible.

Passage 2-1 Bride Rovers 1-2

On Friday evening Passage U12s made the short journey to Rathcormac to take on Bride Rovers in the second round of the U12 camogie league. Bride Rovers opened the scoring with a goal after 16 minutes and followed up with a point 3 minutes later and were starting to build some momentum with Passage struggling briefly to get on the ball. The backs were working extremely hard at this point and did brilliantly to stop Bride Rovers from adding to their score. Róisín then scored a great point to finally get Passage on the board after 22 minutes.

Half time: Bride Rovers 1-1 Passage 0-1.

Passage were quicker out of the traps in the second half and were putting the Bride Rovers defence under great pressure. The pressure finally told and Eva Barry deservedly got the first goal after 5 minutes. A minute later Aisling Ní Shúilleabháin swept home another goal and Passage were now in front. Passage dominated the next 15 minutes but couldn’t add to the score with some goal-line clearances by Bride Rovers and narrow wides. At the other end the backs still weren’t giving the Bride Rovers forwards an inch and any ball that made it through was expertly dealt with by the captain on the night, Kerri. Bride Rovers finally got their only score of the half a point in the 2nd minute of added time. With points worth 2 there was now only the minimum between the teams, Passage 2-1 ( to Bride Rovers 1-2. Three more nervy minutes ensued but Passage held on for the win.

Another great team performance on a wet evening, especially in the second half with all 21 players getting game time and contributing to the performance.

A special mention must go to my player of the match, Emily Collier who was the stand-out player on the pitch in the second half.

Passage West’s u12 footballers played a very strong Kiltha Og tonight in Passage last night. With the Feile final being played on the main pitch, Kiltha started very strong scoring an early point only to be answered by a good point from Fionn O’Flaherty. Kiltha then scored a fortunate goal and added another point before Josh Hanna replied scoring a goal from a great shot. Kiltha Og answered by scoring a goal and a point before Robert Allen put his first score over the bar. Kiltha replied with another point before Passage worked the ball down the field where Zack Long scored a fine goal. Kiltha scored another point before Fionn scored his second point from a free kick. Kiltha finished the half by scoring the next three points, but another point by Zack gave Passage some hope. The half-finished Passage 2-4, Kiltha 3-8. The second half started with Passage a completely reinvigorated team, helped by Oisin Quigley scoring a goal in the first minute. Kiltha put the ball over the bar but then Passage went on a scoring frenzy, Fionn scored three points and Robert scored his second. Kiltha managed another point before Rory Walsh put the ball into the back of the net, followed shortly after by another goal from Fionn. Kiltha scored the next three points before Fionn scored the final score, a point from a free kick, with Passage coming out victorious. After a slow start in the first half, Passage never-give-up attitude was on full display. In goal, Jake Ahern made some great saves and marshalled his defence brilliantly, full backs Callum Carroll and Ben Devine fought doggedly for every ball that came their way. Halfbacks of Luke Meagher, Padraig O’Driscoll, and candidate for man of the match Cameron Lee were steadfast in intercepting the many fast-paced and skilled attacks. The midfield of Fionn O’Flaherty and Rory Walsh were tireless in covering every part of the pitch and winning some great ball and showing their great skills.

The half forwards, Tiernan Mccarthy, Robert Allen and Zack Long harassed and tormented the Kiltha defence and forwards Josh Hanna and Evan Clinton busted their guts trying to notch up the scores.

Subs Tommy Coakley, Charlie Cremin, and Lorcan Granby all came on and helped keep the pressure on Kiltha.

The game was played at a great speed and intensity, both sides giving all they had, not giving an inch yet played in an extremely fair and honest manner.

By Noel Collins, 24/10/2021

Final Score:
Passage 6-10
St Vincent’s 1-10

It might have taken 61 years to win a City Junior A Hurling Championship, but those Passage supporters who were privileged to be at Ballinlough today saw their team gain an emphatic victory over North Siders St Vincent’s. Both teams went into the game unbeaten this season, St Vincent’s drawing with Passage in the League and reaching the final with good victory over Glen Rovers, while Passage had a hard fought victory over Na Piarsaigh in their semi-final.

A large crowd turned up at City Division headquarters to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on their teams as they paraded behind the Ballyphehane band prior to the throw in. It was St Vincent’s who started quickest, with Luke Callanan putting over a good point from play inside the opening minute. Blake Murphy soon followed with St Vincent’s second point. Cian Mc Carthy settled the Passage nerves with a pointed free on three minutes, followed by a Graham Carroll point from play to level matters. Passage then had a huge moment in the game when first Shane Howard bellowed the Vincent’s net with an unstoppable shot, then seconds later full forward Cian Mc Carthy caught a high dropping ball and despite being held up he managed to blast the ball low past Craig Cahill into the St Vincent’s goal. It left Passage 2-02 to 0-2 with 7 minutes gone.

St Vincents came back with two points, one each from Johnathan O’Mahony and a Blake Murphy free. Minutes later, a St Vincent’s 21 yard free was blasted to the net by Blake Murphy to let the score 2-02 to 1-04 with 15 minutes gone. The Passage response was swift and clinical, when Passage number 15 Conor Coughlan cut in from the right wing to beat Craig Cahill for a Passage third goal. Vincent’s, trying desperately to stay in a game fast drifting away from them, had two points from Luke Callanan and a Gavin Mc Carthy free to let it 3-02 to 1-06 on the twenty-minute mark. Again, the Passage response was swift – midfielder Graham Carroll won a ball around the middle and powered his way past a few tackles before hitting a high shot that ended up in the net for the fourth Passage goal, 4-02 to 1-06.

From there to the break, Passage dominated with the defense which was ably led by captain Ronan Harrington, while the midfield of Ryan and Graham Carroll making sure the ball kept going into the forward line where Cian Mc Carthy and Shane Howard dictated the play. Points from Ryan Carroll, Cathal Mc Carthy, Conor Coughlan and a Cian McCarthy free, while Gavin Mc Carthy and Blake Murphy had points for St Vincent’s, to let the score at the break to be Passage 4-06 to St Vincent’s 1-08.

St Vincent’s needed to start the second half well if they were to have any chance of stopping the Passage juggernaut, but Passage put the game to bed inside the opening minute. A long ball out of defense found Niall Mc Carthy who sprinted for goal and slipped past a few tackles before finishing to the net, leaving the score to be 5-06 to 1-08. Minutes later, Cian Mc Carthy had goal number six as he caught a high ball and again slipped it past a helpless Craig Cahill. From there to the finish Passage were well on top, try as they might St Vincent’s could not make any impression on the scoreboard. 3 Points from Cian Mc Carthy, and a final point from Anthony Kidney had Passage deserving winners on a scoreline of 6-10, to 1—10. The City Division Junior A Cup was presented to Captain Ronan Harrington by Seandun Board Chairman Mick Higgins, while Cian Mc Carthy won the match of match trophy.

Overall it was a wonderful display by the Passage 15, they had winners all over the field, Aidan Long was mighty in goal, the six backs led by Eoin Murphy and Ronan Harrington were all outstanding, holding a tight reign on the Vincents forwards who themselves got four goals against the Glen. Midfield had the two Carroll’s Ryan and Graham turning in a great non-stop performance, while the six forwards ably led by Shane Howard and Cian Mc Carthy who managed to score 2—05 and have a vital part in the other goals. Nial Mc Carthy and Conor Coughlan troubled their markers all day by their clever play. The management team of Eoin Griffin, Teddy Mc Carthy, James Barrett, John O Connor, Billy O Regan, John O’ Neill, and the stats team of Sean O’Mahony and Eoin Barry deserve great credit for the work and dedication and effort put in during the season. Now Passage go forward to the County where they will meet Ballinascarthy, who beat St Mary’s in the Carbery Final today.

Passage Scores, C. Mc Carthy – 2:05 (0:04 F, 0:01 65,) C. Coughlan & G. Carroll -1:01 each, N. Mc Carthy & S. Howard 1:00 each, R. Carroll, C. Mc Carthy & A. Kidney – 0:01 each.