Following in the footsteps of Noel Sheehan and Mike Bermingham in St Fanahan's College, Mitchelstown, taking over at the helm for the hurlers was no easy feat for new woodwork teacher Mike Walsh, but with a victory already behind the team, they are hoping that this will pave the way for success in the years ahead.

Mike, who is from Kildorrery, has a strong grounding in hurling and he said that he thought he could contribute to make hurling an integral part of the school. He was on the Cork senior team in 2010, played for London while working over there and was called to the Cork senior panel this year. Unfortunately he was dropped just before the championship. He has also played with his own club in Kildorrery, winning both county and Munster titles.

He has hopes of being placed in the senior Cork panel in the future and said that he can see a lot of promise in the players in St Fanahan's. "From what I've seen, I'm impressed with their performances and they are very enthusiastic, always asking about the next training session and match. They want to play and do well and the numbers at training are good," Mike said.

FIRST TASTE OF SUCCESS

The senior team had their first game against Deerpark in Cork on Friday last and they came home victorious, which was a great boost for the players. "Deerpark would have a big strong team, we did very well and hurled them off the park. It was tough, but the lads really found their stride and there were a few good individual performances, as well as all of them playing well as a unit," Mike said.

They now have their next match on October 11 against Colaiste Daibhead from Cork City. Mike said that it was very hard to follow in the footsteps of Noel Sheehan and Mike Bermingham, who both worked very hard to set up a strong culture of GAA and sports in the school, but he said that Noel was very helpful and supportive, giving him advice before he retired.

Principal Colman Murphy said that they welcome Mike Walsh coming on board, both as woodwork teacher and with his involvement with the hurling team. "He's getting the hurlers back on track and we're delighted with him," he said.

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