Some photos of the recent All Ireland Basketball final where our second year boys team did us proud. Losing by litteraly the last throw of the game in a tense final against Rathagan, Co. Meath
All Ireland Final Second Year C Boys:
Ard Scoil Rathangan 31 (A Whelan 10, N Nurney 7, D Gorry 7)
Hazelwood College 28 (S Flanagan 11, C Fahy 8, D Lacey 6)
Full match report to follow
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Hazelwood College beat Castletroy, the powerhouse of Limerick Schoolgirls’ basketball, to claim their first county senior basketball title in front of a packed house at the UL Arena. The Hazelwood girls have come off second best to Castletroy for the past two years and the signs were again ominous after a lacklustre campaign this year. However a good showing against St. John the Baptist School, Hospital, four days prior to the final rekindled the spark that had been missing since the defeat in the All-Ireland final of the previous year.
Castletroy took an early lead in the first quarter as Hazelwood struggled to cope with the excellent inside play of Castletroy’s tall post players. Celia Cremin kept Hazelwood in touch with two good baskets before Victoria Harnett and team captain Ciara Meaney leveled the score with a basket each.
Hazelwood took to the floor for the second quarter, confidence boosted, and attacked the Castletroy defence. Never before have I witnessed these girls attack a quality defence with such skill and vigour. A combination of lightning fast breaks by Maire Flanagan and Vickie Harnett, aggressive drives by Celia Cremin and gritty defence by everyone saw Hazelwood outscore Castletroy by eleven points to two before Ciara Meaney nailed a three pointer with two seconds on the clock in the second quarter.
The dreaded nerves appeared at the beginning of the third quarter. Loose shots from outside gave the ball back to Castletroy too easily. Solid defence from Emma Purcell and Miriam Noonan in the centre of the key and Aoife Leahy in the corner made it difficult for Castletroy to capitalise on Hazelwood’s limping offence. A quick timeout settled the team and the girls went back on court and took control. Baskets from Cremin, Meaney and Flanagan gave Hazelwood a commanding 29 – 14 lead with one quarter to play.
The final quarter was played at a frenetic pace. Castletroy applied an aggressive full court press in an attempt to force quick turnover ball. Hazelwood, playing just one post and four perimeter players, easily broke the press and repeatedly scored from the fast break. Castletroy were reluctant to give up their title and dug deep to outscore Hazelwood by 18 points to 16 in the last quarter. The final action of the game saw Deborah Daly seal victory with a classy layup from a fast break by Suzanne Sheehy and Anita Lucey.
It was a special day for all concerned but especially so for four Leaving Cert students who were playing their last game for the school after many years fighting in the trenches with no reward. Best wishes for the future to Aoife, Ciara, Miriam and Vickie.
Photo
Back Row L-R : Desmond Lambe, Miriam Noonan, Suzanne Sheehy, Emma Purcell, Deborah Daly, Celia Cremin
Front Row L-R : Anita Lucey, Aoife Leahy, Ciara Meaney (Captain), Vickie Harnett, Maire Flanagan
Causeway Comprehensive 4-13
Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher 1-8
Causeway Comprehensive backed up an U16 All-Ireland hurling title with a Munster final victory at Senior level against Hazelwood College in Abbeyfeale. Full-forward Padraig Boyle opened the scoring in the first minute for Causeway, but Hazelwood quickly pegged them back scoring three points in the opening five minutes – two from Jamie Coughlan frees and a lovely score from corner-forward Jerry Lane. Tommy Barrett brought the difference back to the minimum through a long-range free. In the 10th minute Jamie Coughlan picked up the ball on the wing and soloed through the heart of the Causeway defence to score a beauty of a goal to leave the score-line on1-3 to two points and Causeway seemed under serious pressure. However in the 13th minute Causeway took control for a devastating ten minute spell. Shane Dunne, at corner forward scored 1-2, Anthony Fealy added two points of his own, with Padraig Boyle and Muiris Delaney adding a point each. With seven minutes to half time the score had changed to 1-8 to 1-3 in Causeway’s favour. Hazelwood rallied dominating possession until half time, Jamie Coughlan adding two points. Hazelwood had a couple of goal chances in this spell that would have levelled it but instead Causeway managed to sneak one at the other end. This meant that instead of going in level at half-time the score as now 2-8 to 1-5 and Hazelwood had a mountain to climb.
They quickly reduced this deficit after the break with a Jamie Coughlan point. He then traded points with Causeway midfielder Muiris Delaney. This was however to be Hazelwood’s last score until an injury time Paddy Sheey point as Causeway turned on the style and well and truly drove home their advantage. They were free scoring for the last fifteen minutes of the game, scoring 2-4. Daniel Collins and Padraig Boyle scored the goals, Shane Dunne scored two points and Luke Fitzell and Brendan Burke scoring one each. All that was left to do was for Kilmoyley man Tommy Mansell to lift the cup for a Causeway team that were indisputably the better team and worthy Munster Champions. Causeway now progress onto the All-Ireland Semi-final where they will hope to emulate the achievement of their U/16 team, while Hazelwood have to face the back door.
Causeway Comprehensive:
Nicky Leen, Bryan Murphy, Chris McCarthy, Dougie Fitzell, Tommy Mansell, Brendan Brosnan(0-1 0-1 free), Mark O’Regan, Tommy Barrett, Muiris Delaney(0-1), Daniel Collins(1-0), Anthony Fealy(0-2), Luke Fitzell(0-2), Shane Dunne(1-5 O-2 frees), Padraig Boyle(2-2), Tim O’ Brien Subs used: Ricky Heffernan for Tim O’ Brien (40 Minutes)
Joe McElligot, Eric O’Connor, John Silles, Pa O’Regan, Gary Galway, Paul McGrath, Mikie O’ Halloan, Tomas Casey
Hazelwood College:
Kevin O’Callaghan, Sean O’Riordan, Barry Lynch, Billy Naughton, John Barrett, Tadgh O’Flynn, Jamie Coughlan Seamus Sheehan, Michael Fitzgibbon, Jerry lane(0-1), Paddy Sheehy(0-1), Kevin Noonan Keith Lacey, Jamie Coughlan (1-6, 6 frees) Jimmy Kiely
Subs used: Micheal Brosnan for Keith lacey (45 minutes) , Padraig Lane for Seamus sheehan(45 minutes)
Ian Carroll, Brian Noonan, Daniel Egan, Paddy Hassett, Matthew Whelan, Diarmuid Coleman, Darren Boyce, Shane Carroll, David O’Donnell, Cian Mulcahy Danny McCarthy
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Hazelwood College 3-5
St Marys, Mallow 0-3
Dromcollogher GAA pitch was the venue for the Munster A Intermediate final where Hazelwood College took on formidable opponents St Marys, Mallow. The opening ten minutes was fast and furious played at a ferocious pace with Mallow dominating much of the play. Hazelwood College looked in trouble when St Marys opened the scoring with a well taken free. Niamh O Brien opened Hazelwood’s account with a point. Hazelwood had much of the play but could not seem to get through the Mallow defence. Amy Ryan had a fantastic save on the goal mouth and this seemed to wake Hazelwood up. All of a sudden there was a spark within the Dromcollogher side and a hunger was ignited within the whole team. Hazelwood’s defence battled hard and managed to keep the Mallow forwards at bay, scoring only from frees and a well struck forty-five yard puck. Meanwhile Hazelwood’s midfield duo of Tara Hurley and Grainne Sheehy worked tirelessly and delivered quality ball into the forward line. Up front Hazelwood had much possession but bad luck and some sticky defending by the St. Mary’s backs limited scoring output. Clever ball was played across the field to centre forward extrodinaire Ms. Aideen “Aidy Bear” O’ Flynn who ran in and resulted in a fantastic point. Meanwhile Niamh O’ Brien slotted over a forty-five to leave the Hazelwood girls go in at half time leading 0-4 to Mallow’s 0-3.
As the second half commenced, Hazelwood came out fighting- whatever Ms. Herbert had said during the break it did the trick! Every ball was contested with 100% and it was not long before the difference between the two teams became apparent. A quick well taken goal was taken by Aideen O’ Flynn and Hazelwood College now found themselves somewhat in control of the game. Each time the sliotar went in Mallow were put under great pressure by the Hazelwood full forward line of Katie Dillane, Becky Ryan and Sarah Moloney, who hassled and made sure no ball came out easily. In this half our full back line found themselves with little to deal with but the few balls that went in, they were sent out efficiently by Joanne Murray and Aisling O’ Brien. Sarah O’ Sullivan was brought on and delivered a inch-perfect ball into the full forward line. A goal line shuffle resulted in a goal for Hazelwood College taken by Máire Flanagan. Mallow’s forwards tried hard to force their way into scoring range but ultimately were not allowed through by the powerful play put in by Emma Browne, Niamh O’ Brien and lightening fast runs made by Katie O’ Sullivan up the wing. On one of these runs Katie landed the sliotar at the feet of Kallie Hodgson who took on her player and in turn put the ball over the bar. Ms. Herbert, moved our full back, Máiread Geary up to full forward which led to a goal. As soon as Máiread got ball in hand she only had one thing in mind and the finish left the poor Mallow goalkeeper wondering what had just happened! As the referee blew the final whistle, Hazelwood rejoiced after what had been their best display so far. Well done to the team and their coach Ms. Herbert on the deserved win!
Panel- Amy Ryan, Joanne Murray, Máiread Geary, Aishling O’ Brien, Katie O’ Sullivan, Niamh O’ Brien, Emma Browne, Tara Hurley, Gráinne Sheehy, Máire Flanagan, Aideen O Flynn, Kallie Hodgscon, Katie Dillane, Becky Ryan, Sarah Moloney, Niamh Cagney, Sarah O Sullivan, Breda Larkin, Elaine Noonan, Kara Clifford, Katie Coughlan, Helen Bradley, Caroline Watson.
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Hazelwood College seeks first title
Having won the Munster VEC cup on three occasions, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and beaten in one Colleges Final in 2006, Hazelwood College are hoping to win this title which has eluded them for years.
Path to the Final
In the group stages Hazxelwood overcame Boherbue on a score of 7-17 to 1-1, then beat Kanturk in a close encounter 3-7 to 2-4 and were awarded a walkover from Bandon. In the Munster quarter final we had a good victory over St. Flannans played in Rathkeale, the score 3-8 to 2-6. In February we went down to Bansha to take on St Augustines of Dungarven and overcame them by 2-9 to 1-9. We now face Skibereen in the final on Friday March 12th in Dromcollogher and hopefully captain Ciara Meaney and the girls will up their performance and bring the cup back to Dromcollogher. Best of luck girls.
1st round
Hazelwood College 6-14
St. Brogans 0-9
This game played in Mallow last October, was tighter than the score-line suggests. Four second half goals saw Hazelwood run out comfortable winners in the end.
Quarter Final
Hazelwood College 2-10
Borrisokane CC 2-08
This game was played in Ballina, co. Tipperary in November. Five points down at half time, it took a massive second half performance to run out two point winners.
Semi-Final
Hazelwood College 2-09
Roscrea CC 1-10
This game was played against favourites and reigning champions in perfect conditions in Lattin, Co. Tipperary on February 27th. Hazelwood got off to the dream start, gaoling twice in the early minutes but despite having a six point advantage with five minutes to go were under extreme pressure when running out six point winners.
Final
Hazelwood V Causeway Comprehensive, Abbeyfeale Saturday March 13th – throw in at 1P.M.
Hazelwood travelled the tough route to the final defeating the three teams who have dominated this competition in the last decade along the way. However, Causeway Comprehensive are not to be underestimated. Last year’s U16 All-Ireland champions are fast proving themselves the nursery for Kerry hurling with massive backing from the Kerry Co. Board and they were the dominant force in the Kerry Colleges team that competed in the Harty Cup this Year. This competition has never been won by a limerick school although Croom did compete in the 1984 final, in a team that featured Pa Carey and Anthony Carmody among others. However a team from the area did win it, Manx College in 1997, which the likes of the O’Connor twins of Newtownshandrum starring.
Hazewlood College 2-9
Roscrea CC 1-10
Hazelwood College reached their first ever Senior Hurling “A” Munster final after a hard fought victory over reigning champions Roscrea CC. Hazelwood got off to the perfect start, with a Jamie Coughlan point followed quickly by a goal from Jimmy kiely in the first 5 minutes. Roscrea were not knocked off their stride and opened their account through their free taker Jamie Bergin. Points were then swapped, Jamie Coughlan scored from a placed ball before wing forward Sean Cleary fired one over from Roscrea. Hazelwood then hit a purple patch scoring 1-2 in a three minute spell, 1-1 from Jamie Coughlan and a superb point from Hazelwood’s other Jamie Coughlan bursting forward from wing-back. A this stage Hazelwood were leading 2-4 to 0-2 but a Roscrea team with seven county Minors from Offaly and Tipperary were not going to lie down. Jamie Bergin scored two more from placed balls for Roscrea. A Michael Fitzgibbon point for Hazelwood was sandwiched between Roscrea points from Eoin Ryan and Jason Fitzpatrick to leave the score at half-time 2-5 to 0-6 points in favour of Hazelwood. Eoin Ryan quickly opened the second -half scoring through an Eoin Ryan free but Hazelwood responded with three frees of their own. Eoin Ryan and Jamie Coughlan then traded frees in a second half which was a tough low scoring affair. This left Hazelwood six points up with six remaining. These six minutes that were all about Roscrea attacking and Hazelwood fighting tooth and nail to keep them out. Roscea scored 1-1 in this period and dropped two late 65’s in around the square in search of a winning goal but they could not break down a Hazelwood defence that had played well throughout. Tadgh O’Flynn and Sean O’Riordan deserve notable mention as well as the hard working midfield pair of Michael Fitzgibbon and Seamus Sheehan. Hazelwood now go forward to meet Causeway Comprehensive in the Munster Final on Saturday March 13th in an attempt to back up last year’s victory at “B” level with a Munster win in the A grade. The venue is yet to be decided.
Team and Scorers:
Kevin O’Callaghan, Sean O’Riordan, Barry Lynch, Billy Naughton, John Barrett, Tadgh O’Flynn, Jamie Coughlan (0-1), Seamus Sheehan, Michael Fitzgibbon(0-1), Jerry lane, Paddy Sheehy, Kevin Noonan Keith Lacey, Jamie Coughlan (1-7, 5 frees, 1 ‘65) Jimmy Kiely (1-0)
Subs: Micheal Brosnan, Padraig Lane, Ian Carroll, Brian Noonan, Daniel Egan, Paddy Hassett, Matthew Whelan, Diarmuid Coleman, Darren Boyce, Shane Carroll, David O’Donnell, Cian Mulcahy Danny McCarthy
Hazelwood College 2-9
St. Augustines, Dungarven 1-9
This semi-final, which was played in Bansha on a glorious day, was as tough as it gets but Hazelwood came through with flying colours to reach the Munster Final for only their second time in colleges football.
The girls from Dungarven set the pace early on and had two points on the scoreboard before the Dromcollogher outfit settled with Denise O’Connell slotting over a free kick ten minutes into the half. Two more points followed from play- Emma Browne from 30 meters out and a close range score from Denise O’Connell. Dungarven were then awarded a free kick 40 metres from the goal and the ball found its way into the back of the net.
Hazelwood continued to press and were unlucky for two goals- the ball coming off the back of the crossbar on one occasion from an Emma Browne shot and Ashling O’Brien hitting the upright close in. With five minutes to go the pressure did pay off and the same two girls took a point each. Some sloppy play from our full back line gave two frees away which were pointed by the Dungarven girls leaving the half time score of 1-5 to 0-5 in favour of St Augustines.
Hazelwood started well in the second half and again Denise and Emma scored a point a piece. From a poor kick out the ball once again reached Emma Browne and a 45 meter lob (like Beckhams) beat the Dungarven goalie and Hazelwood were ahead for the first time. One of Dungarvens better players leg tripped Katie O’Sullivan going through to score and was given a ten minute rest by the referee- Denise O Connell pointed the free.
At this stage Maire Flanagan took control of the game and kept the pressure on the Dungarven backs which resulted in a penalty when Vickie Harnett was brough down in the square after going clear of her marker. Tara Hurley stepped up to take it and cool as a breeze hit the top left hand corner. Dungarven had a few points from frees prior to this but another point from Emma put Hazelwood four clear. Dungarven pointed again late on but the final score remained at 2-9 to 1-9. Best for Hazelwood were Maire Flanagan,Tara Hurley, Mairead Geary, Niamh Greaney, Katie O’Sullivan, Denise O’Connell, Ashling O’Brien and Emma Browne.
Hazelwood team: N. O’Brien, S.Forde, M. Geary, N. Greaney, T. Hurley, M. Flanagan, L. Hanley, C.Meaney (c), N. Kiely, K. O’Sullivan, E, Browne, V. Harnett, H.Lenihan, A. O’Brien and D.O’Connell
Subs used: N. O’connell, G Shannon and A o’Flynn
Other subs; K. Hodgson, B Ryan, N. Mc CArthy, S Moloney, C Enright, C O Leary, A O’Connor, K Dillane, N Cagney, K O Leary and E Noonan
As the sporting season rolls on Hazelwood College recently had a great day on the basketball court, coming out victorious over Desmond College from Newcastle West. The game had a great start with Lizzie Cremin scoring the opening basket of the game. Lovely baskets from Sinead Keane, Marion Brosnan, Aisling O’Connor and Christina Hartnett along with strong defence throughout, Hazelwood College were in the lead at the end of the quarter, 13-10.
The second quarter also started with a bang with Hazelwood College furthering their lead. Desmond played very competitive basketball but Hazelwood were on fire with their shooting, scoring 17 points in the second quarter alone. By the end of the first half Hazelwood had secured a very comfortable lead of 30 points to 14.
Hazelwood continued to play fantastic basketball throughout the second half scoring a further 14 points from Deirdre Cunningham, Christina O’Leary, Martina Curtin and impenetrable defence from Julie Mary Duggan, Gemma Barrett, Anita Daly and Katie Maguire. The girls all played exceptionally well and they truly deserved the great win at the end of the day. The Final score was 54 to 29 points. Well done Girls!
On Thursday 21st last, Hazelwood College had a great day on the basketball court, coming out victorious over Desmond College from Newcastle West. The game had a great start with Lizzie Cremin scoring the opening basket of the game. Lovely baskets from Sinead Keane, Marion Brosnan, Aisling O’Connor and Christina Hartnett along with strong defence throughout, Hazelwood College were in the lead at the end of the quarter, 13-10.
The second quarter also started with a bang with Hazelwood College furthering their lead. Desmond played very competitive basketball but Hazelwood were on fire with their shooting, scoring 17 points in the second quarter alone. By the end of the first half Hazelwood had secured a very comfortable lead of 30 points to 14.
Hazelwood continued to play fantastic basketball throughout the second half scoring a further 14 points from Deirdre Cunningham, Christina O’Leary, Martina Curtin and impenetrable defence from Julie Mary Duggan, Gemma Barrett, Anita Daly and Katie Maguire. The girls all played exceptionally well and they truly deserved the great win at the end of the day. The Final score was 54 to 29 points. Well done Girls!