Delanys GAA club still going strong on and off the pitch with underage section thriving

Delanys GAA club have had a great season at underage level as the club continues to attract new members to their state of the art facilities at Kilbarry.

The Dublin Hill club is now in its 76th year and was named after Jeremiah and Cornelius Delany, who were killed in their home in 1920 on the night of that was infamously named as The Burning of Cork.

After a downturn in recent years serious work is now underway and amalgamating with clubs will benefit all concerned in the coming years with the goodwill factor back.

For club chairman Ger Maher getting the club to a new level is crucial to the existing committee.

“On the field, we had a very mixed year with our Junior teams as entered Junior A Football and Junior C Hurling,” Maher said.

The Junior A side lost to Bishopstown in the Seandun A championship and that was a disappointing defeat according to Maher.

“The selectors and players put a huge effort in and although losing to Bishopstown was disappointing we must ensure that we regroup and get ready for the coming season.

“To be fair the management team and players are dedicated and we have a squad capable of bouncing back,” added Maher.

The juvenile section is beginning to grow as serious work is going on at all levels.

“Our underage section had a very successful year as we now have boys teams at U16 (amalgamated with Brian Dillon’s), right down to U6, with dedicated coaches supporting these teams.” 

Delany’s amalgamated with St Vincent’s and are fielding girls teams at U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16.

In 2024 Delany’s carried out a number of improvements to the club including roof works and installing CCTV.

The Kilbarry club continue to host a nursery programme every Thursday night for three to six year old's and recently started hurling training with this group as well.

Having coaches to help at this level is crucial to the club.

“This is the entry point for all new recruits to the club and it is vital to keep it going and a special thank you to the coaches for keeping this running throughout the year but it is essential that we find some new coaches to supplement the existing coaches in the year ahead.” 

On the pitch, the U16 boys team amalgamated with Brian Dillon’s at this age group and that proved a very successful year that saw the team participating in three finals.

Losing two of those finals was disappointing and unfortunately in the Feile final Delany’s lost after extra time.

Hard work with the U12 football team proved rewarding for the northside club.

“The U12 football team had a fantastic first season, at Rebel Og level and were rewarded with making a league final and many thanks to all concerned with this team.” 

The U13 Girls side also had a very good season.

“After playing our league section we qualified for the county quarter finals.

“We did receive a walk over in the quarter final before playing Shamrocks away in Ringaskiddy in the semi-final and after a tough game we came up trumps that helped us qualify for the final where we played Rathpeacon.” 

In a game played at Ballinlough Delany’s came out on top in the decider as eight of their players tried out for the East Cork team with two of them selected Lauren O Mahony and Megan O Mahony.

Progress was also made with the U14 A girls team.

“Another wonderful season for the U14 girls culminated in a county final win over Ballinora.” 

The girls looked very comfortable throughout the game, which was played in St. Michael’s pitch at Blackrock where they managed an impressive win.

The U16 Girls team also made great progress as similar to the U14 and U13 girls they completed the treble and won their county final in an enthralling game.

“We must acknowledge Mia Todd and Ellie Cafferkey who played with the Cork LGFA U14 team this year and also Hayley Sweeney who played with the Cork U16 team.” 

On final note Mr Maher paid tribute to all concerned at the club for their incredible work throughout the season.

“I would like to personally thank every member of the underage committee and everyone, who gave up their time, during the year, for coaching, recruiting, going to matches and fundraising.

“Whilst acknowledging our 2024 successes, we cannot rest on our laurels as must strive forward in 2025 to develop our coaching and recruiting structure.” 

For parents or children wanting to get involved with the club Ger Maher can be contacted on 086-824-3300.