Laune Rangers – 1944
The AGM of the Laune Rangers Club was held in the CYMS Hall, Killorglin on Sun. 6th Feb. 1944. There was a very good attendance of members, players and supporters. The Secretary’s report and that of the Treasurer, which showed a credit balance of £2, were unanimously adopted.
The following officers were elected:
President – Rev. Father Michael Casey C.C.
Vice – Presidents – Jack O Dwyer, John Joe Falvey and Sean T. O Riordan.
Chairman – Mike Joy.
Vice-Chairman – Dr. P. O Driscoll.
Secretary – Sean Moriarty N.T..
Treasurer – Paddy Foley.
Selection Sub-Committee – Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Rev. Michael Casey, Michael Moriarty and Sean T. O Riordan.
It was decided to invite Beaufort, Milltown and Castlemaine to take part in the Kennedy Cup competition. On the suggestion of Father Casey, it was decided to start a competition for the minors.
Co. Senior Football Championship
10 teams took part in the Senior Championship, John Mitchels, Austin Stacks, Army, Kerins O Rahillys, Dingle, Castlegregory, Castleisland, Shannon Rangers, Legion and Dick Fitzgeralds. This latter team, which was formed in 1944, had the pick of Dr. Crokes, Listry, Currow and Headford. Some of the Castlemaine players played with Listry in 1944 and consequently were eligible to play with Dick Fitzgerald’s.
The Co. Board decided to scrap the Co. Intermediate Championship. Laune Rangers did not take part in the Co. Senior Championship.
Dingle, captained by Tim Brosnan, won the Co. Senior Championship by beating Castleisland in the final on 10th Sept. on the score 1-3 to 0-4.
East-Kerry Senior Football Championship
It was decided, prompted by Laune Rangers, to abandon the Killarney and Killorglin Districts system and to run the competition under the auspices of the East-Kerry Board.
Sun. 26th March at Listry: Wolfe Tones (Kilcummin) 2-5; Laune Rangers 2-3.
That was a well-contested game.
Sun. 23rd April at Killorglin: Laune Rangers drew with Listry.
The game in ‘Butter’s’ Field ended in a flare-up. Stones were thrown. It seems as if Tim O Connell was very much involved in the fracas and efforts were made to break down the door of his house, which was adjacent to the field. Indeed, when his father and uncle came out, the perpetrators had good reason to retreat. The youngsters, attending the game, were told to go home through Sunhill for their safety. James Coffey always had the job of minding Tim Teahan’s bicycle and, on that occasion, he was advised by Tim to take the bike away. That he did and eventually put it into O Connell’s house. Kevin Foley, Tom Leary and Paddy Mike Foley (Ownagarry) played on the Laune Rangers team on that day.
Sun. 18th June (replay) at Fitzgerald Stadium: Listry 0-9; Laune Rangers 1-1.
Not for many years had such a crowd of supporters followed Laune Rangers to Killarney. The Rangers put up a plucky display but they were no match for a lively and good Listry team. The highlight of the game was the accurate kicking of Brendan Kelliher, who notched six points for the winners.
Laune Rangers: Stephen O Donoghue, Tom O Leary, Monnie O Reilly, J. Heffernan, Kevin Murphy, Eugie Joy, G. Joy, Tim Teahan, Tom Darcy, Michael O Grady, Kevin Ryle, Owen Costello, Paddy Mike Foley, Kevin Foley, Tim O Connell.
Listry: Tadhg O Riordan, Tom Buckley, Mickey Connor (Keel), S. O Shea, Dan Buckley, D. Foley, T. Curran, M. Leary, Brendan Kelliher (Castlemaine), Danny O Sullivan, Michael Lynch, Jim Counihan, Paddy Cronin, Andrew Larkin, Jimmy Lynch.
Ref: J. Fleming (Killarney).
Legion retained the East-Kerry Championship by disposing of Listry in the final on the score of 3-4 to 2-6.
Challenge Games.
Sun. 12th March at Beaufort: Killarney 3-5; Killorglin 2-3.
This was a tie in the L.D.F. Inter-District Football competition, which was played on a knock-out system. The halftime score was 1-4 to 0-1 I favour of the winners.
James J. Curtin and Eddie Clifford sponsored a trophy (The Curtin-Clifford Trophy, it was in the shape of a silver football) to be played for, over three games, by the Laune Rangers team of the time (Young Cracks) against a team composed of past-players (Old Crocks).
Rd. 1 on Sun. 16th April: Young Cracks beat Old Crocks by one point.
It was a hectic affair.
Rd. 2 on Sun. 14th May: Old Crocks beat Young Cracks by one point.
Following the death of Liam McSweeney, who had written in the Kerryman ‘Pars from Puck’, under the title Laune Ranger, another scribe began to write in ‘Pars from Puck’. In one such column, he wrote, “Not since the District Leagues of twelve years ago has there been such football enthusiasm as exists here at present. From that league was picked a team, which was no discredit to the Laune Rangers’ name but when that team waned, public interest waned too. For the past two or three years little local comment was made, even upon our most important games, and attendance at these games was ghostly.
The Curtin/Clifford trophy has proven itself the cure. For this league of three games, those footballers of from five to fifteen years past have taken the field against the present young team. The question now on everyone’s lips is, ‘Can youthful vigour beat the experience of age?”
The Clifford/Curtin Trophy was presented in 1944 by Eddie Clifford and James J. Curtin – to be played for over three games by the Laune Rangers team of the time (Young Cracks) and a team of past-players (Old Crocks). It was used afterwards for Senior Football Parish Leagues.
Rd. 3 on Sun. 4th June: Old Crocks 3-3; Young Cracks 1-2.
Unfortunately, the elements spoiled what would have been one of the best ‘gates’ of the year. Even though the day cleared in good time for the game, a threatening sky kept the majority away. A strong gale prevented good play and when, in the first half, the young team threw away their opportunities, a one-sided game ended with victory for the Veterans and the first recipients of the Curtin/Clifford trophy.
LDF Local Company Cup Final on Sun. 8th Oct: Rifle Unit beat the F.A. Unit.
It had been expected that Patsy Clifford’s led F. A. Unit would prevail but vigorous tactics by the McMahon brothers, and by ‘Gandhi in particular, were instrumental in bringing victory to the Rifle Unit.
Munster/All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Rd. 1 on Sun. 14th May at Tralee: Kerry 4-4; Clare 1-4.
Gerald Teahan played at right fullback. Kerry was depleted due to travel restrictions.
Semi-final on Sun. 18th June at Limerick: Kerry 3-9; Limerick 0-4.
Kerry: Danno Keeffe, Tadhg Healy, Gerald Teahan, Tim Brosnan, Denny Lyne, Martin McCarthy, F. O Connor, Joe Fitzgerald, William O Donnell, Eddie Dowling, Jim Clifford, Gus Cremin, Paddy O Donoghue, Paddy Bawn Brosnan, Johnny Moriarty. Due to transport difficulties, Kerry was without the services of Joe Keohane, Murt Kelly, Paddy Kennedy, Ned Condon, Sean Brosnan, Bill Myers and Dan Kavanagh.
Final on Sun. 9th July at Limerick: Kerry 1-6; Tipperary 0-5.
Murt Kelly scored two points.
Kerry: Danno Keeffe (O Rahilly’s), Tadhg Healy (John Mitchels), Joe Keohane (do.), Tim Brosnan (Dingle), Martin McCarthy (Castleisland), E. Condon (Valentia), Eddie Walsh (Knocknagoshel), Dan Kavanagh (Dingle), Paddy Kennedy (Annascaul), Jim Clifford (Cahersiveen), Sean Brosnan (Dingle), Paddy Bawn Brosnan (Dingle) capt., Jackie Lyne (legion), Murt Kelly (Geraldines, Dublin), Eddie Dunne (John Mitchels). Derry Burke and Gerald Teahan were subs.
All-Ireland Semi-final at Croke Park on Sun. 27th Aug: Kerry 3-3; Carlow 0-10.
There was an attendance of 40,727, a record crowd for a semi-final. Kerry played against the wind in the first half. Murt Kelly scored a goal from a penalty, after Paddy Bawn was pulled down in the square. However, by trying for goals, with points there for the taking, he lost a few chances. In the second half, he took a pass from Bill Dillon to kick a good point. Derry Burke came on for the injured Tim Brosnan.
Kerry: Danno Keeffe, Tadhg Healy, Joe Keohane, Tim Brosnan, Martin McCarthy, Ned Condon, Eddie Walsh, Sean Brosnan, Paddy Kennedy, Jim Clifford, Bill Dillon, Dan Kavanagh, William O Donnell, Paddy Bawn Brosnan, Murt Kelly. Sub: Derry Burke for Tim Brosnan.
Final on Sun. 24th Sept at Croke Park: Roscommon 1-9; Kerry 2-4.
Kerry was seeking its 16th title. Croke Park was full to capacity and thousands of supporters were locked out. Murt Kelly did not have a happy hour at full-forward and missed a few scoreable frees.
Kerry: Danno Keeffe, Tim Brosnan, Joe Keohane, Tadhg Healy, Bill Dillon, Martin McCarthy, Eddie Walsh, Sean Brosnan, Paddy Kennedy (0-2), Johnny Clifford, Jackie Lyne, Paddy Bawn Brosnan (capt.), Denny Lyne, Murt Kelly (1-1) and Eddie Dunne (1-0). Subs: Dan Kavanagh for P. Kennedy, Johnny Walsh for PB Brosnan, Derry Burke and Gerald Teahan.
Roscommon: O. Hoare, W. Jackson, J. P. O Callaghan, J. Casserley, B. Lynch, Bill Carlos, P. Murray, E. Boland, L. Gilmartin, W. Jackson, F. Kinlough, Jimmy Murray, Donal Keenan, Dr. H. Gibbons, J. McQuillan, J. J. Nerney.
Railway Cup
Semi-final on Sun. 20th Feb. at Croke Park: Ulster 2-10; Munster 1-7.
Murt Kelly and Bill Casey were the only two Munster forwards to show any bit of initiative, but the team was essentially run off its feet and many of the players were not up to the task.
Munster: Danno Keeffe, Tadhg Healy, Joe Keohane, Tadhg Crowley (Cork) capt., Eddie Walsh, P. ‘Weeshie’ Murphy (Cork), Den Connors (Cork), Paddy Kennedy, D. J. Murphy (Cork), Jack Lynch (do.), Eamonn Young (do.), E. Casey (do.), Murt Kelly, Jim Cronin (Cork/Kerry), Jim Ahern (do.).
Administration/Miscellany
Seamus Gardner, Tiobrad Árainn, was Uachtaran CLG.
Father Michael Hamilton, An Clár, was Chairman of the Munster Council, Sean McCarthy, Ciarraí, was Secretary and Willie Hough, Luimneach, was Treasurer.
The Annual Convention of the Kerry Co. Board was held in St. John’s Theatre, Tralee on Sat. 29th Jan. 1944. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Din Joe Baily; Vice-Chairmen – Chairmen of District Boards; Secretaries – Mícheál O Ruairc and Jerry Myles; Treasurers – Con Clifford and John Moran; Delegates to Munster Council – John Joe Sheehy and Con Brosnan.
The East-Kerry Board’s AGM was held in the Central Club, Killarney on Sun. 2nd Jan. 1944. In the absence of the Chairman, Dr. Pat O Driscoll, Bill Myers presided. Laune Rangers were represented by John and Kevin Foley. (The Secretary’s Report is given at the end of 1943). The Secretary reported that, due to the long distance involved, Dr. Pat O Driscoll was unable to continue as Chairman. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Tom Lynch (Listry); Vice-Chairmen – Jack O Dwyer (Laune Rangers), Bill Myers (Killarney) and M. O Callaghan (Currow); Secretary – Danny O Sullivan (Listry); Treasurer – Pat O Meara (Legion); Delegates to Co. Board – Danny O Sullivan and Martin Wade (Legion); Delegate to Annual Congress – Liam McSweeney (Laune Rangers). John Foley moved a motion tabled by Laune Rangers, ‘that the Killorglin area be extended as the number of affiliated clubs in the area was too small.’ He said that with the probable defection of Milltown, there would be only two teams, Laune Rangers and Castlemaine, in the Killorglin area. Following a brief discussion, the Convention decided to do away with the two Divisional Boards and to revert to the old system of running the competitions under the East-Kerry Board.
At a Co. Board meeting in early April, it was decided to scrap the Co. Intermediate Championship. The Co. Board had lost heavily on that in the previous year and was not in a position to incur further liabilities. In normal times, what was lost in the swings was made up on the roundabouts – the Senior Football Championship surplus was able to subsidise the non-paying competitions. However, due to the ‘emergency’ that would not be possible. Furthermore, railway restrictions were about to be introduced in 1944.
At the end of Feb. death claimed another of the old Laune Rangers, in the person of Dan Murphy, Tullig, Beaufort after a rather brief illness. Respected by the older generation and looked on as a hero by the young, Dan always had a keen interest in Gaelic affairs. Representing the Rangers Club at the funeral were John Phil Murphy, a fellow member of the famous team that played in Clonturk Park, Patsy Begley, Mike Joy and Paddy Foley, as well as junior members of the club.
The death of Liam McSweeney N. T., which had occurred, after a prolonged illness, at his residence, Ardeavin, Killorglin on 26th March occasioned profound regret, not only in his native Kerry, where he had been immensely popular, but throughout the whole country, where he was widely known and respected. His life-long service to the teachers’ cause and his work in the INTO, in which he held every position from Branch Secretary to President (1935), earned for him the gratitude of the entire teaching fraternity. Himself, a skilful teacher, he taught with remarkable success, as assistant and principal, in the school (Scoil Mhuire Boys’) where he had received his earliest instruction and where, by his kindly methods, he won the affection of his pupils.
An able organiser, he rendered invaluable service to the Gaelic cause, devoting many years of his life to the promotion of athletics and Gaelic games. A publicly noted citizen, he did much to improve conditions in his native town, where his name will long be honoured and respected. The funeral to Dromavalla was one of the largest seen in Killorglin for a long time. The cortege comprised children of Killorglin School, wearing mourning armlets, members of the LSF, St. James’ Branch CYMS and Laune Rangers Football Club. The following public bodies, among others, were represented: Central Executive Council INTO, Kerry Co. Committee INTO, East-Kerry Board GAA, Kerry Co. Board GAA, NACAI and Kerry Co. Council.
PF wrote in the Kerryman, “I was sorry to learn of the death of Liam McSweeney, Killorglin. In common with other activities, he was Chairman, for some years, of the East-Kerry Board and member of the Co. Board. He was, for a long time, Secretary of the Co. Board NACAI. As a Press correspondent for this paper, he often described games and reported GAA meetings in the Killorglin area (Contributing ‘Pars from Puck’ under the name ‘Laune Ranger’). He is a big loss to Gaeldom in the Launeside town. Solus siorruidhe d’á anam.”
On 2nd Dec. the death occurred of John Fitzpatrick aged 62 years. He was NT in Douglas and had been in his youth a delegate for Laune Rangers to the Co. Board.
On Sun. 10th Sept. at Tralee, Dingle beat Castleisland in the Co. Senior Football Final. Gerald Teahan played at left halfback for Dingle, to win his third title. Derry Burke played at centre half-forward for Castleisland and Paddy Burke played at full-forward.
Laune Rangers Club contributed £1-7-6 to the Kerry Team Training Fund for the All-Ireland Final versus Roscommon.
On Sun. 25th June, Geraldine’s beat O Toole’s by 1-8 to 1-5 in the final of the Dublin Co. Senior Football Championship. Murt Kelly scored two points from frees for the winners. Jim Joy (formerly of Ballykissane) also played with Geraldine’s.
In early Feb. the Parnell GAA Club, Beaufort, was formed.
The General Election was held on Tues. 30th May. The electorate of the South-Kerry constituency was 35,504 and the valid poll was 25,184. Fred H. Crowley (FF), J. B. Healy (FF) and Fionán Lynch (FG) were elected to represent the constituency. Due to the appointment of Fionan Lynch to the judiciary, a bye-election was held in South Kerry in Nov. D. O Donoghue (FF) was elected, giving Fianna Fáil all three seats in the constituency.
The Advertisement for Puck Fair declared, “One of the world’s few remaining monarchs who, strictly neutral and still surviving wars, threats of invasion and political world-upheaval, under Royal Constitution ‘half as old as time’ rules beyond party or treaty, a Kingdom and a People catering during carnival for the business and the pleasure of the multitude, and inviting all and sundry to partake of the happy and enjoyable atmosphere of a carefree realm.” The following rhyme invited all:
‘Come by bus or come by bike,
Come by motor or come by hike,
Come by lorry or come by air,
Come as you wish, but come to Puck Fair.’
Sean T. O Riordan penned these lines in honour of Puck Fair:
“To Killorglin Town are trekking everyone, both big and small,
Bent on sport, all travelling onwards, answering gladly pleasure’s call.
Be they poor or blessed with plenty, be they just the rank and file,
All have left their cares behind them, each one wears a happy smile.
On they come from Galway Races, and from Allen’s plains so low,
Hiking, biking, speeding southwards, all good sports are on the go.
And from far-off distant places, young and old are on their way,
Seeking out the joy and gaiety, eager for to sport and play.
What’s ahead that draws them onwards? What reward’s awaiting there?
Some aversion gay and sprightly, joy untold, beyond compare.
Yes! It is a joyous function, happy time devoid of care,
Three great days of thrilling pastime – world famous old Puck Fair.
There they’ll see and ancient custom, rated ‘half as old as time’,
Marked unique on history’s pages, praised by bards in song and rhyme.
Killorglin gaily decked with banners, spirit of joy about the town,
While from pedestal decorated, serene and calm, King Puck looks down.
Rightly called Enjoyment’s Mecca, carnival for sport galore,
Where the joyful can make merry, games and pastimes by the score.
One will never find the equal, wheresover he may delve,
Of this Carnival of Gaiety: August Ten, Eleven, Twelve!”
With an improvement in the weather conditions after last Mass on Sun. 3rd Sept. the committee decided to go ahead with the long awaited Water Carnival on the Laune. While awaiting the tide for the boat races, the swimming races were started. An exceptionally large crowd thronged the main bridge and adjoining quays to watch those keenly contested races and to listen to the running commentary broadcast by Hugh Hogan. So dense was the crowd on the river’s bank adjoining the boathouse, that part of a protective railing collapsed and three children were precipitated into the flood-tide. Willing hands, however, grasped them by legs and hands and hauled them to safety before they had a chance of getting into difficulties. Somewhat similar duckings were witnessed in the Laune Derby – that wooden horse-race, in which many of the jockeys found the task of balancing on those floating horses not the easy job it appeared at first sight. The Milltown Fife and Drum Band gave an atmosphere of gaiety to the day by their rendering of the most popular marches while parading through the town.
The results were as follows:
Trotting Race, over a course of approximately three miles circumference, – 1st Mícheál Kelly, Lismacfinnane (13 mins. 3 secs.), 2nd B. Doherty, Knockreagh, Milltown (13 mins. 11 secs.), 3rd Joe Kelly, Dungeel (14 mins. 14 secs.). Five competed.
100 yards swimming race, free style – 1st Tim Corkery, Baile Nuadh, 2nd Michael Sheehy, Anglont.
200 yards swimming race, free style – 1st Gene McGillycuddy, Meanus, 2nd Michael Sheehy, Anglont.
Laune Derby – 1st Sonny Doyle (Riding ‘A Baker’s Dozen’), 2nd Tom Johnston, Dungeel (Riding ‘Water Sprite’).
Five-men Boat – 1st Michael Sheehan (Gurrane United), 2nd Jer O Connor, Cromane, 3rd Maurice Harmon, the Cliff.
Seven-men Boat – 1st Michael Sheehan (Gurrane United), 2nd Michael Sugrue, Cromane, 3rd P. Casey, Gurrane in Corkery’s boat, The Dark Horse, 4th Maurice Harmon, the Cliff.
A resolution to Kerry Co. Council, “that the Co. Manager should, in accordance with Section 29 of the Co. Management Act 1940, acquire turf plots at Knocknaboula Bog for Killorglin applicants, all workers, to enable them ‘to keep fire in their respective houses,” was denied. The Co. Manager said that the bog belonged to the Land Commission and it had entrusted the letting of the bog to the tenants, who had turbary rights on the estate, to three local trustees.
Under the Allotments Scheme, sponsored by Killorglin Parish Council, over forty persons had received allotments in 1944 in the newly acquired fields at Farrentoreen.
On 27th Jan. a ploughing contest was organised by the students of the night class in Agricultural Science at Killorglin Technical School, under the able leadership of Mr. Sean Callanan, Bachelor of Agriculture and Science. The results were as follows: Class 2 – 1st Maurice Fuller, Abbeydorney, 2nd a tie between Mícheál Kelly, Dungeel and Bill Neill, Ballymalis, 4th Mick Murphy, Anglont.
Class 3 – Dermot Breen, Gortnascarry, 2nd John Joe Foran, Aghadoe, 3rd William Joy, Mount Rivers.
A public meeting took place on Sat. 23rd Sept. in Moloney’s Hall, at which problems relating to the establishment of a new band were discussed. It was decided that active membership of the band would be confined to membership of one or other of the Emergency Services (L.D.F, L.S.F, Fire-Brigade, Red Cross etc.). That decision was taken for reasons of efficiency, as it was the opinion of the meeting that such a band would be subject to control much more readily than one composed of individuals. At the same time, active support from any person would be gratefully accepted by the committee. In that respect, Dan Foley headed the list by his offer as instructor. His skills on the Irish pipes were better known to the people in Tralee, where he had spent years in business in Castle Street. The following officers were elected: Chairman – Kevin Sheehan, Vice-Chairman – J.J. Foley, Secretary – Sean O Riordan, Ass. Secretary – Mícheál O Mahony, Treasurer – Liam Foley. Following a discussion on the acquisition of funds, Charles Foley, Company Leader L.D.F, presented £20 on behalf of the local company and expressed the hope that other organisations would follow the lead. Collectors were appointed to accept subscriptions generally. The subscriptions yielded St. Mary’s Terrace – £2-5-6, Lower Town – £6-3-6, Square and Langford St. – £4-3-0, Upper Town – £3-11-0.
In conjunction with the LDF Football Final on Sun. 8th Oct. a supporting athletics meeting was also held. The results were as follows: One Mile Cycle – 1st J. O Shea, 2nd Patrick O Grady; 16lbs. shot – 1st P. O Riordan, 2nd Tom O Leary; 3-legged Race – 1st P. O Riordan and L. O Riordan; Grenade Competition – 1st Liam Foley, 2nd M. Sugrue; Children’s Relay Race – Third Class. For that latter event, each class in the local school was asked to put forward a team of three for a handicap relay race. Six classes were represented and a keenly contested race resulted in a win for Masters P. Joy, V. Joy and M. Linehan.
The AGM of the East-Kerry Board was held in the Central Club, Killarney on Sun. 7th Jan. 1945. Danny O Sullivan, Secretary from Listry, reported that the year under review was one of the most successful to date in East-Kerry. The number of clubs (14) affiliated was a record, as were also the gate receipts (£133). Eight teams took part in the Senior League, fifteen matches were played and the winners were Killarney Legion. In the Junior League, twelve teams played twenty matches and Dr. Crokes, Killarney, were the winners. The standard of football in both leagues was good and the competition spirited and clean. He evidenced the very narrow defeat of Legion in the semi-final of the Co. Championship as a clear indication of the high standard of football in the division. He paid special tribute to the players, who had fulfilled all their engagements during the year, despite transport difficulties, the members of the Board, the Club Secretaries, referees, ticket-sellers and stewards for their very valuable services.