Cork Constitution
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“I am from Aghada in East Co Cork. I played underage
rugby for Midleton RFC so I would have played against
Cork Con several times as a kid. I joined Cork Con as
an adult player in 2010 having played for Garryowen FC
while at university in Limerick (beating Cork Con in the
AIL Final in 2007). I have always played either scrum
half or out half - close enough to the action to get plenty
of ball but not too close!
In 2013 we won the All Ireland (Bateman) Cup. We
had a very young team at the time so it was great to
prove to ourselves that we were capable of performing
in big games. After that particular team’s initial win
in 2013 we went on a bit of a roll in that competition
which I think gave the squad solid impetus to make
an assault on the League title. Personally, having the
honour of captaining the side to three of those Cup
wins was very satisfying and something that I didn’t fully
appreciate at the time.
Last year was a deeply satisfying season. The
team played a great brand of fast and open football.
We had the best coaching panel in the country bar
none. Our Head Coach Paul Barr instilled a depth of
understanding and an empowerment of players, which
allowed them to truly back themselves on the pitch
and play with instinct and confidence. The players
really bought in to Paul’s way and played some great
rugby, scoring a lot of tries while displaying great skill,
decision making, appreciation of space, willingness to
dare, athleticism, desire and composure.
Playing a less structured game may have seemed
a bit daunting at the outset; but as the season
progressed the team grew in confidence as they could
see themselves grow as players and have the capability
to anticipate what teammates would do. As the end of
season approached we felt our game was beginning
to flow so we were in good stead heading into the
final against Clontarf where our ability to score tries
counted. That confidence and instinct shone through
when it mattered and we scored tries displaying skills
such as a one-handed flick pass, an overhead pass,
an inside pass from a back row forward to a winger
appearing in mid field. Allied with composure, work rate
and team spirit we managed to give a good performance
in Lansdowne Road.
The loss of our inspirational captain Niall Kenneally,
who had been peerless all season, in the warmup was
a major blow but the other leaders in the group stepped
up to ensure our level did not drop. I think that this is
testament to the quality of coaching we had as well as
the calibre of player that we have.
The season after a victory is always a difficult one
because many teams often overestimate their quality
and fail to see the role that hard work and desire played
in their successful campaign. My hope for next season
is that we continue to improve our brand of football
and that each time the team plays they can give a
performance that all members - coaches, management,
medical, committee and supporters can be proud of
because each game is an opportunity to represent the
community at Cork Con.”
Gerry Hurley
“Kearys Hyundai are proud to sponsor Cork Constitution FC again this year and wish all players,
coaches and club members every good wish for the 2019/2020 season. We were delighted to
support Cork Con’s victory in the Energia All Ireland League this year and hope that the 1st XV can
build on last year’s victory,” said Brendan Keary, Sales Director, Kearys Hyundai.
Kearys are Number One for Hyundai in Cork, Mallow and Midleton. www.kearys.ie/hyundai
8 Issue 87