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Valley Rovers “FIRSTS”!

  • May 06,2021

Special thanks to one of our stalwarts, John Newman, for this wonderful article, which acknowledges the many achievements of some of our Valley Rover's members over the years. Enjoy the read! 


“Firsts” in any walk of life are always very special. However in sports organisations they hold a significant place, due to their ongoing membership over the years. Valley Rovers members over the years have achieved some remarkable “Firsts” for their club on a national level, they are as follows:


2010 – Alan Quirke and his club mate Fiachra Lynch won their first All Ireland Senior Football championship medals and brought the Sam Maguire Cup to the Parish. Alan was the Cork custodian from 1999 until his retirement in 2013, when he also won 4 National League and 6 Munster Championship medals during an outstanding senior career. Fiachra joined the Senior panel in 2009 and won his Senior All-Ireland in 2010, having won a munster medal in 2009. Fiachra won a National League medal in 2011, and also enjoyed success with Cork Minors, U21 and won a junior All-Ireland in 2007.

2005 – Valley Rovers Camogie Club which has been in existence for 25 years, claimed its “First” in 2005, when captain Elaine Burke brought the O’Duffy Cup to Innishannon. In 2004 Elaine was part of the Carrigdhoun team, which won the county senior title and as a result, she was elected County Captain for 2005. She also won senior All-Irelands in 2002 and 2006.

1999 – Eamonn Collins was appointed captain of the Ireland U17 team, which travelled to Australia (with the Senior team) to compete in the compromise rules games vs Australia. They were accompanied by parents and the president of the GAA Joe McDonagh who displayed huge leadership with his group of talented young footballers. It was a proud occasion for the Collins family as their father Sean who travelled, recalled. Eamonn later went on to represent Cork at various levels to eventually represent his club and county at senior hurling.

1995 – The late Con Murphy, while President of Valley Rovers was conferred with the Freedom of Cork City in June ’95 in recognition of his outstanding service to the GAA at National, County and Club level.

1990 – The Valley Rovers Club was the first club in Cork and indeed Ireland when the two cups, Liam McCarthy and Sam Maguire were taken in a victory parade through Innishannon Village following the now famous “First” Cork double in 1990. Valley Rovers had a double involvement in that two of it's sons, Fr Michael O’Brien (Coach) and Brendan O’Sullivan (Player) played historic roles in it's achievement (The Liam McCarthy Cup).

1976 – The Late Con Murphy following a distinguished playing playing career with Cork from 1942 to 1951 when he won 5 Munster titles, 4 All Irelands & 1 National League. He also had a lengthy career with his club Valley Rovers and Carrigdhoun and went on to referee at the highest level. He was a Carrigdhoun chairman and administrator with Cork County Board before being elected President of the GAA from 1976 to 1979. This created a historic “First” for his family, his club and county in that his uncle Sean McCarthy was president from 1932 to 1935. Con passed away in 2007 and is buried in St. Mary’s church graveyard, Innishannon. During Con’s Presidency, Cork’s Pairc Ui Chaoimh was opened (1976). He presented the Liam McCarthy cup to three different Cork captains in succession and thus completed a famous three in a row. He also campaigned on behalf of Crossmaglen Rangers, whose pitch had been occupied by the British army.

The Liam McCarthy Cup, The Sam Maguire Cup & The O’Duffy Cup have all had their day in Innishannon, hopefully the next major “First” will be the All Ireland Ladies Football Cup (Brendan Martin Cup) to rest in the club soon, especially as the Kiely twins Daire & Eimear are now prominent members of the Cork Senior Team.