Ballinhassig's McCarthy recalls the glory of 1990

(JJ Hurley)

In 1990, three Carrigdhoun men lined out in the All-Ireland Hurling final, Kieran Kingston, Tracton, Brendan O’Sullivan, Valley Rovers and Seanie McCarthy, Ballinhassig.

Reflecting on his memories with the Carrigdhoun was Ballinhassig’s Seanie McCarthy, who also picked up an All Star in 1992.

Reflecting on those days, under the guidance of the late Canon Michael O’Brien, McCarthy was never phased by the occasion.

‘We took it game by game, and we had an ok run in the league that year, Cork hurling had been at a vey low ebb and the Canon came in 1989, and we felt there was something different,’ he said.

‘He brought a freshness to the scene, and he brought and honesty to it and everyone bought into it.

‘It’s a team game and if you see the fella next to you putting his heart and soul into it, you’re going to row in too and give another 10%.

‘We were all fit going into that final and we knew if we gave an honest account of ourselves that we would win it.’

Focused on his own game, McCarthy said he hadn’t time to be nervous on the day.

‘You know it came and went and I don’t mean that in a bad way, your so focused, he said.

‘I was very relaxed, as number 1, I was 100% fit, number 2, I had my homework done and number 3, I used always make a promise to myself I am going to play as hard as I can, and my aim was not to be taken off, only to help the team win the game.’

Having faith in his team mates, he’d a special relationship with the corner back inside him, John Considine, with both men knowing exactly how the other played.

In what was a very special year for Cork GAA in 1990, McCarthy said there was very little talk of the double at the time.

‘There were talks about winning the double, but there were no real talks about it,’ he said.

‘We were focused on our game and the footballers were focused on their game and we had very little crossover as they trained different nights to us.

‘We never knew the importance of winning a double would have because we were so focused on going out to play as best we could.’

Reflecting on Patrick Collins and the pressure on him in hosting such a pivotal position on the team, Seanie has total confidence in him.

‘The thing about Patrick is that he’s a smart guy, he played outfield underage, people need to remember he’s in his mid-20s , he’s dedicated his life to it and gives it  110%, he said 

He epitomises the ideal parish hurler, playing for the Cork team and all the young fellas look up to him, a real nice guy.’

 Ballinhassig's Seanie McCarthy seen in action here in the 1990 All-Ireland Hurling Final against Galway