On Friday, September 6, St Colman's College, Fermoy held a Red Rebel day and this Friday they'll be doing it all again to support the Cork team in their second bid for All Ireland glory.

The college - well known for its tradition and history in hurling - has a number of reasons to be proud of Cork hurling and the present team. The school's very first principal in 1858, Dr William Croke was also a founding member of the GAA and served as its first President. Croke Park was named in his honour and within the school the library was also named after him.

Following in the hurling boots of many former Colmanites, Brian Murphy (Bride Rovers) is the full back on the Cork team on Saturday. He won both Harty and All Ireland Medals with St Colman's during his time at the school. Colm Spillane is also a past pupil since 2012. Colm is on the extended panel on Saturday.

Both follow the trail blazed by Mark Landers who captained the Cork team in 1999 when seven members of the team were past pupils of St Colman's. Over the years the Hartnett Brothers (1984-1986), Seanie O'Leary (1976, '77, '78 and '84)  and Cathal Casey (1986, '90) were just some of the past pupils who represented Cork and won All Ireland medals.

Present students are keeping the school's tradition of hurling alive and well in St Colman's where 250 boys train every week under the expert guidance of their coaches. Many also get practice in during their break times.

The college pitches are decorated every day after school with hurleys, sliothars and helmets. Even weekends are busy as Fermoy GAA have use of the pitches and up to 300 boys and girls are taught hurling and football skills.

To add extra interest to St Colman's involvement with the Cork team there are two members of the teaching staff who are sisters of members of the Cork team, Elaine Cronin, sister of captain Pa Cronin and Elizabeth Egan, sister of William Egan. The college has passed its best wishes on to their brothers for Saturday.

One member of staff who will also play in an All Ireland final at the weekend is Kelly Hackett who is on the Tipperary team that'll play Cavan in the Ladies Intermediate All Ireland final on Sunday. Again the college is delighted to support Kelly and Tipp in that game.

The strong tradition of hurling in the school is continuing under the new management team, principal Veronica O'Donoghue and Garvan Queeney, Deputy Principal. Together with students and staff of the college they'll don the red of Cork on Friday to support the team and wish them well in Saturday's big game.

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