Mitchelstown CBS hope to end stellar year on a high

By John Harrington for GAA.ie

It’s always a good sign of a school if a former pupil returns to it as a teacher.

At the photo-call for the Masita Post Primary Schools All-Ireland Football and Hurling Finals, it was notable that many of the team mentors were former pupils themselves.

Most likely a combination of happy memories and a grá for Gaelic games as well as professional ambition drew them back to their old Alma Mater

Mitchelstown CBS teacher, Jason Walsh, was one of them, and there’s a nice circularity to his story.

He played on the Mitchelstown CBS team that won a Corn Risteard Ui Mhathuna Munster Senior Hurling ‘C’ title in 2004, and has now coached them to the first title in the grade since then 19 years later.

He’s not the only connection to that 2004 success. Willie Duggan was the manager back then and is also manager of this year’s team.

“Willie is leaving a real legacy,” says Walsh. “He’s done so much for the school, hurling-wise.

“There wasn’t even a hurling team until Willie set it up. I’d say it was back in the 1990s when he set up hurling in the school on his own and he’s been driving it ever since, fair play to him.

“There were days in my time hurling in the school when he’d be going to matches on his own with no help. He was the only teacher doing hurling and football at the time in the school. It’s a testament to him that he’s still doing it and still loves it.

“Being a former pupil and player and now being a teacher in the school and coaching the teams, of course it means a lot to me. It’s great to see the school doing well and around the community everyone is talking about it.

“You’re going to club matches at the weekend and fellas are asking you about it and talking to you about it so it’s great. It’s a real rural community so it’s very tight-knit, and even though it’s three different counties they really do have a love for the school, the clubs that are feeding into it. It’s exciting.”

It’s been a year of high achievement for Mitchelstown CBS who draw their pupils from Cork, Tipperary, and Limerick.

Not only have they reached an All-Ireland Hurling Final, they were also unfortunate to lose the Munster Senior ‘B’ football final to Abbey CBS.

They’ve had a hectic fixture schedule, but Walsh is happy they’re coming into Saturday’s All-Ireland Final against St. Mary’s Magherafelt in good shape, both physically and mentally.

“We’re going well to be fair,” he says. “It’s hard to get through playing Munster football and Munster hurling and getting to two finals and keep all the boys injury free but they are. They’re all in good nick and fit and ready for action.

“There’s a huge crossover between our football and hurling teams. You’d be talking 12 of the starters would be playing for both teams.

“It’s been an exciting year for us. Sometimes it can work to your advantage when you’re playing week in and week out but it can also take it’s toll on the body but thankfully our lads have done very well, we’re happy out with them.

“I actually think that losing the Munster football final might stand to them too. It’s tough to lose a Munster Final and I think they were a little bit nervous the last day at the start of the All-Ireland Hurling semi-final, they didn’t want to lose again, and the fear of losing can sometimes inhibit you.

“But, no, they seem to be mentally strong after losing the football. They’re mad to get down training again and push on again for the final.

“It would be great to get over the line and win it, especially as we’ve lost a good few finals in the last few years between football and hurling so it would be nice to bring some silverware to the school again.

“We won the Senior ‘C’ football a few years back as well in 2016 so it would be nice to go on now and also win a Senior ‘C’ hurling title.”

Saturday, March 18

Masita GAA Post Primary Schools Michael Cusack Cup (Senior Hurling ‘C’) Final

Mitchelstown CBS v St. Mary’s Magherafelt, GAA Centre of Excellence, Abbottstown, 2pm.

2023 Red FM Hurling Leagues launched

Pictured are, Grainne Murnane, Sale Director Red FM, and Marc Sheehan, Chairperson Cork Gaa with Fergus Lordan Courcey Rovers 2022 Red FM Divison 2 winners, Ciaran Cormack, Blackrock 2022 Red FM Division 1 winners and Denis Quinlan, Aghabullogue, 2022 Red FM Division 3 winners, at the launch of the 2023 Red FM Hurling Leagues, at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

 

Cork GAA are delighted to launch the 2023 Redfm Club Hurling Leagues.  With the arrival of spring, games have commenced throughout the county and clubs now look forward to a great league season. 

Speaking at the launch in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork GAA Chairperson Marc Sheehan said “I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clubs the very best ahead of the league season.  We look forward to welcoming fans to games and encourage all Cork GAA fans to support their local clubs.  Entry to club league games is free.” 

Marc Sheehan added, “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Redfm for their continued support.  There have been some tremendous games throughout the years, and we expect the same this year.” 

Commenting at the launch Redfm Sales Director Grainne Murnane said,” RedFM are delighted to be title sponsors of the Club Hurling League again this year.  We would invite everyone to get behind their local teams and enjoy what is always a great day out. We wish all the clubs the best of luck and we are looking forward to yet another great league.’

For further information at a list of fixtures please visit our league page. 

 

Pictured are, Kelly Kenny, Red FM, Red Patroller, Grainne Murnane, Sale Director Red FM and Marc Sheehan, Chairperson Cork Gaa with Fergus Lordan Courcey Rovers 2022 Red FM Divison 2 winners, Ciaran Cormack, Blackrock 2022 Red FM Division 1 winners, Denis Quinlan, Aghabullogue, 2022 Red FM Division 3 winners and Sarah Leahy, Red FM Red Patroller, at the launch of the 2023 Red FM Hurling Leagues, at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Cork GAA Head of Games Development – Job Opportunity

Cork GAA Head of Games Development

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and in excess of 500,000 playing participants at all levels. Inspired by its amateur status and supported by the voluntary efforts of all its members, the GAA devotes its entire resources to the development of Gaelic Games and Culture nationally and in local communities.

 

Applications are now welcome for the role of Head of Games Development in County Cork to work closely with the County Officers, including the County Chairperson, Secretary/CEO and Games Development Committee to implement the games development programmes in the county.

 

Role Summary

The Cork Head of Games Development will play a key leadership and management role working with the County Officers and Games Development Committee in discharging their responsibility for the implementation of games development activities at club, school and county levels, and implementing National Games Development Policy.

 

The role holder shall also act as secretary to the County Coaching and Games Development Committee and be a member of the County Coiste na Óg.

 

The role holder shall be required to work 39 hours per week, which will include weekends and evenings when required, and the hours may vary depending on seasonal changes.

 

Principle Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Management

  • Lead, manage and monitor the efficient and timely implementation of Association policies, strategies and programmes relating to coaching and games development in the county;
  • Drive growth and engagement across all Gaelic Games working closely with Camogie, LGFA, Handball and Rounders.

 

People Management 

  • Lead and manage a team of knowledgeable, qualified and motivated personnel at county level to include responsibility for performance management and employee development, and lead and support a team of Coach Developers in the county.

 

Leadership and Governance

  • Ensure compliance throughout the county with coaching and games development policies and funding criteria to achieve the highest standards in governance and delivery;
  • Build and support volunteer capacity and engagement across clubs and schools.

 

Financial Management

  • In conjunction with relevant county personnel and county officers, assist in the management of annual budgets, identification of additional revenue streams, and overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating the investment in Coaching and Games Development in the county.

 

 

Stakeholder Management

  • Work closely with the relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level;
  • Work effectively with all key stakeholders (National GAA, Province, County, Clubs, Schools, Third Level, etc) to grow participation and increase retention rates including LGFA and Camogie;
  • Develop, build, and maintain effective partnerships with key local internal and external stakeholders, partners, agencies, as well as Local Authorities.

 

Programme Management and Development

  • Oversee the development and implementation of:
  • Volunteer, coach and referee pathways in the county to ensure there is sufficient number of volunteers to support delivery of programmes;
  • Participation, retention, talent and high-performance pathways in the county in aligned with the Gaelic Games Player Pathway;
  • Inclusion and diversity programmes;
  • Formal and informal games programme in conjunction with relevant organising bodies ensuring they align with national standards for child, youth and adult levels in clubs and schools.

Other

  • The role holder is required to work and attending evening and weekend meetings/activities in line with business needs and undertake any other such projects or duties as deemed appropriate by their manager.

 

Experience and Skills

The successful candidate shall have:

  • At least 3-5 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);
  • Strong experience of managing people and building good team relationships;
  • Evident leadership, influencing and decision-making skills;
  • Excellent administrative and IT skills with a solid working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;
  • Proven organisational skills and demonstrable ability to effectively managing multiple projects and priorities, with a hands-on approach to getting things done;
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills that can motivate change;
  • Superb stakeholder management skills and experience of managing multiple projects to tight deadlines;
  • Clear and detailed knowledge and experience of the GAA’s coaching schemes and initiatives;
  • Demonstrable knowledge and experience of best-practice coaching, learning and development strategies and tools;
  • A strong interest in and understanding of Cork GAA.

 

Qualifications

Essential

  • A minimum Level 7 Degree (NFQ) in a relevant area;
  • Level 1 GAA Coaching Qualification.

 

Desirable

  • Qualified GAA coach education tutor;
  • GAA Child Safeguarding.

 

Other Requirements

  • Own car with a full clean driving licence;

 

Please note this role is subject to Garda Vetting.

 

Candidates interested in the above role should apply by sending an up-to-date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to info.munster@gaa.ie no later than 3pm on Wednesday March 29th

 

Munster GAA is an equal opportunities employer.

Health and Wellbeing Conference takes place

Cork GAA Health and Wellbeing Committee held its first conference in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Diarmuid Lester of the County Health & Wellbeing Committee, of UCC and Bishopstown, acted as Chairperson. 

The event was opened jointly by the Chairperson of Cork GAA Health&Wellbeing Committee Eoghan O’Connor and National Chairperson Janas Harrington (St.Finbarrs). 

Brid O’Dwyer Croke Park, Valerie Kirby Blarney Healthy Club, Claire Harrington St.Finbarrs Healthy Club, and Irene Murphy Bandon Healthy Club took part in a panel discussion. They shared inspiring stories of the activities of their club’s Healthy Club. Claire spoke as a founding club in 2013, Valerie on interaction with the local community and Irene outlined the Dermott Earley Leadership Programme. The discussion provided an opportunity for all present to learn about the activities of Healthy Clubs.

Professor Louise Crowley, UCC, and Bishopstown Healthy Club outlined the Bystander Intervention Programme. She explained the rationale behind the programme and how it empowers participants to better understand their role as pro-social bystanders. 

Our third presentation was on the topic  ‘GAA for All’. Diarmuid Lester hosted a discussion between Alan Craughwell of Mixed Ability Sports Ireland, Mairead Beausang of Midleton All Stars, Gerry McNamara Munster Wheelchair Hurling and Clonakilty’s Sinead Crowley on how to create a more inclusive and accessible environment sporting environment for people with additional needs as well as for mixed ability participants. 

Keith Ricken held an engaging one-on-one conversation with former Cork camogie player and professional soccer player Clare Shine. In the conversation, they discussed Clare’s career, from training/playing with fourteen different teams from Soccer to Camogie and Ladies Football. Clare outlined the challenges of having to choose between her sports and events from attending Irish soccer camp and getting permission to leave an international camp to play in an All-Ireland Senior Camogie final all in the same weekend.  She further outlined her journey into professional soccer, and the impact it had on her life. She told how alcohol and substance misuse affected her playing career and her personal life. In an insightful conversation, Clare shared how she successfully navigated difficult times and how she reached her own personal goals.

Cork Chairman Marc Sheehan brought the event to a close as he recognised the success of the event. He especially acknowledged the contributions of both Professor Louise Crowley and special guest Clare Shine. 

 

 

Cork overcome Wexford Challenge | Allianz HL DIV 1 GROUP A RD 4

Picture: George Hatchell

Allianz Hurling League Division One Group A Round Four

Cork 2-14 Wexford 0-18

Report from GAA.ie

Cork only led once but they did so at just the right time, Cormac Beausang’s 72nd-minute goal giving them the victory that clinches top spot in Division 1A and a place in the Allianz Hurling League semi-finals.

For all Cork’s intricate passing, it was two long balls that unlocked Wexford. Pádraig Power flicked to the net after the break, but his side still trailed until Jack O’Connor’s 70th-minute levelling point.

Then a Patrick Collins free caused further goalmouth chaos, with Séamus Harnedy kicking the ball into the path of Beausang who applied the finish.

It was hard to believe Wexford shipped 6-25 to Clare last week as they held Cork scoreless for the opening 20 minutes in greasy conditions at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

However, they will be left counting the cost of injuries down the spine of their team. Conor McDonald, Damien Reck, Liam Óg McGovern, and Matthew O’Hanlon all exited early, while Diarmuid O’Keeffe limped through the final 15 minutes at full-forward after Wexford had used up their allocation of subs.

O’Keeffe, on his return to the starting line-up, expertly dropped off to mop up all sorts of loose ball around his own 21. Darragh Egan also gave late starts to O’Hanlon and Lee Chin, both back from injury, while Kevin Foley was called on in the first half.

O’Hanlon added a sense of calm to the full-back line while Chin (0-9) knitted everything together with his neat and tidy short passing from centre-forward. He was also a key force in Wexford winning over three-quarters of their long puck-outs (7 out of 9) in the first half.

Chin had the first two points and set up another for Simon Donohoe. Corner-forward Rory Higgins provided the first line of defence, hooking and blocking Cork defenders for a score of his own and laying on another for Mikie Dwyer.

Dwyer had replaced McDonald, who was hampered by a heavily strapped right leg, but still produced a fine catch and score with his final involvement.

It left Wexford 0-6 to no-score ahead, while McGovern hit the side-netting when going for goal.

Declan Dalton had an early piledriver saved by James Lawlor, but his side had to wait for two Shane Kingston frees to open their account before Shane Barrett added their first from play in the 25th minute.

Cork cut the gap to two but their play remained riddled by errors and cheap turnovers as Wexford finished the stronger with a Chin free and Charlie McGuckin point off a short puck-out gone wrong. 0-10 to 0-6 at the break.

Pat Ryan resisted the urge to run the changes at half-time but with Harnedy, O’Connor, and Alan Cadogan all back on the bench after overcoming injuries, they were soon to follow.

Their puck-out malfunctioned again on the resumption, with Chin converting a free and intercepting another for Donohoe’s second point.

Wexford’s lead was six but it would be halved in the 45th minute. Lawlor saved from Conor Cahalane but when Barrett’s subsequent shot appeared to be dropping harmlessly wide, Power managed to reach out his hurley and divert it to the net, 0-13 to 1-7.

Harnedy created three points, two for Kingston and one for Barrett, as Cork narrowed to a point behind, although Collins saved well from Jack O’Connor.

With Chin keeping Wexford ticking over, there was no equaliser until the final minute of normal time when Cork’s O’Connor slotted an acute point.

After Beausang’s goal, there was still time for the Cork O’Connor to be sent off for a second yellow card and for one last goalmouth scramble, Conor Hearne’s effort flying over the bar.

Scorers for Cork: Shane Kingston 0-8 (7fs), Pádraig Power 1-1, Cormac Beausang 1-0, Shane Barrett 0-3, Brian Hayes and Jack O’Connor 0-1 each.

Scorers for Wexford: Lee Chin 0-9 (5fs), Rory Higgins, Simon Donohoe, and Mikie Dwyer 0-2 each, Charlie McGuckin, Conor McDonald, and Conor Hearne 0-1 each.

Cork: Patrick Collins; Niall O’Leary, Eoin Downey, Eoin Roche; Ethan Twomey, Ciarán Joyce, Tommy O’Connell; Brian Roche, Luke Meade; Declan Dalton, Conor Cahalane, Shane Barrett; Shane Kingston, Pádraig Power, Brian Hayes.

Subs: Séamus Harnedy for Dalton (46), Jack O’Connor for Hayes (46), Rob Downey for Meade (48), Cormac Beausang for Twomey (66), Alan Cadogan for Power (70+1).

Wexford: James Lawlor; Matthew O’Hanlon, Simon Donohoe, Shane Reck; Ian Carty, Damien Reck, Connal Flood; Diarmuid O’Keeffe, Cathal Dunbar; Conor Hearne, Lee Chin, Charlie McGuckin; Liam Óg McGovern, Conor McDonald, Rory Higgins.

Subs: Mikie Dwyer for McDonald (14 inj), Kevin Foley for D Reck (34 inj), Jack O’Connor for McGovern (44 inj), Rory O’Connor for Higgins (53), David Clarke for O’Hanlon (60 inj).

Referee: Seán Cleere (Kilkenny).