Michael Quirke

paddy978

Refreshing Quirke bucks trend

By Martin Breheny


Wednesday December 09 2009

We might have had to wait until the dying embers of the 2009 season for a really courageous reaction to a crucial refereeing decision that went against a team, but at least it came in the end.

Credit then to Kerry and Kerins O'Rahillys' player Michael Quirke who didn't take the predictable line after referee Maurice Condon disallowed a late goal against Kilmurry-Ibrickane in the AIB Munster club football final on Sunday.

Relieved at the let-off, Kilmurry swept upfield and scored the winning point, thus creating a familiar climate for criticism from the disappointed losers. It came too, although not in Quirke's case.

Instead, he showed real leadership by escorting the referee off the field when it looked as if the Waterford man might be in for a nasty exit.

"We lost the game in the first half when we kicked nine wides. There will be no excuses about referees," said the Kerins O'Rahillys captain after the game.

Michael, have you any idea how refreshing that sounded? Don't suppose it will set a trend for 2010?

Probably not. Still, we can live in hope.

- Martin Breheny

I know,it has been mentioned in other threads but because not everyone might see it I said I would start this.With cheating in sport at an all time high I would like to congratulate Quirke on his sportmanship.

An Citeog

Yeah, fair play to him. Humble in victory and gracious in defeat is the way every sportsperson should strive to be.

manster

He's one the games few gentlemen.

docmartin

wow, fair play, hadnt seen or heard this till i read it here.

megadodge

I'd like to congratulate Michael Quirke on a classy reaction to an awkward situation.

As others have said, in a time of spoilt cheating sports people all over the world it's good to see.

homerjay2005

a very likeable character apparantly in general. dont know how he did it, but suppose he is right...ref decisions happen in every game but on this occasion, as it was a 1 point game, it mattered alot. had the narries done their job, they could have had the game wrapped up well before that.

escorting the ref off the field is something he should be applauded for, that took real courage to stand up to others. well done big man.

LeoB

Fair play to Quirke. That is very honest and gracious of him. There are enough cheats out there but his example of sportsmanship should be highlighted to kids.

Did Adrian Fenlon of Wexford complain on the Sunday game one night when supporters booed a Kilkenny player taking a sideline cut or a free? If memory serves me he actually gestured to the crowd to stop the booing
.

useurename

top class.what a way to take defeat....on the chin.should be highlighted more and be used as an example to kids and grown ups alike.who would be a ref

Kenteach

When you look at the shenanigans that take place in club games all over the country on a weekly basis, with unrestrained free for alls, players, mentors, supporters and officials pucking the bejaysus out of each other, referees being verbally and physically assaulted, all seemingly 'part and parcel' of our games, it shows how more people with Quirkes attitutude are needed.

tatoo

Well done Mike Quirke .

paddy978

I think it is fantastic that he coaches children in Kerry as he is someone they should learn from.