Leevale AC Celebrate 50 Year History with Book Launch
Leevale AC Launch "Leevale Home of Champions" Book Marking Club's 50 Years
Leevale High Performance Centre
Farranlea Road, Cork
6pm Wednesday March 30th
Speakers - Alicia St Leger, Declan Hurley, Finbarr O'Brien & Derval O'Rourke
On Wednesday last, Leevale AC launched their 200 page book, "Leevale Home of Champions" Book, marking Club's history over the past 50 Years, before a large gathering of dignitaries, guests and club members, past and present.
In her address, Alicia St. Leger, author of the history outlined the help she had received from very many people, and praised the wealth of resources, including scrap-books, diaries and photographs that had been provided. She also referred to the wonderful material source/record of the club's website, which has been online since 1994. While Alicia did not outline or detail any content or incident in the book - you can read all that in the book - she did allude, to much amusement and chuckles, to anecdotes and incidents that could not be included in the book. [Maybe someone else might consider a Ross O'Kelly type book on these!]
Cork Athletics Webmaster Comment: As an amateur historian, I think it is wonderful that Leevale AC has followed in the steps of Bandon AC, in publishing their club history. These, along with such publications as Liam Fleming's several books detailing various aspects of Cork, and Irish, athletic history will, undoubtably prove invaluable resources for years to come.
It is noteworthy that author Alicia St. Leger referred to the wonderful well of information available in the Leevale AC website. In contrast, several clubs have allowed their club websites to either vanish, through failure to renew their respective domains, or in some cases, inexplicably, simply deleting their content!?
We are our history
Alicia St Leger, Author of book: "Leevale Home of Champions"
Some of the attendance with County Mayor, Declan Hurley and Finbarr O'Brien
Leevale AC Club President Finbarr O'Brien, speaking at the function
Leevale AC Club Chairman, Donal O'Brien, speaking at the function
Olympian and Leevale AC member Derval O'Rourke, speaking at the function
County Mayor Declan Hurley, speaking at the function
Club Secretary and Function MC, Caroline Philpott, keeping a keen eye on the proceedins
Annette Quaid with Donie Walsh
Annette Quaid F40 800m European Masters Championship Bronze Medalist
Videos from the Book Launch
Leevale President - Finbarr O'Brien
Club President, Finbarr O'Brien, speaking at Book Launch of Leevale AC's 50 Year History "Leevale - Home of Champions" from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.
Olympian Derval O'Rourke
Derval O'Rourke speaking at Book Launch of Leevale AC's 50 Year History "Leevale - Home of Champions" from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.
Leevale Chairman - Donal Murnane
Donal Murnane, Chairman, Leevale AC, speaking at Book Launch of Leevale AC's 50 Year History "Leevale - Home of Champions" from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.
Author - Alicia St Leger
Alicia St Leger, speaking at Book Launch of Leevale AC's 50 Year History "Leevale - Home of Champions" from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.
County Mayor Declan Hurley
Declan Hurley, Cork County Mayor, speaking at Book Launch of Leevale AC's 50 Year History "Leevale - Home of Champions" from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.
From the Leevale AC website: "The book is a celebration of the achievements of Leevale Athletic Club since its foundation in Cork in 1967. It describes how the club was formed at a critical time in Irish athletics with the creation of Bord Lúthchleas na hÉireann and the opening up of international competition to Irish athletes. It shows how Leevale had its roots in two existing clubs: Hilltown Athletic and Cycling Club, and Fr. Mathew Athletic Club. Both of these were closely associated with the dynamic Fr. Nessan Shaw, and he, and other key figures, ensured that the new Leevale club had a very strong start.
The publication traces the development of the club over the five decades since its foundation. It does not attempt to record every detail of club life, but rather to provide an overview of the main events, personalities and achievements over the years. It records successes at national and international level, and the high level of achievement by club athletes, coaches and officials. The book also pays tribute to the generations of volunteers who together ensured that the club environment was one that supported athletes in performing to their best ability, while enjoying their sport. Articles by Leevale Olympians, members and friends provide insights into particular aspects of club life, and reveal some fascinating stories and memories.
Leevale Athletic Club has evolved over the past 50 years, through times of huge change in both the athletic and wider worlds. Although very much a Cork city club, Leevale is unusual in that it has moved location several times, and is not identified with a particular place. It has, however, inspired a fierce loyalty and dedication that has ensured that the club has more than accomplished the aims of its founders, to compete fully at national and international level. It is hoped that this book, through both words and images, helps to capture some of the character, energy and personalities in the ever-changing life of this dynamic athletic club."
Donal Murnane, Chairman of Leevale AC, writes: "Leevale are proud to present our special 50th Anniversary, limited edition book for pre-sale.This special publication has a limited run of 650 copies. Written by acclaimed author and historian Dr. Alicia St. Leger, this is a must buy for all folllowers of athletics and Leevale.
Beautifully designed by Fran Walsh, this book is over 200 pages and is lavishly illustrated. It contains memories from Leevale Olympians, club members and friends.
The book launch will take place on Wednesday 28 March, and will be available for collection at the Leevale Shop, in the High-Performance Centre, from that date."
The book can be pre-ordered on the Leevale AC website
