Gallery
#1
The Carrigaline Hurling Tournament 1889
Following the founding of the G.A.A in 1884, the earliest recorded hurling tournament, organised by the Carrigaline Hurling Club, took place during the months of August, September and October 1889.
To set the scene for the tournament it should be borne in mind that some of the new rules introduced in 1886 standardised many aspects of the game of hurling. The tournament matches played at Carrigaline had to conform to the new rules, some of which were as follows: Teams were made up of twenty-one players. The width of goal posts were specified as also were the locations of the point posts which were erected on either side of the goal posts. The duration of the match was fixed at one hour and the field of play was to be kept clear at all times.
However, all was not well within the G.A.A in Cork at that time and due to a disagreement within the Cork County Board, a new board was established, which was presided over by Fr. O’ Connor’s, who was also President of St. Finbarr’s Club in Cork. Many of the teams in this locally and throughout the county supported Fr. O’ Connor’s Board, as it became known. As a result, the Cork County Board expelled all clubs affiliated to that board, including Carrigaline
#2
The Tournament Field
The hurlings field, which was placed at the club’s disposal for the duration of the tournament by John Dunlea, was located adjacent to and north west of Piper’s Cross. This field was the venue for many matches in later years when it was made available to the club by courtesy of Carthy McCarthy, Kilmoney.
Carrigaline fielded two teams for the Tournament, which were known respectively as Carrigaline 1st and Carrigaline 2nd. Some of the other clubs did likewise.
#3
The First Match Carrigaline 1st vs Tracton 2nd
The first match in the tournament could be classes as a local derby when old rivals Carrigaline and Tracton at 3:15pm.
Tracton won the toss and elected to play with the wind. From the throw-in Tracton went into the attack and following repeated forays close to the Carrigaline goalmouth, scored the first goal of the match after about 10 minutes. Shortly after the puck out, Tracton gained possession and scored a point amidst much enthusiasm. Play continued with renewed vigour on both sides and midway through the first half, Tracton scored their second point. Carrigaline rallied and their backline withstood further assaults by the Tracton forwards to leave the score 1-2 to nil at the end of the first period, when according to the new rules, sides were changed.
When play resumed, Carrigaline were deprived of the advantage of the wind which had almost entirely abated. Despite their shortcomings in the first half, they settled down immediately and both teams gave delightful displays of hurling. Unlike the first half, the Carrigaline lines were stoutly defended and the Tracton lines were breached, Carrigaline scoring three points. Despite repeated attacks, Tracton emerged victorious, the final score being Tracton 1-2, Carrigaline 0-3.
The Carrigaline 1st XXI: Edward Cogan, J.Mahony, D.Spriggs, E.Cogan, D.Flynn, J.Tobin, M.Thompson, D.Coleman, M.Cronin, D.Casey, W.Kennefick, T.Kennefick, J.Foley, J.Ahern, H.Jenkins, P.Corcoran, Michael Best, J.McNamara, J.Linehan, J.Minihan and Michael Middleton.
#4
Carrigaline Hurlers Ballad
The following ballad commemorates a hurling match which was played in 1828 in Cope’s field, near the river. Here are some of the verses which have ten in total.
There’s joy throughout the nation, and great congratulation,
With wond’rous acclamation, from the Liffey to the Lee.
Without exaggeration, our goalers take their station,
For the highest approbation- they have won the victory;
‘Twas in no combination, or field association,
But in rural relaxation, on the plains of Owenabwee.
There was Fionn, the chief of heroes, who high the ball in play rose,
Though long he’s gone to repose, and will never play again.
There’s Don and Con the peerless, and Barry Oge the fearless,
Since whom we are left cheerless, could they have seen our men;
They’d join the acclamation, and add their approbation,
With my congratulation to the boys of Ownabwee.
As men will long remember the seventeenth of December,
For good and bad each member, came from far and near to see;
Not a cabin had a soul in, all flocked to view the gaoling,
And unremitted bowling of Kilmoney’s chivalry;
Undaunted sons of Beaver, no hearts were ever braver
Upon your bounding wave, or the plains of Owenabwee.
Five times our men were turned, by rivals whom they spurned,
With shame their cheeks they burned, but the ball was in the field;
Then with redoubled spirit, they showed the strength and merit
That they did all inherit, and made their foes to yield;
While Barrymore they doubted, and Muskerry they shouted,
When both of them were routed on the plains of Owenabwee.
Success to young O’Daly, who led us on so gaily,
He is our hero really- shout for Kilmoney’s pride!
And here is for his brothers, and three times for all others,
True sons of worthy mothers, who were upon our side;
There names are here recorded, may they be all rewarded,
For never king or lord did so much for the Owenabwee.
First I’ll extol stout Saunders, and after him brave Landers,
They behaved like great commanders; and next I’ll aggrandise
O’Toomey and Mulcahy, two Carties, and Bat Fahey;
O’Callaghan of Rahy, and also Thomas Wise;
O’Flinn, with head like carrot, De Cogans, Jack and Garrett;
And Jordan, Welsh and Barrett, on the plains of Owenabwee.