Sliabh Rua's five-decade service to local GAA comes to an end

The long‑standing Sliabh Rua Hurling & Football Club will cease operations at the end of this season, bringing down the curtain on more than fifty years of underage activity in the Ballymartle‑Belgooly area.

In a statement issued this week, the club confirmed that the decision followed Ballymartle’s recent EGM, where a motion was passed not to submit independent team applications for any age groups. That ruling effectively rendered Sliabh Rua redundant.

“After receiving official notification from Ballymartle, it is with great sadness that we announce that Sliabh Rua Hurling & Football Club will come to an end at the conclusion of this season,” the statement read.

“Unfortunately, this decision was out of our hands and as a result of a decision passed at a recent Ballymartle EGM. 

"Ballymartle passed a motion not to submit an independent teams application for any age groups, which effectively meant Sliabh Rua would become redundant. This decision was not ours, and unfortunately, Sliabh Rua had no say in any of this process.” 

Founded in the early 1970s, Sliabh Rua’s existence actually predates the formation of Belgooly GAA and has long served as a feeder for the adult setups of both Ballymartle and Belgooly. 

The club’s underage sides competed across South‑East, Cork and County levels, producing players who went on to represent Cork.

The executive committee paid tribute to the volunteers and families who sustained the club’s spirit over the decades.

“To every player who put on the Sliabh Rua jersey, every parent who brought them to training and matches, every supporter who stood on the sideline, and every committee member, coach, officer and volunteer who gave their time — thank you.

“We are particularly proud of the friendships, community spirit and memories created through the club, and of the role Sliabh Rua has played in the lives of so many young people.” 

While the closure marks the end of an era, the committee expressed hope that the Sliabh Rua name will continue to resonate within Ballymartle and Belgooly for years to come. 

Matches and training sessions will continue until the conclusion of the current season in December.