Ó Corcora is happy to share Muskerry award with team-mates

BY BARRY O’MAHONY

TADHG Ó Corcora, the October winner of the Auld Triangle Muskerry Sports Star Award, is keen the share the plaudits with the rest of the history-making Cill Martra IFC-winning side.

The men from the Gaeltacht claimed the club’s first adult county title when they overcame neighbours Aghabullogue on a 3-17 to 1-10 scoreline in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on October 28th.

After years of trying – the club lost to Carrigaline in the 2009 final and had reached four semi-finals since 2012 – they were finally over the line.

Victory in the Muskerry U21 championship last year proved to be a stepping stone, with Ó Corcora also a key part in that team. 

At the award ceremony, he was only too delighted to look back on a history-making month, albeit a little flattered to have been chosen.

‘It’s a massive honour to claim this award on behalf of my family, friends, the Cill na Martra club and the intermediate team,’ he said.

‘Personally, to be the face of it is just surreal to be honest. I was shocked when I received the call from the Muskerry board that I won the award
for October. 

I didn’t know much about the process or anything like that. It’s fantastic for everyone involved with the club, all the hard work is worthwhile.’

As well as the final, Cill na Martra overcame Mitchelstown in the IFC semi-final in October, with Ó Corcora a key component in both victories.

‘We have been trying for many years to get over the line at intermediate level, so it was nice to finally reach the summit this year,’ he said.

‘We were bit worried about Mitchelstown in the semi-final after being beaten by them last year. 

They are a top team, I would know a lot of the Mitchelstown players, so we were probably apprehensive, but thankfully we won it.’

That meant the final, with an added layer of intrigue for some of the Cill na Martra team, given their Coachford opposition.

‘I have played hurling with Aghabullogue since I was eight years of age,’ Ó Corcora said, ‘so I would know most of the lads very well.

‘I have won a few hurling county titles with Aghabullogue, so it was weird facing them in a do-or-die match. It was nice to get one up on the lads.’

It was just one of those days where everything went right for Cill na Martra.

‘The final was tough, the score line probably flattered us, but again the final was there to be won, and we did more than enough to emerge victorious,’ he said.

‘It means an awful lot. The scenes in Cill na Martra after the game said it all really. 

It was a massive occasion for the parish of Cill na Martra, and thankfully we handled the occasion and got the job done.’