All-Ireland titles weren’t on the agenda when the Cork minor footballers started out on their journey this season, which made their success against Tyrone all the sweeter.
Members of the underage teams welcoming the Cork minor footballers to Ballincollig. Picture: David Creedon
Keith Ricken’s side brought the Tom Markham Cup back to Leeside for the 12th time, the third this century and first since 2019, after being outsiders before the provincial championships commenced.
They did it the hard way too, beating Kerry twice in Munster, including an extra-time arm-wrestle in driving rain at Páirc Uí Rinn, before victories over Meath and Derry sent them into a showdown with the holders Tyrone.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Damien Boylan with captain Joe Miskella, Lady Mayoress, Brenda Boylan, vice-captain Tom Whooley and club vice-chairman Tadhg Daly and vice-captain Tom Whooley. Picture: David Creedon
Trailing by nine points but roared on by a huge Cork crowd, they pulled off a stunning comeback at Newbridge, completed by late scores from Eoghan Ahern and Tom Whooley. Goalkeeper Rory Twohig pulled off a series of stunning saves while Joe Miskella’s two-pointers and a goal from super sub Alex O’Herlihy sparked the Rebels to life.
Ballincollig’s Donal Hannigan and Tadhg Daly at the homecoming. Picture: David Creedon
Bridget, Seán and Trish Lynch at the homecoming. Picture: David Creedon
Superbly coached by Maurice Moore with Ricken’s expert man-management to the fore, it was an All-Ireland final win for the ages, particularly after a disappointing few weeks when trips to Croke Park at senior level had ended in crushing disappointment.
Despite being U17s, the squad showed great maturity to keep the faith when the cause appeared lost against Tyrone but their attitude was commendable throughout the campaign.
Sarah, Joe, Teresa and John Downing at Ballincollig GAA. Picture: David Creedon
To cap it all off, they brought the trophy back to the home of the captain Joe Miskella to a massive reception.
Miskella was joined in the squad by fellow Ballincollig club men Éanna Lynch and Evan Stack, while John Noonan was a member of the backroom.
Kieran Hanley with Clare, Carmel, Joesph and Helen O’Shea, and Seán Moloney at Ballincollig GAA. Picture: David Creedon
Collig juvenile chairman Seamus O’Brien knows all about underage success, as his son Michael O’Brien was the Cork manager when they won back-to-back Munster minor titles in 2021 and ’22, which had bridged a gap to 2010.
Club vice-chairman Tadhg Daly, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Gerry Buttimer TD, Betty Ricken, Keith Ricken and Ballincollig juvenile chairman Seamus O’Brien at the homecoming. Picture: David Creedon