Victories and anniversaries

THERE was a double celebration in Meelin last week when St Mark’s and St Peter’s Clubs held their victory social and St Mark’s celebrated its 30th anniversary as a club.

The huge crowd attending the event was welcomed by St Mark’s Chairman Kieran Linehan, who also acted as MC for the evening. Eugene O’ Sullivan, Meelin Club Chairman, also welcomed everyone and outlined the background of St. Mark’s and how it was founded 30 years ago.

Medals were presented to each group of players by famed Cork player and All Ireland Champion Lorcán McLoughlin, who congratulated all the teams on their achievements during the year.

“Focus on improving your skills, aspire to be the best that you can, and I wish you all the very best for the coming season” Lorcán said.

2019 has been an extremely successful year for both St Mark’s and St Peter’s, winning 13 competitions along the way across all age groups.

Kieran Linehan paid tribute to everyone for their fantastic work both during the year and in organising the celebration event.

“Thanks to all the club members who worked to make this happen, as well as all those who helped this evening, the parents who brought so much food, and our special guest Lorcán McLoughlin” he said.

The St Mark’s Juvenile Club was founded in 1989 and this 30th anniversary was a key part of the event on Saturday night.

Several of the players from the very first St Mark’s victory attended, and Liam O’Flynn, selector in 1989, introduced the team and mentors to the audience.

These mentors included Liam O’Flynn, Timmie Joe O’Sullivan, John Murphy and Ted Linehan.

In 1989 members of Freemount and Meelin GAA clubs met in Meelin Hall to discuss the potential of an amalgamation of the two clubs at juvenile level.

At that time, Freemount played at U18 level with Millstreet, while Meelin played with Newmarket (as St Josephs).

Those involved in the early meetings included Donal O’Connor, Eugene O’Sullivan, Bridie Murphy, Timmie Joe O’ Sullivan, Vincent Fehin, Jim O’Regan, Noel O’Doherty, Dáithí Burke and John Murphy.

The agreement was to amalgamate at U12, U14 and U16 levels.

The newly formed St Mark’s U12 hurlers defeated Banteer U12s.

At the time, Banteer had been all-conquering and were heading for their 10th straight Duhallow U12 hurling title.

But the ‘new kids on the block’ from St Mark’s stepped in and stopped the 10-in-a-row from happening.

At that match, a tremendous late goal from an overhead pull by Danny Murphy defeated Banteer and brought the first of much silverware to St Mark’s club.

Also that year, the U16s were defeated in the Duhallow final by Kanturk.

The new amalgamation extended to the U18 Team from 1991 onwards and, as they say, “the rest is history”!

St Peter’s, who were the 2018 U18 Football County champions. With Paudie Murphy, Pat Buckley and Cork star Lorcán McLoughlin.

All photos by Sheila Fitzgerald Some of the 1989 U12 St Mark’s players, along with some of the founding members of St Mark’s in 1989.

All photos by Sheila Fitzgerald. The St Mark’s founding members from 1989 cutting the birthday cake at the 30th anniversary celebration in Meelin Community Centre. Included are Liam O’Flynn (selector of the first victorious team), John O’Flynn, Ted Linehan (selector of the first victorious team), Bridie Murphy, Noel O’Doherty, John Murphy and Timmie Joe O’ Sullivan.

Brothers Daniel and John Dineen received their medals.

Brothers Oran, Ewan and Fionn Murphy from Rockchapel received their medals at the function.