Seán McGettigan

Seán’s proper name is John, but he’s been called Seán in GAA circles all his life. He was born in Armagh and played county football for Armagh at an early stage. He and his family then moved to Belfast where he joined O’Donovan Rossa football club and began to play inter-county with Antrim. Seán was the person who suggested the reconstruction of Corrigan Park and he was involved in the Corrigan Park Reconstruction Committee from its establishment. It was the work of this committee which led to the purchase and construction of Casement Park. Seán organised the first dinner O’Donovan Rossa club had and was heavily involved in the organisation of events from then on. He helped organise Indoor and Outdoor Weeks to raise funds and he thought up the idea of the Jockey Pools. He was instrumental in bringing Fr O’Flanagan from Boystown to Belfast. Seán was involved in Scόr from its establishment in Antrim in 1970 up until a few years ago. He still sends match results to local papers. In addition to outlining the above events, Seán’s provides detailed descriptions of Croke Park from the 1930s, travelling to matches, local grounds and facilities, the opening ceremony for Casement Park, the GAA during World War Two and during the Troubles.