When College Corinthians were kings of the Munster Senior League

COLLEGE CORINTHIANS won the Munster Senior League Premier Division for the first time 30 years ago next season, 1994/95, following a titanic title race with arch rivals, Avondale United.

Former Cork Celtic and Cobh Ramblers’ great Fergus McDaid remained at the helm as the Castletreasure outfit embarked on the Keane Cup competition on Sunday, August 21st 1994 at Avondale Park. 

The hosts laid out their credentials for all to see by opening their campaign in style. 

Three first-half goals from Damian O’Connell, (2) (1 pen), and Len Downey settled the tie and by the time all teams in the group had three matches played, Corinthians found themselves out of contention with one win out of three. 

A strong finish in later August and early September yielded comfortable wins over Crofton Celtic (2-1) and Midleton (7-0) to finish in third spot in the group.

The Country Club Hotel sponsored Munster Senior League kicked off with a one-one draw at Corinthians Park on Sunday afternoon, September 19th. 

After Dave Geelan put the hosts one up from a penalty in the 21st minute, Mary’s struck back with a late equalizer in the 83rd minute courtesy of a glancing header by former BL Garda star Mick Commyns past treble winner with Cork Examiner, Don Bevan, now between the posts, from a Seamus Ring cross.

A two-nil win over Glasheen in the first round of the Pat O’Brien Intermediate Cup, Geelan and Eugene Barrett among the goals, was followed by a Munster Senior Cup first round 3-2 extra-time win over Castleview in Knocknaheeny. 

It was back to league action in mid October with successive draws over Casement Celtic (0-0) and Fermoy (1-1), Abbott scoring an equalizer in the 62nd minute, before a tricky Intermediate Cup second round tie landed Corinthians with a difficult away tie against AUL kingpins Greenmount Rangers at the ESB Grounds.

Once again the visitors left it late to advance with Aidan Moloney and Barrett scoring inside the final twenty minutes after Greg Cooney had given the home side a 15th minute lead. 

With a three week break due to deteriorating weather, Terenure Leinster Senior League challengers Larkview Boys were well beaten 7-1 at home in the third round of the Intermediate Cup on Sunday, November 13th. 

Glasheen were next to feel the wrath of an in-form Corinthians the following week, conceding four goals to Pat Burke, Mossie O’Mahony, Niall Abbott and Eric Hogan.

The last league game in November resulted in a one-nil win over Mallow United before Corinthians faced 1990 FAI Cup finalists St. Francis at Baldonnell on December 4th in the next round of the intermediate cup, the winners going into the draw for the opening round of the senior cup in January. 

Trailing to a harsh John Nugent 80th penalty, Eugene Barrett dived to head a late equalizer to set up a replay two weeks later which Corinthians edged 5-3 on penalties after a scoreless 120 minutes. 

Bevan was the toast of his club when he dived to his left to keep out Noel Griffin’s second spot kick for St. Francis which proved decisive.

League wins over Glasheen and Casement in January and a first defeat to champions Everton left the Castletreasure side on twelve points from seven played and six behind leaders St. Mary’s with four matches in hand. 

On February 2nd 1990 cup winners Bray Wanderers travelled to Corinthians Park for a first round tie and on the biggest day in the host’s twenty-four year history.

Ray Clifford’s goal humbled the visitors and although defeat followed in the next round after a replay to Bluebell United, the intermediate cup was still alive with Avondale next up in the quarter-final.

Once again, Corinthians recovered from going behind to Len Downey’s opener for Pat Burke and Dave Morley to seal a semi-final with Ashdownvilla which was won 3-1 by goals from Morley, Clifford and Abbott. 

A disappointing one-nil defeat to Donegal’s Fanad United in the final at Terryland Park on Sunday, April 30th was compensated by a late push for the title. 

A crucial one-one draw with Avondale sealed the club’s first premier title with two points to spare over their opponents.