11/01/2010: Grangevale Star Announces Retirement

The local football fraternity was in shock this week at the announcement that following medical advice Grangevale striker John Carroll has succumbed to a series of crippling injuries and retired from the game he has adorned for three decades.  Carroll emerged as an enigmatic centre forward at Douglas Hall in the 1990’s before moving on to play a starring role on a record breaking four AOH Cup winning teams with Passage and Coachford during a glittering career.

Greater things beckoned and while a strike partnership with Thierry Henry at his beloved Arsenal was a mouth watering prospect, Carroll had one remaining ambition to fulfil.  His uncle Donie Carroll was a popular Grangevale player in the 1960’s before pursuing fame and fortune as a musician in New York.  When an appeal went out in summer 2007 for John Carroll to wear the famous orange and black colours and follow in his uncle’s foot steps, destiny had paid a visit and it was an offer he could not refuse.

Within ten minutes of making his debut on 8^th September 2007 against Parkview he raced onto a Dave O’Sullivan through ball to open his goal scoring account.  He quickly became a fans’ favourite among the notoriously discerning Grangevale public and when he converted a stunning free kick against Ballinhassig on 30^th September 2007 it heralded the blossoming of a love affair made in football heaven.  On the last day of the season Grangevale were crowned 2008 AUL 3 champions when Carroll scored the opening goal against title rivals Carrigaline United before retreating into a central midfield role to secure the advantage.

Season 2008 / 2009 began with Carroll scoring five goals in the opening four league games but with the side decimated by injuries he played the remainder of the campaign in defence as Grangevale won the AUL 2 title.  John Carroll was the antithesis of the modern day bland one dimensional athlete, choosing instead to shun the dictates of public morality and the Grangevale faithful loved him for it.  In his world he was at the interface of a symbiotic relationship between the Saturday night social scene in Douglas and Sunday morning football.  Indeed, he became the Lady Ga Ga of Grangevale Football Club…..While, it was impossible to predict the condition Carroll would turn up in, he never failed to deliver a top performance.  Thank you for the memories. 

26/10/2009: Paddy Byrne R.I.P.

It is with great sadness that everyone associated with Grangevale AFC has learned of Mr. Paddy Byrne's passing.  In his position as treasurer of the Cork AUL Paddy was a loyal servant to Cork football and will forever be warmly remembered in the hearts of Grangevale supporters for his link to one of our great recent memories.

On 13th May 2008 we travelled to Ballea Road to play Carrigaline.  We needed a win to clinch the AUL 3 title but with second placed Carrigaline unbeaten at home the general feeling was that a draw would be a good result to set us up for winning the league in our next match.  However, we won 2-1.  When the final whistle blew there obviously was excitement but without a cup in sight there was a slight anti-climax.  Then, from nowhere Paddy Byrne came running up the centre of the pitch with the cup under his arm, made the presentation and kicked off mighty celebrations.  During our dealings with Paddy it was obvious that he was a lovely genuine man.  Grangevale AFC has lost a friend and extend sincere condolences to his family on their loss.

15/08/09: Grangevale Awards Night

The Grange Bar and Wao’s Chinese Restaurant hosted the annual Grangevale Awards last Saturday night and for the second consecutive year the league trophy was on display.  Before announcing the award winners, club chairman Thomas Foley thanked Bob O’Neill and Joe Kwan for their generous sponsorship and acknowledged the players for their contribution during the season.  Thomas Foley noted that The Grange Bar have been sponsors of Grangevale since 1993 and their support has been instrumental in consolidating the clubs position in Cork football.

A tribute was conveyed to goal keeper Gary Aherne who last season became the first Grangevale player to win an Oscar Traynor Cup medal with the Cork AUL team.  Meanwhile, Gerald McSorley and John Harris were popular winners of the player of the year and young player of the year awards, respectively.  Both players were outstanding during the AUL 2 title winning campaign

Barry Twomey’s strike against Glenvale on the opening day of the season was voted goal of the season.  This prompted an argument, as those who witnessed Twomey’s goal believed it should have instead been awarded the prize for "fluke of the season".  However, the Grangevale veteran was adamant that he spotted the goal keeper off his line and with the vision acquired from two decades playing AUL football instinctively drove the ball to the net with his favoured left foot from thirty five yards out.

Meanwhile, Jason Martin received the top goal scorer award.  While Martin has won this award on several occasions in the past it was notable that last season several of his fourteen goals were scored against weaker opposition including five against Dunbar Celtic and three against Lakewood Athletic, both of whom finished in the lower half of the table.  Hopefully, the iconic Grangevale goal scorer will return to his spiritual home and set the record straight during 2009 / 2010.

Finally, Eric Maher received the honour of being crowned Grangevale club man of the year.  The announcement was made by Thomas Foley who as the newly elected chairman will lead the club during the coming season.  Foley (pictured on the right with team manager Neil McSorley) offers continuity and stability as Grangevale begin their quest to win three consecutive league titles.

28/06/2009: Condolences to Chicken

On behalf of the committee, management, players and supporters of Grangevale AFC, condolences are extended to Gerald McSorley, a.k.a. "Chicken" (pictured on the left celebrating scoring against Hibernians during season 2007 / 2008) on the recent passing of his idol Michael Jackson.  While most of the current Grangevale players grew up idolising Robbie Fowler, Eric Cantona etc., it was to the moonwalker from Indiana that "Chicken" looked to for inspiration.

The death of Jackson has hit "Chicken" hard and as a mark of respect, consideration is being given to providing each Grangevale player with a single white glove to be worn during the opening match of the 2009 / 2010 season.  It is hoped that this token gesture will act as a mark of the clubs solidarity with "Chicken" and "Bubbles" during this difficult time......"You'll never moonwalk alone".

17/06/2009: Change in leadership at Grangevale

At the 57th annual general meeting of the club, Seán McCarthy stepped down from the position of chairman after four years at the helm of Grangevale AFC.  Reflecting on his tenure, McCarthy commented that despite the acquisition of two league titles during his reign, he derived equal satisfaction from the restructuring and rejuvenation of the club which has positioned Grangevale in a prosperous position to meet current demands and future challenges.  McCarthy thanked the members for providing him with the opportunity to serve Grangevale and extended best wishes to his successor.

Given that honorary president Donie Cronin was on sabbatical at his retreat in the Kerry Mountains, the election of officers was supervised by Dave Williamson.  Thomas Foley was elected the club’s new chairman while Patrick O’Sullivan and Dave O’Sullivan remain in their roles of secretary and treasurer, respectively.  Foley has been central to Grangevale matters for a decade and his appointment to the position of chairman ensures stability and continuity.

Joining Shaun McCormack and Eric Maher on the committee are Ian Doyle and Kevin Corcoran.  As well as being a renowned singer, local man Doyle brings a wealth of experience following a recent successful spell as manager of Rylane.  Since his recent relocation to Grange, Doyle has hovered on the periphery of the Grangevale AUL 2 winning side, but now that his role has been formalised his addition could yet prove to be the most judicious signing of the season.  Meanwhile, Corcoran is a controversial figure with a colourful past who was often criticised for his lacklustre disposition on the pitch during his brief playing career with Grangevale.  However, Corcoran’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the game is legendary and given that he is never short of an opinion is a welcome addition to the club’s committee. 

23/05/2009: Annual Grangevale Bus Outing

Since the 1950’s Grangevale A.F.C. has marked the end of the football season with a bus outing for club members.  In the early years, Youghal, Dungarvan and Gougane Barra were favoured destinations while in recent times, Castlelyons, Terelton and Ballycotton have been visited.

This years bus outing took place on Saturday 23rd May.  The Grange Bar has been a generous corporate partner of Grangevale for sixteen years and the bar manager Con Cronin demonstrated that their support extends to off the field activities also by ensuring the bus was well stocked with beverages prior to departure.  This year the twenty five man group included Douglas Hall trio Richard Cronin, Killian Murphy and John McCarthy.  Of the trio Murphy failed to satisfy the clause in the Grangevale constitution which states anyone travelling on the bus outing must remain sober until 2.00pm.  Unfortunately by that time the Douglas Hall youngster was pretty much wasted.

Our first stop was in “The Gaelic Bar” in Carrigaline and after an hour we moved on to “The Overdraught” situated near Minane Bridge.   It is amazing what can be learned on a bus outing and this year it emerged that John Carroll is a favourite with the more mature women.  The Grangevale toy boy found a cougar during our stay at "The Overdraught".  We then headed for the beautiful old head of Kinsale where we visited “The Speckled Door”.  Proprietor John Loran and his staff were very hospitable as we were watered and fed.  For anybody seeking a destination to spend a sunny afternoon during the summer, definitely consider “The Speckled Door”.  Once again this year Grangevale are league champions and the cup was brought along on the trip.  Also, medals were presented to the players and management.

Thank you to Thomas Foley for organising the medals and preparing our hosts for the day and also to Tom Murphy Coaches for providing the transport.  Finally, the annual general meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 17th June at Frankfield Golf Club.  The start time is 8.00pm.  It is essential that all players attend and supporters are also welcome.  This is an opportunity for us to review the performance of the club during 2008 / 2009, to determine its future direction and to elect a committee for 2009 / 2010.

Fundraising week for Grangevale AFC

Last May Grangevale were crowned champions of AUL 3 and now occupy top spot in AUL 2 as the club is on the threshold of winning back-to-back league titles.  The current crop of players is recognised as the clubs golden generation and integral to their success has been the outstanding contribution of star goal keeper Gary Aherne (pictured on the left).  Aherne is a product of the Douglas Hall academy having played with them from under age right through to Munster Senior League.  Two years ago he signed for Grangevale and has been a pillar in the side ever since.  Last Saturday Aherne was a member of the Cork AUL squad that won the Oscar Traynor Cup for the first time since 1966.  This is a great honour for Grangevale and worthy recognition for a great character and footballer.

In 1953 Grange consisted of a quiet, sleepy country road on the edge of Cork City.  The closely knit Grange community consisted of fewer than seventy other houses.  Now that Grange is a vibrant suburb in the grip of a population explosion, it is difficult to envisage children using the Grange Road as a play area.  However, in 1953 the Grange Road was just that.

Donie Cronin along with his brothers and friends used to spend their days playing “three goals in” at the entrance to Conron’s Farm.  The two pillars at the entrance to the farm, which were often used as goal posts, still remain in place just next to the Grange Road post box.  This is where the boys from the Grange Road founded Grangevale AFC in 1953.

Next weekend is an important fundraising time for Grangevale, and its members are appealing to the local community to support this famous club.  The annual church gate collection takes place prior to all masses in Frankfield, Douglas and Rochestown while on Friday 13th March The Grange Bar is the venue for the annual Grangevale A.F.C.  All proceeds from the quiz are in aid of Grangevale AFC.

The quiz starting time is 8.00pm.  As always popular quiz master Declan O'Sullivan will be master of ceremonies and will double up as D.J. later in the night.  The quiz includes 8 rounds with ten questions per round.  Four people will be permitted per table at 40 euro per table.  There will be great prizes for the winners and a raffle for spot prizes on the night.  All are welcome. 

Grangevale end 2008 on Top

Grangevale AFC will be sorry for 2008 to end as they occupied the position of league leaders for most of the year.  After a sensational win over Carrigaline United at Ballea Road in May, Grangevale clinched the AUL 3 league title in style and since then the team has continued its progression.  Summer signings were made to invigorate the side to face the challenge of promotion to AUL 2 and the injection of new blood has paid off handsomely as Grangevale have stormed to a familiar spot at the head of the table.  Following the recent giant killing of premier league side Macroom in the AOH Cup, expectations are now high among the clubs growing band of supporters and Donie Cronin and Dave Williamson are licking their lips at the prospect of a league and cup double.

As usual, at this time of year Grangevale AFC’s thoughts turn to fundraising in conjunction with Mr. Micheál Higgins and the Grange Swimmers who every year organise a Christmas morning swim in Fountainstown in aid of the Children’s Leukaemia Ward in the Cork Mercy Hospital.  This is a very worthy cause and everybody associated with Grangevale AFC is expected to participate.  Sponsorship cards are now available from Mr. Peter Noonan who once again is organising the Grangevale contribution and all monies collected must be returned by 5^th January 2009.  Finally, the Grangevale AFC committee wishes to thank all members and supporters for contributing to a great year and wishes all a happy Christmas and prosperous 2009.

16/08/2008: Grangevale Annual Awards Night

The work conducted by Neil McSorley and his assistant Pat Courtney in resurrecting the fortunes of Grangevale A.F.C. last season has been well documented.  Neil, Pat and the squad of players who rallied around them did the club proud as the third division title was clinched in style.  Indeed, the championship decider with Carrigaline United on a balmy evening at Ballea Park last May and the celebrations that followed will forever be indelibly ingrained in the hearts and minds of those fortunate to be present.

To commemorate the acquisition of the clubs first silverware in twenty nine years, the annual awards were presented at Wao’s Chinese Restaurant in Grange last Saturday evening.  Dan Cronin and Malik Elmusbahi won the player of the year and young player of the year awards, respectively.  Jason Martin picked up the goal scorer of the year award and Eric Kennedy was the goal of the year winner following his cracker against Hibernians.  Meanwhile, Barry Twomey was a popular winner of the clubman of the year award.  In a playing career that has spanned almost two decades Twomey has been written off on many occasions, but continues to deliver on the pitch while showing great leadership to the younger players.  The trophies were sponsored by Mr. Joe Kwan who continues to be a generous and loyal supporter of the club.

In preparation for Grangevale’s return to AUL 2 several new signings were recently unveiled.  These include local boy Conor O’Mahony, former prodigy Leonard O’Donovan and the experienced Colin McKeown.  This trio is expected to provide the quality to ignite another promotion challenge.  Youngster Diarmuid O’Neill has also been added to the squad and will be hoping to make a break through during the season.

The summer break was a busy period for the Grangevale committee and this season visitors to Grangevale Park can look forward to the comfort of new state of the art dressing room facilities.  Once again chairman Seán McCarthy leads a committee that includes secretary Patrick O’Sullivan, treasurer Dave O’Sullivan as well as Thomas Foley, James O’Callaghan, Eric Maher and Seán McCormack.  Club royalty in the guise of Dave and Bernie Williamson, Donie Cronin and Dave Hayes as always will be interested observers from the sideline.

06/08/2008: Grangevale Dressing Rooms: 1976 - 2008

The Grangevale dressing rooms (pictured below) were finally torn down recently after over thirty years of service, during which time they helped to shape the unique character at Grangevale Park.  Many visiting players succumbed to the intimidating atmosphere at the ground upon stepping inside the old dressing rooms where grown men would often visibly crumble.  They provided the backdrop to the formation of friendships, the realisation of dreams, the violation of reputations, the termination of careers and the endurance of many hangovers.

Shortly, new state-of-the-art changing facilities will be in position and ready for the beginning of the new season.  Hopefully, this will satisfy the needs of the cranky younger players, products of a celtic tiger generation that shrink in the absence of home comforts.  The new dressing rooms mark the dawn of a new era and have cost the club alot of money.  With this in mind, the committee wish to appeal to all players to ensure subscription fees are paid before every match to help the club recover its strong financial position.  Finally, best of luck to players and management for the new season.    

07/06/2008: Annual Bus Outing

The annual Grangevale bus outing took place a bit earlier than usual this year, but after Grangevale’s successful season the players were clearly looking for yet another excuse to drag out the cup again to do some more celebrating.  The committee yielded to pressure and organised the outing prematurely for Saturday 7^th June.  The only disappointment was that it coincided with Richard Barrett’s leaving cert exams.  Richard wisely chose to give the outing a miss to concentrate on his studies, which was a shame because the youngster is a colourful figure who is always good for a few rebel songs.

Playing for Grangevale A.F.C. is not just about training, turning up for Sunday morning matches and scoring goals.  Signing on the dotted line to become a Grangevale player means agreeing to uphold the many traditions the club has established since its foundation in 1953 which includes embracing and immersing oneself in the rich social customs at the core of the club.  As Neil McSorley pertinently commented, there were a few bus outing virgins present this year.  These included John Carroll, John Harris, Gerald McSorley, Eric Kennedy, Malik Elmusbahi and Dave Burke.  These virgins would have grown up listening to stories of the famous Grangevale bus outings of the past, which have taken place since the 1950’s.  Therefore, it was a poignant moment for them to climb the steps of the bus prior to departure from The Grange Bar.  For the first time in twenty nine years Grangevale had a cup to bring along on the trip which added to the sense of occasion.

Douglas Hall’s John McCarthy was a welcome gate crasher on the outing.  Prior to joining the Hall, John learned everything he knows about his craft at Grangevale and certainly the many tips he picked up during the day will undoubtedly benefit his football career as he embarks on the new season.

This year the bus route was chosen by Thomas Foley and given that the sun was shining at the 1.15pm departure time, the lads were satisfied when the driver motioned towards East Cork.  The first stop was at the home of hurling, Cloyne.  The village’s most famous son is the wizard of Cloyne, Christy Ring and a statue commemorating him is positioned in the centre of the town.  Given the nature of the hurling tradition emanating from every corner of Cloyne, it was only appropriate that the Grangevale lads would pay homage by descending upon The Alley Bar, which is owned by current Cork hurler Donal Og Cusack.  The walls of the pub were swamped with Cork icon’s including Ring and Jimmy Barry-Murphy.  Indeed, seduced by the surroundings, there was a flagrant craving to pick up a hurley and sliotar and go for a puck around, but given that several pints had been consumed by this stage thankfully, the Grangevale lads resisted and made do with the pool table, darts board and card school which as always was supervised by Dave Hayes.

At 4.00pm it was time to move on and the next destination was the famous fishing village of Ballycotton.  A rocky spur thrusting out into the sea, Ballycotton’s cosy harbour side contrasts with its wild Atlantic cliff side, giving variety in scenery and climate.  Tranquil Ballycotton has pure air, clean seawater and incomparably beautiful views providing the ideal back drop for the Grangevale bus outing.  The Schooner Bar was visited and it was perfect timing because the European Championships were just about to kick off.  The sight of over twenty footballers from Grange entering the pub was probably slightly intimidating for the solitary bar man on duty who was expecting a quiet evening, but soon the pints were flowing as easily as the sea outside.  Again, there was a pool room and to top it off the outdoor section at the back of the pub seemed as if it had been set up especially for the bus tour. 

While everyone could still stand, the AUL 3 medals were presented and each recipient was greeted with a cheer, before Keith Troy rounded the evening off with his version of the Sinatra classic “My Way”.  After that it was back to The Grange Bar.  The next celebrations night will take place shortly and everyone will be given plenty notice.  To view more photos of the bus outing visit www.douglassport.ie

Meanwhile, the Grangevale Annual General Meeting took place at Frankfield Golf Club on Monday 9th June.  Thankfully there was no blood spilled as the outgoing three club officer's were re-elected unopposed.  Therefore, chairman Seán McCarthy, secretary Pat O'Sullivan and treasurer Dave O'Sullivan will plot the direction of the club for the next twelve months and will be joined on the committee by Thomas Foley, James O'Callaghan, Seán McCormack and Eric Maher.  Finally, should anyone wish to join the Grangevale champions' bandwagon for season 2008 / 2009, contact the club by e-mailing webmaster@grangevaleafc.com as training will be starting shortly.

Grangevale AFC: 1958 Record Breakers

The 1950's was a golden era for soccer in Douglas with Grangevale winning the 1957 City Challenge Cup and Douglas A.F.C. winning the Munster Junior Cup in 1959.  This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the longest running cup tie in Cork football history.  On Wednesday 18^th June, Mick Loftus scored an extra–time winner in the seventh replay of the 1958 2^nd round Daly Cup tie to finally separate Grangevale and Nicholas Rovers after sixteen hours and fifteen minutes of football during which thirty three goals were scored.

This was an age when if a player could acquire a couple of copies of the Reader’s Digest he had a great pair of shin guards and Liam Edwards from Tramway Terrace recently recalled how he is still overcome with the smell of wintergreen when reminiscing about this era when Grangevale were at the heart of local soccer.  Pond Bank (Community Park) and Western Park (Gartan Park) played host to league and cup fixtures where regularly iconic Cork referee Nedser Cotter took charge of proceedings.

Back row: Seán Murphy from Grange Park was the club treasurer and played an important role in the development of Grangevale during the 1950’s.  His son Jerry is a well known Douglas G.A.A. club official and Seán Murphy's grand daughter Jennifer is engaged to be married to the current Grangevale club secretary Pat O'Sullivan.  Billy O’Sullivan from Ballyphehane, affectionately known as “Big Billy” was a dominant centre half.  Striker Frank Hennessy from High Street and an employee of St. Finbarr’s Hospital was the teams striker and renowned for his aerial ability.

Goal keeper Maxwell Trevor was one of the clubs founding members and is a club legend.  His grandfather Bob Stoker was the proprietor of Stoker’s Lodge (Clifton Grange) and allowed the team use of the stables as a dressing room when home matches were played at Conran’s Farm (Amberley) in Grange.  Dee Collins who resided alongside the I.C.A. Hall on Connies Lane partnered Billy O’Sullivan in central defence.  John Hunter was an aggressive right sided midfielder whose family home was located alongside the field used by Grangevale for training, which is where the Church of Incarnation and Scoil Niocláis were later built.  Mickey Holland from Grange Park was the team manager and the youngster in the photo is Mickey’s son.

Front row: Ted Batt from the Lough was one of several Dunlops employees introduced to the club by skipper Donie Cronin.  Joe Hunter was present at the clubs foundation at the Grange Road in 1953 and is regarded as the best Grangevale player of that generation.  Steve Goodman was the teams inside forward and starred in the Festival Cup matches during the mid 1950’s before later finding fame as a musician.

Donie Cronin (pictured on the left with Dave Williamson) was another founding member and was the team’s captain.  Cronin believed in taking the shortest route to goal, which often meant going through his marker rather than around him.  When Mickey Holland was concerned about the qualities of an opposing player, inevitably Cronin was given the task of quenching the threat and more often than not he delivered with the veiled threat of an iron fist or velvet glove.  Donie Cronin bleeds orange and black and is the clubs honorary president.

Mick Loftus was a Co. Clare native and partnered Frank Hennessy in attack.  Loftus was built like a tank and struck fear into goal keepers.  He later moved to America where he resided for many years and netted two goals in the seventh replay to finally bring the 1958 Daly Cup tie to a successful conclusion for Grangevale.  In a stroke of genius Danny Kidney signed Dave Williamson in 1955 and Williamson remained a fixture in the side for the next fifteen years.  He is regarded as the best left back to have represented the club and served as club secretary for thirty five years, during which time his wife Noreen was treasurer.  In the company of his daughter Bernie and the 1958 captain Donie Cronin, Williamson continues to monitor the progress of the current Grangevale team every Sunday morning.

25/12/07: Christmas Morning Swim

The Grangevale lads get ready for the swim

Grangevale swim on behalf of the Grange swimmers fund for the children's leukaemia ward

Club treasurer Dave O'Sullivan with club chairman Seán McCarthy

Dave Burke and John Harris feel the cold

Malik Elmusbahi looks as if he could have stayed in the water all day

Club chairman Seán McCarthy with team manager Neil McSorley after another successful swim

Well done to all the lads who swam for a worthy charity

20/12/07: Cork City Cup Final DVD

A limited version of the Cork City DVD celebrating the clubs FAI success is to be released on Saturday 22nd December.  It features extended highlights of the 2007 Ford FAI Cup Final with behind the scenes footage of the build up and post match celebrations.  The DVD features music by The Frank and Walters and will be sold for €15.  It will be available from the club shop at 93 Grand Parade and from the Cork City online shop from Saturday 22nd December.  The DVD was produced by Douglas based company Crescent Media who previously produced DVD's for Grangevale and would be the ideal Christmas stocking filler for all fans of Cork soccer.  Click on Cork City Cup Final 2007 DVD to enjoy a brief preview.

11/12/07: Grangevale to swim for charity

Past and present players readily testify that immersing in the social experience of being a Grangevale AFC club member is an integral ingredient that continues to nourish the spirit of the fifty four year old football club.  Despite being a small club, Grangevale has always taken pride in its position at the heart of the local community and being a club with a social conscience Grangevale is proud to be associated with the Grange Swimmers and their annual fundraising initiative for the Children's Leukaemia Ward in the Cork Mercy Hospital.

Once again, this year Grangevale’s support of this worthy charity is led by Peter Noonan.  Peter and the Grangevale lads (pictured on the right) participated in the 2006 Christmas morning swim at Fountainstown and contributed €4,700 towards the fund which has reached almost €387,000 since its inception in 1995.  The 2007 Christmas swim was recently launched in The Grange Bar by Micheál Higgins and his hard working committee and all Grangevale club members are requested to again support this great cause.  Sponsorship cards can be acquired from Peter Noonan. 

James O'Callaghan with birthday boy Evan Twomey at Evan's 30th birthday celebrations

Rob Daly with Jason Martin at Evan Twomey's 30th birthday party celebrations in St. Columba's Hall

Evan Twomey's 30th birthday party celebrations

Austin Twomey and George Thompson at Evan Twomey's 30th birthday party celebrations

Grangevale gaffer Neil McSorley tries to sign Banana man at Evan Twomey's 30th birthday party celebrations

27/08/07: Dave & Noreen Williamson celebrate 50 years of marriage

When Grangevale were beaten by 2-1 by Blackrock in the second round of the 1954 Douglas Festival Cup, team manager Danny Kidney decided the team needed strengthening.  Subsequently, Kidney made what was arguably the AUL signing of the century, when he signed Dave Williamson.  Having grown up in Greenmount, Williamson played with Everton and Friary Rovers but it was during his fifty years association with Grangevale that he became a household name.  He settled into the Grangevale team and made a name for himself as a tenacious left back.

In 1957 Dave married Noreen O’Halloran from Tramway Terrace, where they have lived ever since.  When Dave retired he became an officer of the club and served for thirty five consecutive years as secretary during which time his wife Noreen was treasurer.

During the 1960's and 1970's Dave joined forces with Donie Cronin to form one of the most feared managerial alliances in Cork AUL football.  Famously, during the 1970's Williamson and Cronin often called to the Kiltegan Fathers seminary on the Rochestown Road (now the location of Rochestown Park Hotel) to persuade the head of the seminary to release some of the trainee priests to train and play with Grangevale.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of Williamson's football career occurred on 27th May 1979 when Grangevale won the AOH Cup by defeating Northvilla 5-1 in the final at Turners Cross, thanks to a Dave Hayes hat trick and further goals from Val Morris and Tony O'Leary.

Together with Donie Cronin the Williamson's remain the figureheads at Grangevale.  In 1997 the AUL conferred Dave with a Hall of Fame Award for his services to football.  Dave and Noreen Williamson celebrate 50 years of marriage on Monday 27^th August.
 

28/07/2007: Annual Bus Outing

Playing for Grangevale A.F.C. is not just about training, turning up for Sunday morning matches and scoring goals.  Signing on the dotted line to become a Grangevale player means agreeing to uphold the many traditions the club has established since its foundation in 1953.  Probably the most important of these traditions is the annual bus outing which takes place every July and involves the club members being brought away to a mystery destination and not returning home until everyone is paralytic drunk and fair play to the Grangevale lads, this is one challenge they never fail to rise to.  Older members of the club fondly recall outings in Waterford, Killeagh and Guagán Barra in the 1960's while in recent years West Cork and Ballyhooley were visited.  Once again the onerous task of organising this years outing was given to John P. Foley.  John is a former club official, player and manager and as his role with the Examiner and Evening Echo involves the circulation of the newspapers, he is familiar with just about every back road in County Cork and never fails to come up with a new route.  A bus was ordered from Tom Murphy Coaches and a start time was scheduled for 12.30pm in The Grange Bar.  All the usual suspects arrived ahead of time but the great thing about the Grangevale outing is that an open invitation permits anybody remotely familiar with the club to come along.  As a result, nobody is ever sure exactly who will turn up on the day and there is always some face from the clubs past who will show up ready for a day of drunken debauchery.  This year Mattie O’Callaghan made a surprise appearance.  Mattie had not been seen or heard of for over a year but was first onto the bus.  Seeing him was actually a relief as it’s always useful to have somebody with a law degree when twenty lads head off for a day like this.  After loading up the bus with crates of beer courtesy of The Grange Bar, the bus driver Mr. Sam Bermingham drove down to the magic roundabout and headed west.  Wilton and Bishopstown were ignored while Ballincollig was bi-passed until eventually we stopped outside Podsie O’Mahony’s pub in Ovens.  Podsie played a key role for the Cork minor footballers in 1991 when they beat Mayo in that years all-Ireland final.  Three years later he starred in the all-Ireland under 21 final when the same opposition were again defeated.  In 1999, he was on the Cork senior football team that lost to Meath in the all-Ireland final as the dream of a second double within a decade was quenched.  After that Podsie’s inter-county career faded but as the Grangevale lads entered his pub on Saturday afternoon he seemed like a man content in his own skin, sitting behind the bar with his feet up on the counter watching the sport on t.v.  As it began to rain outside, plenty pints were consumed as the Grangevale contingent were happy to top up Podsie’s profits.

Wexford beat Tipperary in the all-Ireland hurling quarter final and delight was taken from watching Babs Keating appear shell shocked in the post match interview but surely a man with Babs’ hurling knowledge should have known that donkeys do not win derbies.  Foley called time and so it was time to drink up and move on.  Sam drove the bus to Kilmurry, but strangely the watering holes were closed and so headed for Terelton and stopped at a pub owned by Simon and Sheila Foley (no relation to the Grangevale Foleys).  Terelton is a lovely part of the world with a beautiful landscape and soon the only other customer in the pub introduced himself.  He was a guy named Edwin O’Callaghan.  Formerly, from Farranree, Edwin explained enthusiastically how he left city life a few years ago for the solitude and tranquility of Terelton.  Edwin said he loved the quiet life in a place where he can leave his front door open at night and not fear intruders.  However, after a few more pints and singing his fair share of songs (nice rendition of Moon River), Edwin looked like a guy relieved to have had some company on a Saturday afternoon.  Meanwhile Kilkenny had beaten Galway with a few points to spare in the other all-Ireland hurling quarter final.  The Cats are looking good again this year.  They will probably hammer Wexford in the semi-final to set up another possible showdown with Cork in the final.  Blood is boiling already on Leeside at the prospect.  This year it was decided to announce the winners of the Grangevale annual awards on the bus outing and it proved very successful as it broke up the evening nicely.  Thomas Foley announced that there were four awards to be administered and first up was the player of the year award.  Last years recipient and current gaffer Neil McSorley was given the job of announcing the winner and a great cheer went up when Dave Burke’s name was read out.  Indeed, Burkey had a superb debut season with the club and has the potential to become a great centre half.  The next award to be presented was the goal scorer of the year award.  Appropriately enough, legendary Grangevale goal scorer Dave Hayes announced the winner.  Denis Young found the net eleven times last season and that was enough for him to secure the award.  By all accounts Denis is also a decent hurler.  He hurls for Bishopstown and his uncle is Christy O’Mahony, former chairman of Douglas G.A.A.  The club man of the year award was presented by John Foley and Seán McCarthy was the worthy recipient.  The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the winner of the young player of the year award.  The winner was Richard Barrett who despite being only seventeen years of age plays like a veteran and represents the future of the club.  With the formalities over it was agreed to stay in Terelton for another few pints, a decision quickly arrived at when pub proprietor Sheila brought out the finger food.  As the day drew to a close it was concluded that yet again the bus outing was a success.  Dave Hayes has been on almost every bus outing since the late 1960’s and even he agreed.  Every year Dave loses a fortune in the poker game, yet he still comes back for more punishment.  Sam started up the engine and so it was back onto the bus for the return journey to Grange.  Edwin sure created an endearing image of the seclusion of the countryside during the day in Terelton but as the bus drove up past Frankfield Golf Club, veered past the church and began the ascent by Clifton Grange, the lights at The Grange Bar came into view and thoughts of Bob O’Neill’s pints surfaced as normality was restored for another year.  To view more photos of the bus outing click on www.douglassport.ie

Back in the 1980's Pat Courtney was a famous hurler with Shandon Rovers.  Pat bumped into Seán Og O hAilpín at the summer madness festival recently held by Scoil Niocláis and no doubt the Cork all-star hurler was delighted to pick up a few tips on the game from his fellow Northsider.