'I can’t believe it' says Buttevant captain after ending 99-year wait for county glory

Mark Lenahan was honoured to accept the Dónal Hurley Cup for their Cork Premier JFC victory over St Nick’s in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday.

Sun, 26 Oct, 2025 - 10:43

Therese O’Callaghan

Finally, Buttevant got their deserved day in the sun.

Captain Mark Lenahan was honoured to accept the Dónal Hurley Cup for their Cork Premier JFC victory over St Nick’s in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday.

He took time to savour the occasion.

“We never played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh before,” he says. “We played on the astroturf for our first league game against Adrigole because of the weather. And we were saying, imagine if we end up in the championship out on the grass pitch or walking up them steps, that’s the dream. For the dream to come true, it hasn’t sunk in.

“The bus driving in the tunnel today, it is something special. There are a few of us who played big games with colleges, Cork 20s and minors, but to do it as Buttevant, as a club with your best friends, is so special. There is nothing better than that.

“I can’t believe it. I could hardly celebrate. I couldn’t do anything because my calves were cramping. I was lying on the ground hugging someone, and the pain. But you definitely don’t feel much pain when you’re after winning a county title in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.”

A county triumph that was 99 years in the making. It was 1926 when they last won an adult title (intermediate). Ultimately, underage success came to fruition.

“A long time coming, we are so glad to get over that line,” he remarks. “We put in so much work the last few years. We just want to get up the grades because we know we are capable of it. To do it out there tonight, it was a tough, tough challenge.

“St Nick’s are a quality team, they’re hard to break down, they’re so physical. We knew if we could stick to the game plan and wear them down, we’d get over the line. We got a great start with Conor (Hanlon) kicking good scores and good team work in the first half.”

An emotional win too, as they remembered the late Miah Ahern, with the number 22 jersey retired as a mark of respect.

“Miah Ahern was a Kildorrery man, who came into Buttevant. He was an adopted Buttevant man. We got on so great with that man, anytime we were struggling, and there have been dark days - outside of winning the ’22 north Cork - he was the man to go to.

"Before he passed, we were talking to him and we promised him we would walk up them steps and we’re so glad to do it. He was with us when we won the north Cork. He was so delighted, even though he was a Kildorrery man. He was so happy for us, such a good guy.”

Mark lines out alongside his brother Kevin. There are other family connections too, which makes it more memorable.

Up to now, the woodwork and drawing teacher in the Patrician Academy, Mallow has watched neighbouring teams make their move. Not anymore.

“When I go into school, there are two senior A teams (Clyda Rovers and Kilshannig) and a Premier senior team (Mallow). They are looking down on us a bit, but at least we can say we are intermediate now. There were a few of them telling me they were coming up to support me, which was nice. It is nice they’d have your back.”

The skipper had Eoin Downey as his marker. Eoin’s brother Robert was sent off in the final moments.

“Eoin is a physical guy, very athletic. Top Cork hurler. We were all going to get attention, it’s a county final." he notes.

“There was a bit of a scuffle there towards the end. Anything that happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch. I was disappointed to see Rob get red. We are all competitors.”

Midterm break will be enjoyed.

“We are going to really celebrate this. I think someone during the week said we have Waterford (Shamrocks, on Nov 8) in the Munster club. We’ll forget about that until Thursday or Friday.”