Connemara GAA — History, Folklore and Audio Memories on Connemara GAA

Connemara Pony Memories

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

James Mongan, Tom MacLochlainn, Padraic Heanue, Sean Luskin, Graine O'Malley, Malachy Gorhanm, and Prisilla Diamond.

Produced by John O'Malley in Association with Connemara Community Radio

This programme is now available permanently on the Radio Podcasts

What Do We Know About the Evolvement of the Connemara Pony?

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What do we know about the evolvement of the Connemara Pony? 2022

Connemara Ponies are synonymous with Connemara since the 1800s. There are many suggestions/theories how this distinct name evolved from the small Irish pony that was widespread in Ireland at that time and not exclusive to Connemara. (Just for the record, archaeologists have discovered that the small Irish Pony existed based on excavations in Loughrea Co Galway in 2018 – online.)

Wicklow GAA — Reeling in the Years

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Wicklow GAA

Reeling in the Years

In the past, the common fuel for heating homes was Turf/Peat. The Turf/Peat was extracted from the bog. The historical method of extraction involved the use of a spade with a flange to create/shape the turf sod. The turf spade was/is called a Slean in Gaelic or Slane in English.

Ellie O’Malley gives a demonstration below of this almost dead art/skill on her grandparent’s bog at Moyard, Connemara Co Galway.

A Brief Introduction to the Late Jackie Salmon

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

A Brief Introduction to the late Jackie Salmon

The Connemara GAA legend Jackie Salmon was born in Cloonluane, Renvyle in the 1930s. He was born into a passionate GAA family with his father Stevie prominent in the GAA in Connemara in the 30s and 40s. Jackie like multitudes emigrated at a young age, in his case to England first and later New York so he only played football primarily at under age before emigration.

He became very prominent in New York as a player and administrator with pride of place initially with his beloved Connemara Gaels. However as an administrator he expanded his role and progressed all the way to the highest office, culminating in his election as president of greater New York GAA, initially for six years. This occurred in 1978 when he replaced the legendary John Kerry O’Donnell. His popularity during his presidency was created by his kindness and support to especially emigrants from not alone Connemara but nationwide as well. After his six-year stint as president his popularity still remained and it was no surprise to see him being elected once more in 1990 for a further six-year period. Many people paid tributes to Jackie on his departure from this life however the true reflection of the man was the thousands that paid tribute to him when he was alive?

Ballyconneely's Canadian-Funded Pier History

Thu, 20 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

See section: Local History - Ballyconneely - bottom of the page

In the 1880s the Canadian Government made Grants available for the construction of new fisheries, Piers and Harbours in Connemara, including Doleen Pier in Ballyconneely Village.

See also history of Canadian W/Op/Air/Gnr: P/O. Ivor Ernest Smithson J/89117 RCAF Age 23, who is buried a short distance from the pier, both of which sites are inter-visible.

Bye/By-Elections in Ireland and the Constitution

Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Bye/By-Elections in Ireland may comply with legislation, however they do not comply with the Constitution.

Submitted to the Dail Petitions Committee

Available to download here: Petitions Committee for 33 Dail 2021 May

Re: Petition No: P00006/22 “Bye/By-Elections in Ireland may comply with legislation however they do not comply with the Constitution.” Dear Ms. I refer to your correspondence dated 11 February in relation to Petition No: P00006/22 “Bye/By-Elections in Ireland may comply with legislation however they do not comply with the Constitution”. In this context, it may be useful to set out the current statutory framework for the holding of bye-elections. Article 16.7 of the Constitution provides that ‘…..elections for membership of Dáil Éireann, including the filling of casual vacancies, shall be regulated in accordance with law’. The law in relation to Dáil bye-elections is set out in section 39 of the Electoral Act 1992, as amended. Similarly, Article 18.10.3 of the Constitution provides that ‘Casual vacancies in the number of the elected members of Seanad Éireann shall be filled in the manner provided by law’. The law in relation to Seanad bye-elections is set out in section 13 of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 and in Part V of the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1947 as amended by the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1954. The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future contains a commitment to examine the replacement of bye-elections with an alternate list system. In this regard, you may wish to know that the Programme for Government also commits to the establishment of a statutory, independent Electoral Commission. The establishment of the Electoral Commission is currently being progressed as part of an Electoral Reform Bill, which is included on the list of priority legislation in the Government's current legislation programme. It is expected that the Bill will be published shortly. It is envisaged that the Electoral Commission will hold research and advisory functions, and therefore it will be well placed to make recommendations to Government on electoral matters JCPP-r-874-2022

Co-operatives and the Management of Environmentally Designated Commonages

Sat, 01 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Co-operatives can play a Constructive Role in the Management of Environmentally Designated Commonages

Case Study Area – Clifden Region and a Segment of a Bog Complex

Click on Rural Research Topics

Archive Photographs From Ballyconneely, and The Covid Rabbits' Wedding

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Archive photographs from Ballyconneely news.

The Covid Rabbits' Wedding, 2020 by Aoife Cashman.

Children's Book ISPCA Mallow

Available to download here: The wedding Easter 2020

Track: 'Goodbye to Errislannan'

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Track no Music 12 'Goodbye to Errislannan'

The Ballyconneely Seaweed Factory — Audio Presentation

Wed, 15 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

An Audio Presentation of the Historical Memories of the Ballyconneely Seaweed Factory

by

John O’Malley

jonmeilla@yahoo.ie

In association with Connemara Community Radio

- See audio track '00 Ballyconneely Seaweed Factory History'

Connemara Rugby History and Memories — Audio Presentation

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

An Audio Presentation of Connemara Rugby History and Memories

by

John O’Malley

jonmeilla@yahoo.ie

In association with Connemara Community Radio

Featuring: Fr. Ned Stankard, Br. Vivian Cotter, Paddy Flynn, Matt O'Sullivan, Gerry King, Pat Walshe, Dr. Mick Molloy, Aidan O Halloran, Mairead Coyne, and Kenny Pollington.

-Click here to view Connemara Rugby History and Memories Page

- See audio tracks commencing with Rugby 01 Fr. Ned Stankard.

1930s

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

There was a registered club in Clifden town dating back to 1912. The name of the club at that time was Clifden Shamrocks. There are no records of success until 1934 when competing as a junior club, Clifden Shamrock’s defeated Caherlistrane, 5-8 to 1-4 in the League Final. Caherlistrane objected because Clifden were late fielding and they won the objection. The next attempt was the West Board Championship Final of 1935 when the western section* was won by defeating Oughterard 2- 2 to 0- 5 but the West Board Final was lost to Wolfe Tones. In 1936, Clifden were defeated in the western section* final by Oughterard.

In 1937, however, Clifden won the western section and then the West Board Final by defeating Caherlistrane 3-4 to 3-3. They defeated Ahascragh in the county semi-final but lost to Gort in the county final. (At this time Gort was an army town!) Clifden were short McDonagh, McGrath and John Hehir for the final. It is also of note that some players who helped the club win its first West Board Final were not selected for the county final! Clifden lodged an objection about the legitimacy of the Gort team and P. K. Joyce lodged the fee of £1 – it was presumed that Gort was an all-county army team. Whatever about the Gort team, it can be said that all the players representing the ‘Shamrocks’ were from West Connemara - but there would be doubts about the validity of Stevie Salmon (Caisleen) and P. McDonald!

It is also interesting, that at this time Clifden was one of the main venues for important matches, with several western section finals played there. The West Board Final proper of 1933 between Renvyle and Headford was played in Clifden in 1934. This final is well-known because the referee marked down a point for Headford instead of a goal and initially declared the game a draw. The referee was unable to later award the game to Headford as the rules did not permit a change of score, even if the original score was an error.

1940s

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The 1940s arrived with very few teams in west Galway competing in championship football. In fact only two teams were entered in the early 1940s - Maam in the north and Ml. Breathnach’s in the south. The main emphasis was on a few local tournaments with local ad hoc teams being selected. There was no team in Clifden but in 1946 the club was reformed. The new club organised a seven-a-side local tournament. No visiting teams turned out except Ml. Breathnach’s and Carna, both of whom made serious complaints because they received no refreshments and were charged for admission to the céilí in the hall that night. The new club won the West Board Championship in 1947 defeating Oughterard (who had regraded) in the semi-final and Moycullen in the final on a score of 2-4 to 2-3. The county semi-final, however, was lost to Kilgerril, 1-7 to 1-4. Amazingly, Kilgerril who drew with Caherlistrane in the county final, failed to turn up for the replay!

1950s

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The club had no team in the championship in 1948 and ’49. In 1950 a new club named Naomh Feichín was registered. In that year Naomh Feichín, amalgamated with Cleggan, won the West defeating Oughterard, beat Kinvara in the county semi-final and captured the first official county title for the region by defeating Kilgerril 3-2 to 1 point. The captain was Micko Collins. The Club played senior in 1951 and ‘52 without any success. Re-graded to junior in 1953, once again the west title and county titles were won with victories over Erin’s Hope 3-6 to 1-5 in the West, Isserkelly in the semi-final and Ahascragh in the final 1-5 to 0-2. The captain was Peadar O’Toole. The club amalgamated with Oughterard in 1954 and formed Connemara Gaels and competed unsuccessfully at senior level for a short period.

In 1957, once again as a junior club, Naomh Feichín won the West Final defeating Spiddal 3-3 to 1-3 and overcame Mountbellew in the semi final 0-7 to 1-3. The county final against Fohenagh went to two games. In the first game, the referee made the bizarre decision of calling off the game when one of the Fohenagh players ran away with the only ball that was available. This occurred at an advanced stage in the game when Naomh Feichín was leading 2-2 to 0-2. One wonders if the player’s decision to run away with the ball, knowing that the referee would abandon the game, had anything to do with a headline in the Connacht Tribune two days before the match which stated that four of the Naomh Feichin team would be emigrating to the U.S.A. after the match on the following Sunday. If that indeed was his plan, it didn’t work as Naomh Feichin won the second game 2-7 to 1-1. The captain was Peter Joyce. The amazing thing about this win was that it was achieved without some of the best players in the area being available to play junior football as they were playing senior with St. Patrick’s (Clonbur) who went on to win the senior county league defeating Tuam Stars in the final.

1960s

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Naomh Feichín returned to senior ranks for 1958/9 but went back once again to junior in 1960. In that year the West was once more conquered when St. Michael’s were defeated on a scoreline of 2-5 to 1-2 and the county final was won by defeating Kilconly 1-5 to 1-4, with Sean Bartley as captain. Naomh Feichín returned once again to senior ranks for a couple of years but without any success.

1970s

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The ‘70s had its highs and lows, reaching county finals and West A Finals at under 21, minor and junior levels. Defeating the then county senior football champions Dunmore in an exhibition match in Tuam Stadium in 1974 and defeating Dr. Croke’s in a friendly in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney in 1976 were some of the highs.

The lows were: being forced to regrade into Junior Div.3 in 1977 when over half the team of the previous year was not available; travelling 40 miles for home matches to Oughterard as Naomh Feichín had no pitch of their own; the decision of Cleggan to form their own club and for Cleggan players not to play with Naomh Feichín, a loss which was sorely felt especially in the Under 21 A Final of 1975 when the final was narrowly lost with five of the best underage players from Cleggan not available for selection; being narrowly beaten by the Salthill first team in the quarter-final of 1978 even though Salthill in effect had not qualified for the quarter-final as an objection was in place at the time and thereby Naomh Feichin possibly being deprived of gaining Senior Div.1 status and of competing with the top 16 in the county.

1980s

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The 1980s commenced with the same format of a league championship with only the top four from west and north competing in the actual knock-out stages. Competing in Division 2 in 1981 (Intermediate), Naomh Feichín defeated Renvyle in the semi-final, 1-6 to 1-5 but lost to Williamstown in the county final, 0-10 to 1-4. Intermediate semi-finals were lost to Cortoon in 1982 and Mervue in 1988.

1990s

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The County Intermediate League Final of 1992 (played in 1993) was won by Naomh Feichín defeating Caltra, 1-6 to 0-8 having already defeated St. Michael’s in the West Intermediate League, 2-4 to 1-5. In the championship of 1992, Naomh Feichín lost the county semi-final to Ballinasloe, 2-11 to 2-9. Willie McDonagh was captain that year.

To listen to Macdara Birmingham tell the story of 1992/3, click on track 19.

Naomh Feichín won the Under 21 B West final in 1995 defeating St. Michael’s in December but lost to Caltra in the county final, 1-21 to 0-7. The final was played in July, 1996.

2000s

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

In 2000, the Intermediate semi-final was contested but was lost to Corofin’s second team after a replay.

In the Intermediate Championship of 2001, Naomh Feichín defeated Caherlistrane in the semi-final, 1-10 to 0-7 but lost to Oughterard in the final, 1-13 to 0-6, with Ger Burke as captain.

Naomh Feichín were relegated to junior for 2006 but won the Junior West by defeating Salthill’s second team 0-8 to 0-7 and Athenry in the county final, 1-8 to 0-7. They defeated Eslin (Leitrim) in the Connacht semi-final, 3-19 to 0-8 but lost to Killala in the Connacht Final, 1-13 to 2-7, after extra-time, the final being played in Ballina, with Thomas King as captain.

2010s

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 was a big year for football as after many years Gaelic football was reintroduced to Clifden Community School. This event coincided with the appointment of a new principal at the school. The school senior team reached the Connacht Final but were defeated by one point. Five players were selected on to the Galway minor squad that reached the All-Ireland semi-final and two players were selected on to the City and West under 16 team. Naomh Feichín were beaten by St. James’ in the Intermediate quarter-final after winning two rounds of the championship.

Acknowledgements

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Appreciation

Gerry Larkin, Galway G.A.A. County Board. To listen, click on track 1

Tom Vaughan, Naomh Feichín G.A.A. Club, Clifden. To listen, click on track 1

Aodán Mac Suibhne (Aidan Sweeney). Le héisteacht, brúigh ar ar rian 1

Acknowledgements

The compilation of this audio has been assembled with the assistance and utilisation of the printed media and an enthusiastic response from G.A.A. people from the various regions covered. Not all of the people with a wealth of knowledge wanted to take part in the actual audio presentation, but they did give valuable assistance with research. In excess of sixty people have made oral contributions and this may be amended/increased if necessary.

A special word of thanks to Gerry Cloherty for giving me permission to use relevant extracts from his book, “Annals of the G.A.A. in Galway”. The archives of the Connacht Tribune were also of immense benefit. All the people who agreed to give their memories on audio will be named on the audio, but I would also like to thank the following: Peter Fitzpatrick and Francie Foley for their major contributions, and for their assistance with the project, Hubert DeLappe, Tom Connolly and Paul McGinley (Salthill).

Ballyconneely

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Profile/Development History

Ballyconneely/Baileconaola (Civil parish of Ballindoon)

Ballyconneely is located on the western seaboard of Ireland. It is situated in the Slyne Head peninsula, on the extreme west of Connemara. The area is bordered to the west and the north by the Atlantic Ocean- giving the area many beaches and dunes. Its border on the east incorporates the Roundstone Bog complex. Its population based on the 2006 census, was 768 people and 744 houses (Central Statistical Office). Population of the parish in circa 1837 was 4,943 (Lewis 1837).

Carna/Cashel

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

See Carna/Cashel online

Carraroe

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Carraroe GAA Club was founded in 1967 - see history of Carraroe GAA Club online

Cleggan/Claddaghduff

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Cleggan/Claddaghduff

Gaelic football was active in Cleggan from the beginning of the 1900s but was mainly based on local matches between the town-lands. Cleggan were active as a club for many years with recorded statistics dating back to the 1930s. Their main success was winning the West Final of 1947 but they were defeated by Athenry in the county semi-final on a score of 3-4 to 0-3. The captain was Páidín Walsh from Cleggan. Some players from Tully Cross played with Cleggan but that was before the parish rule was introduced. This game was marred by a brawl between the two teams and spectators on the sideline and also a mêlée between two players from the Cleggan team. Cleggan won the Mongan Cup on a number of occasions. The Tank Field was the main venue for Gaelic football matches and training in the latter years.

Players from Cleggan that represented Galway or other counties: Senior: Jack and Michael Gordan (ch. for Meath), Jack Cosgrove (ch. Minor, Under 21, Junior and Senior, first All-Star full-back), Frank King, Aidan Cosgrove (ch. Minor), Sean O’Toole (Matt) (Minor), Macdara Bermingham (Under 21), Sean O’Toole (ch. Under 21), Eamon King, Michael H. Acton and Aidan Cosgrove were on Hogan Cup winning teams with St. Jarlath’s. Patrick O’Malley was on Sigerson Cup winning team with U.C.G.

Clifden

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Catholic Church Church of Ireland

A Brief History of Clifden Town

Clifden is a relatively new town, founded in 1812 by the local landlord, John D'Arcy, and is one of the last towns to be built in Ireland (Gibbons & Gahan, 2004). When D’Arcy inherited his estates in 1804 they were thinly populated by fishermen and mountain farmers (Villiers-Tuthill, 1990). It was a ‘wild district’ of abject poverty, where travellers were ‘often compelled to put up with miserable lodgings and cheerless fare’ (Hall & Hall, 1853b: vi). D’Arcy’s vision for Clifden ‘was to create a thriving commercial centre in the resource-rich, but poverty stricken region’ (Gibbons & Gahan, 2004: 16). He encouraged merchants into the district by offering leases on plots for development (Bradbury, 1871) and canvassed Dublin Castle (The seat of British rule in Ireland at the time) and the Irish government for support in developing the town and seaport (Villiers-Tuthill, 1990). Settlers came with their trades and their merchandise, workshops and stores. These shops consistently changed hands over the years resulting in even today, few of their owners having previously come from the area (Villiers-Tuthill, 1982). In 1822, plans were drawn up for a quay at the town and various government bodies contributed financially to its construction. D’Arcy ‘hoped that the town would raise living standards throughout the area by exploiting the rich fishing, wool and marble resources in the locality’ (Gibbons & Gahan, 2004: 16).

The town’s ‘superb site; overlooking the Atlantic, with easy access to a sheltered harbour, power from the Owenglin River, relatively fertile surroundings and a position at the junction of Connemara’s lowlands and highlands augured well for its long-term prospects’ (Gibbons & Gahan, 2004: 16). During this time a number of roads were constructed through central Connemara and along the coast, linking Clifden with Galway and Westport (Villiers-Tuthill, 1990), the town seemed set for development. All that was required was ‘an enterprising spirit … calling forth and awakening the industry of the people to render it [Connemara] … the most productive – the richest part of the empire’ as ‘it contains an untouched fund of wealth’, (Davy, cited in Hall & Hall, 1853b: 163).

Clonbur

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

See Saint Patrick's GAA Club - Clonbur online

Dedication

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

When one is seeking to acknowledge commitment, it may be difficult to know where to commence. With the afore in mind an attempt will be made to express an appreciation for the work of the volunteers. This production was made possible by the ‘unsung’ whose time and toil kept the G.A.A. alive in the areas documented over the past 100 years. So now the almost impossible task will commence to identify these people. Undoubtedly there will be omissions at this initial stage. The benefit of digital production, however, is that any omissions can be readily rectified.

Disputes/Disagreements

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Disputes and or disagreements have destroyed many prominent groups over the years and there are many prime examples even to this day. The G.A.A. locally is no exception and several high profile disputes occurred over the years.

In the early 1950s, the decision for Clifden to amalgamate with Oughterard in order to compete at senior level left a lot of disgruntled local players in Clifden and several of them got transfers to Cleggan. Kingstown and Cleggan broke up because they could not agree on a name under which to compete. In 1955 several players from the Clifden area joined the senior regional team competing under the name of St. Patrick’s (Clonbur). Some suggest that this happened because of internal conflict but others suggest that those players wanted to play at senior level. A number of players from Clifden and Kingstown attempted to form a Kingstown team for the Mongan Cup competition but were disqualified. The formation of the Cleggan team in the 1970s also derived from disagreement. The development of the current G.A.A. grounds in Clifden also led to conflict. There are former prominent members of Naomh Feichín who no longer want anything to do with G.A.A. activity locally because of internal conflict from the past.

Family Memories

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Over the years several families made a contribution to the club. Some of these families have given their memories about various matches already, but here are other samples.

To listen to Martin Conroy’s memories of the Conroy Family, Clifden, click on track 44. To listen to Tommie Whelan and John Coneys, click on track 45. To listen to Gerry Salmon’s memories, click on track 46. To listen to Mark Wallace, click on track 47. To listen to Noel King (Cashel), click on track 48.

First Organised Games

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The first organised games were played in Clifden in the early 1900s. There are statistical records of a match in Clifden between two town teams in 1912 when the Clifden Wild Geese defeated Town Hall St. Joseph’s on a score of 1-2 to 0-1. Games like these were played on a regular basis at that time. The first official club was formed at the beginning of 1912 under the name of Clifden Shamrocks, (there was an attempt to register in 1910 but affiliation fees were not paid) the first secretary was Tobias Joyce and the first captain was P. K. Joyce. The team played in the county senior championship in 1912 and reached the county semi-final but were defeated by one point by Dunmore who later won the title with ease. In folklore and also well documented, is the story of the north Galway man, playing for ‘Shamrocks’, who was believed by his team-mates to have deliberately kicked the ball wide rather than inflict defeat on his home town, with some of his team-mates threatening to throw him off the train on the return journey home. In 1914, ‘Shamrocks’ were the only senior team in the west and competed in one of the senior groups in north/east Galway.

Inishbofin

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Photo from MLSSA, Newsletter, November 2010

A Socio-Economic Report of Inishbofin Island

Introduction

Inishbofin is an island with a long history of social economic development dating back for centuries. It is alleged that it got its name from the Loch Bo Finne (Lake of the White Cow) in West Quarter village and there are many legends in relation to the origins of its name. ‘Whatever the truth of the legend, it is clear that the islands have drawn fishermen, farmers, monks, soldiers and adventurers for over 6,000 years’ (Inishbofin Development Company, IDC, 2011). The first documented record of habitation on the island is in the 8th century in the work of the ‘Venerable Bede in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People’. Many famous people had association in ancient times - in the 16th century the Spaniards harassed the west coast of Ireland and one of their leaders, Alonzo Bosco, settled on Inishbofin and used it as his base from which to terrorise the inhabitants on the mainland. Grace O'Malley, the pirate queen, also used the island, establishing a fort and stationing her fleet there. However during the reign of Elizabeth 1st, the British army subdued the island and built a castle, the ruins of which overlook the entrance to the harbour. Cromwell’s army also spent time there and local folklore believes that several of the soldiers of Cromwell and Alonso Bosco settled on the island and the main land, during this period (McNeeley, A., 1995). Traditionally all aspects of life both socially and economically were based on farming and fishing. The island was once a civil parish in Mayo and all its services were provided from Mayo to the east pier side but today it is part of Galway and all its services are provided through Cleggan. Inishbofin today is a progressive island having socially and economically developed with its economy primarily based on tourism. There is currently an active community development company with many of the community leaders emanating from the various community groups from the past. ‘The Development Company was incorporated in February 1993, as a company limited by guarantee with no share capital to provide the island with a legally recognised voluntary group’ (Henry Kenny).

Population

Introduction

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

When one is attempting to contrast events from the past with the present it is difficult to understand the mindset and culture of yesteryear. So with the afore-mentioned in mind, the task will be addressed primarily on the assessment of the individuals at the time in question, notwithstanding the diverse interpretations that individuals sometimes may have of the same event.

The history of the G.A.A. in the areas which will be investigated is mainly based on qualitative research but statistical records are also available for major events, especially those events associated with Clifden Town G.A.A. Club which was one of the first clubs registered in Connemara, dating back to the early 1900s and perhaps even before, but no documented evidence in relation to this is at hand at this time. The main advantage that the club had in the early years was the train service which was used for transport to and from matches and quantitative records exist of matches in Clifden, for example versus Athenry (another train town) as far back as 1913.

Killanin

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

There was GAA activity in Killanin dating back for 100 years but this involvement was achieved by the players competing for other clubs - primarily Oughterard and later Moycullen. It was as recent as 1958 before Killanin developed their own club. Although the catchment area is relatively small the club has achieved a great deal of success on the club scene and also has made a major contribution to the Galway County football teams. The highlight was in 2001 when the club had three players on the Galway team that won the All Ireland senior football title; one of them Garry Fahy was captain. This was the first time a Connemara man had successfully captained a winning team at this level.

Kingstown

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Kingstown

Football was played in Kingstown from an early date but generally players played with Clifden town. Kingstown formed a team in 1937 and competed in the Mongan Cup for a number of years. One of their famous players was Paddy Davin who played senior and junior for Galway in the 1950s. He was on the Galway All-Ireland winning junior team of 1958 and played against Galway for Herefordshire in the Junior Final of 1965 which Galway won. While acknowledging that Paddy Davin was one of the most famous footballers to come from Kingstown, he did not achieve what Lisa Cohill did – win an All-Ireland senior medal. Lisa achieved this distinction when she played on the Galway Ladies’ team that won in 2004. Sean Ward (islands) played minor for Galway as did Pat Halloran.

To listen to Paddy Davin, click on track 32.

Leitir Móir

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Naomh Anna GAA Club is situated in South Connemara. Although the club is not yet 50 years established, many players from the area assisted other clubs prior to its creation. It has now developed its own playing facilities and a state-of-the-art centre. The club has provided many players to Galway over the years including Nicholas O’Conchubhair (O’Connor).

Nicholas started playing football on the road, ‘We had nowhere else to play at that time’ he said. He also has close family ties with the McCartans and O’Neills of Down fame. He tried his hand at a number of sports including cricket.

Mícheál Breathnach

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Memories from a Mícheál Breathnach GAA club man

Mártan Ó Ciardha casts an eye back on his footballing days in South and West Conamara in the 1960s and 70s.

Mártan Ó Ciardha, a native of Cois Fharraige, played for Mícheál Breathnach and worked as a sports journalist for Raidió na Gaeltachta for over 30 years.

Martan’s uncle Hugo Carey played for Clifden and Carna and he was a member of the Galway Team that won the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time in 1934 (Galway’s 2^nd win). That was also the first time that Galway wore the maroon and white colours. (see photo archives)

Moycullen

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Moycullen GAA Club was established in 1912, originally the main emphasis was on hurling but over the years football expanded and the club reached senior status in both hurling and football.

Although the main emphasis was on hurling, Moycullen played in the 1914 Junior football county final, this final was played in July 1916. Although the match appears to have been lost on the field (based on the archives see below?) Moycullen may have been declared champions. So for anyone in Moycullen checking the Club history the captain of the team was T. Barrett. (Even though M. Concannon was elected captain at the AGM in Jan 1914 and M. McDonagh was captain when they defeated Athenry in the 2nd round in 1914)

Na Piarsaigh

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Na Piarsaigh GAA Club has a long history in GAA activity in Connemara. Although the Club has played a prominent part in the promotion of the GAA and the Irish Language it has not achieved a great deal of success on the playing field. However it has produced an array of talented footballers that have competed regularly in GAA competitions over the years. It also has produced many volunteers in helping the club fulfill its goals. This especially came to light when the Club developed their new state of the art facilities for both the players and supporters. There were many involved in this initiative, but a special mention to Roisin Sullivan who was one of the driving forces behind its success. Roisin had planned to make a contribution to this audio history, but was unable to do so, because of her untimely death; may she rest in peace.

Newspaper Archives

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

1912-1

1912-2

1913-1

1913-2

1912-3

1913-4

1913-3

1913-5

1920-1

1923-1

1928-1

1928-2

1928-3

1932-1

1933-1

1933-2

1933-3

1933-4

1935-1

1935-2

1935-3

1937-1

1938-1

1938-2-medals-for-1937

1939

1944-1

1946-1

1947

1947-1

1948-1

1948-2

1948-3

1948-4

1949-1

1949-2

1950 (2)

1950

1952

1952 (2)

1953-1

1953-1 (2)

1953-2

1956

1957

1957 (2)

1957 (3)

1957 (4)

1957 (5)

1958

1958 (2)

1958 (3)

1959

1959 (2)

1959 (3)

1959 (4)

1959 (5)

1959 (6)

1959 (7)

1960

1960 (2)

1963

1963 (2)

1965

1965 (2)

1965 (3)

1969

1975

1975 (2)

1975 (3)

1977

1988

1988 (2)

Moycullen 1914

1914 East Galway Democrat - Saturday 25 July 1914

Original Songs from Connemara

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Composed by Jon Melia (John O’Malley)

Track no Music 01 ‘Reeling in the years’ (courting in the hay shed) by Jon Melia.

Track no Music 02 ‘Treat me like Every Other’ by Jon Melia singer Martina Gavin.

Track no Music 03 ‘The Ghost of the Playboy’ - this is based on the true story of the Playboy of the Western World which is based on a true event in Ballyconneely in the late 800s, (with William O’Malley being responsible for the death of his father) by Jon Melia singer Feichin Mitchell.

Oughterard

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Oughterard GAA Club is one of the oldest GAA clubs in Galway. It was first registered for official competition in 1908 but prior to that date there were several town land teams involved in primarily localised competition. It won its first county title (junior) in 1919 and its only senior title in 1938.

All Ireland Intermediate champions in 2019/20 championship year

It has supplied the county with an array of talent over time supplying players that won All Ireland titles at minor, under 21 and senior level including winning the interprovincial title as well. However it could be argued that their folk heroes were players that did not win All Ireland titles, namely the legendary footballer Tom Sullivan and the multi-talented – ‘the famous Pat Gibbons’.

Players That Represented Galway or Other Counties

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Senior: P. Joyce, A. Glennon and P. Connolly (1913). P. Ó Máille. Connie McGrath – Galway (only one game), Cork and Munster. Sean Conneely – Galway (only two games), Clare and Munster. Andy McGrath, Sean Mannion, Sean Joyce, Eamon Guy. Jim Smallhorn (Cavan only, 1937), Micko Collins, Francie Mannion, Sean Mannion (Junior All-Ireland winner in 1958), Frank Dyer, Coleen King, Damien Joyce (Junior only), Tom Mannion (Under 21), Ritchie Flaherty, *Brendan Mullen, Pairic Joyce – County Councillor (Minor), Tom Vaughan, Henry O’Toole, Joe Joe Gorham (Juv., U 21 for Galway, also Sligo Juniors and Seniors), Gerry Gannon*, Stephen Flaherty*, John Conneely (also Junior and Senior with Limerick), Laurence Ludden, Brian Thornton, John O Brien (Juv., Minor, U 21, Senior), Tiernan O’Halloran (Juv. and Minor), Conall Joyce, Jack Vaughan (Minor), David Black (Minor), Chris Holmes (Juv.), Ger. Gibbons (Juv.), Vinnie Heffernan (Under 16).

Recess

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Recess

Football was played in Recess at town-land level dating back to the early part of the 1900s. It is not until 1938, however, that records are available when Recess entered the Mongan Cup in their own right. The area used for training was in front of where the quarry is today. Paddy Joyce (Peter) remembers the ‘sevens’ at Recess as far back as the 1940s and he recalls the Keoghs (Oughterard) and Joyce’s (Clifden) playing in ‘sevens’ of that era. He also recalls Henry Kenny (Mayo/Connacht) cycling to teach school with his football boots strung on the bicycle. Players from the Recess area have played with several clubs over the years but have aligned themselves with Na Piarsaigh for the past twenty years.

Players that played with Galway or other counties: Mattie, Mickie and Jackie Kerrigan (Senior, Meath), Henry Kenny (Senior, Mayo and Connacht – taught in Recess), Frank Joyce (Wicklow), Paul Joyce (Minor), Dessie Joyce (Under 21), Charley O Malley (Galway Masters), John Ramus Joyce (London).

Renvyle

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Renvyle GAA

Football was/is played in Ballinakill Parish for over 100 years. Although the club has not achieved major success on the field of play it is one of the true GAA districts in Galway. In 1913 when the vast amount of current GAA clubs were unheard of – there were two clubs from the parish registered in the West Board competitions. The name of the current club is Renvyle.

See Paul Gannon Renvyle GAA online

Roll of Honour

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The roll of honour of the club will be based on the following criteria. The initial club was Clifden Shamrocks, founded in 1912 and the current club is Naomh Feichín, founded in 1950. The victory of Cleggan will also be included.

* = captain

Senior Football Championship County Titles: 0

1912, * P. Joyce (P.K. Joyce) Beaten county championship semi-finalists (after Tuam failed to field a team in quarter final). Lost to Dunmore in group final -match played in March 1913

Roundstone/Cashel

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The above painting by Evyonne King, local artist Roundstone.

Some history from Roundstone:

Roundstone has an unusual history dating back for centuries past. The original Roundstone village is suggested by some to have been situated just past Inishnee Bridge, down at the sea on the road to Cashel. The remnants of this village are still there. Others suggest that it was down by the old pier but based on memories from Martin Pat Conneely which were passed on to his family there appears to have been at least two as he believed that the original Roundstone village was under the Hill. This would appear that there was a local village under the Hill and the fishing village. Roundstone was/is a haven for fishermen especially in the past when fishing boats were not of the same standard of today. This was/is because of its deep sheltered inlet and pier. In fact this is one of the reasons the original Roundstone 'sea' village was established by Scottish fishermen, who settled down with their families and inter married locally. Herring fishing was massive in this sea region at that time (middle of the 1700s approx).

Roundstone was also important for goods delivery because of its deep pier access for boats, which brought essential cargo for the west Connemara region. This was later transferred by primarily horse and cart throughout the region including at times Clifden, because its shallow inlet/pier limited cargo boat delivery.

Rugby History

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Connemara Rugby History and Memories

Connemara Community Radio believes that it is important to capture the History of the area incorporating segments that were not particularly covered in the past, or more importantly in a format that is not widely used – audio from some of the key actors in the various disciplines. This has been achieved in collaboration with segments of the volunteers. For example, to date we have been associated with the GAA and Political families - see the website Connemara GAA & Political - History, Folklore and Audio by Colleen Curran and John O’Malley

This current research programme deals with a relatively new culture in the Connemara area = Rugby. Although Rugby officially commenced in the early 1970s, we have unearthed audio rugby memories from the 1940s.

Connemara Rugby and Connemara Rugby Club Audio Memories/History

Rugby has been played by Connemara players for a very long time. However, most of the players from the past played Rugby in the Rugby colleges. The first player from Connemara based on current research that played for Ireland was Jimmy Joyce from Oughterard in the 1940s, however this was not classified as an official full international cap as this was in the 2^nd World War era. The next player was Mick Molloy, listen to Mick’s audio. The current Connacht full back Tiernan O’Halloran was the latest to be capped for Ireland.

Connemara Rugby Club was established in 1973. This was the first official Club to be established in Connemara. However, it should be recorded that there was an attempt to establish a team in Connemara in the 1940s. This team played a number of games but was in effect ad hoc and failed to establish itself. It was mainly comprised of college players and could only field during the Xmas holiday period. Another reason was the GAA ban on foreign Games at that time, as the vast majority of its potential playing pool would be GAA players. However, it should also be remembered that there was no official GAA club in the Clifden area in the mid 1940s. This ad hoc team also incorporated players from Oughterard, primarily the Joyce family, one of whom - Jimmy - was the first Connemara man to play for Ireland at senior level in the 1940s (based on current research available). One of the most prominent Connemara men to be capped for Ireland was Mick Molloy (Dr) from Cornamona, who played between 1966 and 1976. However, Mick never played rugby in Connemara. The next Connemara player to play senior for Ireland was Tiernan O’Halloran; although not born in Connemara, he can truly be recognised as a Connemara man - his grandfather hailed from Inishbofin Island and his father was based in Clifden when Tiernan commenced playing Rugby (currently a professional with Connacht Rugby 2017). In addition, the creation of women’s rugby has brought Connemara its first success in this field when Mairead Coyne from Leenane was capped in 2016 and became the first woman from Connemara to be capped for Ireland.

Rural Residents Are Not Parasites on the Urban Economy in Ireland

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

By John O’Malley

Social Service Provision in Rural Areas: The analysis by economists of social service provision in rural areas inevitably turns into a discussion of the trade off between efficiency and equity.

Introduction

The provision of social services in rural areas is an ongoing debate with economists and urban dwellers highlighting the financial costs. The urban dwellers, because of the extra taxes imposed to deliver the services and economists because some services are not economic because of the low density of population being served. Rural dwellers argue that their management of the environment and food production is a necessity for the sustainability of the country as a whole. The social services provision in depopulated areas is the trade off and an economic balance of necessity?

Richard Wakeford, (2008), Chair of the Working Party on Territorial Development Policy in Rural Areas, OECD, stated people, food, energy, water, landscape,

Spiddal/An Spidéal

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

John McIntyre a native of Spiddal reveals some of his GAA memories from the 1950s/60s/70s.

John was involved in football activity in various clubs and counties including his own native Spiddal in Galway. Over the years his work took him to Cork/Kerry and overseas in Great Britain where he always got involved with the local GAA action.

He also gives an insight into the early days of Spiddal as a new GAA Club which was formed in the 1960s. The winning of their first West Board title in 1968 and a first county title in 1974 is also addressed.

The Early Years

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Gaelic football was played in west Connemara back in the 1800s, but there were no clubs as we know them today. At that time it was town-land or road versus the next town-land or road. A ‘challenge’ was issued to another region, sometimes in the press of the day and it was usually responded to. Many stories remain of such events, for example, the men from Goulane responding to the Clifden Town ‘challenge’ by going into Curvohill and hammering the ‘townies’ (or as at that time referred to by the country lads as the ‘corner-boys’) after a hard day’s work on the farm or bog. Similar stories exist about the men from Inishbofin rowing into Cleggan to face the locals. It also must be remembered that Cleggan football team produced Feichin Mulkerrins, the only man in Ireland that kicked a point and a goal with the one kick of the ball. Several ‘challenges’ were answered in Roundstone as well when Cashel, Recess and Carna (by currach) came to Gurteen to ‘challenge’ the Scottish descendants.

The Negative Perspective on Rurality From Prose/Poetry of John McGahern and Patrick Kavanagh Is Selective, Personalised, and Should Be Analysed Accordingly

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A critical analysis by John O'Malley.

Introduction

When one poses the question and reflects on contributions by individuals or groups which enlighten rural dwellers, there are many cultural norms that must be embraced. Is it the fiction from rural past which in reality may be the release of the facts in that format, or the repressive release of ‘unacceptable impulses or memories which were kept hidden from awareness’ (Freud's theory)?

A critical look will be taken at the values in rurality that were enshrined at the time of the contributions of Patrick Kavanagh and the majority of John McGahern’s work. The question will be addressed based on an expansive evaluation of their contribution and reasons will be advanced why their work portrays a select negativity and educates accordingly.

What Type of Transport Was Used?

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The main difficulty most clubs had was transport to and from games, as there were very few buses available. Another major difficulty was funds to pay for bus-hire. A significant number of players would use ponies/horses and traps or sidecars in the earlier years but bicycles in later years became the norm. There are examples of teams using bicycles to travel to a county final. For example, when Ml. Breathnach’s won their first county final in 1945 they travelled on bicycles to Turloughmore. As an aside, it is interesting to note that ‘Breathnach’s’ had three players from the Clifden area on their team that day. The bicycle, as a type of transport was efficient for local games in west Connemara but when travelling longer distances, for example, from Clifden to Oughterard or Galway, the main type of transport used was the train - for those that could afford the luxury. The Clifden train was possibly the main reason why local football teams could participate in county championship games. The closing of the Clifden railway line in the early 1930s gave rise to other forms of transport being used. The open truck which was used all week for carriage/farming purposes, became the ‘team bus’ on Sunday. The government ban on the use of the open truck in 1935/36 was a devastating blow for rural G.A.A. teams. The ‘winkle’ van was one of many vehicles used for transport in Ballyconneely as late as the 1960s, this at a time when cars were still very scarce. It was not unusual to see up to 20 people cramming into a vehicle for a match on a Sunday.

Where Were the Games Played?

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Games were played in Clifden in the early years where Clifden Glen is today and also at the Railway pitch (Currachmore). The fields were privately owned and were available at the discretion of the owners. Games were played up until the early 1970s where Clifden Glen is today but from then on the club had no playing field suitable for senior matches.

The Ball Alley was developed as a training field in the mid 70s but efforts to expand it to a full-sized field failed. During the 70s and early 80s the senior club used Oughterard pitch generally for home matches. Some league matches were played at Aillebrack beach beside Connemara Golf Club. The search was continually ongoing for a potential full-sized pitch and eventually it was narrowed down to two possible sites, one at Ballyconneely and one at Clifden. The then secretary Tom Feneran sourced the current pitch which at that time was part of the convent grounds. Some legal problems arose but eventually ‘the deal was done’ for the club by the late Tom Mannion (Marty) assisted by Martin Conroy. The acquisition and development of the field was spearheaded by Francie Foley, Sean Vaughan and Tom Connolly. The important role played by the local nuns in ensuring that Naomh Feichín got their own home ground, must also be recognized. The main field was made playable in the late 1980s. The development was organised and funded by a Field Development Committee. Ongoing developments were carried out over the years, the latest being the provision of a training ground in 2009 with some external lighting which was financially supported by Grant Aid from the State and Galway G.A.A. County Board and Clifden Chamber of Commerce provided the lighting.