21 December 2004 Cork take every Munster title and 3 National Titles Share this Article 0 0 0 Shares! 0 Shares! Cork take every Munster title and 3 National Titles. By Fr. Liam Kelleher Cork ladies Football ended 2003 with a phenomenal 3 All-Ireland Club titles, Donoughmore, Senior, Naomh Abán, Intermediate and Gabriel Rangers Junior, that set the scene for great expectations for 2004. Those expectations were fulfilled and Cork can look back on a year of more dominance at underage level, contributing to an improvement, of the fortunes of the Senior squad. For the first time in history Cork, took the Munster Senior crown beating Kerry in a memorable final at Pairc Ui Rinn. Earlier they had put paid to the ambitions of Waterford who with Kerry have dominated ladies Football at Munster and National level for 30 years. Cork had a great run too in the Suzuki National League and held fancied Mayo for most of the game, before they were overcome by a devastating burst from Cora Staunton. Cork had waited a long time, for that First senior Championship Munster Crown and that memorable day on the 15th of August, will be looked back on as a major turning point in the fortunes of the rebel girls. Cork were simply brilliant on the day, after a tight opening half Cork led by a goal when Aisling OConnor netted on the stroke of half time. Kerry fought back after the break but for the last 15 minutes, it was all Cork, with player of the match Geraldine OFlynn putting the issue beyond doubt with a cracking goal 8 minutes from time. The honour of lifting the cup fell to Juliet Murphy, Cork had made it at last. the final score Cork 4-13 Kerry 1-9 . Munster Senior Champions Cork Team: Elaine Hart, Niamh Keohane, Brid Stack, Laura Power, Briege Corkery, Angela Walsh, Rena Buckley, Catriona Foley, Juliet Murphy capt, Nollaig Cleary, Valerie Mulcahy, Geraldine OFlynn, Mary OConnor, Regina Curtin, Amanda Murphy, Claire ODonoghue, Aisling OConnor, Norita Kelly, Sinead OReilly, Mairead Kelly, Hanora Kelleher Karen OSullivan, Deirdre OSullivan, Ciara Walsh. Manager: Mary Collins Coach: Eamonn Ryan Corks day of joy was complete when the Juniors triumphed over Tipperary 3-11 to 2-8 and Mairead OSullivan accepted the cup on behalf of her teamates Under age: At underage level Cork Under 14s won the Munster title for the 5th year in a row, but their ambitions for 5 in a row All-Ireland titles came unstuck against Mayo, who subsequently lost the final, in a replay to Dublin. Cork however made amends by capturing the All-Ireland under 14 blitz at Mullingar overcoming Dublin in the final. It was left to the under 16s and Minors to continue Corks dominance and they did so in style. Cork saw off Donegal in the under 16 final at Mullingar, they had a tremendous fight against Dublin in the semi and in a game of passion, pace and fury, they just got the better of the gallant Dubs. Donegal proved to be very tough but sporting opponents in the final but Cork triumphed on a a scorline of 6-11 to 3-10. Cork dominated the opening period and looked set for victory early in the 2nd half, but Donegal fought back but another goal by hat-trick heroine, under 14 player Rhona Buckley, closed the door. Siobhan Forde from Mourneabbey was the proud captain. Amanda Murphy Beara who collected her 7th All-Ireland underage medal this year was named player of the Match. Amanda at 15, now has 4 All-Ireland under 14 medals one under 16 and 2 minors, a distinction she shares with Club mate Laura Power. The Cork All-Ireland winning U-16 Team The successful All-Ireland wining panel: Orla Murphy, Cathy Ann Stack, Anita Thompson, Aine p O’ Sullivan, Louise Coholan, Claire OLeary, Roisin OSullivan, Laura Power Siobhan Forde,capt, Laura Harrington, Amanda Murphy, Jenny Luddy, Emma Coomey, Rhona Buckley, Deirdre Cotter Linda Barrett, Eimear ODonovan. Maebh Westwood, Geraldine Rea, Sarah Barry, Noelle Corkery, Aoife Coughlan, Sinead Heelan, Tracy Mullane Anna Ward, Patricia Murphy, Sinead O’Brien, Aine G O’ Sullivan. Vicki Power, Yvonne Twomey, Michelle Twohig.. Management. Mary Power, Denny Healy, Charlie Mc Laughlin Christy OSullivan, Fr. Liam Kelleher. Minor Win: The Dream Team All-Ireland under 14 champions of 2000, continued their remarkable record, they were a class apart and left Waterford, Kerry, Galway and Laois trailing in their wake. In the final they were never in danger and won on a scoreline of 4-17 to 0-8. Briege Corkery St Vals. a truly inspiring capt lifted the trophy aloft and Maria ONeill was named player of the match. Cork All-Ireland winning Minor Team Team. Claire O’Donoghue, Ciara Walsh, Brid Stack. Elaine ORiordan, Niamh Keohane, Rena Buckley, Laura Power, Norita Kelly, Geraldine OFlynn, Amanda murphy, Maria O’ Neill, Briege Corkery capt, Catriona Foley, Sile Burns Laura OMahony, Tara Galvin, Orla Murphy,, Aine OSullivan, Catriona OConnell, Claire Daly, Lisa McSweeny, Margaret Murphy, Niamh Canty, Ciara OSullivan, Emma Dunne, Laura Harrington, Aine Dempsey, Carmel McCarthy, Aine P OSullivan, Deirdre Cotter. Management. Mary Power, Con O’ Sullivan, Christy 0Sullivan, Eamonn Ryan, Fr. Liam Kelleher. From a personal point of view I have to place it on record, my tremendous appreciation of this particular group of girls, having been manager of the teams for 14, 16 and 2 All-Ireland Minor successes. Their dedication and commitment was tremendous but more than anything else their loyalty. All-Ireland medals are important to win, but equally important is the character and loyalty that players have. For me the most important aspect of all those years, in an era when there is so much of a drop off in Sport, was the fact that we had such a high level of continuity. Fourteen of the starting 15 that won the under 14 All-Ireland title in 2000, played in the 2004 All-Ireland final and that says it all. Hopefully now that most of them have moved on to the adult ranks, they will be equally well looked after. Thanks to all, who helped and to Pat Lynch a special thanks for his huge support and efforts, in videoing all our games. All Stars and Young player of Year This year Cork received 5 Nominations for All Star Awards. Juliet Murphy Donoughmore, Rena Buckley Donoughmore, Valerie Mulcahy, Rockban, Angela Walsh Inch Rovers and Geraldine OFlynn Dromtariffe. Congratulations to Rena Buckley and Valerie Mulcahy who made it to the final 15. Laura Power Beara, took the award for the Munster Young Player of the year. All-Ireland club Final: Donoughmore were unlucky to lose out by a point to Ballyboden St Endas in the All-Ireland Senior Club Final. Continued growth. At Co level the game continues to grow with new clubs springing up on a regular basis. It is important in a society with growing obesity, that exercise in any shape and form must be encouraged and there is little doubt that those involved in Ladies Football will get plenty of exercise fun and enjoyment Bowing out: From my own point of view I am bowing out of Cork ladies Football after 7 most enjoyable mostly happy and successful years. I have made some great friends and have been involved with tremendous parents and players, supporters, especially financial, officials, and fellow workers on and off the field. Thanks for the memories. Thanks also to every section of the media for giving such excellent coverage to Ladies Football I still have one final goal, one final dream to fulfil, helping to achieve ultimate honours at Senior level. pity that I did got the chance to do it, with my beloved Cork. Fr Liam Kelleher 087-8516984 Share this Article 0 0