Changes to Seandún GAA divisional format as they bring 100-year history to book

It is hard to believe that 100 years ago in April the first meeting of Seandún took place in Cook Street, Cork.

Over the last century the city division has produced some wonderful players and the present committee are determined to carry on the great work that has been done.

Last season Douglas stalwart Eddie Murphy took over the reins of secretary and his drive to bring the division to the next level is very impressive as he reflected on the coming campaign.

“This season has started off well for us with the U21A and B championships going off without a hitch and on the plus side we had some great attendances at Ballinlough for the majority of all games,” Murphy said.

The various leagues are then on the horizon in March and Murphy is adamant they will be a success.

“Last season we ran a great campaign and we got our finals played and met all deadlines but this year there will be a slight change as the Junior A hurling and football league winners will join the county board leagues at this level,” Murphy added.

NEW BLOOD

New clubs from other divisions are joining Seandún this season as Ballinhassig, Crosshaven and Glanmire will all be competing in the city.

When the leagues are completed the MacCurtain and McSweeney Cups will be backed by City Council and these will be sponsored by Cormac O’Connor from the Foodhall at Mayfield. Pharmacare and its MD Billy Cotter are involved in the U21 sponsorship and Jess O’Sullivan owner of AOS Security are the Junior league and championship sponsors.

“There will be a change in the championships format in the Junior A and Junior B football and hurling as they will now be played in groups just like the county board with the Junior C remaining intact.

We see it as a boost for the clubs who will all be guaranteed minimum of three games but it does tighten up our schedule.” 

There have been huge changes at the Seandún headquarters in Ballinlough over the last 12 months with some to come according to Murphy.

“We have undertaken plenty of renovations with the changing of the pitch lay-out and we are ensuring there will not be any more presentations on the pitch to ensure the surface is kept in order.

“I would like to thank Colm Daly who maintains the pitch and on the outside there is a new driveway put in for health and safety.

“Getting new showers installed for the players has also went down a treat and although we still have some more work to do in the dressing rooms all is going to plan.” 

Without comparing previous committees Murphy believes the work that is ongoing needed to be done.

“I suppose all committees do their best but our present group felt we had to go with the times and it is all about having a good environment for people to play and attend games in comfort and with good facilities.” 

A new media facility was also put in by the city division.

“The media in my book are crucial to any sport and we have put in a new hub as the exposure we get from reporters and photographers is crucial to us and very much appreciated.” 

The pitch at Ballinlough is due to be aligned again as Murphy explained.

We have brought people in as we will have new goalposts and it's hard to believe that our pitch measurement at Ballinlough is identical to Páirc Uí Chaoimh.” 

To commemorate 100 years of Seandún there are big plans and events planned for 2025.

“On April 1, 1925, Seandún had their first meeting when it was launched and we are in the process of producing a 100-year book. We will have a major function later on in the year celebrating this anniversary and that should be an evening to remember.” 

All clubs have been asked to update their history so this can be included in the book as Eddie elaborated on what will be in this new publication.

“There was a book published in 1975 of 50 years in Seandún written by Mick Barrett but we feel this is the ideal opportunity to give patrons a chance to look at the history from 1975 to 2025.” 

April 1 will be a notable day for Seandún as the McCurtain and McSweeney Cups will be launched at City Hall and just to complete the day Seandún will hold their board meeting in the council chambers.