1950

Clonakilty 6-4     Courcey Rovers 3-2

May 28^th in Ballinspittle

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ONLY TWO

In 1950 only two teams, Clonakilty and Courcey Rovers, entered the SW Junior A Hurling Championship, all others entering Junior B. The two teams met in the final in Ballinspittle on May 28^th.

CLONAKILTY COMMENTS

“Junior Hurling – The Junior hurlers make their first appearance in the divisional championship on Sunday when they meet Courcey Rovers at Ballinspittle. As there are only two teams in the championship this season this first tie will also be the divisional final. Clonakilty were in control in the competition until 1948 when, after holding the title for five years, they lost it to the Rovers. Last year they went under to Bandon. It remains to be seen how they will fare this time.”

NO ACCOUNT

Unfortunately, no account of the final is available in the media. The pitch in Ballinspittle at that time was in the same location as the present pitch but at right angles to the present playing field.

      By all accounts the final was a tough, bruising encounter, with Courceys playing their traditional hard no-nonsense game. Hard knocks were given and taken by both sides. On the day, however, there was no holding a flying Clon side. With Jackeye O’Regan having a blinder in the unusual position of goalkeeper, the Courcey forwards were held to a score of 3-2 over the hour. At the other end of the pitch, the Clon forwards were in razor-sharp form, rattling in 6-4. Hero of the hour was Tim Downey, later to become rúnaí of the club for thirty years, who had the great score of 4-2 to his credit. Not many forwards managed that against the tough Courcey defence. Final score was 6-4 to 3-2. (‘Clonakilty GAA History 1887 – 1987’)

    The Clonakilty team which later played in the county semi-final included:- Jackeye O’Regan, Mick Finn, Tadhgo Crowley, Nealie O’Neill, Liam Ahern, T. Barrett, Des Cullinane, Seamie O’Donovan, -+Willie McGrath, John O’Brien, Tim Downey, J. McCarthy, M. Long, Connie O’Brien, Micky Nugent.

CLONAKILTY COMMENTS

The only mention of the final in the Southern Star the following week was a very brief note in the ‘Clonakilty Comments.’

“The big following that accompanied the team on Sunday were delighted with their decisive win over Courcey Rovers in the Divisional junior hurling championship.”

   Seamie O’Donovan

  Outstanding Clonakilty hurler and footballer.

Winner of seven county senior football medals and seven SW junior hurling

medals between 1939 and 1952. Retired from playing in 1960.

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

Clonakilty went on to meet hot favourites, Éire Óg, in the first round of the county championship four months after winning the SW title, September 24^th in Innishannon. A big shock ensued when Clon, trailing at the break, recorded a well-deserved 2-6 to 2-3 victory. The switch of Tadhgo Crowley from the backs to the forwards in the second half made all the difference.

      Clon then met city champions, Mayfield, in the county semi-final on October 22nd, again in Innishannon. Despite the grassy pitch the teams kept the supporters on their toes all through. Mayfield led by 4-2 to 2-3 at half time and went on to win by 6-4 to 3-4 against a battling Clon outfit.

SOUTH-WEST CONVENTION

The South-West Convention was held in the Courthouse, Bandon on January 7^th, 1950 and the rúnaí, Gus Keohane, had very little to say about the hurling championships. “In Junior Hurling Division 1 there were only two teams, Clonakilty and Courcey Rovers. The former won the championship. In Junior Hurling Division 2, there were thirteen teams and Ballydehob defeated Barryroe in the final.”

The rúnaí also states – “The cost of hurleys is a big problem, especially for outlying clubs. In years gone by players travelled the countryside in search of suitable material. This fine gesture is not so today and it is a case of, ‘If you want me to play then give me togs, boots and a hurley.’

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COUNTY JUNIOR HURLING FINAL 1950

Glen Rovers 4-6,  Mallow 3-0  in Mallow

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Nicky English 

"For eight hard years of sweat and tears, of blood and broken bones,

He joined the fray and there did stay, for he's as hard as stones;

He's a gentleman, a hurler, and always got it rough;

He played the game for sport, not fame - he's made of rare ould stuff."

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