Leeds AFC celebrate 40 years and looks towards a bright future in Ballyvolane

From helping his son’s team to leading the club as chairman, Ger Meaney reflects on four decades of success, the volunteers who built Leeds AFC and the ambitions driving its future.

Leeds AFC has marked a remarkable milestone, celebrating 40 years at the heart of football in Cork, with a proud history built on sporting success, community spirit and the dedication of generations of volunteers.

The club recently brought together past and present members for a special anniversary celebration at the Address Hotel, where familiar faces reunited to share memories and honour the people who helped shape the Ballyvolane club into the thriving organisation it is today.

Having first become involved as a parent helping out with his son’s team in 2004, Ger gradually took on greater responsibilities, joining the committee in 2015 before serving as PRO and vice-chairman. He became chairman in late 2022.

Looking back on the 40-year milestone, Ger is thrilled with the progress.

“For a club to reach a milestone like 40 years is a fantastic achievement, and one we’re extremely proud of,” said Ger. "So many people have given their time, energy and dedication to this club over the years, and we’re very grateful to everyone who has played a part in getting us to where we are. 

“It was extremely important to us that the 40th anniversary celebration wasn’t just about our current members, but also about recognising and welcoming back those who had been part of the club over the years.” 

One of the evening’s most significant moments was the induction of five former members into the Leeds AFC Hall of Fame: Mary Buckley, her son Donal Buckley, Michael Hourihane, John Quirke and Victor Yelverton.

All played important roles in the club’s formative years, helping establish the foundations on which subsequent generations have continued to build. Sadly, Mary passed away recently, while Michael died almost four years ago. Both were remembered for their immense contribution, commitment and larger-than-life personalities within Cork soccer.

John Quirke and Victor Yelverton remain connected with the club, continuing to lend a hand when needed. Ger particularly values seeing John bring his granddaughter along to the girls’ academy, a fitting example of how Leeds continues to connect generations through football.

“We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. As a committee, we see it as our responsibility to honour their legacy, to protect the traditions they established and to continue building a club that future generations can be proud of.” 

On the pitch, Leeds AFC has amassed an impressive record, winning 65 league titles, 45 cup competitions and 16 invitational cups — an extraordinary total of 126 pieces of silverware across the club.

Notable former players to have represented Leeds include Gary Buckley, Don O’Flynn, Kenneth Coleman, Billy Clarke and George O’Callaghan.

However, Ger believes the club’s achievements extend far beyond trophies. Developing young players and providing opportunities to enjoy and progress in football remain central to its philosophy.

Thriving

That commitment is reflected in the growth of girls’ football, with Leeds now boasting two full girls’ teams alongside a thriving girls’ academy — a particularly significant development in recent years.

“Today, the club has more than 500 members, bringing with it both opportunities and responsibilities. Continued investment in facilities has seen improvements to the clubhouse and grounds, including a new fire system, additional storage containers, new dugouts, fencing around the club and a sand-based Astro area.

Securing the necessary funding has not always been straightforward, with considerable work required behind the scenes to access grants and finance. None of this would have been possible without the vital support received from funding bodies and sponsors, whose contributions have helped turn ambitious plans into reality.” 

For Ger, the opportunity to lead Leeds through its 40th anniversary is particularly special.

“My own journey with Leeds began back in 2004, when I started out as a parent, involved with my son’s team. We had some great times together, including getting to play at Turner’s Cross and winning three cups, which are memories I’ll always cherish.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be Chairman as the club celebrates such a significant milestone. 

Having started out as a parent all those years ago, it’s very special to now be part of the team helping to lead the club into its next chapter. 

“Whether I’ll still be around for the 50th is another question altogether,” laughs Ger. “Ten years is a long time in football — and an even longer time in committee meetings!” 

As Leeds AFC looks towards the next decade, its priorities remain clear: improving facilities, supporting players, expanding opportunities and preserving the community spirit that has carried the club through 40 years.