Midleton hoping to rediscover a golden age in Cork Premier SHC final

Midleton have always had a rich conveyor belt of talent but transferring that quality into senior success has been a struggle. One county title in 30 years is even more of a disappointment considering that solitary title, in 2013, was expected to be a launchpad for far greater Midleton success

Midleton's Tommy O'Connell tackled by Blackrock's Mark O'Keeffe and Alan Connolly during the Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier SHC semi-final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Last Saturday morning, as the Midleton players were coming off the field after training, they were given a guard of honour by around 40 U8 players, and their mentors, who were waiting to go on for their session. It was completely unplanned and unscripted, but the spontaneity of the action reflected the gripping excitement and anticipation in the club which has percolated from the top to the very bottom.

It also showcased how much this team has connected with all strands of the club. A couple of weeks back, some of the Midleton players spoke to the U15 squad before they travelled to the Féile na nGael tournament in Tipperary to represent Cork, subtly helping to grease the transition from one generation to the next.