Thomas Russells recognised with Rebel Óg award
2016 has been a hugely successful year for Thomas Russells with three county titles collected. Such prominence merited a talented bunch of players the monthly recipients of the Cork Rebel Óg GAA Award at a function in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel.
Russells are the juvenile wing of Kilshannig GAA club, comprising the villages of Bweeng, Dromahane, Glantane and Lombardstown. The achievements of the present teams are a tribute and reward to those people who keep the flag flying, encouraging the players to continue to develop and improve as hurlers and footballers.
Success surfaced in Minor A Football, Russells bettered Wolfe Tones, Boherbue and Fermoy to claim North Cork honours. That placed Kilshannig against St Vincent’s in a county quarter final and claim a comfortable win to set up another clash against Fermoy in the penultimate hurdle. Once again, a tight game ensued with Kilshannig proving the better side on a one point victory.
O’Donovan Rossa provided the opposition in a county final, level at half time, 0-6 each, the second half saw Kilshannig gain the upper hand but O’Donovan Rossa fought to the death as expected. At the full time whistle, Kilshannig had claimed a 0-17 to 0-13 victory, the first ever Minor A football championship in Thomas Russell’s Kilshannig club’s history.
Manager Anthony Brennan paid tribute to a superb team effort from a dedicated bunch of players.
“The boys trained hard since January, put in the effort and thankfully got their rewards. Almost all the lads are dual players with us reaching both A championship finals in North Cork, winning the A league hurling title was a superb finish to a memorable year,” he said.
Trainer Patrick O’Connell spoke of a special occasion for a great club. “Eveybody is very proud of the lads’ great ability and attitude. Hopefully we can build on this win and progress further in the coming years at adult level,” he said.
The winning innings continued, a first success for the Thomas Russells at Premier 2 U-16 football level. Very competitive, with tight games and quality opposition, to be able to compete with the bigger clubs is seen as very encouraging and obviously, the club hopes that the lads will continue to progress and develop. With rural teams, success at underage level can be a huge help in keeping players together and Kilshannig are hopeful of building on their success at minor level.
The triumphant run saw Thomas Russells better Valley Rovers,
Kilshannig winners of the Rebel Óg Monthly award to acknowledge minor and U16 Football and Hurling championship and league titles at a function in the Clayton Silver Springs Hotel. Included are Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Cathaoirleach Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District; Norina O’Callaghan, Sales & Marketing Manager with Clayton Hotel Silver Springs (main sponsors); Jack Kearney, Minor Football captain; Adam Sheehan, U-16 Hurling captain; Kevin Cummins, Award Sponsor; Ger Lane, Chairman Cork County Board, John Purcell, Chairman Coiste na nÓg; Colm O’Sullivan, Red FM (media partner); Gavin Spillane, Irish Examiner; Cian O’Brien, PRO Coiste na nÓg; Richard Murphy, Development Officer Cork GAA Board, Eoghan O’Connor, Treasurer Coiste na nÓg, and Jim Healy,
Ilen Rovers, St Finbarr’s and Carberry Rangers.
And at U-16 A hurling, Kilshannig had a superb year, winning both league and championship in Rebel Óg North. Into a county semi-final, they defeated Cloughduv to progress to a decider against Sam Maguires ending all square and in the replay, Sam Maguires were worthy winners, however, as Rebel Óg North league winners, Kilshannig qualified for the county league final. Again Kilshannig faced Sam Maguires and on this occasion, the Russells upped their performance to emerge worthy winners.