Cuala has made it to the Dublin football final for only the second time in its history. For inquiries on Cuala’s football chronicles, Des Cahill seemed likely to be a credible contact to tap into. It would be illuminating to hear about the challenging times from someone like Des, who, despite expressing grand happiness at Cuala’s All-Ireland hurling victory in the late 2010s, remained firm on representing the footballing contingent. A real devotee to Cuala’s larger ball game.
After contemplation over a potential candidate, Des Cahill later suggested himself as the best person to speak with, via a WhatsApp response. His connection with Cuala dates back 14 years, when they won the Under-21 title which coincidentally was on his 50th birthday.
Now, several afternoons later, we traipse down Glasthule’s streets, festooned with red and white flags on each lamp-post. By proceeding onward, one will end up on Main Street in Dalkey. Here it is virtually impossible to traverse a mere 10 yards without spotting signs of the anticipated county final. Although this part of Dublin’s southside is familiar with success in rugby and hurling, a county football final is a rarity here.
“The delight is immense,” claims Cahill. “Given the context, I reckon our excitement outweighs that of most teams. People often mention our two All-Ireland victories – a truly momentous event that pleased everyone, particularly our hurlers. But as for myself, I feel vindicated after years of unwavering dedication.”
Cuala’s standing in Dublin is unique. Typically, a dual club’s identity is either split evenly or it’s a football club with a struggling hurling component vying for recognition. In Cuala’s case, it has invariably been the reverse – a fact acknowledged by all, albeit unofficially or without overt admission.
Cahill shares a tale surrounding Vinny Holden, Mick’s sibling and Cuala’s progenitor Tommy’s offspring. Holding had a two-decade hurling career with Dublin and was instrumental in Cuala’s first senior Dublin championships in the late 80s and early 90s. Reflecting on a day following the minor footballers’ historic county championship win in 2006, Cahill recalls the jubilation and camaraderie.
Within the victorious cadre was Mick Fitzsimons, joined by Paul Schutte, David Treacy, and Oisin Gough, who all later engaged in hurling for Dublin. Defeating the Vincent’s in the final was an immense achievement especially for the older bunch which youngsters perhaps couldn’t understand. Amid the celebration, they had to inform their families of their whereabouts, leading to Vinny’s memorable call to his spouse, Marion.
He referred to the triumphant minor hurlers while bubbling with the joy, underlining the blurred distinction between Cuala’s football and hurling clubs. Within the club and the larger southside Dublin GAA’s world, dominated by Kilmacud Crokes, Cuala’s football side has often occupied a lesser position, overshadowed by the success of their own hurling division and celebrated members like Con O’Callaghan.
Cahill, Cuala’s most notable member, missed their only Dublin football final in July 1988 due to an extended summer work excursion involving Euro 88, Tour de France, and the Seoul Olympics. He has since awaited 36 years for his club’s return to the same glory.
Cahill recalls how years ago, they had to grapple with Kilmacud, who they saw as the giants, while they felt more like underdogs. He tells a particular tale of a fellow, John O’Callaghan, who was on the Dublin team back in 1995 that triumphed over Tyrone to clinch the All-Ireland title. A fantastic lad, as Cahill puts it.
Despite being a substitute, Dublin advised O’Callaghan to transition from intermediate to senior level. Hence, he proposed moving to Kilmacud to us, which we responded to with jest, yet no one was really bothered. He was well-liked, and everyone wanted him to flourish.
As the influence of the GAA swelled over the years, Cuala was never lacking in prowess and demonstrated no issues with recruitment. This ultimately led to an unparalleled period of prosperity in hurling: clutching five Dublin championships in the space of six seasons, from 2015 to 2020, inclusive of consecutive Leinster and All-Ireland titles. An epoch of golden success.
The genesis of it all began in 2009. The core strength of those victorious teams traced back to the under-21 hurling championship in Dublin, about 15 years ago. Unfortunately, what was missed out over time was the achievement of an under-21 double back in 2009 by Cuala, with a significant majority of the team members also representing the football team.
Cahill maintains that the under-21 final marked the inception of their team, which defeated Kilmacud contrarily to the expectations. This win ignited a wave of optimism about what the future could bring. However, hurling soon became the domineering sport.
Cahill strongly believes they could have emulated their hurling success in football, given the talents possessed by the team members. He lavishes praise on the team, highlighting Paul Schutte who spent a couple of years as a Dublin minor footballer in the position of full-forward. Oisín Gough and the Treacys were also touted as highly skilled juvenile footballers.
Anthony Daly promptly took them under his wing, discouraging any attention towards football. Following our victory in the Dublin intermediate championship, we progressed towards Leinster however, they had already commenced Dublin training by November. Despite having a close relationship with Daly, he was immovable in his stance that they had to start now, to be ready for the coming summer season.
Unfortunately, I was at a loss. Choosing to play for Dublin was reasonable – we had hosted seven Dublin squad members at once. Matty [Kenny] then arrived acting as the senior hurling manager at the club, believing strongly in our group’s potential. For the initial couple of years, our efforts in hurling remained futile until he insisted on a more consistent practice schedule. He proved to be a persuasive character, emphasising the need for weekly training for championship success. Indeed, he was correct! I had previously thought winning both football and hurling in Dublin was an attainable goal, but I was proven wrong. Achieving an All-Ireland victory in hurling whilst also participating in football was an unrealistic aspiration.
Ironically, it was a high-grade issue. Cuala was recognised nationwide for its repeated hurling successes in All-Irelands matches. The footballers utilised what they had, and with the arrival of Con O’Callaghan, they managed to maintain their high level of performance. An uncompromising Peadar Ó Cofaigh-Byrne soon appeared, along with numerous others.
James Power, an excellent rugby player, has been with us for a significant time, much longer than others. Alongside Mick Fitz and Luke Keating, Power, a refined affable chap from Blackrock in his late thirties, has been a consistent presence in the team.
Once he addressed the referee as ‘Sir’ and it was interpreted by all, including the referee himself, as mockery. The rival team was amused by this. However, nobody dares to cross paths with him given his physicality and toughness, he’s our most formidable player. But, the incident in which he referred to the referee as ‘Sir’ completely turned the referee against us.
Considering players like him and Luke Keating, it’s fantastic. Luke could have joined the hurling teams but decided to stand with football, a choice that made me feel rather guilty. But seeing these blokes in the county finals is amazing and extraordinarily satisfying.
Cuala is setting out of town in grand style, as is to be expected. They will collectively walk through the village on Sunday afternoon to board a DART they’ve reserved specifically for this event. It will depart from Dalkey station, proceeding straight to Killester, conspicuously skipping stops at Blackrock, Seapoint and other stations to prevent Kilmacud Crokes infiltrators from boarding.
onward, they’ll proceed to Parnell Park with an extraordinarily significant football day at hand. Despite being the underdogs against a Crokes team looking for a fourth consecutive victory, they won’t be discouraged by the odds positioned against them. Why should they be? It’s their natural environment.