Ballyhea GAA : Cork : Ireland : History

Great Gael of Ballyhea (by Noel Hanley)
Our Parish it is broken, has seldom felt this way,
Another Gael within our ranks continues on his way
And now that he has left us It'll never be the same,
We've lost our father figure, Jack O'Sullivan was his name.

We love to hurl in Ballyhea, we play some football too,
The many highs throughout the years had much to do with you,
You were always very proud of us and we were proud of you,
And now that we have lost you, whatever will we do?

We'll realise our ambition which has always been our aim,
As champions of Cork hurling we're sure one day to reign,
We know it's what you wanted, to see that happy day,
And when we do we'll think of our Great Gael of Ballyhea.

With all the Gaels of this proud club, we formally place your name,
And even though you've left us, we'll be happy once again,
Because we know that you're at home in God's great hall of fame.
So goodbye dearest Jack O', one of the Greats of Ballyhea.

Our Sunday nights up at 'The Bridge' will now be very hard,
For he made us pick our numbers, every patron marked his card,
His trusty pipe, his happy laugh, his faithful loyalty,
Whenever we will gather, we'll uphold his memory.

Farewell Jack O'Sullivan widespread was your fame,
As Chairman of the Juveniles and champion of the game
A gentleman and a sportsman in our hearts you will remain
And Ballyhea without you will never be the same.

In memory of the late Jack O'Sullivan RIP.