Laune Rangers – 1928

 

Having been without a playing/practice field for a number of years, the Killorglin GAA Club had almost become defunct, but it was reorganised with vigour in 1928.

 

After a lapse of three years, during which only the district winners contested the Co. Senior Football Championship, Laune Rangers returned.

 

Killorglin entered the Co. Senior Hurling Championship for the first time.

 

Tom Curran became the second Killorglin player to win an All-Ireland Junior Football Championship medal.

 

The threat that rugby posed to the success of the local GAA team loomed menacingly on the horizon.

 

* * * * * * * * * * *

 

The AGM of the club was held in the Courthouse, Killorglin on Fri. 2^nd March. The following officers were elected:

President – Rev. J. McGrath, C.C,

Chairman – John P. O Riordan,

Secretary – Liam McSweeney,

Treasurer – Mick Fitzpatrick,

Delegates to East-Kerry Convention – Paddy Foley, Liam McSweeney and Tadhg O Reilly.

Committee – James O Regan M.C.C., Jack O Dwyer, Paddy Foley and Tadhg O Reilly.

There was a very interesting discussion on the best means to further the interests of the club and the games – many suggestions being put forward and great enthusiasm shown. That was especially noticeable in the younger members of the club, who were very keen in organising a hurling as well as a football team. The field (Foley’s Field, Castleconway) recently taken over by the Intermediate School Committee had been placed at the disposal of the club for practice and that was certainly a very big advantage. Consideration of arrangements with the lessees of the field had been held over, as were the arrangements for any local matches. One very interesting question decided without very much discussion was that ladies were eligible for membership of the club and the assistance and co-operation of all the interested members of the ‘fair sex’ was cordially invited.

The business over, Rev. J. McGrath congratulated those present of the selections they had made and on the air of thoroughness, which seemed to characterise the meeting. He hoped that there would be a start made with a hurling team in the district, as that was a game, which had, in recent years, given place almost entirely to football. He thought the two games should go together. In all their games, whether at home or outside, he hoped they would hold as their slogan, ‘Play the Game’, and act as men and sports in all their contests, take defeat as well as victory when it came their way. If not, he thought, it would be much better and more manly not to play football, hurling or any other game, for it showed only want of sporting spirit and cowardice. Notwithstanding the little set-back Gaelic affairs had recently got in the district, he hoped things would go ahead, as they seemed in real earnest at furthering the games of the Gael.

 

Co. Senior Football Championship

As decided by Co. Convention, eleven teams took part in the Co. Senior Football Championship, Killarney, Laune Rangers, Currow, Strand Street, Rock Street, Boherbue, South-Kerry, Newtownsandes, Listowel, Craughdarrig and Dingle. Rangers had absorbed the best from Fossa, Firies, Milltown and Castlemaine, as well as Killorglin.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 6^th May at Killarney: Killarney 3-4; Laune Rangers 0-2.

The match was played before a good crowd in fine but oppressive weather. The football was evenly contested in the first half, with Killarney showing more training and experience. In the second half, Crokes took control of the game and won easily. Killorglin disappointed its numerous supporters, as better things had been expected from the newly reorganised Rangers, which had absorbed the best material from Fossa.

Ref: Jack McCarthy (Tralee)

At a subsequent Co. Board meeting, Jack McCarthy, Secretary, reported that he had refereed the above game and that the Killorglin team was 45 minutes late in coming onto the field. John Joe Sheehy said that something should be done to enforce unpunctuality, as it was really disgraceful. Paddy Foley (PF) proposed that Killorglin, as a warning to other teams, be asked for an explanation as to why they had been late in lining out. JJ Sheehy seconded the resolution, which was passed unanimously. The Secretary said that he had warned Killorglin that even though they might have won the game on the score, they could have been disqualified, subsequently, for being late.

 

Co. Senior Hurling Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 20^th May at Killorglin (Thomas Mangan’s Field, Langford St.): Killorglin 2-0; Kilflynn 4-4.

That was Killorglin’s first venture into the Co. Senior Hurling Championship. Good preparation had been made and it was expected that all the available local talent, backed up by a number of players from famous hurling counties, would give the North Kerry side a good game.

Killorglin settled down to work without delay, putting their opponents ill at ease with their wing-play. Their fielding lacked much, but they possessed speed and there was great excitement when the green flag was raised for the home side after fifteen minutes play. Attacks by Kilflynn were held back whilst Killorglin hit the crossbar, the ball rebounding into play. A further goal after another five minutes caused more excitement amongst the Puck players. That brought the visitors to raise the green flag. Killorglin seemed unable to score through hard luck on a few occasions, whilst their opponents added a few further scores. There was some good play, the ball travelling quickly to either end and sometimes beyond it. The visitors led by 2-2 to 2-0 at halftime.

With the resumption of play, Kilflynn got going in real earnest and, though fighting gamely, Killorglin were up against a far better team. Again the bar was struck by the home team, who missed a few scores by inches later. But Kilflynn were not out to miss. A goal was sent in after about ten minutes and there a grand effort to retaliate but unavailing. A few further scores found the visitors leading comfortably with Killorglin, however, fighting gamely to the end. Best for Kilflynn were Twomey and Stephen Fuller, the lone survivor of the Ballyseedy massacre. Killorglin’s best were Condon Clifford, Ted Mangan, Patrick O Mahony, Paddy ‘PT’ O Sullivan, Brud Kelliher, Mossy Power, Dan Guerin and Sergeant Skehan (Beaufort).

Ref: John Joe Sheehy (Boherbue).

In the preceding game, Boherbue defeated Killarney by 3-10 to 3-3, also in the Co. SH Championship. That game was refereed by Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan.

‘Pars from Puck’ by Laune Ranger reported on the game as follows: “Congratulations to our hurling team on their exhibition on Sunday last against Kilflynn. Their most ardent supporters were really surprised at their display. Pitted against a team from such a hurling district, it was generally expected that Killorglin, on their first public appearance as wielders of the camán, would be completely outclassed – in fact, that their defeat would be after the manner of a rout – but local opinion has now completely changed, and we begin to have some confidence in our young hurlers. We look upon them as being in the picture, in the future, at any rate. The scoring against them, all things considered, was small and it surely is a tribute to them that they scored their two goals ere their opponents yet settled down. And they were most unfortunate at not having added to their score on, at least, four other occasions. They did much wing play and seemed to succeed to a great extent in this. They, as might be expected, have much to learn in fielding and combination, but it was their first match and we trust they will benefit by Sunday’s experience. Of their opponents, it must be said that they played a good, clean, manly game and deserved their win and the defeat of our lads, at their hands, left no pang, no bitterness but feelings of admiration and friendliness.”

East-Kerry Senior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 3^rd June at Firies: Kilcummin 2-4; Killorglin 1-1.

Killorglin played with the aid of the breeze and the sun in the first half and had registered 1-1 to 1-0 at halftime. In the second moiety, however, Kilcummin, with the sun in their favour, soon levelled and then dominated the play, scoring a goal and three further points to win easily. It was a hard struggle, in which the mettle of the Laune boys was tested to the limit. The field in which the game was played was not in good condition, with the grass in some places well beyond the ankles of the players. There was a fairly good following from Killorglin at the game. However, the performance of the losers was well below that in the game versus Killarney. Ref: John Moriarty N.T. (Fossa).

 

East-Kerry Junior Football Championship

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 28^th Oct. at Killorglin: Killorglin V Beaufort.

That game was postponed on a resolution of the Co. Board postponing all fixtures in the county owing to the death of Maurice McGrath, postmaster in Listowel and son of the Secretary of the Munster Council, Pat McGrath. Many were disappointed as the match had been looked forward to and a very keen interest had been aroused. The Beaufort selection would not hear of defeat, while the local fifteen held the same opinion of their own prowess.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 11^th Nov. at Milltown: Killorglin V Beaufort.

Killorglin, having travelled, were disappointed as Beaufort failed to put in an appearance. A walk-over was awarded but the Killorglin representatives refused to accept it, as they had come for a game and felt sorry that it had not been possible.

 

Rd. 1 on Sun. 25^th Nov. at Killorglin: Killorglin 0-1; Beaufort 2-0.

The field was not in good condition due the recent heavy rain and the attendance was small. That was doubtlessly due to the fact that the game had been, on two occasions, fixed and had not come off and the interest aroused on the occasion of the original fixture had worn off. The winning team was much stronger than the local junior string and it was an occasion when strength told. The local selection had a few school boys, but then were others who should have done better for the ages. In fact, the few youths, although light, did remarkably well. For the first half, matters were about even on the play and the score, 1-0 to 0-1, as one score each, was an indication.

Killorglin lost a few good openings on the resumption and the Beaufort goalie was tested more than once, but was reliable. The scoring of the second major set the visiting team going with renewed energy and, despite all efforts, the home team could not succeed in adding to their original score of 0-1.

Ref: Tadhg O Reilly N.T. (Killorglin).

 

East-Kerry Senior Hurling Championship

Rd. 1 on Sun. 10^th June at Milltown: Killarney defeated Killorglin.

Both teams were in their infant stages in hurling history. Favoured by the sun and wind, Killorglin struggled for supremacy in the first half but a mediocre front-line missed many chances and, in failing to penetrate a stubborn defence, threw away the game. There had been no score at halftime.

On the turn-over, Killarney were quick to avail of every opportunity and secured a comfortable lead that proved too much for the Rangers, though the latter made plucky efforts towards the finish to overhaul their opponents. The hurling was certainly of a senior standard, despite an uneven and grass-ridden surface, which militated to a marked extent against speedy and accurate manipulation of the leather.

Best for Killorglin were Willie Reidy and his brother, Matthew.

Ref: Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan.

 

Rd. 2 on Sun. 11^th Nov. at Kenmare: Kenmare defeated Killorglin.

As was expected, the more experienced Kenmare team won. However, though they went down, there was much to pride themselves in, for even against such a fancied team, Killorglin did very well and, though there were a few weak men, there were also some very good individuals. The forward line was the strongest combination and had they been fed, they would have changed the whole aspect of the game. Sergeant Sheehan and W. McGovern were the best of the forwards, Guard Michael Doyle in the back, Guard Doran, Dan Mulvihill (Castlemaine), Michael Sheehan and Monnie O Reilly also played well. Dan Mulvihill played his heart out to rescue Killorglin. Kenmare’s great player on that day was Tommy Guihan. The playing pitch was the worst possible choice in the county and, knowing it, the home team had another advantage. It was a matter worthy of note that only two fouls were committed during the play and that spoke highly for the manliness and clean play of both teams.

 

Senior Football Challenge Game

 

Sun. 15^th April at Killorglin: Rock Street 2-8; East-Kerry 1-0.

A previous postponement of that game and a bitterly cold day were responsible for the disappointing crowd that witnessed that game. Best for the East-Kerry team were J. Tangney and J. Corkery (Castleisland), Dicko Clifford (Killarney), Tom Curran (Killorglin’s only representative), Dan Clifford (Fossa) and Maurice Fitzgerald (Kenmare).

 

Sun. 22^nd April at Milltown: Milltown 1-2; Killorglin 1-1.

That was the first game of the year for both teams. Indeed, Milltown was making an appearance on the field of play after a lapse of a number of years.

 

Juvenile Football Challenge Games

 

Sun. 4^th March at Killorglin: The Wonders 1-2; The Rovers 1-2.

Quite a large crowd was present and occasionally the excitement ran high as the advantage seemed now with one side and then with the other. The Wonders, captained by John Joe Falvey, had issued the challenge, which was taken up by the Rovers, captained by Mikey T. O Riordan. At halftime, the Rovers led by a goal to nil but, during the second half, the play was of a much higher standard. John Joe and Mikey were the stars of their respective sides, whilst Pato McCrohan and Pat occasionally showed up well. The referee, Michael J. Coffey, disallowed a goal by the Rovers.

 

Sun. 18^th March at Killorglin: The Hopes defeated The Wonders by a single point.

After an hour’s hard and varied play, only a point separated the sides. A large number attended and was most interested in the progress of the youths. An objection on some trivial ground was lodged and it was likely that a replay would occur.

 

Sun. 8^th July at Killorglin: Intermediate School 1-4; Milltown Minors 0-3.

That game proved to be of the highest order. The speed maintained throughout was fast and the standard of football was very high. The referee, Danny Clifford, as was his wont, had the match played off without undue delay and kept both sides strictly to the rules. The visiting team seemed at first too fast for the homesters but those settled down when two points had been registered against them. It was only then that play really started. The interval whistle found the visitors leading by 0-2 to 0-1.

On the resumption, there was an assault on the home goal but it proved unavailing, whilst very soon a minor was scored for Killorglin, which brought the scoring level. A goal soon followed for the home combination and that was, after a short time, followed by the raising of a white flag for Milltown, who were playing very well. Two further points for Killorglin brought victory to the home side.

 

Senior Camogie Challenge Game

 

Sun. 8^th July at Killorglin: Killorglin 0-0; Dingle 0-0.

That was the first such fixture in Killorglin and had been keenly looked forward to and the followers were not disappointed. The teams lined up punctually under referee Sean Foley. At first, it appeared that the Dingle Cailíní, who looked very neat in their uniforms, were to get the better of the play but, after a little time, the local representatives settled down to work and there was some very good play on both sides. Indeed, many of the fine points of the game seemed to be known by the rival combinations and it was an evenly balanced match of skill, the visitors, under their captain, E. Kavanagh, occasionally showing more combination than the home team, under the captaincy of Agnes Duffy. When the interval whistle was blown, neither team had registered a score, though both goalies had been tested on more than one occasion.

As with the first half, so with the second, the game was very evenly contested and both sides were fighting vigorously – so vigorously, indeed, that three new hurleys had to be requisitioned and one of the local selection, Mary Regan, got knocked out in true fashion, to be assisted, however, and bandaged by the little lady who had been playing on her and who seemed most delighted as seeing her resume. There were a few determined attacks on the Killorglin goal, but they were beaten off on each occasion to opposite territory, where the defence was just as sound. The final whistle found the match a scoreless draw.

It was, indeed, worthy of note that not a word of English had been used by the Dingle team on the field. All orders, directions and conversation had been in Irish and the local girls were not slow to follow that after a short time. Irish had been the only language on the playing pitch. That was much commented on by those who had been present and was an instant of the force of example, in which, it had to be said, Dingle had led the way.

 

Schools’/Colleges’ Football

 

Primary Schools

Scoil Mhuire won the inter-schools’ league.

Scoil Mhuire: Ted Foley (Baker) capt., Mick O Connor (Ardmoniel) vice-capt., John Joe Falvey (Lower Bridge St.), Ted Kennedy (Langford St.), John T. O Riordan (Iveragh Road), Eddie O Reilly (Lower Bridge St.), Johnny O Reilly (Langford St.), Paddy Foley (Baker), Pat O Sullivan (The Square), Tom O Connor (Ardmoniel), Frank Paul McCarthy (Langford St.), Danny O Reilly (Lower Bridge St.), Tim Curran (Langford St.), Morgan O Brien (do.), James O Connor (Daly’s Lane). Subs: Mickey O Sullivan (Sunhill), Jim Curran (Langford St.), Stevie Foley (do.), Paul O Shea (do.), Willie Crowley. Coach – Liam McSweeney N.T.

 

At a meeting of the Munster Colleges Council in Mallow in Feb. the Junior Football Championship was divided into two sections. The Intermediate School, Killorglin was entered into the Kerry section.

 

Dunloe Cup

Rd. 1 on Thurs. 22^nd March at Killorglin: Intermediate School, Killorglin 0-2; CBS, Tralee 0-3.

That match drew a pretty good crowd and it was worthy of special note that the teams were lined up punctually. The field was in fairly good condition and the afternoon was fine. Tralee, playing against the wind, settled down very quickly to work and, from the start, showed the better combination. Killorglin, indeed, seemed for a while ill at ease but they soon pulled themselves up and the scoring of a minor by the visitors set them gong in real earnest to attack the opposite citadel – without avail, however. Play was, after some very clever fielding, sent along to the home posts, where a minor was registered. There was some very interesting play towards the close of the first half, which found the visitors ahead by 0-2 to 0-0.

On the resumption, the Laune lads seemed to settle down more quickly than in the opening and those from the Capital were fully out on a few occasions to prevent the determined onslaughts, which were made on their territory. However, when they were defeated fore the ball on a few occasions, only wides resulted. For some ten minutes, most of the play was in the Tralee territory but the home forwards messed when scores might have resulted – on at least three occasions. A free from thirty yards out, taken by Johnny Mangan, raised the white flag for the homesters, after which a determined dash by the visitors was frustrated by Pat Curran in the back line and, after give and take play for a few minutes, the Killorglin goalie made a fine save. Play again moved to the Tralee area and Hickey, in goals, showed his worth. A further free for Killorglin, taken by Johnny Mangan, resulting in a point, brought the teams level and it looked for a while like a Killorglin victory. But on the play, especially of the forwards, they did not deserve to win. The local backs, having left their positions, Tralee very soon added a minor to deservedly win the game.

Best for Killorglin were Mikey T. O Riordan, James Carson (Beaufort), Johnny Mangan, Pat Curran (Groyne) and William O Shea (Langford St.). Ref: Danny Clifford (Laune Rangers).

 

Munster/All-Ireland Junior Football Championship

 

Final on Sun. 16^th Sept. at Dungarvan: Waterford 0-4; Kerry 3-2.

Kerry: Billy Sweeney (Rock Street), Tom Curran (Killorglin), George Rice (Kenmare), Bill Kinnerk (Boherbue), Eugene Powell (do.), Simon Moynihan (Strand St.), Mick Healy (Rock Street), Jack Horan (Currow), Tim O Donnell (Camp), Dicko Clifford (Killarney), Mícheál O Rourke (Tralee Rangers), James Quill (Strand Street), Mick Graham (Dingle), John Murphy (Strand Street), James Sullivan (Newtownsandes).

Tom Curran bore traces of battle with a black eye and coloured and torn face at the end of the game.

 

All-Ireland Semi-final on Sun. 4^th Nov. in London: London 2-3; Kerry 4-10.

The game was played in St. Aloysius College Grounds, Highgate before 1,500 spectators. It was the first time that a GAA All-Ireland Championship tie had been played outside of Ireland.

Kerry: Donncha Donoghue ( Boherbue) capt., Willie McSweeney (goal) Rock St., Tommy Barrett (do.), Mick Healy (do.), Tom Curran (Killorglin), Jack Horan (Currow), William ‘Jacques’ Guerin (Listowel), Tim O Donnell (Camp), Jackie Price (Strand Road), Dicko Clifford (Killarney), Miko Doyle (Rock St.), Tim Landers (Rock St.), John Murphy (Strand Street), James Sullivan.

 

Final on Sun. 2^nd Dec. at Croke Park: Kerry 2-8; Louth 2-3.

Tom Curran was marking M. Hearty, the best player on the Louth side, and it was only towards the end the Killorglin boy showed his true worth. His father and uncle had played on the Laune Rangers’ team that had reached the All-Ireland Final in 1892 (played in 1893) and had been renowned footballers. Another uncle, Tom, had emigrated to the USA prior to that game and all three had been famous throughout the county and beyond for their outstanding play.

Kerry: Denis O Donoghue (capt), Willie McSweeney (goal), Tommy Barrett, Mick Healy, Tom Curran, Jack Horan, Richard Savage (Strand Road), Tim O Donnell, Jackie Price, Dicko Clifford, Miko Doyle, James Quill, Tim Landers, John Murphy, James Sullivan. Subs: Simon Moynihan, R. Savage (Strand St.), Bobby Kelly (Rock St.), Junior Tangney (Listry), Richard Walsh (North-Kerry), D ‘Bruddy’ Roche (Listowel), Mick Graham (Dingle), Sean O Connor (Ballinskelligs).

 

Administration/Miscellany

 

Seán Ryan, Áth Cliath, was elected as Uachtarán CLG.

 

The Munster Convention was held in Killarney on Sat. 3^rd March. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Jerry O Brien (An Clár), Secretary – Pat McGrath (Tiobrad Árainn) and Treasurer – John Joe Sheehy (Ciarraí).

 

The Annual Convention of the Kerry Co. Board was held in Tralee on Sun. 29^th Jan. Killorglin Football Club was represented by Paddy Foley and F. O Connor. The following officers were elected: President – Austin Stack, Chairman – P.J. O Connell, Secretary – Din Joe Baily, Ass. Secretary – Jack McCarthy, Treasurers – John Moran and Con Clifford, Delegates to Munster Council – Dick Fitzgerald and Jack McCarthy, Delegate to Central Council – Dick Fitzgerald. A motion seeking that the Co. Board consisted of three delegates from each District Board plus the Executive Officers was carried. With regard to the Co. Championship, it was decided that Tralee District should be represented by three teams, Killarney District by three teams, Listowel District by three teams and the district winners of South-Kerry and West-Kerry.

 

The East-Kerry Convention was held in mid-March. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Humphrey Murphy (Currow), Secretaries – Paul Russell and Michael O Leary (both Dr. Crokes), Treasurers – Con Healy and Pat O Mahony, Delegates to Co. Board – Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan and Pat Nolan (Rathmore).

 

‘Pars from Puck’ reported in the Kerryman on Sat. 25^th Feb. that “The Gaels of the town are making a vigorous effort to revive the local football club and to establish it firmly in the district. A preliminary meeting has been held and a general meeting of all interested in the project is to be held during the week. No doubt, it is full time that such an effort were made and, judging by the interest taken and enthusiasm shown by those who were present at the first meeting, nothing will be left undone to get the youths interested in the games of the country. This is not the time to resurrect old grievances against any in authority or to talk of the manner in which the club has been treated in the past. It is rather the time to do everything humanly possible to train young Killorglin in the manly National Games. We hope to be able to report progress in next issue.”

‘Pars from Puck’ on Sat. 3^rd March: “At the meeting of the local Gaels, held on Tuesday night last, there was a fairly good attendance, many of the old members being present. Mr. J.P. O Riordan took the chair and Mr. Michael J. Coffey was appointed Secretary pro tem. After a short discussion, in which Messrs. Tadhg O Reilly, Paddy Foley and others took part, it was decided, ‘That we form a club for the fostering of Gaelic Games’, on the proposition of Mr. (Liam) McSweeney, seconded by Mr. James O Regan. It was further decided that, on a membership of thirty, officers be appointed. Many names were handed in at the meeting and no doubts are entertained as to the membership being comparatively strong. A further meeting is to be held during the week when the affiliation of teams is to be considered.’

 

‘Arbutus’, writing the East-Kerry Notes in the Kerryman on Sat. 11^th Feb, chided the liberal attitude of Killorglin towards ‘imperial games’: “One of the most painful, let me assure you and, at the same time, one of the most frequently recurring reflections that, as an Irishman, I am compelled to make in connection with the present aspect of things in this country, is derived from the ugly and irritating fact that we are daily importing from England, not only her manufactured goods, which we cannot help doing, since she has practically strangled our own manufacturing appliances, but together with her fashions, her accents, her vicious literature, her dances and her manifold-mannerisms, her games, also, and her pastimes, to the utter discredit of our own grand national sports and to the sore humiliation, as I believe, of every genuine son and daughter of the old land. This might be read, with benefit, by some of our Killorglin friends, who are trying to make the ‘Republic’ safe for imperial games. The old parrot-cry ‘freedom in sport’ is nearly spun out. It should be replaced by ‘exclusiveness in sport’. The ‘play-what-you-like’ idea sounds impressive to the superficially-intelligent and helps to satisfy any qualms of conscience that may arise in the minds of those who confine their ‘nationality’ to freeing the country. It is not because Wolfe Tone played rugby that pastimes are not entitled to make a national demand on us. Our pastimes are, to our mind, as distinct and as important a part of our national culture as our language, music and dances. At any rate, if our Gaelic games are harmless nationality, why are they scrupulously avoided by the imperial and loyalist element in the country? We have never met any Empire-Builder in the GAA and we have not seen any of them in Croke Park, if we exclude ‘bloody Sunday.”

‘Arbutus’ returned to the theme on Sat. 10^th March, when reporting on the Cork Junior Football final, Newmarket versus Urhan, which was played in Killarney: “We were keenly on the alert to see if there were any ‘Empire-Builders’ among the spectators but we were sadly disappointed. There was no ‘fashion parade’ in the Sports-field and the devotees of ‘Seán Buidhe’ were conspicuous by their absence as a consequence. There was a ‘fashion’ trek to Killorglin recently and all the ‘Rolls-Royces’ were displayed by the banks of the Laune, to see ‘Killorglin’ give an exhibition of the ‘games of the Empire’. One of the spectators from Killorglin created consternation by asking whether the local team was Killorglin or Killarney, as he only recognised 5 of the 15 players. He was told not to ask such awkward questions, as it was not the desire of the promoters to reveal the cosmopolitan composition of their teams. The spectator in question was further perplexed and confused to find that the majority of the few dozen spectators were well-known citizens from ‘Beauty’s Home’, who are rarely known to patronise first-class exhibitions of the national games at their own door or elsewhere. It is apparently ‘cultural’ and, also, ‘correct’ to think imperially in sport and exclusively so.”

‘Arbutus’ congratulated the Gaels of Killorglin on the revival of the Gaelic Football Club in the Kerryman on Sat. 24^th March, “We welcome the glad news of a Gaelic revival in Killorglin. The new club has been launched on a constructive basis and, judging by the energetic type of officers and committee that has been elected, we can foresee the success of the venture. We would suggest the absorption of Listry and surrounding districts into the Rangers and thus ensure the moulding of a decent combination that will make itself felt in the forthcoming League. Let the Laune Rangers show their virility and assertiveness in the promotion of the National Pastimes and mete out the same treatment that befell the Seoiníns and Unionists in Castleisland. Killorglin is now the only outpost of imperial games in the district but, we believe, a Gaelic storming of the town will retrieve the national outlook of the inhabitants. We have heard that our remarks of last week, relative to the ‘Killorglin’ team, has aroused great indignation in imperial circles in the town. What a great pity the Black and Tans have gone? Killorglin might then have stood on its won feet and fielded a genuine team. That is apparently ‘an ill-wind that has not blown good.”

 

On Sun. 18^th Nov. a Whist Drive was held in the Temperance Hall, Killorglin, in aid of the Killorglin GAA Club. The hall space was taxed to its utmost, contingents having come from Killarney, Glenbeigh and Caragh Lake. The occasion was special, as, during the interval, the medals were presented to the local school-boys who had won the Primary Schools’ League. In making the presentation, Rev. D. Griffin C.C., Milltown, referred to the formation of the school league and the matches played, the standard of which had been very high. Those games would, he hoped foster a spirit of friendship, manliness and sport in the boys, as well as a love of their own national games and pastimes. He heartily congratulated the boys on their success, as well as Liam McSweeney N.T, who had taken great pains and much trouble in preparing them. The occasion was also graced by the presence of Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan, Dick Fitzgerald, Dee O Connor (Kerry senior player), Cormac Fleming (Sec. East-Kerry League) and Paddy Foley (Killorglin GAA Club Committee member).

Liam McSweeney returned thanks to Rev. Fr. Griffin for his great kindness in coming to present the medals. He thanked him and the committee, on behalf of the boys, not only for the medals but for the treatment they had got on and off the field during the progress of the competition. All the teams, he was glad to say, showed a spirit of sport and manliness form the beginning, and that spoke well for the future of such league competitions. His work had been made very easy, as the boys had been so eager and enthusiastic. Both the boys and himself felt especially honoured at the attendance of such Gaels as Father Griffin, Dr. O Sullivan, Dick Fitzgerald, Dee O Connor, C. Fleming and the local stalwart Gael, Paddy Foley, on the occasion. He thanked them for their attendance and assured them that the boys felt very shy in facing such an august body.

 

At a meeting of the Schools & Colleges Committee in the Central Hotel, Tralee, on Sat. 24^th March, the adoption of the new rules for the competitions under its control was proposed by Bro. Ryan, Cahersiveen, and seconded by Jack O Dwyer, Intermediate School, Killorglin.

 

Dunloe Cup on Sat. 31^st March at Killorglin: Jeffer’s Institute 2-2; CBS Cahersiveen 1-0.

There were ideal weather conditions for the game but the heavy rain, which had fallen during the previous few days, had made the field very difficult for both teams. Ref: Danny Clifford (Killorglin).

 

In September, the President of the Killorglin GAA Club, Rev. J. McGrath C.C. was transferred to Dromtariffe, Co. Cork. He had been a great community activist, being involved in the Temperance Society and the Gaelic League, as well as the GAA.

 

Jack O Dwyer, principal Intermediate School, Killorglin, attended the AGM of the Munster Colleges Council in Mallow in November. Intermediate School was entered into the Junior Football Championship, which would be played initially in the respective counties.

 

Paddy Foley (Iveragh Road) refereed the following games, amongst others, for the East-Kerry Board:

Sun. 3^rd June (Junior Football) at Firies: Listry 0-5; Dicksgrove 1-2.

Sun. 10^th June (Junior Football) at Milltown: Milltown v Muckross.

 

Kerry lost to Tipperary in Tipperary Town in the Munster Senior Football Championship semi-final on Sun. 8^th June on the score of 2-3 to 1-7.

Kerry: Johnny O Riordan (goals), Jack Walsh, Joe Barrett, James O Sullivan, Paddy Whiddy, Dan Ryan, Paul Russell, Con Brosnan, Bob Stack, Eamonn Fitzgerald, John Joe Sheehy (capt.), Jackie Ryan, John Joe Landers, James Baily, Eamonn Sweeney. Sub: Denis ‘Rory’ O Connell for J. Riordan.

 

As the clock struck the midnight hour, marking the birth of a New Year, the Square in Killorglin was the centre of much music and great mirth. A tableau, representing the exit of 1927, old, decrepit and infirm, and the entry of 1928, young, active and cheerful, was presented. Later, songs were contributed and the beautiful tenor voices were heard to advantage whilst, as a slight variation in the programme, a fourth gentleman displayed more than ordinary histrionic ability in his ex-tempora welcome of 1928. A procession formed, headed by the band, and there was a march through the town, whilst Killorglin was treated to some exquisite renditions of well-known choruses. The churches of both denominations were crowded on New Year’s Day and again the friendly wish and kindly greeting were the order of the day.

 

Rugby continued to make inroads in the county, in which there were six clubs, Tralee, Castleisland, Killarney, Dingle, Listowel and Killorglin. A Kerry team, comprising players from the six clubs, played Newcastle West on Sun. 1^st April in Tralee and lost by 9 points to 3. Killorglin’s only representative was Corcoran at prop forward and he was one of the most noticeable of the Kerry players on view.

Killorglin played Killarney in a challenge game in Killorglin on Sun. 15^th April but lost by a goal and a try to two tries. Ted Mangan and O Shea were the try-scorers for the home side.

Killorglin: Tim Sheehan (fullback), Pat Sheehan, Christy Power, D. Killgallin and Jeremiah O Grady (three-quarters), Ted Mangan (capt.) and Johnny Mangan (halves), A Kavanagh, Bruddy Kelliher, Johnny Mangan, Peter O Shea, J. Foley, Gerald Foley, Patrick O Mahony and Tim ‘Chub’ O Connor (forwards). Ref: The McGillycuddy of the Reeks. The Killorglin team was composed entirely of local talent.

Killorglin recorded its first win on Sun. 4^th Nov. when they defeated Castleisland by a try (3 points) to nil. Killorglin:  Monnie O Reilly, Tim ‘Chub’ O Connor, Pat Sheehan, Christy Power, Ted Mangan, John A. Foley, Johnny Mangan, P. Prendergast, A. Kavanagh, Bruddy Kelliher, T. O Reilly, Patrick O Mahony, Dan Brennan, M. Daly, P. O Sullivan.

 

Liam McSweeney was Secretary of the Kerry Co. Committee of the INTO.

 

At a meeting of the Board of Health in May, it was decided to build a reservoir to hold two days’ water supply at Knocklyne. That was to be a great advantage to the people of the town, who had often been inconvenienced by a break in the main between the town and the Devil’s Elbow.

 

At the market in Killorglin on Tuesday 29^th May eggs sold @ 9s per 120, butter @ 1s-3d per lb, potatoes @ 7d per stone and turf @ 2s-6d and 4s-6d per donkey and mule’s rail, respectively.

 

In July, the unsightly vacant space in the lower end of the town of Killorglin had been cleared and a start had been made on the construction of a new building for the local Branch of the Provincial Bank (later the AIB Bank), giving much-needed employment in the area.

 

The first ever novices’ sports meeting to be held in the district was held in Milltown on Wed. 15^th August. Killorglin sent its share of competitors and they fared as follows: Boys’ 100 yards – 2^nd J. O Sullivan and T. O Brien (dead heat); 3 Miles Cycle – 1^st Pat O Sullivan (he took command of the race at the bell and won by a distance); Mile flat – 1^st Tom O Connor (he took command of the field in the early stages of the race).

 

The second Annual Drag Hunt was held in Killorglin on Sun. 26^th Aug. under ideal weather conditions. Seventy hounds lined up at 2.30pm and set in motion for their long and arduous course of over ten miles by the President of the local Beagle Club, The McGillycuddy of the Reeks. The participating Beagle Clubs were Cork City; Northern Harriers, Fair Hill; Southern Hunt; Cork Nationals; Griffin United; Northern United; Kerry Pike, Upton; Kenmare; Cahersiveen No. 1 and 2; Waterville; Dingle; Aughatubrid; Ballinskelligs; Fermoyle and Killorglin. The winning hound was Victor of the Cork Harriers Club, which received the prize of £10 and the McGillycuddy Cup. In second place was Mover (Griffin United), third was Ploughman (Northern Harriers, Fair Hill), fourth was Finder (Ballinskellig), fifth was Captain (Griffin United) and sixth was Rebel (Killorglin).

 

Towards the end of the year, Patrick J. Cahillane, formerly of Rangue, Killorglin, brought before the Kerrymen’s Society in New York the matter of securing a market for raw wool in the United States, at the request of P. O Shea, Langford St. A committee was formed, of which Patrick Cahillane was the most active, and interviews were had with Lindsay Crawford (Irish Trade Representative) and American buyers proceeded to Ireland and big business resulted. Patrick Cahillane was an official of the Prudence Bond Corporation of New York.