The club originated in 1885 at Park Farm, the current residence of Matt Aherne, and it was Matt’s great grandfather, Ned Cadogan, who occupied the same house in 1885.

Ned was a farmer and a keen gael and the founders were anxious to enroll Ned into the new club and the possibility of acquiring a suitable field for the commencement of gaelic games, would have been on the founders agenda. They were not dissappointed when they finally met Ned and in fact the club appointed him as the first ever chairman.

A fine flat and fertile field in the parish of Rathanker was leased to the club and the colours adopted were green and white, with a star emblazoned on the crest. As the years progressed and times changed, the club sought more conveniently located grounds in closer proximity to the town, until in 1952 the club became a forerunner for many more clubs by acquiring their own grounds at Manning Park.

The pitch commemorates Jack Manning, a noted athlete who also trained the Passage team of 1924 to win the Cork intermediate hurling championship title. The famed venue hosted many senior championship games over the decades and its location looking down on Cork harbour from a lofty perch above the town, makes a spectacular and scenic setting.

In recent years the club acquired additional land and the completion of a club pavilion in 2006, with bar and social facilities, all located at Manning Park, make the venue a prosperous location for the development and promotion of gaelic games for current and future generations.

A further major expansion was the acquisition of land adjacent to the pavilion for the purpose of constructing a third playing pitch. The surface of the new pitch renders another major stride by the club and will enable all year round use. A playing population of almost three hundred, comprising all units of the club, places great demands on the playing fields and the club is always facing up to new challenges for ongoing developments.

Since foundation in 1885, the Passage club has captured six county titles in hurling and football and these are documented on our website. A collection of outstanding Passage players have worn the Cork jersey with distinction and you can reflect on the contributions of these players in another chapter. Off the field the club have enjoyed a galaxy of great club officers who are legends in their own club. In playing hurling and football over the decades, the club have inter changed from junior to senior ranks and in 2011 the top grade of participation is junior hurling and football. Camogie and ladies football are also viable units of the club building for the future.

The future of the historic club rests capably with the current holders of the club officerships and the many players striving for ultimate honours in all competitions.