As White’s Cross prepares to compete in the 2026 City Division Junior 1 Football League final against Glanmire next Saturday night, it is fitting to reflect on one of the club’s previous triumphs in this competition, which took place 25 years ago in 2001. This victory marked the second time White’s Cross lifted the Junior 1 league title, the first being in 1994. The final in 2001 was held on November 17th of that year. This was in the pre split-season era and league finals were often tidied up at that time of the year.
In the lead-up to the final, White’s Cross faced a formidable challenge in the semi-final against Mayfield, the reigning champions and favorites to progress to the final. The match took place at Redmonds pitch near Cork Airport, where White’s Cross pulled off somewhat of an upset, winning by a score of 2-07 to 0-09. This victory set the stage for an exciting final against Brian Dillons, who had a similarly unfancied victory over Nemo Rangers in their own semi-final; a Nemo side that had emphatically dumped White’s Cross out of the championship earlier in the summer.
The final was hosted at Ballinlough, and it proved to be a thrilling contest. From the outset, Brian Dillons displayed their strength, with key players like John O’Herlihy and the Horgan brothers, particularly James, leading the charge in the first half. However, their momentum shifted when James was moved from the full-forward line, which impacted their scoring ability. White’s Cross initially struggled to find their rhythm, managing only two pointed frees from Conor Kelleher before Kevin Buckley finally scored their first point from play in the 17th minute. Murt Kelleher also made an impact with a remarkable solo run that resulted in a stunning point, leaving White’s Cross trailing 0-6 to 0-5 at halftime.
The second half saw Dillons extend their lead early on, but White’s Cross quickly responded with renewed determination. Another Kevin Buckley point ignited their comeback, and Conor Kelleher played a pivotal role, scoring four consecutive points, three of which came from frees. Dillons failed to score until Maurice Carey netted a goal late in the match, but by that time, White’s Cross had already established dominance, scoring eight unanswered points from players like Edwin & Kevin Buckley, Donncha Murnane, and John O’Callaghan. Ultimately, White’s Cross secured a well-deserved victory, triumphing with a final score of 0-13 to 1-8.
The celebrations continued beyond the pitch that evening, as White’s Cross had organized a Race Night fundraiser at the Commons Inn pub. The atmosphere was electric, and the victory added to the excitement of the night. It is a good job we won as that Race Night was going ahead regardless! The club had much to celebrate, especially considering that just a week prior, Rockban had won a Junior All-Ireland ladies football title, featuring strong connections to the White’s Cross team. Conor Kelleher, who scored six points in the final, had his then-girlfriend (now wife) Mary playing as corner-back, while Sean Mulcahy’s sister Valerie and Michelle Whooley , who captures all the club’s photos for social medai, were also part of the victorious Rockban team.
However, the festivities had to be put on ice for a short-period, as White’s Cross had another game scheduled the following day. With the season winding down and weekends running out, the team had to make the journey to Mallow to face Dromtarriff in the Millennium Cup. This cup competition (initially only meant to be played in the year 2000) was organised by the County Board and the fact that we had a game the day before under the auspices of the City Board was not considered when scheduling the game. Unsurprisingly, given the efforts and subsequent celebrations of the previous night, the team started slowly. However, after Paudie Curtain urged the team to make more of an effort (“110% more effort” to be precise) during his half-time talk, White’s Cross found the resolve to emerge victorious once again.
Reflecting on that remarkable period, it is heartening to see the connections between the 2001 team and the current squad. As White’s Cross aims for its seventh Junior 1 football league title this Saturday, three players from the 2001 team—Edwin Buckley (now a player selector), Donncha Murnane, and Murt Kelleher—may feature in the 2026 final at some stage. Their continued dedication and commitment to the club are commendable, and a glance at a photo from that era reveals that they have barely changed at all!
Conor Buckley brother Kevin played a key role in the final and his father TC was a selector. Conor joined the panel the year after n and like the three aforementioned players has given incredible commitment to this day.
Additionally, there are other connections to the current team; Martin Kelleher’s son Luke is part of the panel, while Billy Linehan’s nephews, Aidan and Conor Docherty, will also line out on Saturday. This blend of experience and youth will hopefully stand to White’s Cross on Saturday evening coming!
2001 Panel: From the Photo Billy Sheehan, John Meade, Paul Cashman, John Hegarty, Paul Finnegan, John Drummy, Donal Kelly, Martin Kelleher, Murt Kelleher, John O’Callaghan, Edwin Buckley, Kevin Buckley, Jason Kelly, Conor Kelleher, Anthony Kelleher, Donncha Murnane, Paul Morley, Sean Murnane, Billy Linehan, Jonathan Kenneally, Sean Mulcahy, Pat Hennessy, Rob O’Brien
Coach/Selectos: Paudie Curtain, John Drummy Senior & TC Buckley