Kanturk AFC wind up the year with annual awards ceremony

KANTURK AFC, which hosted their annual awards event last weekend, is flying high at the moment, with demand to join their non-competitive teams growing so rapidly they have had to already close registration for next season.

Club secretary Eileen Higgins told the Corkman that the 2016/17 season was a busy and productive one for the club. That began as far back as last August with a fundraiser for the Friends of Marymount Hospice when Cork City FC played Kanturk AFC in a very enjoyable game in Gurteenard.

Both FAI president Tony Fitzgerald and Cork City manager John Caulfield were at the game, which was very well supported. Subsequently a cheque for €1,950 was presented at Turners Cross before the Cork City V Shamrock Rovers game on September 16.

In December, the questions and answers session with Roy Keane was a sell-out at the Edel Quinn Hall. A booklet which was also printed for the event, sponsored by local businesses.

“The support was wonderful and we thank everyone who made this such a fantastic event. A cheque for €1,500 was presented to the Guide Dogs on behalf of Roy Keane,” Eileen Higgins said.

Games for the first half of the season went well, with both U13 and U15 teams performing well in the Cork Schoolboys League.

The season continued successfully for all competitive teams with the adult side retaining their position as a Premier A team, the U15s prevailing in their division and progressing up to Division 2, and also winning the Neil Welch Cup.

The U13’s, meanwhile, came second in their division and moved up to Division 4.

With phase one of the new pitch completed, the club needed further assistance with the next phase and applied for the Sports Capital Grant. They will know if their application in successful in September.

In January club members mourned the passing of Life President Jeremiah Lehane, who coached and supported the club over many years.

Aspel’s Spar is the club’s main sponsor for the 2016/2017 season, presenting the club with a donation and three sets of jerseys.

Gerry’s Car Wash also presented Johnny Lynch, manager of the adult team, with a set of jerseys while Michael Walsh Plumbing sponsored training tops for the junior team.

“We thank the committee, players, coaches, volunteers, parents and sponsors for all their help in making our club so successful,” Eileen Higgins added.

Damien Finn (Senior Team) received the Players Player of the Year Award, while Jack Cott (Senior Team) was presented with the Top Goal Scorer Award at the Kanturk AFC Awards Event in the Edel Quinn Hall.

The U15 team pictured with coaches Mattie O’Riordan, Neilus Higgins, Paul Nagle, and Paddy Hassett.

Right: Underage player Michael Browne received the Player’s Player of the Year Award, and also shared the joint Top Goal Scorer accolade with Danny Linehan.

Photos: Sheila Fitzgerald The U13 team who received their medals at the Kanturk AFC awards event pictured with coach Rafal Komonski.

The U7 and U8 teams who received their medals at the Kanturk AFC awards are pictured with coaches Kevin Aherne and Derek O’ Flynn.

Junior players Kane Desmond received the Top Goalscorer Award and Conor Massey the Best Defender accolade.

Evan and Ben Vicaire at the awards with their proud grandad Michael Wall, who is club chairman.