On May 10th last GAA clubs throughout Ireland marked the 125th anniversary of the founding of the association. White’s Cross GAA was no exception, and a ‘Fun Day’ was organised at the Club Grounds. However the celebrations commenced that morning in St. Michaels Church, Upper Glanmire, where Fr. Ted Sheehan, offered up the morning Mass for all deceased members of the Club. Five year old Danny Linehan brought to the altar the Junior A Football Championship Cup won by White’s Cross in 2008. This cup has special meaning to all in White’s Cross because the cup is named after Joe O Callaghan (R.I.P.), a man who many saw as Mr. White’s Cross GAA for most of its 50 year history. Danny is a great grandson of Joe, and has just joined the under-age club in recent weeks.
Also, as part of the Offertory, Luke Murphy brought to the altar the first photo of a White’s Cross team, at least still known to be in existence, which dates back to 1957, the year the Club was founded. This photo only came into Club Officials hands two years ago during our golden jubilee celebrations, and was forwarded from Philadelphia no less, where the owner Evelyn McAllen (nee Noonan) now resides.
After the Mass, people adjourned to the club grounds in Ballinvriskig, where
Fr. Ted Sheehan continued his duties by blessing the pitch. Here a large crowd attended, and once the formal aspects of the morning were completed the fun commenced. Elaine Harte, the Cork ladies senior football keeper, and White’s Cross native, faced up to a penalty shoot-out with our church curate. Despite striking each of his three efforts well, Fr. Ted was unable to score a goal against Harte. Elaine, then faced up to many more efforts from attendees throughout the day. Fair play to Elaine for making herself available, especially when one considers that she had won a National League title with a convincing win over Mayo, the previous afternoon.
Elsewhere, as part of the fun activities, a series of fun-races took place for all ages, including the Mams and Dads! These included straight sprint races, wheelbarrow races, soloing, and three legged races! There was great interest in the latter variety, as local lad John Meade, who is a White’s Cross GAA member, helped set a new world record for completing the marathon by three legged race last summer. Given the standard in White’s Cross recently it would not be all that surprising to see John’s record smashed at the up-coming Cork marathon!
Other activities took place throughout the morning, including long puc competitions, hit-the-barrel; though the tyre and much more. Meantime the younger folk played about in the bouncy castle and the parents sat back and enjoyed the refreshments. All profits raised on the day will go to the GOAL charity. White’s Cross GAA would like to thank everyone involved in this extremely enjoyable occasion.