So many pivotal events occured in Cork this time one hundred years ago
At the turn of the millennium Rockchapel won back to back All-Ireland Club football titles. John Tarrant recalls those heady days for the north Cork club
ONE hundred years ago so many pivotal events in the War of Independence were happening right here in the County of Cork.
These were significant occurrences, from the Dripsey Ambush on January 28th, 1921 that led to six fatalities; the Mallow Railway Shooting on January 31st that saw the loss of three railway workers, and the Drishanebeg Train Ambush on 11 February, which saw the loss of two lives. February 15th saw eleven fatalities (3 Volunteers and 8 Civilians) arising from the Upton Train Ambush and a further four fatalities occurred as a result of the Mourneabbey ambush on the very same day.
Occurring on 20 February 1921, was the Clonmult Ambush in East Cork, which saw the loss of life of 14 Volunteers – the greatest loss of Republican life at any one engagement during the War of Independence. The local Clonmult Commemoration Committee has undertaken noteworthy work in promoting this event, which featured on RTÉ Nationwide last week and their facebook page contains many further details.
February 25th saw the Cúl na Catharach Ambush near Baile Bhuirne, which incurred three fatalities. Regarding this pivotal Ambush, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Cork County Council has produced a story map titled ‘Ambush at Coolnacaheragh, West Cork, Ireland: A story of conflict and sacrifice in the Irish War of Independence, 25 February 1921’.
The Story Map sets out the historical context of the ambush and provides information on how the ambush site was selected, the ambush strategy and how the ambush unfolded. The Story Map includes historical photographs, interactive mapping and links to further reading and resources, as well as a noteworthy vignette of Irish film history.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the launch, marking this important time in our history; “100 years ago, County Cork was heavily involved the Irish War of Independence. Marking this centenary, this story map will help us to remember this historic event and will raise awareness of the ambush at Coolnacaheragh, both locally and internationally.
“While we look forward to a time when we can commemorate together in person and across the many historic locations in County Cork, this online resource provides us all with a way to engage with our rich history from home”.
To see this story map and many more visit www.tii.ie.
The upcoming month of March, just around the corner will see many more notable War of Independence centenaries including the Clonbannin Ambush of March 5th that witnessed four fatalities, a house raid in Nadd on March 10th that saw a further
four fatalities, and the internationally studied Battle of Crossbarry, that saw the loss of life of 13 men, 3 of whom were Volunteers. The engagement at Crossbarry is considered one of the largest, if not the largest, of the entire War of Independence.
County Cork over the course of that year, and almost entirely prior to the Truce in July 1921, saw over 20 ambushes and over 30 assassinations and executions, including the first officially sanctioned execution in Ireland under Martial Law.
There were house raids, barracks attacks, disappearances, rescues and close to 100 Shootings - some of which were accidental but nonetheless resulted in tragic loss of life.
In total, over 250 people in the County of Cork – men, women and children, on both sides of the conflict and on none – lost their lives due to the War of Independence that year.
Today, groups around the County are undertaking the most commendable of projects and undertakings to remember this period in the County’s and indeed in Ireland’s history.
Many undertakings have been supported by Cork County Council under the 2020 County Cork Commemorations Grant Scheme including a recent publication on the Drishanebeg Train Ambush, a book on the Mourneabbey Ambush and an upcoming publication on the Dripsey Ambush.
More information on commemorative projects and undertakings is available
to see on the commemorations section of www.corkcoco.ie and a full list of events that occurred during the War of Independence, as they relate to County Cork, is available to see on the upcoming heritage events page of the website.
Reads Day
Covid-19 has prevented commemorative gatherings on the ground but is is wonderful to see a number of online talks and many new publications, including those just mentioned. For those with an interest in reading, it will be of interest to many that February 25th is Ireland Reads Day, quite simply a new National Day to celebrate reading.
As a public libraries initiative, in partnership with publishers, booksellers, authors and others under the Government’s ‘ Keep Well’ campaign, people are encouraged to pick up and read a book on the day – indeed it is good practice for our wellbeing to pick up a book on many days. Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service has been promoting the day widely and for more information visit www. irelandreads.ie.
Short Story Competition
There are many readers amongst us, as too, there are many writers.
Those who write to tell a story may be interested in the recent announcement by Cork County Council of the Annual ‘From the Well’ Short Story Competition, which is run each year by the Council’s Library and Arts Service.
This highly regarded literary competition is now in its 17th year and is open to registered library members who are over 18. Twenty stories will be selected for inclusion in the 17th edition of the From the Well short story anthology, while the winning story and two others will feature in the 2021 West Cork Literary Festival.
Mayor of the County of Cork welcomed the opening of submissions saying, “We are a community of storytellers and wordsmiths, and the richness of life in County Cork is a great source of pride, solidarity and inspiration. The ‘From the Well’ anthology is one way that we recognise and respect the great writers among us.
“I wish all entrants the best of luck in the competition and every success in their future creative endeavours.”
Applications can be submitted online through www.yourcouncil.ie before the closing date of Thursday 1st April at 4:00 p.m. and for further information about the competition, contact Cork County Council’s Arts Office by emailing arts@corkcoco.ie.
Year of Rail
At present much of our reading is being undertaken at home, or at least
within 5km of our homes but it is nice to cast the net of our mind back to those stand out times when we enjoyed a good read or book.
Whether it be reading a book camping or at the beach many people would have their own memorable recollections, particularly the enjoyment of a good book on a train journey. While such journeys are impacted at present, 2021 has been marked as the European Year of Rail throughout the EU.
On 1 January, 2021, the European Commission launched a website providing further information on the initiative, as well as an overview of planned activities. Various events, projects and activities across the EU will highlight the many dimensions of rail – from Europe’s world-leading, innovative rail industry, to rail’s role in European culture and heritage, its importance for connecting regions, people and businesses, its part in sustainable tourism, as well as its involvement in the EU’s relations with neighbouring countries.
The Commission’s legislative agenda will also reflect the European Year of Rail, with proposals on a new rail industrial partnership, better links for rail with other modes of transport, and making freight transport more sustainable overall, as outlined in the Commission’s recently adopted Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. You can find more information on the website: https://europa.eu/year-ofrail/get-involved_en.
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Is restored to consciousness (5,5) Director (5) Dresses (7) Illumination source (3,5) Ring of light (4)
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Pipe (6) Stripe (6) Urban area (4) Be unhappy (4,4) Arranged (7) Fireplace (5) Attractive in snapshots (10)
Down
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3. Envelop (6)
4. Upon (4)
5. Relate (7)
6. Canopies (10)
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Male horse (8) Looking out (2,5) Fogbow (6) Reasoning (5) Apartment (4)
AT the turn of the millennium, Rockchapel Ladies Footballers scripted a rapid rise to prominence to yield back to back All Ireland titles. Memories and milestones surfaced, the name of Rockchapel emerged strongly on the signposts and allowed a series of great days on the sporting days to be recalled.
The early days of the club date back to the late 1960s, ladies football became a dominant feature at carnivals in Newmarket, Tullylease, Freemount, Churchtown, Donoughmore and Meelin. For a time, interest waned but reformed in 1990 and success followed on defeating Macroom to lift the 1993 County Junior A Football title much to the delight of trainer Jessie Collins.
“Ladies football was strong, the girls had mixed with the boys on kicking around. Interest increased from the tournament games, the girls came together for training, the standard improved on displaying all the grit and determination to win a county Junior title,” he said.
Stepping up a grade in 1994 failed to deter the Rock’ girls, a brilliant performance yielded a County Intermediate title from a fancied Donoughmore outfit. Subsequently Rockchapel fielded at senior level for four years before retirements and players leaving the area for third level and employment robbed the side of valuable experience though young talent was evident in underage ranks.
“We trained every Sunday morning at 11am, on one occasion, new players arrived from Lismire, Deirdre and Sinéad O’Reilly, straight away, they could solo and kick with both feet. They had more siblings and we just couldn’t refuse to accept some exceptional talent,” said Jessie.
Versatile sports ladies, both O’Reillys figured later with Cork, played with Milford and Sinead represented Ireland in cross country. Come 1999, Rockchapel possessed a promising side with many teenage players on board including the Kelly sisters from Ballydesmond and Deirdre O’Sullivan from Newmarket with 15 year old Regina Curtin selected 1999 Cork Young Player of the Year.
1999 began promisingly, the standard competitive in Cork, Rockchapel commenced the journey with a victory over Beara in a high scoring tussle. That earned a place in the decider against the previous season’s finalists Gabriel Rangers, the later only to lose in a replay to Naomh Abán who later contested an All Ireland Final.
Once, the Mizen peninsula girls jumped into a commanding advantage early in the second half, the outcome looked bleak for Rockchapel.
“Not for the first time, the spirit of the girls in maroon and white in what was to become the famous last quarter came to light. Two goals from Mairéad Kelly ensured team captain Maureen O’Connor accepted the Cup,” said Jessie Collins.
A Munster championship lay ahead, a walkover earned Rockchapel a semi final against near neighbours Athea representing Limerick.
“The game roused terrific interest and a massive crowd was in attendance at Abbeyfeale but for long stages, it looked dismal for us. Again that late familiar surge and we produced a storming finish to win, elation for Rockchapel, despair for Athea became more pronounced a few weeks later at the conclusion of the All Ireland series,” said Collins.
Young Regina Curtin netted a penalty won by Theresa O’Sullivan with a follow up goal from Gillian Foley ensured a three point victory for Rockchapel.
Waterford Queens Brickey Rangers provided the opposition in the provincial show-piece and though wearing the underdog tag against strong All Ireland fancies,
Rockchapel came good thanks to a competent all round team performance with nine players registering scores. Again Maureen O’Connor lifted the trophy, all associated with the team adjourned to Abbeyfeale where Rockchapel native Jerry Casey provided a meal ahead of a wonderful night of celebration.
A third leg awaited Rockchapel, the stakes getting higher for the elusive All Ireland title. Kildare champions Confey from Kildare arrived well equipped to Ballydesmond for a quarter final, Rockchapel dominated large tracks of possession only to be blighted by wayward shooting.
Again a powerful closing 15 minutes, goals from Deirdre O’Reilly and Gillian Foley wrapped up matters. Having enjoyed home advantage, Rockchapel travelled for the semi, into Ulster and Northern Ireland heartland to Newtownbutler of Fermanagh.
“Having over-nighted in Clones, it felt like home on Sunday morning given the number of supporters present. We crossed the border for a light workout at Lisnakea, the home town of Charlie O’Reilly, father of the O’Reilly girls on our team,” said Jessie.
A competitive contest emerged yet goals did the trick for Rockchapel in a lengthy trek but a rewarding outcome made it pleasant for all involved.
“Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and a church gate collection it helped raise funds for the journey. Ahead of travelling, I had to work a double shift at the Mallow Beet Factory and on return from the semi final, I was back into the work on the Sunday night,” said the trainer.
“Excitement gathered pace ahead of the All Ireland Final against St. Nathtys of Sligo. We knew nothing about our opponents yet any two sides progressing to an All Ireland had enjoyed a run of success and they had to be respected,” he said.
The Rock’ bandwagon hit the trail to Lusmagh, Co. Offaly, Rockchapel won and they did so with a powerful structured display, another forceful second half helped by the elements at their back earned a 1-13 to 1-7 victory.
The mentality of what ever happens on the pitch, we die with our boots on, again set Rockchapel apart from opponents as St. Nathys found to their cost. Plenty of commitment surfaced early on, a well organised defence were outstanding, the rearguard took turns to make the big tackles and interceptions.
The work-rate of half forwards Deirdre O’Sullivan, Deirdre O’Reilly and Nuala Carroll carried the ball into the gale and helped Rockchapel trail by the minimum of margins 0-5 to 0-4 at the interval. Now favoured by the elements, Rockchapel cranked up the intensity , Regina Curtin pointed a pair for the lead, their position enhanced once Gillian Foley performed the spadework for Mairéad Kelly to net.
For the remainder of the contest, the Rock’ always looked they were comfortably in control of their destiny. And the tears of joy at the full time whistle said it all as team captain and inspirational leader Maureen O’Connor accepted the silverware to a chorus of approval.
No doubting O’Connor ‘s pedigree for the task on hand, leading the resistance in defence, carrying on family traits, her cousin Ben O’Connor led Cork to 2004 All-Ireland SHC silverware. And a marvellous triumph too for the team management, Jessie Collins, his wife Mary, sister in law Bridie and Tim Joe O’Connell from Ballydesmond.
Apart from coaching the side, Jessie held a brilliant rapport with the ladies, of course, well known to pen a song in salute of success, little wonder, the 1999 composition “Sweetest of All” went down a treat amongst fans .
The triumphant 1999 panel were Mairéad Doody, Liz Fitzpatrick, Karen Collins, Martina Daly, Norma Kelly, Maureen O’Connor, Marie O’Connor; Sinéad O’Relly, Regina Curtin; Deirdre O’Sullivan, Deirdre O’Reilly, Nuala Carroll, Mairéad Kelly, Gillian Foley, Teresa O’Sullivan, Siobhán Murphy, Anne Marie O’Reilly, Mairéad O’Keeffe, Niamh O’Connor, Norita Kelly, Marie Collins, Liz O’Doherty, Grace Fleming, Susan Flynn, Eileen O’Leary, Brid Stack, Gobnait Murphy, Carmel O’Reilly.
The status of All Ireland champions elevated Rockchapel to intermediate ranks for 2000 yet there was no competition in Cork.
“Whatever happened, we were representing the county at intermediate ranks in Munster and we took the decision to play in the County Senior championship as preparation. Though teams were more experienced, we gave a decent account of ourselves and ran Donoughmore close in a semi final “, said Collins.
Straight into a Munster Final, Rockchapel faced Crusheen of Clare in Rathkeale and a high scoring contest developed. Not the best of starts by the Duhallow side to trail by six points yet in fairness, their response was calm and effective.
Goals from Deirdre O’Sullivan and a pair from Gillian Foley confirmed a productive spell against the wind as Rockchapel built up a two point advantage at the interval. That momentum was maintained on the restart in a dominant spell, at times, the Rock’ shooting proved a blemish bar Foley who completed her hat trick of goals to confirm another Munster title
“Gillian was the star of the show on that occasion with a 3-4 tally, not too surprising for she was a class player and a natural finisher and we needed her too in the All Ireland semi-final,” said Jessie.
That was an understatement for Rockchapel plucked victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to a last ditch Foley strike to shatter the hopes of Roscommon champions Padraig Pearses. Indeed a shell-shocked Pearses were left to ponder of what might had been on controlling the contest and holding a decisive lead.
“We looked at different options in a bid to bring about an improvement, late on, we decided to move Nuala Carroll to full forward. As I made my way around the back of the goal to make the switch, not even the scoreboard man was giving us a chance but I knew, we were always a last quarter team,” said Collins.
The alteration to the attacking strategy made a difference, the half back line powered into the game as did 2000 captain Carroll. Still trailing deep into injury time, it came down to the tightest of margins and who better than Foley to deliver the knock-out blow with a dramatic goal to yield a single point win.
The outcome advanced Rockchapel into a Final against Confey and a big improvement was demanded if the Rock’ were to complete their ambition of back to back All Ireland titles.
Again, a buzz of anticipation surrounded the club and the catchment areas of Ballydesmond, Boherbue, Kiskeam, Lismire, Meelin and Newmarket ahead of facing the trek to Thurlus.
“We had arrived in Semple Stadium in good time, kicking the ball around before a huge Confey bus stopped and first off was a familiar Dublin player at the time. One of our girls indicated Keith Barr was involved with Confey but I answered back quickly ye (Rockchapel) have me!” quipped Jessie.
“In fairness, Keith was a decent chap, he reigned supreme with the Dubs and had earlier in 2000 been part of an Ireland team to defeat Australia in Compromise Rules. Clearly Confey were a big club, backed by large businesses in Kildare and they were clearly on a mission in search of an All Ireland title,” he said.
However on the field, Rockchapel did their talking on the field with a clinical display of attacking football. Perhaps a five goal winning margin flattered the ‘Rock yet they possessed far too much power, pace and scoring ability.
Confey had resisted positively for much of the opening half but an important goal from Gillian Foley close to half time provided a timely boost for a 1-8 to 0-6 advantage at the break. Driven on by Player of the Match Deirdre O’Sullivan, Rockchapel were primed for a powerful effort and so it materialised with goals from Foley, Deirdre O’Reilly and O’Sullivan helped secure a 5-11 to 0-11 triumph.
Once Nuala Carroll lifted aloft the silverware, there could be no denying the style and the substance of a highly impressive Rockchapel. Interestingly, 14-year-old Bríd Stack entered the famous stadium as a second half substitute to begin a remarkable career that yielded 11 inter-county All-Ireland SFC medals and the ultimate honour of Ireland’s Player of the Year.
Not surprisingly, trainer Jessie Collins was overjoyed on completing the journey and rewarded with back to back All Ireland titles.
“It was an outstanding climax to a great championship especially given the fact, we had lost four players from the previous years. Regina Curtin and Theresa O’Sullivan had picked up injuries with former captain Maureen O’Connor and Karen Collins emigrating,” he said.
The All Ireland winning Intermediate team fielded as Mairéad Doody, Ann Marie O’Reilly, Niamh O’Connor, Mairead McGrath, Norma Kelly, Marie O’Connor, Mairéad O’Keeffe, Sinead O’Reilly, Eimear Daly, Deirdre O’Sullivan, Deirdre O’Reilly, Nuala Carroll, Mairéad Kelly, Gillian Foley, Norita Kelly. Subs. Martina Duggan, Lisa Fitzpatrick, Brid Stack, Eileen O’Reilly, Carmel O’Reilly, Grace Fleming, Eileen Carroll, Gobnait Murphy, Theresa O’Sullivan, Regina Curtin.
Incredible journeys helped Rockchapel reach the promised land of All Ireland glory, the culmination of great work from a previous decade.
“Twenty years on, those Rockchapel victories were something special and the memories remain. The involvement of schools promoting gaelic games provided a terrific foundation for the club and many of the girls proceeded to enjoy great inter county careers,” said a proud trainer Jessie Collins.
IN keeping with the halcyon days of Gaelic games, back when a hurler was more likely to wear a cloth cap than a helmet, and a footballer was more likely to be all gums than sporting a gumshield, it seems that the GAA All Stars – which turned 50 this month – were born in the haze of two unspeakable now in the elite game: booze and fags.
It’s a half century since Tony Maher and Ray Cummins took their place as the only two Cork hurlers on the first All Star team in 1971, but the genesis of what we know now as the All Stars goes back a little further than that.
(It’s always worth noting that Cummins was also named on the 1971 All Star football team, and in 50 years the Blackrock man is still the one and only man to win a hurling and football All Star in the same year.)
As Ireland began to emerge from the closeted 1950s, it seems that the GAA’s attempt at embracing the Swinging Sixties was to dream up some sort of awards to recognise the best footballers and hurlers of the year. And so it was – obviously enough – that a small party of Gaelic games writers in the national press would repair to a public house in Dublin city to spitball about the idea of a some such honours list.
The idea gained some currency but it was the magazine du jour Gaelic Weekly that did a solo run in 1963 by printing its own Cú Chulainn awards, but without any official support from the GAA, they ran aground in 1967 after just five selections in each code.
Four years later, again with a push from the national press, Croke Park came on board with the idea of a recognised All Stars scheme, and with PJ Carroll and Co., the, er, reputable tobacco company in tow as sponsor, the first All Stars ceremony took place in December 1971. And so the long-running affair, complete with ever-changing statuettes, dickiehurlers and sock-less footballers, prime time coverage on RTÉ television, and no endless controversy, has seen out 50 years and continues to captivate and divide in equal measure.
In hurling it didn’t take long for the aristocrats to start coming to the fore and dominating the leaderboard. After the first 10 years - after the 1980 team was selected - Kilkenny were top of the All Star table with 40 awards. Cork, due to a very successful decade on the field, were duly recognised with 34 awards, with Limerick’s consistency of performances through the 70s earning them 19 All Stars.
Galway were fourth on the table with 17 awards and Tipperary, who won the 1971 All-Ireland title but didn’t win it again until 1989, took a while to climb up the table and had just 11 All Star hurlers by 1980.
A similar pattern has continued since, with Kilkenny opening up the gap between themselves as top cats and the rest, while Cork have always been able to pick up an All Star most years to keep themselves in second place.
Tipperary’s four All-Ireland Championship wins since 2000 - compared to just two for Cork - has seen the Premier county close the gap to the Rebels to just 10 All Stars - 112 to 102 - and Galway, currently with 97 awards, are not too far off breaking into the top 3.
In that first decade, 10 counties had won All Stars in hurling, and now 14 counties can boast an All Star winner in the small ball code. Laois, Westmeath and Down have a solitary winner, while Antrim collected five awards between 1988 and 1993.
In football it should be no surprise that Kerry have long topped the leaderboard but that pre-eminent position is coming under serious threat from Dublin, who are now just five short of equalling the Kingdom’s 145 awards.
Offaly were the early leaders on the roll of honour, and after the first five selections the 1971 and 1972 All-Ireland champions led the way with 14 All Stars.
Kerry, without winning the All-Ireland in the first four years of the All Stars, were fourth on the roll of honour – behind Offaly, Cork and Galway – with 10 awards by 1975. Thereafter, Kerry and Dublin started to put some daylight between themselves and the rest after their dominance of the All-Ireland Championship between 1975 and 1986, which, not unreasonably, fuelled the idea that the All Stars have always, and always will be, weighted in favour of the counties that reach the business end of the Championship, with players’ performances in the National League and provincial championships carrying less weight in the minds of the selection committee.
By 1985 Kerry had 64 All Stars
– 22 ahead of Dublin – with 19 counties having won an football All Star in the first 15 years of the scheme. By the end of the century – 30 years into the scheme – Kerry (86) still had a lead of 18 over Dublin (68), with Cork’s 49 football All Stars standing as an impressive total for a dual county more inclined towards hurling. By the end of 2000, 24 counties had won at least one All Star in football.
Kerry’s success in reaching seven All-Ireland finals in the
Noughties saw them smash through the 100 mark, and by the time the 2010 selection was made the Kingdom were on 123 All Stars, 43 clear of Dublin on 80.
Cork, admirably, still held on to third place on the roll of honour (as they do to the present day), but the big movers in the last 20 years have been the Ulster forces of Tyrone, Armagh and Donegal, as well as Mayo. Tyrone have almost quadrupled their 2000 total of 13 All Stars into 49 they have now won. Donegal have almost tripled their 12 from 2000 to 34 today, while Armagh have more than doubled their 11 awards in 2000 to 24 currently.
Mayo, who had an All Star on that inaugural 1971 team had a very respectable 20 awards winners at the turn of the millennium (eighth on the list), but now they lie fourth on the roll of honour with 51.
Kerry’s lead of 43 in 2010 seemed insurmountable, but in tandem with their dominance of the game since 2011, Dublin have been eating the ground between themselves and Kerry on the All Star leaderboard. Last week’s record equalling nine All Star award for Dublin (none for Kerry) has been the Blues cut the gap to just five.
Of course, the All Stars wouldn’t be themselves without the annual disgruntlement and near annual controversy that goes with them.
Four All-Ireland champions have received just four All Stars winners in that year. Offaly in 1971 could be overlooked as it was the first year of the scheme, and Dublin, in 1983, possibly suffered from the then caveat that a player sent off at any stage in the year was automatically debarred from an All Star; Dublin finished that All-Ireland final with 12 players on the field. However, Down’s winning team of 1991 received just four awards, as did Cork when they won the All-Ireland in 2010, though Down’s ignominy could be greater given that the beaten finalists, Meath, out-scooped them with six awards.
In 1995 and 1996 the selection process was taken away from the GAA writers and journalists and handed the responsibility to the players themselves via a voting system, and perhaps the biggest omission in ’95 was that of Jason Sherlock, the wunderkind of Dublin’s Championship winning team that summer.
By 1978 PJ Carroll’s association with the All Stars had run out of puff and despite the country being in a deep recession for much of the ’80s (or because of it) Bank of Ireland stepped in as the new sponsors, which ran until 1994.
Ulster based engineering firm Powerscreen took up the sponsorship took up the baton for those two years, 1995 and ’96, that saw the journalists stood down as selectors, before Eircell (1997-2000) and Vodafone (20012010) hitched their mobile wagon to the All Stars.
It was car manufacturer Opel’s turn then and since 2017, PricewaterhouseCoopers have taken up the bill for what is now a glitzy glamorous event replete with red carpet, Marty Morrissey and the long-standing trip abroad and exhibition game between the previous two years All Star teams.
So that’s the All Stars for you. Conceived in a public house and initially sponsored by a cigarette company, 50 years on and the not so simple act of putting 15 footballers or hurlers down on paper is still enough to drive anyone and everyone to drink.