Ó hÁileasa and Gobnatan honoured
A CORK college supported by a key involvement from the Kingdom combined to allow the dawning of a new era on Coláiste Ghobnatan from Baile Mhúirne collect the All Ireland Post-Primary Senior C Championship title for the first time.
In scripting their way into the record books, team captain, Tomás Ó hÁileasa climbed the steps of O'Moore Park in Portlaoise to raise the Dr Eamonn O'Sullivan Cup much to the delight of supporters drawn from the Muskerry Gaeltacht.
Skipper Ó hÁileasa emerged a significant figure, time and again providing the leadership that required an eleven game unbeaten run to claim outright accolades. The triumphant march merited Ó hÁileasa and his team mates the monthly 96/C103 Cork GAA Sports Star of the Month Award at a presentation in the Rochestown Park Hotel.
Having reached a Munster final last season, Coláiste Ghobnatan were hoping to build from the 2013 outings and flashed out warnings of their well being that ultimately collected a county title defeating St. Brogans.
“We were always wary of our opponents, treated teams with respect and importantly Coláiste Ghobnatan performed to our potential,” said Tomás.
Onto the provincial series, Ghobnatan overcame Lisdoonvarna, John the Baptist Limerick, Rice College Ennis and Thurles in the decider.
“We had been knocking on the door over recent years, reaching a Munster Final only to lose to Templemore. The incentive was to make a big push and we did so in an impressive approach,” said Tomás.
That allowed Coláiste Ghobnatan a ticket into the national stage, pulling all the stops to nose past Ballinamore CS in the semi final to set up a date against Ardee of Louth in the decider.
Coláiste Ghobnatan drawing players from Naomh Abán and Cill na Martra in addition to two from across the bounds in Dr. Crokes and Spa prepared according under the watchful eye of former Kerry great Mickie Ned O'Sullivan, Shane Dennehy and Pat O'Sullivan.
“The fnal created a buzz, but a terrific management under Mickey Ned kept us all calm on preparing us for just another game,” he said.
Building up a solid platform, the Cork school laid the foundation for a commanding advantage before withstanding a strong second half comeback from the Louth side yet they held an all important lead at the full time whistle.
“To win means so much to us, during the past year, we lost one of our team mates Shane Murphy. His sad passing was an extra motivation for us to succeed,” said Tomás.
Chairman to the Cork County GAA Board, Bob Ryan congratulated Tomás and his colleagues on their success. “Coláiste Ghobnatan and its catchment area epitomise all that's best in gaelic football and their All Ireland success is truly merited,” he said.
Amongst at the function were the Coláiste Ghobnatan team and management; Tom Tobin of Rochestown Park Hotel, 96/c103FM Chief Executive Kieran McGeary, co-ordinator Finbarr McCarthy, in addition to Rochestown Park Hotel directors Seán and Donal Lehane who hold strong links with Baile Mhúirne and the Naomh Abán club.