Recently the Mid South Region honoured members of clubs under their remit who were part of the Cork minor All-Ireland hurling winning team this year.
Chairman of the region, Martin Lynch welcomed all on the night and said that the “the reason that we are acknowledging these boys is because your club is within the area that we are catering for, the South-East and Mid Cork areas.
“To all the parents, the club officers and to all the boys, David Casey Éire Óg; James Dwyer and Tadhg O’Connell of Ballincollig; Darragh O’Sullivan, Ballinhassig; Kevin Lyons, Ballygarvan and James Byrne, Ballinora, welcome. Unfortunately, Kris O’Callaghan can’t be with us tonight.
“We would also like to welcome Noel Furlong, the man who put it all together, and we have to congratulate Noel on his elevation to being a selector with the Cork senior hurlers for the coming year.
“This evening’s event is just a small gesture from us to all of the boys for their marvellous achievement in winning both the Munster championship and the ultimate prize – the All–Ireland final.
“By winning the All-Ireland you gave a tremendous lift to everyone in the county, there was a great feel-good factor in the entire GAA community as a result of this win, and when you add in the under 20 title that week also it doesn’t get much better than that.
“The manner of your victories were amazing, clocking up such high scores in all of your games. This team had so many attributes going for it, determination, steel, great team play and of course an abundance of skill that all of the players displayed in all of your games.
“To win anything it takes a great team effort, and to win an All-Ireland it takes many teams working in the background.
“First you have your parents and that started many years ago in the back garden, then ferrying you all over the county to matches and training sessions.
“To your clubs and the many coaches that you have had looking after you over many years, and also very importantly the officers who do all the work behind the scenes in arranging all the activities in the clubs.
“And finally the management team that you had over the last few years in your development squads, and to the man that put it all together Noel Furlong.
Well done and congratulations again to all of you and wishing all of you the very best in the years to come,” concluded Martin.
Guest of honor Noel Furlong, now a Cork senior hurling selector but who managed the Cork All-Ireland minor winning team, with players Darragh O’Sullivan, James Byrne, Tadgh O’Connell, James Dwyer, David Casey and Kevin Lyons. Picture: Denis Boyle
James Dwyer, captain of the All–Ireland winning team, responded by saying: “On behalf of all the players I would like to thank the Mid-South Region for the presentation.
Also a special thanks to all of our parents for all they have done for us over the years.
“Also to Noel Furlong for all the coaching and help that he and his management team did for all the players over the last few years.” Noel Furlong, manager of the team concluded the proceedings by saying: “It was a pleasure to be involved with such a great bunch of players.
“The players always did what was asked of them both on and off the pitch. They are a credit to their families, clubs and the county. I hope that the players involved will go on and play senior with Cork in the future.”
