Cork Constitution
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“I’ve recently finished a 6th season with the Cork Con, and it’s
crazy how the time has flown by! My initial move here was perhaps
an unusual one. I was completing my engineering degree at the
University of Limerick when I was first approached. I hail from
Sligo, a county in the northwest of Ireland, and geographically far
removed from Cork. A further move south post-graduation was
never part of the plan!
I was in the Munster Academy at the time, so remaining in
Limerick would have suited, but something drew me to the place.
Although I had only played at Temple Hill a handful of times, there
had seemed a mystique to the place. Maybe it was the club’s
storied history, maybe it was a new challenge, or maybe it was
just the Cork weather! Whatever the case, I moved to Cork in
the summer of 2013 and signed for Cork Constitution
Football Club.
There are certainly challenges. The All
Ireland League, and particularly Division
1A, is a highly competitive league.
The calibre of player is very high,
often to a point where the full
professionals within club sides
can be indistinguishable. The
result is a host of quality
teams and to remain
competitive within a league
of this quality is the biggest
challenge in my opinion.
During the season, any
below-par performances
are punished, and teams
can quickly find themselves
fighting for survival with no
easy fixtures apparent. As
captain, you certainly absorb
the pressure when it’s not
going your team’s way. However
conversely it can be rewarding
when the going is good, and there’s no
greater feeling than collecting silverware
on your teammate’s behalf.
Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with fantastic
teammates. There are some big personalities in the changing
room, players and coaches alike, and it’s certainly a challenge
trying to remain diplomatic yet harness the passion. But ultimately,
we’re all on the same side, with the same ambitions and it’s been
a thoroughly enjoyable experience to date!
The mood at the club is great to be honest! We are
possibly still in celebratory form after last year’s success.
There’s an undeniable buzz around the club. For players
however, pre-season training on the horizon is a sobering
thought! It’s very much back to square one, and there’s no
use for sentiment once the season begins. As defending
champions there’s a crosshairs on your back, as opposition teams
look for your scalp.
I believe we must develop further if we are to defend our title
next year. ‘Back to back’ titles have proved painfully elusive for
teams of late in the AIL. Despite several close attempts the feat
hasn’t been accomplished since the famous Shannon teams of
the late nineties and early 2000’s. It certainly will be a goal of ours!
I couldn’t pinpoint one single reason but rather several
contributing factors behind our success. Naturally much credit
goes to the top-down organisation within the club, and in
particularly the coaching. Over the past four years, they’ve
shaped and motivated this group to become a consistently high
performing outfit. We’ve had a talented player-group,
but as already mentioned, it’s a league abundant
with talent.
Personally, I believe the team has
consistently displayed heart in times
of adversity and that often proves
the difference. It’s the intangible.
It possibly stems from the
close-knit nature of the group,
and the experiences and
friendship we’ve shared
throughout the years. This
has created a bond which
hopefully never leaves us,
even after our rugby playing
days are over.
I’m currently undertaking
Masters
in
Structural
Engineering, so I’ll have to
knuckle down and complete
my studies while balancing the
pre-season schedule. Hopefully
the team maintains positive form
into the new season. It would be a
shame not to maximise the potential
of this group while we remain together.
We’ve enjoyed some great days, hopefully
we’re not done yet!
There are truly fantastic people in our club who I know will
continue to keep our club in rude health. I would hope for continued
commitment and high standards from my fellow players, and with
a bit of luck, further silverware and success. It would be gratifying
to see more of our own win more club-international caps, as
well as further provincial and international honours for Cork Con
players in the professional ranks. Hopefully we can continue to
leave our stamp on rugby at all levels and further consolidate our
position as one of the premier clubs in Irish rugby.”
Niall Kenneally
Kieran O’Sullivan, of club sponsor HEINEKEN Ireland who have a long and positive association with rugby
and Cork Con FC, recently told Rugby Club Magazine, “I can’t speak highly enough about Cork Con FC or
more correctly the great band of brothers who put a lot of time and effort into running this great club while
achieving the heights they have risen to last season. Their community service is second to none developing the
next generation of great rugby players coming out of Ireland.
To have lifted the All Ireland Trophy for the sixth time and winning many other accolades on the way, including
the outstanding performances in the 18/19 league, is a reflection of their professionalism on and off the field.
Heineken are a delighted sponsor and supplier to the club and it’s a privilege to take part in this important
promotion. We are proud to continue our sponsorship, wishing everyone associated with Cork Con FC the
very best of continued success for the 2019/2020 campaign!”
6 Issue 87