Cork Business League: Remembering two stalwarts of the formative years

THE recent passing of the former Lunhams’ commanding centre-half Denis Coleman and tigerish Farmers Union left-back Nicholas Crean, recalled memories of the contribution made by meat processing companies in the first two decades of the league’s history.

While the league originated in 1952/53 with teams like Cork Harbour Commissioners, Fords, Port Workers, ESB Marina, Grain Silos, and Steampacket based in the lower harbour, hence the name ‘Shipping’ in the original name, ‘Cork & District Shipping League’, the impact of the city’s three prominent meat factories at the time, Lunhams, Farmer’s Union, and Denny’s, quickly made their presence felt in terms of trophy success.

Lunhams got off the mark with a one-nil cup success over Steampacket in 1955/56 at the then league’s ‘Wembley’, Marina Park.

The then White St-based firm, followed on with a shield triumphs over Irish Steel (1-0) in 1958/59 and Postal Workers in 1959/60.

The best was to come two seasons later with the league’s second league and cup double in 1961/62.

The cup win came courtesy of a 4-1 replay success over Grain Silos on Sunday, May 20, 1962.

With their meat factory opponents watching in the wings, Murphy’s Evergreen Bacon Factory, based in Turner’s Cross, finished runners-up in the league to Fords the following season.

Despite the disappointment, the club rallied to defeat Postal Workers in a shield final replay on Sunday, December 9, 1962.

Denny’s in Blackpool, showed their potential by losing out to CIE in the race for the title in 1964/65.

They followed on in 1965/66 with a first title success before going one better the following season by taking the league and cup double with wins over Postal Workers and Dunlops respectively.

The run continued with a shield success over Fords in 1967/68.

Farmers Union in Ballincollig were beginning to put a good side together under the stewardship of delegate Jackie O’Driscoll who would go on to serve the league management committee with distinction as registrar, chairman, and president.

As a member of the MFA and FAI Junior Councils his popularity earned him the nickname ‘Mr Shipping League’.

Jackie hailed from Sun Valley Drive on Cork’s northside and after marrying Nancy, moved to Close’s Rd and joined the staff at Farmer’s Union.

The team was built around the experienced captain Nicholas Crean, his brother Michael, Dave Higgins, and John Coleman, a then 18-year-old Harry Speight was asked to join the team by his father who also worked in the plant.

ALL MEAT

Speight would go to become one of the best centre-backs to play in the league, winning a shield medal in 1973/74 as part of an Olympic team who got the better of Lunhams, 4-0, in the historic all-meat final at the Showgrounds on May 3, 1974.

Philip Maher, Kieran O’Connor, Donal O’Connor, and Val Keohane scored for the Olympic team who changed their name from Farmer’s Union to celebrate the name of their prized sausage brand.

He captained the team to the second division championship in 1985/86.

He will be best remembered for captaining the representative league team to success in the Wembley tournament in June 1981 with impressive wins over the Cork Youth League (3-0), the MSL U-23’s (2-0), and the Cork AUL (2-0).

Denis Coleman was instrumental in Lunhams’ s return to the top table in the late '60sand early '70s.

The powerfully built centre-back, who also operated at centre-forward, began his career with Southend, Cork Celtic (in goal), and Ringmahon Rangers before turning out for what was becoming a very talented work’s firm who also competed in the Inter-House League in the close season.

He’s best remembered for captaining the league’s first Oscar Traynor team to victory over the then holders, Cork AUL, at Turner’s Cross on Sunday, November 20, 1966.

His inspirational leadership from the heart of the defence led all the way to the semi-final after victories over Tipperary DL (4-1), Kilkenny (4-1), and the Munster Senior League (2-1).

On the domestic front, dominated by a magnificent CIE team that amassed two leagues and five cup in a seven-year period, the 1970/71 3-1 Shield win over an emerging Postal Workers was particularly satisfying.

Sean Murphy (2) and Ivor O’Driscoll netted for the winners.

Following his passing in early February, tributes poured in from many quarters including former Cork Hibernians and Cork Celtic star Carl Humphreys and CIE Athletic’s Chris McCarthy.

Former Youghal Yarns favourite Willie Griffin said of him: “Denis was such a nice man. I learnt my trade behind the bar watching him. We also graced the GAA pitch together at Redmonds.

“His brother Pat, who himself was a prominent member of Cork Branch of the ISRS, told me he was on goal for Seandún too.”

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anaim.