The Cork GAA County Board are seeking suitably qualified candidates to fill the role of Games Promotion Officer, based in the Carbery Division.
See: https://jobs.ie/ApplyForJob.aspx?Id=1766620 for full details.
Archive for year: 2018
Its that time of the year where clubs Benchmarking Submissions are now due. The Benchmarking Accreditation submission form for this year 2018 is live online at the link below.
This may make it easier for clubs to fill in rather then sending in the paper documents. You can submit any other documents as well for inclusion by email.
For clubs who have already completed it thank you. If you have not submitted your Benchmarking returns for 2018 please do so now.
http://rebelogcoaching.com/benchmarking-2020/benchmarking-submission-2017/
Clubs who entered Benchmarking 2020 in 2018, will be eligible for the following benefits in 2019.
- Priority access to Pairc Ui Chaoimh Initiatives e.g. Monster Blitzes,Go Games Blitzes
- Eligibility to apply for U12 Croke Park Day
- Access to Munster Stadium days
- Application for Half Time games of County & Club games in Cork
- Entry to the Hurling and Football Go Games Summer leagues for 2019
- Entry to Munster U15 Super 10’s Competition
- Access to the Rebel Og Coaching and Munster Coaching Conferences in Pairc Ui Chaoimh
- Primary school Coaching and Games supports
- Club Support via Workshops and other initiatives run by Rebel Og Coaching
- Club bookings for Coach Education Courses (Foundation & Award 1)
For your club to avail of these opportunities they will need to be in the Benchmarking process.
Please register on line on or before the 30th November. Secretaries should pass this e mail on to their Club Coaching Officer for assistance in completing the submission.
On the 7th July, the Rebel Óg football development squads competed in Munster Competitions at u14, u15 and u16 lage grades. The Cork Football teams captured the u15 and u16 tournaments while the u14s competition is entering its second phase on the 28th July with 2 out of the 4 Cork sides in contention for victory.
Rebel Og U16 Development Squads
The U16 “White” squad won their tournament in Limerick beating Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary. The manner of victory was particularly pleasing given the very attractive style of free flowing football on display. Cork were the only county to have entered 2 panels for this competition. The “Red” squad also produced excellent football on the day but came up short against Tipperary in their first game before beating Clare and Waterford to reach the Plate final.
They were second best to Kerry in this final but the management team were very happy with how the group performed. This was the first time that Cork have won this tournament in 6 years and bodes well for this crop heading in to U17 next year where they will be reunited with Bobbie O Dwyer, now in charge of theUu17s but who also managed this group at U15 level in 2017. U16 Squads here
Rebel Og U15 Development Squads
The U15 West squad won the Humphrey Kelleher Tournament beating Limerick and South Kerry before brushing aside the challenge of North Kerry in the final. The Cork East squad beat Clare before losing to North Kerry by 1 point after extra time in a thrilling semi final. The two Cork panels were split geographically with the West consisting of players from Carbery, Beara, Carrigdhoun & Muskerry. The East squad comprised of players from Avondhu, Duhallow, Imokilly & Seandun. The East squad can feel somewhat aggrieved not to have made it to the final given the amount of unconverted chances they had in the North Kerry game but overall, the management teams in both squads know they have a competitive group of boys and have quality players at their disposal based on performances on the day. They will be in action again on the 28th July as a qualifier blitz for the Adam Mangan Tournament in Offaly so their focus has already moved to that.
U15 Squads here
Rebel Og U14 Development Squads
The U14 Jim Power tournament in Waterford is now a 2 day event. Cork North and Cork City East are going forward to the Cup Competition having qualified from their groups while the West and Mid West will compete in the Plate competition having lost out on goal difference to qualify. These finals will be on the 28th July. Cork GAA Games Manager, Kevin O Callaghan says “Cork Football is the real winner at this age group with 120 players in the system being exposed to competitive representative football. This provides a huge base of players being developed throughout the year and will ensure players are being afforded every opportunity to progress.” U14 Squads here
O Callaghan notes “While these are development tournaments only, capturing 2 of the 3 cups on offer (and the potential to win the third) is a reflection of the hard work being put in to the football squads at present. The mentors involved are putting in massive effort to aid the players development and deserve great credit here. Rebel Óg and Rebel Óg Coaching are putting a huge amount of effort in to the development squads programme and James McCarthy GDA heads up this football effort. The cooperation between minor management and underage squads beneath them is better than ever before, the conditioning of the underage players is more advanced than any year prior to 2018.”
There are still deficits in the system but perhaps the future of Cork Football is not as bleak as some people might believe this week. Well done to all the players, their clubs and mentors involved with these groups, nice to get some recognition for the hard work and commitment to the cause.
The Executive of Cork County Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin O’Donovan as its full time secretary/CEO, effective from December 17th, 2018. Kevin succeeds Frank Murphy, who retires at this year’s County Convention after 45 years of distinguished service as County Board Secretary.
The recruitment process, organised by the GAA’s HR Department at the request of Cork County Board, commenced in July and the interview panel, comprised of a number of high level GAA representatives, recommended the appointment of Kevin O’Donovan. This recommendation was accepted by the Cork County Board Executive at a meeting on Thursday November 1st, and is subject to final approval by the Cork County Board at its next meeting.
From the Kilmeen and Kilbree club based in Rossmore, Kevin has had extensive GAA involvement at both club and county level. He has worked as a Games Development Administrator (GDA) and Development Squads Administrator, and has been a County Board Officer since 2015, serving as Coaching Officer and currently Vice-Chairperson. He is a member of the GAA National Fixtures Analysis Committee, chairs the Cork GAA Competitions Control Committee, and has held a variety of officerships in his own club. He holds a B. AGr. Sc. degree and a Ph.D from University College Dublin, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from University College Cork.
Welcoming the appointment, County Board Chairperson, Tracey Kennedy, said that the new secretary/CEO was taking up his appointment at a time of great opportunity and challenge for Cork GAA.
“Our priority is to maintain and improve the high level of engagement by clubs, players and volunteers whose work shapes and defines the organisation in the county, and to ensure that Cork GAA is equipped to grow and operate successfully into the future.”
“The performances of all our county teams are also of paramount importance. The success of our development squad programme, in which Kevin has been pivotally involved, is vital to the creation of a pathway for success in the future. With reports due from our strategic plan implementation committee and our football planning committee in the near future, we will expect the new secretary to drive any recommendations approved by the County Board.”
“The management and optimisation of our magnificent new stadium, Páirc Ui Chaoimh, is also an important task in which our new secretary will have a role as a member of the Board of Directors. It is imperative that the stadium fulfils it games promotion role as one of the premier GAA venues in the country. It must also achieve the commercial and community objectives which have been set.”
“Kevin succeeds someone whose work on behalf of the GAA in Cork and nationally is immeasurable. In his term of office as County Board secretary, Frank Murphy has overseen the growth of the GAA organisation in Cork, the phenomenal success of our inter-county teams, the radical redevelopment of club facilities, the development of three new stadiums, the achievement of unparalleled sponsorship support for our county teams and so much more.”
“Cork County Board looks forward to working with our new secretary as we enter a new phase in the life of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Cork and we wish him every success in his new role.”
Bride Rovers 1-15
Shandrum 1-15
The Carrigaline Court Hotel Premier Two Minor Hurling Championship final at Páirc Uí Rinn turned into an absolute thrilling second-half with both teams fully deserving of a second chance.
This was a very high-standard contest that saw periods of dominance at various stages by the East Cork and North Cork representatives and the last score of the game belonged to Shandrum, the equalising point in the 62nd minute from full-forward Conor Griffin who was highly influential throughout.
Centre-back, Cormac O’Brien and left corner-back, Paul O’Sullivan caught the eye in the Shandrum rearguard as they tenaciously reinvented themselves after being in arrears by six points early in the second-half.
Conor Barry, Conleith Ryan, and Brian Roche impacted for Bride Rovers on a night when both sides left everything out on the pitch.
The teams were deadlocked five times in the opening 30 minutes before Bride Rovers, having played against a strong wind, led by a goal at the break, a score delightfully executed by Ryan from a cross field delivery by Griffen O’Sullivan.
It did not look encouraging for Shandrum on the resumption when the Rovers increased their lead with points from Barry and Brian Roche.
And when they went into a 1-11 to 0-8 lead on the 36-minute mark the pictured brightened to a far greater extent for them.
But Shandrum’s riposte was superb, upping the ante considerably to score 1-3 without reply to tie it all up after 47 minutes.
Griffin nailed the goal from a fine cross ball by Ronan Geary and he added a few points as well.
Then they forged ahead by two with points from that man Griffin again and Paul Drinan and they were in the control of the proceedings as the clock counted down.
It was frenetic stuff now, both sides striving might and main to get their hands on the big prize on offer.
And we then got another response from the Rathcormac team with points from Barry, Roche and Ryan.
They had regained the lead now but Cormac O’Brien tied it all up again with a Shandrum point.
Centre-forward Cian Hogan regained the initiative for Bride Rovers in stoppage time when he split the sticks before Conor Griffin fittingly tied it up at the death to conclude a splendid game of hurling.
This was a wonderful advertisement for minor club hurling in the county and on the evidence presented here, it won’t be easy to drag them apart either in the eagerly awaited replay.
It was a game well refereed too by Mark Maher.
The replay is scheduled for Saturday, October 20 at 3pm in Mourneabbey.
Scorers for Bride Rovers: C Barry (0-7 frees), C Ryan (1-3), B Roche (0-3), P O’Flynn (free) and E Cashman (0-1 each).
Scorers for Shandrum: C Griffin (1-7, 0-5 frees), C O’Brien (0-4, 0-2 frees), P Drinan (0-2), C Shanahan and S McCarthy (0-1 each).
BRIDE ROVERS: B Hogan; R O’Sullivan, J Mannix, M Quinn; J Buckley, P O’Flynn, E Roche; K Kearney, G O’Sullivan; C Barry (Capt), C Hogan, C Ryan; E Cashman, B Roche, S Knox.
SHANDRUM: E Finn; B Pulis, K O’Sullivan (Capt), P O’Sullivan; C Bowles, C O’Brien, S McCarthy; J Twomey, C Shanahan; R Geary, L Morrissey, P Drinan; J O’Riordan, C Griffin, A O’Leary.
Subs: C O’Flynn for A O’Leary (50), B O’Connor for J O’Riordan (52).
Referee: Mark Maher (St Finbarr’s).
Midleton 1-22
Blarney 1-10
MIDLETON made up for last year’s loss as they were crowned Carrigaline Court Hotel Premier 1 MHC champions at Páirc Uí Rinn.
Last year they lost out to Glen Rovers, but this time they made sure they weren’t going to go home defeated as they won their first title at this grade since 2010.
It’s a good start to the week and they will hope their senior side can follow suit when they take on Imokilly in the county final next Sunday.
Overall there can be no denying they were the better side over the 60 minutes, and a strong finish ensured they ran out winners by 12 points.
In that final 15 minutes, they outscored their opponents eight points to one, to move clear of Blarney at a time when they had scored three in a row to reduce the deficit to five.
The winners had a number of impressive displays with Sean O’Sullivan, Tommy O’Connell, and Kevin Finn all playing well, along with man of the match, Cian Farmer.
For Blarney, Declan Hanlon showed why he was on the Cork minor team this year, with Mark Cummins and Padraig Power also giving it their all, but they were simply beaten by a better side. on the night.
It took eight minutes for the first score to come, when Ben Ahern pointed for Blarney, with Ross O’Regan replying for Midleton. Points from Finn and Farmer put the east Cork side in front, with Shane Barrett and Power seeing the sides level, 0-3 each, with 16 minutes gone.
Gary Carroll and O’Regan put Midleton back in front, with Power making it a one point game.
Midleton then enjoyed their best spell of the first half, with Arthur Nganou increasing their lead, before Sam Quirke set up Aaron Mulcahy for their goal, to make it 1-6 to 0-4.
Two points from Farmer increased their lead before Power pulled a point back for Blarney.
Farmer and O’Connell made it 1-10 to 0-5 before Blarney were thrown a lifeline.
A brilliant run from William Crowley put Jack O’Keeffe in and he blasted to the back of the net, to put five between them. But Midleton finished the half strongly and points from O’Regan and Mulcahy saw them 1-12 to 1-5 in front at half time.
Finn and O’Regan were on target early in the second-half, with O’Keeffe replying for Blarney, to make it 1-14 to 1-6, with 33 minutes played.
But Blarney weren’t going away easily and two pointed frees from Power reduced the deficit, with Cian Dunlea also scoring, to make it 1-9 to 1-14 and it looked like we were in for a close finish.
But Midleton showed their class, as they kept their heads and slowly started to pull away from Blarney. Points from Carroll, O’Regan and Jake Shanahan saw them stretch their lead, making it 1-17 to 1-9.
Nganou then scored three in a row. and displayed all his talents with them. The first was after a great run when he kicked the sliothar over the bar. The following two came after magnificent catches and his burst of speed left his opponents for dead as he coolly slotted over the bar,
Finn and Farmer rounded off the scoring for Midleton, with Cummins getting the last score of the game for Blarney.
But it was no more than a consolation score as Midleton ran out deserving winners,
Scorers for Midleton: A Mulcahy 1-1, C Farmer, R O’Regan (1f) 0-5 each, A Nganou 0-4, K Finn 0-3, G Carroll 0-2, T O’Connell (1f), J Shanahan 0-1 each.
Blarney: J O’Keeffe 1-1, P Power 0-5 (4f, 65), B Ahern, S Barrett, M Cummins, C Dunlea 0-1 each.
MIDLETON: A Power; C O’Brien, C Murphy, D Scanlon; S Quirke, S O’Sullivan, C Evans; T O’Connell, K Finn; G Carroll, E Rowlands, A Mulcahy; R O’Regan, C Crowley, C Farmer.
Subs: A Nganou for C Evans, J Shanahan for E Rowlands, F Wade for C Farmer, R Lynch for G Carroll, G Hurley for S Quirke.
BLARNEY: E O’Neill; G Mullane, S Mullane, D Hoare; D Hurley, D Hanlon, E Doody; D Quill, B Ahern; J O’Keeffe, M Cummins, K Dunlea; S Barrett, P Power, W Crowley.
Subs: C Dunlea for E Doody, C Ahern for K Dunlea, E Kirby for W Crowley.
Referee: Brian Coniry, Crosshaven.
In celebration of opening three new stores in Cork this year Supermac’s will give one lucky Cork person an exclusive opportunity of a lifetime to experience what it is like to play in Croke Park.
Supermac’s has teamed up with the Self-Help Africa to take part in the Croke Park Challenge. It means that one lucky winner will get a chance to experience what it is like to be a player on All-Ireland final day.
Not only will you get to play in Croke Park at a charity match with and against some of Ireland’s top celebs and sports stars but you will get to experience everything else that goes with it including a pre-match meal in a top Dublin hotel, a full personalised kit consisting of playing gear, bag and polo shirt , police escorted bus to Croke Park, commemorative match day programme with your picture and bio included, a DVD with Micheál O Muircheartaigh and Ger Canning providing full match commentary, exclusive drinks reception in the players’ lounge, a Gala Dinner in the Cusack Stand with the Presentation of the Croke Park Challenge Cup at which The Sunday Game panel will provide full analysis and of course some top quality entertainment after the event. And you don’t have to do this on your own. Supermac’s will provide a ticket for a plus one to the Gala event as well
Some of the stars and celebs that will be taking part on the day include Sonia O’Sullivan, Henry Shefflin, Colm Cooper, Tomás Ó Sé, John Treacy, Bernard Dunne, Ray Houghton, Michael Lyster, Cora Staunton, Anna Geary, Rob Heffernan, Roz Purcell, Brendan Griffin TD.
Supermac’s MD Pat McDonagh said that this was an opportunity of a lifetime for a lucky winner from Cork. “The 23rd of October promises to be an unforgettable day at GAA Headquarters for one lucky winner,” he said. “Of the millions that have wanted to, only a lucky few have had the honour of playing on the legendry field on Jones’ Road. Players have represented Cork and their clubs in Croke Park and will do again in the very near future. This competition gives those that haven’t been so lucky an opportunity to do so. To enter is very simple,” Mr. McDonagh said. “Tell us why it would mean so much to you or to someone you know. You can do so via our Facebook pages for the 13 outlets throughout the city and county. We will make a shortlist and then you will get the opportunity to tell Ken Tobin’s on his afternoon show on 96FM between 12-4 every day. The winner will be announced on Friday the 20th of October.”
Éire Óg players Leah Hayes, Sophie O’Connell, Orlaith Cahalane, Niamh O’Shea, Edel Sheehan, Megan Sheehan and team captain Sadbh McGoldrick at the presentation of the Rebel Og Award for August.
Éire Óg U14 ladies footballers are the August winners of the Rebel Óg monthly awards, sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs and Cummins Sports, (award sponsors), in association with the Evening Echo and RedFM, (media partners), following their All-Ireland victory in the National Féile competition.
Teams from 11 different counties and also from Britain took part in the competition, hosted by Louth, Meath and Down. However, it was Éire Óg who claimed the Division 1 Cup in their first ever final. First up for the Cork team were Navan O’Mahonys from whom Éire Óg were expecting strong opposition as finalists in the U14 Meath county final. The Cork team emerged victorious on a scoreline of 0-9 to 0-1. Next on Friday evening was a game against Kilkenny City.
Kilkenny City showed some individual displays of pure speed and talent but on balance, Éire Óg had the upper hand with strength in depth across a panel of 23 girls won win by 0-8 to On Saturday, the hosts were the opposition as Éire Óg overcame a dogged Seneschalstown 2-8 to 2-3 to put them into the quarter-final. So it was on to Navan O’Mahonys’ grounds to play a very highly tipped Claregalway who had narrowly beaten another experienced and highly tipped Kerry Southern Gales.
Éire Óg were victorious with exhibitions of cohesive teamwork throughout the panel in defence and attack. This performance was the cornerstone to the momentum that was gathering. Next up was a trip to St Mary’s grounds in Burren for the semi-final against Dublin’s Ballyboden/St Endas. This was probably the most physical test for Éire Óg with an aggressive display from St Endas/Ballyboden.
The ethos of teamwork and work ethic got the scores on the board in the second half the final score was no reflection on the intensity of this match, 2-5 to 0-2. Éire Óg were through to the final against a highly tipped Westport. The Cork team got off to a great start with two fine early goals and shut out the Westport attack with a series of blocks to lead 2-1 to 0-1 at half-time.</p> <p>Westport came back at them in the second-half. However, Éire Óg’s defence stood strong to win by 2-2 to 0-5. When the final whistle sounded there were great scenes of unbridled joy. Indeed, the celebrations continued late into the night after the squad arrived back to the Éire Óg club well after.
Saturday 18th August saw further positive indications of underage football improvements with the Fé 15 West squad capturing the national competition in Offaly and the Fé 16’s capturing the Inter County League in Mallow.
The Fé 16 squad were impressive in beating Galway, Roscommon and Dublin in a thrilling final. The standard of football on display was excellent and provides tentative grounds for optimism as this group head to the Minor Fé 17 grade in 2019. The other Cork Fé 16 team failed to emerge from their group suffering defeats to Galway and Dublin.
The Fé 15 West and East squads were in Offaly for the concluding parts of the Adam Mangan National Football Tournament where 33 teams took part. Both teams had won their group games in the Gradings Day on July 28th. The East Squad were short a few key players which upset their momentum from the Gradings Day. They performed well but missed out on qualification on goal difference from their group with Galway and Wicklow.
The West Squad, buoyed up by their recent success in the Munster Competition, were in excellent form once again and remain unbeaten this year winning out the Tournament. They beat Mayo in the quarter final before seeing off a determined challenge from the home county (Offaly) before advancing to beat North Kerry in the final on a scoreline of 3-11 to 1-09.
Our Fé 14 footballers were also in action. On this occasion, our West and Mid West squads were merged and our City East and North squads were playing together for the first time. Kerry and Mayo were the visitors to Mallow for a 2 groups of 3 format. Both Cork sides acquitted themselves well with both narrowly losing to the Kerry sides while both beat Mayo convincingly.
Overall a very positive day at the office and another day which will stand to the players in their development. Great credit is due to the club coaches, parents and of course the mentors who work so hard with these squads.
