IT MIGHT be a difficult one for the players of Nemo Rangers and Castlehaven to recharge and go again for the County Football Final replay – but not for the youngsters supporting both teams.
With the mid-term break just around the corner, schoolchildren simply have an extra event to look forward to – a trip to Páirc Ui Rinn as well as Halloween.
The boys of Bunscoil Criost Ri in Turner’s Cross have long idolised their heroes in Nemo Rangers and were not at all unhappy at having a second day out tomorrow. The black and green of Nemo was out in force along with the Halloween costumes at the school yesterday as the boys celebrated the start of mid-term.
At Bunscoil Chrìost Rì, Turners Cross, in their Halloween Costumes and supporting Nemo, Kevin Looney, 6th class, Amy Noonan, Kasandra Fitzgerald, Ciara O’Driscoll and Kevin McGorry, 6th class.
Picture: Jim Coughlan.
Principal David O’Kelly said:
“There is still a great buzz about the place and the fact that it is a replay hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm. There will be buses going again to Páirc Ui Rinn with our students and they’ll be cheering on their team as much as the first game.”
Junior and Senior Infants, Jamie Cripps, Josh Paull, Liam Hill, Sean Cronin, Ruaraì Cripps, Mattie O’Leary.
Picture: Jim Coughlan.
The relatively small pool of supporters of both teams is amplified by pure passion for their teams. Castlehaven has some of the most loyal supporters in Cork, staunchly proud of their team which is made up from the communities in Tragumna, Union Hall and Castletownshend. The club has more than 300 players across all teams, including men, women and children. The loyalty extends across the world, with Castlehaven GAA admitting it was humbled by the efforts of many supporters to come home from abroad to cheer their lads on in Páirc Ui Rinn. Club officials and players said this week that they were thrilled with the support.
“The noise and colour were fantastic. We acknowledge the huge effort made by fans to attend the game, especially those from overseas and from all over Ireland.”
*The throw-in at Páirc Ui Rinn for the Senior Final is at 3.30pm. It is preceded by the Junior A Football Final at 1.30pm between Bandon and Iveleary.