A Fitting Tribute to a Great GAA Man
On a sun-drenched May evening at the Glen field, the spirit of the GAA was alive and thriving as the U13 footballers of St. Nicks and Blarney GAA came together for the annual Mick Corbett Memorial Match. This much-loved fixture, which alternates venue every two years and switches between football and hurling each season, was hosted this year by St. Nicks, marking another proud chapter in this special tradition.
The memory of Mick Corbett – a true GAA and club man, remembered for his dedication, passion, and love for the game – loomed large over the field. And if ever there was a match to honour his legacy, this was it. From the first whistle, both sides gave a performance that would have made Mick smile down from above. It was a match bursting with spirit, skill, and sportsmanship – a showcase of all that is good in our games.
Parents and supporters turned out in great numbers, creating a wonderful atmosphere and backdrop for what turned out to be a football spectacle. The game had everything – goals, points, penalties, runs, passes, and the full range of footballing skills, with the new rules only adding to the flow and excitement of play.
St. Nicks started brightest, surging into an early lead with pace and precision. But Blarney weren’t long responding, settling into the game and edging ahead by halftime with a composed and clever display. As is so often the case with great teams, St. Nicks came roaring back in the second half, upping the tempo and regaining the lead in what was now a thrilling, end-to-end contest.
With minutes left on the clock and the match on a knife-edge, Blarney edged back in front. The final play saw St. Nicks with a free, knowing only a goal would do – but the ball sailed over the bar, sealing a dramatic and hard-earned Blarney victory on a scoreline of Blarney 5-08 to St. Nicks 3-13.
Yet, the real winner today was the game itself. Two clubs, two communities, and two proud sets of players came together and gave us a match to remember – a game that truly honoured the memory of Mick Corbett. From wherever he watched, surely Mick would have been proud of the heart, the joy, and the love of the game shown by every player on that field.
Here’s to Mick, to our young players, and to the enduring spirit of the GAA.
On a sun-drenched May evening at the Glen field, the spirit of the GAA was alive and thriving as the U13 footballers of St. Nicks and Blarney GAA came together for the annual Mick Corbett Memorial Match. This much-loved fixture, which alternates venue every two years and switches between football and hurling each season, was hosted this year by St. Nicks, marking another proud chapter in this special tradition.
The memory of Mick Corbett – a true GAA and club man, remembered for his dedication, passion, and love for the game – loomed large over the field. And if ever there was a match to honour his legacy, this was it. From the first whistle, both sides gave a performance that would have made Mick smile down from above. It was a match bursting with spirit, skill, and sportsmanship – a showcase of all that is good in our games.
Parents and supporters turned out in great numbers, creating a wonderful atmosphere and backdrop for what turned out to be a football spectacle. The game had everything – goals, points, penalties, runs, passes, and the full range of footballing skills, with the new rules only adding to the flow and excitement of play.
St. Nicks started brightest, surging into an early lead with pace and precision. But Blarney weren’t long responding, settling into the game and edging ahead by halftime with a composed and clever display. As is so often the case with great teams, St. Nicks came roaring back in the second half, upping the tempo and regaining the lead in what was now a thrilling, end-to-end contest.
With minutes left on the clock and the match on a knife-edge, Blarney edged back in front. The final play saw St. Nicks with a free, knowing only a goal would do – but the ball sailed over the bar, sealing a dramatic and hard-earned Blarney victory on a scoreline of Blarney 5-08 to St. Nicks 3-13.
Yet, the real winner today was the game itself. Two clubs, two communities, and two proud sets of players came together and gave us a match to remember – a game that truly honoured the memory of Mick Corbett. From wherever he watched, surely Mick would have been proud of the heart, the joy, and the love of the game shown by every player on that field.
Here’s to Mick, to our young players, and to the enduring spirit of the GAA.
