Launch of McCarthy Insurance Group Club Football Championship

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23/07/2024.
Pictured are, Dylan Byrne, St. Finbarrs, David Buckley, Newcestown, Pat Horgan, Chairperson Cork Gaa, Mark Collins, Castlehaven, Brendan Harrington, CEO McCarthy Insurance Group, Sean O Forrèigh, Cill Na Martra, and John Corkery, Aghabullogue, at the McCarthy Insurance Group 2024 Cork Club Football Championship launch, at SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan.

 

Launch of the 2024 McCarthy Insurance Group Club Football Championships

Cork County Board is pleased to welcome McCarthy Insurance Group as the title sponsor of the 2024 Cork county football championships. The 2024 season was launched today at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The McCarthy Insurance Group Football Championships will commence on Friday next, as the national football championship draws to a close we look forward to a tremendous club season. With almost thirty matches this weekend, the county championships offer a true festival of football, culminating in county finals in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh later this Autumn.

Commenting at the launch, Brendan Harrington, CEO, of McCarthy Insurance Group said, “Following the success of the McCarthy Insurance Group Football Leagues we are delighted to now sponsor the football championships.  We look forward to the season of games ahead and wish all the teams and their supporters the very best of luck”.

 

County Chairperson Pat Horgan noted, “It is a pleasure to welcome McCarthy Insurance Group as the new sponsor of our Club Football Championships, we look forward to to a successful season of games throughout the City and County”.

With the McCarthy Insurance Group County Football Championships commencing this weekend, we look forward to what will be another exciting season for all involved. Tickets are now available online, as well as Rebels Online season passes, please visit gaacork.ie for fixtures, tickets, and further information.

All-Ireland SHC Final: Clare win epic encounter

Image: George Hatchell
Copyright applies

All Ireland SHC Final

Clare 3-29 Cork 1-34

By Cian O’Connell

One of the greatest ever All-Ireland SHC deciders, eventually concluded with Tony Kelly climbing the Hogan Stand steps to collect the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

A compelling contest, that raged with intensity from first whistle until last, ended in a Clare triumph. Defiant until the bitter end, Brian Lohan’s charges prevailed.

Cork brought similar industry and passion, but Clare, inspired by the brilliance of captain Kelly, triumphed.

Kelly’s 1-4 was crucial for Clare, who overcame a shaky start to earn a first All-Ireland since 2013. Eleven years ago against the same opposition Kelly starred, and on this occasion some of his imaginative interventions decided a game for the ages.

Where do you start? Cork’s blistering opening? Clare’s gritty revival? Kelly’s genius? Patrick Horgan’s ice cool composure? John Conlon’s leadership? Those were only some of the issues peppering the conversations before extra-time. Then further drama unfolded.

A burst of four points without reply in the second period of extra-time carried significant weight. It was sufficient to get Clare over the line. Just about because Cork posed questions in the dying embers themselves. Clare stayed resourceful and resilient.

Initially, everything was going so smoothly for Cork. Inside 15 minutes Cork had struck nine shots, accumulating 1-8. It was razor sharp stuff from Pat Ryan’s team, who led 1-8 to 0-4 following Mark Coleman’s splendid point.

The goal, a sensational effort, from Rob Downey had arrived in the 12th minute. Downey gathered a Clare puck out before embarking on a mammoth run from deep, the finish was equally sweet.

Cork’s blistering beginning was reflected on the scoreboard, 1-7 to 0-3. Aidan McCarthy and Coleman traded scores, and it was subsequently Clare’s turn to enjoy a productive spell.

Clare’s mission was boosted by a 17th minute McCarthy major following inventive work by Shane O’Donnell, who manufactured space. O’Donnell rifled over a couple of points and David Fitzgerald trimmed the deficit to the minimum 1-8 to 1-7 in the 22nd minute.

Horgan drilled over a couple of frees as Cork pulled three clear again, but Clare were gutsy. McCarthy, Rodgers, and David Reidy all nailed points to edge the Banner in front on the cusp of half-time.

Darragh Fitzgibbon mustered a reply to ensure the teams departed deadlocked, 1-12 each at the interval. Gripping it most certainly was.

After the restart it remained keenly contested and thrilling, in equal measure. A gorgeous Tim O’Mahony point steered Cork 1-15 to 1-14 ahead, but then Clare pounced.

Mark Rodgers’ supplied a splendid 40th minute goal, but Cork were back trading on terms, 2-14 to 1-17, as Alan Connolly and O’Mahony struck points.

Reidy and Horgan swapped scores ensuring the teams were level again, 2-15 to 1-18, when Kelly returned to centre stage. Kelly’s third goal was a perfect cocktail of skill and speed in the 51st minute.

Four of the next five points were scored by Cork with Séamus Harnedy restoring parity on 58, but it ebbed and flowed. Fitzgerald, Rodgers, substitute Ryan Taylor, and Diarmuid Ryan contributed scores for Clare, who were 3-20 to 1-23 clear with six minutes of normal time left.

Horgan (free) and Coleman trimmed the deficit once more. With the issue delicately poised, Horgan slotted over a pressure free. It continued to blaze, though, as Kelly fired over a remarkable over the shoulder point to nudge Clare one to the good. Cork needed a response with Horgan clipping the equaliser, 3-21 to 1-27 meaning extra-time was necessary.

Reinforcements were required with substitutes Ian Galvin and Shane Kingston swapping points. Aidan McCarthy, who returned to the fray for Clare, put Clare ahead, but Coleman and Kingston replied. It was that sort of encounter with the teams deadlocked, 3-25 to 1-31 at the end of the first period of extra-time.

Robbie O’Flynn guided Cork into the lead, but then a crucial spell occurred. McCarthy (2), Kelly, and Shane Meehan thumped over vital points for Clare. During that stint O’Flynn had a goal attempt thwarted by Eibhear Quilligan too.

In the closing seconds Horgan rifled over two frees, and O’Flynn sent a last gasp effort narrowly wide as Clare, with Conor Leen effective, held out for an immensely satisfying success. Within seconds Lohan was being chaired by members of his backroom. It is an image Clare supporters will cherish forever.

Scorers for Clare: Aidan McCarthy 1-7 (3fs, 1 65), Tony Kelly 1-4, Mark Rodgers 1-3, Diarmuid Ryan and David Fitzgerald 0-3 each, Shane O’Donnell, David Reidy and Peter Duggan (1 sideline) 0-2 each, Shane Meehan, Ian Galvin, and Ryan Taylor 0-1 each.

Scorers for Cork: Patrick Horgan 0-12 (10fs), Séamus Harnedy 0-4, Rob Downey 1-0, Mark Coleman and Tim O’Mahony 0-3 each, Shane Barrett, Darragh Fitzgibbon Brian Hayes, and Shane Kingston 0-2 each, Robbie O’Flynn, Eoin Downey, Ciarán Joyce, and Alan Connolly 0-1 each.

Clare: Eibhear Quilligan; Conor Leen, Adam Hogan, Conor Cleary; Diarmuid Ryan, John Conlon, David McInerney; Tony Kelly, Cathal Malone; Peter Duggan, Shane O’Donnell, David Fitzgerald; Mark Rodgers, Aidan McCarthy, David Reidy.

Subs: Darragh Lohan for Malone (37-38), Ryan Taylor for McCarthy (55), Ian Galvin for Reidy (59), Aron Shanagher for Duggan (66), Darragh Lohan for Cleary (70+1), Robin Mounsey for Rodgers (70+3), Aidan McCarthy for Mounsey (ET), Cian Galvin for Ryan (80), Shane Meehan for O’Donnell (80), Seadna Morey for Malone (87).

Cork: Patrick Collins; Niall O’Leary, Eoin Downey, Seán O’Donoghue; Mark Coleman, Ciarán Joyce, Rob Downey; Tim O’Mahony, Darragh Fitzgibbon; Declan Dalton, Shane Barrett, Séamus Harnedy; Brian Hayes, Alan Connolly, Patrick Horgan.

Subs: Shane Kingston for Hayes (43-47), Ethan Twomey for Dalton (48), Jack O’Connor for Connolly (64), Shane Kingston for Barrett (66), Robbie O’Flynn for Harnedy (68), Tommy O’Connell for R Downey (70+4), Ger Mellerick for O’Donoghue (79), Damien Cahalane for O’Leary (HT, ET), Luke Meade for O’Mahony (85).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).

REBELS’ RETURN PLANNED FOR MONDAY AT SUPERVALU PÁIRC UÍ CHAOIMH

 

REBELS’ RETURN PLANNED FOR MONDAY AT SUPERVALU PÁIRC UÍ CHAOIMH

Live music event to acknowledge fans at the end of a remarkable season

 Rebels’ Return will be a live, family-friendly event at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Monday 22nd July to acknowledge the unshakeable support of Cork hurling fans throughout 2024.

The stellar line-up of Cork music and entertainment is being organised by Cork GAA and Cork City Council, with support from Cork’s RedFM.

This will be an opportunity for Cork fans to thank the team for their efforts throughout this season, and start the road back to Croke Park for next year.

Amongst the artists performing on the stage at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh will be;

  • The Frank and Walters
  • John Spillane
  • J90
  • Myles Gaffney

KC from RedFM will act as MC for the evening.

The event will be fully ticketed and alcohol-free. Tickets cost €4 per person, and will be available from 8pm this evening, Sunday July 21st via www.ticketmaster.ie. You can click here to view the ticket sale page

Doors open at 4:30pm tomorrow, Monday July 22nd. While Rebels’ Return is designed to appeal to all ages, parents should note that for reasons of safety, buggies cannot be accommodated at the stadium and u16s will not be allowed onto the pitch.

Cork GAA and Cork City Council hope in particular that younger fans who were unable to travel to Dublin for the All Ireland final will have a chance to savour some of the All Ireland atmosphere.

Kevin O’Donovan, CEO of Cork GAA said, “The result may not have gone our way today, but we are so proud of Pat Ryan’s team for what they have achieved. Rebels Return will be an event for our incredible fan base. They have been with us throughout this year, in the rain and the sun, cheering from their homes, and painting the county the Rebel red. Let’s close this chapter in style, and start working on the next.”

The Rebels’ Return will also be streamed live via Cork GAA’s streaming platform, Rebels Online. The stream will be accessible free of charge, and around the world.

The Cork Senior Hurling Team to play Clare has been announced;

1.Patrick Collins, Ballinhassig.
2.Niall O’ Leary, Castlelyons.
3.Eoin Downey, Glen Rovers.
4.Sean O’ Donoghue, Inniscarra (c).
5.Ciaran Joyce, Castlemartyr.
6.Robert Downey, Glen Rovers.
7.Mark Coleman, Blarney.
8.Tim O Mahony ,Newtownshandrum.
9.Darragh Fitzgibbon, Charleville.
10.Declan Dalton, Fr.O Neill’s.
11.Shane Barrett ,Blarney.
12.Seamus Harnedy ,St. Ita’s.
13.Patrick Horgan ,Glen Rovers.
14.Alan Connolly, Blackrock.
15.Brian Hayes ,St. Finbarr’s.
16.Brion Saunderson, Midleton.
17.Damien Cahalane, St. Finbarr’s.
18.Ger Millerick, Fr. O’Neill’s.
19.Tommy O Connell,Midleton.
20.Luke Meade ,Newcestown.
21.Ethan Twomey, St.Finbarr’s.
22.Conor Lehane ,Midleton.
23.Jack O Connor ,Sarsfields.
24.Shane Kingston, Douglas.
25.Padraig Power ,Blarney.
26.Robbie O’ Flynn, Erin’s Own.
Extra Panel Members
Conor Cahalane, St. Finbarr’s.
Eoin Roche, Bride Rovers.
Cormac O’ Brien, Newtownshandrum.
Sean Twomey, Courcey Rovers.
Brian Roche, Bride Rovers.
Ben Cunningham ,St Finbarr’s.
Cathal McCarthy, Sarsfields.
Conor O’Callaghan ,Dromtariffe.
Daire O’Leary, Watergrasshill.
Eoin Carey, Kilworth.
Micheal Mullins, Whitechurch.
Robbie Cotter, Blackrock.

Second episode in Born to play series

 

Our official sponsors, Sports Direct, have put together a special three-part series highlighting what it means to be a Rebel. Cork, a county unlike any other, is deeply rooted in GAA history throughout both city and county.

 

As we gear up for the All-Ireland Hurling Final on July 21st, we’ll be revisiting each episode over the next three days. Today, we present the second episode.

 

#RebelsAbu #BornToPlay #RebelsRising