St Finbarr's launch their new book celebrating 150 years of history

It was a historic night on Friday at the home of St Finbarr’s. 

The city club launched their new book, Gallant Old Blues, celebrating 150 years of St Finbarr’s history. It also marked the start of a series of events commemorating the major anniversary.

The book was co-authored by Mick Finn and Plunkett Carter with Donal Murray and Donal Whooley co-ordinators.

A large crowd turned up with many stalwarts of the club present as well as the current heroes.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy were among the guest speakers.

Martin, a member of Nemo Rangers, spoke to the attendees that packed into the St Finbarr’s bar for this special occasion.

“St Finbarr’s is the most successful dual club in GAA history,” Martin said.

“It has also been consistent and strong in camogie and in the latter years ladies football. The Barrs embraced the One Club for All ethos from the very beginning.

“Its consistently high standards and excellence marks it out as a club apart. The Barrs have provided iconic figures in the annals of Gaelic Games.

“Neenan Park embodies the community ethos of the club. I’ve fond memories of a young fella walking from Turner’s Cross to Togher to play against the Barrs in underage games and later as a selector and a parent. A warm welcome always ensued! In sport, fierce rivalry and friendship overlap but ultimately friendship always triumphs. Thank you to all in the Barrs for your wonderful contribution to life and sport.” 

One of the key figures behind the launch of the book celebrating St Finbarr’s 150 years of ups and downs is Donal Murray, the president of the club. He spoke proudly to The Echo at the successful event.

“It’s a special night because we will be 150 years old next year and the idea was that we would bring a new book to fruition because Seán Beecher had provided us with a book during the early 1980s, and we just decided we'd enhance that.

“So the title of the book is instructive in that it's The Gallant Old Blues, which is a common refrain out here, but also it's a celebration of 150 years.

“We have guest authors who are giving reflections on the history of St Finbarr’s. We have a historical record of championship victories in hurling and football at senior, U21, minor and so on.

“There are the championship records of finals, scorers, so it's a mix of everything.

“It'll be sold from the club initially and after Christmas then we'll be going public into stores.” 

St Finbarr’s have achieved so much since the book went to print and Murray has confirmed that they are working on to reflect the success of various teams.

“We don’t have anything in the book about our victories this season. We’ve had a minor hurling triumph, the senior camogie won county and Munster titles and the footballers won the county and are in the Munster final next week.

“When you write a book, it’s out of date. However, we plan a supplementary edition of a limited number of pages in the next month or so to honour 2025.

“That will be available in the club, maybe an eight to ten-page recognition of what has been an outstanding year.”