The ace attacker was delighted to play his part in their championship success. The prestigious seven-a-side football tournament is held for all the senior GAA clubs in Australia. "It was great to get the win in such a big championship. It was a great feeling to be crowned senior football champions especially considering you are competing against other senior football teams from all over Australia. To be recognised as the best team in Australia is special," revealed the talented forward.
The annual tournament was hosted by Mark's new club Garryowen in Melbourne this season. The home club marked the occasion in style by winning the prestigious championship title for the first time in their history. Conditions for the tournament were ideal according to Mark. "It is the biggest GAA event of the year in Australia. The weather on the day was perfect. It was around 24 degrees which would be tame enough. The standard was very high. We beat Clann na Gael from Sydney in the final. Overall we played four games to win the tournament. We all started off in groups of four. We had to play two group games and the top team following those games progressed from the group into the semi-final stages. It was a tough but exciting day of football."
Mark emigrated to Melbourne from Dunmanway six months ago. He is loving his new life in Australia. "I was happy with my performances on the day. We all played well however, it was a real team effort. Everyone on the panel had to play well because we were up against such good teams. I am really enjoying it so far. It is a great country for a young person."
Six Cork players were part of Garryowen's recent title success. Mark along with twin brothers David and Tom Collins and Alan Sheehan who also serves as player-manager made up the proud Dohenys contingent. Towering Gabriel Rangers player Stephen O'Mahony and former Cork senior football star Ciaran Sheehan also played key roles in their recent championship victory. Mark was thrilled to capture sucess playing with his close friends. "Being away from home and winning major honours with your best friends is very special. All the Cork boys played a big part in helping us secure victory on the day. Unfortunately Alan was ruled out with a fractured wrist. Having him on the line was a massive part in us winning the title. Playing with the twins Tom and David was great. They are brilliant players. Tom was rewarded for his brilliant displays in the tournament by receiving the player of the tournament accolade. Stephen O'Mahony was another great player throughout the tournament, while getting the opportunity to play with Ciaran Sheehan was also great. He is a great player. His addition to our team was another major reason why we won. He is an unbelievable athlete."
Mark was introduced to the Garryowen GAA Club by his Doheny club colleagues following his arrival in Melbourne. He is thriving with a club who he hopes he can help achieve more success in the coming months. "Our season is in full swing now at present. We have eight league games over the next few months and then the championship will be held after that. Garryowen are a great club to play for. Playing football has helped me settle in Australia as it helps you to meet new friends."
Mark still maintains a firm interest in his beloved Dohenys GAA Club. He was delighted their very promising U21 football team captured South West divisional championship glory last season following an absence of 17 years. "They had a great campaign last year. They are a very promising team. It was a huge lift for the club. Our minor footballers also enjoyed a great year last season. We have a lot of very talented players coming through which is great to see. Hopefully they can stick together and drive the club on. There is a lot of great work going on behind the scenes at underage level which is starting to pay dividends. Hopefully the future is bright for the Dohenys." One of the most promising players coming though at present for both the Dohenys and Cork is Eoin Lavers. Mark is thrilled his club colleague was called into the Cork senior football league squad. "I am delighted for him. He is a quality player. Hopefully he can start getting more game time and become a regular in the Cork set up. He certainly has the talent."
The Dohenys senior footballers begin their championship campaign against Castlehaven on Saturday, April 14th. Mark who plans to stay in Australia for the foreseeable future has unfinished business with the Dohenys. "Castlehaven will be a tough game. We have a young team. This type of game is great however, as it helps the players gain some experience which is important to their development. I miss playing with the Dohenys. It can be tough, being so far away from friends and family. I have great memories of playing with the Dohenys. Hopefully Alan, the twins and I can go home together and try to make some more memories. It would be great to win medals with the Dohenys. My time with the Dohenys is far from over."