Denis O'Sullivan and Paul Healy still delivering the goods for Canovee

TWO weeks ago Canovee won the Ross Oil Muskerry JAFC title for the first time since 2007.

Two players who played significant roles back then and are still going strong today are Denis O’Sullivan and Paul Healy. Both played in the forward line in Canovee’s famous season in 2007 and into 2008. After Canovee won the Mid-Cork, they would go on and win the county, Munster and All-Ireland titles.

Both O'Sullivan and Healy are the same age, 36 years young, and it was no doubt that their experience and leadership played a role in Canovee crossing the line two weeks ago when they were introduced in the second-half against Inniscarra in the decider.

O’Sullivan was delighted to reflect on what was much needed silverware for the Carrigadrohid based club.

“Since we dropped down to junior A ten years ago we had been knocking on the door nearly every season, reaching semi-finals, and a final in 2018 so it was nice to finally win the Mid-Cork. We lost narrowly to a very strong Kilmurry team in the semi-final last year and I suppose we have built from there. It’s a very young team and that defeat has stood to them. We conceded two goals inside the first ten minutes against Inniscarra in the final, but we never panicked. We stuck to the process, and came out on top by six points. We probably would have panicked previously.

“I was happy for our supporters. They have been with us through thick and thin. We brought a huge crowd to the final and we as a team were thrilled to give something back to the fans. Hopefully now we can drive it on in the county championship.” 

As seen in years gone by, Iveleary and Kilmurry have won the Muskerry JAFC and subsequently the county and have really pushed on in the higher grades. O’Sullivan hopes Canovee can do something similar.

“We lost to Iveleary and Kilmurry a good few times by small margins since we came down a decade ago, which was disappointing. We could have won one or two games, but in fairness they were and still are two excellent teams. Everyone has seen what both clubs have done in recent years, they have gone on to bigger and better things. Hopefully we might do something similar. We want to win the county championship.” 

Time to wind back the clock now to 2007, Canovee wouldn’t have been the outright favourites for the Muskerry JAFC, but everything came together in what is Canovee’s best ever season to date. 

“It actually didn’t start well, we lost to Aghinagh in the first round,” says O’Sullivan.

“It was probably the kick up the backside that we required. We had a good crew of experienced players and really good young lads, actually very similar to the current team. Mickey Ring was in charge and he was an inspirational guy. We would run through a brick wall for him. We trained hard and ended up winning the Muskerry, county, Munster and All-Ireland championships. Once we got momentum, we were very hard to stop.” 

For Healy, who was a lively forward in that memorable campaign, mightn’t have started in every championship game so far this season, but is happy to contribute in any way possible.

“We have a special young team at the moment in Canovee. Myself and Denis bring up the average age by a good bit. The next oldest player to us would be six or seven years younger than us. I still enjoy the game. At the end of the day, it’s still the same game as it was in 2007 and 2008. Winning the Mid-Cork in 2007 was sweet and it was the very same feeling when we won it against Inniscarra.

“I was starting every game back then, I am more of an impact sub now, and that’s fine. I am just proud to be wearing the jersey and if I am called to come on, I’ll do my best. Winning the Mid-Cork this season is right up there in terms of my best moments. The older you get the more satisfying it is.” 

The journey continues for Canovee as they face Lisgoold in the county championship quarter-final this Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 4pm. They will be fancied to win the county.

"Any team that wins their division will be strong," says Healy.

"It's wide open to be honest. The favourite tag goes out the window especially this time of year."