Rebel Yell greets Cork minor All-Ireland glory
CORK supporters travelled in numbers and a Rebel yell at the full time whistle greeted All Ireland Minor Football glory in Croke Park following a dramatic 80 minutes against the Tribesmen from Galway.
Indeed an occasion for Cork fans to cherish, by the full time whistle, relief and unbridled joy greeted Clyda Rovers club man Conor Corbett lifting the Tom Marklem Cup.
“It was a terrific team effort, we’re delighted to collect the title, to score a goal was the best moment of my life,” he said.
The latest triumph follows up on Cork’s U20 All Ireland victory earlier in the summer, and Macroom based manager Bobbie O’Dwyer heaped praise on all involved.
“It’s a surperb end to the season, two All-Ireland titles on Leeside is just fantastic. Kids of 8, 9 and 10 years now have new heroes to look up. Every county needs that bit of success,” he said.
That’s the case in Castlemagner, Danny Linehan’s contribution delighted club supporters that travelled in numbers to Croker to see a clubman win a first All-Ireland Minor medal.
“Danny’s is a special talent, so consistent for Cork all season, he deserved his All-Ireland medal. From a great sporting family, his grandfather Danny was part of a county winning team from Castlemagner in the 1950s,” said clubman Mick Tobin.
A wonderful sporting day in Croke Park, Cork pipping Galway in extra time while Kerry and Dublin failed to be separated in search of the Sam Maguire Cup. Kerry had completed a five in a row of All Ireland Minor titles, their supporters acknowledged the new champions from Cork.
A key North and Mid Cork involvement from the official match day programme included Danny Linehan (Castlemagner), Darragh Cashman (Millstreet), Neil Lordan (Ballinora), Hugh Murphy (Eire Óg), Conor Corbett (Clyda Rovers), Michael O’Neill (Buttevant), Aaron O’Brien (Mitchelstown) and Luke Murphy (Cullen).
Amongst the team management were Bobbie O’Dwyer and Billy O’Connor from Cullen.
A fantastic All Ireland Final Day in Croke Park too for Kilshannig, their All Ireland Scór Music group performing on an auspicious occasion. More to come when Conor Lane (Banteer/Lyre) officiates as match referee to the All-Ireland Senior Final replay between Kerry and Dublin on Saturday week.