CLUB HOUSE OPENING   click here for photos

Brilliant sunshine streamed down on Direen last Saturday as hundreds gathered to celebrate the official opening of our magnificent new clubhouse by Minister John O Donoghue. A Party atmosphere prevailed as children enjoyed the bouncing castles and had their faces painted, while the adults gathered to chat and admire the new building. Dinny Murphy introduced the speakers who included Minister John O Donoghue, the Co. Board Chairman Sean Walsh, Fr. McNamara, our past chairman Pat Moynihan and current chairman Sean O Sullivan who all spoke glowingly of the development. Pat Moynihan stressed that while much had been accomplished we still have much more to do and wont be resting on our laurels. All the work put in over the past few weeks voluntarily by so many people paid off and everything ran smoothly. A big thank you to Connie Carroll, Timmy Brosnan and Paul O Neill who did all the cooking with their usual efficiency and made sure everybody was fed and to all the ladies who ste
 pped in and looked after the catering and also provided much of the delicious baking. Thank you to all the parents and everybody who brought cakes etc. on the day - thanks to your generosity nobody was left hungry. Tommy Regan unveiled his photographic display which was a big talking point and which took  many weeks of work by himself and Marie O Sullivan - well done to you both. There are so many people behind the scenes who do so much work for the club and for whom nothing is too much trouble, I wont mention any names but you all know who you are and your work is much appreciated - without you we would not have had such a successful day. Due recognition must be accorded to the Development Committee under Pat Moynihan and the Finance Committee under Sean Murphy who got the project off the ground and provided the necessary funds. A big thanks to all who came along to support us including those from other clubs and those who had links with us in the past and still take an int
 erest in the club and its development. Memories were evoked of all our members down through the years who have gone to their eternal rest and who were not there to share the day with us - wouldn't they have been proud. Finally many thanks to our good neighbours who have always been so accommodating and tolerant over the years.

In 1984 the Club under the Chairmanship of Weeshie Fogarty, with the late Justin Kidney as secretary, the Club made a decision to find a home of our own.

This was the most forward step the Club had taken in the 55 years since it's foundation. A committee was elected, their brief was simple. They were individually and collectively instructed to buy a field. That committee was Colm Kennelly RIP. Tom Prendergast, Mike 0'Leary, Dan Moynihan. James 0'Donoghue, Johnny Culloty, John Trant RIP and Jimmy Healy.



After initial disappointment, the ground in Dereen came on the market. Owned by the Southern Health Board both sides got into discussions. Johnny Culloty represented the Club and another great Gael Donal
O'Sullivan, who was a former Chairman of Cork County Board and the Munster Council represented the S.H.B. After protracted discussions a deal was finally struck.

The fIeld of 9.8 acres was bought for the princely sum of £76,OOO punts.

Enter Larry Fagan RIP as chairman.
A huge fund-raising and field development drive was launched. Monthly draws for cars and cash, race nights, everything, which could bring in the necessary money, was done. Central to all this fundraising was the ladies committee. Their contribution to this huge effort can never be fully quantified. They were known as the 'Legion Ladies', and are affectionately known by that name to the present day.

Thank you for your efforts ladies.

In 1991 the main playing field came on stream. The old house on site was extended and refurbished to provide dressing room accommodation and a meeting room. A sum of £102,000 plus punts had been raised. The fiscal
picture being in such a healthy state is due in no small way to the expert financial skills of Treasurer of the time, Bernie 0‚ Connor. Bernie was ahead of his time in the policy he adopted of P.A.Y.G. (Pay as you go.) The
whole effort was a credit to everyone who took part in it and is proof of what a little effort and hard work can do.
Today we have two playing pitches with lights and sand based training/running track.Also the club house is now finished.

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