Cork's Cúl Camps: Young GAA enthusiasts ready to cheer on Rebels

There is much excitement across the Rebel County this weekend, as Cork are set to take on Dublin in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final today in Croke Park.

Throw-in for the game is at 5pm and thousands of Cork supporters will make the journey to the capital to cheer on their side.

We caught up with some of the GAA enthusiasts and potential future intercounty hurlers at Cúl Camps across Cork ahead of the big game to hear their thoughts and analysis on the run-up to the match.

At the home of full-forward Alan Connolly and left-corner-forward Robbie Cotter, hundreds of children took part in the Blackrock GAA Cúl Camp.

Jack O’Keeffe, 5, who was attending the Blackrock camp, said: “I love hurling and I’m going to be a hurler for Cork when I get bigger.

“I don’t have a favourite player on the Cork team, but my brother is really good at hurling and he works in Tipp.”

When asked who he thinks will be in the final, Jack reckoned that it will be Cork and Tipperary showdown, but assured The Echo that his brother’s loyalty remains with the Rebel side despite his relocation.

Unfortunately, Jack will not be able to attend the match in Croke Park himself, but fellow five-year-old Archie Gamble managed to secure a ticket for this evening’s game.

Archie said: “I am going on the bus with my family to Dublin and I am going to cheer ‘Up the Rebels’. Shane Barrett is my favourite player, and I always give a big shout when he comes on the field.”

Imokilly star Declan Dalton was a fan favourite among the U6 girls, with Jamie Reid, Sophie Hennessy, and Rachel Ryan all agreeing that he was the best.

“He is really good at playing, that is why he is my favourite,” Rachel explained.

Jamie detailed her plans for the big game.

“My brother’s friend is coming over for a sleepover on Saturday and we are going to The Venue for pizza and to watch the match,” she said.

The U6 girls at the Blackrock Cúl Camp all said that they want to play camogie at a Croke Park final when they are older.

Meanwhile, there was also plenty of excitement at the Nemo Rangers GAA Cúl Camp this week.

“I like to watch Cork because I am from Cork,” Jess Griffin from the Nemo Rangers GAA Cúl Camp informed The Echo.

“The rest of my family are going to the match, but I am going to watch it with my cousins who live in Dublin.

“They will be cheering on Cork — not Dublin,” she added.

Sophie and Sarah encouraged their fellow Nemo campgoers to practice their ‘Rebels, Rebels, Rebels’ chant to make their favourite team known ahead of this evening’s throw-in.

Andy from Carrigaline said that he is excited for the big match and wished the Cork team good luck in today’s match.