THE first St Colman’s College team took the field in 1923, a century after the Newry school had opened its doors.
Since that day ‘the College’ has become established as one of Ireland’s foremost GAA schools with a record 20 MacRory Cup titles and eight Hogan Cup wins.
Michael Cusack taught in the school before he went on to found the GAA in 1884 and so many legends of the Association have honed their skills on the pitches at Violet Hill over the past 100 years including All-Ireland winners, county stars and countless club stalwarts and administrators.
Now in its bicentennial year, St Colman’s is presenting a Celebration of Football to showcase its enduring connection with the GAA with a gala dinner at the Canal Court Hotel on November 18.
“Football is something that this school is famous for,” explained Kevin Franklin, chairman of the organising committee.
“It is a major part of life here, it’s always has been and always will be hopefully and it’s something we’re known the length and breadth of Ireland for. Football in this school has played a major part in shaping the lives of thousands of young people who have come through the doors here.
“Thousands of young men have worn the blue jersey and our experiences of playing football have given us values that many of us have taken into our adult lives: Honesty, hard work, determination, fair play, commitment…
“Those things were always the cornerstones of St Colman’s teams and still are.”
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Armagh legend Jimmy Smyth was part of the team that won St Colman’s first Hogan Cup in 1967. Now chairman of Ulster Schools’ GAA, the Lurgan native retains strong links with the school that transformed him from a young cricketer into a playmaking centre half-forward with the Orchard County.
“Teams at St Colman’s have always had a certain style,” said Jimmy, also part of the organising committee for the Canal Court dinner.
“Skill, teamwork and sportsmanship are to the fore in all of the preparations and that’s a major reason for the success. I speak for many clubs and families, and especially Ulster schools, when I say ‘Thank you’ to all the teachers and coaches over the past 100 years who have made such a huge difference to the lives of so many young people. I know, because I was one of them.”
Tickets for the Celebration of Football are available on Eventbrite or by contacting: kfranklin940@c2ken.net, cmurray525@c2ken.net or rmcmahon809@c2ken.net
