Senior Team

Official Opening of Club Grounds

29ú Lúnasa 2009 by Uachtaran CLCG,

Cristóir Ó Cuana

Photos courtesy of George Hatchell

Under 14 Footballer Niall Cashman meets President of the GAA, Christy Cooney at Saturday's official opening of Páirc Mhichíl Naofa

The President of the GAA, Christy Cooney, said the official opening of St. Michael’s Gaelic Football club new grounds would pave the way for the club to be one of the best in Cork.

“This wonderful new development brings St. Michael’s to a new level. Established 58 years ago, that is young in the context of the 125 years of the association – an association that has served the community and people of the country extremely well over that period. No other organisation has made the contribution that Cumann Luthcleas Gael has made.

“ St. Michael’s has had wonderful achievements at underage through to under-21. The next stage is to get the intermediate team to senior grade.

“I saw your Feile team play in Kildare (in the semi-final of the national competition) and there is tremendous work being done at underage,” Mr Cooney said.

Praising the work of coaches with St. Michael’s he reminded them that young players sometimes listened more closely to them than to their own parents.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin commenced by expressing his sympathies to the family of the late Jim Corbett, President of St. Michael’s, who died recently. Minister Martin said his own father and the late Mr Corbett had boxed together as young men.

Describing St. Michael’s Park as a landmark development he said, “Government support for this project has been significant. Over the years since 2004 there has been €570,000 in funding that has been instrumental in putting this facility here in the form of pitches and dressing rooms.”

The Minister raised a few smiles when he referred to the different styles of two of the club’s representatives – Ed O’Leary who drafted many of the club’s grant applications in meticulous detail, and Derry O’Sullivan who had a more direct approach with frequent and forthright phonecalls.

Deputy Lord Major, Laura McGonigle, said, “This club is at the heart of the community. The new clubhouse is a symbol of the spirit built over past decades and a bridge to the future.

“I would also like to recognise the commitment of Cork City Council over the years to this venture, and I know the officers of the club are extremely grateful to both Stephen Scully and Liam Casey for their dedication and assistance."

Patrick Conway, executive chairman, thanked many of the founding members and those from past and present in the club who had made the dream of a clubhouse and pitches a reality.

“It now has a life of its own. Every evening there is something going on, it has transformed the club, it has given the club a sent of identity and pride. Membership has soared from 80 to 330,” Mr Conway said.

Speaking about the success at underage, the executive chairman said, “I have no doubt we will achieve success at adult level.

On behalf of the National Lottery, Paul Fitzpatrick said that a large proportion of the financial support for the project at Pairc Uí Mhichíl Naofa had been generated by the lottery.

“This fine club and clubhouse is testament to what can be achieved by people with a shared vision and a common purpose giving of their time, energy and commitment for the good of the community,” Mr O’Donoghue said.

Fr Der Leahy blessed the facilities and said, “Any club that can survive for 50 years without their own playing pitch has had a great achievement.”

Many of the younger members were fascinated to hear Fr Der’s detailed history of how the club had progressed and where - apart from Blackrock National Hurling Club – they had played home matches over the years.

Cork County Board had representatives from the board, Bord na nóg and the City Division.

Ger Lane from the County Board said, “We are very proud of St. Michael’s and the contribution they are making to Cork GAA. You have the people behind you to make this club one of the best in the county.”