Paul Kerrigan
Encyclopedia
Paul Kerrigan is an Irish
sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football
with his local club Nemo Rangers
and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2008. He is the son of Jimmy Kerrigan
, a footballer of note in the 1980s.
club in Cork. He made his debut with the senior team in 2005 and has enjoyed much success since then.
In his debut year Nemo reached the final of the county senior championship with divisional side Muskerry
providing the opposition. The mid-Cork side were no match for Kerrigan's side, as Nemo Rangers easily won the game by ten points. It was his first county winners' medal. Nemo Rangers subsequently represented Cork in the subsequent provincial club championship and even reached the final. Clare champions St. Senan's provided the opposition, however, Kerrigan's side gave another masterful display. A 2-12 to 1-6 victory gave Nemo the title and gave Kerrigan a coveted Munster
club winners' medal. An All-Ireland final appearance beckoned for Nemo, with St. Gall's of Antrim providing the opposition. A close gave developed, however, at the full-time whistle Kerrigan's side lost out by the narrowest of margins. A 0-10 to 1-6 score line gave the Ulster men the All-Ireland title.
In 2006 Nemo Rangers reached the Cork county final once again. Dunmanway
-based side Dohenys
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, the city side proved the masters of club football for the second consecutive year. A 1-11 to 0-7 victory gave Kerrigan a second county winners' medal. Nemo went on the provincial trail again and reached yet another Munster club final. Kerry side Dr Crokes were the opposition, however, Nemo couldn't match their goal-scoring ability. Kerrigan's side lost out on that occasion by 2-10 to 0-10.
Nemo bounced back from this defeat and qualified for a third consecutive county final in 2007. Ilen Rovers
were the opponents on this occasion, however, they couldn't stop Nemo's march to three-in-a-row. A 0-12 to 0-9 victory gave Kerrigan, the top scorer in the game, a third successive county medal. After completing the county three-in-a-row, Nemo later reached a third consecutive Munster club final. Ballinacourty of Waterford were the opposition and a close game developed. Nemo never really looked troubled and a 1-10 to 1-7 score line gave Kerrigan a second Munster club winners' medal. A second All-Ireland final appearance in two years soon followed with Dublin side St. Vincents
lining out against Nemo. Kerrigan's side fought back from a six point deficit, however, they still lost out by the narrowest of margins on a score line of 1-11 to 0-13.
In 2008 Nemo Rangers had the chance to make history by capturing a fourth county title in succession. All went to plan with Kerrigan's side lining out against Douglas
. Nemo proved that they were the best club side in Cork once again with a 0-13 to 0-5 defeat of their nearest neighbours. It was Kerrigan's fourth county winners' medal in-a-row. Nemo, however, were later defeated by eventual Munster champions Dromcollogher-Broadford in the subsequent provincial club series of games.
Kerrigan's side looked set to become the first team ever to win five consecutive county championship titles in 2009, however, Nemo's march was halted in the early stages of the county championship.
. That game ended in a 0-9 apiece draw. Cork lost the replay 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
, however, Kerrigan's side were defeated at the second attempt.
In 2005 Kerrigan joined the Cork under-21 football team and was immediately appointed captain for the year. He made his debut in a Munster quarter-final victory over Kerry and, after overcoming Clare
, Kerrigan subsequently lined out in the provincial decider against Limerick
. A close game developed, however, Cork held on to win by 1-14 to 1-11 and Kerrigan collected his first Munster
under-21 winners’ medal. Cork were later beaten by Galway
in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Kerrigan was a key fixture on the starting fifteen of the Cork under-21 team once again in 2006. 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 trouncing gave Cork the victory and gave Kerrigan a second Munster under-21 medal. 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 Kerrigan 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 Kerrigan added a third consecutive 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 Kerrigan’s first All-Ireland
winners’ medal at under-21 level.
winners' medal. Both sides met again in the All-Ireland semi-final, however, after a thrilling draw and a replay Kerry were the team that advanced to the championship decider.
The following year Kerrigan had established himself as a member of the Cork starting fifteen, a team that were earmarked as potential All-Ireland contenders. After a defeat of Kerry in a replay of the Munster semi-final, Cork subsequently faced Limerick in the Munster final. Kerrigan had a poor game and was substituted in the second-half, however, 'the Rebels' eventually secured a narrow 2-6 to 0-11 victory. It was Kerrigan’s second Munster title and gave Cork a save passage to an All-Ireland quarter-final meeting with Donegal
. Kerrigan improved in that game and finished on the winning side after scoring a grand total of 1-4. He had another good performance in Cork’s subsequent defeat of Tyrone
. Cork then faced Kerry in the All-Ireland final and were surprisingly named as favourites. This tag appeared to be justified when Kerrigan's side led by 1-3 to 0-1 early in the opening half. The Kerry team stuck to their gameplan, helped in no small part by a Cork side that recorded fourteen wides. At the final whistle Kerry were the champions again by 0-16 to 1-9.
In 2010 Kerrigan was still seen as a key member of Cork's half-forward line. A defeat by Kerry in a replay of the provincial semi-final resulted in Cork being exiled to the All-Ireland qualifiers. After negotiating their way through a difficult series of games, Cork defeated Dublin
to qualify for their third All-Ireland final in four years. Down
provided the opposition on that occasion in the first meeting between these two teams since 1994. Cork got off to a lightning start, however, they eased off and trailed by three points at the interval. Kerrigan got his sole point of the match to put 'the Rebels' ahead for the first time in fifty minutes. Cork stretched the lead to three points, however, Down fought back. At the full-time whistle Cork were the champions by 0-16 to 0-15 and Kerrigan picked up a coveted All-Ireland
winners' medal.
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 Nemo Rangers
Nemo Rangers GAA
Nemo Rangers Hurling and Football Club is a Cork-based Gaelic Athletic Association club on the southside of Cork city, Ireland. The club was founded in 1922 and is primarily concerned with the game of Gaelic football, though interest in hurling has escalated in recent years.-History:Nemo Rangers...
and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2008. He is the son of Jimmy Kerrigan
Jimmy Kerrigan
Jimmy Kerrigan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Nemo Rangers and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1978 until 1990. Kerrigan is one of the most decorated inter-county club footballers of all-time...
, a footballer of note in the 1980s.
Club
Kerrigan plays his club football with the famous Nemo RangersNemo Rangers GAA
Nemo Rangers Hurling and Football Club is a Cork-based Gaelic Athletic Association club on the southside of Cork city, Ireland. The club was founded in 1922 and is primarily concerned with the game of Gaelic football, though interest in hurling has escalated in recent years.-History:Nemo Rangers...
club in Cork. He made his debut with the senior team in 2005 and has enjoyed much success since then.
In his debut year Nemo reached the final of the county senior championship with divisional side Muskerry
Muskerry GAA
Muskerry GAA is a Gaelic football and Hurling division located in the in the middle region of County Cork, Ireland. It is one of eight divisions of Cork GAA County Board. The division includes clubs from the western parts of Cork city to the county bounds with Kerry...
providing the opposition. The mid-Cork side were no match for Kerrigan's side, as Nemo Rangers easily won the game by ten points. It was his first county winners' medal. Nemo Rangers subsequently represented Cork in the subsequent provincial club championship and even reached the final. Clare champions St. Senan's provided the opposition, however, Kerrigan's side gave another masterful display. A 2-12 to 1-6 victory gave Nemo the title and gave Kerrigan a coveted 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...
club winners' medal. An All-Ireland final appearance beckoned for Nemo, with St. Gall's of Antrim providing the opposition. A close gave developed, however, at the full-time whistle Kerrigan's side lost out by the narrowest of margins. A 0-10 to 1-6 score line gave the Ulster men the All-Ireland title.
In 2006 Nemo Rangers reached the Cork county final once again. Dunmanway
Dunmanway
Dunmanway is a town in County Cork, in the southwest of Ireland. It is the geographical centre of the region known as West Cork. It is probably best known as the birthplace of Sam Maguire, an Irish Protestant republican, for whom the trophy of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship is...
-based side Dohenys
Dohenys
Dohenys is the Gaelic football and Hurling Club in the town of Dunmanway, County Cork, Ireland. It won its only Cork Senior Club Football Championship in 1897....
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, the city side proved the masters of club football for the second consecutive year. A 1-11 to 0-7 victory gave Kerrigan a second county winners' medal. Nemo went on the provincial trail again and reached yet another Munster club final. Kerry side Dr Crokes were the opposition, however, Nemo couldn't match their goal-scoring ability. Kerrigan's side lost out on that occasion by 2-10 to 0-10.
Nemo bounced back from this defeat and qualified for a third consecutive county final in 2007. Ilen Rovers
Ilen Rovers
Ilen Rovers is a Gaelic football club in County Cork, Ireland. The club is affiliated to Cork GAA and Carbery GAA divisional boards.The farming and fishing community of Ilen Rovers hails from the estuary of the River Ilen, the West Cork river that flows through Skibbereen before entering the sea...
were the opponents on this occasion, however, they couldn't stop Nemo's march to three-in-a-row. A 0-12 to 0-9 victory gave Kerrigan, the top scorer in the game, a third successive county medal. After completing the county three-in-a-row, Nemo later reached a third consecutive Munster club final. Ballinacourty of Waterford were the opposition and a close game developed. Nemo never really looked troubled and a 1-10 to 1-7 score line gave Kerrigan a second Munster club winners' medal. A second All-Ireland final appearance in two years soon followed with Dublin side St. Vincents
St Vincents GAA
St Vincents is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Marino, on the northside of Dublin, Ireland. The club was founded in 1931, originally in Raheny, but it moved to its home in Marino in 1987. St Vincents merged with Marino Camogie Club in 1997 to form the St Vincents Hurling, Football and...
lining out against Nemo. Kerrigan's side fought back from a six point deficit, however, they still lost out by the narrowest of margins on a score line of 1-11 to 0-13.
In 2008 Nemo Rangers had the chance to make history by capturing a fourth county title in succession. All went to plan with Kerrigan's side lining out against Douglas
Douglas GAA
Douglas GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the Douglas suburb of Cork, Ireland. The club participates at different levels in hurling, Gaelic football, camogie and ladies football. The club is part of the Seandun division of Cork GAA....
. Nemo proved that they were the best club side in Cork once again with a 0-13 to 0-5 defeat of their nearest neighbours. It was Kerrigan's fourth county winners' medal in-a-row. Nemo, however, were later defeated by eventual Munster champions Dromcollogher-Broadford in the subsequent provincial club series of games.
Kerrigan's side looked set to become the first team ever to win five consecutive county championship titles in 2009, however, Nemo's march was halted in the early stages of the county championship.
Minor & under-21
Kerrigan 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 replay 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:...
, however, Kerrigan's side were defeated at the second attempt.
In 2005 Kerrigan joined the Cork under-21 football team and was immediately appointed captain for the year. He made his debut in a Munster quarter-final victory over Kerry and, after overcoming 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....
, Kerrigan subsequently lined out in the provincial decider against 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...
. A close game developed, however, Cork held on to win by 1-14 to 1-11 and Kerrigan collected his first 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....
under-21 winners’ medal. Cork were later beaten by 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 the All-Ireland semi-final.
Kerrigan was a key fixture on the starting fifteen of the Cork under-21 team once again in 2006. 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 trouncing gave Cork the victory and gave Kerrigan a second Munster under-21 medal. 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 Kerrigan 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 Kerrigan added a third consecutive Munster under-21 winners’ medal to his collection. Cork later reached the All-Ireland final 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:...
. 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 Kerrigan’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
In 2008 Kerrigan made his debut with the Cork senior football team and lined out in his first Munster final. Kerry were cruising by eight points at the interval, however, Cork stormed back in the second-half. Kerrigan was introduced as a substitute as Cork stymied ‘the Kingdom’ in the second-half and secured a remarkable 1-16 to 1-11 victory. It was Kerrigan’s first MunsterMunster 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. Both sides met again in the All-Ireland semi-final, however, after a thrilling draw and a replay Kerry were the team that advanced to the championship decider.
The following year Kerrigan had established himself as a member of the Cork starting fifteen, a team that were earmarked as potential All-Ireland contenders. After a defeat of Kerry in a replay of the Munster semi-final, Cork subsequently faced Limerick in the Munster final. Kerrigan had a poor game and was substituted in the second-half, however, 'the Rebels' eventually secured a narrow 2-6 to 0-11 victory. It was Kerrigan’s second Munster title and gave Cork a save passage to an All-Ireland quarter-final meeting with 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...
. Kerrigan improved in that game and finished on the winning side after scoring a grand total of 1-4. He had another good performance in Cork’s subsequent defeat of 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....
. Cork then faced Kerry in the All-Ireland final and were surprisingly named as favourites. This tag appeared to be justified when Kerrigan's side led by 1-3 to 0-1 early in the opening half. The Kerry team stuck to their gameplan, helped in no small part by a Cork side that recorded fourteen wides. At the final whistle Kerry were the champions again by 0-16 to 1-9.
In 2010 Kerrigan was still seen as a key member of Cork's half-forward line. A defeat by Kerry in a replay of the provincial semi-final resulted in Cork being exiled to the All-Ireland qualifiers. After negotiating their way through a difficult series of games, Cork defeated Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
to qualify for their third All-Ireland final in four years. Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
provided the opposition on that occasion in the first meeting between these two teams since 1994. Cork got off to a lightning start, however, they eased off and trailed by three points at the interval. Kerrigan got his sole point of the match to put 'the Rebels' ahead for the first time in fifty minutes. Cork stretched the lead to three points, however, Down fought back. At the full-time whistle Cork were the champions by 0-16 to 0-15 and Kerrigan picked up a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
winners' medal.
Nemo Rangers
- All-Ireland Senior Club Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Club Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football tournament run since 1971, played between the thousands of senior football clubs in Ireland. The current champions are Crossmaglen Rangers of Armagh, who defeated St. Brigid's of Roscommon on March 17, 2011 to win their...
:- Winner (0):
- Runner-up (1): 2008
- Munster Senior Club Football ChampionshipMunster Senior Club Football ChampionshipThe Munster Senior Club Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football tournament played between the hundreds of senior football clubs in Munster. The winners will represent Munster in the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship. East Kerry were the first winners of the Munster senior...
:- Winner (2): 2005, 2007
- Runner-up (1): 2006
- Cork Senior Football Championship:
- Winner (4): 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
- Cork Under-21 Football ChampionshipCork Under-21 Football ChampionshipThe Cork Under-21 Football Championship is a Gaelic football competition in County Cork, Ireland for players under the age of 21. Clubs affiliated to Cork board compete to win this championship. All eight of the divisions in Cork organize their own championship...
:- Winner (1): 2005
Cork
- All-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
:- Winner (1): 2010
- Runner-up (1): 2009
- 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): 2008, 2009
- 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 2011
- 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 (3): 2005, 2006, 2007