About Rochestown GAA – Rochestown GAA

HOW IT STARTED

Formed in 1923

Rochestown Club played in South East Division for many years until permission was obtained ten years ago to play in the city division.

Crusaders

The club was initially called Crusaders. It is from part of the parish of Passage, who joined the division much earlier.

The Field of Dreams

The club, which is from a small area, has the use of Rochestown College field, which has dressing rooms erected in 1976.

Efforts to organise Bord na nOg teams has not been successful but it is an ambition of the club to have some. it is realized that a nursery is vital to the continuation of the club. While in the South East, the club won the Divisional Junior Hurling League in 1932 and were beaten in the championship final. The “B” grade junior hurling championship of the city was won in 1970 and a year later the “A” grade league little was captured. the mighty St. Finbarrs being beaten in the final. Rochestown reached the “A” grade Championship final in 1974 but had to give way to a title hungry Delaneys

This is an extraordinary achievement for a small club. The presence of Weeshie Murphy, who seems to shine at all sports, meant a lot to the club, as his brilliant hurling ability and accurate shooting kept them in the forefront. He had a couple of great seasons with Seandun, and won an Oireachtas senior hurling medal with Cork. Through he does not now hurl with Rochestown, he still plays football, as does Ali-Ireland hurler, the fair-haired John Horgan. John is from the locality and hurled with Passage before going to Blackrocks Of recent years the football team has done well, winning the “C” section of the junior league and going to the “B” section final last year. They also lost the “B” grade championship final last season, but won the Seandun Cup.

Rochestown GAA – (Reprint fom 1978 SEANDUN, A history of the Cork City division GAA from 1929)

Testimonials

Famous Players

Justin McCarthy, the Cork All-Ireland hurler has a spell as a minor and junior with Rochestown. Jim (“Fox”) Foley of the Geraidines and Irish soccer international goalie had a short spell with the club fifty years ago. Jack Fitzgerald Shields, the 1977 Chairman, held the position for fifteen years, while delegate to the division. He became a member of the General Purposes Committee.

Justin McCarthy

Justin McCarthy is a legendary Cork hurler known for his stylish midfield play and significant contributions as both a player and coach. He won an All-Ireland title in 1966 and later coached Cork to victory in the centenary year of 1984