Frank Cogan awarded the Donal Lehane Distinguished Career Award

At the Rochestown Park Hotel for the Cork 96FM C103 GAA Sports Awards

Frank Cogan’s list of achievements with his club Nemo Rangers and Cork makes for impressive reading which made him the worthy recipient of this award.

County, Munster and All-Ireland club medals with Nemo, Munster championships, and a coveted Senior All-Ireland medal with Cork among others at minor and under 21 along with an All-Star award are just a brief resume of his honours.

The presentation of this award was by John Lehane whose late father the award is named after and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, a proud Nemo man, described Frank as a hero of his growing up.

In response to a question as to the Taoiseach’s ability as a footballer, Frank had this to say: “Oh he was brilliant - (a brief pause) Junior B” which drew a great response from all in the room including the Taoiseach.

Frank is still involved as an important member of John Cleary’s backroom and his view on the new rules were interesting.

“Very good so far and makes the game easier to watch and play in and should make for an exciting few weeks as we all adjust to them.”

He does have one reservation: “The goalkeeper coming so far out needs looking at, as it gives the attacking team an unfair advantage.”

In relation to his own career he has special memories of the 1973 team: “Great group with some fabulous players, a brilliant trainer in Doney O’Donovan who instilled a belief in us from the start that we could win the All-Ireland, and he was right.”

To this day there is a bond with that group, “without a doubt, sadly we have lost a few great men off it, but anytime we meet up we enjoy each other’s company.”

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