The headlines on Monday 20th October 2025 and beyond have all highlighted the time lapse between St. John’s hurling teams’ accomplishment the previous day and the 52 year gap since the Volunteer Cup last ended up in Corrigan Park in 1973. But when St. John’s Golden Eagles came together last Thursday evening to celebrate with the 2025 champions there were no less than 3 members of the 1969 team on hand to congratulate them. Brothers Henry and Mickey Gallagher and Gerry McCann all recognised the euphoria that winning this prestigious cup brings to a club and were delighted to get holding the cup once again after all this time. Also on hand too, was John Gough who along with Mickey Gallagher had played on that 1973 team.
The Golden Eagles began the evening reliving the Antrim County Final match with Loughgeil on the big screen, which brought such rejoicing to the club. The whoops and gasps, the laughter and encouragement made for a wonderful evening’s entertainment, particularly as they knew the outcome beforehand! The magnificent team had carried out guest appearances at every single training session from fundamentals to senior in the previous ten days and this evening had been set aside to meet the most senior members who make up the Golden Eagles.
The team arrived with the cup held aloft as the rafters were lifted to the singing of The Johnnies Anthem….Whack-fol-the-diddle. The boys were more than happy to have their photographs taken and even let everyone get a hold of the cup! They circulated the group talking to each person and they were delighted to share their experience of the day with their senior counterparts. The manager Gerard Cunningham should be so proud of his team, not only for their accomplishments on the field but in their generosity of time and in the humble and respectful way each of them treated this group of elderly citizens of the club.
When conversations eventually drew to a close with the team, another St. John’s man Donal Gallagher proudly introduced his son Rory, who would provide the entertainment to conclude the evening. What a star! Young Rory Gallagher was amazing as a singer and guitarist. His varied programme met everyone’s taste in music and his Johnny Cash numbers had the toes tapping and the fingers drumming. The climax of the evening was Rory’s rendition of Whack-fol-the-diddle, no doubt learned from his granda Mickey when he was knee high, confirming that the celebrations are well and truly in full swing in Corrigan Park.
Maria Gough
TO SEE MORE OF BERT’S PICS FROM THIS GREAT NIGHT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
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