Kanturk earn Munster Club of the Year accolade
FORMAL recognition as the best club in the province saw Kanturk saluted at the Munster GAA Awards at a gala function in the Fota staging last Saturday night.
Their relentless march secured a county championship double followed by a Munster hurling title. In football, Kanturk overcame Mitchestown, Rockchapel, Glanworth, and Kildorrery to book a place in the Cork IFC final against Mitchelstown. From a competitive battle, crucially Kanturk upped their level of performance to kick five unanswered points to secure the title.
A consistent run continued in hurling, victories over Castlelyons, Charlevile twice and Ballinhassig saw Kanturk reach the decider and better the ferocious challange of neighbours Mallow. Into the Munster campaign St Mary’s (Clonmel) and Ballyduff (Kerry) were overcome before Clare champions Kilmaley were defeated in the provincial final to allow Kanturk added another piece of silverware.
A once in a life time season was capped with All Ireland IHC quarter final victory over Kilburn Gaels in Ruislip to complete a 14-game unbeaten run from 2017.
Elsewhere, Blarney’s Mark Coleman consistency of performance earned Senior Hurler of the Year. From potential evident since his teen’s days with his club, local post primary school and the Cork development squads, Coleman produced the goods big time in 2017 for Cork at senior and u21 level. His reading of the game, distribution of the ball to attack, point scoring and his sublime sideline cuts were a joy to watch.
The potential of the Cork star was recognised later in the year when he was selected on the PwC All-Star Hurling team for 2017 in addition being a nominee’s for young hurler of the year.
A great run by Cork minors earned Brian Turnbull the Minor Hurler of the Year Award. Helping Douglas to numerous championship titles since his underage days, his point taking from play and frees are clearly trait of a potential great forward .
Turnbull’s potential was further recognised on selection on the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Hurling Team of the Year.
No surprise on Kieran Kingston’s selection as Manager of the Year. Taking over the reins as manager of the Cork senior hurlers in 2016, he introduced new blood into his team for 2017 after a difficult previous season.
From an encouraging Allianz league campaign featuring a new freshness to the team, Cork entered the Munster Senior Hurling Championship with optimism and delivered three outstanding performances to regain provincial honours. Under the tutelage of Kingston, Cork were a joy to watch with their energy, work rate, freshness and skill delighting supporters.