School football (Corn Uí Mhuirí)

[Premier]

Tweet below from Examiner:
Wed's @munsterpps Corn Ui Mhuiri almost wiped out by weather. OFF: Roco v Pres Milltown, Tralee CBS v Bandon, Mounthawk v Coachford, PSCD v Chriost Ri, CSN v Skibb CS, Sceilge v Macroom.

ON: Sem v CC Ballincollig, Patrician v Flannans, Abbey v Castleisland (4Gs Banteer and UL).

Any word on refixtures?

[hurlingman]

On the hurling side of things I see The Green are playing in the senior B championship this year while Causeway are in the C championship.

That's quite a turnaround. If someone had told you that even 5 years ago they wouldn't have believed you.

[kerryexile]

The Examiner had a Team by Team preview of the Corn Ui Mhuiri on Tuesday.

I missed it and didn't hear about it until later. Could anyone put it up please.

[givehimaball]

Football’s Next Gen: Team-by-team guide to this year’s Corn Ui Mhuirí
Nineteen schools will vie for the Munster Schools U19 SFC, with Killarney’s St Brendan’s again the team to beat.
Football’s Next Gen: Team-by-team guide to this year’s Corn Ui Mhuirí
CHAMPIONS: St. Brendan's College's Killarney joint captains Cian Lynch and Aodhan O'Neill raise the trophy after defeating St. Francis College, Rochestown in last February's final in Mallow. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

TUE, 17 OCT, 2023 - 21:38
EXAMINER SPORT SPECIAL
Social share
Group 1

MERCY MOUNTHAWK TRALEE.

Management: Aidan O’Shea, Ciaran Costello, Luke Mulligan.

Captain: TBC.

Last season: Mercy Mounthawk lost out in the semi-finals to eventual champions St Brendan’s College conceding two soft goals.

Key players: Paddy Lane, Daniel Kirby and Ben Murphy (all Austin Stacks).

Verdict: One of the favourites for outright honours, Mounthawk can field nine of last year’s starting fifteen and 17 of the squad from 22/23. With five Kerry minors they should progress from the group at a minimum with Paddy Lane being their marquee forward.

POBALSCOIL CHORCA DHUIBHNE.

Management: Eoghan O’Gealbháin, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tommy Griffin.

Captain: TBC.

Last Season: Failed to get out of their group losing out in final group game to Skibbereen CS.

Key players: James Hoare (Dingle), Padraig Ó Mainnín (Lispole), Cian Ó Cinnéide (Lispole).

Verdict: PSCD are back with a competitive squad. They have no less than 11 of last year's panel back and were impressive last week despite losing to the Sem in the O’Sullivan Cup semi-final. Padraig Ó Mainnín, Cian Ó Cinnéide and Paudie MacGearailt (Dingle) are talented footballers. PS Chorca Dhuibhne will be no pushover and if they can beat Chríost Rí in their first outing, then they could finish runners up to Mounthawk.

COACHFORD COLLEGE, CORK.

Management: Shane Creed, James Harding.

Captain: Joint-captains Colm Gillespie (Aghabullogue) and Kevin O'Connell (Donoughmore).

Last season: First-timers in the Corn Uí Mhuirí. As a group, they decided this was the year to make the step up.

Key players: Ryan Delaney (Canovee), Aaron O' Sullivan (Aghabullogue) and Donal Dineen (Inniscarra).

Verdict: In a tough group with Mercy Mounthawk Tralee, PS Chorcha Dhuibhne and Coláiste Chríost Rí, they are competing against two multiple winners, and Mouthawk are one of the favourites. In such company, they face stiff opposition, but feel they should be up for the challenge.

COLÁISTE CHRÍOST RÍ .

Management: Brian Coughlan (Kinsale) and Colm Ó Meachair (St Finbarr’s).

Last Season: Didn't qualify from the group stages.

Captain: Colin Molloy (Nemo Rangers).

Key players: Cian O Sullivan (St Finbarr’s), Artjoms Petrov (Nemo Rangers), Billy O’Neill (Nemo Rangers), Aaron Hegarty (Mayfield), Theo Morgan (Ballincollig).

Verdict: The famed Capwell nursery may not be what they once were, but this year they are hoping to reach the knock-out stages and to be playing football after Christmas. They will look to players like Cian O Sullivan and Trevor Howe of the St. Finbarr’s team that reached the Premier 1 Minor final, and Colin Molloy, who has played senior with Nemo this year, to buck their recent trend.

Group 2

PRESENTATION MILLTOWN.

Management: Dan McKenna, Eoin Fitzgerald, Gavin O’Grady

Captain: Gearoid Evans (Keel)

Last season: Did not win a game in debut year.

Key players: Gearoid Evans (Keel), Shane and Dara Clifford (Laune Rangers) .

Verdict: Group B looks tough and Pres Milltown open up against Rochestown. They have already received a bit of a trimming from Coláiste Na Sceilge in the O’Sullivan Cup and De La Salle Macroom also looks tough. A first win in the Corn Ui Mhuiri is the goal but the school has neither a TY year nor a tradition of repeats so they will be happy with just one win.

COLÁISTE NA SCEILGE.

Management: Padraig Murphy, Buddy O’Shea, Micheal Burns, Matt Keane.

Captain: Emmet Daly (Valentia).

Last season: Lost out to St Brendan’s in the opening group game conceding two goals in added time in a group that also included Mounthawk.

Key players: Ian O’Sullivan (St Michaels/Foilmore), Ben O’Donoghue (St Marys), Emmett Daly (Valentia).

Verdict: Another Kerry school on the way back. The opener against Macroom is a must win, though Rochestown are favourites to top group. Coláiste Na Sceilige will play Mercy Mounthawk in the O’Sullivan Cup semi-final on Monday next and that will be a better barometer as to their chances.

DE LA SALLE MACROOM.

Management: Liam Long, John Ryan, Bobbie O'Dwyer, Shane Ryan (Kerry goalkeeper)

Captain: Stiofain McSweeney (Iverleary)

Players to look out for: Cormac Burke (Macroom), Owen McCarthy (Clondrohid), Sean O'Leary (Kilmurry), Denis O'Mullane (Kilmurry), Tom Brown (Kilmicheal)

Last season: Competed at B level. Were not involved at the business end of the second-tier competition.

Verdict: Back in the topflight for the first time since 2019. Not an easy group given the presence of last season’s beaten finalists, and two Kerry schools. But this De La Salle team is largely made up of the side that went all the way to the Frewen Cup semis two seasons ago, taking down Tralee CBS in the process. That’ll fill them with confidence of another run to the knockout stages.

ST FRANCIS COLLEGE, ROCHESTOWN.

Management: Eoghan Buckley (St Michael’s), Eamon Hennessy (Carrigaline). Liam Sheehan and Liam O Murchú – Logistics.

Last Season: Beaten by St Brendan’s Killarney in the final.

Captain: Tim O’Brien (Nemo Rangers).

Key players: Chris O’Keefe (Douglas), James Burke (Douglas), Rob Hanley (Douglas), Tomás Vaughan (Carrigaline).

Verdict: After reaching the final last year, only to fall short to The Sem, the Rochestown School are sure to be competitive again this year and will be there or thereabouts at the season’s end. Back-to-back Premier 1 minor titles for Douglas will aid their cause, though they are short the prodigious talents of the injured Seán Coakley. He is a huge loss not only to his school, but to the competition in general.

Group 3

ST BRENDAN’S, KILLARNEY.

Management: Kieran Herlihy, Arthur Fitzgerald, Mike Leahy, Donal O’Doherty, Gary Stack.

Captain: Timmy Moynihan (Spa).

Last season: Winners.

Key players: Keelan O’Shea (Kilcummin), Jamie Moynihan (Glenflesk, Alex Hennigan (Dr Crokes), Callum Cronin (Glenflesk).

Verdict: The Sem are going for three in row Corn Ui Mhuiri titles and it will take a good side to stop them. They have already blitzed Listowel and PS Chorca Dhuibhne in the O’Sullivan Cup. They will be without full back Maidhcí Lynch (Dr Crokes) until later in the competition. Callum Cronin and Alex Hennigan are free scoring forwards so they should make the semis.

COLÁISTE CHOILM BALLINCOLLIG.

Management: Eoin Byrne, John O’Shea.

Captain: TBC.

Last season: Failed to emerge from a stacked group containing eventual champions St Brendan’s and beaten semi-finalists Mercy Mounthawk. Ballincollig’s average losing margin across their three group games was 19 points.

Key players: Darragh Clifford (Éire Óg), Colm Clifford (Éire Óg), David O’Leary (Ballincollig). The latter was selected at half-back on this year’s minor hurling team of the year, one of two Cork players to make the 15.

Verdict: Coláiste Choilm again find themselves with three-in-a-row chasing St Brendan’s. It is against St Flannan’s and Mallow’s Patrician Academy where they will look to pick up points and the school’s first Corn Uí Mhuirí win since 2019. Leading the efforts to bridge that four-year gap will be the aforementioned Clifford pair. Colm was a Cork minor last year, Darragh midfield this year.

ST FLANNAN’S ENNIS.

Management: Colm Dillon, Gary Brennan, John Conole.

Captain: Fred Hegarty (Ennistymon).

Last season: Beaten 1-10 to 1-4 by Rochestown at the quarter-final stage.

Key players: James Hegarty (Ennistymon), Darren Keane (Lissycasey), Paddy Nagle (St Joseph’s Doora Barefield). Hegarty, an All-Ireland minor hurling winner with Clare in June, was selected at centre-back on the team of the year.

Verdict: Flannan’s were Frewen Cup (U16½) finalists two seasons ago and so their team for the upcoming Corn Uí Mhuirí campaign will lean heavily on that group. Look best-placed to take second in the group behind the Sem and reach another quarter-final.

PATRICIAN ACADEMY, MALLOW.

Management: Eamon O’Connor, Eoin O’Carroll and James McGlade.

Captain: Joint-captains Aidan Kelly (Clyda Rovers) and Gearóid Daly (Mallow).

Last season: This is their first season participating in Corn Uí Mhuirí in years. Lost the Munster B semi-final to Abbey CBS last season.

Key players: Alan O’Connell (Kilshannig), Gearóid Daly (Mallow) and Aidan Kelly (Clyda Rovers).

Verdict: They are grouped with reigning champions St Brendan’s, Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig and St Flannan’s Ennis so it’s a difficult one for the newcomers. However, having had a positive Frewen Cup campaign they feel they have a panel good enough to compete. The aim is to win at least one group game.

Group 4

TRALEE CBS.

Management: Marc Ó Sé, Liam O’Sullivan, and Alan O’Sullivan.

Captain: Jake Foley (Kerins O’Rahilly's).

Last season: Needed a win or a draw in final group game but lost so did not get out of their group.

Key players: Jake Foley (Kerins O’Rahillys), Ronan O’Carroll and Ryan O’Driscoll (Austin Stacks).

Verdict: Lost the Dunloe Cup final to St Brendan’s last year and were expected to do well this term but have disappointed to dater. The Green are not the powerhouse in Tralee they once were but will be hoping to get out of this group. It could all hinge on their opening game against Hamilton HS Bandon that will be crucial as Skibbereen CS and Bandon will be tough nuts to crack.

COLÁISTE AN SPIORAID NAOIMH, BISHOPSTOWN.

Management: Anthony Seymour (Castlehaven), Brian Coffey (Bishopstown), Darragh O’Connor (Bishopstown).

Last season: Lost in the semi-final against St Francis College, Rochestown.

Captain: Kevin Murphy (Bishopstown).

Key players: Odhran Foley (Bishopstown), Mark O Brien (Ballinora), Tomas O’Keeffe (St Finbarr’s), Matthew Ahern (St Finbarr’s).

Verdict: Spiorad Naoimh enjoyed a successful return to the top tier of Munster Colleges football last season after a last appearing in the competition in 2011/12. With a young team, they ultimately fell at the penultimate phase to St Francis College while on the home front, they won last year’s Simcox Cup. This year they will concentrate on trying to emerge from a challenging group and see where they go from there.

SKIBBEREEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL.

Management: David Whelton (Castlehaven), Colman O'Driscoll.

Captain: Luke Shorten (Tadgh Mac Cárthaigh)

Last Season: Lost 2-12 to 1-8 to Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh in the quarter-finals.

Key players: Dylan Hourihane, Frank Hurley (both O’Donovan Rossa), Luke Shorten (Tadgh Mac Cárthaigh) and Sean Connolly (Ilen Rovers).

Verdict: Skibbereen CS will be expected to reach the business end of this year’s Corn Uí Mhuirí with only six players gone from last year’s panel. Semi-finalists in 2021, last year the West Cork school defeated Pobalscoil Chorcha Dhuibhne, Pres Miltown and Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne en route to losing to Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh in the last eight.

HAMILTON HS BANDON.

Management: Rob Honohan (Bishopstown), John O Sullivan (N/A).

Last season: Reached the quarter-finals but lost to a super strong St. Brendan's of Killarney who went on to win the competition.

Captain: Sean McEntee (Valley Rovers).

Key players: Josh Woods (Valley Rovers), Micheal Maguire (Castlehaven), Sean McEntee (Valley Rovers).

Verdict: The Hammies are expected to be strong once again this year and get out of the group phase even with the strength of Skibbereen, who also made it to the quarter-finals last time around. A quarter-final would be respectable, however, in 2022 Bandon made it to their first ever Corn Ui Mhuiri semi-final and will be extra determined to give it an even bigger push this year to go all the way to the decider.

Group 5

ABBEY CBS, TIPPERARY.

Management: Seán Mullins, Conor Sweeney, Kieran Hickey.

Captain: Robbie McGrath (Galtee Rovers).

Last season: Got to last season’s All-Ireland B final (lost to St Joseph’s, Tyrone). They are back-to-back Munster B champions.

Key players: Emmet Bonnar (Galtee Rovers), Bill Quirke (Galtee Rovers) and Seán Lewis (Arravale Rovers).

Verdict: Prolific in the Munster B grade, they return to the Corn Uí Mhuirí for the first time in 10 years. The purpose is to give their students an opportunity to play at the highest level. They hope to be as competitive as possible, and their game Wednesday agaist debutants St Patrick’s Castleisland is one of the few to escape the weather.

CLONAKILTY CC.

Management: Diarmuid O'Donovan (St. James'), Gavin Kelly (Newcestown), Haulie O'Neill (Clonakilty).

Captain: Darragh Gough (Clonakilty).

Last Season: Clon made it out of the group and into the quarter-finals but came up short against a Mercy Mounthawk side who were firing on all cylinders.

Key players: Darragh Gough (Clonakilty), Olan O'Donovan (Barryroe), Timothy Cullinane (Ballinascarthy).

Verdict: With the natural turnovers of players, Clon have lost a few key men. They have added a few talents from TY so it will be interesting to see how a younger less experienced squad will fare. Even still, ex-Cork minors Olan O'Donovan and Timothy Cullinane remain and they will be vital to the sides chances of escaping the group. A quarter-final tie would be the benchmark but they'll be hoping to go further than last year.

ST PAT’S CASTLEISLAND.

Management: Pa McCarthy and John O’Sullivan.

Captain: Ruairi Burke (Desmonds).

Last Season: Debutants in 2023/24.

Key Players: Cillian Reidy (Cordal), Ayrton Burke (Desmonds), Michael Horan (Scartaglin), Ruairi Burke (Desmonds).

Verdict: The All-Ireland C champions make a bold move entering the A grade this year. They are drawn in a three-school group with Abbey CBS and Clonakilty CC. It will be a historic day for the school on Wednesday when they face Abbey CBS in UL and can they win a game in their first year in the A grade? It is not impossible but it’s an ask.

*Compiled by John Coleman, Eoghan Cormican, Darragh Leen, Mortimer Murphy and Therese O'Callaghan.

[horsebox77]

Mounthawk are very strong.

[givehimaball]

Oct 18, 2023 9:55:14 GMT hurlingman said:

On the hurling side of things I see The Green are playing in the senior B championship this year while Causeway are in the C championship.

That's quite a turnaround. If someone had told you that even 5 years ago they wouldn't have believed you.

What happened in Causeway that they are down in the C championship?

[mossie]

Oct 19, 2023 15:34:24 GMT givehimaball said:

Oct 18, 2023 9:55:14 GMT hurlingman said:

On the hurling side of things I see The Green are playing in the senior B championship this year while Causeway are in the C championship.

That's quite a turnaround. If someone had told you that even 5 years ago they wouldn't have believed you.

What happened in Causeway that they are down in the C championship?

steady decline there, bottom line is hurling receives more attention in Tralee CBS now than in Causeway and young lads from North Kerry are choosing to go to Tralee CBS instead. Plus Tralee CBS have the Parnells lads to mix in with the North Kerry lads

I see Tralee CBS lost 2 matches in the B competition by very narrow margin against real traditional schools, bit unlucky

[kerryexile]

Thanks for that Givehimaball.

[kerrysouth]

A lot of games rained off any reports on games that were played

[hurlingman]

Oct 19, 2023 10:05:33 GMT givehimaball said:

Football’s Next Gen: Team-by-team guide to this year’s Corn Ui Mhuirí
Nineteen schools will vie for the Munster Schools U19 SFC, with Killarney’s St Brendan’s again the team to beat.
Football’s Next Gen: Team-by-team guide to this year’s Corn Ui Mhuirí
CHAMPIONS: St. Brendan's College's Killarney joint captains Cian Lynch and Aodhan O'Neill raise the trophy after defeating St. Francis College, Rochestown in last February's final in Mallow. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

TUE, 17 OCT, 2023 - 21:38
EXAMINER SPORT SPECIAL
Social share
Group 1

MERCY MOUNTHAWK TRALEE.

Management: Aidan O’Shea, Ciaran Costello, Luke Mulligan.

Captain: TBC.

Last season: Mercy Mounthawk lost out in the semi-finals to eventual champions St Brendan’s College conceding two soft goals.

Key players: Paddy Lane, Daniel Kirby and Ben Murphy (all Austin Stacks).

Verdict: One of the favourites for outright honours, Mounthawk can field nine of last year’s starting fifteen and 17 of the squad from 22/23. With five Kerry minors they should progress from the group at a minimum with Paddy Lane being their marquee forward.

POBALSCOIL CHORCA DHUIBHNE.

Management: Eoghan O’Gealbháin, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Tommy Griffin.

Captain: TBC.

Last Season: Failed to get out of their group losing out in final group game to Skibbereen CS.

Key players: James Hoare (Dingle), Padraig Ó Mainnín (Lispole), Cian Ó Cinnéide (Lispole).

Verdict: PSCD are back with a competitive squad. They have no less than 11 of last year's panel back and were impressive last week despite losing to the Sem in the O’Sullivan Cup semi-final. Padraig Ó Mainnín, Cian Ó Cinnéide and Paudie MacGearailt (Dingle) are talented footballers. PS Chorca Dhuibhne will be no pushover and if they can beat Chríost Rí in their first outing, then they could finish runners up to Mounthawk.

COACHFORD COLLEGE, CORK.

Management: Shane Creed, James Harding.

Captain: Joint-captains Colm Gillespie (Aghabullogue) and Kevin O'Connell (Donoughmore).

Last season: First-timers in the Corn Uí Mhuirí. As a group, they decided this was the year to make the step up.

Key players: Ryan Delaney (Canovee), Aaron O' Sullivan (Aghabullogue) and Donal Dineen (Inniscarra).

Verdict: In a tough group with Mercy Mounthawk Tralee, PS Chorcha Dhuibhne and Coláiste Chríost Rí, they are competing against two multiple winners, and Mouthawk are one of the favourites. In such company, they face stiff opposition, but feel they should be up for the challenge.

COLÁISTE CHRÍOST RÍ .

Management: Brian Coughlan (Kinsale) and Colm Ó Meachair (St Finbarr’s).

Last Season: Didn't qualify from the group stages.

Captain: Colin Molloy (Nemo Rangers).

Key players: Cian O Sullivan (St Finbarr’s), Artjoms Petrov (Nemo Rangers), Billy O’Neill (Nemo Rangers), Aaron Hegarty (Mayfield), Theo Morgan (Ballincollig).

Verdict: The famed Capwell nursery may not be what they once were, but this year they are hoping to reach the knock-out stages and to be playing football after Christmas. They will look to players like Cian O Sullivan and Trevor Howe of the St. Finbarr’s team that reached the Premier 1 Minor final, and Colin Molloy, who has played senior with Nemo this year, to buck their recent trend.

Group 2

PRESENTATION MILLTOWN.

Management: Dan McKenna, Eoin Fitzgerald, Gavin O’Grady

Captain: Gearoid Evans (Keel)

Last season: Did not win a game in debut year.

Key players: Gearoid Evans (Keel), Shane and Dara Clifford (Laune Rangers) .

Verdict: Group B looks tough and Pres Milltown open up against Rochestown. They have already received a bit of a trimming from Coláiste Na Sceilge in the O’Sullivan Cup and De La Salle Macroom also looks tough. A first win in the Corn Ui Mhuiri is the goal but the school has neither a TY year nor a tradition of repeats so they will be happy with just one win.

COLÁISTE NA SCEILGE.

Management: Padraig Murphy, Buddy O’Shea, Micheal Burns, Matt Keane.

Captain: Emmet Daly (Valentia).

Last season: Lost out to St Brendan’s in the opening group game conceding two goals in added time in a group that also included Mounthawk.

Key players: Ian O’Sullivan (St Michaels/Foilmore), Ben O’Donoghue (St Marys), Emmett Daly (Valentia).

Verdict: Another Kerry school on the way back. The opener against Macroom is a must win, though Rochestown are favourites to top group. Coláiste Na Sceilige will play Mercy Mounthawk in the O’Sullivan Cup semi-final on Monday next and that will be a better barometer as to their chances.

DE LA SALLE MACROOM.

Management: Liam Long, John Ryan, Bobbie O'Dwyer, Shane Ryan (Kerry goalkeeper)

Captain: Stiofain McSweeney (Iverleary)

Players to look out for: Cormac Burke (Macroom), Owen McCarthy (Clondrohid), Sean O'Leary (Kilmurry), Denis O'Mullane (Kilmurry), Tom Brown (Kilmicheal)

Last season: Competed at B level. Were not involved at the business end of the second-tier competition.

Verdict: Back in the topflight for the first time since 2019. Not an easy group given the presence of last season’s beaten finalists, and two Kerry schools. But this De La Salle team is largely made up of the side that went all the way to the Frewen Cup semis two seasons ago, taking down Tralee CBS in the process. That’ll fill them with confidence of another run to the knockout stages.

ST FRANCIS COLLEGE, ROCHESTOWN.

Management: Eoghan Buckley (St Michael’s), Eamon Hennessy (Carrigaline). Liam Sheehan and Liam O Murchú – Logistics.

Last Season: Beaten by St Brendan’s Killarney in the final.

Captain: Tim O’Brien (Nemo Rangers).

Key players: Chris O’Keefe (Douglas), James Burke (Douglas), Rob Hanley (Douglas), Tomás Vaughan (Carrigaline).

Verdict: After reaching the final last year, only to fall short to The Sem, the Rochestown School are sure to be competitive again this year and will be there or thereabouts at the season’s end. Back-to-back Premier 1 minor titles for Douglas will aid their cause, though they are short the prodigious talents of the injured Seán Coakley. He is a huge loss not only to his school, but to the competition in general.

Group 3

ST BRENDAN’S, KILLARNEY.

Management: Kieran Herlihy, Arthur Fitzgerald, Mike Leahy, Donal O’Doherty, Gary Stack.

Captain: Timmy Moynihan (Spa).

Last season: Winners.

Key players: Keelan O’Shea (Kilcummin), Jamie Moynihan (Glenflesk, Alex Hennigan (Dr Crokes), Callum Cronin (Glenflesk).

Verdict: The Sem are going for three in row Corn Ui Mhuiri titles and it will take a good side to stop them. They have already blitzed Listowel and PS Chorca Dhuibhne in the O’Sullivan Cup. They will be without full back Maidhcí Lynch (Dr Crokes) until later in the competition. Callum Cronin and Alex Hennigan are free scoring forwards so they should make the semis.

COLÁISTE CHOILM BALLINCOLLIG.

Management: Eoin Byrne, John O’Shea.

Captain: TBC.

Last season: Failed to emerge from a stacked group containing eventual champions St Brendan’s and beaten semi-finalists Mercy Mounthawk. Ballincollig’s average losing margin across their three group games was 19 points.

Key players: Darragh Clifford (Éire Óg), Colm Clifford (Éire Óg), David O’Leary (Ballincollig). The latter was selected at half-back on this year’s minor hurling team of the year, one of two Cork players to make the 15.

Verdict: Coláiste Choilm again find themselves with three-in-a-row chasing St Brendan’s. It is against St Flannan’s and Mallow’s Patrician Academy where they will look to pick up points and the school’s first Corn Uí Mhuirí win since 2019. Leading the efforts to bridge that four-year gap will be the aforementioned Clifford pair. Colm was a Cork minor last year, Darragh midfield this year.

ST FLANNAN’S ENNIS.

Management: Colm Dillon, Gary Brennan, John Conole.

Captain: Fred Hegarty (Ennistymon).

Last season: Beaten 1-10 to 1-4 by Rochestown at the quarter-final stage.

Key players: James Hegarty (Ennistymon), Darren Keane (Lissycasey), Paddy Nagle (St Joseph’s Doora Barefield). Hegarty, an All-Ireland minor hurling winner with Clare in June, was selected at centre-back on the team of the year.

Verdict: Flannan’s were Frewen Cup (U16½) finalists two seasons ago and so their team for the upcoming Corn Uí Mhuirí campaign will lean heavily on that group. Look best-placed to take second in the group behind the Sem and reach another quarter-final.

PATRICIAN ACADEMY, MALLOW.

Management: Eamon O’Connor, Eoin O’Carroll and James McGlade.

Captain: Joint-captains Aidan Kelly (Clyda Rovers) and Gearóid Daly (Mallow).

Last season: This is their first season participating in Corn Uí Mhuirí in years. Lost the Munster B semi-final to Abbey CBS last season.

Key players: Alan O’Connell (Kilshannig), Gearóid Daly (Mallow) and Aidan Kelly (Clyda Rovers).

Verdict: They are grouped with reigning champions St Brendan’s, Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig and St Flannan’s Ennis so it’s a difficult one for the newcomers. However, having had a positive Frewen Cup campaign they feel they have a panel good enough to compete. The aim is to win at least one group game.

Group 4

TRALEE CBS.

Management: Marc Ó Sé, Liam O’Sullivan, and Alan O’Sullivan.

Captain: Jake Foley (Kerins O’Rahilly's).

Last season: Needed a win or a draw in final group game but lost so did not get out of their group.

Key players: Jake Foley (Kerins O’Rahillys), Ronan O’Carroll and Ryan O’Driscoll (Austin Stacks).

Verdict: Lost the Dunloe Cup final to St Brendan’s last year and were expected to do well this term but have disappointed to dater. The Green are not the powerhouse in Tralee they once were but will be hoping to get out of this group. It could all hinge on their opening game against Hamilton HS Bandon that will be crucial as Skibbereen CS and Bandon will be tough nuts to crack.

COLÁISTE AN SPIORAID NAOIMH, BISHOPSTOWN.

Management: Anthony Seymour (Castlehaven), Brian Coffey (Bishopstown), Darragh O’Connor (Bishopstown).

Last season: Lost in the semi-final against St Francis College, Rochestown.

Captain: Kevin Murphy (Bishopstown).

Key players: Odhran Foley (Bishopstown), Mark O Brien (Ballinora), Tomas O’Keeffe (St Finbarr’s), Matthew Ahern (St Finbarr’s).

Verdict: Spiorad Naoimh enjoyed a successful return to the top tier of Munster Colleges football last season after a last appearing in the competition in 2011/12. With a young team, they ultimately fell at the penultimate phase to St Francis College while on the home front, they won last year’s Simcox Cup. This year they will concentrate on trying to emerge from a challenging group and see where they go from there.

SKIBBEREEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL.

Management: David Whelton (Castlehaven), Colman O'Driscoll.

Captain: Luke Shorten (Tadgh Mac Cárthaigh)

Last Season: Lost 2-12 to 1-8 to Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh in the quarter-finals.

Key players: Dylan Hourihane, Frank Hurley (both O’Donovan Rossa), Luke Shorten (Tadgh Mac Cárthaigh) and Sean Connolly (Ilen Rovers).

Verdict: Skibbereen CS will be expected to reach the business end of this year’s Corn Uí Mhuirí with only six players gone from last year’s panel. Semi-finalists in 2021, last year the West Cork school defeated Pobalscoil Chorcha Dhuibhne, Pres Miltown and Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne en route to losing to Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh in the last eight.

HAMILTON HS BANDON.

Management: Rob Honohan (Bishopstown), John O Sullivan (N/A).

Last season: Reached the quarter-finals but lost to a super strong St. Brendan's of Killarney who went on to win the competition.

Captain: Sean McEntee (Valley Rovers).

Key players: Josh Woods (Valley Rovers), Micheal Maguire (Castlehaven), Sean McEntee (Valley Rovers).

Verdict: The Hammies are expected to be strong once again this year and get out of the group phase even with the strength of Skibbereen, who also made it to the quarter-finals last time around. A quarter-final would be respectable, however, in 2022 Bandon made it to their first ever Corn Ui Mhuiri semi-final and will be extra determined to give it an even bigger push this year to go all the way to the decider.

Group 5

ABBEY CBS, TIPPERARY.

Management: Seán Mullins, Conor Sweeney, Kieran Hickey.

Captain: Robbie McGrath (Galtee Rovers).

Last season: Got to last season’s All-Ireland B final (lost to St Joseph’s, Tyrone). They are back-to-back Munster B champions.

Key players: Emmet Bonnar (Galtee Rovers), Bill Quirke (Galtee Rovers) and Seán Lewis (Arravale Rovers).

Verdict: Prolific in the Munster B grade, they return to the Corn Uí Mhuirí for the first time in 10 years. The purpose is to give their students an opportunity to play at the highest level. They hope to be as competitive as possible, and their game Wednesday agaist debutants St Patrick’s Castleisland is one of the few to escape the weather.

CLONAKILTY CC.

Management: Diarmuid O'Donovan (St. James'), Gavin Kelly (Newcestown), Haulie O'Neill (Clonakilty).

Captain: Darragh Gough (Clonakilty).

Last Season: Clon made it out of the group and into the quarter-finals but came up short against a Mercy Mounthawk side who were firing on all cylinders.

Key players: Darragh Gough (Clonakilty), Olan O'Donovan (Barryroe), Timothy Cullinane (Ballinascarthy).

Verdict: With the natural turnovers of players, Clon have lost a few key men. They have added a few talents from TY so it will be interesting to see how a younger less experienced squad will fare. Even still, ex-Cork minors Olan O'Donovan and Timothy Cullinane remain and they will be vital to the sides chances of escaping the group. A quarter-final tie would be the benchmark but they'll be hoping to go further than last year.

ST PAT’S CASTLEISLAND.

Management: Pa McCarthy and John O’Sullivan.

Captain: Ruairi Burke (Desmonds).

Last Season: Debutants in 2023/24.

Key Players: Cillian Reidy (Cordal), Ayrton Burke (Desmonds), Michael Horan (Scartaglin), Ruairi Burke (Desmonds).

Verdict: The All-Ireland C champions make a bold move entering the A grade this year. They are drawn in a three-school group with Abbey CBS and Clonakilty CC. It will be a historic day for the school on Wednesday when they face Abbey CBS in UL and can they win a game in their first year in the A grade? It is not impossible but it’s an ask.

*Compiled by John Coleman, Eoghan Cormican, Darragh Leen, Mortimer Murphy and Therese O'Callaghan.

Like with The Green in hurling it's interesting to see the teams in the Corn Uí Mhuirí. A few years ago very few would have said Castleisland and Milltown would be at that level.

[southward]

Oct 20, 2023 9:25:17 GMT kerrysouth said:

A lot of games rained off any reports on games that were played

www.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/sport/gaa/champions-st-brendans-killarney-safely-negotiate-corn-ui-mhuiri-opening-test-against-ballincollig/a617444482.html

[kerrysouth]

Thanks Southward.

[kerrysouth]

Well my old alma mater snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against a subdued mounthawk team who are warm favourites for both the o sullivan cup and corn ui mhuiri and containing no less than 6 former Kerry minors .Frees and a fortunate goal crept Mounthawk over the line in a game where sceilige missed a lot of very scoreable chances with the sceilige wing back being one of the better performers on the day .Both teams have a lot of football to play and should easily negotiate the group stages of the corn ui mhuiri .

[taibhse]

Some results of todays College games. I don’t have the final scores, just results. I’m sure they will be available in due course.



Coachford College -v- PS Chorca Dhuibhne.    A 1pt. win for Coachford.

Mercy Mounthawk -v- Coláiste Chríost Rí.    Big win for Mounthawk.

St. Patrick’s Castleisland -v- Clonakilty Community College.   A draw.

Tralee CBS -v- Skibbereen CS. Eight-point win for Tralee.

Coláiste na Sceilge -v- Presentation Milltown. Win for Coláiste na Sceilge.
St Flannan’s -v- St Brendan’s.   A draw.

[hurlingman]

Some win for Mounthawk over Chriost Ri.

Interesting to note that Kenmare and Ballybunion are playing in the senior E hurling championship. The Green also put in a good display in the B championship.

[kerryexile5]

Nov 10, 2023 7:57:13 GMT hurlingman said:

Some win for Mounthawk over Chriost Ri.

Interesting to note that Kenmare and Ballybunion are playing in the senior E hurling championship. The Green also put in a good display in the B championship.

Hurling is making serious inroads in Tralee.

Tralee Parnells playing in the Senior hurling championship next year.

Tralee CBS the Green started off in the E section and now are hurling up in the B section of Munster schools. ( A good mix of Parnells, Crotta, Ardfert, ODorney & Kilmoyley hurlers it must be said).

A big town going well in hurling is always a big boost.

[kerryboyo]

Jimmy darcy report in Irish independent regarding the corn ui mhuiri


Mercy Mounthawk 1-25 Coláiste Chríost Rí 1-5
Thin Lizzy’s ‘Boys are Back in Town’ is playing in the background here. Mounthawk were unlucky enough in last year’s semi-final and have the vast majority of that team back in harness. And that included Ben Murphy and Paddy Lane – and Mounthawk have a lot of great talent and just as much graft, but those two showed with the Kerry minors that they are simply a different calibre. Lane had 0-5 before ten minutes had elapsed and 0-8 at the start of the second quarter. Do not misunderstand me; this was not about individual stars. Two years ago Mounthawk had a tough battle to see off Críost Rí in their opening game. This time they were absolutely imperious. It was 0-17 to 0-1 at half-time. Noah Townsend scored a goal late in the second half but this game was done and dusted long before then.

Coachford College 1-8 PS Chorca Dhuibhne 0-10
Ouch. Coachford College’s first Corn Uí Mhuirí win can’t be grudged, but it came at the expense of Corca Dhuibhne and it came in the cruellest fashion possible. Dead balls were always likely to be crucial on soft ground (no fault to Ballyrickard, but the weather has been savage) and hard weather. Corca Dhuibhne’s Cian Mac Gearailt (2), Pádraig Ó Máinnín (2) and a magnificent long kick by James Hoare had them leading by 0-5 to 0-2 at half-time. Hoare (3) and Mac Gearailt (2) continued their kicking accuracy from frees (Corca Dhuibhne didn’t score from play, but that was more about the conditions than anything else) in the second half. Leading by 0-10 to 0-8 with over six minutes of injury time played, a win looked practically in the bag. Look, Coachford kept hunting, and that’s an admirable trait in its own right, and one last rocket into the square ricocheted off the post and was bundled over the line to Coachford a one point win. Corca Dhuibhne deserved to win on the balance of play but, well, ’deserve’ doesn’t count for all that much.

Coláiste na Sceilge 2-11 Presentation Milltown 0-9
Presentation Milltown opened a 0-4 to 0-1 lead through Michael Byrne, James Clifford, Darragh Clifford, and the outstanding Gearóid Evans. Conor O’Shea’s goal after Ian O’Sullivan’s earlier free meant that Coláiste na Sceilge were level, though. O’Sullivan and Emmet Daly, the two big guns of the South Kerry side, and Milltown’s Michael Lynch and Darragh Clifford with frees meant that it was level pegging, 0-6 to 1-3 at half-time. However, Coláiste na Sceilge lorded the third quarter, Ian O’Sullivan (2f) and Emmet Daly (0-4, 3f), put them in a very commanding position. Milltown were actually playing good football and winning good possession, but simply weren’t able to convert. James Clifford and Gearóid Evans did pull back points. Milltown had to push forward now and that left gaps, with Michael Scanlon picking off a Coláiste na Sceilge point and Emmet Daly racing through for a goal. Darragh Clifford did point a late Milltown free, but man of the match Daly closed out the win.

St. Brendans Killarney 0-9 St. Flannans 1-6
St Flannans are a side that have never feared The Sem, and make no mistake, I like the Clare outfit for it. On a wet day on a tight Mick Neville 3G pitch, they played defensive (as I would have) and earned a share of the spoils through defiant grit as much as anything else. St Brendans didn’t do much wrong but just couldn’t keep that door closed. Attacking midfielder Jamie Moynihan and Alex Hennigan kicked early scores but St Brendans lost key player Timmy Moynihan to a serious-looking injury. That was a big blow. Flannans scored a good goal through Joe Casey and just about deserved their 1-2 to 0-4 half-time lead. St Brendans had been unlucky to be denied a goal because of square ball, but they can have no excuses for missing too many clear-cut chances. Jamie Moynihan levelled matters at the start of the second half and St Brendans, with their attacking axis of Callum Cronin and man of the match Alex Hennigan looking good, appeared dominant. Again, though, they weren’t actually converting that into enough scores and a bravely dogged Flannans hung on. Alex Hennigan put St Brendans a point in front late on after a great run by Callum Cronin, but Flannans, with midfielder James Hegarty outstanding, won a late ’45 and Darren Keane’s superb kick against a tough crosswind deserved a share of the spoils on it’s own.

Tralee CBS 1-17 Skibbereen 1-9

I would consider that a statement win by the Green in their opening game of the Corn Uí Mhuirí. They needed to win this and, on a tight pitch in testing weather conditions, this was as much about heart as skill and they showed plenty of both. A strong start with points from Jerh. Brosnan,Jake Foley (2) and Pat Brosnan was a perfect platform, especially with some tiigerish defending along with the sparkle up front. With Foley in particular in superb form, they led by 1-9 to 0-2 after Ronan Carroll’s excellent finish to the net with just four minutes left in the half. That was a fairly stunning four minutes, though, and full credit to Skib for it. Seán Connolly and Luke Shorten kicked points before Connolly lashed home a goal. At 1-9 to 1-5, this game was a long way from done and dusted. Luke Shorten pulled another back early in the second half but Tralee CBS were calmly determined and gradually pulled away. Skibbereen had a player sent off after forty minutes and the Green, with Foley, Hugh Lenihan, and Ronan Carroll very impressive, pulled clear for a statement win. This was a battle, and winning a battle is worth a lot to a team.

St. Pats Castleisland 1-14 Clonakilty CC 2-11
St. Pats were the better side overall and could, maybe should, have won it, with a bit of controversy over Clonakilty’s last point. Look, it’s very tough. Some days you get those decisions and some days you don’t. Your response has to be the same, there is no point in looking backwards. Jack O’Donoghue opened St. Pats’ account and excelled throughout, while a brilliant Shane Gilroy goal put them in front by 1-4 to 0-3. They still led by a goal at the break, but Timmy Cullinane goaled for Clonakilty on the restart and soon added another one. Castleisland’s reply was impressive, reeling off the next five points on the trot. Clonakilty felt that late goal should have stood but on the other hand, had the rub of the green when it comes to their final equalising score.

[Control8]

Threads merged...link to competition home page below

munstergaapps.ie/

[kerryexile]

kerryboyo Thanks for that.

[kerrybhoy06]

It obviously goes without saying but just in case anyone missed it:

If you want to get the heaven when you die you don’t have to wear a collar or a tie. You just have to wear a bonnet with The Green written on it, if you want to get to heaven when you die.

[kerryboyo]

Think this could be the year the sem might be caught on the hop I don’t think they’ve the fire power of previous teams they could end up in a position that they might not get out of there group if mallow beat them as mallow beat flannens by 9 and sem who drew with flannens and they beat ballincollig seem to be poor so all other 3 teams will beat them so

It could get messy in that group as of now it stands


Mallow have 4 points
Sem have 3 points
Flannens have 1 points
Ballincollig have 0

Flannens are yet to play ballincollig
If sem lose to mallow which could happen as they seem good
Flennens with a big score over ballincollig could see themselves go through

Similar to the position Cbs where in last year

Will be interesting

[kerrysouth]

3 Kerry schools qualified for the quarter finals Scelige Mounthawk and the Sem of the corn ui mhuiri and the green could make it 4 if they beat Bandon .in their remaining game .Post primary school football in Kerry in a healthy state again this year

[kerryboyo]

Mounthawk have been impressive and fair play to sem for getting over the banana skin that was placed in front of them and that will stand to them further down the line na scellig seem to be my dark horses

CBS I wouldn’t write off yet If they can get there injured guys back they should be ok main problem for them is they lack experience take out Ger 1 or 2 guys then I don’t think any of the rest of them have played more then 60 minutes of Corn Ui Mhuiri football 8/9 guys are still U17 I believe

Mallow seem very good too they’ve 3 outstanding cork minors from the 2022 team that beat our minors Alan O Connell, Gearoid Daly,Colm Geary

It would be great if milltown can get out of their group if they beat rochestown

[hurlingman]

The Green won the Limerick A first year championship. Great achievement. Also great to see them playing in the B championship in all levels this year.

Also interesting to see Listowel have a team in the U15 championship in the new year.

[mack21]

I see Pres. Milltown lost their Munster Council appeal and that Rochestown get out of the group having lost to na Sceilge and not playing the Milltown game...a strange turn of events. A lot of good players on that Milltown team. Saw them against Macroom. Very impressed.

[horsebox77]

Dec 2, 2023 20:17:54 GMT mack21 said:

I see Pres. Milltown lost their Munster Council appeal and that Rochestown get out of the group having lost to na Sceilge and not playing the Milltown game...a strange turn of events. A lot of good players on that Milltown team. Saw them against Macroom. Very impressed.

Can I ask what occurred?

[mack21]

Bad weather rained off the original fixture and an alternative date wasn't agreeable to the CCC. Rochestown tried to play when Milltown were exam tied but wouldn't refix the game..despite Milltown offering to play anytime anywhere...You'd think they'd have a bit of cop on not to go running to the rule book when young lads are involved. The wheel of Karma will turn on the Cork lads I'd be thinking.

[kerryexile5]

Nov 29, 2023 8:06:56 GMT hurlingman said:

The Green won the Limerick A first year championship. Great achievement. Also great to see them playing in the B championship in all levels this year.

Also interesting to see Listowel have a team in the U15 championship in the new year.

I think this achievement needs serious highlighting.

The Green defeated one of the strongest hurling schools in Ireland - Ardscoil Rís in the decider to take the spoils back to the Kingdom.

I also read The Green have applied to play Harty Cup in 2024/25 school year so they will be competing in the Hurling Harty cup and Corn Ui Mhuiri in football.

That is serious going!

[mack21]

Dec 2, 2023 21:39:58 GMT kerryexile5 said:

Nov 29, 2023 8:06:56 GMT hurlingman said:

The Green won the Limerick A first year championship. Great achievement. Also great to see them playing in the B championship in all levels this year.

Also interesting to see Listowel have a team in the U15 championship in the new year.

I think this achievement needs serious highlighting.

The Green defeated one of the strongest hurling schools in Ireland - Ardscoil Rís in the decider to take the spoils back to the Kingdom.

I also read The Green have applied to play Harty Cup in 2024/25 school year so they will be competing in the Hurling Harty cup and Corn Ui Mhuiri in football.

That is serious going!

[john4]

Dec 2, 2023 22:30:28 GMT mack21 said:

Dec 2, 2023 21:39:58 GMT kerryexile5 said:

I think this achievement needs serious highlighting.

The Green defeated one of the strongest hurling schools in Ireland - Ardscoil Rís in the decider to take the spoils back to the Kingdom.

I also read The Green have applied to play Harty Cup in 2024/25 school year so they will be competing in the Hurling Harty cup and Corn Ui Mhuiri in football.

That is serious going!

This is definitely a serious achievement especially given that Ard scoil is the "go to" school for aspiring hurlers from all parts of Limerick city, P-well, Adare, Ahane etc and out as far as Sixmilebridge on the Clare side.

Mighty work by teachers and the 9 feeder clubs.

Other schools are probably hurting with effectively all the best hurlers in the county in the 1 school but in terms of player development, this is the way to go.

The best we have need to playing at the highest level possible.

Fair play to Limerick PPS board for allowing Kerry schools in their county PPS hurling competitions and likewise Kerry PPS for allowing Limerick football schools enter theirs.