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A Historic Day

07 August, 2018

The 2018 August Bank Holiday Monday will go down as a significant day in the history of Barryroe GAA Club as the club officially renamed its grounds Páirc Uí Mhurchú after the late Paddy Murphy. Proceedings kicked off a little after 5pm in glorious sunshine as MC for the evening Vincent O’Donovan welcomed everyone who had traveled from near and far. It was a testament to Paddy’s popularity that most clubs in the Carbery division were represented on the evening, along with players and club officers who would have soldiered with Paddy during his tenure as club secretary.

Barryroe Cathaoirleach Sean de Barra was the first speaker and went through a brief history of Paddy’s remarkable service as rúnaí spanning a fifty one year period. Sean was followed by Fr. Dave O’Connell, local Parish Priest, who performed a very apt blessing for the occasion. The speakers continued with Joe Crowley of the Randal Og club and current Carbery Cathaoirleach speaking on behalf of the division. Cork GAA Rúnaí Frank Murphy had some memorable recollections of Paddy’s ability to secure any available grants and tickets for Cork matches. Richard Murphy, son of Paddy and current Barra Rua Rúnaí was the day’s final speaker. Richard thanked the club for the gesture which was very much appreciated by the Murphy family. He thanked his fellow officers and club members for the time and efforts in making this day possible and the many people who had contributed in many ways to having the grounds looking in pristine condition. MC Vincent O’Donovan wrapped up proceedings a little after 6pm and invited all present to some refreshment’s which were being served in the dressing rooms.

In conclusion a fitting honour to a remarkable man who gave so much of himself to our club and the community. A tribute to ensure his legacy lives on. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Days like this take many months of planning and it would be remiss of the club not specifically single out a few people for a special thank you;

  • Our two groundsmen Patrick Barry and Pat O’Driscoll who carry out some trojan work on a daily basis.
  • Michael Hurley for the use of his sound system.
  • Martin Walsh and Jerry Crowley for photos on the day.
  • Everyone who helped out with the fantastic catering on the evening.
  • The Butlerstown duo of Pat & Timmie O'Brien who did an amazing job in forming the templates for the entrance. Both are masters of their craft and it was a pleasure to see first hand their skills in operation.
  • Club sponsors Lislevane Construction who had the dubious task of fixing the plaster lettering. The final result speaks for itself.
  • O'Leary power washing services Butlerstown.
  • Carrigeen drapery services.
  • Club sponsors B&M O'Brien who were on hand for some much needed remedial works to the carpark.
  • Walsh Printers Clonakilty for the supply of the plaque.
  • Club sponsors Blue Bros who helped out in various forms over the previous few months.
  • And finally the painters of the lettering who so generously forgoed their Saturday evening pints in Butlerstown for one week only!

A huge debt of gratitude is owed to you all and your contribution made the day the success it was.

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