CORK:CORCAIGH ABÚ – that was the message yesterday from the boys and girls of Cill na Martra as they donned their red and white colours to give local hero Noel O'Leary a thunderous farewell before departing for Cork's All-Ireland clash with Down tomorrow in Croke Park.
Set high in the hills overlooking the neighbouring parishes of Baile Bhúirne and Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, Cill na Martra, like all of Ghaeltacht Mhúscraí, is pure football country where hurling doesn’t get a look in, as a devotion to the big ball is almost engendered ó dhúchas.
Rich in tradition and history, it has produced some formidable figures such as former árd stiúrthóir of the GAA and singer, the late Seán Ó Síocháin, and Micheál Ó Súilleabháin who wrote the classic War of Independence memoir Where Mountainy Men Have Sown.
The focus yesterday, however, was on Noel O’Leary who, as he visited Scoil Lachtaín Naofa in Cill na Martra village, recalled the excitement of his own schooldays in 1990 when two-time All-Ireland medal winner John O’Driscoll from Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh called.
“You’d always dream of doing something similar yourself and hoping at the back of your mind that it might come true some day. If we perform on the day, I’ve no doubt we can win but that’s easier said than done.”
Noel got a sample of what the Down blanket defence may be like tomorrow when he was nearly smothered by youngsters for autographs as singer-songwriter, Ger Wolfe arrived at school with some freshly painted signs urging on the Rebels to add to the bunting.
Principal, Gearóid Ó hEalaithe held his breath as Ciarán Ó Duinnín (11) named Noel as his favourite player and then offered his thoughts on Sunday. “They’ll have to better than they were against Dublin,” he said sagely.
Back in class, Criostóir Ó Meachair (10) and Timmie Ó Conaill (9), who are both going to the game, pointed proudly to the sign in the window – “Tá Sam ar strae, Tabhair abhaile chugainn é” – before both predicted Cork would win by a few points.
The Croke Park Streets Committee has withdrawn its planned M7 convoy after appeals from Cork GAA clubs.
The convoy from Monasterevin, Co Kildare, to Dublin was of concern to many travelling to the All-Ireland final on Sunday.
However, a protest convoy will assemble outside the committee’s club at the Hill 16 entrance to Croke Park tomorrow.
Residents are clashing with the GAA over plans to demolish a handball and community centre.
Dublin City Council has received a planning application from the GAA, which is trustee of the Handball and Community Centre at St Joseph’s Avenue, close to the Hill 16 entrance to Croke Park.
The three-storey building is used by four Dublin handball clubs.