The story of Aghinagh GAA and its heritage is a must read for all GAA fans

The official launch of the Aghinagh GAA club history roused terrific interest and a capacity attendance enjoyed a formal launch by former Cork great Jimmy Barry Murphy.

A night of nostalgia and reminiscing abounded in Aghinagh GAA Hall, all associated with the club convened for this once in a lifetime colloquial occasion.

The hardcover publication  titled ‘The History and Heritage of Aghinagh GAA Club’  relates  to a sense of place, a history of people, their interests, stories and activities.  

It took research  from a dedicated committee consisting of Seán Shannon, Neily Lehane, Patrick Twomey, Jimmy Cotter, Donal O’Callaghan and editor Gerard Coakley to complete the project guided by former Meath All Ireland winner Liam Hayes and his company “My Club History”.

Aghinagh GAA founded in 1949 draws players from Ballinagree, Rusheen and Bealnamorrive, the original meeting took place at Cotters Egg Shed, Bawnmore.  

From humble beginnings, the club embarked on a number of projects including the purchase and development  of the club grounds and dressing rooms during the 1980s.

Subsequently, the development of a new hall together with meeting rooms, kitchen, gym and walkway brings a valuable asset to the club and a close knit community.

Editor Gerard Coakley spoke of the research drawn from former players and officials, Mid Cork Board minute books, newspapers and GAA records and the examination of old photos.

“A history book was first mooted about 40 years  ago but it took until 2018 before a group came together. 

"The book outlines the achievements by the club in football and hurling, of senior, ladies and juvenile teams, and also how club members organised, financed and built up the facilities it has today, including a playing pitch, dressing rooms, hall, walkway and modern gym”, said Gerard.

Ample coverage is given to a historic breakthrough for Aghinagh in 2021 when overcoming Ballincollig in the final to collect a first time Mid Cork JAFC title. 

That breakthrough merited a special composition, sung on the night by Peggy Lynch.

Of course, Aghinagh’s most decorated player Briege Corkery features, her 18 All-Ireland medals with Cork across Ladies football and camogie codes confirms a sporting icon and a brilliant Ambassador for the club.

Also featured in the book are various articles on the history of Aghinagh parish, Sciath na Scoil campaigns, Scór na bPáisti from over the years with  in excess of 200 colour photographs included.

Thanks were extended to Peter Scanlan Photography for his help in editing the images for the book.

MC and Club Secretary Eileen Lynch introduced speakers Tadgh Twohig, club Chairman; John Feeney, Chairman, Muskerry GAA; Donal McSuibhne, Cultural Officer, Cork GAA; Gerard Coakley, Liam Hayes and Jimmy Barry Murphy.

All involved can take credit for a fascinating publication,  a must read for anyone who has a passing interest in Aghinagh GAA Club.