It’s a special year for all involved with the Seandún Division of the GAA.
The division marks its 100th anniversary and will hold several events across the year to mark the occasion.
The division has also confirmed that Liam Hayes, proprietor of Hero Books, has been commissioned to publish a book on its history over the last 100 years.
Not alone will this be a history of the division, but it will also have historical content on all the clubs that ever played within it, several of whom no longer exist.
The book is a major undertaking by the division, and a subcommittee was set up to look after that project with past authors of club books, Mattie Aherne and Brendan Larkin, to ensure the smooth running of the project.
Former Lord Mayor, Councillor Kieran McCarthy, has also written articles on the social and economic state of the city 100 and 50 years ago for the book.
As well as the book there will be a gala banquet on Friday, November 21, to mark the centenary year, and the following day, President of the GAA Jarlath Burns will unveil a centenary stone at Ballinlough GAA Grounds, as part of the celebrations.
This division is unique in Cork and most counties, as it is the only one with its own dedicated pitch, which allows them to play championship, cup, and league games there as they so wish.
It also means that clubs know where most, if not all, of their championship ties will be played, and makes it easier for them to plan.
Passage’s John O’Donoghue looks for support as Glanmire’s James Crowley closes in, during their Division 1 Football League final, at Ballinlough. The Seandún Division is the only one in Cork with its own grounds. Picture: David Keane
However, the celebrations officially start this Saturday when they will host a mass at Ballinlough GAA Grounds at 4.30pm with past and present officers, club members, or friends of the division welcome to attend.
They will also hold a golf classic on Thursday, July 24, as part of a fundraiser for the division, and details of this can be had from committee members.
They are looking for teams and sponsors for the classic which will be held at Lee Valley Golf Club.
Mick Buckley, chairman of the Seandún Division, said he would like to thank all involved for their hard work so far this year and is looking forward to the various events to mark it.
“The current officers are working very hard, along with others, on the 100th anniversary celebrations, and I would like to thank them all for their endeavours so far,” said Mr Buckley.
“A lot of hard work goes in every year to make the division the success story it is, and it’s great to see the number of events planned to mark the anniversary. Bringing out a book is no easy task, and credit has to go to Liam Hayes for his help in this matter, along with our own committee, headed up by Peter Devine.
“I hope that past and present friends of the division will be able to attend the mass on Saturday to start the year of celebration, and we are all looking forward to an exciting one ahead for all involved.”