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GAA in County Cork

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Ciaran1991 (talk | contribs) at 13:17, 17 September 2010 (→‎Cork football squad). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

For more details of Cork GAA see Cork Senior Football Championship or Cork Senior Hurling Championship.
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File:Corkcrest.png
Irish:Corcaigh
Nickname(s):The Rebels
The People's Republic
The Leesiders/>the Blood and Bandage
Province:Munster
Dominant sport:Dual County
Ground(s):Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork, County Cork
County colours:Red and White
County teams
NFL:Division 1
NHL:Division 1
Football Championship:Sam Maguire Cup
Hurling Championship:Liam McCarthy Cup
Ladies' Gaelic football:Brendan Martin Cup
Camogie:O'Duffy Cup

The Cork County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association (Cork GAA) (Irish: Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Coiste Contae Chorcaí) is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Cork. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and is also responsible for Cork inter-county teams in all codes at all levels. The Cork branch of the Gaelic Athletic Association was founded on 19 December 1886, making it the second oldest branch of the organisation.

In hurling, the dominant sport in the county, Cork teams compete annually in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, which they have won thirty times, the Munster Senior Hurling Championship, which they have won fifty times, and the National Hurling League, which they have won fourteen times. Cork, Kilkenny, and Tipperary are regarded as 'the Big Three' in the world of hurling.

In Gaelic football, which has become much more prominent in the county in recent times, Cork teams compete annually in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, which they have won six times, the Munster Senior Football Championship, which they have won thirty-two times, and the National Football League, which they have won five times. Conor Counihan has been manager of the Cork senior football team since 2008. The current senior football captain is Graham Canty.

County board officers

  • Chairman: Jerry O'Sullivan
  • Vice-Chairman: Bob Ryan
  • Secretary: Frank Murphy
  • Treasurer: Pearse Murphy
  • Public Relations Officer: Ger Lane
  • Youth Officer: Marc Sheehan
  • Development Officer: Jim Murphy
  • Irish Officer: Liam O'Laochdha
  • Training Officer: Denis Keohane

Colours and crest

Cork's original colours (1888–1919)

Cork's traditional colours are red & white, however, it was not always this way. In the early days the county wore a blue-coloured jersey with a saffron-coloured 'C' emblazoned on the chest. All this changed in 1919 when Cork were preparing to play Dublin in the All-Ireland Hurling Final. In the week leading up to the game, British forces broke into the county board offices on Maylor Street in the city centre and seized all of Cork's jerseys. Because of this the county board borrowed jerseys from the now-defunct Father O'Leary Temperance Association team. Cork went on to win the game, ending a sixteen-year barren spell. Because of this win Cork decided to wear the 'lucky' red jerseys in all future games.

The red and white colour scheme that has been worn since has carried a psychological impact for opposing teams. This has led to the Cork strip being nicknamed the blood and bandage. A colour clash with Louth in the 1957 All-Ireland Football Final saw Cork wear the blue jerseys once again, however, on this occasion it was the blue jersey of the province of Munster. In 1976 Cork's footballers became involved in an incident known as 'the three stripes affair.' Before the Munster football final Cork were offered a set of Adidas jerseys. The use of these jerseys caused controversy as it seemed to undermine the promotion of Irish manufacturers.

Cork's alternative colours are traditionally white jerseys and white shorts. These were most famously worn in the 1973 All-Ireland Football Final when Cork defeated Galway to take their fourth title. They were worn again during the 1990s when Cork faced Down in the All-Ireland series. Since then, Cork have generally worn their traditional red jerseys on all occasions.

The current Cork GAA badge is based around the traditional coat of arms of Cork city. It features the King's old castle and the Queen's old castle with the Shandon Steeple in between. The badge also features a hurley and a football.

Hurling

History

Cork is the second most successful county in the game of hurling, after Kilkenny. The team has won the All-Ireland Championship thirty times as of 2005 and has won the provincial Munster Championship on fifty occasions as of 2007. Their last provincial final was in 2006 as they were narrowly defeated by Waterford in the quarter-final in 2007.

Early years

In the early days Cork had been one of the few teams that was interested in fielding a hurling team in the first All-Ireland championship in 1887, however, a dispute over which team should represent the county led to Cork not taking part at all. The county entered a team in 1888 and went on to win their first All-Ireland title in 1890 when Aghabullogue beat Castlebridge of Wexford.

In the early years of the competition the various county champions represented their county in the All-Ireland series, but this changed in 1892 when Cork contested, and won, their second All-Ireland final with a team consisting of the best players from the various clubs all over the county. Further All-Ireland titles in 1893 and 1894 meant Cork became the first team to win the coveted three-in-row, a feat later duplicated by Kilkenny and Tipperary. Between 1901 and 1905 Cork appeared in five successive All-Ireland finals, however, victory only came in the form of a two-in-a-row in 1902 and 1903. Following this Cork's hurlers faced a barren spell of sixteen years until their next All-Ireland win in 1919. A further five All-Ireland finals were contested by Cork between 1926 and 1931 with victory coming on four occasions.

The greatest team?

By one important measure the Cork team of the 1940s is regarded as one of the two greatest teams of all-time. They are one of only two teams to win four All-Ireland hurling titles in-a-row (the other being the Kilkenny team of 2006 to 2009). Many of the team's detractors, however, have questioned the worth of these championship victories as Cork lost the 1941 Munster championship and overcame a Dublin team that was not as great as it had once been, and an Antrim team who only got into the final because Kilkenny and Tipp could not play due to an out break of foot and mouth disease. The story of this Cork team's success is bookended by defeats in two classic All-Ireland finals, those of 1939 and 1947. The former has come to be known as the "thunder and lightning final." On the day before World War II broke out, Cork faced a Kilkenny side who were playing in their fourth final in five years. The game was played at a frantic pace with both sides remaining level for much of the game. Just as the game reached its climax a crack of thunder interrupted the play and the rain bucketed down. After a tense battle Kilkenny emerged victorious by a solitary point.

In 1941 an optimistic Cork were buoyed up for an All-Ireland victory that had eluded them since 1931. A bizarre turn of events, however, would eventually allow Cork to be declared champions but would also cast doubt over the value of their victory. An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the midlands forced Tipperary and Kilkenny to withdraw from the competition. As a result Cork faced Limerick in the Munster final, and defeated them, before hammering Dublin in the All-Ireland decider for one of the handiest championships ever won. Following the All-Ireland final Cork played Tipperary in the delayed Munster final and lost, thus becoming the very first All-Ireland champions but provincial runners-up. For these reasons Cork's first win of four in-a-row is often dismissed by their opponents.

In 1942 Cork set out to prove that their victory had not been a fluke caused by outside events. They defeated Tipperary in the Munster final and silenced their critics, before going on to claim their second consecutive All-Ireland title by defeating Dublin once again. In 1943 Cork were once again Munster champions and qualified for the All-Ireland final where their opponents were expected to be Kilkenny. The "cats", however, were surprisingly defeated by Antrim, a junior team, in the All-Ireland semi-final. Cork went on to record a comprehensive victory over the Ulstermen in the final and claim a third consecutive All-Ireland victory. In 1944 Cork were once again Munster champions, defeating Mick Mackey's Limerick side in the decider. They just about prevented an upset in the All-Ireland semi-final, squeezing past Galway before walloping their old enemy Dublin in the final. Cork were on their best form in that final, and set a record of four All-Ireland titles in-a-row that has since been equaled by Kilkenny. However, since Corks victory in 1941 was tarnished by their loss in the delayed 1941 Munster final, Kilkennys 4 in a row is more highly regarded.

Five All-Ireland titles in-a-row was beyond this Cork team as they were defeated in the 1945 Munster final. They returned in 1946, however, winning back their Munster crown and defeating Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final. It was one of the great one-man shows by Christy Ring who, at the age of 25, collected his fifth All-Ireland winners medal. In 1947 Cork were playing in their sixth All-Ireland final of the decade. In what has been described as the greatest All-Ireland Hurling Final of all-time the Leesiders were defeated by a single point. This defeat brought an end to the unprecedented run of success of the Cork team of the 1940s.

The 1950s

Between 1949 and 1951 Cork had met Tipperary every year in the Munster final. Each year Tipp had won and went on to claim the All-Ireland title. By 1952 Cork had an extra motivating factor because they realised that if Tipperary beat them again, they would almost certainly win a fourth consecutive All-Ireland title and equal the record set by Cork in the 1940s. At the start of the 1952 championship Tipp were hot favourites to retain their All-Ireland crown. It looked like the same old story in the Munster final as Cork conceded a goal after just three minutes of play. A goal for Cork from Mossie O'Riordan was the turning point of the match, however, and Cork ended Tipp's hopes of four in-a-row with a scoreline of 1–11 to 2–7. Christy Ring, who had once again proved instrumental in the victory, was shouldered off the field with blood streaming down his face and a bandage around his head. Cork went on to narrowly defeat Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final before hammering Dublin in the final.

In 1953 Cork set out to defend their title. They defeated their old rivals Tipperary in the Munster final and set up a meeting with Galway in the All-Ireland decider. The game would go down in history as the dirtiest All-Ireland final ever played. Galway believed that the physical route was the best way to upset Cork and it did. In a low scoring game Cork won by a single point, however, the battle didn't stop at Croke Park. Later that night some of the Galway players arrived at the Gresham Hotel where Cork were staying. A fight broke, with Christy Ring getting a punch in the face and falling down some steps. The melee ended just as quick as it had begun. In 1954 Cork were the favourites to complete another three in-a-row. They defeated Tipp once again in the Munster final, before storming past Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final. The Corkmen then advanced to play Wexford in one of the most eagerly anticipated All-Ireland finals ever. Wexford were hotly tipped to spoil Cork's quest for another treble, however, on the day Cork's defence were on top form. They won on a scoreline of 1–9 to 1–6, with Christy Ring becoming the first player to win eight All-Ireland medals.

In 1955 Cork were beaten by Clare in the opening round of the Munster championship, however, they returned for one final swansong in 1956. They regained their Munster crown, courtesy of a hat-trick by Christy Ring, and set up another All-Ireland final showdown with Wexford. It was another classic encounter but sides at their peak. The turing point of the game came when Wexford were two points up. Their goalkeeper, Art Foley, saved a great shot by Christy Ring and cleared the ball. Within seconds Nicky Rackard scored a goal to win the game for Wexford. The final score was 2–14 to 2–8. Ring had been denied his ninth All-Ireland medal. In a show of solidarity Bobby Rackard and Nick O'Donnell of Wexford shouldered Ring off the field. It would be Cork's last All-Ireland final appearance for ten years.

Another three-in-a-row

The Cork hurling team that captured a third All-Ireland title in-a-row in 1978

In 1966 Cork came from nowhere to win their first Munster title in a decade and advanced to an All-Ireland final decider against Kilkenny. None of the Cork team had ever played in Croke Park before, however, for Kilkenny it was like their home stadium. There was even speculation that Christy Ring, the age of 45, was about to come out of retirement to play for Cork, however, this didn't happen. While Kilkenny were the favourites Gerald McCarthy captained one of the youngest Cork teams ever to victory. Kilkenny had their revenge over Cork in 1969, however, in 1970 Cork captured the Liam MacCarthy Cup with a massive win over Wexford.

The 1970s was to be a glorious decade for Cork's hurlers. In 1975 Cork won their first Munster title since 1972. It was to be the first of five Munster Championship victories in-a-row. An All-Ireland semi-final loss to Galway raised certain doubts over Cork's ability. They silenced their critics in 1976 when Cork faced Wexford in the All-Ireland final. After 8 minutes Cork were in severe trouble, having conceded two goals and two points. It looked as if the game was going to be a repeat of the 1956 final, however, Cork fought back to win what has been referred to as Pat Moylan's All-Ireland final.

In 1977 Cork were back in the All-Ireland final taking on Wexford for the second consecutive year. The game didn't start as quickly as the previous year, however, it was no less as exciting. Cork's captain, Martin O'Doherty, and the team's goalkeeper, Martin Coleman, were the heroes of the day, as Cork won on a scoreline of 1–17 to 3–8. The three-in-a-row was the major talking-point yet again and Cork didn't disappoint, making it to the All-Ireland final once again. This time their opponents were Kilkenny. They gave Cork a fright when they scored an early goal, however, an opportunistic goal by Cork's Jimmy Barry-Murphy sealed victory for the Leesiders. Sporting history was made. The possibility of completing a famous four-in-a-row looked extremely likely in 1979 when Cork captured their fifth Munster title. A defeat at the All-Ireland semi-final stage by Galway ended Cork's run of success, and brought an end to the careers of many of their most famous players.

1980s and 1990s

After little success in the early 1980s Cork reclaimed their Munster Championship crown in 1982. It was the first of five Munster titles in-a-row. They reached the All-Ireland final that year only to be defeated by Kilkenny. In 1983 Cork were defeated by "the cats" for the second consecutive year. 1984 was a special year for Gaelic games as it was the centenary year of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Having lost the previous two All-Ireland finals Cork were even hungrier for success in 1984. The plan nearly came unstuck in the Munster final when Tipperary were up by four points with four minutes to go. Two goals from Seánie O'Leary and Tony O'Sullivan sealed victory for "the Rebels" and they advanced to an easy win over Offaly in the All-Ireland final at Semple Stadium.

In 1986 Cork were back in the All-Ireland final, this time facing hot favourites Galway. Cork scored four goals on that day and, in spite of a late goal by Galway's P.J. Molloy, Cork won the day on a scoreline of 4–13 to 2–15. Four years later in 1990 Cork were Munster champions once again before taking part in another final against Galway. Once again Cork were the underdogs coming into the final. In one of the most high-scoring finals in years Cork emerged victorious once again with a scoreline of 5–15 to 2–21.

The 1990s which started so well were to prove difficult for the Cork hurlers. After losing to Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final in 1992 it would take until 1999 for Cork to re-emerge as Munster and All-Ireland champions. Jimmy Barry-Murphy, who had given so much service as a player, masterminded the youngest Cork team ever to another All-Ireland victory.

1999–present

While it was expected that the team would build on the success of 1999 the exact opposite happened. After a defeat to Offaly in the All-Ireland semi-final in 2000 the team went into terminal decline. In 2002 the entire senior hurling panel took the unprecedented move of going on strike. The players, who had been seeking better conditions, refused to play or train with the county again until the dispute with the county board was resolved. The players demands included having their own doctor at all Championship, League, resolving disputes over travel arrangements and providing players with free gymnasium access. The strike was eventually resolved and all the demands were met, but not before the Cork footballers also went on strike in sympathy.

Following the strike the Cork hurlers came back stronger than ever, winning three out of the next four Munster championships. Cork became the best team in the country reaching four consecutive All-Ireland finals with victories coming in 2004 and 2005. In 2006 Cork attempted to capture an elusive three-in-a-row, however, they were defeated by Kilkenny.

The Cork senior footballers and hurlers withdrew their services for almost 100 days from November 2007 until February 2008. For more on this see 2007-2008 Cork players strike.

Rivalries and supporters

Cork fans have a strong rivalry with various other teams. Tipperary are generally regarded as Cork's biggest rivals in the Munster Championship. Munster finals between these two sides, particularly when played in Semple Stadium in Thurles, are often regarded as 'the traditional final,' and often provide the best game of the championship. In recent years Waterford have been added to the list of rivals. The Munster final of 2004 between Cork and Waterford has been described as one of the greatest Munster finals of all-time.

In the All-Ireland series of games Kilkenny are widely regarded as Cork's biggest rivals. All-Ireland finals between these two sides have been noted for the skill and the intensity of play. It has often been said that Kilkenny win all the classic games while Cork win all the battles. The rivalry has intensified in recent years, particularly in 2003 when Kilkenny beat Cork in the final to claim their twenty-eighth All-Ireland title, thus drawing level with the number of titles that Cork had at the time. The 2004 All-Ireland final added another chapter to the rivalry as Kilkenny were attempting to win a third All-Ireland title in-a-row and go one up in the roll of honour. However, on that occasion Cork emerged victorious denying Kilkenny the rewards that they coveted. The rivalry continued in 2006 when the roles were reversed. Cork were attempting to win a third All-Ireland title in-a-row, however, they were defeated by Kilkenny. 'The Cats' victory over Limerick in the 2007 All-Ireland final saw them draw level with Cork at the top of the roll of honour once again. Kilkenny's "three-in-a-row" win over Waterford in 2008 and "four in a row" win over Tipperary in 2009 has placed them comfortably above Cork as being the county with most All-Ireland Championship victories.

Cork have probably one of the biggest following of supporters in the country due to the counties large population. At every venue the Cork Hurlers play in a significant proportion of the attendance are from Cork. Cork supporters are famous for the different variety flags they bring to Cork matches, indeed they are unique among GAA supporters in this regard. Flags which can be seen with Cork Supporters include a red and white one.

Cork hurling squad

No. Player Position Club
1 Donal Og Cusack Goalkeeper Cloyne
2 Shane O'Neill Right Corner Back Bishopstown
3 Eoin Cadogan Full Back Douglas
4 Brian Murphy Left Corner Back Bride Rovers
5 John Gardiner Right Halg Back Na Piarsaigh
6 Ronan Curran Centre Back St. Finbarr's
7 Seán Óg Ó hAilpín Left Half Back Na Piarsaigh
8 Tom Kenny Midfield Grenagh
9 Cathal Naughton Midfield Newtownshandrum
10 Ben O'Connor Right Half Forward Newtownshandrum
11 Jerry O'Connor Centre Forward Newtownshandrum
12 Niall McCarthy Left Half Forward Carrigtwohill
13 Kieran Murphy Right Corner Forward Sarsfields (Captain)
14 Aisake Ó hAilpín Full Forward Na Piarsaigh
15 Patrick Horgan Left Corner Forward Glen Rovers
No. Player Position Club
16 Martin Coleman Goalkeeper Ballinhassig
17 Shane Murphy Right Corner Back Erin's Own
18 Eoin Dillon Full Back Milford
19 Conor O'Sullivan Left Corner Back Sarsfields
20 Ray Ryan Half Back Sarsfields
21 Michael Walsh Half Back Killdorrery
22 Lorcán McLoughlin Midfield Kanturk
23 Michael Cussen Forward Sarsfields
24 Paudie O'Sullivan Corner Forward Cloyne
25 Anthony Nash Goalkeeper Kanturk
26 Mark O'Sullivan Forward Dripsey
27 Tadhg Óg Murphy Forward Sarsfields
28 William Egan Back Kilbrin
29 Cian McCarthy Forward Sarsfields
30 Luke O'Farrell Corner Forward Midleton

Squad as per Cork vs Tipperary(Munster Quarter Final 2010)[1]

Honours

For more details on this topic, see here

Former hurlers

For more details on this topic see: List of Cork hurlers

Player records

Texaco Hurler of the Year winners

Managerial history

This is a list of people who have coached/managed the Cork senior hurling team in recent years.

Name Club From To All-Ireland titles Munster titles
Bertie Troy Newtownshandrum 1975 1980 1976, 1977, 1978 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
Gerald McCarthy St. Finbarr's 1980 1982
Johnny Clifford Glen Rovers 1982 1983 1983
Justin McCarthy
Fr. Michael O'Brien
Passage
Blackrock
1983 1985 1984 1984, 1985
Johnny Clifford Glen Rovers 1985 1988 1986 1986
Charlie McCarthy St. Finbarr's 1988 1988
Con Roche St. Finbarr's 1988 1989
Fr. Michael O'Brien Blackrock 1989 1993 1990 1990, 1992
Johnny Clifford Glen Rovers 1993 1995
Jimmy Barry-Murphy St. Finbarr's 1995 2000 1999 1999, 2000
Tom Cashman Blackrock 2000 2001
Bertie Óg Murphy Sarsfield's 2001 2002
Dónal O'Grady St. Finbarr's 2002 2004 2004 2003
John Allen St. Finbarr's 2004 2006 2005 2005, 2006
Gerald McCarthy St. Finbarr's 2006 2009
John Considine Sarsfield's 2009 2009
Denis Walsh St. Catherine's 2009

Championship record

See Cork's Senior Hurling Championship Record

Gaelic football

History

Gaelic football has always been seen as the weaker of the two sports in Cork. The game is strongest in the west of the county and in Cork city. Success, especially at senior level, has been much more sporadic that with hurling. The biggest hindrance to success has been the presence of next door neighbors Kerry. Cork has been the second strongest county in Munster since the 1940s and often one of the best in the country. Many very good Cork teams were unable to overcome Kerry when they met in the Munster final. Cork began the 1970s with three Munster titles in 4 years and the 1973 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. But they then ran up against the great Kerry team of the 1970s and 1980s. In 1976, the two teams drew in the final of the Munster Senior Football Championship. The replay went to extra-time, before two very controversial refereeing decisions saw Kerry victorious. Cork fell back after that for a number of years.

1980s and 1990s

In 1983 Kerry were aiming to capture a record ninth Munster title in-a-row, however, Cork pulled off one of their surprise victories. Kerry, however, won the next three Munster and All-Ireland titles. In 1987 Billy Morgan was back with Cork, this time as manager. That year Cork reclaimed the Munster Championship crown from the Kingdom. It was the first of four Munster titles in-a-row. They reached the All-Ireland final that year only to be defeated by Meath. In 1988 Cork were defeated by Meath for the second consecutive year after a replay. Having lost the previous two All-Ireland finals Cork were even hungrier for success in 1989. That year they captured the National Football League before facing Mayo in the championship decider. The game ended in victory for Cork who claimed their fifth-ever All-Ireland title. In 1990 Cork squared up to Meath in the All-Ireland final for the third time in four years. In a close game Cork emerged victorious by two points to claim a second consecutive championship.

Cork surrendered their provincial title for the next two years, however, they reclaimed it in 1993. That year they reached another All-Ireland final, however, it was Derry who won their first All-Ireland title on that occasion. Cork won the next two Munster titles as well, however, they were later defeated in the All-Ireland semi-final on both those occasions. The defeat in 1995 brought an end to one of Cork's greatest-ever periods in football history. Four years later in 1999 Cork won the Munster title for the fifth time of the decade. They later faced old rivals Meath in the All-Ireland final, however, victory went to the Leinster men on that occasion.

21st century

While it was expected that the team would build on the success of 1999, Cork went into decline as Kerry began to dominate in Munster. In 2002 Cork triumphed once again and captured the Munster title after a victory over Tipperary in a replay. The subsequent All-Ireland semi-final saw Cork take on Kerry. It was a historic occasion as it was the first time that the two sides had met in Croke Park. Unfortunately, Cork were trounced on a score line of 3–19 to 2–7. The year ended with the Cork hurling team going on strike. In turn, the football team joined in a sympathy strike. The players, who had been seeking better conditions, refused to play or train with the county again until the dispute with the county board was resolved. The players demands included having their own doctor at all Championship and League games, resolving disputes over travel arrangements and providing players with free gymnasium access. The strike was eventually resolved and all the demands were met.

Following the strike the fortunes of the Cork football team took a turn for the worse. A series of defeats in 2003 and 2004 saw the Cork football team almost at an all-time low. In 2005 Cork narrowly lost the Munster final but qualified for the All-Ireland semi-final where Kerry were once again waiting. The score line of 1–19 to 1–9 in favor of the men from the Kingdom tells its own story. In 2006 Cork won their first Munster title in four years following a defeat of Kerry. The two sides met again in the All-Ireland semi-final, however, in a similar pattern Kerry were victorious. In 2007 Cork lost their Munster crown to Kerry, however, they made use of the qualifiers and found themselves in the All-Ireland final. Kerry, the old rivals, provided the opposition in the first all-Munster All-Ireland final. The game started on a level pegging, however, Kerry ran riot and captured the title with a 3–13 to 1–9 victory. It was one of Cork's most humiliating defeats.

The Cork senior footballers and hurlers withdrew their services for almost 100 days from November 2007 until February 2008. For more on this see 2007-2008 Cork players strike. In spite of this, Cork reached the All-Ireland semi-final where they lost to old rivals Kerry after a replay. Cork regained their Munster crown in 2009. The team advanced to the All-Ireland Final, overcoming 2008 champions Tyrone along the way, to meet Kerry in the final. Cork lost on a scoreline of 1–9 to 16 points for Kerry.

In April 2010, Cork won the National Football League Division 1 title with a 1–17 to 0–12 win against Mayo at Croke Park in front of a crowd of 27,005.[2]

Rivalries and supporters

In football, Kerry are undoubtedly Cork's biggest rivals as they meet year in year out in the Munster Senior Football Championship and recently in the All-Ireland series of games as well. Kerry are traditionally dominant but Cork do win every so often, for example in the Munster finals in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Another fierce football rival of Cork is Meath. This intensity died down a bit in recent years as they had not played each other in the Championship since the All-Ireland Final in 1999. However, the rivalry was renewed in 2007, as the two counties met in the semi-final of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Meath were favorites but Cork won to set up a final with Kerry.

Cork Football support generally tends to be smaller compared to the support for the County's Hurlers. However the Cork Footballers enjoy the largest following in Munster and most counties would be glad to receive the kind of support the Cork Footballers get. The Cork Footballers possibly don't get the same level of support as their hurling counterparts because of their lack of success even though Cork are the fifth most successful Football County in Ireland. Cork and Kerry well always draw 30,000 plus and Fitzgeralds stadium in Killarney is often a favorite among rebel supporters. In 2009 large crowds attended games against, Limerick and Tyrone, as well as against Kerry in the All-Ireland final, to see a Cork team that were considered to be serious title contenders. Like at Hurling games Cork supporters can be seen with a wide range of flags including the Confederate Flag.

Cork football squad

No. Player Position Club
1 Alan Quirke Goalkeeper Valley Rovers
2 Ray Carey Right Corner Back Clyda Rovers
3 Michael Shields Full Back St.Finbarr's
4 John Miskella Left Corner Back Ballincollig
5 Noel O'Leary Right Half Back Cill na Martra
6 Graham Canty Centre Back Bantry Blues (captain)
7 Paudie Kissane Left Half Back Clyda Rovers
8 Alan O'Connor Midfield St. Colum's
9 Aidan Walsh Midfield Kanturk
10 Paul Kerrigan Right Half Forward Nemo Rangers
11 Pearse O'Neill Center Forward Aghada
12 Paddy Kelly Left Half Forward Ballincollig
13 Daniel Goulding Right Corner Forward Éire Óg
14 Ciarán Sheehan Full Forward Éire Óg
15 Paul Kerrigan Left Corner Forward Nemo Rangers
No. Player Position Club
16 Paddy O'Shea Goalkeeper St.Vincents
17 Eoin Cadogan Right Half Back Douglas
18 Eoin Cotter Midfield Douglas
19 Fintan Gould Right Half Back Macroom
20 John Hayes Centre Forward Carbery Rangers
21 Derek Kavanagh Centre Forward Nemo Rangers
22 Fiachra Lynch Full Forward Valley Rovers
23 Kevin McMahon Right Half Forward Carbery Rangers
24 John Miskella Right Corner Forward Ballincollig
25 Kieran O'Connor Midfield Aghada
26 Conor O'Driscoll Left Half Forward Ilen Rovers
27 Paul O'Flynn Right Half Back Ballyclough
28 Colm O'Neill Full Forward Ballyclough
29 Brian O'Regan Left Corner Forward Nemo Rangers
30 Ger Spillane Full Forward Ballygarvan

Squad as per Cork vs Dublin (All-Ireland Semi-Final 2010)[3]

Honours

For more details on this topic, see here

Former footballers

Player records

Texaco Footballer of the Year winners

Managerial history

This is a list of people who have coached/managed the Cork senior football team in recent years.

Name Club From To All-Ireland titles Munster titles
Billy Morgan Nemo Rangers 1986 1996 1989, 1990 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995
Larry Tompkins Castlehaven 1996 2003 1999, 2002
Billy Morgan Nemo Rangers 2003 2007 2006
Teddy Holland Clonakilty 2007 2008
Conor Counihan Aghada 2008 2008, 2009

Camogie

Cork camogie has enjoyed four periods of ascendancy in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship, winning 24 titles in all. They won six championships in an eight year period, 1934-6 and 1939-41, won four-in-a-row 1970-4, won three titles in a five year period 1978-83, five titles in a seven-year period 1992-8, and five more titles since 2002. They also dominated the National Camogie League despite taking nine years to win their first title in 1984, winning seven-in-a-row 1995-2001 and ten titles in 13 years 1991-2003. They are the leading team at under-16 level with 13 successes.

Glen Rovers (4) and Killeagh (1980) have won the All Ireland senior club championship,

Notable players include team of the century members Marie Costine, Sandie Fitzgibbon, Linda Mellerick and Pat Moloney, player of the year recipients Briege Corkery, Claire Cronin, Marion McCarthy, Teresa Murphy, Aoife Murray, Mary O’Leary, Fiona O’Driscoll, Gemma O'Connor, Mary O'Connor and Deirdre Sutton, All Star award winners[4] Kitty Buckley, Rena Buckley, Síle Burns, Orla Cotter, Emer Dillon, Lynn and Stephanie Dunlea, Cathriona Foley, Anna Geary, Rachel Moloney and Jennifer O'Leary, and Elaine Burke, Ann Comerford, Kathleen Cotter, Kathleen Delea, Denise Cronin, Hannah Dineen, Eithne Duggan, Renee Fitzgerald, Vivienne Harris, Cathy Landers, Pat Lenihan, Josie McGrath, Therése O'Callaghan, Nancy O’Driscoll, Irene O’Keeffe and Betty Sugrue.

Síle Horgan, Lil Kirby, Mary Moran, Mary O’Callaghan, Joan O’Flynn and Lil O’Grady served as presidents of the Camogie Association).

Under Camogie’s National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,”[5] five new camogie clubs are to be established in the county by 2015.[6]

Honours

1939, 1940, 1941, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009

1973, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1996, 1999, 2004

1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003

1984, 1986, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007

Ladies' gaelic football

Cork have become the strongest county in Ladies Football in the first decade of the 21st century. In 2009, Cork won the All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championship for a fifth consecutive time, defeating Dublin in the final.[7]

Honours

  • National Ladies' Football Leagues: 5
    • 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010
  • All-Ireland Senior "B" Ladies Football Championship: 3
    • 2007, 2008, 2009

Sponsorship

Since 1991 the following companies have sponsored all of the male Cork GAA teams.

Club competitions

Stadium information

Divisions

Cork is divided into eight regional divisions. These divisions will organize their own competitions from under 12 up to junior level. The winners of the divisional competitions will then compete for the county championships. Only Senior, Intermediate and the Premier level in minor is competition on a county-wide bases. In addition, the divisions compete in the Cork Senior Hurling Championship and Cork Senior Football Championship. The divisions can choose any player from clubs within their division who is not playing with a senior club. The eight divisions are as follows:

References

  1. ^ "Cork Team v Tipperary". Cork GAA. 2010-05-27. Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  2. ^ "Cork 1–17 Mayo 0–12". RTÉ Sport. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 2010-04-25. Retrieved 2010-04-26.
  3. ^ "Cork Team v Kerry". Cork GAA. 2010-06-10. Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  4. ^ All-stars on camogie.ie
  5. ^ Irish Independent March 29 2010: Final goal for camogie
  6. ^ National Development Plan 2010-2015, Our Game, Our Passion information page on camogie.ie, pdf download (778k) from Camogie.ie download site
  7. ^ "Fabulous five for Rebelettes". Irish Independent. 2009-09-28. Retrieved 2009-09-28.

External links

See also