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20 February 2008
They say that “Great things come in small parcels”. They probably had Micheál McInerney in mind! An extremely friendly, polite and popular Priest, he served many Parishes before returning to his native Quin. As a hurler he was fast, skilful and an excellent stickman. As a member of the Famous Clooney hurling team that contested five County Senior Finals in the 40’s, he is a very proud holder of a County Senior Hurling Medal which he won in 1942, the Clubs only County Senior Title.
Name: Fr. Micheál McInerney
Age: 83
Where are you now? Living in Quin
What Years did you play for Clooney? In the 40’s. Went to Maynooth in 1943.
Highlights? The County Championship in 1942, the only time Clooney won the Senior Title. Also won the Minor Final – I think it was in 1941?
Those you went into Battle with? It was a privilege to play with the O’Hallorans, the McNamaras and the Gilmartins.
Who were your trainers? One I remember is Mick Hennessy.
Who was your toughest opponent? I had a narrow escape one day. At the start of a match against Newmarket, the corner back made a run for me, but I sidestepped him. He fell and dislocated his shoulder. If he hit me I was a gonner! The toughest team were Clarecastle. Also, Feakle and The Blues!
Heroes? Michael O’Halloran - the best midfield player in Munster. Mick Hennessy- a great hurler and trainer. Michael O’Halloran and Austin Hannon were the best midfield pairing in the County.
What were your most memorable moments? I played a Minor match one day, must have played fairly well. Mick Hennessy said to me after the match "Michael, you’re a Brick"… It meant an awful lot to me coming from this Great Hurler – I remember it to this day.
I also remember the team had a meal in the Queens Hotel after a match in Cusack Park. I can’t recall whether it was the 1942 County Final or not. I do remember it was the only time the team sat down for a meal together. Brendan Gilmartin was playing the same day, a great character! Someone said to Brendan before the meal "Brendan, don’t let us down. Remember you always eat soup with a fork". We were at the Dessert and Brendan was still at the soup, using the fork. Funny, but a bit cruel!
