The Rebel Óg monthly awards have returned for 2024 and the January winners are Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG An Mhainistir Thuaidh.
They recently won the Cork Colleges U16 A hurling championship, defeating Midleton CBS in the final by 2-14 to 3-9.
This was a huge win for the school as they took on a side that won the Münster U15 A championship last year and would have been considered favourites to win.
The corresponding AG team lost the first round of Münster U15 B to Glanmire Community College, so huge credit must go to all involved to turn that disappointment around.
At the start of this championship, no one expected Gaelcholáiste Mhuire an Mhainistir Thuaidh to reach the final let alone win the championship. But after an inspirational 14-point victory against Christians in the county semi-final, this team showed that it had a phenomenal spirit and work ethic.
Five of the starting AG team were U15 hurlers, all of Na Piarsaigh GAA – Jack O’Connor, Ruairí Quinlan, Jayden Cregan, Nathan Coffey, and Callum Coffey – all playing a year above their age, which made this feat even more impressive. These young U15s were supported by U16 stars such as Luke Hurley, Craig O’Sullivan, Ryan Cronin, and Evan McGuckin.
To beat Midleton CBS teachers and selectors of the AG team, Donagh Seartan, Tomás Ó Mainnín, Seamas Mac Amhlaioibh, and Éanna Ó Deasúnaigh, knew they would have to have a plan and execute it meticulously to have any chance of winning. It was a surprise to many when they came out on top, winning only a second A grade hurling title for the gaelcholáiste since 2002.
The outpouring of emotions and celebrations spoke volumes of the victory.
Vice-chairman of Rebel Óg, Peter Watson, congratulated the school on their win and wished them the best for the coming season, both with their school and clubs.
Nominations for the monthly award can be sent to probng.cork@gaa.ie stating why they are being nominated and by whom. All nominations are considered by an independent judging panel whose decision is final.