Sunday was a historic day for Churchtown GAA club. It was the occasion of the official opening of their Halla 100, their new 5,500 square feet indoor astro turf facility. Special guest on the day was GAA President Aogan O’Fearghail who performed the official opening. An intermediate hurling challenge game between Cork and Limerick marked the opening of the playing field and the stand with a capacity of 500. The ceremonies began on Sunday morning with Mass celebrated in St. Nicholas Church by Rev Fr Robin Morrissey PP assisted by Fr Stephen O’Mahony.
On his arrival in Churchtown the Uachtaran, accompanied by his wife Frances, was met by club Chairman Tony O’Flaherty while the Tomas Davis Pipe Band played a welcome tune. The Uachtaran was then introduced to the various committee members as well as a huge number of club members before viewing the facilities that have been provided by Churchtown GAA over the past 30 years with the investment of over €1.25 million.
There was a huge crowd in the Halla 100, built to commemorate the centenary of the Easter Rising. Eoin Butler was MC for the afternoon. The 1916 proclamation was read by Rosemary O’Flaherty. Club Chairman Tony O’Flaherty then addressed the gathering and welcomed everyone. He outlined that as a young boy starting out playing GAA he dreamt of one day being on the podium in front of the GAA President raising aloft the Liam McCarthy Cup. Tony thanked everyone who helped in the preparation for the big day and he said that it was important that all parish groups were included. The next speaker was Avondhu Board Chairman Barry Aherne who said it was a proud day for him to be there as Chairman of the Divisional Board.
He complimented the officers of the club on what they had achieved and highlighted the vision of the officers of 30 years ago for their vision in purchasing enough land to facilitate future development. Tracey Kennedy, Vice Chairperson Cork Co Board spoke of the wonderful facilities that the club had and that having fantastic facilities is not the preserve of large urban clubs. Liam Linehan Vice Chairman Munster GAA Board was also loud in his praise of the facilities that the club had to offer the parish.
Uachtaran Aogan O’Fearghail in his address complimented the club on their excellent facilities. He said the club was a wonderful example of what can be achieved in the long term when one has vision and a singular focus. He complimented the club on the fact that they have provided such excellent facilities and are debt free. The Uachtaran also reflected that when all the ceremonies in relation to the centenary of the Easter Rising are forgotten that Churchtown, perhaps the only club in the country will have a facility that will always be associated with the centenary, Halla 100. He was then presented with the Annals of Churchtown by club Treasurer Niall O’Shea while the former long serving assistant Treasurer Sandra O’Shea presented Aogan’s wife Frances with a bouquet of flowers. Jack O’Flaherty and Denis Crowley then presented Gerry Murphy with a framed O’Neill’s special 1916 Commemorative Jersey. Also present on the day were Richard Murphy and Kieran Leddy representing the Cork County and Munster GAA Boards. The Uachtaran then unveiled the commemorative plaque in the presence of club chairman Tony O’Flaherty. This was followed by the intermediate hurling challenge between Cork and Limerick. After the game the large crowd were treated to refreshments.