Ballinora GAA launch centenary celebrations

BALLINORA GAA recently held their centenary launch with Cork GAA legend Jimmy Barry Murphy the special guest, which took place at Ballinora GAA hall in front of a sizable crowd.

The club based in the Muskerry Division will celebrate turning 100 years old on Saturday, April 20 and this was just the start of what will be a special year in the history of this thriving rural club. A special centenary flag was unfurled to the crowd.

As well as the centenary launch, 82 players in the underage club received medals for the success their respective teams achieved on the field of play in the 2023 season. The U13s completed a league double at premier 2 level, while the U14s won the premier 2 hurling league and also the C3 Group 2 hurling title. The U15s were victorious as they claimed the hurling Challenge Cup at premier 2 level. Finally, the U17 group had two trophies to show for their endeavours last season, the C3 Group 2 hurling league crown and the Mid-South Division 1 shield football championship title.

The U21 footballers were also recognised for their achievement in winning the Muskerry A championship the weekend before for the first time in the history of the club.

Speaking to the crowd, Barry Murphy spoke highly of Ballinora and their ability to always produce Cork players and also credited the club for the work that’s being done on and off the playing field. The Cork GAA legend gave much valuable advice to the young players. It was also revealed that Barry Murphy’s father once played for Ballinora for a short period.

Also present on the night was Cork County Board chairperson Pat Horgan, Cork County Board officer and Ballinora clubman Donal McSweeney, Muskerry GAA chairperson John Feeney, Muskerry GAA secretary Enda Linehan and local TD’s.

The next major event for Ballinora GAA will be on Saturday, April 20, the official anniversary date of the club, but exactly what will be happening hasn’t been firmed up yet, but it's expected to be sorted in the next couple of weeks. There may be smaller events planned in between now and then, but all roads lead to that magic day in just under two months’ time.

Ballinora have come a long way since the club was formed 100 years ago under the chairmanship of Jimmy Long, who was also secretary of the Cork County Board. The club is on an upward trajectory on and off the field right now.