Kanturk & Knocknagree hold joint celebration in a ‘return match’
KANTURK and Knocknagree remain jubilant after a memorable campaign yielded All Ireland honours in Croke Park.
Now Duhallow is being labelled the home of Cork football and hurling, and it’s easy to see why given the outpouring of joy and celebrations over the past two weeks. Last weekend, the two clubs marked the double achievement with a special get together in Knocknagree.
No ordinary meeting, players, managements and club officers dressed up to the nines for a historic celebration with the hall glistening in silverware following a triumphant path to the promised land. Indeed, their journey to Croke Park earned Kanturk and Knocknagree formal recognition as the best clubs in the land in their respective grades.
Knocknagree club chairman Jeremiah Moynihan credited a most honest and dedicated team, and said the management left no stone unturned and the work paid off.
“It’s fair to say 2017/18 has been an incredible journey. Before Christmas we visited Kanturk to celebrate Munster championship titles won by the two clubs and Kanturk promised to return when the two All Ireland titles were added - they’ve made the return trip to Knocknagree, keeping to their word”, he said.
“It’s been terrific, the amount of goodwill and messages to Knocknagree, both prior and in the aftermath of the All Ireland final, has been overwhelming”, said Jeremiash.
Likewise, Kanturk chairman Tom O’Callaghan was in upbeat form after a relentless drive and a 16 game unbeaten run saw county football and hurling honours obtained before a joyous passage to Munster and All Ireland hurling silverware.
“For the two clubs to come together is a historic occasion and a fitting salute to rewarding campaigns for both Knocknagree and Kanturk,” he said.
“There has been an outpouring of goodwill towards our win, the All Ireland Cup visiting schools, creches, hospital and retirement homes in Boherbue and Newmarket.”
A party atmosphere continued in Knocknagree, which was no surprise given that two of the players, Patrick Doyle and Chris White, delayed their 21st birthday celebrations until after the All Ireland final.
Meanwhile, Kanturk GAA will hold a victory function in the Killarney Oaks Hotel on this Friday night. And another note for the diary is Saturday, March 24 for the Knocknagree celebration at the INEC in Killarney.