The late Tom O'Callaghan was one of Rockmount's greatest servants on and off the pitch

When Tom O’Callaghan passed away a number of years ago not only did he leave a great void in the lives of his family and friends, he also left a huge void over Whitechurch were his beloved Rockmount play and indeed, to the wider soccer circles in Cork.

The late Tom spent over 60 years with Rockmount.

He played with them and also spent time as a manager to various teams in his early days, however, it was at committee level where he definitely left his mark. 

He spent 25 years as the club treasurer, and filled other vital roles in the club that saw them become one of the best clubs in the country.

From joining them as a 16 year-old, he won his first trophy with the club in 1953, by winning the Murphy Minor cup. 

He was instrumental when Rockmount made their move from Kilcully to their present home in Whitechurch today. 

However, he made their new premises his new home.

He would spend six days a week cutting the grass, lining the pitches, putting up the nets and cleaning the dressing rooms.

Shortly after Tom’s death in 2020 the Cork Youth League honoured his memory by naming an U17 cup in his name and there was a lot of excitement and emotion at this year’s final at Rockmount Park when his great grand children presented the medals and cup to the winners Leeds.

Tom’s great friend John Delea speaks with a lot of emotion, as he recalls more than 50 years working at committee level and travelling around the country following the lads in green and gold.

“Tom was more than a friend to me, he was a mentor, role model and someone that I held in very high esteem,” John said.

“I joined Tom in the committee in 1970 when the club was based in Dominic Street, and we held our meetings in a place that was known as the Blocky under the steps of the Shandon Bells.

“One of my best memories when Tom was playing was when we shocked red-hot favourites on the day Cork, Bohemians, to win the O’Keeffe Cup final 3-0 at Church Road.

“We created history for the club in 1971 when Tom, along with Charlie Cronin, Tony Barry and Nailus Joyce, who were part of the management selection committee, won our first schoolboys trophy. 

"That was an U16 trophy and the team was captained by Tony O’Brien and he was helped with some great performances from Aidan O’Mahony, Robert Stevens, and goalkeeper, Harry Peglar on the day.

“However, it was at committee level where Tom came into his own.

"He was a man of great vision and this can be seen by what the club achieved on and off the pitch during his time and to this day. 

"He, along with myself, Teddy Barry, and Nialus Joyce were the first trustees at the club and when there was so much unemployment in Cork at the time, we all made the necessary sacrifices and decisions to make sure that all our players have a great facility to call home.

“When we moved to Whitechurch from our previous pitch in Kilcully, Tom could be seen looking after the pitch and clubhouse up to six days a week.

"No job was too big or small for him.

"He just put his shoulder to the wheel to make sure that everything was in place for all the teams. 

“However, the pitch was his baby.  He took great pride in getting them into pristine condition, but when it came to big matches, both him and myself could be seen walking around Whitechurch or going to the nearby church to say a prayer if the game got too close for comfort, as we couldn’t stand the stress. 

"Tom and myself spent more than 60 years supporting all our teams.  He used to drive me to every game and I cherish all our journeys together, as we became great lifelong friends.

“When Tom was ill, both John O’Shea and myself would call to his house every second week to see him and we would see his eyes light up when he saw us, but we would only be in there a few minutes when he would grill us on the pitches condition and on the club's finances.

“I can genuinely say that Tom left big shoes to fill in the club, however, all the lads work hard to keep his legacy alive.

“Finally, we at the club were delighted when the Cork Youth League decided five years ago to honour Tom’s legacy by naming one of their competitions after him, as it was richly deserved,” an emotional John added.