Club plays its part with Pearse connection
By Laura Lyne
BALLYBODEN St Enda’s recently held the launch of its 1916 centenary programme, with the first of a number of events over the coming months taking place as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge.
The event was launched with a speech from John Kirwan, the chairman of the commemorations committee that was set up to commemorate the 1916 centenary and highlight the club’s connection to the history of the Easter Rising.
Speaking at the launch, John said: “As a club, our origins and evolution have many legitimate connections and influences with that period of our history.
“Hence it is fitting that we play our part in commemorating what is recognised as the pivotal event which led to the foundation of our State.
“Our club has direct linkages with Pearse through the St Enda’s part of our name. In 1910 Pearse leased the Hermitage from a Mr Woodburn and moved his school, Scoil Eanna, called after St Enda, from Ranelagh to Rathfarnham so that his pupils could have scope for the outdoor life which he felt should play a large part in their education.
“On January 12, 1966 when a group of people set up a GAA club to cater for the youth of Rathfarnham, Butterfield, Templeogue and other local areas, they were conscious of the link between the historic house of Rathfarnham and Padraig Pearse and adopted the name Rathfarnham St Enda’s and based as its model St Enda’s College.
“Our club’s alternative colours are green and white striped jerseys, colours deliberately agreed upon to maintain a link with Rathfarnham St Enda’s which was amalgamated with Ballyboden Wanderers in 1969 to form our present club.
“There is a link with another former GAA Club, Brothers Pearse which was founded in 1917 and called after Pádraig and Willie Pearse.
“These are all very tangible links with Pádraig Pearse and the grounds of Scoil Eanna and the period being celebrated.”
The club will hold a number of ceremonial, historical, youth, cultural and an teanga beo events throughout the spring and summer months, including a performance from the Boden Theatre Group on the events of 1916.
Further information about Ballyboden St Endas 1916 centenary programme, including a full programme of events, can be found at www.bodengaa.ie
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