‘YOU should be proud, very proud,’ said the president of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, to the large gathering in the Westlodge Hotel in Bantry when the Carbery GAA Board celebrated its centenary with a gala ball attended by members of every club in the division.

The president, in his speech, was referring to the great work done by the divisional board during the past 100 years since its founding in 1925.

The Carbery Board had already celebrated the centenary with a number of events during the season and the gala ball was the highlight of those celebrations. Guest of honour on the night was the president Jarlath Burns, with Jacqui Hurley of RTÉ fame doing a marvellous job as MC for the event.

Former Cork footballers Mark Farr and Alan O'Connor with special guests Jacqui Hurley, RTÉ, and Pat Horgan, Cork County Board Chairman. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

In his address, the president stated that he loved visiting Cork but always marvelled at the sheer size of the county and how long it took to travel from one end to the other. He had great praise for the divisional set-up in Cork, the only county operating under such a system. Other special guests present included Pat Horgan, chairman, Cork County Board; Noel O’Callaghan, vice-chairman, Cork County Board; Kevin O’Donovan, CEO Cork County Board; Séamus Coakley, uachtarán, Carbery Board; and Cllr Caroline Cronin, chairperson, West Cork Municipal District.

MC Jacqui Hurley described her GAA career from her native Ballinhassig to her present abode in South Dublin and her involvement with Kilmacud Crokes ladies football. Interestingly, she singled out former Cork player, now with Crokes, Niamh Cotter from Glengarriff, as still the best female footballer in the country.

During the event, Jacqui Hurley interviewed a number of West Cork GAA people, most of whom had played with winning Carbery divisional teams, especially the 1994 hurling team that won Carbery’s only senior hurling title and the 2004 team that won the last football title for Carbery. All the players had worn the red shirt of Cork with distinction.

Tom Lyons gave a rundown on the formation of the division in 1925, mentioning the five original clubs – Bandon, Kilbrittain, Kinsale, Innishannon and Knockavilla. All the interviewees stressed the great comradeship that the Carbery divisional team had brought between players who were usually mortal enemies on the pitch. Many remained friends for life and still hold reunions. Owen Sexton paid a warm tribute to the late great John Corcoran, chairman of the board and manager of the 2004 Carbery football team that won the county, while Denis Healy did likewise as regards the manager of the 1994 hurling team, Peter O’Halloran.

Representing Dohenys were, front from left, Eleanor Farr, Deirdre Moloney, Bernie O'Sullivan, Michael Farr (Snr) and Myra Herlihy. Back from Left, Mark Farr, Christoir O'Mahony, Barry Herlihy, Eddie Moloney, Denis Collins, MIchael Farr (Junior) and Donal O'Donovan. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

Aidan O’Rourke paid a glowing tribute to the contribution made by Bórd na nÓg in the division down the years, in particular long-serving officers, Noel Coakley and Eddie Moloney. Among those interviewed were Michael Farr, Dohenys; Alan O’Connor, St Colum’s; Tom Lyons, Clonakilty; Mark Foley, Timoleague/Bantry; Owen Sexton, Kilbrittain; Peter O’Halloran, Newcestown; Aidan O’Rourke, Newcestown; and Denis Healy, Kilbrittain.

The large gathering was welcomed to the event by chairman of the board, David Whyte, St Mary’s, whose cúpla focal as Ghaeilge were very well received.

‘We are gathered together,’ he said, ‘to celebrate 100 years of Gaelic games in West Cork, community spirit and pride in West Cork. When the Carbery Board was founded back in 1925, none of those present that night could have imagined the journey the board has been on 100 years later. They built something very special that has become the heart of communities right across West Cork.

‘Across all the clubs, the Carbery colours have united us all. Carbery GAA has given us countless memories, famous championship wins, great rivalries, incredible players and, above all, a deep love of the games that define us, football and hurling. But just as important are the people involved, the volunteers, the coaches, referees, administrators and supporters who give their time and energy so that the generation of young people could play our games and be part of something bigger than themselves.’

O'Donovan Rossa's Noel and Imelda Kearney, David Keohane and Matthew Keane. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

Pat Horgan, chairman of the county board, thanked the Carbery Board and its officers down the years. The division had produced some great teams and great players, who had played a large part in the fortunes of Cork teams.

‘Carbery has a rich history in the promotion and playing of our games,’ Horgan stated, ‘and has contributed magnificent players, selectors and administrators to the county throughout its 100-year history. We salute the different characters, former colleagues, those still with us and we fondly remember the great men and women who have gone before us, who made such sacrifices and who made this association what we all enjoy today.

‘Carbery, your legacy is not just in trophies won or matches played but in the countless lives touched and inspired along the way. You have been instrumental in nurturing young talent, promoting our national games and in ensuring the values of the GAA are deeply rooted in your community.’

A very appropriate large painting of the Sam Maguire homestead in Mallabracka, Dunmanway, with Maguire sitting on a stone wall holding a football, was made to the president Jarlath Burns and a presentation of a sculpture of the Fastnet rock to Jacqui Hurley.

The Centenary Committee which organised the gala ball deserves great credit on a wonderful occasion, in particular David Whyte, Martina Burns, Pat Joe Connolly and Tim Buckley.

The centenary year will officially draw to a close on Friday night in Kilbrittain. Last December the centenary year began with the unveiling of a special plaque at the GAA pavilion in Bandon, one of the five founder clubs in 1925. The other founding club still active in Carbery is Kilbrittain and a similar plaque will be unveiled at their new dressing rooms on Friday night at 7.30pm, followed by the divisional convention at 8pm in the parish hall.