Football manager honoured with Community Spirit Award
- Online Journalist
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Senior Footballer Manager Mick Meaney and the Carrigaline GAA Club have been jointly recognised as the January recipients of the Cork International Hotel, in partnership with The Carrighdoun Newspaper, Community Spirit Award. This award underscores their profound and enduring commitment to the vibrant local community of Carrigaline.
Mick Meaney, a respected figure within the club, led the Carrigaline footballers back to Premier Senior Football, following a hard-fought victory over Knocknagree in a memorable encounter held at SuperValu Páirc Uí Caoimh last October.
Before taking on the managerial role, Mick Meaney proudly donned the blue and yellow jersey, representing the club with distinction on the pitch. Notably, Meaney is the only club member to have been integrally involved in the club's significant county victories in 2009, 2015, and most recently in 2024.
The history of Carrigaline GAA is rich and storied, with documented origins tracing back as far as 1889. Since then, Carrigaline GAA Club has not only developed players' match skills like passing and blocking from a young age but also encourages teamwork, cooperation, and camaraderie.
Today, Carrigaline GAA proudly boasts a thriving membership that encompasses a wide spectrum of ages and abilities. From the youngest aspiring players in the U5 age group to the seasoned veterans competing at the senior level, the club provides opportunities for participation in hurling, football, ladies football, and camogie. Embracing the GAA's progressive "one club model," Carrigaline GAA has fostered greater unity and collaboration across its various codes, a strategic move that has demonstrably contributed to the club's recent successes and overall strength.
Carrigaline GAA Club has consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to community engagement, actively participating in numerous local and national initiatives.
A notable example of this community spirit is the launch of social hurling in 2018. Recognizing the desire for participation in a less competitive and more relaxed environment, the club created an inclusive avenue for individuals of all skill levels to enjoy the sport of hurling. This initiative has proven remarkably successful, attracting participants from within Carrigaline and even drawing players from as far as Middleton, further expanding the club's reach and impact.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, a dedicated group of players rallied together to support the Run4Pieta campaign, a vital fundraising initiative for Pieta House. Demonstrating remarkable dedication, these players undertook their own personal races within the confines of the 2-kilometer restrictions, collectively raising an astounding €30,000 over three days.
While Carrigaline GAA undoubtedly fulfils its primary function as a sporting organisation, its role within the Carrigaline village extends considerably further. The club frequently opens its facilities to host a diverse range of community events and fundraisers, including table quizzes, teenage discos, and variety shows.
While renowned for their sporting achievements, the true essence of Carrigaline GAA's community spirit lies in the unwavering commitment and tireless dedication displayed by the club's passionate and invaluable committee members, coaches, volunteers, and players in their endeavours off the field that truly embodies the word community.
Vincent O’Donovan, the Publisher of The Carrigdhoun Newspaper, congratulated the club, stating: “Carrigaline GAA Club are thoroughly deserving winners of this month's award. They have served as a vital focal point for the community across generations. The club has consistently honored Carrigaline village through the dedication of its players at underage, minor, senior, and county levels. We extend our sincere best wishes to them for a successful 2025 season.”