Tony Brennan (1916-1965), Clonoutly-Rossmore & Tipperary
Clonoulty Rossmore Vintage Club Program, August 21, 2016, pp 75-79
Memories & Reflections, Twenty Five Years Later
Strictly Come Dancing Program, Halla Na Feile, Cashel, June 5th 2016
Cashel King Cormac’s club president, Willie Ryan (T), (the man with the cap), watching proceedings during the presentation of the cup at Cappawhite.
Twenty-five years on from what was probably the club’s greatest year, Cashel King Cormac’s are remembering the glorious year of 1991 when the senior hurlers climbed to the summit in winning the county senior hurling championship for the first time. They went on to take the Munster title and narrowly missed out on All-Ireland honours.
They were accompanied to county honours by the junior and under-21 teams, an achievement unmatched up to then by any club in the county. In fact, earlier in the year on January 13 to be exact, Cashel won another county final, albeit for 1990, when they defeated Commercials in the under-21 football championship final at Kilsheelan. Three players, Seanie Barron, Seanie O’Donoghue and Joe O’Leary, were members of all four panels giving them a unique personal distinction.
The senior success was the most celebrated because it was a first for the club. The King Cormac’s reached the final the previous year only to lose out to Holycross-Ballycahill on a miserably wet day. Three earlier final appearances, in 1937, 1939 and 1940, also ended in defeat.
A Long Wait
M. Quinn (Referee) about to throw in the ball before the Munster Club final at Mitchelstown, December 1991. Cashel King Cormac’s captain, Colm Bonnar, and Midleton captain, Ger Fitzgerald.
So, when victory eventually came at the final hurdle in 1991 it was long-awaited, greatly savoured and much celebrated. In fact my memory is of outstanding occasions in O’Reilly’s Pub, later O’Sullivan’s, Chief’s, Campion’s, Penny Lane and currently McCarthy’s. It was a wonderful pub for celebration, having three entrances to facilitate access on crowded occasions!
It was also a time of unprecedented support for the club with great crowds attending the games, plenty of financial sponsorship – Garveys Supervalu was proudly displayed on the jerseys
- and support. The level of that support was reflected in the turnout for the club social after the 1991 victory when 330 sat down to dinner at Dundrum House Hotel. I remember the extensive display of silverware that night, all shining brightly following hours of work by Tricia Fitzell.
Another memory from these years was the excitement of club president, Willie Ryan (T) as victory followed victory. He walked on air!
There were signs in 1988 that the hurling prospects of the club were improving. Although beaten ultimately by Borrisileigh in the county semi-final, Cashel’s performance in the final quarter of that game, which produced goals from Peter Fitzell and Sean Slattery, gave the supporters hope that there was a future for the team and made the public look up at a new hurling force.
Another development that year was the success of the minors in winning the county championship. This was followed up in 1989 with a further success in that grade and, while the seniors stumbled and fell badly against Cappawhite in the West championship, there were a number of recruits from the minor sides, like Ailbe Bonnar, T.J. Connolly, Raymie Ryan, Timmy Moloney and Seanie O’Donoghue, who were bursting to get into the senior ranks.
Outside Help
The following year, 1990, was a crucial one. There was the promise shown in 1988 and the influx of young talent from the minor champions. Something extra was required to drive the team to a higher level. This came with the appointment of Justin McCarthy as coach.
Justin brought to the team a number of very important things. Probably the first was an immense experience from years of managing not only club but county teams as well and the respect that this generated in the players. Then there was his total dedication to the cause of Cashel King Cormac’s. The club became the only one that mattered to him and he thought about it and planned for it not only when he was in Leahy Park but when travelling to or away after a training session. There was also his totally professional approach, one aspect of which was his emphasis on how every hurley had to be an individual piece of equipment for each player and he spent many hours shaping and repairing hurleys to meet individual requirements. There were also his man-management skills which facilitated good individual rapport with each player. In fact the team became a family and Justin’s family became part of that family.
The victorious Cashel King Cormac’s panel of 1991
Back row, left to right: Seanie O’Donoghue, James O’Donoghue (RIP), Ramie Ryan, John Ryan, Pat O’Donoghue, John Grogan, Seanie Morrissey, Seanie Barron, Don Higgins, Joe Minogue;
Middle row, left to right: Pa Fitzell, Willie Fitzell, Sean Slattery, Tommy Grogan, Ailbe Bonnar, Colm Bonnar (capt.), Cormac Bonnar, Conal Bonnar, Timmy Moloney;
Front row, left to right: Joe O’Leary, Ger Slattery, Michael Perdue, Declan McGrath, Liam Devitt,
T.J. Connolly, Tony Slattery, Peter Fitzell.
The result was that he developed the players not only into a better bunch of hurlers but into a better team as well. He raised the bar of their performances and the result was qualification for the 1990 county final.
Other Contributors
Cashel King Cormac’s first aid man, Pearse Bonnar, dispensing aid to son, Conal, with Justin McCarthy looking on.
It would be an omission not to mention two other people who played an important part in the preparation of the team, Dinny Keating and Paddy Greaney. Dinny looked after Leahy Park and had it perfectly prepared for every training session, even to the extent of having tea in the dressing-rooms – the milk supplied by Tommy Moloney – after training sessions! He may be an unsung hero but anyone who remembers his many years of contribution to the park, will agree that any praise of him is well-deserved. Paddy’s contribution was in another area. As well as being the club’s greatest promotor of the County Draw with over one hundred subscribers, Paddy was the person who gave the team their supper in the splendid surroundings of the panelled Vincent O’Brien room in the Cashel Palace Hotel, a place not normally associated with hurling. This was an innovation inspired by Justin following the last training session before matches. The food was always top class and the place conducive to the pep talks given by the selectors, Brendan Bonnar, John Darmody and Aengus Ryan, as well as contributions from the players.
Paddy Greaney, Tommy Grogan and Dinny Keating
The rising graph of success was temporarily halted with defeat in the 1990 county final. This was a finely balanced game throughout. Holycross led by 0-6 to 0-4 at the interval on a day when the weather made good hurling difficult. In fact Tommy Grogan had the ball in the net eight minutes before half-time, only for the referee to call back the play for a foul on Jamesie O’Donoghue. With eight minutes to play the sides were level but it was Holycross’s, Tony Lanigan, who got the winning scores, three unanswered points in the final minutes.
Cashel King Cormac’s, West senior hurling champions 1993
Back row, left to right: T.J. Connolly, Joe O’Leary, Donal Ryan, Pat O’Donoghue, John Ryan, Seanie O’Donoghue, Joe Minogue;
Front row, left to right: Michael Butler, Ramie Ryan, Ailbe Bonnar, Colm Bonnar, Conal Bonnar, Cormac Bonnar, Willie Fitzell (capt.), Michael Perdue.
Holycross had lost to Clonoulty- Rossmore in 1989 and the mantra was that a team had to lose one to win one. Would Cashel’s time come in 1991?
A Team of Brothers
At the last meeting before the 1991 county final, the selectors and Justin McCarthy went into conclave in the Cashel Palace Hotel to pick the team. This piece of paper, supplied by Aengus Ryan from his job as office manager in O'Connors Vets, was used for writing out the team, and the handwriting was by Aengus
One of the contributory factors to the strength of the Cashel team in 1991 was its brotherly composition. Over half the panel, fifteen out of twenty-seven, was made up of bands of brothers.
The Bonnars contributed Cormac, Colm, who was also captain, Conal and Ailbe. In mentioning them one has to include Pearse, the father of them all, who was the first aid man to the team and who was a familiar figure rushing in from the sideline – belying his years - with his case of aids for the injured. And, there was also Brendan, one of the three selectors, making it an overwhelming family affair, which was manifested in the sign erected on the Cahir entrance to the town: ‘Welcome to Bonnar City’!.
The other bands of brothers were the Fitzells, Pa, Peter and Willie, the Grogans, John and Tommy, the O’Donoghues, Pat, Jamesie (RIP) and Seanie, and the Slatterys, Tony, Ger and Sean. Needless to add the remaining twelve members of the panel, who included cousins T. J. Connolly and Raymie Ryan, also contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Used to Success
Any reflection on this team has to question why it took so long to achieve success. Some of the panel had achieved county success as long ago as 1969, when Cashel under-13s won the county final in football and were beaten by Ballina in the hurling final with virtually the same panel of players. The team included John and Tommy Grogan, Tony Slattery, Joe Minogue, Don Higgins, Brendan and Cormac Bonnar, Pa Fitzell. Guided by the coaching and management of Brother Noonan the club enjoyed further unprecedented success during the early seventies, culminating in successive county minor successes in 1974 and 1975. Progress stalled after that with West senior titles in 1975, 1976 and 1980 and, as mentioned above, in 1988, but no progression to county titles that the successes between 1969 and 1975 might have anticipated.
Cashel King Cormac supporters after county quarter-finals at Golden in 1991
Left to right: T.J. Connolly, Jim O’Leary, Brendan Bonnar, Denis Fitzgerald.
The management team in 1991
Back row, left to right: selectors, Jack Darmody, Aengus Ryan and Brendan Bonnar;
Front row, left to right: club chairman, Seamus J. King and coach, Justin McCarthy
The victory over Holycross by 2-8 to 1-5 in 1991 final was belated then as the expectation created by the victories in 1969 and the years following was only then realised. However, these thoughts were far from the mind of Colm Bonnar , when he became the first Cashel player to receive the Dan Breen Cup from county chairman, Michael Maguire. Neither did they dim the excitement of Raymie Ryan, as he received the man-of-the-match award, his third time to be so honoured on county final day, having twice accepted similar honours following the minor deciders in 1988 and 1989.
Whenever players and supporters look back to the early nineties they remember a time when it was great to be alive, when the King Cormac’s reached the summit and when it was such pleasure to follow them.
At the launch of Justin McCarthy’s book ‘Hooked, at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on April 22, 2002
Back row, left to right: Seamus J. King, John Grogan, John Ryan, Tommy Grogan, Raymie Ryan, Cormac Bonnar;
Front row, left to right: Michael Perdue, Jack Darmody, Mattie Finnerty, Ger Slattery.
Knocknagow
United Sports Panel Presentation Booklet for the Annerville Awards, Clonmel Park Hotel, Jan 23rd, 2016
I love you, Tipperary dear, for sake of him who told
The tale of homely ‘Knocknagow’ – its hearts as true as gold –
For sake of ‘Matt the Thresher’s’ strength, and Nora Leahy’s grace,
I love you, Tipperary, tho’ I never saw your face.
The words are by Brian O’Higgins and the poem includes five more verses outlining all the places of beauty in the county that he loves as well as ‘one dear friend, Within whose eyes your smiles and tears forever meet and blend.’
O’Higgins was born in County Meath in 1882 and took part in the Easter Rising. He was present in the GPO during the rebellion. Elected MP for Clare in 1918, he was re-elected to the Dáil in 1921, 1922 and 1923. He opposed the Anglo-Irish Treaty and lost his seat in the 1927 election. Active in the Gaelic League, he started a successful publishing company in the late twenties. He was an ardent lover of Ireland, its history, culture, language and freedom. From 1935 to 1962 he published the Wolfe Tone Annual in which he presented Irish history from a republican viewpoint. He died in 1963.
O’Higgins gave the background to his poem: ‘I always had a special love for Tipperary as my mother, God rest her, told us the stories of Kickham and recited the poems for us even before we were able to read, and when I did read them my love for Tipperary grew. It was far back in 1903, when I was a patient here in a Dublin hospital, that I wrote ‘I love You, Tipperary.’ While convalescing I amused myself and the other patients by composing poems. One day, a Tipperary man said to me: ‘It’s a pity you don’t write something about Tipperary.’ ‘But I have never seen Tipperary,’ I answered. ‘What matter? Haven’t you read Kickham?’ I composed this poem that day.’
Charles J Kickham
And, of course, as most people know, it was Charles J. Kickham who created Knocknagow, when he wrote his great novel, entitled Knocknagow, or the Homes of Tipperary. Published in 1879, it was an instant success and ran to seven editions between then and 1887. In it the author presents an idealised picture of the contemporary peasant as ‘simple-minded, honest-souled, high-spirited, animated and inspired by two noble passions, love of his religion and his country.’
This love of country finds expression in one of the most memorable incidents in the novel, the sledge throwing contest between Captain French and Matt the Thresher. The Captain has just delivered a huge third throw and most of the spectators doubted if Matt could possibly beat it. The account continues:
‘The captain is a good fellow,’ thought Mat Donovan, ‘and I’d like to lave him the majority – if I could do it honourable.’
He looked on the anxious faces of those around him; he looked at Bessy Morris; but still he was undecided. Some one struck the big drum a single blow, as if by accident, and, turning round quickly, the thatched roofs of the hamlet caught his eye. And, strange to say, those old mud walls and thatched roofs roused him as nothing else could. His breast heaved as, with glistening eyes and that soft plaintive smile of his, he uttered the words: ‘For the credit of the little village!’ in a tone of the deepest tenderness. Then, grasping the sledge in his right hand, and drawing himself up to his full height, he measured the captain’s cast with his eye. The muscles of his arms seemed to start out like cords of steel as he wheeled slowly around and shot the ponderous sledge through the air.
His eyes dilated, as, with quivering nostrils, he watched its flight, till it fell far beyond the best mark that even he himself started with astonishment. Then a shout of exultation burst from the excited throng; hands were convulsively grasped, and hats sent flying into the air, and in their wild joy they crushed around him and tried to lift him upon their shoulders.
‘O boys, boys,’ he remonstrated, ‘be ‘asy. Sure ‘tisn’t the first time ye see me throw a sledge. Don’t do anything that might offend the captain afther comin’ here among us to show ye a little diversion.’
For the Credit of the Little Village
‘For the credit of the little village’ has become a mantra of exhortation for all sporting endeavour in the county since then. Wherever the Tipperary sportsperson finds himself, he is exhorted to give his all, just as Mat did, for the honour and glory of his native place.
The mythical name of Knocknagow, with its broad vowels and solid sound, is synonymous with the county. It reflects great love for home and hearth, for friends and neighbours, for one’s native place, however small and insignificant it may appear to others.
The kind of inspiration that lifted Mat’s achievement to such heights came from the sights and sounds of the people around him, the people of his own kith and kin. He was their representative, their saviour, their champion against the forces outside Knocknagow.
This kind of endeavour is extraordinary and drives people to greater heights of achievement. One does it for one’s community and there is no nobler cause than the protection of and championing the cause of one’s community.
Of course the whole episode presents an idealised picture. There is a nobility and decency about Mat’s motives that are almost saint-like.. The captain is a guest in the community and the laws of hospitality have to be observed. These laws demand that you don’t do anything that might offend your guest and that is where Mat is torn, between his desire to champion his community and yet not beat the captain. The sound of the drum helps to make up his mind but when he has delivered his winning cast, he tries to prevent his supporters from being too triumphal.
Although it presents an idealised version of Irish peasant life in nineteenth century Ireland, it does show the importance of local loyalty in driving people to greater endeavour for their communities. The G.A.A. recognised this when they made the parish the basic unit of the new Association, which came into existence only five years after the publication of Kickhams’s novel.
It is appropriate that the most prestigious of the Annerville Awards, which recognise athletic achievements, is the Knocknagow. Introduced in 1962, three years after the awards were initiated, the Knocknagow award is a unique and special honour for an athlete from the past. It recognises the pinnacle of achievement and the high level of excellence reached through dedicated commitment..
Paddy Anglim (1904-1954) - Irish Olympic Athlete
On the occasion of the unveiling of plaque in his honour at Rosegreen Community Hall on July 8, 2016
On July 23, 1928 a party of 38 competitors, 33 men and 5 women, departed Westland Row Railway Station, Dublin for the start of a journey that would take them to Amsterdam for the Summer Olympics.
There were 11 athletes in the party and included were two Tipperary men, Paddy Anglim from Rosegreen, who was scheduled to compete in the ‘running broad jump’ and T. D. Phelan, whose farther was a Clonmel man and who had qualified to take part in the hop, step and jump.
The party took the Mail Boat to London, having been seen off by President Cosgrave, and stayed there over night. They joined the Dutch Steamship, Orange Nassau, at Harwich the following day and sailed for Amsterdam. The boat was to be their accommodation and headquarters for the duration of the Olympics.
In an editorial on the day of their departure from Dublin, the irish Independent took a realistic attitude to Ireland’s chances of winning medals: ‘If we may judge from recorded performance this season, only one of the Irish team, Dr. O’Callaghan in hammer-throwing – has a reasonably good chance of winning his event. In the long jump, for example, the Irish representative (Paddy Anglim isn’t named) will be doing well if he exceeds 23 feet; a score of his foreign rivals will be under their best if they do not exceed 24 feet.’
Paddy Anglim qualified for the Olympics by virtue of his performance in the Irish Athletic Championships at Croke Park in June 1928, when he won the long jump with a jump of 24’ - 41/2” or 7.12 metres, the best jump in the national championships since 1906. It was a spectacular performance as there wasn’t much known about the athlete at the national level before then.
Paddy was born in Rosegreen on September 6, 1904, the only boy in a family of four children. His father was a farmer. There is very little information available of his younger years. He started in Rosegreen National School in January 1910 and was registered under the name of Pat Anglim. He attended only twenty-four days during the first three months. He remained there until 1920. In his last year he was in seventh class. There was only one other pupil in the class, a girl, and whether that had anything to do with the matter, he attended for only twenty-seven days in his final year. It is believed that Paddy attended Rockwell College for some time but was unhappy there and finished his secondary schooling in Clonmel High School. Presumably he helped out on the farm during the holidays though from an early age he had little interest in farming.
When he became aware of his athletic ability we don’t know. Neither do we know for certain when he joined the fledgling An Garda Siochana. The Civic Guard had been formed by the Provisional Government in February 1922 to take over the responsibility of policing the new state. It took over responsibility from the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police. Later the name of the force was changed to An Garda Siochana with the creation of the Irish Free State in August 1923.
The first Commissioner was Michael Staines but he lasted only eight months and was succeeded by General Eoin O’Duffy. The latter was a physical fitness enthusiast and he put a great emphasis on the physical development of the new police force. He favoured the athletic types and any members of the force, who showed athletic talent was given every opportunity to develop and improve it.
The best information we have on how Paddy joined An Garda Siochána comes from Seamus Leahy. He got to know Paddy Anglim in 1952 at the time of a diphtheria outbreak in Nenagh, following which Paddy became a visitor to the family home. He recalls one conversation in which they were told how Paddy joined the new force. He was performing at some sports and this man arrived and began to take an interest in how Paddy was performing. At some stage he asked Paddy of his plans and whether he was interested in joining the new police force. The man turned out to be General Eoin O’Duffy. He gave Paddy the fare for the train to Dublin and the following Tuesday he left Rosegreen with a suit case and presented himself in the Phoenix Park, where he was taken on as a new recruit.
Paddy’s athletic ability must have impressed the recruitment officers because when he applied to join he was a half inch short of the required height, 5’ 81/2 inches instead of 5’ 9”. So he got the name as the smallest member of the force!
It would appear that the year was 1924, when he was twenty years of age because in that year the family farm was leased and was to remain so for nearly 30 years until Paddy’s second son, P. J., took it back in 1953.
There are many gaps in our knowledge of Paddy Anglim’s life during his first four years in An Garda Siochana. It appears that his first station was in Oylgate, Co. Wexford from which he was transferred to Clonmel. Later he was moved to Roscrea and he finished up his life in Puckane in the north of the county. He remained an ordinary policeman all his life and was never interested in becoming a sergeant.
Paddy was a member of Clonmel Athletic and Cycling Club and represented the club in many sports in the years before the 1928 Olympics. We read that on July 1, 1928 he took part in a sports meeting in Ballinasloe and ‘secured a very fine silver cup for the 100 yards open handicap.’ The following day he performed at the Cappawhite sports. His son, P. J. told me that at one stage a case he had for holding medals contained no fewer that seventy-three. Sadly this impressive collection was dispersed over time as the medals were taken by members of the family, and more, plus other athletic prizes, given away to friends. It appears that Paddy didn’t put too much store on his winnings as if taking part was the most important thing.
We do have a reference to achievements of his in 1926. He represented Tipperary against Limerick in an intercounty contest in that year and another reference has him winning the long jump and the pole vault at the Clonmel sports.
At any rate whatever he was doing during these years must have convinced him that he was above the ordinary in his athletic ability and quite capable of competing at the national level. He made his first appearance in the Irish Athletic Championships at Croke Park in June 1928 and made a winning long jump of 23’-41/2” or. In metre measurements, 7.16. It was a sensational jump and shot him so much into the national headlines that he was chosen to represent Ireland the following month in the Summer Games.
Unfortunately his achievement in Amsterdam didn’t live up to expectations as his best jump was 6.81 metres or 22’ 4”, well below his 7.16 in the national championships. He came 21st out of 41 competitors and well behind the winning jump of 25’ 5” of the U.S. athlete, Hans.
Paddy came 3rd in the long jump the National Championships in 1929 and second the following year. Then came his glorious achievement of six championships in six years, 1931-1936 inclusive. During these years he never bettered the mark he set in the 1928 championship. His best recorded jump was made in Tipperary Town on August 24, 1934, when he reached 24’ 6”.
His versatility as an athlete was revealed during these years. As well as the long jump Paddy won four National championships in the Pole Vault in 1931, 1932 1933, and 1934, and he came second in 1935. Also in the 1932 National Championships he came third in the javelin.
Michael O’Dwyer, who has written extensively on the exploits of Tipperarymen in sport, has this to say about Paddy Anglim’s achievements: ‘As well as his 24 ‘ 6” in the long jump, he could throw the javelin over 150 feet, he was a handy sprinter, a 37 feet shot putter and 5’ 7” high jumper, once recorded 15.8 seconds in the 120 yards hurdles, and on August 23, 1931 at the Templemore Garda Sports, he jumped 11’ 7” in the pole vault, beating his own Irish record.’ An impressive record indeed.
Paddy first represented Ireland internationally at Croke Park in 1929, competing in the long jump against Achilles AC. He won the long jump in the international v England and Scotland at Crewe in 1930, the only Irish victory with Pat O’Callaghan’s in the hammer. He won twice in internationals in 1931 in Dublin and was victorious in Edinburgh in 1932, his achievements internationally following his national championship wins.
He travelled to Wales in August 1934 to compete in the Swansea Valley Athletic Sports, where he not only broke the Welsh long jump and pole vault records but he also won the shot putt and discuss events.
He took part in the 1936 Irish All-Round Championships, or the Decathlon, held at Killarney Stadium and finished second to Ned Tobin.
Probably the greatest disappointment in Paddy Anglim’s life was his failure to qualify for the long jump at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. At the Irish Olympic trials the standard set was 23’ 10”. In his final jump Paddy landed out over the 24’ mark but fell back on one hand and the measuring tape had to be put on the hand mark, which was 23’ 8” from the board. He was convinced that had he got to Los Angeles his jump would have improved greatly and he was always disappointed that he never got the chance of joining O’Callaghan and Tisdall, who did so well at the games.
Paddy married Kathleen Carroll in 1931 and the couple had seven children, six boys, Willie, P. J., Francis, Matt, Thomas and John, and Rita, who came in the middle of the six boys. Matt and Rita have departed this life.
Paddy, himself died tragically at the young age of 49 years on March 3, 1954. He had been in bad health for some time and had been out of work since the previous September. It is appropriate that we should remember his passing on the evening that Mass was celebrated in Rosegreen Cemetery, where he is buried.
Equally important is the celebration of his life, which the unveiling of this plaque to his memory is all about. Galteemore in the Nationalist on the occasion of his death, referred to him as ‘a splendid all round athlete’ as indeed he was and as these remarks about his athletic achievements bear eloquent testimony of. The village of Rosegreen and the wider parish of Cashel & Rosegreen have to be proud of him, their most distinguished native son, whose achievements have never been equalled let alone surpassed.
It has been a great honour to me to be asked to say these few words in honour of Paddy Anglim and I hope they do justice to his greatness as well as encouraging others to look closely at his life and achievements with a view to emulating them.
Recent G.A.A. Publications, 2015
Tipperary G.A.A. Yearbook, 2016 pp 40-42
Full article can be viewed here
Martin O'Dwyer (Bob) 1937-2015
The Nationalist, May 20, 2015
The recent death of Martin O'Dwyer (Bob) saw the passing of a man who did more than most to preserve and pass on to posterity the rich cultural and historical heritage of Cashel and County Tipperary. Martin was a man of great curiosity about the past and he was forever extending his knowledge. This took the form of collecting artifacts and collating information through conversations and interviews with people, who still retained a knowledge of the way life was lived and the way things were done in earlier times.
Probably the greatest monument to his curiosity and to his desire to preserve the past was the development of Cashel Folk Village in Dominic Street since 1984. This has become an important visitor centre in the county and a must-see attraction for visitors to Cashel. It has received glowing notices from the Public Sector Magazine, TV3 in Unravel Travel in Tipperary and Tripadvisor.
Housed in a building which has an history stretching back 400 years, it contains mostly original material relating to the history of Ireland in the twentieth century including the original Croke Memorial, which once stood on the Main Street of Cashel, and authentic Tinkers/Gypsy Caravan, a fully equipped Blacksmith's Forge, and a Brougham Carriage. As well the village includes an Irish Famine Museum and a Penal Chapel. Among the countless and original artifacts is a very rare and authentic Blueshirt Uniform.
However, its unique feature and one of which Martin was tremendously proud was the fact that it included a combined Easter Rising 1916-Irish War of Independence-Irish Civil War museum, with particular association to Tipperary involvement, the only one of its kind in the country. In more recent years Martin erected in the Folk Village an Easter Rising Memorial Plaza and a Garden of Remembrance commemorating the 16 executed leaders of the 1916 Rebellion.
Restoring the Past
Martin was the co-founder and later chairman of Cashel Arts and Heritage Society and this gave him great scope to develop his interest in the past as well as affording him opportunities to enable people to be more aware of their heritage through its protection and restoration.
One of the first projects the Society took on was the restoration of the Bothán Scoir, a seventeenth century labourer's cottage on the Clonmel Road. This single-storey house, built circa 1650, had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being lost to Cashel's architectural history. It was lovingly restored and is now in use as a museum.
Opposite the Bothán Scoir was another part of Cashel's heritage that was also in danger of disappearing, the Gouts Pool. To many this was nothing more than a watering hole for horses bringing people into Cashel during past times. In fact it had much greater cultural and historical significance. It was used in the past as a 'ducking pond', into which petty criminals and misbehaving women were plunged as punishment for their crimes. The Corporation had, in fact, an official 'Ducker' to carry out the punishment. The offender was paraded through the streets and this was to cause public embarrassment and social disgrace to the victim. Martin and the Society rescued the Gouts Pool from obscurity. Lately it was decided to incorporate elements of St. Declan's Way, a medieval and trade route from Ardmore to Cashel, in a revamp of the place.
Probably the greatest project undertaken by the Society was the renewal of St. Mark's Famine Graveyard on the Clonmel Road and the erection of plaques on a commemorative wall, giving the name, age and date of death of every man, woman and child from St. Patrick's Hospital, who was buried anonymously in the graveyard, numbering close to 1,000 names in total. The narrative has it that any unclaimed dead person was carted from the hospital to the graveyard and buried unceremoniously in mass graves. The names of these people have now been rescued and have the consolation of an annual mass said in their honour.
Other significant projects undertaken by Cashel Arts and Heritage Society were highlighting the town walls and inititiating some restoration work, restoring the Kinane Fountain at Lowergate Square and indexing the Parish Records.
Imprerssive Canon of Written Work
In later years Martin added significantly to his heritage involvement by the production of an impressive canon of written work that involved him in extensive and painstaking research.
In 1999 he wrote A Biographical Dictionary of Tipperary, 'a collection of concise biographies of famous and noteworthy deceased people from Co. Tipperary.' It contains over 2000 entries and is a valuable font of knowledge and 'a milestone in honouring those who make up Co. Tipperary's colourful heritage.'
Next in 2000 he produced Cashel Memories, a collection of journalistic pieces on Cashel in the 19th Century written by distinguished native, Francis Phillips (1872-1968). This series threw significant light on the social, cultural and political life of Cashel during the period.
This was followed by Tipperary's Sons and Daughters 1916-1923, an account of Tipperary people, who distinguished themselves during Ireland's War of Independence.
In 2004 Martin published A Pictorial History of Tipperary 1916-1923. This was a 'tribute to our heroes and their fight for Irish Independence.' It is an impressive photographic record of the people involved during the period and a tribute to Martin's ability to source all kinds of visual material.
His next book, Seventy Seven of Mine Said Ireland, which appeared in 2006, was a tribute to the 77 men, who were executed during the Civil War. As well as being a compilation of existing tributes Martin made an important contribution by gaining access to personal diaries and notes. Also the account includes pictures of most of the executed.
In 2007 came Brigadier Dinny Lacey (1890-1923) by the men who knew him. An extensive production of over 300 pages, it gives a very full picture of the short life of the Tipperary patriot.
Martin published Death before Dishonour, an account of the 124 men killed by the Free State between August 1922 and December 1923 in 2010. This second book on the Civil War deals with the wayside murders: 'It vividly recalls the lives of forgotten volunteers and sheds light on the attempt to cover up the actions of the former comrades.'
His final book, The Pauper Priest – the Story of Fr. John Barry, which appeared in 2011 was the re-publication of a work that had first appeared in 1890. Born in Bohermore Parish, Co. Limerick in 1841, John Barry was ordained in 1866 and eventually sought to alleviate the plight of the poor in the Irish Workhouse system. He fell out of favour with the authorities, both lay and clerical, and eventually died in Cashel Workhouse in 1920 at the age of 79 years. His book is probably 'the most trenchant account we have from an inmate's perspective of Victorian workhouse conditions.'
Pamphlets and Videos
Martin O'Dwyer also produced a range of pamphlets and videos on many aspects of Irish heritage.
He immersed himself in folklore and became an authority on ancient customs. He was well informed on Holy Wells, Penal Crosses and Passion Symbols.
His research included work on Bill Shanahan, the outstanding all-round athlete. He was involved in a project in Dublin which included the erection of a plaque to Phil Shanahan, T.D. in the First Dail.. He did an intense study of Larry Carew, the wheelwright and carpenter.
He was fully involved in 1995 when the pageant, An Gorta Mór, was produced in Halla na Feile to mark the 150th anniversary of the Great Famine.
He was always available to groups and organisations to give talks on different aspects of Irish culture and society and to share his vast knowledge of the subject. On such occasions he was always open and curious for more knowledge from his listeners. He was ever generous with his knowledge to other people researching different aspects of Irish history and culture.
Martin O'Dwyer's conribution to our knowledge of Tipperary is immense. He has been one of the foremost contributors to our store of historical data and the range of that data is extraordinary. His efforts in extending our knowledge of our county and country is worthy of the highest commendation. He is to be admired for the originality of his research which was achieved by painstaking interviewing of many people and a thorough examination of material sources.
Away from his interests in history and heritage, Martin had committed involvement in Cashel Social Services and was a regular helper with the Meals on Wheels service.
Martin O'Dwyer, who was born on October 7, 1937, passed away on March 7, 2015. Pre-deceased by his wife, Agnes, and by sons, Shannon and Martin (Jr), he is survived by his four children, Tracey, Billie, Sally and Danny.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
Eileen Bell Remembered
The Nationalist, February 26, 2015
The untimely death of Eileen Bell on January 20, 2015 was met with much sadness. For many years Eileen was part of the 'Nationalist' family as New Inn correspondent. She was also a regular contributor to Tipp Mid-West Radio ov er a number of yeasrs. She started on Cashel and District Radio in February 2002 and conti nued on Tipperary Mid-West, when the two stations were amalgamated in 2007.
During that period Eileen's New Inn report on the radio was a fixture on the program and she often prefaced her contribution by stating that she didn't have much to say. Nevertheless, she always succeeded in mentioning five or six items relating to the parish and keeping the parishioners up to date. She never failed to mention the cards in Knockgraffon on a Wednesday night!
There was no more fitting person than Eileen to report on New Inn. Even though she wasn't a native of the parish she became very much a part of it following her marriage to Gerry in 1968.
This identification with her adopted place was given fine expression in 1987, when she published her first book, Around New Inn & Knockgraffon. She was modest about her achievement. In a Foreword she stated: 'Much of the information is hearsay and is therefore open to contradiction.'
However, Fr. Meehan, P.P. who introduced the publication, differed. He wrote: 'The people of this community should be forever grateful to Eileen Bell for this monumental work involving over three years of careful research from all available sources. It was indeed a labour of love for Eileen.'
The book brings together a wealth of information on the history of the parish, illustrated by a great selection of photographs, the compiling of which must have been painstaking in the extreme. While the text tells us much on the history of places this collection reveals to us the faces of the people who lived there.
Eileen sourced information on many of the famous people who came from New Inn. Dorothea Herbert of Glebe House is featured and her unrequited love of Rockwell owner, John Roe. World high jump champion of 1895, James M. Ryan of Ballyslateen appears in a handsome picture. Dan Breen's on-the-run sojourn in Glenegat House is mentioned and Pat Cleary, of early G.A.A. prominence, is outlined.
The book did more than anyone to highlight the success of Lena Rice, who was born on the 21st June 1866 at Marlhill and went on to become ladies singles champion at Wimbledon in 1890! As far as I can recall from the time of the book's publication, Eileen told me tha she had got some of the information on Rice from Wimbledon at the time but that she also supplied information to the All-England Tennis Club which they hadn't got. This illustrates Eileen's research interest and her desire to have the complete story. It is probably true to say that as a result of her researches into the importance of Rice's achievements, the first and only Irish woman to win a championship at Wimbledon, the direction sign to her grave was erected in the village.
Eileen updated the book in 2003 because she was 'inundated with requests to do a follow-up', but also because she had collected further information on the parish, in particular 'the Halloran story'.
Before touching on this one paragraph in the introduction tells us much about Eileen's love of the place. She writes:
'To many people the name, New Inn, means nothing. For those born and reared in the parish, wherever they may be today, New Inn is very special. To them it means home and in the words of the famous song 'There's No Place Like Home'. Certainly there is no place like this peaceful parish which is bursting with history. Down through the years the parishes of New Inn and Knockgraffon combined have produced a variety of famous people in many different walks of life. Over the years the parish has grown into a thriving, mature and peaceful place, ideal for parents to raise children in these difficult and troubled times.'
The new history that had come to light in the intervening years was the story of the Halloran family. In 1862 Gustave Thiebault, the landlord at Rockwell, was murdered and three sons of an evicted tenant, Patrick Halloran of Boytonrath, were arrested for his murder. They were acquitted in court but the three brothers, Edmund, John and Thomas, emigrated to the U.S. and nothing was heard of them for 125 years.
In 1961 the first contact was made by a decendant regarding the brothers and this culminated in 1987, when a party of 38 of the Halloran clan, mainly from Minnesota, came to Ireland to visit their ancestral home in Boytonrath. They were feted at New Inn and Eileen took a great interest in the story and facilitated the visit.
Eileen published a third book in 2008: Rosegreen: Then & Now. She did for the village and surrounding area what she had earlier done for New Inn. She had a real connection to the place having been born in the lodge at Ballydoyle, where her father worked in the forties before moving to Cashel. The book is notable for some wonderful photographs, including one of her parents, Pa Joe and Bridget O'Connor with Eileen, about three years old, on her father's knee.
Along with her books she also did a vast amount of research on the graveyard in Loch Kent when it was being renovated in 1985 under the guidance of Fr. Meehan and Gerry Bell, and she used the old fashioned method of the pencil and paper to trace over old headstones and study them later at home to make out who was buried there. But she didn't stop there. She endeavoured to make contact with living relations where possible and revealed the burial places of many famous parishioners. It all paid off in 1987 when the first Mass was held there in over 200yrs concelebrated by Archbishop Clifford and witnessed by a large congregation.
Eileen's interest and researches into the Halloran and other stories tells us of her passionate love of place and her intense desire to become acquainted with the whole story. This was also reflected in her involvement in community projects in the parish. Whereas her greatest interest was in the G.A.A. and Fianna Fáil, there was always time and space for other activities. If she weren't directly involved she lent her time and interest to helping others out, If it was a sports day or a festival she was one of the first to put her name forward and she inculcated this community involvement into her six children, Fergus, Dessie, Ivan, Sandra, Sherry Ann and Raeleen, who find themselves equally committed to their communities wherever their lives take them.
Eileen Bell was the great volunteer, the first to put her hand up when the community was in need or work required to be done. She set a tremendous example to her family and to the community of New Inn and Knockgraffon and she will be missed greatly by all who have known her.
May she rest in peace.
Jimmy Brohan - The Prince of Corner Backs
Munster S.H. championship semi-final, Cork v Waterford, at Thurles, June 7, 2015
Jimmy Brohan was unfortunate to have been a great hurler at a time when Cork were least successful. A regular on the Cork senior hurling team between 1954-1964, his rewards were meagre for a player of his ability.
Born in Ballintemple in 1935 he made his debut in the 1953 National Hurling League and impressed sufficiently to be drafted into the championship panel in 1954. He replaced the injured Tony O'Shaughnessy in the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway but O'Shaughnessy was recalled for the final against Wexford.
A Munster and All-Ireland medal may have been a good start to an inter-county career but during the remaining ten years of his senior period he enjoyed only one other championship success, when he won a Munster medal in 1956, before going down to Wexford in the All-Ireland. He was also on the losing side in four other Munster finals.
Jimmy was regarded as an outstanding corner-back. Christy Ring included him in his greatest ever team. Regarded as a tidy and economical player, his great ability was being able to bat the ball a great distance out of danger to the great frustration of the opposing forwards. He was also very good at catching the ball in the air
Jimmy's impressive talent was first recognised as a student at O'Sullivan's Quay CBS, where he played Harty Cup for three years, 1949-1953, unfortunately without any success. However, he had some consolation when he was picked on the Munster team which won the All-Ireland Colleges in 1952 and 1953. He was a member of unsuccessful Cork minor teams in 1952 and 1953.
Jimmy played his club hurling with Blackrock and made a major contribution to their county success in 1956, when they won the title after a gap of 25 years. In the same year he won a county junior football title with Blackrock's sister club, St. Michael's. He also won a Munster junior football medal in 1957, before losing to a Mayo team, that included Mick Loftus, in the All-Ireland. He won a second Cork senior hurling title in 1961 and also lost two finals..
Probably the greatest tribute to his greatness as a hurler was his Railway Cup record. At a time when selection was extremely competitive, Jimmy was a regular on the Munster team, making the first of seven successive appearances in1957 and winning six medals, missing out in 1962 only when Leinster were victorious.
Jimmy was later a selector on the Cork senior teams that won All-Irelands in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1986, when he had the satisfaction of seeing his nephew, Tom Cashman, captain Cork to victory.
Jimmy's father hailed from Fethard, Co. Tipperary, before going to Cork to work in the Metropole Hotel, where he met his mother, Mary Murphy from Ballintemple. The couple had seven children of whom Jimmy was the middle one. Two of his brothers enjoyed sporting success playing soccer in the League of Ireland.
Jimmy retains a connection with Tipperary through his work as a gatechecker for Munster Council at Semple Stadium.
Records and Statistics
West Tipperary G.A.A. Convention Handbook pp 9-13 Dec 10, 2015
Tony Reddin (1919-2015)
On the Day of his Death, March 5th 2015
Only one gift was presented at the funeral mass for Tony Reddin in St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher on March 4 and that was the hurley stick he used when winning the 1949, 1950 and 1951 All-Irelands. It was a fitting and complete presentation as it was offering to his Maker the symbol of the gift which Tony had received at birth and which he developed, honed and perfected during his hurling career.
It wasn't a particularly impressive looking hurley. Its narrow bás, cracked and hooped and mended following many exciting games contrasted with the ever-increasing, board-wide hurleys used by goalkeepers until the G.A.A. stepped in and limited the width to five inches.
The hurley was an extension of Tony's arm and he relied on his brilliant eyesight, allied to a wonderful agility, honed from hours practising against a rough stone wall, to be in position to stop the fastest moving shots that arrived in his goalmouth.
There were many examples of his great stopping ability but two come immediately to mind. The first was the North senior hurling final between Lorrha and Borrisileigh in August 1948. Played in a downpour, the Borrisoleigh forwards did all in their power to best Reddin in the second half after trailing 4-3 to 0-3 at halftime. They bombarded the Lorrha goals in an unceasing barrage but Reddin was in defiant mood and saved right, left and centre, even on one occasion with his head. They did get through for goals twice but, had they gone for points they wouldn't have found themselves in arrears by 5-4 to 2-5 at the end.
The second occasion was at Killarney in July 1950 in the replay of the Cork-Tipperary Munster final. Many of the estimated 55,000 spectators encroached on to the field as the game reached its climax. Referee, Bill O'Donoghue of Limerick had to stop the match for ten minutes to clear the field but as soon as it resumed so did the encroachment. Any time the ball came into Reddin he was teased, barracked, even pushed. Not only was he in danger from missiles from around the goals but also from Cork forwards rushing in after a delivery in order to bury him in the net, which was the lot of goalkeepers before health and safety issues changed their plight from being in the eye of the storm to being a protected species. After the game angry Cork supporters sought Reddin out and he had to be rescued by friends and camouflaged in a clerical coat. There couldn't have been a more fitting tribute to the quality of his play.
Tony was a professional in the days hurlers paid much less attention to personal fitness and match preparation than is the case today. At his peak he was 5' 9'' and never weighed more that eleven and a half stone. He trained as another might do for centrefield, running cross-country, jumping over hedges and ditches and he built up his arms to make him the strong player he became. He was no mere ball stopper but completed the act by clearing the ball. He was equally good on the right or left side. Probably his greatest ability was a sensitive touch allied with the tilting of the hurley's face at an angle which enabled him to kill even the fastest ball dead so that it rolled down the hurley into his hand.
Tony Reddin was born in Mullagh in 1919 and one of his cherished memories was winning a county under-14 medal in 1933. It was the only county medal he won. He played with Galway and Connaght before coming to work in Lorrha early in 1947.
The summer of 1947 was one of the wettest on record. Not a great time to come working in Lorrha but whatever about the work, Reddin put Lorrha on the hurling map and he made one proud to be from the place. He played a major part in helping the club to two county finals in 1948 and 1956. He also married Lorrha native, Maura Smith.
In the early sixties Reddin moved to Banagher, where he and Maura reared his family of three boys and six girls. He also got involved with St. Rynagh's G.A.A. Club and made it a force in Offaly hurling. The club contested the first All-Ireland Club final in 1970.
The three clubs, so much a part of Tony Reddin's life and to whose success he contributed so handsomely, were well represented at his funeral and formed a guard of honour that escorted him along the final section of the route to his grave in the historic cemetery of Bonachum in the parish of Lorrha.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.
Cashel King Cormacs Win County Under-21 A Football Championship for First Time in 1990
25th Anniversary of the Achievement, February 2015
Cashel King Cormacs made history when they won the county under-21 A football title in 1990. The club had been successful in the West on two previous occasions but this was the first time they went all the way for county honours.
Five teams affiliated in the West championship, which was played as a knockout competition. Cashel opened their campaign at Golden on June 23 with a victory over Lattin-Cullen by 2-11 to 0-6. They had to wait over four months for their next game which was a semi-final outing against Arravale Rovers at Clonoulty on October 28. They had an easy victory by 3-5 to 0-2.
Cashel's oponents in the final at Clonoulty on November 25 were Cappa/Eire Óg, who had defeated Clonoulty-Rossmore by 2-7 to 0-3 in the other semi-final.
Cashel played with the breeze in the first half and led by 0-7 to 0-1 at the interval. Play was held up for a half-hour during the opening half because of an injury to Joe O'Leary. As a precaution the player could not be moved from the pitch because of a suspected neck injiury but, thankfully, it wasn't as serious as feared.
Early in the second half Cashel netted twice, the first from a T. J. Connolly penalty and the second from John Paul O'Dwyer. They now led by 2-7 to 0-2 and this effectively was the end of the contest for Cappa/Eire Óg, who scored a consolation goal by Cathal Creedon near the end to leave the final score 2-7 to 1-4 in Cashel's favour.
Winning Double
Michael Perdue was the winning captain and the victory gave the club an under-21 hurling and football double. Not since Arravale Rovers did the double in 1959, the inaugural year of the under-21 grade, had any club achieved the double.
The Cashel King Cormacs team was as follows: Seanie O'Donoghue, Sean O'Duibhir, Denis Keating, Joe O'Leary, Michael Perdue (capt.), Ailbe Bonnar, Sean Morrissey, T. J. Connolly (1-1), Raymie Ryan, Shane Lawrence (0-1), Conal Bonnar (0-3), Timmy Moloney (0-1), Declan McGrath, John Maher (0-1), John Paul O'Dwyer (1-0). Subs: Jamesie O'Donoghue for Raymie Ryan, Seanie Barron for Joe O'Leary, Kelvin Flanagan for Timmy Moloney.
Referee: Nicholas Lonergan (Solohead).
Selectors: Denis Fitzgerald, Brian Clancy and coach, Colm O'Flaherty. The latter, from Cahir and a teacher in the Vocational School, was brought in as a coach to help with the final preparations of the team.
County Championship
In the county semi-final at the Ragg on December 9, Cashel defeated Eire Óg, Nenagh by 2-9 to 2-6. Cashel started slowly but then got into their stride and had a goal from John Paul O'Dwyer. They went six points clear but Eire Óg rallied before half-time, at which stage Cashel led by 1-6 to 1-4. Thegame remained tight in the third quarter but then a Timmy Moloney goal put Cashel back into a six-point lead once more. Eire Óg got a goal back in the last minute but it was too little, too late to effect the result, which had Cashel in front by 2-9 to 2-6.
Cashel King Cormacs: Seanie Barron, Sean O'Duibhir, Ailbe Bonnar, Denis Keating, Michael Perdue (captain), Raymie Ryan, Jamesie O'Donoghue, T. J. Connolly, Timmy Moloney, Shane Lawrence, Conal Bonnar, Seanie O'Donoghue, Declan McGrath, John Maher, John Paul O'Dwyer.
Referee: Michael Doyle (Holycross-Ballycahill.
The county final wasn't played until January 13, 1991. Originally fixed for Littleton it was changed to Kilsheelan where Cashel, who were very much the outsiders, had to play Clonmel Commercials, who had a convincing win by 2-17 to 1-5 over Loughmore-Cstleiney in the second semi-final on the previous Sunday.
The match developed into a low-scoring encounter that provided plenty of thrills for the attendance. Cashel led by 0-3 to 0-2 at the interval. Commercials went in front early in the second half but with T. J. Connolly in sparkling form, and points from Declan McGrath and Timmy Moloney, Cashel went in front once more. Commercials levelled but failed to score in the last eight minutes as Cashel substitute, John Maher, twice pointed to ensure a famous victory for Cashel. The final score was 0-8 to 0-5 in their favour as they won their first ever title in the grade.
Michael Perdue was captain of the history-making side and he received the cup from football chairman, Hugh Kennedy.
Cashel King Cormacs: Seanie Barron, Sean O'Duibhir, Ailbe Bonnar, Denis Keating, Michael Perdue (capt.), Raymie Ryan (0-1), Jamesie O'Donoghue, T. J.Connolly, Sean Morrissey, Shane Lawrence, Conal Bonnar (0-2), Sean O'Donoghue, John Paul O'Dwyer, Timmy Moloney (01), Declan McGrath (0-2). Subs: John Maher (02) for John Paul O'Dwyer, Joe O'Leary for Shane Lawrence. Also: Kelvin Flanagan, James Maher, Pakie McInerney, Michael Delahunty, Trevor McInerney, Michael Brosnan, Andrew Courtney, Justin Irwin.
Clonmel Commercials: Sean Duggan, D. J. O'Dwyer, John Connolly, Sean O'Loughlin, Michael O'Mahoney, Riain Forrestal, Conor English, Ger O'Mahoney (0-1), Ger Deely (0-1), Brian Fahey, Anthony Wall (0-1), John Harvey (0-1), Mickey Peters (0-1), Brian Cahill, Brendan Kearney. Subs: Pa Burke for Brian Cahill, Declan Pollard for Michael Peters, Liam Phelan for Brendan Kearney.
Referee: Michael Maunsell (Moneygall)
Cashel Jubilant at County Final Triumph
(Cashel Page, The Nationalist, January 19, 1991.)
Jubilation enveloped Cashel on Sunday afternoon and evening as news quickly spread than Cashel King Cormacs under-21 team had taken the county football championship – a first-ever for Cashel – in a tussle with hot-favourites, Clonmel Commercials.
Earlier on Sunday at the Rock Club, the clubhouse for Cashel King Cormacs, team manager, Denis Fitzgerald, had no doubt about the outcome of the game in his pre-match pep talk to the players. Denis, making light of the ominous record of the opposition and the vaunted status of Commercials as a top team, said 'he had seen Cashel going all the way to the county championship from the first game.' Continuing he predicted: 'I have no doubt about the cup coming back to Cashel today.' The team had it in them, he felt. It was a case of getting out on to the field, despensing with personal complaints between each other or altercating about the referee's decisions, to bring out the championship ability he knew the team was made of. The crown would be there for the taking and he confidentally expected it to be won by Cashel.
Other mentors, although more cautious about predicting the outcome, had the same hopeful and confident message to impart to the would-be champions.
Seamus King, chairman of Cashel King Cormac's G.A.A. Club, advised the Cashel lads: 'Give it your all,' cautioning against a fancy approach especially in rough, cold weather conditions. He advised the players to play 'direct football'.
Fr. Bernie Moloney, wishing the team well, pointed to the fact that the team was formed around the nucleus of teams who had won county championships at school level and who had now come to fruition at under-21 level. Putting Commercials' daunting tradition to the side, he said: 'You yourselves have done much to build up the tradition of football in the town.'
Brian Clancy, the energetic selector, assured the players that from a psycholiogical point of view 'we have the support of all thecounty outside Clonmel.' If the team paid attention to discipline he said they could definitely win.
Colm O'Flaherty, team trainer, who gave a detailed tactical talk to the players, exuded a sense of confidence to them. He felt that finals are won by the 15-18 fellows, who most want to win.
As they left the clubhouse on a bitterly cold and windy Sunday afternoon in January, one felt that the young players had it in their hearts to come back to the 'City of the Kings' with nothing less than the county cup --- and they did. Denis Fitzgerald, as it happened, had spoken the most prophetic words of the day and, perhaps, of his lifetime.
A spokesman for Cashel King Cormacs, expressing delight at the outcome of the game, praised Kilsheelan G.A.A. Club for the excellent condition of the playing field. The 0-8 to 0-5 scoreline was a comfortable win and Cashel had played a hard game especially in the first half. Cashel were very happy, he said, with the performances of T. J. Connolly, Michael Perdue (captain), and Declan McGrath in the first half, which ended with Cashel 0-5 to 0-3 ahead at half-time.
Cashel had reason to be worried when the enlivened Commercials had levelled withing ten minutes of the second half. The introduction of John Maher, who scored a spectacular point, and of Joe O'Leary made all the difference, and it was sweet for Cashel supporters when Declan McGrath brought Cashel back in front again. Conal Bonnar, James O'Donoghue, Joe O'Leary and Seanie O'Donoghue were also all roundly congratulated for the spokesman for helping to achieve a fantastic win or Cashel.
The evening was rounded off for Cashel's returning heroes with a meal at Grant's Castle Hotel, followed by further inevitable hours of celebration. Cashel King Cormac's had completed a remarkable year with at least one highly cherished county final success.
Satisfaction for the the King Cormacs
(Westside, The Nationalist, January 19, 1991.)
First a full-throated three cheers for Cashel King Cormacs. When you've won the hurling and football double in both senior and under-21 in your division it would indeed be rough justice not to claim one county addition.
If Cashel had their choice from the four I don't think under-21 football would be the selection but nevertheless, when the others failed it must have been sweet solace to win the under-age football from such reputable opponents as Commercials.
Adding to its flavour was the fact that it was a first for the club in the under-21 grade, either hurling or football. That sounds surprising given the quality of their undersage output over the years. Their upcoming teams of the mid-seventies stopped short of under-21 success after minor wins in both codes. A hurling loss to Kilruane still hurts from that period and on Sunday they were recalling a loss in football to Commecials in 1977. Revenge (in the sporting sense) was sweet indeed.
In their victory Cashel gave much credit to team trainer/coach, Colm O'Flaherty, principal of the local vocational school. Colm's Cahir background would have been quite useful in anticipating Commercials strengths and weaknesses as would his involvement with Tipp underage sides.
Reports on the game indicate a Cashel win somewhat handier than the scoring would indicate.
Path to County Championship Success
West
23/06/90 Golden: Cashel King Cormacs 2-11 Lattin/Emly 0-6 (John Moloney, Galtee Rovers))
30/09/90 Dundrum: Cappa/Eire Óg 2-7 Clonoulty-Rossmore 0-3 (James O'Donnell, Rockwell Rovers)
28/10/90 Clonoulty: Cashel King Cormacs 3-5 Arravale Rovers 0-2 (Paddy Lonergan, Galtee Rovers)
25/11/90 Clonoulty: Cashel King Cormacs 2-7 Cappa/Eire Óg 1-4 (Nicholas Lonergan, Solohead)
County
09/12/90 The Ragg: Cashel King Cormacs 2-9 Nenagh Eire Óg 2-6 (Michael Doyle, Holycross-Ballycahill.
13/01/91 Kilsheelan: Cashel King Cormacs 0-8 Clonmel Commercials 0-5 (Michael Maunsell, Moneygall)
Eileen Bell Appreciation
Tipp Mid West Radio, February 13, 2015
Ladies and Gentlemen:
As you know only too well Eileen Bell was a regular contributor to this program over a number of years. In fact she started on Cashel and District Radio in February 2002 and continued on Tipperary Mid-West when the two stations were amalgamated in 2007.
During that period Eileen's New Inn report was a fixture on the program and she often prefaced her contribution by stating that she didn't have much to say. Nevertheless, she always succeeded in mentioning five or six items relating to the parish and keeping the parishioners up to date. She never failed to mention the cards in Knockgraffon on a Wednesday night!
There was no more fitting person than Eileen to report on New Inn. Even though she wasn't a native of the parish she became very much a part of it following her marriage to Gerry in 1968.
This identification with her adopted place was given fine expression in 1987, when she published her first book, Around New Inn & Knockgraffon. She was modest about her achievement. In a Foreword she stated: 'Much of the information is hearsay and is therefore open to contradiction.'
However, Fr. Meehan, P.P. who introduced the publication, differed. He wrote: 'The people of this community should be forever grateful to Eileen Bell for this monumental work involving over three years of careful research from all available sources. It was indeed a labour of love for Eileen.'
The book brings together a wealth of information on the history of the parish, illustrated by a great selection of photographs, the compiling of which must have been painstaking in the extreme. While the text tells us much on the history of places this collection reveals to us the faces of the people who lived there.
Eileen sourced information on many of the famous people who came from New Inn. Dorothea Herbert of Glebe House is featured and her unrequited love of Rockwell owner, John Roe. World high jump champion of 1895, James M. Ryan of Ballyslateen appears in a handsome picture. Dan Breen's on-the-run sojourn in Glenegat House is mentioned and Pat Cleary, of early G.A.A. prominence, is outlined.
The book did more than anyone to highlight the success of Lena Rice, who was born on the 21st June 1866 at Marlhill and went on to become ladies singles champion at Wimbledon in 1890! As far as I can recall from the time of the book's publication, Eileen told me tha she had got some of the information on Rice from Wimbledon at the time but that she also supplied information to the All-England Tennis Club which they hadn't got. This illustrates Eileen's research interest and her desire to have the complete story. It is probably true to say that as a result of her researches into the importance of Rice's achievements, the first and only Irish woman to win a championship at Wimbledon, the direction sign to her grave was erected in the village.
Eileen updated the book in 2003 because she was 'inundated with requests to do a follow-up', but also because she had collected further information on the parish, in particular 'the Halloran story'.
Before touching on this one paragraph in the introduction tells us much about Eileen's love of the place. She writes:
'To many people the name, New Inn, means nothing. For those born and reared in the parish, wherever they may be today, New Inn is very special. To them it means home and in the words of the famous song 'There's No Place Like Home'. Certainly there is no place like this peaceful parish which is bursting with history. Down through the years the parishes of New Inn and Knockgraffon combined have produced a variety of famous people in many different walks of life. Over the years the parish has grown into a thriving, mature and peaceful place, ideal for parents to raise children in these difficult and troubled times.'
The new history that had come to light in the intervening years was the story of the Halloran family. In 1862 Gustave Thiebault, the landlord at Rockwell, was murdered and three sons of an evicted tenant, Patrick Halloran of Boytonrath, were arrested for his murder. They were acquitted in court but the three brothers, Edmund, John and Thomas, emigrated to the U.S. and nothing was heard of them for 125 years.
In 1961 the first contact was made by a decendant regarding the brothers and this culminated in 1987, when a party of 38 of the Halloran clan, mainly from Minnesota, came to Ireland to visit their ancestral home in Boytonrath. They were feted at New Inn and Eileen took a great interest in the story and facilitated the visit.
Eileen published a third book in 2008: Rosegreen: Then & Now. She did for the village and surrounding area what she had earlier done for New Inn. She had a real connection to the place having been born in the lodge at Ballydoyle, where her father worked in the forties before moving to Cashel. The book is notable for some wonderful photographs, including one of her parents, Pa Joe and Bridget O'Connor with Eileen, about three years old, on her father's knee.
Along with her books she also did a vast amount of research on the graveyard in Loch Kent when it was being renovated in 1985 under the guidance of Fr. Meehan and Gerry Bell, and she used the old fashioned method of the pencil and paper to trace over old headstones and study them later at home to make out who was buried there. But she didn't stop there. She endeavoured to make contact with living relations where possible and revealed the burial places of many famous parishioners. It all paid off in 1987 when the first Mass was held there in over 200yrs concelebrated by Archbishop Clifford and witnessed by a large congregation.
Eileen's interest and researches into the Halloran and other stories tells us of her passionate love of place and her intense desire to become acquainted with the whole story. This was also reflected in her involvement in community projects in the parish. Whereas her greatest interest was in the G.A.A. and Fianna Fáil, there was always time and space for other activities. If she weren't directly involved she lent her time and interest to helping others out, If it was a sports day or a festival she was one of the first to put her name forward and she inculcated this community involvement into her six children, Fergus, Dessie, Ivan, Sandra, Sherry Ann and Raeleen, who find themselves equally committed to their communities wherever their lives take them.
Eileen Bell was the great volunteer, the first to put her hand up when the community was in need or work required to be done. She set a tremendous example to her family and to the community of New Inn and Knockgraffon and she will be missed greatly by all who have known her.
May she rest in peace.
Rural Electrification in Lorrha
The Lamp 2015, pp. 23-26
The Parish of Lorrha was selected for Rural Electrification on February 1, 1950. Construction work commenced on February 13 and the Area was completed by May 6, 1950.
This short sentence fails to do justice to the enormous change the coming of electricity brought about in the lives of the people of the parish. The event took place without the kind of fanfare that such change deserved. It has been described as the QUIET Revolution, and quiet it may have been but a revolution in the lives of the people it definitely was, the greatest social revolution since the Land Reforms of the 1880s and 1890s introduced a peasant proprietorship of the land.
For generations the way of life in rural Ireland had changed but little. Activity on the farm was carried out by human and animal power. Farming was at a subsistence level. Life in the home was an unchanging round of time-consuming drudgery.
'Then came rural electrification bringing power into the homes and on to the fams, lessening the burden on the housewife, shortening the time of many chores, providing light and heat at the turn of a simple switch. On the farm it provided the means for much greater efficiency in many operations and a base for the application of modern technology. Again at the turn of a switch the time for such activities as milking, grinding, milling and cleaning could be more than halved, apart from creating greater basic efficiency.'
Electricity for All
The ultimate object of the Shannon Scheme in the late 'twenties was the supply of electricity to rural as well as urban areas, on a nationwide basis. Much thought was given to the matter over the following years but it wasn't until 1946 that rural electrification became a meaningful prospect.
The first step towards the realisation of the dream was the introduction of the 1945 Electricity Bill by Sean Lemass in the Dail on January 24. In his speech the Minister stated that a job of the magnitude of the Rural Electrification Scheme had never before been undertaken . It would use over one million poles and involve the construction of 75,000 miles of new line (as against the total of about 2,000 miles which then existed), the erection of 100,000 extra distribution transformers (as against the existing 1,200) and the connection of 280,000 new customers, as against the approximately 250,000 existing urban customers.
Because of post war shortages and the difficulty of sourcing supplies for such a monumental task, the actual work of construction couldn't commence until the second half of 1946. By that stage the ESB had divided the country into twelve districts. These in turn were divided into Areas, each of which was roughly coterminous with a parish. In all the country was divided into 792 Areas, each of which was served by an Engineer, an Organiser, a Clerk and a Supervisor. The first two of these officials were important in selling the scheme to the people and ensuring that they kept their promise, once they had signed up to be connected.
The policy of the ESB in the early days was to roll out the scheme in every county as early as possible. In this way the benefits of electricity would be publicised across the country. Initially priority was given to the most remunerative Areas in the country. The most remunerative referred to the ratio between the capital costs of supplying the customers and the yield from the annual fixed charge revenue. In the early days another factor contributing to the priority of an Area was the proximity to existing electricity networks.
Had to be Paid For
The Rural Electrification Scheme had to be paid for and the ESB did this through a two-part electricity tariff system, as well as Government subsidy. One part was a fixed charge, which came to be known as the 'ground rent' and this was based on the floor area of the house and out-offices. This was used to pay for the provision of the supply and appeared as an unreasonable imposition to many consumers. The second part was the unit charge for the electricity actually consumed. In 1946 this was as follows:
For first 80 units (per two-monthly period): 2.5d per unit; For next 280 units: 1.0d per unit; All units over 360: 0.75d per unit. This price structure was adopted in 1946 and remained in operation until June 1951 when an increase in the price of coal led to 0.3d per unit to be added to all unit charges.
The first pole to be erected in the Rural Electrification Scheme was at Kilsallaghan, Co. Dublin on November 5, 1946. Oldtown, Co. Dublin was the first village to be switched on in January 1947.
By 1962 280,000 houses in 775 Areas were connected, leaving 100,000 not connected. Also, 17 Areas with 6,000 premises had not been developed because of low return.
By 1976 420,000 houses, representing 98-99% of all rural houses, had been connected to the rural electricity networks at a total cost of £80 million,of which some £28 million represented State subsidy.
By March 31, 1980, 468,000 houses were connected at a cost of £109,355,000 of which £27,900,000 was provided by Government subsidy.
First in Tipperary
Bansha was the first Area in Tipperary to be developed and the twelfth in the country. In fact there was a 'row' between Bansha and Cahir as to which would be the first to be developed.
Although Cahir had the better sign-up of customers after the canvass, Bansha was selected on the basis of a better economic return and was switched on on May 24, 1948,
There may have been another reason why Bansha got the nod. The Parish Priest of Bansha was Fr. John Hayes, who had founded Muintir na Tire in 1931. The man appointed to head the Rural Electrification Organisation within the ESB was W. F. Roe, who had been a prominent member of Muintir na Tire from 1938 and was dedicated to the ideals of its founder. Both men saw in rural electrification one of the most effective means of providing the stimulus required to overcome rural stagnation.
Bansha was followed by Ballingarry (32nd), Emly (33rd), Cahir Rural (35th), Moyne (42nd), Silvermines (86th), Templetuohy (97th) and Lorrha (103rd).
Preliminary Work
As each area was canvassed the line crews moved in, surveying and pegging out the routes for the main lines, erecting poles, stringing cables and installing transformers. At the same time people had to have their houses, farms and shops wired.
Lorrha was defined to be an area of 39 sq. miles in North Tipperary, hemmed in by the River Shannon and the River Brosna. An initial survey in August 1949 estimated the cost of implementing the scheme in Lorrha at approximately £13,100.
The surveyors identified that there was a total of 406 houses. Of these 262 were identified as opting for supply with 152 economic acceptances and 110 uneconomic acceptances. There were 79 refusals, 48 termed as doubtfuls, 17 houses were vacant or could not be seen.
The work began in earnest in February 1950 and was completed in May and the final cost was £13,350. Post development work in Lorrha continued throughout the 1950s, 60s until the late 70s with additional work being done to connect new customers and to improve and upgrade the network infrastructure to accommodate the increased usage of electricity from both existing and new consumers over time.
REO News
W. F. Roe was keenly aware of the importance of good communications with staff. If a high standard of performance was to be achieved, the staff needed not alone to be well briefed and motivated at the start, but to be constantly refreshed with information on the progress of the scheme, advised of developments in all aspects of the work, sustained when difficulties arose and motivated to give of their best at all times. One day in December 1947 he called a typist and, in his own words, 'dictated the first issue of REO News (Rural Electrification News) from cover to cover', three foolscap pages which were issued in stencilled form. The publication evolved into a fully-fledged monthly and continued in existence until November 1961, playing an important management role in informing, educating and motivating the widely dispersed staff and providing a vehicle for the exchange of views, for criticism of performance of management and field worker alike.
Today, the file, which can be consulted in the ESB Archive, provides a good research area for the writer and historian.
The February 1950 issue tells us that Timothy D. Murphy, Clerical Officer, formerly at Athlone, had been appointed to Lorrha. In the same issue we are informed that 'Mr. T. P. Haugh has returned to his home in Lorrha to do the preliminary design of the rural area shortly to be commenced in that vicinity.'
There are two entries in the March issue. Patrick J. Healy, Rural Area Engineer, has been transferred from the Grange Area to the Lorrha Area. Also, Patrick J. King, Engineer, Tyrrellspass Area to Lorrha Area to Rural Head Office.
As stated above construction work commenced in the Lorrha Area on February 13. The March issue informs us that 59 poles had been erected to date and 1 kilometre (sic) of line. In the same issue other Areas are requested to take note of the rapid progress in the Lorrha Area: 'In Lorrha Area, which was selected on 1st February, construction work started on 13th February.'
Further progress was reported in the April issue. Here we learn that 333 poles had now been erected and 22 kms of line.
In the May issue we are told that Patrick J. Healy, Rural Area Engineer had been transferred to the Monkstown Area. By now 473 poles had been erected and 42 kms of line. There is a further vital piece of information: 17 customers had been connected to date! Unfortunately we are not informed where or who they were.
And then, so quickly, in the June issue we are informed that the Lorrha Area has been completed with 481 poles erected, 45 kms of line, and 145 customers connected.
The same issue includes a note on the completion of the Lorrha Area as if it were special in some way. It states: 'During the past month we received the final report on Lorrha Area from the Rural Area Engineer, Mr.Healy. From his report we learn that although there were 21 'backsliders', he obtained 27 additional consumers to show a 'plus' of 6 consumers. Capital expenditure exceeded the Authorisation by £71, but as against this Revenue increased by £43.
'The report notes that transport was abnormnally high, partly due to the scattered nature of the Area, and also due to the excessive rock met with during construction. In the early stages of the construction, proper rock drilling tools were not available, which made it necessary to go back and clean up certain spurs, although at this time construction was proceeding at the opposite end of the Area.
'Readers will be interested to learn that Lorrha was selected on 1/2/1950. Construction commenced on 13/2/1950 and the Area was completed on 6/5,1950. An excellent record, and one that reflects great credit on the Rural Electrification Engineer, Mr.Healy, and his construction crew, not forgetting Mr. T. P. Haugh, who did the preliminary design andpegging in this, his home Area.'
The May issue of the REO News has the news that Timothy D. Murphy, Rural Area Clerk, Lorrha Area, was transferred to the Delvin Area.
Finally the January 1952 issue apologises for failing to mention in the Christmas number that authorisations for a number of public lighting installations were issued. ey included one for Lorrha.
The Canvass
The Rural Area Organiser was a key person in each area under construction. His responsibility lay in the areas of relationships between the Board and the people it was serving. As well as persuading potential consumers of the benefits of electricity, the officer had to measure houses and assess the fixed charges, get application forms signed, serve wayleaves, deal with objections and organise demonstrations of electrical equipment.
In order to facilitate his work, the RAO sought help from local committees for the preliminary canvas and in carrying out the subsequent official canvas. Tom Lambe recalls a meeting held in Redwood School, when the Rural Electrification plan was announced. It was called by Fr. Paddy O'Meara, C.C., apparently to inform the people and to drum up support. This wasn't unusual as priests, teachers, shopkeepers, public employees, etc. were more aware of the benefits of electricity. It was from this group that the initial pressure for electricity came and they were used to persuade some of their more reluctant neighbours to sign up.
Tom Lambe and Mikey Sullivan of the Castle were detailed to go around Redwood and contact potential customers. According to Tom they didn't try to persuade the people because 'when farmers get a thing into their heads they can't be persuaded.'
Some pressure was applied, however. People anxious to get the electricity to their area, used their persuasive powers to get people to sign up since priority wouldn't be given to a place until so much income was guaranteed from the fixed charge.
The fixed charge was one of the stumbling blocks for many potential customers. They could live with the idea of paying so much per unit for the electricity they used, but to have this permanent albatross of a fixed charge round their necks, winter and summer, was more than many could bear. As well as the cost others had strange perceptions of electricity. It was believed by some that it was dangerous and that thatched houses in particular were at risk from it.
Wayleaves
Wayleaves referred to the permission granted to the ESB by landowners to run lines of poles through the land. There was no payment involved and it appears that the Board had absolute power to erect the lines and the owner had few powers of redress. It is accepted that some consultation did take place but in many cases the concerns of the owners were overlooked. One thing that annoyed farmers was the way poles were placed without consideration of farmwork.
For instance they were often placed a number of yards from ditches and boundary fences where they interfered with farmwork. It does appear that the powers of the ESB were absolute. There is one story told of a farmer, who had a fine field with a bull in it. The RAO came to inform him that that a line of poles were going right through it. The farmer protested that the Board hadn't power to do this. The official replied: 'We have the power to put the pole up the bull's arse if we feel like it!'
Backsliders
'Backsliders' were the bain of the RAO in every area. They were potential customers who signed up in the initial canvass and later changed their minds. Often they were victims of an over-enthusiastic canvas by a local committee, who had persuaded reluctant householders to sign up in order to improve the numbers and thus increase their chances of getting electricity to their Area at an earlier date. Then when it came to actually signing up as a consumer they had second thoughts and refused to do so, much to the annoyance of the RAO and their neighbours as well.
Refusals came about when the householder learned what the fixed charge would be and what the wiring up of the house was going to cost. Some came to believe at that stage that electricity was a luxury they couldn't really afford. We saw above how the Lorrha Area had 21 backsliders, who were balanced out by 27 new consumers who, presumeably, were householders who refused to join initially but changed their minds later.
Erecting the Poles
Digging the holes for the electricity poles was a major task in the days before the JCB digger. They had to be dug by hand and workers who took on the task had very different experiences.
One could get an easy ride if the soil was sandy or boggy, but rock was also a possibility. The rock seems to have been plentiful in the Lorrha Area, as the report mentioned above stated.
The hole was quite large as the pole had to be dug six feet deep. To get down that far with a pick and shovel a hole, seven feet long and about four feet wide at one end, tapering to a narrower width at the other end, had to be dug. There was a shelf down about four feet, which reduced the amount to be dug in the lower section.
Two workers were involved in the digging in the Ballymacegan-Redwood area. They were Junior Costello of Grange Cross and Willie Russell of Rathcabbin. Another man, Jimmy Dunne of the Ferry, was employed to bring the poles from Grange Cross to Ballymacegan and Redwood. He did this with a horse and tackle, dragging the poles along the road.
The poles came mostly from Finland where they were sourced in 1946 and initially cost about £2 each. A total of 114,000 was shipped in 1947 and, in all, over a 1,000,000 arrived in the following years. They were shipped between May and September into Dublin, Cork and Limerick where cresotting plants were set up to treat them before they could be used.
Rural Geography
Lorrha gets a mention in an anonymous poem, entitled Rural Geography, which appeared in the December 1953 issue of the REO News. It is worth quoting in full.
One thing can be said for Electrification
And that is the names it recalls to the Nation.
It has put rural Ireland back on the map.
Before its inception, who'd heard of Windgap?
Some Ballys you've read of in Irish folklore,
Like -dehob and nacargy, -duff, -noe and -tore;
But unknown until lately was -macelligott,
Even that doesn't finish the whole 'bally' lot.
Outside its own county, I think you'll agree,
Few people had heard of the name Knocknagree,
Not to mention Bohola, Abbeydorney, and Doon,
Oola and Lorrha, Tullaroan and Kilcloone.
The Kills, as expected, are well to the fore,
Represented by -dimo, -awalla and -more,
-adysart, -avullen, -moganny and -car
-macthomas, -inure, and -eentierna afar.
Unless he were quite the most credulous fella,
He wouldn't believe there's a place called Gneeveguilla;
And what of Feohanagh, Kilmuckridge, Corduff,
Moynalty and Emly, Man-o'-War, Schull or Bruff ?
Pity the Clerk, you can bet it with joy
at he closes the office in Abbeyknockmoy.
Or in odd Tourmakeady, the writing of which
Will produce writer's cramp, as did Cahirconlish.
What a prospect to face, coming straight from the 'school,'
When ordered 'Go quickly and peg Abbeyschrule'!
Still his lot could be worse, it might be Ballyduff,
And there's Nobber, Cong, Bekan, Bodyke and Cloughduv.
There's Ticknock, and Tinryland, Rahan, Ballymoe,
Ardfert, Burt, Clontibret, Looscaun and Raphoe.
And in case you should doubt it, there's proof here all right
That they really exist – they have all got 'the light.'
Tony Reddin 1919-2015
The Lamp 2015, p. 13
Only one gift was presented at the funeral mass for Tony Reddin in St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher on March 4 and that was the hurley stick he used when winning the 1949, 1950 and 1951 All-Irelands. It was a fitting and complete presentation as it was offering to his Maker the symbol of the gift which Tony had received at birth and which he developed, honed and perfected during his hurling career.
It wasn't a particularly impressive looking hurley. Its narrow bás, cracked and hooped and mended following many exciting games contrasted with the ever-increasing, board- wide hurleys used by goalkeepers until the G.A.A. stepped in and limited the width to five inches.
The hurley was an extension of Tony's arm and he relied on his brilliant eyesight, allied to a wonderful agility, honed from hours practising against a rough stone wall, to be in position to stop the fastest moving shots that arrived in his goalmouth.
There were many examples of his great stopping ability but two come immediately to mind. The first was the North senior hurling final between Lorrha and Borrisileigh in August 1948. Played in a downpour, the Borrisoleigh forwards did all in their power to best Reddin in the second half after trailing 4-3 to 0-3 at halftime, they bombarded the Lorrha goals in an unceasing barrage but Reddin was in defiant mood and saved right, left and centre, even on one occasion with his head. They did get through for goals twice but, had they gone for points they wouldn't have found themselves in arrears by 5-4 to 2-5 at the end.
The second occasion was at Killarney in July 1950 in the replay of the Cork-Tipperary Munster final. Many of the estimated 55,000 spectators encroached on to the field as the game reached its climax. Referee, Bill O'Donoghue of Limerick had to stop the match for ten minutes to clear the field but as soon as it resumed so did the encroachment. Any time the ball came into Reddin he was teased, barracked, even pushed. Not only was he in danger from missiles from around the goals but also from Cork forwards rushing in after a delivery in order to bury him in the net, which was the lot of goalkeepers before health and safety issues changed their plight from being in the eye of the storm to being a protected species. After the game angry Cork supporters sought Reddin out and he had to be rescued by friends and camouflaged in a clerical coat. There couldn't have been a more fitting tribute to the quality of his play.
Tony was a professional in the days hurlers paid much less attention to personal fitness and match preparation than is the case today. At his peak he was 5' 9'' and never weighed more that eleven and a half stone. He trained as another might do for centrefield, running cross-country, jumping over hedges and ditches and he built up his arms to make him the strong player he became. He was no mere ball stopper but completed the act by clearing the ball. He was equally good on the right or left side. Probably his greatest ability was a sensitive touch allied with the tilting of the hurley's face at an angle which enabled him to kill even the fastest ball dead so that it rolled down the hurley into his hand.
Tony Reddin was born in Mullagh in 1919 and one of his cherished memories was winning a county under-14 medal in 1933. It was the only county medal he won. He played with Galway and Connaght before coming to work in Lorrha early in 1947.
The summer of 1947 was one of the wettest on record. Not a great time to come working in Lorrha but whatever about the work, Reddin put Lorrha on the hurling map and he made one proud to be from the place. He played a major part in helping the club to two county finals in 1948 and 1956. He also married Lorrha native, Maura Smith.
In the early sixties Reddin moved to Banagher, where he and Maura reared his family of three boys and six girls. He also got involved with St. Rynagh's G.A.A. Club and made it a force in Offaly hurling. The club contested the first All-Ireland Club final in 1970.
The three clubs, so much a part of Tony Reddin's life and to whose success he contributed so handsomely, were well represented at his funeral and formed a guard of honour that escorted him along the final section of the route to his grave in the historic cemetery of Bonachum in the parish of Lorrha.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.
All Quiet on the Lorrha Front 1916
The Lamp 2015, pp. 5-6
How did the parish of Lorrha and Dorrha respond to the Rising of 1916? According to the best authority on the subject, Sean Hogan, in his comprehensive account in The Black and Tans in North Tipperary: Policing, Revolution and War, 1913-1922: 'The CI (County Inspector of the R.I.C.) found little support for the violent outbreak in North Tipperary, with the exception of a small number of individuals in Thurles, Templemore and Roscrea.' Not one of the 128 members of the four branches of the Irish Volunteers in North Tipperary was known to have participated in the Dublin events.
Lorrha IRA: Martin Needham, Jim Carroll, unknown, Felix Cronin.
Photo: Nancy White
The inspector's report went on to state that no disloyal papers circulated and no meetings were held by the Sinn Fein Volunteers in North Tipperary. He was referring to the propaganda organs of the various small 'advanced nationalist' organistions, weekly or monthly news sheets produced by the Irish Volunteers, the Gaelic League and Sinn Fein.
Hogan further states that few arrests were made in North Tipperary in the immediate aftermath of the Rising. Only three from the Riding were interned. They were Patrick Gantly, an employee of the bacon factory in Roscrea, who was interned in Frongoch in Wales, Matthew Morris from Thurles and John (Jack) MacDonagh of Cloughjordan originally but who was a theatre manager in Dublin in 1916.
In fact the general feeling towards the Rising in North Tipperary is reflected in the resolution passed at the weekly meeting of Nenagh Board of Guardians early in May:
'We are convinced that the continuance of martial law and military executions in this country is causing a rapidly increasing feeling of bitterness and exasperation amongst a large majority of the Irish people who had no sympathy with the late insurrection and we are of the opinion that martial law in the best interests of the country be immediately withdrawn and no further executions under any circumstamnces should be allowed.'
The reason for the lack of response to the Rising may have been due to the countermanding orders and the confusion about the mobilisation arrangements. The more likely reason was the absence of any 'advanced nationalists' in places like Lorrha, where the Irish Parliamentary Party and later the Volunteers had substantial support. Also there were no individuals present who supported violent agitation such as Pierce McCan from Dualla or Edward Dwyer of Ballagh.
Reports from the Guardian
Life in Lorrha appears to have been untouched by events in Dublin at Easter 1916 as reports in the Nenagh Guardian would lead one to believe. A report on May 6, 1916 states that John Dillon of Lorrha complained to the Borrisokane Guardians & Council of the allocation of a labourer's cottage, and of the action of the Council in taking up a pump stick in the village of Lorrha and 'depriving the people of their pump for no reason wahtever.'
The report from Lorrha Petty Sessions on May 13 gives the usual litany of cases. John Tuohy was prosecuted for the larceny of some harness. Mr. F. Kelly, Kellysville, Rathcabbin was summonsed for selling Indian meal not up to the standard. Miss M. F. Quinlan was summonsed for opening her licensed premises during prohibited hours on Good Friday. Patrick Burke summonsed Michael Corcoran for assault. The parties were brothers-in-law!
The normalcy of life is illustrated by a report on June 10 of the North Board of the G.A.A. meeting at Nenagh, at which no delegate from Lorrha was in attendance. Championship fixtures were made. They included three concerning Lorrha. The club were fixed to play Silvermines in senior hurling on June 18, and to play Portroe in junior hurling a week later. Also a junior match was fixed for the village of Lorrha between Eglish and Shannon Rovers on July 9.
One thing did happen at the same meeting which was a response to the insurrection in Dublin. The chairman, William Flannery, proposed that the board support any fund-raising, started in Tipperary for the benefit of the dependents 'of our brother Irishmen, who were slain, executed, deported and imprisoned during the recent insurection.' The motion was seconded by Frank McGrath and unanimously adopted.
The fund referred to was the Irish National Aid Association and the list of subscribers, which was published in the Guardian on June 26, included Rev, J. Gleeson, P.P., Lorrha, who subscribed £1. Most of the names were from the Nenagh area and Fr. Gleeson was the only one from Lorrha.
Changing Political Climate
In fact the main celebration in the parish during the remainder of 1916 had nothing to do with the Rising. It was for Private Martin O'Meara, from Lissernane in the parish, who had been awarded a V.C. for outstanding bravery at the battle of the Somme. The Guardian describes the event: 'The little village of Lorrha in North Tipperary was en fete last Friday on the occasion of the presentation to Martin O'Meara, V.C., who hails from the district. By motor car, by brake, by side car, by bicycle and by foot came hundreds of people to testify their pride in the bravery displayed by this gallant North Tipperary man. Aplatform was erected in the ball alley by the side of the venerable old abbey. Gaily decorated poles with the Union Jack and the Shamrock added a bright appearance to the scene. Fortunately the weather was sunny and bright, if a trifle windy. The band of the Royal Irish came all the way from Templemore to add the charms of music to the day. Arrived on the spot a selection of Irish airs was played to the enjoyment of the large concourse of people who had assembled.'
As it transpired Martin O'Meara was not in attendance as he had returned to the army in the meantime. General Hickie, who presided at the event and made an appropriate speech, presented the gold watch to his sister, Miss Alice O'Meara.
Eleven months later when O'Meara returned to Lorrha again, his reception was much different. Instead of being the centre of attention and generating admiration for his exploits, the locals regarded him as an oddity and an outsider. He attended a number of threshings but usually found himself on the outside, without much rapport with his neighbours and a curiosity to his friends.
Eventually he got the message that he wasn't part of the community anymore and returned to his battalion earlier than intended.
Martin O'Meara's experience reflects the changing political climate within twelve months of the Rising. The first big impetus to that change was the release of the Frongoch internees at Christmas. The prisoners from the Easter Rising who had been spat upon in the streets of Dublin as they were marched to internment in Wales the previous May, retuned as heroes.
The celebration of the first anniversary of the Rising at Easter 1917 confirmed the change in the political climate and the dramatic transformation in people's attitudes to the insurrection.
Bill Boucher, Little Portland, Nenagh and Jack Moloney, Roscrea, taken on the day that the Truce was declared in the War of Independence, 1921.
From Hollyford to St. Martin's Bay
Clonoulty Rossmore Vintage Club Program, pp 7-15 August 23, 2015
Click here to view full article
Tipperary Rule the Roost between 1958 & 1968
Tipperary G.A.A. Yearbook, 2015 pages 84-85
(The Tipperary 1964 & 1965 teams were honoured in Semple Stadium on October 26, 2014)
Tipperary dominated the hurling scene during the years from 1958 to 1968, contesting eight All-Irelands. They won in 1958, 1961, 1962, 1964 and 1965 and their three losses came in 1960, 1967 and 1968 to Wexford, Kilkenny and Wexford respectively.
The first of Tipperary’s victories was over Galway in 1958, after beating Kilkenny in the semi-final. Tipperary were hot favourites and only 47,000 attended the final, the lowest number since 1944. Although playing against the breeze in the first half, Tipperary led by ten points at half-time, two early goals shattering Galway’s chances. However, Galway changed goalkeepers and put up a better performance in the second half before going down by 4-9 to 2-5. Following this defeat Galway made their debut in the Munster championship and this arrangement stood until 1969.
Tipperary were expected to beat Dublin easily in the 1961 final because of the latter’s record in the championship since 1948. They beat Wexford sensationally in the Leinster final but not many gave them a chance against Tipperary in the All-Ireland, the first hurling final to be televised. Although Tipperary led at half-time Dublin went ahead in the second-half and looked likely victors. Two events halted their progress. The first was the sending off of the inspirational Lar Foley and the second a brilliant save by Donal O’Brien in the Tipperary goal. In the end Tipperary were very lucky to win by a point.
A year later Tipperary’s opponents in the final were Wexford, who unexpectedly defeated Kilkenny in the Leinster final. This game was a thrilling encounter. It was nip and tuck right through with the lead changing on numerous occasions. Tipperary’s superior freshness in the closing stages ensured their two-point victory on a scoreline of 3-10 to 2-11.
Having lost sensationally to Waterford in the 1963 championship, Tipperary were back with a bang in the 1964 campaign and their progress to the final was uninterrupted and spectacular. Kilkenny were their opponents in the final and were slight favourites following impressive displays in the Leinster championship. In fact they went down to Tipperary by 5-13 to 2-8 and suffered their greatest defeat since the 1937 loss at Killarney.
Tipperary’s progress to the 1965 final was equally impressive. They inflicted a crushing defeat on Cork in the Munster final and were favourites against Wexford in the All-Ireland final The foundation of Tipperary’s success were laid by two goals by Sean McLoughlin in the first quarter and an impregnable inner line of defence. In the end they won by 2-16 to 0-10.
In the five finals Tipperary amassed a total of 14 goals and 64 points and conceded 7 goals 46 points. Three players. Donie Nealon, Jimmy Doyle and Liam Devaney, played in all eight All-Irelands. This great period of dominance came to an end for Tipperary with the 1968 defeat. There was to be one more flash of brilliance in 1971 but after that the ‘famine’ arrived and the county had to wait for eighteen years for the next All-Ireland success.
The Achievements of the 1964 & 1965 Players, who were honoured in 2014.
Path to Glory in League, Championship and Oireachtas
National League 1963-1964
Sept. 29, Nenagh: Tipperary 9-14 Galway 1-4
Oct. 13, Ennis: Tipperary 5-7 Clare 2-8
Nov. 10, Thurles: Tipperary 3-14 Cork 1-3
Mar. 22, Kilkenny: Tipperary 2-12 Kilkenny 3-9 (draw)
Apr. 19, Nenagh (SF) Tipperary 3-16 Limerick 2-5
May 10, Croke Park (HF) Tipperary 5-12 Wexford 1-4
May 31, New York (F) Tipperary 4-16 New York 6-6
Munster Championship
July 5, Limerick (SF): Tipperary 6-13 Clare 2-5
July 25, Limerick (F): Tipperary 3-13 Cork 1-5
All-Ireland
Sept. 6, Croke Park (F): Tipperary 5-13 Kilkenny 2-8
Oireachtas
Oct. 4, Croke Park (SF): Tipperry 2-11 Dublin 2-4
Oct. 18, Croke Park (F): Tipperary 5-7 Kilkenny 4-8
National League 1964-1965
Nov. 22, Nenagh: Tipperary 8-10 Clare 2-4
Nopv. 29, Cork: Tipperary 4-8 Cork 2-12
Feb. 7, Ballinasloe: Tipperry 4-12 Galway 0-9
Apr. 4, Thurles: Tipperary 5-7 Kilkenny 7-10 (defeat)
May 9, Croke Park (SF): Tipperary 2-18 Waterford 1-9
May 23, Croke Park (HF): Tipperary 3-14 Kilkenny 2-8
Sept. 19, New York (1): Tipperary 4-10 New York 2-11
Sept. 26, New York (2): Tipperary 2-9 New York 3-9 (defeat)
Tipperary win on agregate by 6-19 to 5-20.
Munster championship
June 27, Limerick (SF): Tipperary 5-8 Clare 3-3
July 25, Limerick (F): Tipperry 4-11 Cork 0-5
All-Ireland
Sept. 5, Croke Park (F): Tipperary 2-16 Wexford 0-10
Oireachtas (Tipperary had free passage to final.)
Oct. 17, Croke Park (F): Tipperary 2-12 Kilkenny 2-7
Analysing these scores is a fascinating exercise. Tipperary played 24 competitive games in the two years, winning 21, losing 2 and drawing 1. They won the National League the All-Ireland Championship and the Oireachtas (when it was a major tournament) in both years.
They scored remarkably the same each year, 51 goals and 154 points in 1964 and 52 goals 148 points in 1965. Combined this worked out at an average of approximately 4-13 per game for the 24 played. They conceded 27-69 in 1964 and 24.94 in 1965 which combined averaged out at 2-7 per game, or approximately half of what they scored themselves.
One indication of Tipperary's strength at the time was the number of players picked on the Munster Railway Cup team in 1965, 10 in all: John O'Donoghue, John Doyle, Kieran Carey, Sean McLoughlin, Mick Roche, Babs Keating, Liam Devaney, Theo English, Tony Wall and Jimmy Doyle.
The full list of players involved was as follows: Michael Murphy (Capt. 1964), Jimmy Doyle (Capt. 1965), Mick Burns, Kieran Carey, Liam Devaney, John Dillon, John Doyle, Paddy Doyle, Theo English , Len Gaynor, Michael 'Babs' Keating, Larry Kiely, Michael Lonergan, Seamus Mackey,Michael Maher, John 'Mackey' McKenna, Sean McLoughlin, Donie Nealon, John O'Donoghue, Noel O'Gorman, Peter O'Sullivan, Mick Roche, Pat Ryan, Tom Ryan, Tony Wall.