DROMTARRIFFE MINORS CLAIM COUNTY HONOURS: Scenes of joy and jubilation were plentiful in Macroom last Sunday when the Dromtarriffe Minor Footballers claimed their revenge on a very gallant Western Gaels mid Cork combination and claimed the Rebel Og Minor B Football County League title.

Conditions for this winter fixture were heavy with a heavy mist falling on all present.

Dromtarriffe took the opening score with an early pointed free from Daniel O'keeffe with the next three scores exchanged between the sides to leave it 0-2 a piece after 10 minutes.

Some great team combination play saw Dromtarriffe commanding their opponents and when Sean Piggott received a great inward ball a goal may have been on but his shot glanced over the bar.

O'keeffe, who was in fine kicking form throughout the hours match , added a further two points for his sides tally but then Western Gaels received a bonus , when a shot seemed to come off the wide crossbar and out to a Dromtarriffe defenders grateful hands, the Referee made his way into his umpires and told them to award the point.

Neither umpire had indicated the score nor had the Western Gaels players challenged same †but it was recorded. Darren O Connor added Drom's 6th first half point from an awarded free and the half time whistle recorded a two point lead for Dromtarriffe 0-6 to 0-4.

Second half began with the expected surge of effort from the County Championship holders Western Gaels, with their interchanging of players positional play they sneaked through the Dromtarriffe rearguard for a goal to take a one point lead until O'keeffe equalised for his side . Players from both sides were sliding on the greasy surface and the game was not helped by the whistle happy referee who frustrated both sides in not allowing for the conditions, however it was not to take away from the nail biting and great quality match that was taking place.

Points were exchanged with a a great surging run from Michael O'brien converting a point for the home side cancelled by a Western Gaels point. With just under 10 remaining it looked as though extra time was on the cards. Defensively all played exceptionally well, with Conor O'donoghue and Sean O'callaghan holding each of the defensive lines. Midfielders Alan Dennehy and Michael O'brien broke even with their opponents, Tony Fitzpatrick played a sweepers role effectively with Darren O'connor on the wing playing a strong linking role between defense and attack.

Up front Mathew O'shea and Sean Piggott worked hard but an injection of some fresh legs of Adam Buckley and Stephen O'keeffe added a further bite to the Dromtarriffe attack.

Buckley was causing an amount of problems for his opposition and was fouled for some vital frees. One of which resulted in Dromtarriffes next score - a free awarded on the 30 metre line was taken by O Keeffe but fell short, however Stephen O'keeffe was on hand to keep the ball in play and lay off a great ball to the incoming Shane O'riordan who took the point and catapulted Dromtarriffe into a slender lead with minutes remaining on the clock.

Western Gaels fought hard in search of the equaliser which would bring on extra time but our defense could sense victory and stood firm under the mounting pressure.

The clock had ticked well into injury time when Dromtarriffe were awarded a free, our free taker asked the ref how much was left on the clock - 40 seconds and with his last meaningful kick sent the ball over his opponents crossbar giving his side a two point lead. The kickout was taken but Dromtarriffe were alert and nothing was going to deny them this well earned victory which was duly awarded seconds later.

Final score Dromtarriffe 010 Western Gaels 1-5. Kevin Mcsweeney accepted the New Cup on behalf of his team. Much credit for this victory must go to the backroom management of Pa Dennehy , Vincent Browne and Nicky Mcauliffe. This is a great start to a new playing season to capture a county title and this will be celebrated at our forthcoming social on February 17th - details to follow later.

DUCON CUP & MINOR NORTH CORK VICTORIES RECORED AT DROMTARIFE G.A.A. A.G.M: Dromtarriffe GAA AGM took place last Friday in the Club rooms.

A comprehensive report was presented by our club secretary Noel O Sullivan who picked the Ducon Cup & Minor North Cork victories as the year's highlights.

He also went on to record all the year's matches in both hurling and football. He thanked all the managers of the various teams for their cooperation and also the PRO for establishing the club web site something that had been talked about for years but now up and running.

He thanked all involved in the various club fundraising events which were held during the past year. Compliments were paid to Noel on his continued work as club secretary.

Joe presented his Chairman's address and also highlighed the winning footballing sides from 2011. He went on to wish the Minors all the best in the forthcoming county final.

Joe paid a special tribute to all who run and support our club lotto saying this was the blood line of our clubs income during the year our finances were boosted with the Scrap Saturday and parish Bazaar proceeds which were shared with other organistations but to everyone involved with same the club sincerely thanked for giving of their time and expertise.

He thanked all the managements of the various teams for the dedication and complimented the juvenile club on their work and successes during 2011.

The Treasurers report was presented from Andrew Murphy which sees the club now debt free thanks to all the income generated during the year - he appealed to all present to continue to support and promote the lotto which brings in 80% of the club annual income.

A discussion on the lotto going forward in 2012 will be held shortly at a special club meeting. The PRO presented a short report on the year - she hoped all members are following the club web site where she updates all club matches and activities and to spread the word on same to members who may be abroad.

Tom Meaney took over the election of 2012 officers which returned - Joe Murphy , Chairman ; Ger Tancred , Vice Chairman; Noel O Sullivan ,Secretary; Andrais O Sullivan , Ass Secretary; Andrew Murphy , Treasurer; Niall O Connor , Ass Treasurer; Sharon O Keeffe, PRO; John O Sullivan , Registrar , Michael O Connell , Injury Fund Co Ordinator & Dan Joe O Keeffe , Cultural & Language Officer. Delegates to the Duhallow Board are Frank Barry & Dominic Byrnes with Pat O Callaghan & Mike Byrnes subs if required , and Frank Barry & John O Mahoney the club delegates at County Board meetings.

The Club Management teams for 2012 were then instated.

Football: Junior A: Michael O Connel , Donie Healy & Niall Buckley.

Junior B: John O Keeffe , Eoin O Sullivan & AN Other

U21: Gearoid Murphy , John O Sullivan and Diarmuid O Sullivan .

Minor: Pa Dennehy , Vincent Browne & Nicky Mcauliffe

Huring: Junior B: Michael John O Keeffe & selectors to be confirmed.

U21 - It is hoped this will be joined with Banteer to form a new team for 2012 .

Minor : John Howard & selectors to be confirmed later.

All were wished a successful season ahead.

SYMPATHY: Sympathy is extended to the family of the late Sheila O'shea, Derrinagree. She is deeply regretted by her loving family, Evelyn Crowley, Sheila Healy, Denis, John and Mary O'connor, daughter-in-law Eileen, sons-in-law Neil, Pat and Niall, grand-children, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Burial took place following requiem Mass in the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Derrinagree to St Maryís Cemetery, Millstreet. May she rest in peace.

Sympathy is extended to the family of the late Sister Josephine Sheila Hayes (SMDN) lat of Killetra Dromagh, and Ballyhean Kanturk who passed away recently at the Franciscian Convent Ballinasloe.

She is deeply regretted by her sisters Lily Mcgetterick and Kathleen Kelleher, brothers Maurice, Seamus and Michael extended family, relatives and friends. Burial took place following requiem Mass at the Franciscian Convent Ballinasloe to Creagh Cemetary. May she rest in peace.

BOWLING NOTES: Kilcorney: Martin Kelleher (Kilcorney ) beat Denis Murphy (Ballinagree) by two bowles of odds. (€1160) Denis Murphy beat Willie Joe leahy (Kilcorney) for the last shot. (€1160)

Denis Horgan Bowling Club Winter Team Competitions Results: Liam Casey 1 point. Paddy O Keeffe 1 point. Danny Murphy 1 point. Damion Leonard 1 point. Team A 22 points — Team B 24 points.

DROMTARIFFE PARENTS & FRIENDS OF PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Dromtariffe Parents & Friends of people with special needs will present the proceeds of their fast to Mr. John Clifford of Cope Foundation on Thursday 26th January at 8pm in the Dromtariffe Parish Hall. All supporters and sponsors are invited to attend.

DROMTARIFFE GAA LOTTO RESULTS: Winning Numbers were 5, 17, 28 and 30 and their was no winner of the jackpot of €3,600.

€50 went to Mike Sheehan Millstreet and the seller was Davie Tarrant.

€20 went to each of the following: Denise O'mahony Rathcoole, Peter Cronin Clonbannin, Laura O Keeffe Killetra and Maura Cronin.

€10 to each of the following: Con S Murphy Rathcoole, Ann O Sullivan Knockanroe, Aaron & Jack c/o The Sandpit and Sharon O Keeffe Bolomore.

Next draw will take place at Curtin's bar for a jackpot of €3700.00

AFTERNOON OF PRAYER: Afternoon of prayer including Family Tree Mass with Fr. Denis O Sullivan S.M.A. at Banteer Community Centre on Sunday 12th February commencing at 2.30pm. Evening includes Rosary, Holy Hour, Talk by Jeremy Meehan, Talk on Triumph of Immaculate Heart of Mary End Times by Fr. Denis. Family Tree Mass.

The evening concludes with blessings of First Class Relics of St. Pio. Further Information from Eamonn on 029 56269 or 086 1961098.