Castlemagner, Macroom and Millstreet GAA clubs mourn death of dual star Mattie McAuliffe

THERE was profound sadness across the north Cork GAA landscape this week with the news of the passing of GAA legend Mattie McAuliffe, who lent invaluable service to Castlemagner, Macroom and Millstreet clubs.

During a golden era for Castlemagner commencing in the late 1940s and that continued up to the mid 1960s, Mattie McAuliffe contributed to divisional and county success in 1952 and 1954. He produce some magnificent individual performances, which were capped by his claiming the match winning point against Ballinhassig in the 1954 County JHC Final.

Remembered as a colossal player in both football and hurling, Mattie lined out with great players in his club involvement.

Castlemagner regained the 1952 Duhallow JAFC when overcoming Newmarket prior to overcoming Na Piarsaigh and Donoughmore to reach the county final against Bandon. With McAuliffe operating effectively at midfield, Castlemagner landed the spoils thanks to a goal netted by Paddy Smith.

At the time, Castlemagner had become a major dual force, ending Banteer’s reign to capture the 1953 JAHC Final before retaining their crown in 1954.

With the side gaining experience, Castlmagner bettered Aghabullogue and Courcey Rovers to reach a county final against Ballinhassig in the Cork Athletic Grounds. To Mattie

McAuliffe fell the winning score, fouled in possession and duly converting the resultant free for the match winning point.

The dual player figured on Duhallow divisional teams and was part of the Cork senior hurling panel defeated by Clare in the 1955 Munster SHC. McAulliffe had transferred to Macroom, taking his place in the full forward line in the 1955 County SFC Final on a four point defeat to Lees.

From 1957, McAuliffe’s allegiance was to Millstreet, starring on shooting 1-5 in a victory over Banteer in the 1962 Duhallow JAHC Final. Millstreet regraded to Junior Football in 1963, a man of all seasons, McAuliffe at full back secured the defensive locks tightly to overcome Castlemagner in the Duhallow Final.

Onto the county where Millstreet accounted for Skibbereen, Crosshaven and then St. Nick’s in the decider. Mattie’s long and distinguished playing career had come to a successful conclusion, which earned him an honoured place in the golden years of Castlemagner, Millstreet and Macroom clubs.

Deepest sympathy to the McAuliffe family and friends on the passing of a true gentleman and great sportsman.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

The late Mattie McAuliffe (back row, fourth from the left) with the Millstreet team that won the county junior football championship from 1963. Front, from left: Robert Kelly, Brendan Burke, Donie O’Mahony, Connie Kelleher, John Corcoran, Tommy Burke, William O’Leary, Jerry Cronin and Brendan Kiely. Back, from left: Neilly Dennehy, Paddy Golden, James Cashman, Mattie McAulliffe, Denis ‘Toots’ Kelleher, John Kelleher, Dermot Cribben, Christy Dunne, Paul Ryan, Denis Kelleher and Fr. Corridon.