Launch of 'Go on the Butters'  

PLAYERS, OFFICIALS and supporters of the Sarsfields past and present were out in force in their new Páirc Charman home on Saturday night last as a big crowd gathered to celebrate the official launch of their history book by one of the club’s favourite sons, Billy Walsh.

There was a great response as ‘Go On The Butters’ was unveiled, with the 584-page publication outlining the fortunes of the Wexford town outfit since their initial formation in 1907 in considerable detail. Club stalwart Billy Dodd was master of ceremonies for the informal gathering which brought together Sarsfields players from different generations in a very happy atmosphere.

The evening had started with an exhibition game played by the Under-12 squad, and young and old alike mixed freely later on as everyone got their heads down and perused the contents of the book. The first speaker was the Mayor, Cllr. Phil Roche, who had a personal interest in the publication as her husband, Kieran, was a member of the first-ever Juvenile championship-winning Sarsfields team in 1953 but unfortunately was unable to attend due to illness.

The launch was then performed by the club’s Olympic boxing hero, Billy Walsh, who had travelled home without hesitation from a training camp in Donegal when he was asked to do the honours by the author, Alan Aherne. Billy regaled the audience with a series of funny recollections, and he was speaking from the heart as he has been a loyal member of the club since the age of eight.

Alan Aherne then spoke and extended thanks to all those who had worked so hard to bring the project to fruition. Pointing out that the first club history committee was formed as long ago as 1983, he remembered in particular four men who had done a lot of early research and since gone to their eternal rewards - Pat White, Jim Crowley, Seán Siggins and Liam Lahiff.

He thanked the local photographers, the book’s generous patrons, Jim Tyrrell from printers C&R, and Gráinne Doran and Celestine Rafferty of the Wexford library service for their tremendous assistance. A special word was reserved for former star goalkeeper and club Chairman, Jas Kirwan, who had always been on hand to offer advice, check facts and read proofs in the course of a lengthy project.

Then came the most poignant moment of the night when the author declared that he was dedicating the book to a very special man. ‘Above everything else, I wish he was here tonight, but we had to let him go last month and we all miss him so much,’ he said. ‘That man is Jim Crowley.  I got to know Jim when I was nine years of age and I started playing on the same Under-12 team as his son, Kevin.  I went on to work with him on the club committee for the best part of 20 years and, to me, Jim typified everything that is great about this club. The service he gave as a player, mentor, administrator and general worker was immense, and I could write another 584 pages and still wouldn’t do the man justice,’ he added. ‘I hope that when people pick up this book in the years to come, they will remember Jim and all he did to keep this club to the fore, because I know I will.’

Alan then called on Jim’s widow, Liz, to receive a formal presentation of the book from the club, and she returned thanks on behalf of her family and said it was an honour for Jim to be remembered in this way. After that it was a case of ‘heads down’ as everyone flicked through the pages and the memories came flooding back. Later in the night, Tony Furlong of the Wexford District committee was on hand to present the 2009 clubperson of the year award to a most deserving recipient, Billy Dodd, as the function had taken place on the night of Jim Crowley’s death so Sarsfields weren’t represented.

‘Go On The Butters’ refers to the club’s nickname which originated in the late 1920s when Jem Walsh, a character in their Carrigeen Street catchment area, commented after hearing the outcome of a match: ‘they are like butterflies, they need the sun shining on their wings before they can win’. The sun was certainly shining on the Sarsfields on Saturday night and, as the author commented, it was made all the more special by the fact that the function took place in their new clubhouse.

Personal deliveries of ‘Go On The Butters’ may be arranged by contacting Alan Aherne on 087-9217766. It is also on sale for €20 in Wexford’s Book Centre and Doyle’s Service Station on ’98 Street, with further outlets to be confirmeed in the club notes over the coming weeks.

Last Updated by
Kevin Carty