Minor hurling trophy named in honour of Freemount official Denis Carroll

Dromtariffe 2-26 Freemount 2-10 Newmarket 2-9 Cullen 1-11 THE North Cork Rebel Óg Minor B Hurling championship is enhanced on the launch of a new trophy that remembers Freemount native Denis Carroll. His unexpected death whilst on a family holiday to Sydney in 2015 left his native Freemount and beyond stunned and saddened.

One of the most esteemed and progressive members of the farming fraternity within Duhallow, Denis enriched every organisation and club he was linked. Outside of agriculture, dairy and community groups, he rendered monumental service to Freemount GAA, his integrity and exemplary character to the fore on representing his club to the Duhallow Junior Board, Duhallow Bord na nOg, Rebel Og North Cork and County Board.

A dedicated player, one of his last games for the club on the return of Freemount to Duhallow division was the 1975 divisional JAHL Final against Meelin.

Denis made a huge contribution to Freemount, St Marks and Duhallow GAA, played for many years with Freemount, served as Club Secretary in 1974 and Chairman from 1989 to 1991. He also served as selector on various Freemount teams over the years including the Duhallow JAHC winning teams in 1997/8, 2000/1.

Subsequently, Denis was the Freemount delegate to Duhallow and County Boards, at underage level, he served as local underage Chairman from 1995 to 2003 and selectors to many St. Marks teams. One of his proudest moments was part of a team management to a St. Marks side that landed a Co. Minor A Hurling League title in 2003.

Earlier Denis figured as a selector to a Duhallow team to win the rural section of the 2002 Premier Co. MHC at the expense of Valley Rovers before going under to Glen Rovers in the county final proper.

North Cork Rebel Óg Chairman Seán McAulliffe thanked both the Carroll family and Freemount club for the presentation of a trophy to underage hurling.

”The late Denis occupied positions in practically every capacity to Freemount GAA and across the community. Denis was a member of the GPC to the Duhallow Juvenile Board and in latter years involved in the CCC to the Rebel Óg in North Cork in addition to participating in so many organisations in the local community and beyond,” said the Chairman.

“With a magnificent new trophy and the involvement of Abbey Print from Charleville as sponsors, it all adds to the prestige of the minor hurling championship,” said Mr. McAulliffe.