Cork's Lord Mayor celebrates The 'Barr’s 150th year

Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy hosted a civic reception at City Hall to recognise the achievements of St Finbarr’s GAA club on its 150th anniversary.

Mr Dennehy spoke of the contribution of St Finbarr’s to sport in Ireland, noting that its history reflects a tradition of dedication and community spirit.

A number of the club’s iconic teams were honoured at the event.

They included the 1976 senior football team, marking the 50th anniversary of their Cork Senior Football Championship victory, and the 2006 senior camogie team, celebrating 20 years since they secured St Finbarr’s first-ever Cork Senior Camogie Championship.

The 2025 senior football team, winners of last year’s Cork Senior Football Championship, were also honoured.

Also recognised were the 2025 senior camogie team, who were the winners last year of both the Cork Senior Camogie Championship and the Munster Senior Camogie Championship.

The reception featured presentations to each of the four teams and a special tribute marking the journey of The ’Barr’s, from its earliest days through to the modern successes across football, camogie, and hurling.

RECEPTION

The reception, held in the atrium of City Hall, was MC’d by former Cork player and broadcaster Donal O’Grady.

The event was attended by numerous guests, including St Finbarr’s club president, Bill O’Connell, former and current players, club officials, and members of the wider GAA community.

The Lord Mayor said that as someone who had grown up in the parish and was a lifelong and very proud ’Barr’s supporter, it was a tremendous honour for him to host the event.

“Tonight, we celebrate not only these remarkable teams and their historic victories, but we also celebrate the club, the heartbeat of its community.

“St Finbarr’s GAA Club is woven into the identity of thousands of families, including my own, and its legacy of resilience, excellence, and pride continues to inspire Cork and the entire GAA world.”

The mayor also praised the St Finbarr’s club volunteers, coaches, parents, and supporters, whose commitment, he said, continues to sustain the next generation of players.