In today’s opening game Spa and Rathmore contest the Minor Championship final. Both of these teams have produced some fine performances to reach today’s final and it should be a keenly contested game. I wish both sides the best of luck and what better place to have the final than here in Fitzgerald Stadium on our biggest day of the year.
Today’s O’Donoghue Cup final is indeed a very special one as it is the first time Kilcummin and Dr. Crokes have met in a final. We welcome Munster club champions Dr. Crokes here today as it certainly has been a great year for them. Today they bid for their 22nd title, a proud record indeed.
Kilcummin have had some great results all year and have been knocking on the door for the last few years to add to their 1973 victory. With a 33 year wait, hunger and motivation should not be a problem. Today lets hope for a clean and sporting game and I wish both sides the very best of luck.
I would like to thank our sponsors The Aquila Club, part of the famed Gleneagle complex who have been associated with the O’Donoghue Cup for many years. On behalf of the Board I wish to thank Patrick O’Donoghue and Eamonn Quigley for their help and co-operation throughout the year and for their continued confidence in our endeavours.
Today’s Minor final is sponsored by the Tatler Jack Bar and indeed I would like to thank all our sponsors for 2006 and look forward to working with them again in 2007.
The proceeds from today’s programme will again go to St. Pat’s Hurling Club and Bórd na n-Óg Chiarraí Thoir. Tremendous work continues to be done for the youth of the Division and Board Coach Vincent Cooper continues to do tremendous work. Many thanks to everyone who helped in compiling today’s programme especially the Editor, Board P.R.O. John O’Leary and the Chairman of St Pats, Pat Delaney..
Of course on the line here today guiding his beloved Dr. Crokes is the new Kerry Senior team manager, Pat O’Shea. It is certainly a huge commitment and as they say “the toughest job in Gaelic Football”, Pat I wish you and your management team every success in the year ahead and assure you of our continued support. It has certainly been a successful year at county level with National League honours and the return of “Sam” in September. To Jack, Pat, Johnny and Ger many thanks for a job well done over the last three years. I wish you all well for the future.
A special word of thanks to the Fitzgerald Stadium Committee for the use of their wonderful facilities today and throughout the year. I welcome Radio Kerry and the members of the Press and thank them for the coverage of our games throughout the year. I also welcome the Cullen Pipe Band and thank them for their attendance. Please give them a big welcome. Finally I wish all clubs and supporters the best of luck and hope everyone has an enjoyable day.
Our thanks to all who contributed in any way to today’s programme. Special thanks to the officers of Dr Crokes, Kilcummin, Rathmore and Spa, to photographer Michelle Cooper-Galvin, Eamonn Fitzgerald, Eugene McGee, Sean Kelly, Dan Dwyer, Jimmy O’Brien and Michael Gleeson, for all their help and to all our advertisers. Proceeds go towards the development of Juvenile Hurling and Football in East Kerry.
Hard to believe that the Lewis Road man made his senior debut for Dr. Crokes way back in 1994 and since then he has had an honours laden career winning 1 county championship, 3 county leagues, 2 Sigerson Cups, 1 Munster Under 21 title and 4 O’Donoghue Cup medals. His career has been influenced by his parents, Aidan O’Shea and Eddie O’Sullivan and the 2000 County final victory remains his most memorable sporting moment. What he likes best about the GAA is the friendships you make, along with the non professional ethos of the sport, however he believes that local club rivalry should be left on the field of play.
James of course is also very involved in coaching Basketball and his ambitions are to be a successful coach in both sports - along with winning an All Ireland club title that is! When he is not to be found on the GAA pitch or basketball court, James relaxes by looking at his favourite T.V. show, Podge and Rodge, listening to the Saw Doctors and socialising in Mustang Sallys.
His parents have been the biggest influence on his career to date and he says that Kilcummin’s appearance in the 2002 county final remains his most memorable sporting moment. He admires Tyrone’s Sean Cavanagh and says that Eugene McGrath is the toughest opponent he has matched his skills against. He likes the friendships made through the GAA but is not a great fan of Winter training.
Outside of gaelic football, soccer is his favourite sport with Roy Keane being his special hero. Off the pitch D.J. likes to relax by watching Friends, listening to Robbie Williams and socialising in Paddy Macs. His ambition? To finally score a penalty in a championship final!!
His playing career at senior level with Scartaglen spanned a period of over twenty years and he subsequently went on to train the team for two years and has also had a few periods as a selector with the club.
A carpenter/window installer with Munster Joinery, Donal is married to Mary and they have two children, Bríd and Niall. His umpires for today’s game are his usual quartet of Mike Murphy, Jack O’Connor, Donie Murphy and his son, Niall.
Jimmy has fifteen years of experience as a referee at county Bórd Na n-Óg level where he took charge of numerous underage finals and he has been refereeing at senior level in East Kerry for the past four years. He had a distinguished career as a player with Glenflesk winning 2 O’Donoghue Cup medals, a county Junior championship medal and 2 County League medals.
His playing days over, Jimmy turned his hand to training his club and led Glenflesk to four O’Donoghue Cup finals on the trot, winning three along with guiding them to Division 1 of the county League. He is the current trainer of the East Kerry Minor team.
A technician with Eircom, Jimmy is married to Bernie and they have two children, Michael and Áine. His umpires for his first big final are Paudie Horan, Kieran O’Callaghan, Neilly Moynihan, and his son Michael.
When the official announcement came some weeks after the All Ireland final that Jack O’Connor was stepping down as trainer of the Kerry team, there was one little addendum at the end of the statement - confirmation that Michael McCarthy was retiring from the inter-county scene that he had graced for the past seven years. Lost in the slipstream of the headlines and media rush to cover O’Connor’s departure, it was in a way fitting that the “quiet man” of Kerry football should bow out in such a fashion. McCarthy does not do interviews; the best one can hope for is a nod or a smile, however he did confirm to one reporter (brave enough to contact him!) that he had indeed “played his last game for Kerry”.
Born in 1978, Mike had the football breeding from both sides of the family - his mother’s grandfather, Jack Murphy, won four All Ireland medals - and his talents were soon recognised as he progressed through a very successful underage period for his beloved Kilcummin which culminated in the winning of the county Minor League Division 1 title against the famed Austin Stacks in 1996. Captain of the team on that occasion he gave an exhibition on a day that heralded the arrival of Kilcummin to the centre stage of Kerry football.
In the company of the likes of Tomás Ó Se, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tom O’Sullivan, Noel Kennelly and the late Martin Beckett, he was a member of the Kerry minor team beaten by Laois in the same year. However, though ending up on the losing, side he gave an exhibition of full back play that prompted Mayo legend, Paddy Prendergast, (a man who knows a thing or two about full backs!) to describe his performance as one of the best that he had seen.
The natural progression for this talented group of footballers was to the Under 21 grade and the records will show that Kerry beat Laois in the 1998 decider and lost to Westmeath the following year. Again, his performance in the 1998 semi final in Parnell Park against Armagh marked him down as a player of the future. He made his senior debut in 1999 and has been ever present since going on to collect three All Ireland medals and three All Star awards (2000, 2004 & 2005). While initially, at county level at any rate, he was regarded as an out and out man-marker, it is probably true to say that his real footballing skills came to the surface when he moved to the full back position.
Dan O’Dwyer, that well known Kilcummin GAA follower, is probably better positioned than most to comment on his clubmate: “At underage level, that Minor final against Austin Stacks and the Minor semi final against Armagh really stand out in my mind. He was outstanding on both days. He was a great man marker and I vividly recall an interview given by Galway’s Derek Savage after Kerry had beaten them in the replayed final of 2000; in which he stated that he could make no headway during either game - “Mike McCarthy was up my a*** everywhere I went!” he said. He won four E.K. Under 21 titles, including three-in-a-row between ’97 and ’99 and he gave another great performance in the ’98 final against Dr Crokes” recalled the affable Dan.
Was it as a result of the rigours that are part and parcel of playing at the top level of inter-county football, or the mental tiredness and burn-out that we hear so much about today, that prompted one of the finest footballers of his generation to leave the centre stage prematurely at such a relatively young age? We do not know nor are we likely to be told! What we do know is that the Gortnatona man has given us all tremendous enjoyment during his all too short career in the green and gold geansaí, none more so than to his proud parents, Neilus and Margaret and the rest of his family. Hopefully his retirement is no more than just a short respite. Thanks for the memories so far Mike.
Pat O’Shea
The recently appointed Kerry Trainer is married to Deborah-Anne and has four children, Gavin, twins Amy and Leah and Rebecca. He is G.A.A. Coaching Officer with the Munster Council with responsibility for counties Clare, Limerick, and Kerry he is hugely experienced in the G.A.A. both as a player and coach. As a player he has won numerous honours including 2 Kerry Senior Championships, 2 Munster club Championships, 2 Senior County Leagues, 7 O’Donoghue Cup and pride of all, an All-Ireland Club Championship in 1992.
Pat has coached Kerry minors to Munster Championships in 2002 and 2003. He was also coach to the Irish U17 Compromise Rules team. He was responsible for the resurgence of Limerick football after coaching their minor team for 2 years, the majority now make up the current senior team. This is Pats third year in charge of the Dr. Crokes Senior Team having already guided them to Munster Club, Co. League and O‘Donoghue Cup honours. We wish Pat and his backroom team every good wish during his term in charge of Kerry.
Eddie “Tatler” O’Sullivan
Eddie is married to Bridie and father-in-law to Pat and would claim that he taught Pat everything about football! His son Patrick is Club Chairman and Development officer of the County Board. His other son Edmund is a member of the Dr Crokes panel. He has 2 daughters Noreen and Deborah-Anne.
Eddie has been to the forefront of both club and county football for over 20 years. He was trainer of the Dr. Crokes County Championship winners in 1991, Munster Club Champions 1991 and 1992, and All Ireland Club Champions 1992.
He was a selector when Dr. Crokes won the County Championship in 2000. He has been selector with Kerry for many All-Ireland victories most recently ’97 and 2000.
Martin Byrnes
Martin is married to Ann and has 2 children, Laurence and Sarah. Martin is a psychiatric nurse and hails from Dromtarriffe in County Cork and is very proud of his roots. He played football with Dr. Crokes and was a member of the All-Ireland club winning team.
Martin is also a keen hurler and played many years with Dr. Crokes in that code. He is the holder of an Intermediate Hurling Championship medal and he is also a handy golfer with his handicap in single figures. This is Martin’s third year as a selector with the senior team.
Meet the Management Teams - Kilcummin
Sean Walsh - Trainer
Sean from Knocknagree had two years experience as trainer of Duhallow before joining Kilcummin this year. Still active as a player with his local club, Sean played senior with Duhallow for thirteen years and as far back as 1991 he won a Duhallow Championship with Knocknagree before going on to win the county Junior Championship the same year. Interestingly, Sean won an all Ireland with the Kerry Techs in 1990, a team that was trained by his opposite number today, Pat O’Shea.
A keen athletics enthusiast, Sean has been member of Gneeveguilla A.C. since he was 6, winning Rás na hÉireann U-10 in 1981 and All-Ireland Cross Country U-12 in 1984. A carpenter by trade, he is married to Mary and they reside in Faha with their son Jack.
James Foley
James played with Laune Rangers at all levels and was previously involved with Kilcummin seniors in 2003. He was involved in the setting up of a ladies football team in the club and likes the social outlet the GAA provides for hundreds of people in every parish throughout the country. However, he bemoans the fact that very little competitive football is played at club level during the summer months. A Senior Business Manager with Bank of Ireland James is married to Geraldine and resides in Lawlor’s Cross with their two children, Eimear and Cian.
Adrian McCarthy
Adrian holds county championship medals at minor and intermediate level along with 2 E.K. minor and 4 E.K. Under 21 medals in a career cut short through injury. A fan of all sports, Adrian likes the friendships made through the GAA and likes making the pilgrimage to Croke Park to watch Kerry playing! He is critical, however, of the lack of a closed season and favours the disbandment of the compromise rules series. An electrician with Liebherr, he relaxes by watching The Sopranos and going Racing. Adrian is married to another GAA activist, Spa girl Matilda Cronin.
The Roll of Honour
So as we play the 7th final of the new century, where have the titles gone? Dr. Crokes, who already have 3 titles to their credit in the new century, were team of the nineties with 5 titles, while the black and amber side were also team of the fifties (4 titles) and sixties (6 titles). Spa, (5 titles), came strongly in the seventies to claim half the titles on offer, while Dr. Crokes and Spa were each victorious on 3 occasions during the eighties. In 1998, Currow became the 9th club to win the trophy, only Cordal, Firies, Fossa and Scartaglen have yet to win the cup.
O’Donoghue Cup 2006
Earlier this year a committee was set up to examine all competitions run by the East Kerry senior Board.
That committee’s deliberations resulted in the O’Donoghue Cup competition being confined to teams playing at county Senior and Intermediate level, while eligibility for the Intermediate and Junior championships were streamlined with the winners of the Intermediate championship also qualifying for the O’Donoghue Cup.
Results 2006
Preliminary Round Glenflesk 1-11 Legion 1-7
Quarter finals Dr. Crokes 5-15 Spa 1-3
Kilcummin 1-8 Rathmore 0-8
Gneeveguilla 2-6 Currow 0-10
Glenflesk 1-11 Firies 3-2
Semi Final Dr. Crokes 3-9 Gneeveguilla 2-8
Kilcummin 1-12 Glenflesk 1-5
Mike Cooper [1944 - 2006]
There is so much to tell and too little space in which to convey the life and times of a truly special person. Firstly there was Mike the family man, then the G.A.A. enthusiast and, of course, there was the political thinker and party activist.
Family was his great commitment. He was so proud of his wife Maureen and of their 2 girls and 5 boys, that they so excellently reared.
Involvement with the G.A.A. and especially with the Dr. Crokes consumed so much of his leisure time. He loyally served as referee, officer and sideline mentor. He had an especial interest in underage football and had a keen eye for the young player, from whatever Club, with rich potential.
The exploits of his Famous Five gave him rich fulfilment. The Crokes victory in the 2000 County Championship remained a vivid memory and filled him with deep satisfaction and gratitude.
The advent of Colm onto the inter-county scene was the realisation of the ultimate dream. His artistry and lethal finishing ensured many a quiet smile and gentle laugh by Dad but never elicited the proud or boastful word. Just as with the cigarette he inhaled the glorious moments and cherished them deeply.
Being born and reared close to the County Bounds gave him a great affection for the Baile Bhúirne people. But as he laughingly explained to close friend and proud Corkman, Christy Lucey, it was a bike with a broken chain that caused him to take the fall of ground of Killarney. How fortunate that there was a steep pull on the road eastwards!
Mike greatly relished good company and his love of people, famed or ordinary, shone forth brightly. People regularly called to hail him in his local tavern. They came, were charmed and frequently detoured to re-visit. His wit and wisdom cast a spell that lightened burdens and shortened roads. Many came to shake the hand of Colm’s Dad but stayed to share the zest for life of a kindly and knowing man.
His life was richly colourful and it was rightly so. The Black and Amber, Green and Gold and proudest shade of Blue all combined to make Mike Cooper a man beloved of those of every hue.
Guímid go léir solas na bhflaitheas ar anam uasal, spórtach agus déanaimid arís co-bhrón lena bhean is a chlann.
SLÁN, a chara.
Jimmy O’Brien.
The Minor Final
The Brendan Cronin Memorial Cup
The winners of today’s Minor championship final will be presented with the Brendan Cronin Cup, which perpetuates the memory of one of the outstanding administrators produced by the Gneeveguilla club. A founding member of the club back in 1960, his experience as an administrator with Macra na Feirme helped in no small way to get the fledgling club on its feet. He served in many officer positions, including chairman and secretary, but it is as an excellent treasurer during the major development period of the seventies that he will be best remembered.
Brendan’s untimely death in 1983 at the age of 48 robbed the community of a great voluntary worker who gave his all whether it be on the sideline, in the boardroom or with Leam in the Tops of the Parish. The stand in the Paddy O’Leary Memorial Park is named in his memory. His son John, who won an O’Donoghue Cup medal in 2003, carries on the tradition with Gneeveguilla.
The cup was first presented to the Board in 1997 when Kilcummin defeated Glenflesk in a replayed final..
Minor Musings
Rathmore have won the minor championship twice in this decade, following up their 1999 victory with wins in 2001 over Currow after a replay and 2002 when they defeated Kilcummin on a score of 0-9 to 1-4. That Rathmore team lined out as follows: Sean Noonan, Hugo Kelleher, James O’Sullivan, John Dineen, Michael Cahill, Ian Kelleher, Kieran O’Sullivan, Daniel McCarthy (0-1), Micheál O’Leary, Patrick Reen, Damien Casey, Donal Lehane, Shane Fitzgerald (0-1), Michael O’Riordan (0-6, Captain), Daniel O’Leary (0-1).
Spa last won the championship in 1990 when it was played on a strictly league basis for the Sheahan Cup. Their last appearance in a final was in 1992 when Currow defeated them by 3-9 to 0-5. The Spa team that lined out in 1992 was as follows: Brian Bruton, Michael O’Donoghue, John Fleming, Adrian O’Sullivan, Martin O’Riordan, Robert Cremin, Tadhg Kelly, Peter Wickham (0-1), Donal Cremin, Conor Gleeson, John Doyle (0-2), Sean Lynch, Tim Crowley, Gene O’Sullivan, Donal Cronin.
The Tatler Jack
Minor Championship Scoreboard 2006
1st Round Kilcummin 3-8 Scartaglin 1-4
Glenflesk 1-14 Firies 3-4
G/guilla W.O. Fossa Scr.
Legion beat Cordal
Qtr. Finals Dr. Crokes 2-17 G/guilla 2-6
Legion 2-12 Currow 1-10
Spa 3-19 Kilcummin 0-4
Rathmore 0-11 Glenflesk 0-11 (D)
Rathmore 0-10 Glenflesk 0-6 (R)
Semi Finals Rathmore 0-15 Legion 1-8
Spa 0-10 Dr. Crokes 0-9
Final Rathmore2-10 Spa 0-15
Meet the Minor Captains
Paul Cronin - Spa
Occupation: Student U.C.C. Business Information Systems
Honours Won: Munster U-16 with Kerry South, EK Under 14 Medal.
GAA Likes: Friends made
GAA Dislikes: Umpires not acting on off-the-ball incidents.
Favourites:
Player: Paul Galvin
Venue: Fitzgerald Stadium
T.V. Prog: Family Guy
Film: Lord of War
Singer: Kanye West
Other Sports: Rugby
Pastime: Going to gym, playing poker, playing Pre Evo.
Socialising Spot: Mustang Sallys, Rafterz (Cork)
Most memorable sporting moment: Winning E.K. Under 14 title against Dr. Crokes.
Other Sporting Heroes: Dan Carter and Paul Cahill.
Sporting Ambition: Continue to do well with Spa.
Brian Cronin Rathmore
Occupation: Student
Honours Won: Co. Minor ‘B’ champ, EK under 21, County Vocational Schools
GAA Likes: Friendships made
GAA Dislikes: None
Favourites:
Player: Aidan O’Mahony, Tom O’Sullivan
Venue: Fitzgerald Stadium
T.V. Prog: Podge and Rodge
Film: Green Mile
Group: Girls Aloud
Other Sports: Soccer
Pastime: T.V.
Socialising Spot: Killarney
Most memorable sporting moment: Kerry’s win in 2006 with 2 Rathmore players.
Other Sporting Heroes: Brian O’Driscoll and Wayne Rooney.
Sporting Ambition: To play Senior with Kerry.
Pat O’Shea in conversation with Eamonn Fitzgerald
Pat O’Shea, the new Kerry Boss and coach of the Dr.Crokes team that was crowned Munster Champions in Cork on Sunday last is very modest about his own achievements as a player but his mother Bridie knows all about them, “ There are presses of medals and trophies belonging to Pat and Seanie’’. She rattles off Pat’s haul of 1 All Ireland Club, 2 Munster Club, 7 O’Donoghue Cup and 2 Co Championship’s. And that’s just in one press! He also won a County Intermediate hurling medal as goalkeeper with St. Pats.
And now for the question he has been asked so many times in recent weeks.
Why in the name of God would anyone want to step into the shoes of Jack O ‘Connor who delivered the League and Championship in 2006? “ I love a challenge and I was happy and honoured to be asked by the County Board officers. It is a job that countless people would love to take on, the challenge of moulding a winning team. I’m enthusiastic about it just as I enthuse about my everyday coaching job for the Munster Council. Sport is central to my life” His grandfather Paddy Healy, father of Bridie, was an All Ireland winner with Kerry and Pat’s father Murt was an accomplished player in his day.
I asked Pat if basketball was a help for footballers. ‘‘Definitely, look at the inter county players such as Kieran Donaghy, Brian Clarke of Kerry, and Liam McHale of Mayo. They are marvellous fielders of the ball. They developed the hand and eye co-ordination and were great passers of the ball. They developed peripheral vision. They could see all the different options’’.
Style of Play: Can we see the same playing style in the new Kerry team as you have coached with Dr.Crokes? “ There will be no change from the style of the Kerry play of recent years. It is tried and trusted and has reaped the dividend of success”.
How are you going to play the central pivotal positions vacated by Seamus Moynihan and Mike McCarthy? “Seamus Moynihan is a legend in Kerry football and will be hard to follow. Still we have a number of players in the panel and they can be groomed to do a good job. I’m not giving up on Mike McCarthy. He has a few more years in him so when the early days of spring come he may well reconsider his premature retirement”
Your first game is away to Mayo! “ That is a tough start as they will be hoping to avenge the All Ireland landslide. Then we are at home to Cork under lights in Tralee and we have a few tough games away to Fermanagh, Tyrone and Dublin”.
That’s Pat O’Shea, the consummate sportsman who revels in the challenge of the top job in Kerry team management. But for this one hour today he will be devoting his energies exclusively to Dr.Crokes as he plots the downfall of Kilcummin.
10 Days in the Life of a G.P.O.
Vince Cooper is the Games Promotional Officer appointed by Coiste Co. Chiarraí with responsibility for the East Kerry and Kenmare Divisional Board areas. The following are extracts from 10 different working day schedules.
Day 1. East Kerry girl’s Mini Sevens competition took place in Fitzgerald Stadium. Fourteen teams participated. St Olivers secured victory in the final. St Brendan’s College provided the excellent referees for the day.
Day 2. Took Listry U-8 and U-10 teams for a coaching session. Kicking and catching were the skills covered. Seven club coaches attended. Had a practical session with Listry U-14 and U-16 teams where defending was the skill covered. Seven club coaches attended. All received a photocopy of the skills covered.
Day 3. Advanced Drills Workshop took place in Killorglin. Fourteen coaches from seven clubs attended. Vince and William Harmon jointly conducted the session. Photocopies were distributed to all who attended.
Day 4. Coached Kenmare’s District Board’s underage squad. U-9 and U-10 from 6 pm to 7 pm in Kenmare, fourteen players attended. U-11 and U-12 from 7 pm to 8 pm also in Kenmare, twelve players attended. The solo and the hand pass were the skills covered on the night. Eight club coaches were present representing all clubs in the area.
Met with the chairman and secretary of Kenmare District Board and all Bórd na n-Óg personnel after the coaching sessions and outlined a six month programme for them. It was a positive meeting with excellent input from all those present.
Day 5. Completed a practical coaching session with Gneeveguilla’s U-14 team. Twenty players attended, kicking was the skill covered on the night. Eight club coaches attended and each was given a photo copy of the skills.
Day 6. Took Glenflesk U-8 and U-10 teams for a coaching session. Kicking and catching were the skills covered. Ten coaches attended.
Garda Siochana/Lissivigeen Community Alert organised a primary schools blitz in Spa. Six National Schools teams participated with Tiernaboul N.S. captain Christine Kearney lifting the Pat Corcoran memorial trophy.
Day 7. Schools in Kilcummin Parish took part in a cluster blitz in Kilcummin. Coolick N.S. Kilcummin N.S. and Anabla N.S took part. Boys and girls participated with teams mixed between schools.
Day 8. Tuosist N.S, Lauragh N.S. and Urhan N.S. took part in a fun day in Eyeries pitch. Teams performed well showing great skill and determination, Boys and girls between 4th and 6th class participated.
Day 9. Under 15 East Kerry/Kenmare Development Squad took place in Fossa. Twenty four players attended. Defending was the skill covered.
Day 10. Refresher course took place in Spa. Topics covered included typical training sessions, fun games and code of conduct.
Con Clifford - An Appreciation
Con Clifford, who passed away earlier this year, was only 17 years old when he won his first O’Donoghue cup medal in 1956 along with 18 year old fellow Croke, Jackie Looney. They went on to win 7 titles on the trot and were members of the winning Dr Croke teams in 1964, 1965 and in 1968, for an unequalled record of 10 O’Donoghue cup medals in their illustrious careers. Indeed only for losing to Rathmore in 1963, they would have won 9 in a row. They bounced back in 1964 to beat St.Finan’s and Glenflesk in 1965. Their 10th title came in 1968 when 4 goals beat off the challenge of Spa , who were to emerge as the new force in East Kerry.
Club training in the 50’s and 60’s was very different to the present time. Even with a good run in the Kerry SFC and in East Kerry they would only have about 10 competitive matches a year. No Munster or All Ireland Club series, but the tournament games and particularly the Sneem Seven -A- Sides were very attractive.
A classy midfielder
Con’s early promise in ‘The Mon,’ blossomed in Killarney Vocational school, with whom he starred in the Kerry VS c’ships in ’55 and ’56, before the All Ireland series started. He went straight in to Dr Croke senior team in 1955, lost that final and again in 1963, but won 10 O’Donoghue Cup medals. He was always pencilled in at midfield, although he did switch to full back for one final when Johnny Hurley was unavailable.
His wonderful physique, spectacular fielding and attention to fitness ensured that he could play the demanding role of a midfielder up to the end of his career.
When he won his 10th medal in the 1968 final he teamed up at midfield with Fergus Moroney and scored 2 goals in that win over Spa.
He won Munster football medals with Kerry in ‘57(Minor) and ‘61(Junior). When he retired from football, he became a squash enthusiast, encouraging Maurice O’Donoghue to form the Gleneagle Squash club. He was its first chairman, its real driving force and was honoured to receive the Squash award in the inaugural Killarney Sport Stars Awards.
He was very proud that he could trace his family tree back to the founding of Dr Crokes in 1886! At present his grandson Risteárd is the 6th generation of Cliffords playing for Dr Crokes.
Seamus Set High Standards - On and Off the Field
By Eugene McGee
Kerry have produced so many outstanding individual footballers in the past 101 years in the process of winning nearly one-third of the All-Irelands played in that time that nowadays it is difficult for a Kerry player to leave a really lasting impression. The recently retired Seamus Moynihan is an exception to that. The intercounty game has changed to the extent that nowadays the individual, no matter how good he is, is usually obliged to fit in with the team plan first and play his own style of football second. Many people, including myself, regret this development because while team performance is very important, what really excites the fans is the powerful individual display of one or more players than can be talked about for days afterwards and compared with similar feats of greatness from other great stars in times past.
No better Kerry example of this can be found than when Jack O'Shea had a brilliant game in the seventies and eighties and how the comparisons would be made with Mick O'Connell and Paddy Kennedy. Despite the demands of the modern 'all-for-one' team philosophy Seamus Moynihan was one player who managed to be a great team player but also was able to leave a lasting impression on Gaelic football by his own individual acts of skill. I have always had one basic measuring stick for assessing footballers : did they produce the goods for their team when the need was greatest ? There are lots of flashy players who turn on the style in matches where their team is winning handily and many of them got Allstars as a result. But often in the white heat of battle in an All-Ireland
semi-final or final these same lads were not to be seen .That could never be said about Glenflesk's Seamus Moynihan.
During his career with Kerry the team had many ups and downs and while people will focus on his four All-Ireland medals there were many matches when Kerry struggled too and it was often then that Moynihan was at his best. And it was to him that Kerry turned in their hour of need in 2000 when they found themselves without a fullback. So Seamus converted overnight from a brilliant wing halfback into a similar fullback as Kerry beat Galway in the replayed All-Ireland final. Many midfielders have been converted into fullbacks in Kerry and elsewhere but is rare for a fairly slightly built wing halfback to make the change so successfully. His battles with his former Tralee I. T. colleague and friend Padraig Joyce were one of the highlights of those two finals. There was a seminal moment in the replay when a long ball was directed by Galway towards Joyce who had sneaked in behind Seamus and had it reached him it could have been catastrophic for Kerry. It did not seem possible for the Kerryman to reach the ball but somehow he did and danger was averted. In doing so he showed his most valuable trait as a player, the ability to read the play better than anyone around him. This is a hallmark of all great sportsmen and Moynihan used it to deadly effect over the years. That's why the miraculous interceptions he made always seemed so easy because he had the uncanny knack of being in the right place nearly always.
In one way Seamus was unfortunate to be such a versatile player. It meant that he never got an extended spell in his best position at wing halfback because when there was a gap to be filled elsewhere in defence at fullback, cornerback or centre halfback he was the saviour who was always called upon. Many Kerry people regard matches against Cork as the ultimate test of a Kerry player and in this regard the Glenfleskman's performance against the much taller Colin Corkery in a Munster final and a fabulous display at midfield one day in a league game in the late nineties in Pairc Ui Rinn ensured that he passed that demanding test.
Sometimes success at county level dilutes a players commitment to his club but the opposite was the case with Seamus and his beloved Glenflesk. Before he and Johnny Crowley came along the club had only won the O'Donoghue Cup ONCE. But Seamus inspired his native place to no less than FIVE triumphs in this hotly contested championship as well of course as helping East Kerry to three county titles. Being a great sportsman with recognition all over the country is one thing. But an even greater achievement is being able to carry that greatness with humility and modesty wherever you go both on and off the field. As the referees of Ireland will testify, Seamus did that on the field in style. Off the field he has set the standard in common sense, civility and humility for all other GAA players to follow.
Maybe that will be the Glenflesk player's greatest legacy as the years go by.
Scór
Scór in East Kerry continues to enjoy success at the highest level, bringing 3 All-Ireland titles again in 2006, Glenflesk in Scór na nÓg, winning the Rince Foirne and Solo Singing titles and Spa in Scór Sinsir, winning a hat trick of titles in Set Dancing.
Scór na nÓg, 06-07, was a memorable occasion, with the final being run over two nights and seeing the re-entry of the Legion Club after many years absence in this competition. It is very heartening to see the hard work by parents, teachers and club Scór officers. Legion and Glenflesk entered all eight items – no mean achievement.
As usual the standard was extremely high and many of the non-prize winners would do us proud in an all-Ireland final. Congratulations to every boy and girl that competed and may you all reap the rewards of your distinguished talents in the years ahead.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish the two clubs representing the district, the best of luck tonight in the County Final. They are Glenflesk – in Rince Foirne, Solo Singing, Recitation, Ballad Group and Novelty Act and Kilcummin in the Set Dancing.
Ann Mangan
EKB Scór Officer
Minor Profiles
Name: Eoin Lawlor – Rathmore
Occupation: Student Rathmore Community School
Honours Won: 2 Senior and 1 under 16 Kerry Vocational Schools, E.K. Under 16, County Minor ‘B’ champ, Munster U-16 Voc. Schools, E.K. Under 21.
Toughest Opponent: Dáithí Ó’Sé
Biggest Influence on Career: Parents, Trainers, Friends
GAA Likes: Friends you make
GAA Dislikes: None
Favourites:
Player: Mike Frank
Venue: Fitzgerald Stadium, Croke Park
T.V. Prog: The Simpsons
Film: American Pie – Band Camp
Group: Snow Patrol
Socialising Spot: Rathmore!
Pastime: Playstation
Other Sports: Hurling, Soccer, Basketball
Other Sporting Heroes: Roy Keane, Eoin Kelly.
Ambition: Play senior football with Kerry and win an O’Donoghue Cup medal with Rathmore.
Name: Brian Russell - Spa
Occupation: Student
Honours Won: Munster Minor, Munster U16, Russell Cup, Dunloe Cup, Co. Minor League Div. 2
Toughest Opponent: Jamie Doolan
Biggest Influence on Career: Parents, Trainers,
GAA Likes: Facilities provided by GAA - An amateur organisation
GAA Dislikes: Lack of professional approach to preparation of teams
Favourites:
Player: Seamus Moynihan
Venue: Croke Park
T.V. Prog: Scrubs
Film: Saw 2
Group: Eminem
Socialising Spot: Spa GAA Club
Pastime: Golf, Swimming
Other Sports: Rugby and Soccer.
Other Sporting Heroes: Seamus Moynihan, Roy Keane
Sporting Ambition: Play senior with Kerry
Mol an Óige…EK. Minor Final 1998
Kilcummin 0-10 Dr. Crokes 0-9
As a starry-eyed 15 year old, Colm Cooper lined out for Dr. Crokes in the 1998 Minor final and, like many of his colleagues on that occasion, he will renew acquaintances with some of his opponents when the teams line up in today’s senior final.
Dr. Crokes, who kicked an amazing 20 wides during the course of the game got the better start going 3 points clear, but Kilcummin were soon level and it was score for score, until Donald Dwyer, after a seventy yards solo run, gave Kilcummin a 6 points to 5 halftime lead.
David O’Sullivan had denied Dr. Crokes with two fabulous saves in that first half but on the resumption he was lucky when Colm Cooper missed a great goal chance. 2 further points by Dwyer put Kilcummin 3 clear but from there to the end it was all Dr. Crokes and points by Cooper (2) and Kieran Cremin left just the minimum between the sides, before Cremin was out of luck when he hit the post with the last kick of the game.
Teams and Scorers: Kilcummin: David Fleming, Padraig Fleming, James Geaney, Danny Leane, Kevin Bruton (0-1), Michael Burke (0-1), Michael O’Sullivan, Ronán O’Connor, D.J. Fleming (0-2), Cha O’Doherty (0-1), Donald Dwyer (0-5), Stephen Looney, Sean Lenihan, Cors. O’Connor, Michael Hayes.
Dr. Crokes: Padraig Lyne, Lawrence O’Callaghan, Finian Moran, T.J. O’Sullivan, Shane Myers, James Cahallane, Brian McMahon, James Jones, Eoin Brosnan (0-1), David Looney, Kieran Cremin (0-4), Kieran Brosnan, Eanna Kavanagh (0-2), Brian O’Regan, Colm Cooper (0-2), Sub: Ambrose O’Donovan.
Kilcummin also defeated Dr Crokes to win that year’s Under 21 title.
Dr. Crokes V Kilcummin - Their last 2 meetings.
This is the first meeting of Dr. Crokes and Kilcummin in an O’Donoghue Cup final. However, since the demise of Glenflesk following their defeat of Dr. Crokes in the 2001 final, Kilcummin are the only team to have defeated the Killarney side in the O’Donoghue Cup competition.
In 2003 it took a replay to separate the sides at the semi-final stage. The first game was a rather controversial affair dominated by two incidents, one in each half. In the first Eoin Brosnan seemed to earn himself a penalty, the referee allowed play continue and Brosnan goaled to give his side a 1-5 to 0-7 halftime lead. In the second half James Cahallane was penalised and from the resultant penalty Eamon O’Donoghue tied the scores before the same player had two late pointed frees to tie the scores, 1-9 each.
In the replay a Michael McCarthy inspired Kilcummin side dominated for long periods, with all but one of Dr. Crokes scores coming from Colm Cooper, the last a goal, from Karl McMahon coming in the final moments. The winners led by 7 points to 4 at the break and went six clear at the three quarter stage before comfortably holding out against increased Crokes pressure to qualify for the final on a 0-12 to 1-6 scoretime.
Last year, also and the semi final stage, Kilcummin again upset the form book, though it must be said that the loss of Colm Cooper (tonsillitis) was a huge blow to the black and amber side. The sides were level on two points each after fifteen minutes but Padraig Kelly pointed Kilcummin into a lead they were never to surrender minutes later. At the break it was 6 points to 4 for the winners. Three good points from Ben Brosnan saw Kilcummin double this lead by the three-quarter stage. Kilcummin survived some scary moments thereafter to qualify for the final by three points, 0-12 to 0-9. Kilcummin subsequently lost the final to Rathmore by a single score, 0-8 to 0-7.
Player Profiles - Senior
John Devane – Kilcummin
Age: 20
Occupation: Carpenter
Senior Debut: 2003, County League Vs St. Mary’s.
Honours Won: East Kerry League, Moran Cup
Toughest Opponent: Kieran O'Donoghue
Biggest influence on career: Parents
GAA Likes: The socialising after games!
GAA Dislikes: Long playing year.
Favourites:
Players: Mike McCarthy and Seamus Moynihan
Referee: Donal Casey!
Venue: Fitzgerald Stadium
T.V. Prog: Killinascully
Film: Dirty Dancing
Singer/Group: Colcannon
Other Sports: Soccer
Pastime: Walking on the beach.
Socialising Spot: Corkerys, The Village Inn.
Most memorable sporting moment: Winning Moran Cup with St. Brendan’s.
Other Sporting Heroes: Jack O’Shea
Sporting Ambition: To win the O’Donoghue Cup
Ambrose O’Donovan – Dr. Crokes
Age: 23
Occupation: Trainee Garda
Senior Debut: 2001
Honours Won: 2 O’Donoghue Cup medals, 4 EK Under 21 medals, 2 County Leagues, 1 Munster League.
GAA Likes: Friends you make, the craic after games.
GAA Dislikes: No meaningful closed season.
Favourites:
Player: Johnny O’Sullivan
Venue: Pearse Stadium, Galway.
T.V. Prog: The Bill
Film: Gladiator
Singer/Group: U2
Other Sports: Rugby and Boxing
Pastime: Swimming
Socialising Spot: Mustangs and Jimmy O’Briens
Most memorable sporting moment: Winning my first O’Donoghue Cup medal in ’02.
Other Sporting Heroes: Ronan O’Gara
Sporting Ambition: To win an All Ireland Club title with Dr. Crokes
Michael O’Connor - An Appreciation
Michael O’Connor, former Kilcummin and Colleges star was called to his eternal reward at the young age of 45 just a few days before Kerry’s All Ireland triumph this year. Though it was known that he lay ill in a New York hospital for a number of months, his death still came as a shock to his community and friends. Michael was educated in Anablaha N.S. and subsequently in St Brendan’s College where he played all grades of football. He had a very successful period with Kilcummin at juvenile level winning a county Under 14 medal with the Firies/Kilcummin combination, St Patricks. Graduating to senior ranks, Michael starred in Kilcummin’s historic O’Sullivan Cup victory when he was universally acclaimed as the Man of the Match. As skilful a player as ever produced by the club he played in many an O’Donoghue Cup tie in the late seventies and early eighties before moving to Castleblayney to open his own business. Living in Cavan, he played in two county championship finals , the first with Ballinagh, and the second with Cavan Gaels. Though top scorer in both finals, defeat was his lot on each occasion.
He married Ballinagh woman, Cait Galligan from a family steeped in football - her father and brother both played for Cavan and they subsequently emigrated to the U.S. where they had two children, Pádraic and Derbhral. His son is now playing minor football in New York. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, children and family.
Dan Dwyer - Neighbour and Friend.
