Niall Cahalane proud of his family's strong Cork GAA heritage after All-Ireland camogie glory

Not many Gaelic footballers have the commitment and fitness to play at the top level to the age of 40, but that didn't deter Niall Cahalane.

A true Leeside legend, the Castlehaven warrior delivered for club and county time and again his legacy has been passed on to the next generation.

Now relaxing in retirement, the activities of his family certainly keep him keenly interested. Witnessing his daughter Meabh captain Cork to All-Ireland glory over Galway, after her younger sister Orlaith hit the net at Croke Park, was another magical moment for him and his wife Ailish.

“I suppose growing up I always dreamt of climbing the steps of the Hogan stand after captaining Cork to win All-Ireland but look Meabh’s commitment has been incredible to the sport,” said Niall.

The family of the Cahalane’s consist of Damien, Meabh, Conor, Grainne, Jack, Orlaith and Kate and all are deeply rooted in GAA.

The sport of camogie came in for special mention from Cahalane.

“Meabh won her first All-Ireland when she was barely 18 and that was a time when the sport was basically followed by parents, but over the years it has grown into one of the most progressive sports in this country.

“Look at the major sponsors they are attracting in different counties which shows the marketing is spot on,” added Niall.

The time and effort that goes into playing camogie at the top tier is incredible.

“My daughters are living the dream as they love what they are doing and all we can do as parents is encourage and support them.” 

Taking flight

It was mentioned recently that Niall is a stickler for keeping his children grounded, as his other daughter Orlaith found out after the recent win in Dublin despite her stunning second-half goal.

“Orlaith asked me after the game how did she do and I told her that I would have taken her off at half-time! She quickly responded 'dad, thankfully you are not a selector or we might have lost''.” 

On the football front, he was encouraged by the Rebels progress this season under the stewardship of his brother-in-law John Cleary.

“We are definitely going in the right direction as I felt we should have beaten Mayo in the quarter-final this season. I don’t think many in the country would have forecast they would have taken two more steps to be crowned champions.

“The scenes at Croke Park after Mayo’s win were something the majority of us have never before witnessed and to have eventually won it on their 12th attempt at headquarters was sheer magic.” 

The new rules have certainly improved the game for spectators but Cahalane admits he didn't think they'd have an impact.

I have to say when the rules were announced I didn’t think they would work but look I will put my hand up and admit I was totally wrong. 

"They have made the game a far better spectacle.” 

Born in Castlehaven, he's been involved at his local club for over 50 years, winning his first medal at the age of seven.

The year 1981 was a special one as his club clinched the West Cork Minor championship, but it was the performance of their U21 team that really stunned GAA people in Cork. The Haven, with nine minors took on Na Piarsaigh in the U21 county final and, against all the odds, blitzed the city side.

Cahalane first lined out at senior for his club at the age of 17. Their major breakthrough came in 1989 when lifting the Andy Scannell Cup after taking down their great rivals at the time the Barrs.

Peak

Five years later came the final that every West Cork football fan wanted to see, a local derby clash against Skibbereen. The final was one of the most competitive games ever witnessed in Cork and after 60 plus minutes of compelling football the teams couldn’t be separated.

In the words of Cahalane winning the replay was one of the high points of his illustrious career.

“First of all, I was a captain and not alone were we playing our great rivals and neighbours we were also playing lifelong friends and former schoolmates.”

The fiery defender is also recognised as one of the greatest players ever to wear a Cork jersey. 

In 1981 at minor, he helped the Rebels defeat a highly rated Derry side. Three years later, Cahalane captained Cork to the All-Ireland U21 football title against Mayo.

At senior level, he was introduced in 1983 as a sub against Kerry and by 1989, he had his hands on the Sam Maguire. Cahalane, an All-Star in 1987 and '88, helped Cork retain the All-Ireland against Meath in another gripping final.

A successful businessman in the wolrd of auctioneering, the way Cahalane speaks about the sport and his family epitomises the true gentleman he really is whose contribution to Cork football will never be forgotten.