Laune Rangers – 1930
Laune Rangers again participated in the Co. Senior Football Championship as part of the East-Kerry team.
East-Kerry was divided into four sections for the purposes of running the fixtures’ programme.
Killorglin Camogie entered a team in the Co. Camogie Championship.
The death occurred in the USA of Pat O Shea, formerly of Langford St. and an old Laune Ranger.
Liam McSweeney continued as one of the East-Kerry representatives on the Co. Board.
* * * * * * * *
The AGM of the Laune Rangers Club was held in July. The following officers were elected:
President – Father W. Behan C.C.
Chairman – Paddy Foley.
Vice-Chairman – William Roche.
Treasurer – James O Regan.
Secretary – Liam McSweeney declined to continue in office and the appointment was held over. He later consented to accepting the post.
Committee – J. J. (Johnsie) O Connor, John Conway O Connor, Jack O Dwyer, Tadhg O Reilly, Danny Clifford, Michael Sheehan, D. McSweeney, M. O Neill, John Joe Falvey, Danny O Lyons and Tim Teahan.
It was decided to organise a local league – from all the available football talent in the area, three teams would be selected, regardless of residence, and a double league would be played.
Co. Senior Football Championship
Seven teams entered for the Co. Senior Football Championship North-Kerry, Boherbue, Rock Street, South-Kerry, West-Kerry, East-Kerry and Strand Street. The competition was played on a knockout basis. Laune Rangers participated with East-Kerry but only Tadhg McGillycuddy made the team.
Quarter-final on Sun. 25th May at Tralee: West-Kerry 3-5; East-Kerry 2-4.
That game was part of a treble bill and was easily the best game of the day. Tim O Donnell, who was the outstanding player on the field, quickly drew first blood with a point, to which he shortly after added another. Coming away from the kick-out, East-Kerry smartly equalised. Up and down play followed, until O Donnell again secured and sent well up the field. A goal resulted. Nothing daunted, however, East-Kerry dashed up the field and a nice forward movement culminated in a major. Just before halftime, O Donnell again secured and set his side ahead to the tune of a minor 1-3 to 1-2.
On resuming, West-Kerry quickly settled down to their work. O Donnell was unbeatable at midfield and fed his forwards in good style. They increased their lead by one point. East-Kerry retaliated with a minor but, Dingle, coming from the kick-out, rushed up the field in determined fashion and added a major and a minor to their lead. From that to the end, play was of a rather poor nature. Both sides in turn scored but West-Kerry were ahead at the final whistle.
East-Kerry: Dicko Clifford (Dr. Crokes), Donie O Neill (Legion), Harry Turner (Crokes), Jimmy Foley (do.), Tadhg McGillycuddy (Laune Rangers), Denis Hurley (Dr. Crokes), Denny Healy, Crowley, Pat Murphy (Dr. Crokes), Con O Meara (Legion), James Tangney (Castleisland), Mickey O Leary (Legion), Vince Doyle (do.), Mickey McCarthy (do.), Mick O Sullivan (do.).
West-Kerry: Jack Sheehy, Michael Graham, Michael J. Graham, Shea, Tadhg Galvin, Thomas O Connor, Fitzgerald, Flahive, Connor, Patrick Ashe, Thomas Pierse, Murphy, Owen Moriarty, J. McCarthy, Tim O Donnell.
Ref: P.P. Fitzgerald (Tralee).
Rock Street, captained by Joe Barrett, beat Strand Street in the Co. Final on Sun. 14th Sept. by 4-4 to 2-5.
East-Kerry Senior Football League/Championship
Rd. 1 on Sun. 27th July at Killorglin: Laune Rangers 3-3; Dr. Crokes 1-5.
The inclemency of the weather told very much against the attendance, there being a regular downpour almost during the whole hour that the play was in progress. The ‘gate’ suffered as a result, as only the very enthusiastic ventured out. However, those who did come were treated to a first-class contest, as from the throw-in, play was fast and the teams were well matched, every inch of the ground being closely contested.
Killarney got away very early and had registered three minors before the home team settled down to work but it was when they did get going that the match became most interesting and for a while the scores seemed to alternate. The final score was a fair indication of the play, the Rangers goalie disappointing the Crokes’ forwards on more than one occasion, whilst the Killarney custodian saved a few nice shots from the Killorglin attacks.
Ref: Danny Clifford (Laune Rangers).
Dr. Crokes won the title by beating Legion in the final on Sun. 7th Dec. on the score of 3-6 to 0-1.
Schools’/Colleges’ Football
At a meeting of the Kerry Schools and Colleges Co. Committee on 22nd March at the Central Hotel, Tralee, attended by Jack O Dwyer, the draw for the 1929/’30 Junior Competition (Dunloe Cup) was made.
Sat. 12th April at Tralee: Intermediate School, Killorglin 1-2; Jeffer’s Institute, Tralee 1-2.
Both teams lined out sharp at the appointed time. Jeffer’s were immediately on the aggressive and Brick punched into the goalmouth from a centre by McCarthy but P. Moriarty cleared. Brick secured from the kick-out but sent wide. The same player again sent wide and P. O Shea sent Killorglin away but Daly cleared in great style. Brick gained possession about 30 yards out and shot a great point. Several wides by the Jeffers then followed, as their wing forwards were kicking too hard with the wind. Daly stemmed a promising move by Killorglin, in which John Riordan and Declan Crowley were prominent, and, play going to the other end, McGrath raised the green flag with a well-directed kick. Killorglin attacked from the kick-out but Daly, in the Jeffers defence, was unbeatable and Brick sent in for McGrath to raise the white flag. John Riordan, with a great rush, brought play into Tralee territory but a fifty resulted, which was driven wide. The halftime score was 1-2 to 0-0 in favour of Jeffers.
On resuming, Killorglin attacked in spirited fashion and J. O Sullivan raised the white flag. Daly was doing great work in the Jeffers backline and cleared several times before Moriarty raised the green flag for Killorglin. McCarthy secured from the kick-out and sent to Brick, who shot wide from a good position. Play was keen and perhaps too vigorous but both sets of forwards were out of position all the time. John Riordan sent Killorglin and D. Daly equalised with a great point. Both teams made desperate efforts to gain the lead but no further scores were registered.
Intermediate School: P. Moriarty, Mick O Connor, C. Kennedy, Michael Brick, J. O Sullivan, Morgan O Brien, Timmy O Riordan, Joe O Shea, Paul O Shea, John T O Riordan, Declan Crowley, D. Daly, Stevie Foley, Tom Lynch, P. Foley.
Jeffer’s Institute: J. O Sullivan, B. Daly, W. Brick, J. Walsh, F. O Sullivan, J. McCarthy, T. O Sullivan, M. Reidy, J. McGrath, T. Collins, J. Murray, J. Halloran, J. O Connor, J. Styles, M. Clifford.
Replay on Sat. 1st May: Jeffer’s Institute 2-1; Intermediate School 1-2.
Despite unfavourable weather conditions the play of both teams was very much appreciated by the fairly large crowd. Tralee, playing with a strong breeze behind them, pinned their opponents in their own half and Brick scored a good goal after ten minutes play. The same player raised the white flag shortly afterwards, to be followed by another major per McGrath. The lead at halftime was 2-1 to 0-0 in favour of Jeffers.
On resuming, Killorglin rushed through a goal per P. O Shea. They kept up the pressure but a strong defence, in which Brick was prominent, held them at bay. They were not to be denied, however, and J. O Shea scored a point from a difficult angle. Killorglin then made great efforts to reduce Jeffer’s lead and J. Riordan registered a further point. Play was then exciting, Killorglin pressing from then until the final whistle but without result.
Intermediate School: Michael Brick, Mick O Connor, P. Foley, Pat Joy, Declan Crowley, Morgan O Brien, Timmy O Riordan, John T. O Riordan, J. O Sullivan, Joe O Shea, Paul O Shea, P. Moriarty, Thomas Houlihan, Tom Lynch, D. Daly.
Jeffer’s Institute: W. Brick, T. Collins, M. Clifford, B. Daly, J. Halloran, J. McCarthy, J. McGrath, J. Murray, J. O Connor, T. O Sullivan, F. O Sullivan, M. Reidy, J. O Sullivan, C. Spring, J. Walsh.
At the meeting of the Kerry Schools’ and Colleges’ Co. Committee on 4th October, attended by Jack O Dwyer, Killorglin, the following draw was made for the Junior Competition (Dunloe Cup) 1930/1931:
Sun. 19th Oct. at Killorglin: Intermediate School, Killorglin v St. Michael’s, Listowel.
Milltown GAA Club inaugurated a Primary Schools’ League/Championship, which was a great success but was unfinished due to the inclemency of the weather. Killorglin and Firies were in the final.
Co. Camogie Championship
At the Co. Kerry Camogie Association meeting in the Ashe Memorial Hall, Tralee on Sat. 31st May, attended by Joan Power and Brid Clifford (Killorglin), the draws for the Co. Championship were made. There were twelve teams and they were divided into three groups, North, South and West. Killorglin was in the South group.
Rd. 1 on 12th June at Killorglin: Killorglin lost to Cahersiveen.
Cahersiveen played two illegal girls from Foilmore. However, at the subsequent Co. Board meeting, the Co. Chairman and Co. Secretary disagreed on the best approach to the matter. It appears that Cahersiveen were not penalised.
Rd. 2 on Thurs. 17th July at Killorglin: Killorglin 2-0; Foilmore 0-0.
That game was played in more favourable weather conditions and the crowd was larger and more enthusiastic. The match was keenly contested and, though the score would lead one to conclude that the victors were much superior to their opponents, that was not so, as the visitors played a good, fast game and contested every inch of play. They were unfortunate in not scoring on a few occasions. Nora O Sullivan, B. O Connor, Bina Clifford, Nora Garvey and M. Clifford were best for the visitors. Best for Killorglin were Sighle O Neill, Joan Power, Nellie Foley, Brid Clifford and Maggie Curran.
Ref: Tadhg O Reilly (Laune Rangers).
Rd. 3 on Sun. 24th Aug. at Cahersiveen: Foilmore 9-0; Killorglin 1-0.
Killorglin were worth a few more scores but their weak forwards could not cope with the Foilmore backs, Nora O Sullivan, Maria Callaghan, Nora Garvey and Katie Lynch. The home forwards gave a few exhibitions of overhead hurling, in fact their first goal, per Katie Lynch, was got by that means. The Killorglin back, Joan Power, was the outstanding player of the day. She gave some excellent exhibitions of lifting and striking the ball that would have done credit to any hurler on the county team. Her clearances were magnificent and, in this, she was ably helped by Anne Houlihan and Agnes Duffy.
‘Vincent’ penned the following lines in praise of the game he had just seen:
“I am forced again my pen to grasp to write a line or two’
To honour give in every case where honour it is due.
To write about the camogie games, I have never yet grown tired,
So here I will pen the names of girls, whose judgement I’ve admired.
They met before, when the Laune shore proved champions of the day.
The laurels now from Caher town they meant to sweep away.
But though this gallant little team fought gamely to the end,
Their star against famed Foilmore but once did not ascend.
Pat Garvey blew the whistle loud, and rolling sent the ball,
Away they sped at greyhound pace, no stopping them at all,
Till the clash of seasoned ash was heard along the Fertha’s shore,
The flag of green was waving swept a goal for sweet Filemore.
Away Killorglin went, dashing down against a blazing sun,
Miss Houlihan led the mighty raid, I tell you ‘twas no fun,
Miss Duffy then combined with her, it looked as if they’d score,
‘Till Nora Garvey stemmed the rush and saved for sweet Filemore.
And then Filemore rushed up the hill, the pace was very fast,
Some players showed signals of distress, we wondered would it last.
I stood outside and watched with pride the battle ebb and flow,
A sporting crowd cheered long and loud, ‘Well played there, Baby O.’
Nora Garvey, a rare old fighter in defence and attack, was ever to the fore,
There she never once looked back, but helped them well to score.
Her fielding fine and placing well to Miss Power’s team brought ruin,
Her name and fame shed lustre round her bonnie home.
Bina Clifford fine she’d save her line, when danger threatened bold,
And worthy shoulders Bina’s are, her midfield place to hold.
For through the long and tiring hour, where’er Miss Neill would roam,
Her star was always clouded by this young lass from Filemore.
The Lynches too none could subdue, a fast determined pair,
They battled hard to turn the tide with courage grim and rare.
They took hard knocks and only smiled, so them we’ll have to praise
For the scores, that brought us victory and crowned Filemore with fame.
Nora Sullivan in the back and Nellie Sheehan too,
Maria Callaghan and Baby Connor, great hurlers tried and true,
And what could beat the Cliffords three, when steam was turned on,
Bina and Nora Garvey played as if in one.
Though last, not least, comes Bridie Cronin, who filled the danger gap,
Her task was not a pleasant one, to her I’d raise my cap.
Although her post was tumbled once, we must not criticise,
For Ireland’s greatest goal-man, I have seen taken by surprise.
Pat blew the whistle long and loud, the game was won and lost,
Two sporting teams like those we have seen never camáns crossed,
We hail you victors, Filemore, ‘twas brilliantly you played,
And may the colours that you wear in battle never fade.
Cheers for you, dear Killorglin maids, though vanquished in the fray,
The memory of your glorious fight will never fade away.
Although you nursed a losing game, there’s credit always due
To any team, that tries for fame and loses as sweet as you.”
On Sun. 19th Oct. at Tralee: 1929 Co. Camogie Final: Castlegregory 1-1; Killarney 0-0.
Administration/Miscellany
Seán Ryan, Áth Cliath, was Uachtarán CLG.
Seán McCarthy, Corcaigh, was Chairman of the Munster Council, Pat McGrath, Tiobrad Árainn, was Secretary and John Joe Sheehy, Ciarraí, was elected Treasurer.
The Annual Convention of the Kerry Co. Board was held in the Courthouse, Tralee on Sun. 26th Jan. Laune Rangers Senior Football club was represented by Paddy Foley and James O Regan, Minor Football by D. Mannix and Michael Sheehan, Junior Hurling by Danny O Lyons and Jack O Dwyer. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Din Joe Baily (89 votes), Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan (36 votes) (Dr. Eamonn had been proposed by Liam McSweeney); Vice-Chairman – Con Brosnan; Treasurers – Con Clifford and John Moran; Registrar – Jack McCarthy; Secretary – Jack McCarthy, Delegates to Munster Council – Jack McCarthy and Dick Fitzgerald.
The Annual Convention of the East-Kerry Board was held in the Central Club, Killarney on Sun. 23rd February. (The Secretary’s Report is given at the end of 1929). Laune Rangers Club was represented by Jack O Dwyer, John Conway O Connor, J. J.(Johnsie) O Connor, Michael Sheehan, Danny O Lyons, Liam McSweeney and J. Griffin. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Dick Fitzgerald, Vice-Chairman – Father Griffin, Milltown, Secretaries – Tim O Shea (Dr. Crokes) and Denis Hussey, Representatives to the Co. Board – Chairman, Liam McSweeney and John Moriarty. In his Secretary’s Report, Tim Lyne said that there was no hope of finishing the 1929 senior competition as it had been impossible to complete a league with 8 teams in a double round system. During the meeting, Liam McSweeney, also, said that he did not think it would be possible to finish the League with the number of teams affiliated. He suggested that the division be divided into four districts for football, namely Killarney, Killorglin, Kenmare and Castleisland. With a definite number of teams it would be possible to have the competitions finished before the annual convention. He hoped that the old spirit of the GAA would be the dominating spirit of the games in the district. He appealed to the Killarney teams to settle their affairs in the interest of the game. The proposition was adopted and referred to committee.
On Sat. 22nd March, ‘Honesty’ wrote in the Killorglin Notes in the Kerry Champion, ‘The members of the local GAA club are getting active in preparation for the coming season. They have again taken their old sports-field at Ballykissane.’
Jack O Dwyer attended the Co. Board meeting of 10th May. Laune Rangers’ affiliation was accepted. The Secretary of the Board, Seán McCarthy, raised the question of the crux in East-Kerry. He was informed that there was one Board in the area but four divisions. Jack O Dwyer said, ‘I believe that the matter will be got over tomorrow and that there will be harmony between the different clubs. There was a new Secretary appointed three months ago and he has never called a meeting. At the meeting of the East-Kerry Board, it was decided to divide East-Kerry into four divisions – four senior teams. Killarney then came along and would not agree to this arrangement – they wanted two teams. It was debated whether somebody from the Co. Board should meet with Dr. Crokes and Legion. John Joe Sheehy agreed to do that.
On Sat. 21st June, ‘Honesty’ wrote in the Killorglin Notes in the Kerry Champion, ‘It is a most regrettable occurrence that, having a fine football field, our local team has not got the occasion of playing a single match this season, nor any team affiliated with the East-Kerry League. Why don’t the Co. Board take up the matter and have those League matches played while the summer is there and when people will travel to see them, instead of, like past years, playing them in mid-winter. No wonder the so-called foreign games are taking root in every district of the East-Kerry League.’
The death took place during July in USA of Pat O Shea, former old Laune Ranger from Langford Street. At the club meeting on Mon. 28th July, Liam McSweeney proposed and James O Regan seconded, ‘That we have learned with sorrow of the death in USA of Pat O Shea, one the famous Laune Rangers, who had done so much to bring honour to the town and county and that we record our regret at his demise and extend sympathy to his relatives.’ Jack O Dwyer, the Chairman and several members having spoken, the resolution was passed unanimously.
Kerry won the Munster Senior Football Championship on 10th Aug. in Tipperary Town by beating Tipperary in the final on the score of 3-4 to 1-2. They beat Mayo in the All-Ireland Semi-final at Roscommon Town by 1-9 to 0-4. In the final at Croke Park, they beat Monaghan on Sun. 28th Sept. by 3-11 to 0-2.
Kerry: Johnny O Riordan (Boherbue), Dee Connor (Kilcummin), Joe Barrett (Rock Street), Jack Walsh (Asdee), Paul Russell (Geraldine’s), Joe O Sullivan (Dingle), Tim O Donnell (Camp), Bob Stack (Ballybunion), Con Brosnan (Newtownsandes), Jackie Ryan (Boherbue), Miko Doyle (Rock Street), Eamonn Fitzgerald (Caherdaniel), Ned (Pedlar) Sweeney (Kickham’s), John Joe Landers (Rock Street), John Joe Sheehy (Boherbue) capt. Subs: Paddy Whiddy (Boherbue), Rory O Connell (Rock Street), James Quill (Strand Street), Paud O Sullivan (Listowel), Sam Locke (Strand Street), James Baily (Rock Street), Dan Joe Conway (Strand Street), Mícheál Ó Ruairc (Boherbue). That was Kerry’s ninth All-Ireland Senior Football success. The train arrangements, though far from suitable, showed a big improvement on previous years. Punctuality was observed both on time of leaving in the morning and that of arrival in Dublin. That was a very welcome change, for far too frequently in the past did the arrival of the train necessitate a rush to Croke Park to be on time for the match. The train arrived in Killorglin on the return journey at 1.30am.
Kerry won the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship final by defeating Dublin by 2-2 to 1-4 in UCC Grounds, Cork.
Kerry: Danno Keeffe (Strand St.), Denis O Donoghue (Boherbue)), Jack O Connor (do.), Eugene Powell (do.), Simon Moynihan (Strand St.), Jackie Price (do.), Dan Spring (do.), James Bruddy Quill (do.), James Healy (Strand St.), Tim Landers (Rock St.), Martin Regan (do.), Michael ‘Foxy’ Murphy (Cahersiveen), Jackie O Connor (do.) capt., Con Geaney (Castleisland), Jack Flavin (Moyvane). Subs: Harry Turner (Crokes), Mick Graham (Dingle), Thomas O Meara (do), Roger Ahern (Ballydonoghue).
Subscriptions to the Kerry Senior Football Training Fund were given to Liam McSweeney, Laune Rangers, amongst others throughout the county.
The death took place on Sun. 28th Sept. after a somewhat prolonged and tedious illness, of John Langford, Killarney. He had played on the Laune Rangers team in Clonturk Park in the 1892 All-Ireland Final, played in March 1893. He had captained the first Killarney team, Dr. Croke’s. At a Laune Rangers Club meeting in Oct. resolutions of sympathy regretting the demise of John Langford, ‘one of the famous Laune Rangers, who had done so much to make known the games of the Gael and the county they represented and whose pioneer work will not for long be forgotten,’ and Dick Fitzgerald, ‘who had done more than any one man to bring the standard of Gaelic football to its present position and whose death is a loss to the country and county,’ were passed.
The Shamrock Rovers Gaelic Football Team, London, won the All-England Championship and Agha Khan Cup. The team comprised mainly Kerry and Kildare footballers, amongst them Monnie O Reilly and T. O Connor, both Laune Rangers. At the time, there were twelve football and hurling clubs in London alone.
A Whist-Drive was held in the Temperance Hall, Killorglin on Sun. 23rd Nov. in aid of GAA funds. The good-sized crowd was sociable, the playing good, the scoring high, the object worthy, the prizes comparatively valuable and so everybody was happy.
The final of the Kerry Schools and Colleges’ Football Championship was played in Killorglin on Mon. 8th Dec. between Tralee CBS and Cahersiveen CBS and ended in a draw, 1-1 each. Danny Clifford, Laune Rangers, refereed.
The following letter to the editor appeared in the Kerry Champion on Sat. 15th Feb: “It is one of the articles of the constitution of the Gaelic Athletic Association that none of its members may play, encourage, go to see or assist in any way certain specified games known as English or foreign games. Those proscribed games include Rugby, Soccer, Cricket, Hockey and others. This rule is widely known as the ‘Ban’ or ‘Foreign Games Ban’ and its object is, according to the founders and followers of the GAA, to further the cause of Irish nationality by preventing the youth of the country from coming into contact with anti-national influences, which are all the more insidious because they are covered under the cloak of sports and ‘broad-mindedness’ in games.
It is well known that the boards that govern these games are composed of Englishmen or de-nationalised Irishmen, who have the imperialistic complex well developed and whose outlook is anti-national and often anti-Catholic. Their object is the dissemination of their anti-Irish ideas by creating associations all over the country, ostensibly for sport and exercise for the young bloods but in reality as meeting grounds for propaganda purposes. Let us take Rugby, say, and the procedure is as follows: A meeting to form a club is called and attended by the local ‘Shoneens’, by a few disillusioned young men who are unable to ‘shine’ at the native games, by that numerous but not respectable class who take a pride in being associated in any way with the ‘Big Wigs’ and by a few misguided men who had to play Rugby during their college days because Ascendancy and its native Hangers-on ruled that no other game should be played. Sir John Big Wig attends and, amidst applause, is moved to the chair, over which the Union Jack flies. Of course, it is sometimes felt that the introduction of the Union Jack would not be polite for a while and accordingly it is omitted until such time as the ‘mugs’ are sufficiently advanced not to mind it. Officials are elected and Sir John promises a splendid cup and Lady Big Wig will help to provide funds. Then they adjourn to drink the health of the King – Bless him – and success to the Empire. Sir John speaks of their ‘broad-mindedness’, asks as freemen shouldn’t they be free to play any games they please, and the local innocents are so delighted with Sir John’s condescension that, if he said black was white, they would swear it. The first match is played. All the elite attend. A Bank Clerk gets knocked out. Lady Big Wig holds his head. Miss Amelda Big Wig holds his hand. Reviving and finding himself in this position, he is overcome again. Next half, Big Bill, the blacksmith, is knocked out by Alphonsus Adolphus, the Assistant Manager. However, Big Bill is left to recover or not, as he thinks fit. Lady Big Wig is heard to say something about the ‘undesirable element’ and thus the games of the Broadminded Brigade go merrily on.
There are men who say that a person can be a good Irishman and play foreign games. It is doubtful. A man may be educated at Trinity College and be a good Catholic but the chances are very much against it. That terribly effective atmosphere and argument of ‘broad-mindedness’ is brought into play in both cases. You may say many hard things to a man and be forgiven, but don’t expect forgiveness if you charge him with being ‘narrow-minded’. In the Rugby atmosphere, refusal to play foreign games is considered very ‘narrow’ indeed. In Trinity atmosphere, the Catholic who refuses to tolerate anti-Catholic principles is dubbed ‘narrow’. The attitude of mind signified by ‘broad-mindedness’ is a totally wrong attitude. In effect, it consists in having no fixed principles. It is a flabby state of mind, which tolerates every doctrine good, bad or indifferent. Herein the danger lies, that there are Irishmen who play the foreign games and believe that this ‘broad-mindedness’ is a mark of their superiority and independence, when really it shows them to be weak and vacillating creatures.
The question is asked, is not a man entitled to play any games he pleases. The answer is – No! An Irishman’s duty is to play Irish games and he is no more free to play the proscribed foreign games than he is free to hang himself to the nearest lamp-post. It is hard to understand the attitude of certain Catholic Colleges, which ignore and do their utmost to discourage Irish games. It may be asked, what are the Irish games? The GAA, which voices athletic Ireland, answers that question. It is about time those Catholic Colleges awoke and tried to get into line with the aspirations of athletic Ireland. That ‘broad-mindedness’ in the matter of games, which they try to foster, will recoil on their own heads. Where will the line be drawn? That attitude of mind is one of the great enemies of religious dogma. We have good games and sound religion in Ireland. We should no more look to the heretics for our games than we do for our religion.
Again we have ‘broad-minded’ Gaelic Leaguers and Nationalists so-called, who mouth about England’s cruel laws, 700 years of oppression, etc. etc. and yet they go to see, encourage and even take part in the games of the country that oppressed them, the games, the object of which is a negation of all that a genuine Gaelic Leaguer or Nationalist stands for.
There is reason to believe that the English Rugby Union comes to the aid financially of its illegitimate off-spring in Ireland – the Irish Rugby Union. At any rate, we have not been favoured with a statement of accounts (as far as the writer is aware). This, among other things, makes us suspicious as to the origin of funds.
The daily papers chronicled recently the fact that the British Foreign Office refused permission to an English soccer team to visit Germany because it was feared that the German team would beat the English one and, thereby, ‘lower British prestige’. This speaks volumes.
I would ask every Irishman, who supports the banned games, to consider the statements I have made in the foregoing article, remembering that ‘broad-mindedness’ is not a virtue and that most of the really great men this world has seen, would be deemed ‘narrow’ men. If, after all that, he will not come back to the fold, if he can still remain a supported of those games, let him remain so and be hanged!
To sum up, foreign games are a symbol of foreign domination and, as such, every Irishman, worthy of the name, should blush when he hears or reads of such games being played in Ireland by the ‘broad-minded’ Irishmen.” Seán Ó Foghludha, Cromane, 10th Feb. 1930.
The following letter of reply to the Editor was printed in the Kerry Champion on Sat. 22nd Feb: “It was with the greatest amusement I read an article in your last issue, entitled ‘Foreign Games and Broad-mindedness’, written by Seán Ó Foghludha. It is a fundamental rule that when comparing the relative values of two things or subjects, the author must first make himself thoroughly acquainted with both. This, Sean Ó Foghludha evidently deems undesirable and, then, in a long drawn-out article, saturated with cheap sarcasm and bons mots, he proceeds to explain the Broad-minded atmosphere of Rugby. Well, Seán, I pity your poor attempt and, re your dry puns, it might have a chance of winning a penknife, if you sent them for publication to one of those comic papers that are published weekly.
By what I can read in your article, you are evidently under the impression that you are a great supporter of the GAA. If you consider yourself such, may I ask why you never attempted to organise a team in Cromane to participate in the Killorglin District League. Oh no, Seán, you would not dream of doing such a thing, it would bring you into contact with the ‘undesirable element’. Your position would immediately suffer the Inferiority Complex. Miss Amelda Wig, in such a case, would not have moral courage to come to your rescue.
I seriously ask you to attend our next Rugby match, where you will see such incidents in another light performed in reality. In this case, you will see Bill Smith and Tom Victualler ‘cutting a dash’ with Miss Amelda Wig, the three to be soon joined by Mr. Banker. There is an old saying to the effect that it is a dangerous experiment for a person to attempt the reformation of other people’s houses, without first seeing that his own is in order, and it also does not pay to throw stones from inside a glasshouse. The standard of your mentality, Seán, would not allow you to consider and heed such advice.
All those that attend and participate in Rugby, you describe as Shoneens in your article. I suggest, Seán, that you played Rugby. Nay, I accuse you of playing it. Since you consider those that lay Rugby, Shoneens, it follows that, since you played Rugby, you are, also, a Shoneen. After introducing the science of logic to prove it, I have arrived at that conclusion after a careful perusal of your article. Such wild, rambling statements, unsubstantiated by fact or reason, are only to be met with in articles written by incapable people, who have little or no knowledge of the subject they are writing about. As I think I have already intruded too much on the Editor’s valuable space, I will now conclude by giving you some good advice. In future, Seán, when you write about the ‘broad-mindedness’ of Rugby, when you make an appeal for its boycott more or less (as your article would indicate), remember that you do not adopt a stance such as you have already done i.e. writing an ill-thought out article, clothed in the language of ambiguity, which leads nowhere. I would also remind you not to introduce religion, a subject, which you or I are not capable of discussing.” M. Healy, Mill Road, Killorglin. 17/2/1930.
At the Kerry Co. Board of NACA, Liam McSweeney was re-elected President (Chairman) and Jack O Dwyer was elected Joint Secretary with Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan. Jacko Dwyer was also appointed as representative to the Munster Council. It was decided at the meeting that the Kerry Co. Championship should be held in Killorglin on Sun. 24th Aug.
On Sun. 26th Jan. at Killorglin, Tralee rugby team was beaten by Killorglin, 8 points to nil, in the second round of the McElligott Cup. The referee was The McGillycuddy of the Reeks.
Killorglin: Pat Teahan, Pat Sheehan, Tim Sheehan, A. Kavanagh, John A. Foley, Ted Mangan, P. Prendergast, Frank Griffin (capt.), Tom Mangan, Patrick O Mahony, Bruddy Kelliher, P. O Connell, C. Foley, Dan Brennan, Willie O Reilly.
Father Tim Harrington, P.P. Killorglin died on Wed. 19th Feb. aged 71 years. He had returned to the parish as Parish Priest in Sept. 1928. However, he had served as Curate in the parish with Father Lawlor and had celebrated the first Mass in the new church of St. James in May 1891. Born in Castletownbere, he had a keen interest in athletics, especially rowing. He was replaced as P.P. of Killorglin by Father W. Keane.
In February, Batty O Dwyer, District Court Clerk, Killorglin (and active Laune Ranger Club member) was appointed, by the Governor of the State of New York, a Commissioner of Deeds for that state and to take proofs and to administer oaths and affidavits. That was much relief to the local people and the people of the neighbouring districts, where people were occasionally put to much expense in having the work done, which Mr. O Dwyer was appointed to do.
On Sun. 1st June, the Mission, conducted by the Oblate Fathers, concluded in Killorglin. Rev. Father Fitzpatrick said that he had conducted Missions in England, Scotland, Wales and many parts of Ireland but he had never been in a parish where the devotion, the ardour and the religious fervour were so manifest as in Killorglin. They were, he said, the most God-fearing and religious people he had ever had the privilege of conducting a Mission for.
The Kerry Schools and Colleges Athletic sports were held in Tralee on Mon. 19th May. Jack O Dwyer attended in his capacity as joint-Secretary of the Kerry NACA, together with Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan. Liam McSweeney NT, Killorglin, was one of the judges. In the Junior (U-17) 100 yards, Michael O Connor (Intermediate School) came second in the third heat but did not feature in the final places. In the senior 220 yards, M. O Riordan (Intermediate School) came second in the heat but did not feature in the final places. In the Long Jump (Junior), Joe O Shea (Intermediate School) came third with a jump of 17ft. 5 ins.
A meeting of the Co. Kerry National Schools’ Sports Committee was held in the Urban Council Chambers, Killarney on Sun. 7th Sept. Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan declared that the sports meeting held the previous year in Milltown had been an unqualified success. Tadhg O Reilly, Killorglin, seconded the motion that the sports should be held in the Killarney Athletic Grounds on Sun. 5th Oct.
A meeting was held on Wed. 21st May in Killorglin, presided over by Jack O Dwyer, to discuss the possibility of the local GAA club affiliating a NACA club. Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan, Killarney, attended and he addressed those present at length, pointing out the value of athletics to the health of the individual and the Nation. Liam McSweeney, Tadhg O Reilly, Danny Clifford and Jack O Dwyer having spoken, it was unanimously decided to affiliate with the NACA. Arising out of the meeting, the following Sports Meeting was organised:
The Killorglin Novice Sports Meeting (confined to 5 miles area) was held on Sun. 7th Aug. A most enjoyable day was spent and programme presented was long and varied and, save in the cycling events, there was keen competition. This was the Committee’s initial effort. The results were as follows:
100 yards – 1st Ted Mangan; 2nd P. Doyle.
220 yards – 1st Ted Mangan, 2nd M. Heffernan.
440 yards – 1st P. McGillycuddy, 2nd Maurice Foley.
880 yards – 1st P. McGillycuddy, 2nd Maurice Foley.
1 mile – 1st P. McGillycuddy, 2nd Liam Foley.
High Jump – 1st Ted Mangan, 2nd Maurice Foley.
Long Jump – 1st Murt Kelly, 2nd Maurice Foley.
Hop, step and jump – 1st Murt Kelly, 2nd Maurice Foley.
16lbs. shot – 1st J. Slattery, 2nd M. O Riordan.
1 Mile Cycle – 1st P. Flynn, 2nd J. O Connor.
2 Miles Cycle – 1st P. Flynn, 2nd J. O Connor.
At the Milltown Novices’ Sports on Fri. 15th Aug. Murt Kelly, Lismacfinnane, won the 16lbs shot and tied with Maurice Foley, Coolbane, in the hop, step and jump at 30 ft. 11 ins. (Maurice Foley won the toss). He also won the 220 yards. P. J. McGillycuddy, Killorglin, was second in the 440 yards. In the 880 yards relay race (confined to affiliated Kerry GAA teams), Laune Rangers won.
The Killorglin Drag Hunt took place on Sun. 17th Aug. under adverse weather conditions. Over 24 clubs were represented by hounds and 70 hounds commenced the arduous 10 miles journey. The start was at the Piper’s Stone, Laharn and the finishing line was also there. The many spectators were unanimous in their praise of the view throughout the whole course. The Chairman of the local Beagle Club, Timothy O Riordan, had charge of the starting flag, in the absence of the Club President, Senator The McGillycuddy. The following Harrier Clubs represented Cork: Fairhill (Northern), Kerry Pike, Maymount, Cobh Nationals, Cork Nationals, Griffin United, Douglas Harriers, Northen United and Blackpool. Kerry’s representation consisted of the following clubs: Filemore, Caherseveen No. 1, Ballinskelligs, Waterville, Aughatubrid, Kenmare, Farmoyle and Killoe. In a most exciting finish, the order of the finishing dogs was: 1st ‘Shamrock 11’ (Fairhill), 2nd ‘Ploughman’ (Aughatubrid), 3rd ‘Rounder’ (Blackpool), 4th ‘Clinker’ (Northern United). The first prize consisted of the Club Cup and £10, 2nd prize – £4, 3rd prize – £2, 4th prize – £1. Additional stakes were awarded for local dogs as follows: 1st Bruno (Frank Griffin), 2nd Ranger (M. Power), 3rd Glory (P. Hogan)..
The Kerry Co. Championship Sports were held in Killorglin on Sun. 7th Sept. Beautiful weather favoured the event. It had been many years since a sports meeting had been held by the banks of the Laune and this event created much enthusiasm locally. The results were as follows:
100 yards – 1st J. F. O Donoghue, Killarney; 2nd Eugene Powell, Tralee; 3rd T. Moriarty, Dingle. Murt Kelly, Killorglin, also competed.
880 yards – 1st John O Shea, Firies; 2nd P. Maguire, Kerry Garga; 3rd J.L. Egan, Blackwater. Maurice Foley, Tadhg O Reilly, Michael Sheehan (all Killorglin) also competed.
1 Mile Cycle – 1st J. O Donnell, Tralee; 2nd Pat J. O Sullivan, Killorglin; 3rd P. Murphy, Cahersiveen.
16lbs Shot – 1st G. Walsh, Depot; 2nd C. O Connor, D.M.G, 3rd Eamonn O Sullivan, UCD.
Hop, Step and Jump – 1st Eamonn Fitzgerald, UCD & Sneem; 2nd J.J. O Shea, Ardea, Killarney; 3rd F. Fitzgerald, Sneem. M. O Sullivan, Killorglin also competed.
3 Miles Cycle – 1st J. O Donnell, Tralee; 2nd P.J. O Sullivan, Killorglin. P. Flynn, Killorglin, also competed.
High Jump – 1st Eamonn Fitzgerald, UCD; 2nd C. O Connor, DMG.
56lbs. Shot – 1st G. Walsh, Depot; 2nd T. Moriarty, Dingle, 3rd C. O Connor, DMG.
220 yards – 1st J.F. O Donoghue, Killarney; 2nd T. Moriarty, dingle; D.L. Lowry, Tralee.
1 Mile Flat – 1st J. O Shea, Firies; 2nd D. Horan, Killarney, 3rd J.L. Egan, Kenmare.
Long Jump – 1st Eamonn Fitzgerald, UCD; 2nd Eugene Powell, Tralee; 3rd F. Fitzgerald, Sneem. Murt Kelly also competed.
5 Miles Cycle – 1st John O Donnell, Tralee; 2nd Pat J. O Sullivan, Killorglin.
The winners and runners-up in the above events were chosen to represent Kerry in the Munster Inter-County Athletic contests at Ennis on Sun. 14th Sept.
The Killorglin Horse and Pony races were held on Sat. 18th October, under ideal weather conditions. A large crowd attended but there was a scarcity of racing animals.
First Race (an open handicap flat race) – 1st (£15) Laddie (J.R. Woulfes). 2nd (£3) Rosilin (T. Quaid).
Second Race (for ponies 11.2 and under – confined to ponies of residents of the parishes of Killorglin, Milltown, Castlemaine, Tuogh and the Barony of Iveragh) – 1st (£8) Flashlight (A. Barrett), 2nd (£1) Sunhill Rover (J. O Connor).
Third Race (an open flat race for ponies 11.2 and under) – 1st (£10) Rosaleen (T. Quaid), 2nd (30/-) Laddie (J.R. Woulfe).
Fourth Race (a flat race for ponies and horses of the residents of the Gap of Dunloe) – 1st (£6) Dunloe Leader (Mr. Cremins), 2nd (£1) Molly (Mr. Dennehy).
Fifth Race (a flat race for ponies of the residents of the parishes of Killorglin, Milltown, Castlemaine, Tuogh and the Barony of Iveragh) – 1st (£8) Johnny Walker (Mr. O Driscoll), 2nd (£4) Flashlight (A. Barrett).
The Kerryman newspaper circulation had reached 16,612 at the beginning of 1930. The 2/3 editions contained news, notes and sports reports from most of Co. Limerick and large tracts of Co. Cork.
Facts about Kerry during 1930:
- 22.1% of the people lived in towns and villages.
- 1,400 emigrated from the county.
- 24,400 acres were under corn.
- 32,023 acres were under root and green crops.
- There were 21,502 agricultural holdings in Kerry. 506 of those were above 200 acres, 1,454 between 100 and 200 acres, 1,367 less than 15 acres, 1,605 less than 10 acres, 2,371 less than 5 acres and 2,435 less than 1 acre.
- There were in the county, 23,517 horses and ponies, 978 mules and jennets, 11,206 donkeys, 2,201 bulls, 117,731 milch cows (256,651 cattle total), 2,879 rams, 81,399 ewes (153,976 sheep total), 90 boars, 8,478 sows (82,755 pigs total), 77,822 turkeys, 118,014 geese, 178,129 ducks, 845,515 ordinary fowl (1,219,480 total poultry).
- There were 6,518 old-age pensioners and 217 blind pensioners. The old-age pensions cost £151,284 and the blind pensions cost £5,465.
- In Aug, there were licensed and used on the roads in Kerry, 704 private cars, 278 motor hackneys, 149 commercial goods vehicles, 5 motor ploughs, 1 agricultural haulage motor, and 128 motor cycles.