A decade on and the passion for the game burns as bright as ever in Corofin. It is hard to fathom that it is 10 and a half years since Ray Silke climbed the Hogan Stand steps breathing life back into Galway football as Corofin were crowned All Ireland club kings on a nippy St Patrick’s afternoon in Drumcondra.
Yesterday in Pearse Stadium Corofin brought their customary cocktail of craft and courage into Salthill craving more titles. And their couple of hours by the sea commenced in splendid fashion as they torched Killanin in the minor climax. So when the afternoon concluded with a delightful double Corofin were charmed and contented. It cannot be disputed that winning brings happiness and a guttural roar greeted Corofin’s latest triumphs.
The healthy crowd that gathered to watch were provided with proof that Corofin will always be competitive irrespective of the grade. By Corofin’s lofty standards they haven’t accumulated as many underage titles as would be the norm recently. Still Corofin usually meet these types of challenges enthusiastically and their minor backroom staff was assembled as if it were a statement of intent.
Martin Collins, a respected figure in the club, spearheaded a selection committee that featured two other prominent 1998 figures too. Paul McGettigan’s tactical nous is well documented, while Gerry Burke enjoyed a majestic hour at headquarters, rifling over a hat trick of points that burned Erin’s Isle. Killanin were deemed as worthy opponents, but Corofin excelled in a goal-laden affair. The baton is being passed to the current generation and the thirst for success endures.
Trace through the team lists and the names are familiar, which is an ominous portent for the rest of Galway. Families Ryder, Silke, Burke, Steede, and Collins were all involved in the starting XV, suggesting that it won’t be long before Corofin add to their title tally at a higher level.
When Kieran Fitzgerald led the seniors onto the Salthill sward it was important for the Corofin psyche that Frank Fox was recaptured. The ‘90s belonged to Corofin at nearly every level of the game. This decade Corofin have won seniors in 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2008. For Corofin it is vital that the youngsters enter a winning system.
One issue that is frequently debated in the north Galway hinterlands is Corofin’s surprising lack of an impact outside the county boundaries since the salad spell of 1997-98. It is what they will be attempting to rectify in the coming months. Corofin won’t shirk the responsibility.
That cruel loss to St Brigid’s two years ago ensures a shot at Connacht redemption has been sought. Corofin remain the club that everyone in Galway longs to emulate. Repeatedly bringing capable footballers through is commendable in itself, but doing it while also sampling success is what makes it a feat. Now Corofin want to pen a fresh chapter to their inspiring tale.
