A Legacy of Heart and Community in Ballyphehane GAA
Paul McCarthy, a long-standing figure in Ballyphehane GAA, spoke passionately about the club’s growth over the years. His words were briefly interrupted by a shout from the road nearby, where the echo of “Up the Barrs!” could be heard. This was likely from a young player from St Finbarr’s GAA, just 1.6 kilometers away. Living in the shadow of one of Cork’s elite clubs is a unique experience for Ballyphehane.
McCarthy explained that the rivalry between the two clubs is more friendly than anything else. “They have their club, and we have ours,” he said. Having been involved with Ballyphehane in almost every capacity for 48 years, he never considered joining the Barrs despite an early offer as a goalkeeper. “This is our parish, our people. We couldn’t leave.”
While many others have left Ballyphehane for bigger clubs, McCarthy remains a rare exception. He noted that it’s common for small clubs to lose their best players to larger ones. “It’s hard to progress when good players are taken at an early age,” he added. Despite this, Ballyphehane has endured and is now seeing the rewards of its perseverance.
The club’s ethos is centered on keeping Gaelic games alive in the parish and providing opportunities for local youth. Most of the club’s members and administrators are locals, making it a family effort. “We try our best, and we must be doing something right because our numbers are growing,” McCarthy said.
The Influence of a True Legend
Billy Twomey, affectionately known as Mr. Ballyphehane, played a crucial role in the club’s history before his passing in June. McCarthy described him as a great man who gave his life to the club since the 1960s. “He lived for Ballyphehane; he covered every capacity in the club,” McCarthy said. Even after moving out of the parish, Twomey remained deeply connected, spending most of his time there.
His contributions include helping Ballyphehane win the City Junior B Hurling Championship in 1979. “He had his family, but we were his family too,” McCarthy recalled.
Rising Through the Ranks
Although Ballyphehane still faces challenges in underage numbers, the club has made significant strides. They returned to minor action in 2023 after an eight-year break and re-entered hurling after a 13-year absence. Their efforts were supported by Noel O’Callaghan and the county board, which provided access to Redmonds’ pitch for camogie and other teams.
The club’s Green pitch, a beloved home ground, may not host hurling games, but it serves girls’ underage teams and two male junior sides. One of these teams recently made history by winning the Confined Junior B FC final against Araglen, securing their place in the Junior A ranks for 2026.
Their journey was marked by both triumph and heartbreak. From playing at the Junior C grade in 2022 to reaching the top tier, their rise was rapid and filled with challenges. In 2023, they nearly won back-to-back county titles but fell short. The following year, under Paul Mullins, they faced another narrow defeat. However, under Colm Barry, they finally secured victory, overcoming past disappointments.
Celebrations and New Beginnings
For club chairman Timmy Walsh, who has spent over 60 years with Ballyphehane, the recent successes were unforgettable. “It was an enormous situation,” he said. The celebrations included a sponsored double-decker bus for supporters, leading to a memorable day in Mallow and a joyous return to the club with the cup.
McCarthy also reflected on the significance of the win. “We went many years without even winning a game in the county Junior C,” he said. “To now be winning Junior B County confined is massive.”
Walsh highlighted the contributions of Owen Sweeney and Paul Mullins, whom he calls the “new kids on the block.” These individuals have driven the club forward in recent years, bringing much-needed energy and success.
A Club Built on Heart and Community
For Walsh and McCarthy, the spirit of Ballyphehane lies in its heart and community. “If you have heart, you can move mountains,” Walsh said. “This club has total heart for the community, trying to get everyone involved.”
Ballyphehane GAA continues to thrive, proving that dedication, passion, and a strong sense of community can overcome even the toughest challenges. With new leaders and a growing membership, the future looks bright for this cherished club.