St Finbarr's mark 50th anniversary of major wins for minors

The GAA landscape has changed beyond recognition in the last half century, but some memories are immune to the passing of time.

That was evident recently when St Finbarr’s GAA Club once again gathered to honour the hurlers and footballers of 1975 - a group whose achievements remain etched in Cork sporting history.

It was 50 years ago that a remarkable band of young men captured every single trophy on offer at minor level, ten in total, completing a clean sweep that has never been matched and, with the changes to competitions and gradings, will almost certainly never be equalled.

From city to county, hurling to football, A teams and B teams alike, the Barrs reigned supreme in 1975, and their efforts laid the foundation for what would follow: a golden period when the Togher club became a standard-bearer for Cork GAA, amassing senior county and All-Ireland titles in the years that followed.

Around 50 past players, mentors, and family members came together in Togher to mark the golden jubilee, travelling from near and far to reconnect, reminisce, and remember absent friends.

Tom Cooke, captain of the minor B footballers in 1975, spoke on behalf of the organising committee, which also included Niall Kennefick and John Cremin, and opened proceedings with a warm welcome. He recalled the sheer scale of that season’s achievement - 44 games played, 38 wins, two draws, three losses and a walkover – and spoke of the pride still felt in being part of a team that delivered glory for the Barrs.

“We had a total of 80 people involved, with 17 now gone to their eternal reward,” Cooke said. “It’s poignant that both captains of the hurling and football teams, Don McCarthy and Christy Ryan, are no longer with us. But their spirit, and the spirit of all who wore the jersey in 1975, lives on in this club.” 

Club president Donal Murray followed with words of gratitude and optimism, reflecting on the bonds rekindled at such occasions.

“These reunions are special nights,” he said. 

“They give us the chance not only to relive the glory days, but to say thank you – for the memories of 1975, for the years of service so many of you gave afterwards, and for the pride you brought to this club. 

"It’s wonderful to see faces here tonight that I haven’t seen in years, and I hope we’ll see you all again in the years to come.” 

Murray also looked ahead, reminding those present that St Finbarr’s will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. “Nights like this remind us what makes the Barrs so special," he said, "our history, our people, and our togetherness. As we prepare to mark 150 years of this club, it’s only right that we honour the heroes of 1975 who laid the foundation for so much of what followed.”

The evening also included a slide-show presentation featuring photographs and newspaper clippings from that extraordinary year, including the famous panel photograph showing 48 young players. Thanks to the meticulous minute books preserved by Mick Ahern, the names of another 18 players who featured in those teams were also remembered.

It was a reminder that success is never just about the star names, but about the depth, dedication, and spirit of an entire community pulling together.

As one press cutting from 1975 put it: “For the Barrs minors, it’s been a year to end all years. Records have been tumbling like nine pins, and to win every trophy open to them is a record that’s certain never to be equalled.” 

Fifty years on, that statement still rings true.