Grattan 100 not out and still going strong as a football club

Grattan United are celebrating a milestone few clubs ever reach. 

In 2026, the Northside club marks its 100th anniversary, proudly holding the distinction of being the oldest club competing in the Cork AUL. 

But for those inside the gates at O’Neill Park, the achievement goes far beyond longevity or silverware.

For Grattan United, the secret to surviving – and thriving – for a century is simple: the club is a family.

That belief is echoed by current Chairman Brian O’Suilleabhain who speaks with pride and emotion about leading the club into its centenary year.

“I am the current Chairman in a long line of dedicated people who have held the role,” said O’Suilleabhain. 

"To be at the helm for the 100th anniversary is actually quite overwhelming – in a good way. But I’m just one person supported by a team who want nothing but the best for the club.” 

O’Sullivan’s own Grattan journey began on the pitch. He joined the club in the late 2000s after playing with Nufarm, which at the time acted as an unofficial schoolboys’ section for Grattan. 

While still playing, he became involved at committee level around 2013, first as Secretary before taking over as Chairman five years ago from Gavin O’Mahony.

“Gavin gave incredible service to the club as a player, manager, secretary, and chairman, so they were big boots to fill,” O’Sullivan explains. 

“The transition happened during COVID, which was a strange time, but we’ve pushed on since then.” 

That resilience has defined Grattan United across ten decades.

“It is a monumental achievement,” O’Sullivan says. 

"The club has endured so much in its 100 years, but the one thing that kept it going was a strong heart powered by everyone who has ever been involved. 

"Grattan United is more than just a soccer club; it’s an enduring community of people who take immense pride in the crest.” 

The list of people currently carrying that torch is long. O’Sullivan pays tribute to Vice Chairman Gary Coughlan, Life President Tony Hyde, Treasurer Caroline Hennessy, Secretary Dean Murray, Tony O’Brien, and committee members Mick O’Sullivan and Pa O’Connor, who also serve as the club’s dedicated groundsmen. 

On the football side, Niall Curtin manages the senior side, with Phillip Moore overseeing the juniors, while long-serving figures like Frank Geaney continue to play a vital role behind the scenes.

“We’re just carrying the torch for the people who came before us,” O’Sullivan says. 

"And I’m proud to represent them in this special year.” 

On the pitch, Grattan United’s history is rich with success. 

One of the defining moments came in 1996 with the club’s famous AOH Cup triumph – regarded as the holy grail of Cork junior football. Managed by Joe Lynch and George Murphy, and captained by Gavin O’Mahony, it remains a cherished memory.

More recently, the club has enjoyed a golden spell. 

In 2024, the First Team captured the Premier League title and the City Challenge Cup, while the Second Team delivered a perfect “Invincibles” season in 2017/18, winning all 18 of their league matches.

Individual honours matter too, with internationals John Paul O’Sullivan and Patrick O’Connor both emerging from the club, but O’Sullivan believes consistency is the real achievement.

“For us, it’s not just one trophy,” he says. 

"It’s competing at the top level for a century.” 

Like all voluntary clubs, challenges remain. Rising costs, fundraising pressures, COVID disruptions, and the difficulty of recruiting volunteers have all tested Grattan United. But the club’s loyal network of past players and members has always answered the call.

“The hardest challenges are always the personal ones,” O’Sullivan adds. 

“Losing members of the Grattan family stays with you. The passing of Alan O’Brien was a devastating blow, honoured by the club through the retirement of his number 9 jersey, while the late Vicky Lynch is remembered for her vital role in helping fund the club’s facilities."

That spirit of generosity lives on through sponsors old and new, including Bill from the Joshua Tree Bar, Anthony Coughlan of C&S Construction, and current player Eric Shinkwin of Eric Shinkwin Carpentry & Renovations, alongside long-time supporters like SuperValu and Gurranabraher Credit Union.

At the heart of everything is O’Neill Park, named after past President Dinny “Pops” O’Neill – a man who saved the club multiple times. 

"That name is a reminder of what this club is about,” says O’Sullivan.

" People looking out for each other.” 

The centenary celebrations will reflect that same ethos. The centrepiece is a Centenary Dinner on Saturday, July 25th at the Rochestown Park Hotel, billed as a full-scale reunion for everyone who has ever been part of Grattan United.

“This isn’t just about football,” O’Sullivan concludes. 

“It’s about community. That’s why we’re still here 100 years later – and why Grattan United will always be a family.”