‘It’s something that will live in my memory forever...’
SUCCESS at O’Donoghue Cup level for Ambrose O’Donovan was a leading factor in him walking the famous steps of the Hogan Stand in 1984. Gneeveguilla’s most recent O’Donoghue Cup success was in 2003, but for Ambrose the team that won honours in 1979, ’80 and ’83 is the one freshest in his memory. It’s thanks to Gneeveguilla’s 1983 O’Donoghue Cup success - and Killarney for winning the 1983 county championship - that Ambrose was able to fulfil the highest accolade of any GAA player in the county: captaining Kerry to All-Ireland glory. But in many ways it’s a journey that started with the O’Donoghue Cup - a competition Ambrose holds in high regard. “It’s a very big competition around these parts. The one thing you notice straight away is the quality of clubs and players involved. It’s a hard competition, and when you win an O’Donoghue Cup you know you’re after winning something special, I assure you. The one thing about the competition is that all of the East Kerry clubs rise to it. I certainly consider my O’Donoghue Cup medals as a prized part of my collection,” Ambrose said.
Gneeveguilla competed on their own in the senior county championship for most of Ambrose’s career. But he served as trainer and manager of East Kerry in the past. He describes the club structure in East Kerry as ‘strong’ and favourable to future success. “There is a fierce pride in the East Kerry jersey. It’s also a big team to make as it’s hugely competitive given the calibre of player.”