Michael Shields (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Michael Shields is an Irish
sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football
with his local club St. Finbarr's
and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2006.
with the famous St. Finbarr's
club on the south side of Cork city. He first came to prominence on the club scene at underage levels, however, he enjoyed little success with the St. Finbarr's minor or under-21 teams.
In 2007, after fifty years of playing in the top flight of the county senior football championship, St. Finbarr's were relegated to the intermediate level. This grade of football didn't pose any problem to Shields's side, as they reached the final in 2008. St. Vincent's provided the opposition on that occasion, however, 'the Barr's' were held to a draw. The replay a week later was more conclusive. St. Finbarr's won by 2-13 to 0-14, giving Shields a county premier intermediate championship
winners' medal.
. That game ended in a 0-9 apiece draw. Cork lost the second game by three points. In spite of this Cork were still in with a chance of claiming the All-Ireland title. A 1-9 apiece draw was the result of their All-Ireland quarter-final game against Laois
. Shields did not participate in the replay which Laois won.
In 2005 Shields joined the Cork under-21 football team. He made his debut in a Munster quarter-final victory over Kerry. He lined out in the subsequent semi-final trouncing of Clare
. Shields played no further part in the under-21 championship seasons. Cork went on to win the Munster
title but lose the All-Ireland semi-final to Galway
.
In 2006 Shields had established himself on the starting fifteen of the Cork under-21 team. He lined out in the provincial decider that year against Waterford
, however, the Decies were no match for 'the Rebels'. A 4-14 to 1-6 touncing gave Cork the victory and gave Shields a first |Munster under-21 winners’ medal on the field of play. Cork later maneuvered through the All-Ireland series and reached the All-Ireland final against Mayo
. That game was a close affair, however, at the final whistle Cork were defeated by just two points.
In 2007 Shields was in his last year as a member of the Cork under-21 team. He lined out in the provincial decider that year against Tipperary
and a high-scoring and exciting game developed. Cork won by 3-19 to 3-12 and Shields added a second Munster under-21 winners’ medal to his collection. Cork later reached the All-Ireland final against Laois. Another close and exciting game of football developed as neither side took a decisive lead. Colm O'Neill
and Daniel Goulding
combined to score two goals and to help Cork to a narrow 2-10 to 0-15 victory. It was Shields's first All-Ireland
winners’ medal at under-21 level.
games in 2005, Shields was handed his senior championship debut in the 2006 Munster final against Kerry. That game ended in a 0-10 apiece draw. The replay saw a much fresher Cork team surprisingly defeat Kerry by 1-12 to 0-9. James Masters
proved the hero of the day, as he scored 1-7. Shields had secured his first Munster
winners’ medal in the senior grade. The quirks of the championship saw Cork face Kerry again in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final for the third time in five seasons. In a similar pattern to previous encounters Cork failed to beat Kerry at Croke Park
. A 0-16 to 0-10 resulted in Cork being knocked out of the championship.
In 2007 Cork were out to atone for their defeats by Kerry the previous year. Both sides met in the provincial decider for the third year in succession. Cork gave a good account of themselves, however, Kerry could not be beaten and Shield's side went down on a 1-15 to 1-13 score line. Cork later did well in the subsequent All-Ireland series and finally qualified for the All-Ireland final after an eight year absence. In a cruel twist Kerry were the opponents. While the first-half was played on an even keel, 'the Kingdom' ran riot in the second-half and a rout ensued. Goalkeeper Alan Quirke
came in for much criticism after conceding some easy goals. At the full-time whistle Cork were trounced by 3-13 to 1-9.
The following year Shields missed the start of the championship because of his Australian sojourn. He returned in time for Cork's All-Ireland quarter-final meeting with Kildare
. He came on as a substitute in that victory. Cork faced Kerry once again in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final, however, after a thrilling draw and a replay Kerry were the team that advanced to the championship decider.
In 2009 Shields was installed as Cork's first-choice full-back. After a defeat of Kerry in a replay of the Munster semi-final, Cork subsequently faced Limerick
in the Munster final. Cork were the red-hot favourites going into the game, however, Limerick put Cork to the pin of their collars. After a slow start 'the Rebels' settled and eventually secured a narrow 2-6 to 0-11 victory. It was Shield's second Munster title. Cork later defeated Donegal
to set up an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with reigning All-Ireland champions Tyrone
. In 2010 he was Captain of the Cork team that won the National Football League Div 1 Tile with a won over Mayo
in the final at Croke Park
.
in the inter-provincial series of games, however, he has enjoyed little success. He first lined out with his province in 2006 when Munster were drawnt to play Connacht
in the semi-final. That was an exciting game that featured a period of extra-time. In the end victory went to the westerners by 1-15 to 2-10.
Shields was included on the Munster panel again in 2007. That year Munster reached the Railway Cup final against Ulster
, however, the northern province emerged victorious by 1-12 to 1-8.
club Carlton
, Shields signed a two-year international rookie contract, becoming the third Cork native to sign with the club, joining former hurlers Setanta
and Aisake Ó hAilpín
. After the first half of the season, however, he decided to return to Ireland in July 2008, saying he "missed home" and Australian rules football "wasn't for him".
from Bishopstown
to win the Corn Uí Mhuirí
title in 2005 the first in the schools history.
in the Sigerson Cup
, he played in the 2010 final but was on the losing side it DCU
.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with his local club St. Finbarr's
St. Finbarr's GAA
St. Finbarr's National Hurling and Football Club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Togher area of Cork city, County Cork, Ireland....
and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2006.
Club
Shields plays his club Gaelic footballGaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with the famous St. Finbarr's
St. Finbarr's GAA
St. Finbarr's National Hurling and Football Club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Togher area of Cork city, County Cork, Ireland....
club on the south side of Cork city. He first came to prominence on the club scene at underage levels, however, he enjoyed little success with the St. Finbarr's minor or under-21 teams.
In 2007, after fifty years of playing in the top flight of the county senior football championship, St. Finbarr's were relegated to the intermediate level. This grade of football didn't pose any problem to Shields's side, as they reached the final in 2008. St. Vincent's provided the opposition on that occasion, however, 'the Barr's' were held to a draw. The replay a week later was more conclusive. St. Finbarr's won by 2-13 to 0-14, giving Shields a county premier intermediate championship
Cork Intermediate Hurling Championship
Cork Intermediate Hurling Championship is the second-tier hurling competition organized by the Cork Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The winners usually will play in the senior grade the following year for the Cork Senior Hurling Championship. This championship has been played for since 1909...
winners' medal.
Minor and under-21
Shields first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Cork minor football team in 2004. That year Cork qualified for a Munster final showdown with arch-rivals KerryKerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
. That game ended in a 0-9 apiece draw. Cork lost the second game by three points. In spite of this Cork were still in with a chance of claiming the All-Ireland title. A 1-9 apiece draw was the result of their All-Ireland quarter-final game against Laois
Laois GAA
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Laois and the Laois inter-county teams.-History:...
. Shields did not participate in the replay which Laois won.
In 2005 Shields joined the Cork under-21 football team. He made his debut in a Munster quarter-final victory over Kerry. He lined out in the subsequent semi-final trouncing of Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
. Shields played no further part in the under-21 championship seasons. Cork went on to win the Munster
Munster Under-21 Football Championship
The Munster Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster, in Ireland....
title but lose the All-Ireland semi-final to Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
.
In 2006 Shields had established himself on the starting fifteen of the Cork under-21 team. He lined out in the provincial decider that year against Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
, however, the Decies were no match for 'the Rebels'. A 4-14 to 1-6 touncing gave Cork the victory and gave Shields a first |Munster under-21 winners’ medal on the field of play. Cork later maneuvered through the All-Ireland series and reached the All-Ireland final against Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
. That game was a close affair, however, at the final whistle Cork were defeated by just two points.
In 2007 Shields was in his last year as a member of the Cork under-21 team. He lined out in the provincial decider that year against Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
and a high-scoring and exciting game developed. Cork won by 3-19 to 3-12 and Shields added a second Munster under-21 winners’ medal to his collection. Cork later reached the All-Ireland final against Laois. Another close and exciting game of football developed as neither side took a decisive lead. Colm O'Neill
Colm O'Neill (born 1988)
Colm O’Neill is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Ballyclough and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2009.-Club:...
and Daniel Goulding
Daniel Goulding
Daniel Goulding is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Éire Óg and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2006.-Biography:...
combined to score two goals and to help Cork to a narrow 2-10 to 0-15 victory. It was Shields's first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship
The All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months...
winners’ medal at under-21 level.
Senior
After impressing in some challenge and McGrath CupMcGrath Cup
The McGrath Cup is a Gaelic Football competition played between the Third Level Colleges and Counties in Munster.The following Third Level Colleges take part:* University College Cork * Tralee IT* University of Limerick...
games in 2005, Shields was handed his senior championship debut in the 2006 Munster final against Kerry. That game ended in a 0-10 apiece draw. The replay saw a much fresher Cork team surprisingly defeat Kerry by 1-12 to 0-9. James Masters
James Masters (Gaelic footballer)
James Masters is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Nemo Rangers and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 2005 until 2010.-Biography:...
proved the hero of the day, as he scored 1-7. Shields had secured his first Munster
Munster Senior Football Championship
The Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
winners’ medal in the senior grade. The quirks of the championship saw Cork face Kerry again in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final for the third time in five seasons. In a similar pattern to previous encounters Cork failed to beat Kerry at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
. A 0-16 to 0-10 resulted in Cork being knocked out of the championship.
In 2007 Cork were out to atone for their defeats by Kerry the previous year. Both sides met in the provincial decider for the third year in succession. Cork gave a good account of themselves, however, Kerry could not be beaten and Shield's side went down on a 1-15 to 1-13 score line. Cork later did well in the subsequent All-Ireland series and finally qualified for the All-Ireland final after an eight year absence. In a cruel twist Kerry were the opponents. While the first-half was played on an even keel, 'the Kingdom' ran riot in the second-half and a rout ensued. Goalkeeper Alan Quirke
Alan Quirke
Alan Quirke is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Valley Rovers and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 1999.-Club:...
came in for much criticism after conceding some easy goals. At the full-time whistle Cork were trounced by 3-13 to 1-9.
The following year Shields missed the start of the championship because of his Australian sojourn. He returned in time for Cork's All-Ireland quarter-final meeting with Kildare
Kildare GAA
For more information see Kildare Senior Club Football Championship or Kildare Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Kildare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Kildare GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kildare...
. He came on as a substitute in that victory. Cork faced Kerry once again in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final, however, after a thrilling draw and a replay Kerry were the team that advanced to the championship decider.
In 2009 Shields was installed as Cork's first-choice full-back. After a defeat of Kerry in a replay of the Munster semi-final, Cork subsequently faced Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
in the Munster final. Cork were the red-hot favourites going into the game, however, Limerick put Cork to the pin of their collars. After a slow start 'the Rebels' settled and eventually secured a narrow 2-6 to 0-11 victory. It was Shield's second Munster title. Cork later defeated Donegal
Donegal GAA
The Donegal County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Donegal GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Donegal. The county board is also responsible for the Donegal inter-county teams.Gaelic football is strongest in the...
to set up an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with reigning All-Ireland champions Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
. In 2010 he was Captain of the Cork team that won the National Football League Div 1 Tile with a won over Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
in the final at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
.
Inter-provincial
Shields has also lined out with MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
in the inter-provincial series of games, however, he has enjoyed little success. He first lined out with his province in 2006 when Munster were drawnt to play Connacht
Connacht GAA
The Connacht Council are a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Connacht.-Constituent counties:*Galway*Leitrim*Mayo*Roscommon*Sligo-Special counties:...
in the semi-final. That was an exciting game that featured a period of extra-time. In the end victory went to the westerners by 1-15 to 2-10.
Shields was included on the Munster panel again in 2007. That year Munster reached the Railway Cup final against Ulster
Ulster GAA
The Ulster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, and handball in the province of Ulster. The headquarters of the Ulster GAA is based in Armagh City....
, however, the northern province emerged victorious by 1-12 to 1-8.
Australian Rules
In November 2007, following a successful three-week trial with top level Australian rules footballAustralian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
club Carlton
Carlton Football Club
The Carlton Football Club is a professional Australian rules football club based in Melbourne, Victoria. The club competes in the Australian Football League, and was one of the eight founding members of that competition in 1897...
, Shields signed a two-year international rookie contract, becoming the third Cork native to sign with the club, joining former hurlers Setanta
Setanta Ó hAilpín
Setanta "Carlos" Ó hAilpín is an Australian-Irish sportsman. He was a hurler with the Cork senior team before becoming a professional Australian Rules footballer. He is of mixed Irish and Rotuman background...
and Aisake Ó hAilpín
Aisake Ó hAilpín
Aisake Faga Ó hAilpín is an Irish Australian sportsperson. He grew up in Cork and played hurling and Gaelic football with Na Piarsaigh. Ó hAilpín played Australian rules football with the Carlton Football Club between 2005 and 2008...
. After the first half of the season, however, he decided to return to Ireland in July 2008, saying he "missed home" and Australian rules football "wasn't for him".
Schools
He helped his school Coláiste an Spioraid NaoimhColáiste an Spioraid Naoimh
Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh is a voluntary secondary school for boys run under the jurisdiction and patronage of the Presentation Brothers in Bishopstown, County Cork, Ireland.- History :...
from Bishopstown
Bishopstown
Bishopstown is a southwestern suburb of Cork, Ireland with a population of 24,136 people. Baile an Easpaig, anglicised Bishopstown, consists of two townlands which are Ballineaspigmore and Ballineaspigbeg...
to win the Corn Uí Mhuirí
Corn Uí Mhuirí
Corn Uí Mhuirí is the cup presented to the winners of the Munster colleges senior football "A" championship, the top level Gaelic football championship for secondary schools in Munster. The holders advance to the All-Ireland colleges "A" senior football championship, where they compete for the...
title in 2005 the first in the schools history.
College
He has also started with UCCUCC GAA
UCC is a football and hurling club associated with University College Cork. UCC teams play in the Cork Senior Football Championship and Cork Senior Hurling Championship as well as the two main third-level competitions namely the Sigerson Cup in football and the Fitzgibbon Cup in hurling...
in the Sigerson Cup
Sigerson Cup
The Sigerson Cup is the top division of Higher Education Gaelic football in Ireland, It is administrated by the Higher Education committee which is part of the Gaelic Athletic Association...
, he played in the 2010 final but was on the losing side it DCU
DCU GAA
Dublin City University Gaelic Athletic Association Club or "Cumann Luth Chleas Gael Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath" is the Gaelic Games club in Dublin City University. DCU GAA Club comprises 5 Individual Club Committees, each with responsibility for the running of their own club...
.
St. Finbarr's
- Cork Intermediate Football ChampionshipCork Intermediate Football ChampionshipThis is the Second tier Gaelic football team competition organized by the Cork GAA board. This championship was discontinued after 1938 because of a lack of clubs. From 1939 until 1964 any team that won the Junior County Football Final could go straight to Senior. The Intermediate Championship was...
:- Winner (1): 2008
- Cork Senior Football Championship:
- Runner Up (2):2009, 2010
Cork
- Munster Senior Football ChampionshipMunster Senior Football ChampionshipThe Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
:- Winner (2): 2006, 2009
- Runner-up (1): 2007
- National Football League (Div 1)National Football League (Ireland)The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
:- Winner (2): 2010 (C), 2011 (C)
- National Football League (Div 2)National Football League (Ireland)The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
:- Winner (1): 2009
- All-Ireland Under-21 Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Under-21 Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months...
:- Winner (1): 2007
- Runner-up (1): 2006
- Munster Under-21 Football ChampionshipMunster Under-21 Football ChampionshipThe Munster Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster, in Ireland....
:- Winner (2): 2006, 2007
- Munster Minor Football ChampionshipMunster Minor Football ChampionshipThe Munster Minor Football Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council. The current Munster Minor football champions are Tipperary. Clare won the inaugural...
:- Winner (0):
- Runner-up (1): 2004