By John Twomey
One hundred years ago, our Country was a new state just getting its administration and authority established, having endured the hardships and disruptions of strife and civil war in 1923. In these times our games and fixtures were victims of the uncertainty and dangers that were prevalent.
1923 INTERMEDIATE COUNTY FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP;
Eighteen teams entered the Intermediate Football Championship in 1923. However, the Civil War and the prevailing circumstances created many problems for the GAA Administrators in Cork. The records show that the conflict was perhaps at its worse throughout our County. Travel was not always safe or guaranteed with roads blocked, railway lines damaged and sporadic incidents and military engagements. In Cork there was a suspension of games for most of the year and some games did not commence until November and December with finals being played in 1924.
THE ROAD TO FAME:
Shamrocks opened their campaign against Ollamh Fodhla and got off to a winning start. They progressed and were paired against the winners of South Kilmurray and Glenview in the semi-final. They played in Coachford on December 7th with Kilmurray going through to meet Shamrocks at Turners Cross on December 23rd. This was a tough, vigorous, and challenging game with the men in green fully containing the Kilmurray forwards and won on the score 1-3 to Nil. A first ever Intermediate Football Final was next on the agenda.
1924 HISTORY MAKING FINAL:
Lorries and Wagonettes and all other forms of transport carried the team and supporters to Bandon to take on the famed West Cork Team, The Doheneys from Dunmanway. Shamrocks were led by their Captain, Abie Brennan, the father figure of Football in the Club. A truly great footballing genius he led by example and brought out the best in his teammates. The West Cork opponents were clear favourites on the day powered by the famous Young family who certainly fancied their chances against a Club noted for their hurlers rather than footballers. It was a very physical game and again as in the semi-final the Shamrock Backs were uncompromising – no surrender. The teams were evenly matched, and it was obvious that there would be very little between them at the end. A match report stated that “The game was low scoring and closely contested both on and off the pitch”. When Referee T. J. O’Reilly from St. Nicks blew the last whistle, the Cup was destined for Ringaskiddy, Shamrocks winning 1-1 to 0-2. Abie Brennan proudly accepted the County Trophy and the honour of leading his team into the Cork Senior Football Ranks.
A YEAR OF NOTE:
1924 saw Shamrocks now elevated to the Senior Football ranks. Their Hurlers were also in the Senior grade. They were to become the only rural Club to compete in the two top grades in Cork. When the Cork County Convention was held in St. Francis Hall that year, Shamrock man, Michael Henry Murphy a Ringaskiddy National School Teacher, proposed the setting up of Divisional Boards. He was enthusiastically supported by the then County Secretary Padraig O’Caoimh. The Carrigdhoun Board came into existence on the 6th of April that year and three Shamrock Men were inaugural Officers. Secretary – Jackie Robinson, Treasurer – John Wren N.T., and Registrar – Paddy Sisk.
The Shamrock Intermediate Team – Cork County Champions 1923; Ralf Palmer (Mentor), Frank Kelleher, Mick Kenny, Leo Brady, Dr. Ryan (Somerset House), Pat O’Dwyer, Jim Dyer, Stephen Trumpane, Patrick Kelleher (Mentor), Dick Palmer, Frank Johnson, Bernie O’Flynn N. T., Dan Kelleher, Bobby Lord, Jackie Robinson (Mentor), Bob Frizelle, Joe Meighan, Abie Brennan (Captain), Ned Frizelle.
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