Rousing homecoming for hurlers
Charleville Junior team captains Claude Gough and Danny O'flynn with team mate Conor Fitzgerald with the North Cork, the County and Munster trophies on Charleville's Main Street last Sunday evening.
HUNDREDS of people turned out on Sunday evening to greet the Charleville Junior hurling team that was so narrowly defeated by the St. Patrick's team from Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny in the AllIreland Junior Club Hurling Final at Croke Park last Saturday.
Even though they were defeated by a one point margin the red and white colours of the team still flew proudly and the Cork and Munster champions got a rousing reception from the attendance as they were introduced to the crowd by Charleville Club treasurer, Kieran Carey.
There was a special cheer for Des Fitzgerald senior, who was deputising for his son Des junior, who is recovering in a Dublin hospital from a serious injury incurred at Fr. Con Buckley Park Buttevant in the game against Kilbrin, during the Cork County campaign.
Club chairman Michael Walsh paid tribute to the team members saying that they had given fans a fantastic year with their history making victories in the County and Munster championships, and also gave a scintillating display in the All-ireland final.
Referring to Des Fitzgerald, he said he was delighted that Des was on the road to recovery and he was uppermost in their thoughts and prayers of all concerned with the club and beyond.
Mr Walsh thanked the people of the town and area for their tremendous support during the year and at Croke Park on Saturday, as did the team captain, Danny O'flynn, who apologised, on behalf of the team, for not bringing the All-ireland title to Charleville.
Earlier, a party atmosphere prevailed as the Main Street was blocked off by Gardai and Jim Foley and members of the St. Patrick's Brass and Reed Band played popular tunes from the stage.
The team was played to the stage area by the Newmarket Pipe Band and club man Kevin Owens junior brought the proceedings to an end with a rendition of the local anthem, 'Dear Old Charlville'.
The team of 2011 deserve all the accolades they are getting for their prowess on the hurling field and for the pleasure they gave people throughout the year. Their names will be forever etched in the annals of Charleville hurling.
- MIKE MCGRATH
