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April Rebel Og Award for Handball

MUIREANN O’BRIEN from Kilworth and Celine Kelleher from Boherbue who won the Girls U15 All-Ireland doubles handball title are the April winners of the Rebel Óg Monthly Awards, sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cummins Sports, with the Evening Echo and RedFM as media partners.

Celine started playing handball when she was nine years of age in Boherbue handball club. Celine’s trainers are Danny Linehan, Kieran O’Connor and Shane Flynn.

It is a very active club, with many boys but only three other girls – her sister Carmel Kelleher, Edel Murphy and Aoidhbe Ducey. Together the four girls won the Féile Division 3 handball competition last summer.

The club trains children in all age categories, the girls training with the boys. Celine also plays football for Araglen Desmond Buí. Fourteen-year-old Celine attends Boherbue Comprehensive school.

Muireann has been playing with Kilworth Handball Club since she was eight years of age. She plays with clubmates Samantha O’Donnell, Ellen Murphy and Anna Dunne.

It is mainly a 40 by 20 club with 14 All-Ireland medals to its name over the years.

Muireann has been on the county panel for a few years and has competed at inter-county level.

When the players to represent Cork in girls and boys juvenile championship 2018 were finalised last December, the partnership chosen for the Girls U15 doubles was Muireann and Celine.

Because the girls are living a good distance from one another, a lot of training, coaching and travel lay ahead as they set out to prepare for the task confronting them.

With the help of club members, parents and those overseeing the training and coaching of Cork juveniles they put in a lot of hard work, which resulted in a huge improvement in their play. In particular, their display against a highly fancied Tyrone pair in the All-Ireland semi-final clearly showed that hard work, commitment and dedication pays off.

That win over Tyrone greatly boosted their confidence as they prepared for a clash with Roscommon in the final at Kingscourt. The preparation they did during the championship campaign was again very evident in the final as they put in a flawless display running out convincing winners to be crowned All-Ireland U15 champions.

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Rebel Og Award for February goes to Scor All-Ireland winners

ALL-IRELAND Scór na nÓg winners, Maggie Moynihan (Cullen) and Carbery Rangers are the February winners of the Rebel Óg monthly awards, sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cummins Sports (award sponsors) with the Evening Echo and RedFM as media partners

– by Rory Noonan of Evening Echo.

Maggie is just 15 years old and started performing in public at the age of four when she entered the Feis in Cullen. She entered the amhránaíocht aonair in scór for the first time when she was nine.

Maggie reached the Munster final last year, but this year she reached the next step of the journey when she qualified for the All-Ireland final in Sligo, where she was chosen as the outright winner in Sligo on the night. She sang Cooraclare, which is a song which means a lot to her family and is always the first song to be sung at family parties. The last time an Ireland Scór title was brought to Cullen was 45 years ago by the late Con ‘Corney’ O’Sullivan. He won the All-Ireland title in Ceol Uirlse back in 1972 in Scór Sinsir.

Meanwhile, there was an unbelievable reaction when Carbery Rangers name was called out for winning the 2018 All-Ireland final in the Balled Group Section.

The Carbery group sang two songs – Lovely Derry on the Banks of the Foyle and Moll Dubh a’Ghleanna. It was the first All-Ireland winning Scór title for Carbery Rangers since Scór was first established in 1969.

The group of five made up of Aoife McSweeney, Joan O’Donovan, Kate Creedon, Orlagh O’Gorman and Rachel Hodnett have participated in Scór since the ages of seven or eight at County and Munster levels.

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Overall Rebel Og Awards takes place

On Saturday night last, the overall Rebel Og Awards 2017 function took place in Clayton Hotel Sliversprings.

In a year in which we celebreated the success of our 12 monthly winners and announced our overall 2017 winner.

 

Kiltha Og took the January award for 2017, with their U14 hurlers winning both the Premier 2 championship and league. Add in success too at U16 A and U12 Premier 2 level in the leagues to make it a great season last year for the Castlemartyr, Dungourney, Mogeely and Clonmult combination.

 

They were followed in February by St Colman’s College, Fermoy, winners of the Dean Ryan Cup.
It took a replay to separate themselves and Thurles CBS, as the school secured their first win in this competition in 14 years. The joint captains, Eoin and Brian Roche, were the feature a few times during the year at the monthly awards and it wasn’t the only trophies they picked up during the year.

It was the turn of handball stars, Stephen O’Rourke and Niall Delany, from Mallow, to be honoured in March. They won the U17 All-Ireland championship for Cork, with wins over Tipperary, Clare and Waterford to first take the Munster title. A win over Cavan set up a final meeting with Wexford, with the Mallow boys in outstanding form in the final to be crowned All-Ireland champions.

The Carbery Scor group took the accolade in April, made up of representatives from the Tadhg MacCarthaigh, Sam Maguires, Clann na nGael and Carbery Rangers clubs. Their wins in the ballad, recitation, drama and music sections saw another All-Ireland title head to the Rebel county.

A Simcox Cup win for St Francis College, Rochestown, their first since 1950, saw them pick up the May award.
Wins over MSM Rosscarbery, Kanturk and Hamilton High to set up a final clash with Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig.
This was never going to be an easy game the Roco found themselves trailing by 0-9 to 0-3 early on. They rallied to cut it to four by half-time and a goal from David Andrews, in the second-half, helped put them back on level terms to see the drive on to victory.

Four clubs were honoured in June, for their success at the National Feile hurling competitions. Sarsfields won the Division 1 camogie title, with Na Piarsaigh winners of the Division 3 hurling championship. Cuchullains came out on top of the Division 6 competition and St Kevin’s in the Division 11 final.
Most of the Sars team went on to win the Feile football title with Glanmire the following month, making it a national double for them.

Another bit of history was created by the July winners, Ballinora GAA Club, as their U14 footballers won the Cork Division 2 Feile title for the first time.
They went on to represent the county at the national finals in Cavan/Monaghan, where they were beaten, after extra-time, by Maynooth in the quarter-final.

The August winners saw the Roche brothers back as monthly winners, as they were part of the Cork side that won the All-Ireland U17 hurling title. Again another bit of history here as they became the inaugural winners of this competition as minor switches to U17 for the next few years at least.
The twin brothers collected the All-Ireland Cup on behalf of Cork, making it a great day for the county, them, their familes and their club, Bride Rovers.

They were back again in September as the Cork minor squad was honoured for winning the Munster title, the first win at this level for the Rebels since 2008.
A win over Waterford set up a semi-final clash with Tipperary, with the first game ending all square. The replay, at Pairc Ui Rinn, saw more than 8,000 people present, one of the biggest crowds ever at a stand-alone minor game.
The Rebels came through and went on to defeate Clare in the Munster final, before just losing out to Galway in the All-Ireland decider.

Bandon U15s picked up the October award, as they won the double, winning their respective hurling and football championships. Their hurlers beat Youghal in their final and the footballers got the better of Wolfe Tones (Kanturk).

The November award went to Bride Rovers, for their success at U16 and minor level.
The U16s got the better of near-neighbours, Fermoy, in the county final and their minors defeated Kilshannig in their respective final. Once again the Roche brothers featured here, this time in their club colours.

There were also joint winners in December, with Eire Og minor footballers and the Inniscarra minor hurlers honoured.
Both won their respective titles for the first time, with the Ovens side winning the Premier 1 MFC, defeating Douglas in the final and Inniscarra taking the Premier 2 MHC, getting the better of Blackrock in the final.
Both sides also won their respective leagues, making them double winners for the season.

OVERALL WINNERS

 

THE Cork U17 hurlers where the overall winners at the Rebel Óg annual awards at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

It’s the first year that there is an overall winner and on the night few could argue that they were worthy winners.

Under coach, John Considine, they lifted the inaugural All-Ireland title in August, with a two-point victory over Dublin, 1-19 to 1-17. They added this to the Munster title they had won previously in the year.

Those young players, at the new minor inter-county age, created their own little bit of history and it’s always nice to be the inaugural winners of any competition.

Accepting the award, Considine said that, in Cork, we were in a lucky position that any year you take charge of a team, you are in with a chance of winning an All-Ireland and, thankfully, it worked out for them last year.

They started on the run to Croker at the Gaelic Grounds in April, where they took on Limerick in the first round of the Munster Championship, a game they won by 0-16 to 0-6.

Next up was Tipperary, at Páirc Uí Rinn, in the semi-final. After a top-class game, the Rebels came through, 2-22 to 2-9.

On to the Munster final and the young Rebels were on the road again, this time to Dungarvan to take on Waterford. Again these young stars showed what they are made of and, despite giving up home advantage, they won by 3-13 to 1-12.

The All-Ireland semi-final clash with Galway was never going to be an easy game. Played at Semple Stadium it was close all the way before the Rebels won by 1-19 to 1-17.

It was on to the All-Ireland final on August 6 and new ground for these young players. For a start, with a noon throw-in, it meant having to travel up to Dublin the night before. Something like this, a change from normal routine, can upset players but not this Cork side, and after another close game, they were crowned champions, winning 1-19 to 1-17.

The Hall of Fame inductee was Micheál MacSuibhne for his contribution as a player, then as an administrator with the old Bord na nÓg and his club, Carrigaline.

 

It was on to the All-Ireland final on August 6 and new ground for these young players. For a start, with a noon throw-in, it meant having to travel up to Dublin the night before. Something like this, a change from normal routine, can upset players but not this Cork side, and after another close game, they were crowned champions, winning 1-19 to 1-17.

The Hall of Fame inductee was Micheál MacSuibhne for his contribution as a player, then as an administrator with the old Bord na nÓg and his club, Carrigaline.

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December Award goes to Eire Óg and Inniscarra

On Thursday evening last, Eire Óg and Inniscarra won the 72nd monthy Rebel Og Awards in the Clayton Hotel Sliversprings. 

DECEMBER 2017 WINNERS

Éire Óg

Premier Minor Football County Champions & County League Winners 2017

and

Inniscarra 

Premier Minor 2 Hurling Champions & County League Winners 2017

ÉIRE ÓG FOOTBALLERS and INNISCARRA HURLERS, who won the 2017 County Championships and County Leagues, are the joint November 2017 winners of the Rebel Óg Monthly Awards sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cummins Sports (Award Sponsors) with RedFM and The Evening Echo (Media Partners).  They follow November Winners,  Bride Rovers U16 and Minor Hurlers, who won the County Championships, October Winners Bandon,  September Winners, Cork Minor Hurlers, August winners Cork U17 Hurlers, July Winners Ballinora Juvenile GAA Club,  quartet of June Winners, Féile na nGael Champions Sarsfields, Na Piarsaigh, Cuchullains and St. Kevin’s.  January 2017 winners were Kiltha Óg, February Winners St. Colman’s College Fermoy, March winners Stephen O’Rourke and Niall Delany from Mallow, winners of the All-Ireland U17 Handball Championship, April Winners, Carbery Scór and the May 2017 Winners St. Francis College Rochestown, winners of the Simcox Cup.  2016 winners were Na Piarsaigh Minor Hurlers, Cork Ladies Minor Football Team, Sarsfield U14 Camogie Team, Glen Rovers U14 Hurlers, Mizen Rovers, Mitchelstown CBS, Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál Blarney, Kilmurry Footballers, Buttevant Underage GAA Club and Mitchelstown Footballers and Ballygiblin Hurlers, Kilshannig Hurling Teams and Mallow Juvenile GAA Club.  2015 winners were Ahán Gaels, Midleton U15 Footballers, Cork’s Eimear Scally, Aghabullogue U16 Hurlers, Cork U15 Development Squad, Douglas U14 Footballers, St. Finbarrs U14 Hurlers, Christian Brothers Cork, Coláiste Chríost Rí, Coláiste an Phiarsaigh (Camogie) Sacred Heart Clonakilty (Camogie) and Ilen Rovers.

INNISCARRA MINOR HURLERS created history when they were crowned Cork County Premier 2 Champions for the very first time on 11th September last in Pairc Ui Rinn, defeating a gallant Blackrock team in the Final. 

The Inniscarra campaign started in Blarney in July against Mallow when after a close encounter, late goals helped Inniscarra to come out on top. They then faced Blackrock in Caherlag where a great start against a very strong wind set them up for a comfortable victory.

The next round was at the Mardyke on 6th September for the County Semi-Final v St Finbarr’s. Level with 10 minutes to go, a strong finishing burst scoring 7 points without reply got Inniscarra over the line in some style. They then faced Blackrock again in the Final on 11th September and after a very competitive game were thrilled to come out on top with a 3 point victory. Anyone involved in sport will tell you that’s it is not easy to beat any opposition twice in the same year in the same competition so Liam Kennedy’s charges were well motivated to get their revenge but on the night Inniscarra just edged past Blackrock in the last ten minutes  in a very sporting and exciting encounter. Interestingly, all 3 Premier Level Minor Hurling Finals this year were repeat pairings of earlier rounds but thankfully Inniscarra did enough to uphold the form of their earlier match against Blackrock in Caherlag giving Inniscarra a Historic Victory (the other 2 County Finals saw a reverse of earlier round results).

Inniscarra progressed to the County League Final on 25th November v Shandrum in Cloughduv and again after a good competitive hour of Hurling they emerged victorious by 4 points.  

Team Management for the Minor Hurlers in 2017: Daire Holland, Seanie O’Mahony and Eugene O’Sullivan (Coach), Medical Rita Cronin 

Path to Final 

Inniscarra 3-10; Mallow 0-10 

Inniscarra 6-14; Blackrock 1-15 

Semi Final Inniscarra 0-25; St Finbarrs 2-12 

County Final Inniscarra 0-12; Blackrock 0-9 
County League Final 25th November

Inniscarra 3-5; Shandrum 0-10 
Whilst it is the Minor Team that are being recognised today for their achievements, there are a lot of reasons for their success. Don Hennessy would have coached all these lads in National schools when they were starting off in his role as School Liaison Coach. Inniscarra have a very hard working Juvenile Club under the Guidance of Chairman Leo Murphy, Secretary Margaret O’Connell and Club na nÓg Chairperson Kevin Keohane who are all keeping up the good work and good practice that has been handed on from previous Officers and continuing to promote CLCG to the youth within the Parish. Inniscarra currently cater for nearly 300 boys from Under 6 to Under 18 so the challenges are big but the effort and willingness to meet these challenges is thankfully much bigger. Club Chairman Michael O’ Driscoll and Club Secretary Enda Linehan are very proactive in promoting and supporting every team within the Club and are hugely involved in all aspects of making sure that the Club runs as smoothly as possible.
It is without doubt the most exciting time ever to be involved in Inniscarra GAA Club. Since the Minor County Success on 11th September, the Under 21 Hurlers captured the A County defeating Fermoy in the Final for our first ever victory   In addition the Under 16 Hurlers won the Premier 2 Hurling League defeating Shandrum in the Final. Inniscarra’s Under 15 Hurlers are also in the Premier 2 League Final. The Under 13’s won P2 Hurling League and Autumn Hurling League, Under 12’s  won P1 Football League.
Under 8’s to Under 11’s all participate in Rebel Og Blitzes and the Inniscarra Club is extremely proactive in Both Player & Coach Pathway 
Inniscarra had 3 County Winning Minor Hurlers on the Cork Under 17 Panel this year who won a great Munster and All Ireland Hurling Series so to Con O’ Leary, Liam Ryan and Owen McCarthy and the rest of the Cork Under 17 Team under John Considine and his Management, the club extend their heartiest congratulations.
We sincerely thank Rebel Og for this award. It is something that we as a Club are extremely proud to get and it is genuinely appreciated. We look forward with huge anticipation to all matters CLCG in 2018
SCARRA ABÚ
ÉIRE OG’S Journey to Premier 1 League and championship success started in September with a comprehensive over St. Finbarrs (1-18 to 1-12). A win over Nemo Rangers in the Quarter Final (1-13 to 1-10) led to the Semi-final v Carrigaline (1-14 to 0-8). Facing Douglas in the Final was a challenge and success was achieved after a tough competitive battle with both teams neck and neck until the final Whistle. (2-8 to 1-12).

Captained by James O’Sullivan and Vice-Captain Shane Quigley, this group have played together since U13 P2 league success in 2012, Championship losses v Carrigaline at U14 P1 and vs Nemo Rangers at U16 P1 bonded these young men into achieving a historic Double success in 2017, a first for Éire Óg at this level.

We hope to see much more of them in the Future. Congratulations also to their Manager Alan O’Regan & mentors Damien Lordan, John O’Shea & Vincy O’Connell.

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September Rebel Og Award goes to Cork Minor Hurlers

CORK MINOR HURLERS

Winners of the Munster Championship and All-Ireland Finalists

SEPTEMBER 2017 WINNERS

CORK MINOR HURLERS

Winners of the Munster Championship and All-Ireland Finalists

SEPTEMBER 2017 WINNERS

The Cork Minor Hurling side, who won the Munster Title and reached the All-Ireland final, are the September 2017 winners of the Rebel Óg Monthly Awards sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cummins Sports (Award Sponsors) with RedFM and The Evening Echo (Media Partners).  They follow the August winners Cork U17 Hurlers, July Winners Ballinora Juvenile GAA Club,  quartet of June Winners, Féile na nGael Champions Sarsfields, Na Piarsaigh, Cuchullains and St. Kevin’s.  January 2017 winners were Kiltha Óg, February Winners St. Colman’s College Fermoy, March winners Stephen O’Rourke and Niall Delany from Mallow, winners of the All-Ireland U17 Handball Championship, April Winners, Carbery Scór and the May 2017 Winners St. Francis College Rochestown, winners of the Simcox Cup.

The Cork Minor Hurling side have enjoyed a tremendous year in 2017 despite their loss to Galway in the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park.

Following two epic battles with Tipperary in the semi-final at Thurles where corner forward Evan Sheehan scored a goal from a 20 metre free to ensure a replay at Páirc Ui Rinn where another outstanding game unfolded before 8,000 spectators.

Brian Turnbull of Douglas and Evan Sheehan were outstanding on the night  with their captain Sean O’Leary Hayes from Midleton commanding at all times in defence, along with his vice-captain Jack Keating, Liam O’Shea and under the management of Denis Ring along with selectors John Mortell, Fergus Ryan and coach John Dwyer and Stephen Casey (strength and conditioning).

Cork had an emphatic win over Clare in the Munster Hurling Final at Thurles with Evan Sheehan notching 2 goals and 2 points on the day to ensure Cork’s first Munster Hurling Championship victory in some years.

Victory over Dublin ensured an All-Ireland final against a powerful Galway side which ended Cork’s hopes of an All-Ireland.

The success of the Cork Minor side at winning the Munster Title and a place in the All-Ireland final combined with the All-Ireland winning U17 hurling side which included five members of the Minor team ensures that the future is bright for Cork hurling.

 
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August Rebel Og Award goes to Cork U17 hurlers 

The winner of the August Rebel Og Award is the Cork U17 hurlers following their success in winning Munster and All-Ireland titles. 
AUGUST 2017 WINNERS

CORK U17 HURLERS

Winners of the Munster and All-Ireland Titles

The Cork U17 Hurling Squad under coach John Considine, a former Sars and Cork Hurling Star, lifted the U17 All-Ireland Title recently with a two point victory over Dublin on a scoreline of 1-19 to 1-17, are the August 2017 winners of the Rebel Óg Monthly Awards sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cummins Sports (Award Sponsors) with RedFM and The Evening Echo (Media Partners).  

Winning Campaign Synopsis 

 Cork 0-16 v Limerick 0-06

Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, 11th April 2017

Cork dominated this Munster Championship quarter-final from start to finish.  Limerick started short a couple of their u18 side and struggled to match Cork.  From the start Cork generated ample scoring opportunities but poor shoot selection and a lack of composure meant Cork only led 0-07 to 0-02 at half-time.  Any chance of a Limerick revival was finished when they were reduced to 14 men immediately after the break.  Daire Connery and the remainder of the defence kept Limerick to six points for the hour.  If Cork had not shot 17 wides then the margin of victory would have been greater.
Cork 2-22 v Tipperary 2-09

Pairc Ui Rinn, Cork, 18th April 2017

Cork and Tipperary served up an exciting and high quality Munster semi-final.  Every time Cork opened a gap on the scoreboard, a combination of lapses in concentration by Cork and Tipperary resilience resulted in Tipperary closing the gap.  However, a storming finish by Cork resulted in a 13 point victory margin.
Cork 3-13 v Waterford 1-12

Fraher Field, Dungarvan, 25th April 2017

Cork won the u17 Munster hurling final after a tense battle with Waterford in Fraher Field.  The quality of hurling was not helped by the condition and, as a result, the game never hit the heights that might have been expected.  Cork started the game strongly playing into the cold wind and opened up a 1-04 to 0-01 gap.  However, they allowed Waterford to steadily get back into the game.  At the break Waterford led 1-09 to 1-08.  Cork regrouped and, playing with the wind, took the game to Waterford.  Two gaols by Owen McCarthy proved crucial.  Cork missed a penalty and a number of other chances, however, these misses did not prove crucial as Cork kept Waterford to 3 points in the second half.
Cork 1-19 v Galway 1-17

Semple Stadium, Thurles, 26th July 2017

Cork advanced to the All-Ireland final after a narrow victory over Galway.  Despite playing into a strong breeze Cork started well and were three points to one up after six minutes.  Galway worked their way into the game and were leading by 0-09 to 0-06 as halftime approached.  However, a goal and a point by Colin O’Brien sent Cork in ahead at halftime.  Galway hit four points in the first eight minutes of the second half to open up a three point lead.  Cork steadily reduced the Galway lead and went ahead with 10 minutes remaining.  A Galway goal on 26 minutes tied up the game.  However, Cork kept their composure and three late Colin O’Brien points saw them over the line.
Cork 1-19 v Dublin 1-17

Croke Park, Dublin, 6th August 2017

Cork’s All-Ireland final victory followed a similar pattern to their All-Ireland final victory over Galway.  After a good start, Cork fell behind but a goal before halftime put Cork a point up at the break.  Cork were the dominant team in the second half but struggled to shake off a Dublin team that was reduced to 14 men after 12 minutes of the second half.  Dublin’s excellent use of the ball meant that they hit only two wides over the hour.  As in the semi-final Cork triumphed on a scoreline of 1-19 to 1-17.
The Munster campaign was run off over three successive Tuesdays in April.  A long delay followed from then until the 26th July for the All Ireland Semi Final v Galway.  Seven of the panel were involved during that period in a thrilling Munster Minor campaign defeating Waterford, had a draw following extra time in Thurles v Tipperary before winning the replay 4 days later in front of over 8,000 supporters in Páirc Uí Rinn and 6 days later defeating Clare in the Munster Final.
Interesting that in the All Ireland Semi Final and Final both winning and defeated sides scores were identical.
During the Munster and All Ireland series, team management used a different captain for each of the five games, Jack Hallahan (Cloyne) captained the side against Limerick, but injury ruled him out of the remaining games in the campaign.  Daire Connery (Na Piarsaigh) was captain for the Páirc Uí Rinn encounter v Tipperary.  In Dungarvan for the Munster Final, Conor O’Callaghan (Dromtarriffe) had the honour of lifting the Munster trophy.  Carrigtwohill’s Aaron Walsh Barry was captain for the All-Ireland semi-final v Galway at Thurles which the Bride Rovers twins, Eoin and Brian Roche captained the side on All Ireland Final day at Croke Park.  Five different match day venues, five successful captains and a campaign that ended with the inaugural Under 17 All Ireland finding its home in Cork.  
Team that lined out in Final

1Eoin Davis St. Catherines

2 Eoin Roche Bride Rovers

3 Ciaran Nyhan Ballinascarthy 

4 Ronan Sheehan Mallow

 5 Cormac O’Brien Newtownshandrum

6 Conor O’CallaghanDromtarriffe    

7 Aaron Barry Walsh Carrigtwohill

8 Daire Connery Na Piarsaigh

9 Sean Twomey Courcey Rovers

10 Tommy O’Connell Midleton

11 Declan Hanlon Blarney    

12 Brian Roche Bride Rovers

13 Blake Murphy Na Piarsaigh

14 Joe Stack Castlemartyr                        

15 Colin O’Brien Liscarroll Churchtown Gaels

Subs: (16)  Luke Donovan (Na Piarsaigh),  (17) Jamie Copps (Ballyhea),  

(18) Sean O’Sullivan (Midleton), (19) Ronan McCarthy (St. Oliver Plunketts), (20) Liam Ryan (Iniscarra), (21) Killian Murphy (Sarsfields), (22) Shane O’Regan (Watergrasshill), 

(23) Owen McCarthy (Inniscarra), (24) Shane Barrett (Blarney). 
Extra Panel Members;

Darragh Moran (Castlemartyr) Cian Farmer (Midleton)

Con O’Leary (Inniscarra) Eoin McCarthy (Kilworth)

Sean McCarthy (Fermoy) Cian Crowley (Newmarket)
The following 4 either played or were part of the Munster Campaign

Kevin Finn (Midleton) Denis McBarron (Carrigaline)

Anthony Cronin (Glen Rovers) Ben O’Brien (St. Catherine’s)

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Rebel Og Award for June to Sars and ‘Barr’s Feile na nGael winners

On Monday, the June Rebel Og Awards function took place in the Clayton Hotel Sliversprings.

The June Award was presented to Sarsfield Camogie and St.Finbarr’s Hurling team’s following both sides success at National Feile where both clubs brought All-Ireland Success back to Cork.

Sarsfields Camogie Féile Team were winners of the Féile na nGael Division 1 Cup  and St. Finbarr’s Féile Hurling Team were the winners of the Féile na nGael Division 1 Shield 

The two teams follow previous 2018 Rebel Óg Award winners, the Cork Minor Camogie Team (All-Ireland winners), All Ireland Doubles Handball players Muireann O’Brien and Celine Kelleher (April), St. Mary’s High School Midleton who received the March Rebel Óg Award for their wins in the Post Primary All-Ireland and Munster Junior Camogie Championships, All-Ireland Scór winners (February) and Sam Maguires footballers who won the January 2018 Award. 

St. Finbarrs Feile Na Gael Hurling winners pictured at the Rebel Óg Awards in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel. Picture John Tarrant

Sarsfield Camogie winners at Feile na nGael pictured at the Rebel Og Awards in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel. Picture John Tarrant

Diarmuid O’Leary, CEO Red FM presents the joint Rebel Óg Award to David Dwane(St. Finbarrs) and Eilis Hegarty(Sarsfield Camogie) in the company of County Mayor Patrick Gerard Murphy; Deputy Lord Mayor Thomas Moloney; Eoghan O’Connor, Treasurer Rebel Og; Mirian Murphy and Michael Evans(Adjudicating Panel) at a presentation in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Cork. Picture John Tarrant

All Ireland Féile na nGael winners Sarsfield Camogie and St. Finbrrs Hurling joint winners of the Rebel Óg Award at a presentation in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Cork. Picture John Tarrant

Cian O’Brien, PRO Rebel Og presents the joint Rebel Óg Award to Eilis Hegarty(Sarfield Camogie) and David Egan(St. Finbarrs) at a presentation in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Cork. Picture John Tarrant

Feile na Gael winners Sarsfield Camogie and St Finbarrs Hurlng recipients of the joint Rebel Óg Award at a functiion in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Cork. Picture John Tarrant

Feile na Gael winners Sarsfield Camogie and St Finbarrs Hurlng recipients of the joint Rebel Óg Award at a functiion in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Cork. Picture John Tarrant

Joe Kennedy, General Manager, Clayton Silversrings Hotel presents the joint Rebel Óg Award to Anna Kelleher(Sarsfield Camogie) as Fionn Crowley(St Finbarrs) receives the Award from Norida O’Callaghan in the company of County Mayor Patrick Gerard Murphy; Deputy Lord Mayor Thomas Moloney; Jerry Walsh, Cultural Officer, Cork Co. Board; Catherine Allen; Evie Twomey and Cian O’Brien, PRO Rebel Óg at a presentation in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Cork. Picture John Tarrant

Jim Healy, Administration Secretary, Rebel Og presents the joint Rebel Óg Award to Brian Horgan(St. Finbarrs) as Clodagh O’Donovan and Orlaith Mullins(Sarsfield Camogie) receives the Award from Nicola Cullinane, Marketing Executive, Evening Echo in the company of County Mayor Patrick Gerard Murphy; Deputy Lord Mayor Thomas Moloney and Maria Dinan, Sarsfield Club at a presentation in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Cork. Picture John Tarrant

John Purcell, Chairman Rebel Og presents the joint Rebel Óg Award to Cliona Lynch(Sarsfield Camogie) as Demis Twomey(St. Finbarrs) receives the Award from Kevin Cummins(Cummins Sports)
in the company of County Mayor Patrick Gerard Murphy; Deputy Lord Mayor Thomas Moloney, David Egan, Tracy Sheehan, Coork Juvenile Camogieand Denis Twomey at a presentation in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Cork. Picture John Tarrant

 

 

JUNE 2018 WINNERS 

St. Finbarr’s Féile Hurling Team 

Winners of the Féile na nGael Division 1 Shield 

Sarsfields Camogie Féile Team 

Winners of the Féile na nGael Division 1 Cup 

 

The Sarsfields Camogie Féile Team, winners of the Féile na nGael Division 1 Cup and St. Finbarr’s Féile Hurling Team, winners of the Féile na nGael Division 1 Shield are the joint June 2018 winners of the Rebel Óg Monthly Awards sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs and Cummins Sports (Award Sponsors) in association with RedFM and The Evening Echo (Media Partners). 

 

The two teams follow previous 2018 Rebel Óg Award winners, the Cork Minor Camogie Team (All-Ireland winners), All Ireland Doubles Handball players Muireann O’Brien and Celine Kelleher (April), St. Mary’s High School Midleton who received the March Rebel Óg Award for their wins in the Post Primary All-Ireland and Munster Junior Camogie Championships, All-Ireland Scór winners (February) and Sam Maguires footballers who won the January 2018 Award. 

2017 winners were Éire Óg footballers and Inniscarra hurlers who were joint December winners, Bride Rovers U16 and Minor Hurlers (November), who won the County Championships, October Winners Bandon,  September Winners, Cork Minor Hurlers, August winners Cork U17 Hurlers, July Winners Ballinora Juvenile GAA Club,  quartet of June Winners, Féile na nGael Champions Sarsfields, Na Piarsaigh, Cuchullains and St. Kevin’s.  January 2017 winners were Kiltha Óg, February Winners St. Colman’s College Fermoy, March winners Stephen O’Rourke and Niall Delany from Mallow, winners of the All-Ireland U17 Handball Championship, April Winners, Carbery Scór and the May 2017 Winners St. Francis College Rochestown, winners of the Simcox Cup.   

St Finbarr’s Hurling and Football Club 

Féile na nGael Division 1 Hurling Shield Winners 

 

The Barrs’ journey to the Féile na nGael 2018 began back in April when the group stages of the Cork Féile Premier Hurling took place.  St. Finbarrs were grouped with Eire Óg and Valley Rovers and won both group games with excellent displays of hurling in each game.  The Togher side then won the group final against a very strong Ballygarvan team who scored a couple of excellent early goals.  However, the lads bounced back at half time and rallied to a 7 point win. We went on to play against our old rivals, Ballincollig at the semi-final stage. It was a fantastic battle but a hat-trick of goals by our full-forward proved crucial in to the win. The opposition in the final was a very resilient Bride Rovers team. It was an exhilarating exhibition of hurling by both sides and to the delight of the players we prevailed.  It was on to Féile na nGael in Galway! 

 

The preparations in the weeks building up to Galway was hard work for the players, training continuously twice a week while also fundraising for their kit. The focus was on developing their skills to compete with the best teams in Ireland.  The involvement of Donal O’Grady was crucial for the players as he taught them skills which proved lucrative in Galway. 

 

St. Finbars were hosted by Craughwell GAA club just outside Galway City, receiving a wonderful welcome. 

 

The first two games of Féile na nGael took place in Clarinbridge, the club of the All Ireland winning manager, Michéal Donoghue. First up was Clarinbridge who are one of the top teams in Galway and had excellent hurlers throughout the field. The Barrs players were exceptional in the heat and won the game by a single point. This settled the nerves, which was just as well because straight after the final whistle the team played the Waterford champions, Ballygunner.  The players finished off an enjoyable day with another win to make it two out of two on the Friday evening. 

 

The last group game was on Saturday morning against host team Craughwell. St. Finbarrs were disappointed to lose a hard-fought game by three points which left them out of contention for the Cup based on scores conceded.  To lift the spirits, the team went for a bite to eat in Supermacs before the Shield quarter finals against Clare champions, Clooney Quinn. The fast food and some motivational words from Br. Cusack worked because the team won 1-08 to 4 points in Gort.  The team moved the ball quickly and were clinical in front of the posts.  This win meant a trip to an All-Ireland semi-final in the Connaught GAA Centre of Excellence in Mayo on Sunday morning. 

Up next for the team was the Limerick Champions, Monaleen. From the moment the ball was thrown in, the forwards were threatening and gave a spectacle of magnificent scoring. The defence was rock solid and only conceded 3 points in the whole game.  A final score of 3-5 to 3 points was an incredible performance to bring the Barrs back to their first All-Ireland final in over 30 years.  

 

The final was against the Ballygunner team who St. Finbarrs had already beaten at the group stage. They had come through their side of the draw with strong performances but the Cork players drew on all their skill, training and determination. They scored freely throughout the game, from the goalkeeper to the full forwards, giving a performance that will live long in the memory.   Each player gave a truly magnificent Barrs performance. The final score of 2-11 to 2 points was well deserved by every player on the team. 

 

This team are a wonderful bunch of lads and their dedication throughout the last number of years has been exceptional. The teamwork, friendship and positive attitude of each player on the panel has not only brought this team great success on the pitch but has also made them best friends off the pitch. The parents and supporters always deserve a mention for their continued support of the team.  The players and coaches greatly appreciated the encouragement both from the supporters who travelled with them and those who followed their progress on social media. 

 

 

Sarsfields Camogie Club 

Feile National Div 1 Cup Winners 2018 

 

Sarsfields Féile U14 team achieved an incredible 3-in-a-row of Div 1 Cup titles (2016, 2017 & 2018). 

Three players have the honour of being involved in all three wins – Katlyn Sheehan, Cliona Lynch & Orlaith Mullins, with all three playing prominent roles in each title. In-fact, Katlyn Sheehan has a 4th Féile medal with sister club, Glanmire Ladies Footballers in 2017. 

Host club:  St. Davitts, Galway 

Mentors:  Denis Twomey, Tadhg Og Lynch, Mark Mullins, John Sheehan & Karen O’Brien 

Captain:    Orlaith Mullins 

 

For the third year in a row Sarsfields have reached the Feile final unbeaten in their three campaigns.  Tired limbs were forgotten as they prepared to meet fancied Kilrush of Wexford who had beaten Cashel in the other semi-final. 

“Four times Kilrush took the lead in what was the very last game of a packed schedule at the Ballyhaunis facility and four times Sars showed all the character of defending champions, drawing level to push the game in extra time and then to rescue the tie twice over in the last period of 10 minutes of play”. Kevin Egan, Evening Echo 

Kilrush made the better start, playing with the wind and lead by two points inside 10 minutes and they added to it before a Kate Fennessy goal had the sides level, 1-0 to 0-3 at half time.  

 

On the restart Sars hit the front with a point but a determined Kilrush again rallied with a goal from a penalty to lead 1-3 to 1-1.  Sars showed their true quality and grit digging deep and a well converted free from impressive centre back, Cliona Lynch brought Sars within a single point of Kilrush. With two minutes remaining it was level pegging, 1-3 a piece forcing extra time.  

 

Extra time was tough on both teams and at half time of extra time the sides had traded points. With three minutes remaining it was 1-5 each (the two points coming from Cliona Lynch & Orlaith Mullins).  Despite both teams battling to find a winner it failed to transpire and so at full time it remained deadlocked. A free-taking shoot out threatened & the drama continued while clarification was sought. 

 

Féile rules state that should a final end all square after extra time the title is shared by both teams – with the trophy getting to spend 6 months in each club.  Toss of a coin to dictate which team gets to take it home first.  Sarsfields were commended by the Feile committee by turning down this option and offering Kilrush the trophy as a first time winner. Kilrush gratefully accepted. 

 

This is the first time a title has been shared in the history of Féile camogie. 

 

Path to the Final 

Fri 8th June, Duniry, Galway 

Sars 0-6Shamrocks 0-1 (Cliona Lynch 0-3f, Katlyn Sheehan 0-3) 

Sars 0-9Gailltir  0-2  (Katlyn Sheehan 0-6, Cliona Lynch 0-2f, Ella O’Brien 0-1) 

 

Sat 9th June, Tynagh, Galway 

Sars 1-3Davitts 0-2 (Cliona Lynch 1-1, Katlyn Sheehan 0-2) 

 

Quarter Final (Castlegar, Galway) 

Sars 2-4St Bridgets 1-2 (Cliona Lynch 1-2, Ella O’Brien 1-1, Katlyn Sheehan 0-1) 

 

Sun 10th JuneSemi Final (Connaught Centre of Excellence, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo) 

Sars 0-8Carnmore 1-2 (Cliona Lynch 0-5 3fs, Katlyn Sheehan 0-2, Orlaith Mullins 0-1) 

 

FINAL 

Sars 1-3Kilrush 1-3  (Kate Fennessy 1-0, Cliona Lynch 0-3fs) 

Extra Time Score Sars 1-5Kilrush 1-5 (Orlaith Mullins 0-1, Cliona Lynch 0-1f) 

Top Scorers:   Cliona Lynch 2-16 (1-14fs); Katlyn Sheehan 0-14; Ella O’Brien 1-2 

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May Award for ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE ROCHESTOWN

MAY 2017 WINNERS ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE ROCHESTOWN Winners of the Simcox Cup 2017

The May 2017 winners of the Rebel Óg Monthly Awards sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cummins Sports (Award Sponsors) with RedFM and The Evening Echo (Media Partners) are the ST. FRANCIS COLLGE ROCHESTOWN. They follow January 2017 winners Kiltha Óg, February Winners St. Colman’s College Fermoy, March winners Stephen O’Rourke and Niall Delany from Mallow, winners of the All-Ireland U17 Handball Championship and April Winners, Carbery Scór. 2016 winners were Na Piarsaigh Minor Hurlers, Cork Ladies Minor Football Team, Sarsfield U14 Camogie Team, Glen Rovers U14 Hurlers, Mizen Rovers, Mitchelstown CBS, Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál Blarney, Kilmurry Footballers, Buttevant Underage GAA Club and Mitchelstown Footballers and Ballygiblin Hurlers, Kilshannig Hurling Teams and Mallow Juvenile GAA Club. 2015 winners were Ahán Gaels, Midleton U15 Footballers, Cork’s Eimear Scally, Aghabullogue U16 Hurlers, Cork U15 Development Squad, Douglas U14 Footballers, St. Finbarrs U14 Hurlers, Christian Brothers Cork, Coláiste Chríost Rí, Coláiste an Phiarsaigh (Camogie) Sacred Heart Clonakilty (Camogie) and Ilen Rovers.

It was a case of third time lucky as ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE, ROCHESTOWN won their first Simcox Cup since the 1949-50 season with a brilliant performance over a gallant Cholaiste Choilm team on a score line on 1.11 to 0.12. Recent seasons brought much heartache as the school lost out narrowly to Macroom DLS in 2012 and Colaiste Chriost Ri in 2015 after a replay. Recent successes in the Dr. O’Callaghan Cup over the last few years buoyed the school as Roco won the famed competition for the first time against the Mon AG in 2014 and retained the trophy the following year with a comprehensive victory over Blarney.

The Simcox Cup campaign began with a victory over MSM Rosscarbery on a score line of 6.12 to 2.9. Kanturk were defeated on a score line of 2.15 to 1.9 in the quarter-final. Hamilton High were accounted for in the semi-final 5.11 to 0.10 and St. Francis qualified to play Colaiste Choilm in the final. Ironically, St. Francis’ first game of the year was also against the same opposition played in the Corn Uí Mhuirí, which was a tight encounter with Roco winning by two points in the end. The final promised to be a tight encounter with either school capable of winning if they played to their potential.

St. Francis had a number of injury worries to contend with for the final, including top scorer James Holland and Cork minor defender Dylan Ward. Perhaps that helped Ballincollig to control the early stages of the game as they raced into an early lead with a 0.9 to 0.3 advantage after 25 minutes in the first half. The Roco boys rallied however, with a couple of late points leaving them trailing by four at the short whistle.

St. Francis had to dig deep in the second period and stayed within striking distance of Colaiste Choilm. The only major of the game and a key score was registered by David Andrews who followed in an Adam Hennessy shot to finish to the net and bring the game level by the 47th minute. Roco drove on from there and were the better team in the closing stages as strikes from Adam Hennessy and fittingly captain Liam Grainger, ensured the trophy came back to Rochestown for the ninth occasion. It was a fantastic, committed team performance with every man on the team and in the panel making telling contributions throughout the year, which was the main factor in returning the Simcox Cup to Rochestown after a long hiatus.

St. Francis College would also like to acknowledge the steadfast support that Terry Murphy and Centra Rochestown have offered to school GAA teams over the last five years helping them to perform at the highest level in Hurling and football in both Cork and Munster competitions.

The Simcox Cup winning Panel

Panel for the Simcox Cup Final v Colaiste Choilm

1. David O’Keeffe Douglas

2. Eoghan Riordan, Carrigaline

3. Dylan Corkery, St. Michaels

4. Adam Murphy, Passage

5. Diarmuid Cormack, St Michaels

6. Nathan Walsh, Douglas

7. Jack Lyons Nemo Rangers

8. Liam Grainger St. Michaels (Captain)

9. Joe Golden St. Michaels

10. Adam Hennessy St. Michaels

11. Rossa O Colmain St. Michaels

12. David Andrews Shamrocks

13. Brendan Powter Douglas

14. Matthew McAuliffe Douglas

15. Cian Denn St. Michaels

16.

17. Sean Hillard Cobh

18. Cian O’Mahony Passage

19. Cameron Whyte Douglas

20. Brian O’Neill Douglas

21. Cian Kelliher Carrigaline

22. David Malone Douglas

23. Cian Cashman St. Michaels

James Holland (Douglas), Conor Russell (Douglas), Colin O’Mahony (Douglas), Dylan Ward (Douglas), Shane Downey (Douglas) (all injured)

Scorers:

David Andrews 1.1, Jack Lyons 0.4 (0.3f), Matthew McAuliffe 0.2, Nathan Walsh 0.1, Cian Denn 0.1, Adam Hennessy 0.1, Liam Grainger 0.1

Left to Right: Liam Grainger (Captain), Rossa O Colmain, Team Sponsor Terry Murphy (Murphys’ Centra, Rochetown Auto Centre) John O’Sullivan and Jack Lyons

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Carbery Scor win March Rebel Og Award

APRIL 2017 WINNERS

CARBERY SCÓR

All-Ireland Finalists

 Tadhg MacCarthaigh

Sam Maguires

Clann na nGael

Carbery Rangers


The April 2017 winners of the Rebel Óg Monthly Awards sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cummins Sports (Award Sponsors) with RedFM and The Evening Echo (Media Partners) are the CARBERY SCÓR GROUP featuring 4 clubs.  They follow January 2017 winners Kiltha Óg, February Winners St. Colman’s College Fermoy and March winners Stephen O’Rourke and Niall Delany from Mallow, winners of the All-Ireland U17 Handball Championship.  2016 winners were Na Piarsaigh Minor Hurlers, Cork Ladies Minor Football Team, Sarsfield U14 Camogie Team, Glen Rovers U14 Hurlers, Mizen Rovers, Mitchelstown CBS, Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál Blarney, Kilmurry Footballers, Buttevant Underage GAA Club and Mitchelstown Footballers and Ballygiblin Hurlers, Kilshannig Hurling Teams and Mallow Juvenile GAA Club.  2015 winners were Ahán Gaels, Midleton U15 Footballers, Cork’s Eimear Scally, Aghabullogue U16 Hurlers, Cork U15 Development Squad, Douglas U14 Footballers, St. Finbarrs U14 Hurlers, Christian Brothers Cork, Coláiste Chríost Rí, Coláiste an Phiarsaigh (Camogie) Sacred Heart Clonakilty (Camogie) and Ilen Rovers.


What an extraordinary year it's been for Carbery Scor! Having not one, but four participating clubs at The Waterfront Hall in Belfast for the All Ireland Scór na nÓg final ensured that there was applause aplenty for the West Cork contingent for the competitors from Carbery Rangers, Clann na nGael, Sam Maguires and Tadhg MacCarthaigh.


Scór in West Cork, had its inaugural meeting at Ballinascarthy Hall in 1969 with Bill Hart, Danny Warren, the late Michael McCarthy and the officers of the Carbery Board. Bill Hart, a proud Carbery Rangers man, has remained steadfastly at the helm of Scor and is an encouraging voice to all Clubs and participants at local and regional competitions. How fitting it was that Bill recently received the Presidential medal from an t-Uachtarán Aoghan Ó Fearghaill for his distinguished service to the GAA and in particular to Scór.


Scór is a celebration of our living culture, our music, our song, our dance, our drama and storytelling, found alive and flourishing in every parish in the 32 counties of Ireland and especially so in the Carbery division. This year, 17 out of the 26 Clubs in Carbery participated in Scór na nÓg. This is first and foremost a tribute to the hard working Scór committees in each of our Clubs, to the parents, mentors and coaches and also to the support and encouragement we get from the Carbery Divisional Board who are always eager to promote all aspects of Scór. In 2016 the Carbery Scór committee along with the divisional Carbery Board held a very successful 1916 commemorative night at St. Mary's Theatre, Rossmore, in which the representatives from each of the Clubs performed on the night.


Although Scór is alive and well in the Carbery division, it still needs a catalyst to give it the promotion and driving force it needs each year and that sums up the very vibrant Carbery Scór committee, comprising of Bill Hart, Gabrielle Crowley, Michael Kearns, Geraldine Keohane, Liam Hodnett, Micheál Ó Súilleabháin and Helen Collins. Meeting regularly in The Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery, the committee are presently organising a celebratory night on May 12th to promote and encourage participation in Scór and also to thank the hard working Scór committees at local level. Carbery has enjoyed unprecedented success in 2017 so its important to celebrate this success and also to thank the people who made it possible.


To have four Clubs from the Carbery division in an All-Ireland final in the illustrious Waterfront Theatre in Belfast is phenomenal and we are so proud of our competitors. Sam Maguires Club was represented by Shannon Buttimer in Recitation with her rendition of 'Mary Ann McGee'. Carbery Rangers competed in the ballad group with Joan O'Donovan, Aoife MacSweeney, Kate Creedon, Orlagh O'Gorman and Rachel Hodnett singing 'Through the eyes of an Irish Man' and Níl 'na Lá'. Tadhg MacCarthaigh performed 'A Dream of Skibbereen' in the drama/léiriú competition, the same discipline that Tadhg MacCarthaigh won an All Ireland back in 1988. Taking part for Tadhg MacCarthaigh were: Oisín Daly, Rory Kingston, Eugene Daly, Catríona Keohane, Katie Daly, Timothy Farrell, Maeve Kingston and Louise Keohane. Clann na nGael all flew the Carbery colours when they competed in the music section with a selection of reels and jigs entitled 'The Monaghan Jig' and 'Johnny Cronin's Reel. Taking part for Clann na nGael were: Davina Connolly, Saoirse Connolly, Molly McQueen and Andrew Collins.


There is an onus on every member of Cumann Luthchleas Gael to promote and support our language and culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Carbery Division and we are so proud, as the Carbery Scór committee to play a part in this. Go n-éirí go deo le Scór!

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February Award to St.Colemans College Fermoy

The February 2017 winners of the Rebel Óg Monthly Awards sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cummins Sports (Award Sponsors) with RedFM and The Evening Echo (Media Partners) are ST. COLMAN’S COLLEGE, FERMOY HURLERS.  They follow January 2017 winners Kiltha Óg

St. Colman’s College, Fermoy, Winners of The Dean Ryan Cup for the 12th Time

St. Colman's Dean Ryan panel began the year on the back of winning the Cork Colleges u16 competition last year. As a group most of the players have been working hard over the past 4 years with the goal of improving as hurlers and the hope of winning the Dean Ryan competition. Each week of the school year the boys train twice a week on either the field or in the ball alleys. The emphasis is on skills, discipline and hard work.

This year’s panel was comprised of 47 players representing 11 different local clubs. The group were captained by brothers Brian and Eoin Roche from Bride Rovers and coached by Jimmy Condon, Garvan Queeny and Anthony Spillane with additional help from Denis Walsh. Liam Barry of B&H tree services has been a great support to the team over the past 4 years, helping to provide the extras that have helped the boys to be successful.

This year’s training began back in August and a series of successful challenge matches followed against the likes of Our Lady's Templemore, St Kierans, Kilkenny and Nenagh CBS in September. There proved to be fierce competition for places on the starting 15 and match day 20 and this helped to increase the intensity of training sessions.

Colman's were drawn against De La Salle, Waterford in the quarter final of the Dean Ryan competition. The game was played on the 5th of October in Clonmel and refereed by Noel Cosgrave. It was a very close affair with De la Salle employing a sweeper system, which proved difficult to break down. Despite the mild weather conditions a strong breeze into the town end made it a game of two half's. At the end of 60 minutes both sides could not be separated. In extra time Colman's proved to be the fitter and hungrier side and ended up victorious by 3 points on a score of 0-21 to 1-15 at the end of extra time. A brilliant display from James Kearny in the half forward line and David Morisson in the full forward line proved crucial for Colman's as did a fine save from Goalkeeper Ben Hogan at the death.

In the semi-final on the 19th of October Colman's faced a side from John the Baptist Hospital who had beaten St Flannan's in the previous round by 19 points. Again the game was a tight affair. It was played on a lovely surface in Golden and the weather was favourable for hurling. The match was well refereed by Tipperary referee Fergal Horgan. Despite a powerful start Colman's left the Limerick side back into the game in the middle of the first half. However a goal just before half time from Castlelyons' James Kearny gave the Fermoy side a crucial cushion for the remainder of the game. Despite sustained pressure the St. Colman's full backline of Luke Aherne, Jack Scannell and Jordan Mannix stood up to the pressure put on them in the last 10 minutes of the game. At full time Colman's were victorious by a score of 3-12 to 1-12 and had reached their first Dean Ryan final for 14 years.

The Dean Ryan final was played in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick on Saturday 12th of November in front of a large crowd. It was referred by Damien Fox from Clare, and proved to be a titanic battle between two powerful sides. Despite some excellent free taking form Conleith Ryan and 1-1 from David Morisson the game was level at full time. Exceptional performances from Eoin Roche and Eoin Carey in extra time ensured Colman's would live to fight another day. The sides couldn't be separated and the game ended in a draw on a score line of Colman's 1-19, Thurles CBS 3-13.

The replay was played the following Saturday 19th of November at the same venue. Refereed by Donncha O' Callaghan from Limerick it proved to be a tense but entertaining affair. Colman's seemed capable of soaking up everything that Thurles threw at them. Brian Roche and Jack Kenny were in inspiring form on the day. Towards the end of the game a Dylan O Connor goal proved to be a decisive score for the Fermoy side as they went on to secure their first Dean Ryan trophy in 14 years and go joint top of the roll of honour with Flannans and Thurles with 12 victories. Captains Brian and Eoin Roche accepted the cup on behalf of the panel on the steps of the Mick Mackey stand in front of a large jubilant Colman's following.

The adventure continued with an All-Ireland semi-final the following weekend with a meeting against Connacht champions Gort CS. The game was refereed by Tipperary's Fergal Horgan in very cold conditions. It was a tense and cagey affair between two incredibly hard working sides. In a game where scores proved hard to come by Dylan O'Connor with 1-1, Conleith Ryan with 0-5 and David Morisson with 0-3, Brian Roche with 0-2 and James Molloy and Eoin Carey with 0-1 accounted for all of Colman's total of 1-13. The Fermoy school ended up victorious by 4 points and were aided by a strong performance from goalkeeper and full back line on the day.

This victory set up an appetising All Ireland final against reigning champions St. Kieran's of Kilkenny. Having beaten the Kilkenny side earlier in the year in a practice match the Colman's lads were well aware that a greater challenge would await come championship. And so unfortunately it proved to be.

The final was played in front of a crowd of over 2500 in Clonmel and was referred by Carlow native Patrick Murphy. On a lovely sunny day conditions were as good as could be expected at this time of the year. Colman's started the game well with two early scores but then allowed Kieran's take a foothold in the middle of the half. Despite this a goal from Padraig O'Leary and battling performances around the field ensured that Colman's reached half time with a 2 point lead. This lead would be extended to 4 early in the second half. However the Kilkenny school would take advantage of a second wind that the Colman's boys struggled to find on their fourth weekend of action in a row. The game was always in the balance as Colman's dug deep to find an equalising score but it never came and Kieran's retained the All Ireland trophy by 3 points on a score of 2-12 to 1-12. Interestingly on the day 2 players from Kieran's Eoin Cody and Ciaran Brennan accounted for all but 2 points of the St. Kieran's total, proving to ultimately be the difference between both sides on the day.

Despite losing narrowly in the All Ireland final to a very strong St. Kieran's side the story of this St. Colman's team is one of improvement and achievement. Progress has been made. Colman's now sit joint top of the Dean Ryan Roll of Honour with 12 titles. This group of players bridged a 14 year gap in winning the colleges first Dean Ryan in that period. It is the first Dean Ryan won by the college since boarding ended and was achieved by a group of players from exclusively the local feeder clubs. Importantly though there is unfinished business and hopefully this group of players will continue to build and improve with a view towards earning the right to not only compete for future Harty Cups, but also to get another shot at beating St. Kieran's in the All Ireland series.

The St. Colman’s College, Fermoy Hurling Team

Winners of the 2016 Dean Ryan Cup

 

Quote from Jimmy Condon, Coach

 "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen".  Our mantra was simply "Make it Happen." In other words we spoke about taking responsibility ourselves to ensure we would do everything within our control to achieve our aims for the year. It has been a pleasure working with such a hard-working, disciplined and dedicated group of players. Along with that the coaching team worked really well together and the support from the college from management and pupils was second to none. Finally I would like to acknowledge the tremendous help that our sponsor Liam of B&H tree services have given us over the years and thank him sincerely for that."

 

Quote from Veronica O Donoghue – College Principal

 "Winning the Dean Ryan is a tremendous honour for St. Colman’s and a testament to the skill and ability of the players and the huge commitment of their coaches as well as demonstrating the schools ongoing commitment to the game of hurling."

 

Quote from Captain Brian Roche (Bride Rovers)

“This success meant so much to myself and my team mates as we have been together for 3-4 years and we have worked so hard for this. It was great to win it as Colmans’ with such a hurling tradition and we had not won it since 2003.”

 

Quote from Captain Eoin Roche (Bride Rovers)

“It was great to bring the Dean Ryan cup back to Colman’s as it brought a huge lift to the school. This was seen with our success of the Harty cup later in the year.”

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