GAA Puc Fáda – St. Stephen’s Day

On a day where many of the long puck competitions organised had to be cancelled we were lucky enough to be able to go ahead with ours on the usual course from Ballymore into St. Colman’s cemetery. Thankfully no one took any serious knocks on the way around although the early contestants had to contend with very icy conditions on certain parts of the course. Participants were amazed to see Jimmy Crowley performing in the club when they arrived back for the sandwiches provided by the club. After Jimmy completed his set Karl Long took over and entertained the crowd into the evening.

Given the weather conditions, the 67 teams who participated was a great number. This year the money raised on the day went to the Gaa Floodlighting project and the Friends of Jerry Hanley Fund. The winners of the Puc Fada competition itself were Tim Crowley and Shane Coffey, beating the teams of Rory O’Connell, Seánie Frahill & Pa Kelly and John Kidney & Paul Donnachie in an exciting play-off. Ken Lynch with his sons, Stewart and Adam took the family prize, Niamh Meaney, Kate Ronan and Lauren Farrell took the camogie prize while the team of Jamie Moynihan, Paul Buckley and Ian Aherne came out on top in the juvenile section. Brian McElhone, grandson of Seamus Ó Ríordáin, one of Cobh’s great Gaels, was on hand to present the trophies on behalf of the Riordan family. The Puc Fada has now been running since 1991 and once again Patsy Ronan organised a day of fun on the roads of Cobh, while John O’Keeffe ensured a great afternoons’ entertainment back at the clubhouse. Thanks again to all who took part and we look forward to continuing this great tradition again next Christmas.

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