Carrigaline football boss honoured with Community Spirit Award

Carrigaline GAA Club and the man who led their footballers back to the Cork Premier Senior ranks have been recognised with a Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award.

Manager Michael Meaney guided his beloved Carrigaline to glory following a hard-fought victory over Knocknagree in the McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh last October.

It came after the South East team had suffered the disappointment of relegation from the top grade in the previous campaign.

Before taking on the managerial role many years ago, Meaney proudly donned the blue and yellow jersey, representing the club with distinction on the pitch. 

He holds an incredible feat as the only Carrigaline member to have been integrally involved in the club's significant county football victories in 2009, 2015 and most recently in 2024.

The Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards underscores the profound and enduring commitment of Carrigaline GAA and Meaney to the town’s community.

They have been praised for developing players' skills from a young age, but also for encouraging teamwork, cooperation and camaraderie.

General manager of the Cork International Hotel, Eoghan Murphy said: “The unwavering commitment and dedication shown by the committee members, coaches, volunteers and players demonstrates the true essence of community, making Carrigaline GAA Club and Michael Meaney worthy recipients of the latest Community Spirit Award. 

"These awards are given out throughout the year to people who tirelessly give their time and dedication to the benefit of others.” 

The judging panel for the Community Spirit Awards are made up of a mixture of representatives from the public and private sector within the community.