A double Féile triumph — Glanmire and St Michael’s deliver silverware

Two Cork clubs travelled in different directions last weekend, but both returned home with silverware and a renewed sense of pride in what underage football in the county can produce. 

Glanmire’s Féile Division 1 Shield success in Derry and St Michael’s Féile Premier 2 triumph in Ennis combined to create a memorable moment for Cork football — proof that the next generation is thriving, ambitious and capable of delivering on the biggest days.

For Glanmire, the adventure began with a flourish. Fr Martin’s blessing and a Garda escort set the tone as the convoy rolled out, giving the U15s the kind of send off usually reserved for county teams. 

A training stop in Ashbourne sharpened the focus before the group arrived in Derry, where the City Hotel welcomed them with green and gold warmth. 

Saturday in Owenbeg brought wind, rain and the kind of conditions Féile is famous for, but Glanmire embraced it. A strong contingent from the club executive arrived to lend support. 

On the field, Glanmire delivered: composed, organised and relentless. Their captain later accepted the Division 1 Shield with a confident address as Gaeilge, a moment that captured the pride of the travelling support.

St Michael’s, meanwhile, were producing their own heroics in Ennis. Their Féile Premier 2 campaign had roots stretching back months, even to the opening fixture in Carrigtwohill, where the first signs of something special appeared. 

The skill was always there, but it was the coaching — the cuteness, the discipline, the insistence on doing the basics right — that shaped their identity.

In Ennis, those lessons came to life. St Michael’s made full use of the conditions in the opening halves of their games, building leads with smart play and fierce work rate. 

They overcame the Kerry champions, the Clare champions and hosts Éire Óg with a level of composure that reflected both talent and preparation.

Both clubs also carried the weight of tradition. St Michael’s journey stretched back to evenings in Páirc Mhichíl Naofa and the Rockies indoor hall. The investment of time and knowledge was rewarded in Ennis. 

Glanmire’s win, too, reflected years of development, community support and coaching continuity.

The homecomings told their own stories. Glanmire’s shield returned to Sallybrook to a brilliant reception before a victory tour through Glanmire and Riverstown, horns blaring and stories already growing in the retelling. 

St Michael’s celebrated in the knowledge that their Féile success will take pride of place during the club’s 75th anniversary celebrations later this year.

Both clubs acknowledged the support that made their journeys possible — sponsors old and new, former players, current players, and especially parents who gave up almost as much time as their sons. Their efforts ensured that Cork football enjoyed a weekend of double celebration.