Carrigtwohill GAA has paid warm tribute to former club manager Dermot O’Riordan following Kilshannig’s Cork County Junior A Hurling Championship victory over Ballinora at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, recently.
O’Riordan was part of the Kilshannig coaching set-up as the North Cork club claimed their first-ever Junior A county title, a landmark success that resonated across the county.
In acknowledging his contribution, Carrigtwohill reflected on O’Riordan’s own enduring legacy at the club. “Dermot managed the Carrigtwohill premier intermediate hurlers in 2007, when they annexed the county championship in their 13th year since promotion from the junior ranks. In so doing, Carrig bridged a 57-year gap from the last intermediate success in 1950,” the club noted.
They also highlighted the context of his appointment at the time. “O’Riordan took the reins at a time when there was not a long queue of candidates for manager; Carrig had been languishing in the grade as perceived underachievers, despite showing good potential and making two finals in the previous five years.” His leadership proved transformative, with the club finally converting promise into silverware.
A passionate hurling man, O’Riordan played at various grades with Mallow and has remained deeply involved in the sport, coaching teams across Cork and further afield. His influence and dedication have earned him widespread respect within the GAA community.
Carrigtwohill GAA said they were delighted to see Dermot O’Riordan involved in Kilshannig’s historic success, adding that he will always be welcome back at the club and wishing him continued success in his coaching career.
