Lord Mayor of Cork Hosts Civic Reception Honouring St. Finbarr's GAA Milestones and Championship Teams
30/01/2026
A large crowd gathered at Cork City Hall this evening (Thursday, November 29) for a special Civic Reception honouring five remarkable milestones in the long and remarkable history of one of Ireland’s greatest GAA clubs.
The red carpet was rolled out for the famous St Finbarr’s GAA Club, widely recognised as the oldest GAA club in the country, and which is marking its 150th anniversary this year.
Guests were welcomed to City Hall by the uplifting music of the Cork Barrack Street Band, as the city honoured the following milestones in the club’s proud and storied history:
- The 1976 Senior Football Team – marking the 50th anniversary of their Cork Senior Football Championship victory
- The 2006 Senior Camogie Team – celebrating 20 years since they secured St Finbarr’s first-ever Cork Senior Camogie Championship;
- The 2025 Senior Football Team – winners of the 2025 Cork Senior Football Championship;
- The 2025 Senior Camogie Team – winners of both the 2025 Cork Senior Camogie Championship and the 2025 Munster Senior Camogie Championship;
- The 150th Anniversary of St Finbarr’s GAA Club – officially recognised as the oldest GAA club in the country.
The reception, held in the Atrium of City Hall, was MC’d by former Cork player and broadcaster Donal O’Grady and attended by distinguished guests, including St Finbarr’s Club President Donal Murray, former and current players, club officials, and members of the wider GAA community.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, who grew up in the Togher parish, is a proud lifelong Barr's supporter.
He paid tribute to the players, volunteers, and supporters who continue to shape the club’s success. He highlighted the club’s unparalleled contribution to sport in Ireland, noting that its 150‑year history reflects a tradition of dedication, volunteerism, and community spirit.
“As someone who grew up in the parish and is a lifelong and very proud Barr’s supporter, it is a tremendous honour to host this Civic Reception,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Tonight, we celebrate not only these remarkable teams and their historic victories, but we also celebrate the club - the heartbeat of its community.
“St Finbarr’s GAA Club is woven into the identity of thousands of families, including my own, and its legacy of resilience, excellence, and pride continues to inspire Cork and the entire GAA world.”
The evening featured presentations to each of the four teams and a special tribute marking the 150‑year journey of “The Barrs,” from its earliest days through to its modern successes across football, camogie, and hurling.
The Lord Mayor also commended the club’s tireless volunteers, coaches, parents, and supporters whose commitment continues to sustain the next generation of players.