Keeping it in the family
CLUB CONTINUES METEORIC RISE UNDER STEWARDSHIP OF JOHN FINTAN DALY
A proud night for the Daly household: Karl, John Fintan, Mary and John F Junior hold the prized County Intermediate Football Championship trophy at Pairc Uí Rinn SEE PAGES 2/3 & SPORT.
KNOCKNAGREE supporters painted the village blue and white after their football heroes were accorded a familiar welcome to recognise football success yet again.
Despite the lateness of the hour, hundreds of supporters convened to cheer the new County Intermediate Football champions. As the Cullen Pipe Band led a parade on a dark and wet night in Knocknagree, spooky characters adorning lamp posts in the aftermath of Halloween were sidelined as beaming fans told the story of yet another enthralling triumph by Knocknagree footballers.
Earlier, supporters left behind a dreary day along the county bounds and it gave way to a bright evening in Cork City where Knocknagree and Gabriel Rangers served up a classic at the Pairc Uí Rinn venue.
The ultimate honours belonged to Knocknagree, much to the delight of team captain Gary O’Connor. “There are no words that can describe this group of players and management, they are so committed to football; making so many sacrifices in support of the club, community and families,” he said.
“After the previous successes, we didn’t want the achievements of 2017 and early 2018, with the All Ireland, to be the pinnacle of our careers; hopefully, with a month or two break, we will look forward to 2020 for new challenges”, he added.
Club Chairman Jeremiah Moynihan hailed the input of players and management while manager John Fintan Daly saluted all involved.
“We’ve higher ambitions, it continues to be a great time for the club. Remember, just 18 months ago, in the aftermath of winning the All Ireland Junior, I spoke of the possibility of further glory and maybe another visit to Croke Park - so far, so good. We’re making progress and we hope to make an impression at premier intermediate ranks”, he said.
There can be no Knocknagree party without a song, and David O’Connor’s composition from a Bruce Springstein classic had the supporters in raptures.