Considine, Michael
February 01, 2008
The Late Michael Considine
When the untimely death of Michael Considine became known on January 6 his loss was felt, not only by his two sisters, Feeney and Mary, his uncle, Matt and his nephews and nieces, but by a legion of friends from inside and outside the parish of Newmarket.
The huge numbers that paid their respects by attending his funeral was truly remarkable and was a reflection of the great respect and affection we all had for this great man.
Mike spent all his life in Newmarket. His first job was in Lana Knit, he then moved on to Aer Lingus and for the last six years he ran his own taxi business. His taxi business was very successful and his easy manner and pleasant personality endeared him to young and old alike.
Born into a hurling family, Michael's maternal grandfather was Andy Callinan, a full back of renown for the Blues in the 1920, and his uncles all played for Rineanna and later Newmarket.
From an early age he showed exceptional talent for hurling. Full-back was his preferred position and, although not big in stature - a necessity for full-backs at the time, his hurling intelligence and vision plus his skill made him a master in the position.
His first introduction to senior hurling was a powder keg of a cup final in 1962. He was 16 and was introduced into the game when the full-back, Don O'Neill had to leave the field of play with a injury. There was six minutes left in the game.
To his credit he kept his line intact and his man scoreless and the Blues won a remarkable game by two points. It took extraordinary courage and resilience for one so young, and these were attributes he would display for many years in a career that was to last until 1976.
This famous cup victory in 1962 was the platform and forerunner of many great success in the next two decades.
"Connie" as he was affectionately known won 11 senior hurling championships, two Munster club medals (1968 and 1969) and one Railway Cup medal in 1970.
While he was a modest and unassuming person, he nevertheless valued and was rightly proud of what he achieved. Winning the two Munster Club Championships gave him particular satisfaction as Newmarket were the first Clare Club to do so. Unfortunately there was no All-Ireland Club competition at the time.
The Railway Cup Competition in the 50s, 60s and 70s was hugely competitive scene attracting big crowds to Croke Park. In 1970 there was a bonus on offer to the winners, a trip to the USA. This was the first international prize offered to a provincial team. That Michael Considine was selected on this team reflects the widely held view that he was the best fullback in Ireland at the time. He enhanced his reputation by giving outstanding displays for province as they won the Railway Cup and had a memorable trip to the USA - a trip he told great stories about on his return.
Mick Considine played hurling at a time when it was much more physical than it is now. That he shone so often in these circumstances made him the great full-back that he was. He was always prudent,kept his self-control without ever giving up on commitment. He had some great tussles with Christy (Wax) Guinnane and Patrick (Jack) Moloney from Clarecastle, Tom McNamara from Crusheen and Stevie Loftus from Éire óg, to name but a few. Thirty minutes after a game it would not be unusual to see him swopping stories or sharing refreshments with any of the aforementioned, reflecting the true spirit and sportsmanship of the great game.
Michael played minor, U-21 and senior for his county, but without success. The county teams were very competitive and up there with the best, but lady luck often deserted then when they were in strong positions. There were some very talented hurlers in Clare in this period and they deserved better for some outstanding displays. In 1967 Mike was not picked in his usual full-back position in the Munster Final against Tipperary. Many shrewd judges of hurling will say that his omission from the team was the main reason why Clare was not victorious on this occasion
VA
Courtesy of the Clare Champion
1st February 2008
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