Category: Sports

Limerick VEC Colleges U16 1/2 – County final

The Hazelwood boys travelled the distance to Claughán to face the awaiting Newport team in the Limerick VEC Colleges U161/2 County final, on Friday the 9th of May last.

As the match began it was clear both teams had similar intensions and it was going to be a tough battle. With Newport scoring the opening point Hazelwood knew they would have to fight right to the bitter end.
The wind blew in Newport’s favour during the first 30 minutes, and the Hazelwood side had to keep up a strong defence to ensure they stayed in the game, Jack O’ Sullivan putting over Hazelwood’s first point from a free which was followed by another point from Padraig Ahern due to a tremendous effort and strong performances from Hazelwood’s Cian Manger Flynn and Dean Collins who supplied ball continuously in around the square. Newport fought back however, and matched every score with one of their own, keeping a slight lead on the scoreboard ending the half Hazelwood 0-6, to Newport 1-8.

The second half of the game got off to a flying start, Hazelwood’s captain Seamus Flanagan firing balls down the length of the field, setting-up and scoring numerous points from the half way line. This display of courage and determination continued from the whole team throughout the game making Newport’s attempts to stay on top impossible. Although they never gave up and made sure Hazelwood had to fight to win position for every ball. Conditions on the day were not ideal with a strong wind blowing across the field making simple play difficult, this did not affect either of the two teams who performed with an outstanding show of sportsmanship, style and teamwork. As the referee Paddy Carroll blew the final whistle, an ecstatic Hazelwood let out a sigh of relief. The final score: Hazelwood 1-21, Newport 1-14.
This victory was well deserved and could not have been achieved if not for the Hazelwood trainers Mr Ronan Farrell and Mr Matt Finn who have worked tirelessly over the past year to mould the team into the best they could be. This win was a fantastic achievement to finish of the year and the team have brought tremendous pride to the trainers, parents, themselves and the school. We would like to congratulate all involved and wish them luck in future games.

Pictured are Back Row Left to Right: Mr Ronan Farrell, Stephen Coughlan, Nigel O’ Callaghan, Edward Hourigan, Anthony Barrett, Colin O’ Brien, Gearoid Matthews, Jack Sheahan, Shane Butler, Cathal Finn, William Enright, Alex Culhane, Brian Buckley, Luke Ryan, Dean Collins, Damien Burke, Glen McNamara, Keith Shine, Donal Molyneaux, Mr Matt Finn. Front Row Left to Right: Brian Murphy, James McDermott, Tim Larkin, Dan Noonan, Denis Donegan, Padraig Ahern, Seamus Flanagan(Captain), Cian Manger Flynn, Ryan O Gorman, Jack O’ Sullivan, Dylan Hayes Daly, Morris Fitzgibbon, Sean Shine.

First Year Camogie Blitz

Hazelwood College first years travelled to Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale to the Limerick 7 aside camogie blitz.
Hazelwood College played the first of three games against Coláiste na Trócaire, Rathkeale. Hazelwood started very strongly with some very strong forward play from Megan Nolan and Shannon Mason. Rathkeale soon got on the scoreboard and at half time, Hazelwood trailed by two points. The introduction of Mary Kate Fehin, Orlaith Hennessy and Chris Boyce at half time proved vital as Hazelwood scored a point to bring the score difference back to a point. Hazelwood battled hard to find the equaliser but a breakdown in communication saw Rathkeale score a goal, bringing the final score to Hazelwood 0-1, Rathkeale 1-2.

Hazelwood’s second game was against Desmond College. The girls were first out of the blocks and some great teamwork saw Mary Kate Fehin score a fine point from out the field. Hazelwood’s defence was rock solid with some great goalkeeping from Abby McDermott. The sides were level at half time with one point each. The second half came and a fantastic goal was scored by Maedhbh McCarthy after some great teamwork and a hand pass from Mary Kate Fehin saw Maedhbh bury the ball in the back of the net. Desmond College tried very hard to score but they could not break down the Hazelwood defence. Final score: Hazelwood College 1-1 Desmond College 0-2

Hazelwood’s third game was against Laurel Hill and what a game it turned out to be. The two teams were very evenly matched. Our defence was, yet again, excellent with great blocking and hooking from Aisling and Chris. Midfielders were brilliant with Megan Nolan and Orlaith Hennessy fighting for every ball and Shannon and Mary Kate were causing great difficulties for the Laurel Hill defence. The game ended with Hazelwood losing by a mere point, 0-3 to 1-1.

After the three games, Hazelwood qualified for the B final against Laurel Hill who had beaten them by a point in the previous game. Laurel Hill made a great start with a goal but Hazelwood never gave up. At half time, the score was Laurel Hill 1-0, Hazelwood 0-0. Hazelwood dug deep in the second half and a brilliant run from Orlaith Hennessy into the forward line and a superb hand pass to Mary Kate saw her bury the ball in the back of the net. The sides were level with only 2 minutes left. Hazelwood battled hard to prevent Laurel Hill from scoring but a free was awarded and Laurel Hill pucked it straight between the posts. Hazelwood had just one last attack that resulted in a 45’ which unfortunately went narrowly wide.

The girls put in a great performance and there is no doubt that they will have a great team. Most of these girls are still in training for a county semi-final in the coming weeks with the school’s first and second year camogie team.

Panel: Orlaith Hennessy, Maedhbh McCarthy, Ashling Enright, Chris Boyce, Lorna Donegan, Abby McDermott, Shannon Mason, Emma Browne, Ava Mullane, Megan Nolan, Mary Kate Fehin

Hazelwood College Secure Passage into Senior Limerick Colleges Camogie Championship

Hazelwood 8.20
Rathkeale 1.10

On Wednesday, April 9th, Hazelwood Senior girls played a fierce and tactical game against the strong Rathkeale ladies’ team. At the throw in, Rathkeale’s Caoimhe Costello won the breaking ball and put the sliotar straight over the bar putting them in a very early lead. Hazelwood knew then that they would have to put in a strong performance if they wanted to come out on top. They responded quickly with a point from corner forward Katie Coughlan. This was soon followed by a skilful point put over from the halfway line by Cliona O’ Callaghan. By half time, Hazelwood had managed to concede only three points while scoring an impressive 4.14.

The second half opened up with Hazelwood winning possession but Rathkeale showed that they weren’t going to give up despite the scoreline and put another two points over the bar, playing now with a strong breeze. However, Hazelwood constantly stayed on top and kept the scoreboard ticking over, full forward Laura Stack in particular putting in a great shift, scoring six goals over the course of the hour. Though Hazelwood let their guard down a little in the final five minutes, allowing Rathkeale to add another few scores to their tally, the gap was too great to close and the Hazelwood girls ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 8.20 to 1.10. The girls now look forward to a County Final against Laurel Hill. After this performance, they can be confident of bringing silverware back to Dromcollogher!

Team and Scorers: Rebecca Duggan, Aine Fitzgibbon, Caroline Watson, Megan Fitzgibbon, Sarah Shanahan, Tara Fitzgibbon(0.1), Briana O’ Connor, Cliona O’ Callaghan (0.4), Chloe O’ Brien, Orla Cunningham (0.3), Donna Mulcahy (0.5), Deniese Forde (0.1), Bríd Flanagan (0.2), Laura Stack (6.1), Katie Coughlan (2.3), Aoife McMahon, Aoife Murray, Leighann Shanahan

Success on the Athletics Field

Picture 1 Hazelwood College students from left Allison Healy and Denise Forde, gold medal winners of Senior Girls’ Long Jump at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s Annual Sports Day, which was held recently at University of Limerck.

Picture 2 Successful sisters Noelle (left) and Eimear Lenihan (right), Second Year Hazelwood College students, winners of under 16 shot putt at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s Annual Sports Day.

Picture 3 Hazelwood College’s full Athletics team, which recently participated in the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board Annual Sports Day.

Hazelwood Senior Girls Basketballers Secure Place in Final

Hazelwood College – 17
Salesians College – 14

Recently, the Senior girls Basketball team travelled to Limerick city to take on Salesians Secondary School in the Cup Quarter final. Having come in second place in their group after a shaky start to the campaign, the girls were unsure of what to expect from the opposition. It turned out to be a wonderful game of basketball with both defences on top. It was ‘tit for tat’ in the opening three quarters with Anne Marie Molyneaux, Niamh McCarthy and the ever-dependable Ali Purcell producing some nice scores. In the dying minutes of the game, after Hazelwood found themselves a point down, Tara Fitzgibbon scored to edge Hazelwood in front by the narrowest of margins with Sarah Shanahan sealing the deal with another basket just seconds later.

The team now progress to the semi-final stage where they will face Castletroy. Having already been beaten by this opposition on a day when things just seems to fall apart in the third quarter for the Hazelwood girls, there is a score to be settled. With the opportunity to play in a cup final at stake, the girls will certainly take to the court with all guns blazing.

Team: A. Purcell, N. McCarthy, A. Molyneaux, S. Shanahan, T. Fitzgibbon, S. Sheehy, S. Nolan, M. Fitzgibbon, L. Nolan, E. O’ Sullivan, K. Cunningham, C. Corbett