Rockmount AFC thriving 100 years on thanks to vision and support of dedicated committee
Rockmount AFC club members Teddy Barry, John Delea, Billy Cronin and Tony Barry.
"WE as Rockmount members are honoured to be benefitting from the cathedral thinkers of 1924 whose vision lives on to this day..."
As Rockmount enter a remarkable centenary year in their club's history, club stalwart Brendan O'Connell led the celebrations in their recent launch of their programme of events for the coming year.
Acting as MC on the night which was held at the Maldron Hotel on Shandon Street, O'Connell spoke fondly of past and current committee members, managers, coaches, players and sponsors, all of whom have greatly contributed to the club over the past century.
"It is remarkable to think that it is over 100 years since a group of passionate football enthusiasts playing football had a vision," said O'Connell.
"They dreamt of creating a club that would not only embrace the beautiful game but also would foster a sense of camaraderie, sportsmanship and unity.
100 years on and Rockmount is a thriving club.
They currently boast schoolboy teams from U7 to U16 and in most cases field two teams at each level. They have enjoyed massive success and recent appointments of a director of coaching and a coaching co-ordinator will ensure continued success and development of the Whitechurch club.
In attendance on the night were legendary Rockmount former manager Billy Cronin, TDs Colm Burke, Padraig O'Sullivan and Thomas Gould alongside Cllrs Tony Fitzgerald and Mick Nugent.
Acting chairman John Delea, who had given a lifetime service to the club, spoke proudly of his club and thanked everyone in attendance at such a momentous occasion.
'I'm a proud man to be standing here as chairman of this great club," said Delea.
"I'd like to pay tribute to the men who formed Rockmount 100 years ago. I would also like to pay tribute to those who have served in the various committees over the past century and the thousands of players that have passed through this club with many of them representing their country, none other than our famous Cork son Roy Keane.
"To all the managers that have brought success at so many different levels at our cub. To all the great sponsors that have kept our club afloat.
"And to all those I have served with on committees, and finally I'd like to remember all the great Rockmount men who are no longer with us."
O'Connell outlined the programme of events which will conclude with a ball in October to celebrate a remarkable milestone for any sporting organisation.
"Tonight we launch our programme which will mark the milestone year in our club's history.
"A few highlights of events for our centenary year are a visit to the Lord Mayor's Chambers, a centenary draw, a family fun day, a launch of our centenary jersey and the crowing event will be a centenary ball which will be hosted in the Rochestown Park on October 12.
"Our 100 years of existence covered the Second World War, the Great Depression and the aftermath of the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War to name but a few.
"The club has endured many financial struggles but club sponsors both past and present have supported our great club and without your support we quite simply would not be here today.
"At a recent event, I heard David McWilliams the economist reference a concept known as 'cathedral thinkers'.
"The architects, builders and designers of the Notre Dame cathedral which took over 200 years to build applied blood, sweat and tears on a project they would ultimately never see come to fruition.
"I as a Rockmount member and we as Rockmount members are honoured to be benefitting from the cathedral thinkers of 1924 whose vision lives on to this day.
"We now must pick up the torch and continue their pioneering work. The next 100 years of Rockmount FC beckons and we are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
"May the next 100 years be filled with joy, triumph and continued growth success of this remarkable institution."
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