How Midleton CBS plays a key role in developing Cork hurlers
Eoin Downey and Ciaran Joyce of Cork celebrate after their side's victory in the U20 All-Ireland. Downey hurled for Christians in the Harty Cup, Joyce with Midleton CBS. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
MIDLETON CBS continues to be an integral cog in the development of Cork hurlers.
The 1995 minor crop that included Donal Óg Cusack, Mickey O'Connell and Joe Deane is strongly associated with the school's Harty Cup win that same season with a team that also included Diarmuid O'Sullivan, and of course, the core of that side went on to lift Liam MacCarthy after.
With Cork hurling teams contesting three All-Ireland finals in five days this week, and the first part of the Rebel Treble completed with the U20 victory over Galway, Midleton CBS is well represented again.
In total, the school has 19 past and present students involved as players and mentors, including Ger Millerick, Seán O'Leary Hayes, Ciarán Joyce, Sam Quirke and Jack Leahy.
Two years ago, Midleton lifted the Harty Cup for the fourth time, after a thrilling clash with Christians in front of a packed Páirc Uí Rinn. They also triumphed in 1988 and 2006, captained by Paudie O'Sullivan.
Known across the Imokilly division as a hurling hub, the strength in depth in the school saw them lift a remarkable nine hurling trophies throughout 2019, the last full competitive season before Covid-19 restrictions on school matches. Over 200 pupils are involved in hurling teams across all age groups and the school nurtures the development from first year to sixth year, fielding multiple teams at each level to cater for the demand.
Current Harty team coach Eamon O’Neil has 30 years of experience in schools hurling. When Cork teams are going well in those competitions, success at minor and U20 inevitably follows.
"There is a strong coaching team now in place in the school and we are committed to developing players across all age groups and players of all abilities. We want hurling in Cork to thrive at all levels and we see sport as a big part of our education in Midleton CBS.
"We have a great relationship with the local clubs and this helps enormously and we are also assisted by Games Development Officer Sean Crowley who is extremely helpful in terms of support, resources and guidance.
A brilliant photo from Wednesday night’s All Ireland U20 Final. Well done to Sam, Ciaran, Cathal, and Sean. 🔴⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/ToWSd3K4MM
— Midleton CBS Hurling (@CbsHurling) August 20, 2021
"Player development and school hurling competitions are everything for us but seeing so many present and past pupils reaching their potential with Cork is the cherry on top.”
Ger Millerick (Fr O'Neill's), Seán O’Leary Hayes (Midleton), Diarmuid O’Sullivan (Cloyne).
Sam Quirke (Midleton), Ciaran Joyce (Castlemartyr), Cathal Hickey (Lisgoold), Seán Walsh (Carrigtwohill).
Sam Quirke (Midleton), Daragh Moran (Castlemartyr), Ciaran Joyce (Castlemartyr), Aaron Walsh Barry (Carrigtwohill).
Adam Rooney, Daniel Murnane, Niall McCarthy (Carrigtwohill), Paudie O’Sullivan, Conor O’Leary (Fr O’Neill's), Dylan Costine (Cloyne), Tiernán Roche (Midleton), Diarmuid Healy (Lisgoold), Jack Leahy (Kiltha Óg), Timmy Wilk (Cobh).
