Mitchelstown’s success honoured by Rebel Óg

MITCHELSTOWN CBS are basking in the warm glow after capturing its first All-Ireland title and the Dr. Eamonn O’Sullivan Cup by overcoming St. Mark’s Warrenpoint in the All-Ireland Senior C football Championship final at Newbridge.

On doing so, the Cork side underlined their utter determination on making the most of the opportunity and claim the school’s biggest prize in the 159 year history of Mitchelstown CBS.

The breakthrough earned plaudits culminating on Mitchelstown CBS selected as the monthly recipients to the Rebel Óg Awards at a function hosted in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Cork.

En route to glory, Mitchelstown defeated Ennistymon, Douglas, Academy (Mallow), Lisdoonvarna and Presentation Milltown to earn Corn Sheain Ui Mhurchu as Munster champions. Onto the All Ireland series, Mitchelstown overcame Dunshaughlin CS from Meath in the penultimate hurdle.

That secure a position in the decider, the CBS boys survived a late scare against Warrenpoint to win by a single point much to the delight of long serving manager Willie Duggan and fellow selector Cillian Bohane.

Team captain Colin English expressed delight on his side scripting a historic journey: “It was a long campaign for us, our toughest match was the Lisdoonvarna game in the Munster semi-final. It was great to get past such a quality team and in the way that we did it. It is a great feeling to have won the All-Ireland for so many teams set out at the start of the year but only one side can win, its is my best sporting memory to date,” he said.

Team management representative Willie Duggan applauded the dedication and commitment of players that are drawn primary from Avondhu in addition to players from Tipperary and Limerick.

“There is great character in this team, we worked hard and we fought hard. The final against Warrenpoint was a game of two contrasting halves, we probably won it with our first half performance, playing with the wind,” he said.

“I told Colin English, our team captain last in September that he would lift the All-Ireland Cup in the Spring and I am delighted and proud that it has happened,” beamed a delighted Willie.

Mary Hannon, Principal told the attendance an All-Ireland title is a historic first for the school and town.

“It is the culmination of much hard work, both by players and managers. We are very proud of them and of their achievements. The support from the entire community for the boys was incredible, both through the campaign and on the night of the homecoming, and as a school we are very grateful to all involved,” she said.