Despite the relatively small numbers attending the school, CBS Ennistymon have punched above their weight both academically and on the GAA field, writes Ivan Smyth.
Michael Clohessy spent 40 years in the school, serving the final years as Deputy Principal before retiring in December 2020.
The former Maths and Business Studies teacher was delighted to be asked by Tara Rynne and Jason Daffy to help with their senior hurling and football squads before their respective campaigns commenced.
Clohessy managed St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield to the All Ireland Club Hurling Championship in 1999 while he took them back to the showpiece event one year later as they lost out to Athenry.
The 64-year-old hopes these talented bunch of players can create lasting memories just like he and those Doora-Barefield players did back in their pomp.
“I have great memories and I’ll take them to the grave. These lads will keep these memories long after leaving the school. They will recall these great days. There has been great loyalty and support from their managers and the management of the school. Mary Lyons as Principal and Kieran Meehan (Deputy Principal) have shown great support to GAA in their time there.”
“There is a great tradition in the school. If you look through the panel you are seeing the second generation come through. I would have taught the parents and now their children are coming through and getting to represent the school.”
Clohessy’s love of GAA is evident as he tells the Clare Champion that he started working with GAA teams in the school in 1982 and continued to do so for the next 33 years before steeping back when assuming the Deputy Principal role.
The St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield man admits he was delighted to join back with the senior teams this year. “Tara (Rynne) and Jason (Daffy) asked me would I be interested in helping out. I was only delighted. They have done great work and so too has Micheál Duffy. As the games went on the old bug hit me. I’m beginning to get more excited on the sideline. I’m really just observing in the background but it’s been really great to be back involved.”
CBS Ennistymon have won the Munster Football C title in 1980, ’87 ’89 and in 2022. When they lifted the Corn an Rúnaí (now known as the Corn Sheáinmhic Mhurchidh) three times in the 1980s, there was no All Ireland series to contend.
This is a unique opportunity for the school to claim a first All Ireland Senior title while they stand just two wins away from an historic double. Clohessy realises the opportunity that beckons for CBS Ennistymon’s current golden generation.
“Wouldn’t it be fantastic to say we were dual All Ireland holders? These driven set of lads are on the cusp of something unique. They can achieve the first leg of a possible double this weekend but all they will be focusing on is the game and not anything else.”
“For me personally it’s a dream come true. Having been to an All-Ireland I never dreamt that I would be back in one again. The school means so much to me and I know this squad will do everything possible both this Saturday and next.”