Mitchelstown’s O’Mahony looks to next step in Cork football

CORK’S football obituary was being penned in some quarters but even rumours of their demise would appear to be greatly exaggerated on the back of two All Ireland U-20 and Minor Football titles.

After so much disappointment for much of the decade, few would begrudge Cork’s fantastic double that began with a remarkable comeback against Dublin in the U-20 decider. That campaign was stuffed with memorable passages of play, putting forward an abundance of passion and endeavour.

Possessing many stars, full forward Cathal O’Mahony emerged a revelation, contributing generously with his pace, ball control and clinical finishing that was recognised at the City and County Youth Sports Star Awards hosted in the Metropole Hotel.

This year, 2019, was definitely O’Mahony’s most dominant sporting year picking up a Munster and All Ireland medal with Cork football, along with Player of the Province for Munster and a Man of the Match performance in the All-Ireland Final.

Against Dublin in the final, the Mitchelstown star dwelled on Cork’s hesitant start and recovering to gain momentum as the game progressed.

“Personally I just think it was nerves, just the big occasion, remember, it was our first time playing in a big match. We just didn’t concentrate as much as we’d hoped to, but we just kept sticking to it,” he said. “Once we got that first goal — the cheer from the crowd lifted us, it just opened our eyes that we were in an All-Ireland final and that we needed to start playing.”

O’Mahony refers to the biggest influences as his family and Mr. William Duggan who was in charge of Mitchelstown CBS schools team for six years and made schools GAA a joy to play. He also credits his Mitchelstown and Ballygiblin clubs stating that they have always been behind him and very supportive.

“Before the All Ireland win with Cork U20s this year, winning a schools All Ireland was definitely my favourite sporting highlight,” he said.

Inevitably, attention turns to next season and the getting a call up to the senior squad.

“There are a number of players capable of going to the next step and that will ber a challenge. In the next few months, I’m looking forward on contributing to Mary Imacaulate College in Limerick in the third level football and hurling competitions,” he said.

And from 2019, O’Mahony admits to gaining respect from the Cork under-20 management team. With the mental lessons taught by Keith Ricken and technical skills introduced by Colm O’Neill improved his game.

“Keith was a source of inspiration for the entire panel in the build-up to the All Ireland and we delivered,” he said.