Foreword I would like to take the opportunity of congratulating St. Mary’s G.A.A Club for taking this initiative in honouring the achievement of the Derrydonnell Hurling Club on winning the County Senior Hurling title in 1911. In respecting our past and putting the story on record we are paying tribute to a great generation who played such a significant role in the struggle for freedom and the foundations of our country. They were a people of solid convictions and strong christian faith. Wherever they set down roots at home or abroad, they have left us a legacy that we must always cherish, and with God’s help, our present generation will continue to be carriers of the flame. In remembering that mile-stone achievement, it brings alive memories and stories which have been handed on through generations and the spirit of that time has continued to flourish in their families and relatives around us in our parish today. It is important that the record of the times will be made available for the whole parish community in a commemorative book. Drawing on the memories of the past refresh new energies in the present and become a beacon of light for the future. I want to congratulate the members of the organising committee and the detailed research on this project carried out by Brid Higgins. It is a further venture in the great tradition of services to people and to sport that is the hall-mark of St. Mary’s GAA Club in our parish. Anthony King, P.P. Bríd Higgins has a professional background in adult education, particularly heritage, local and family history, community development and IT Training. Family History always was an interest of hers from the outset of her career. She has extensive experience in management of community projects in various communities throughout Galway and currently works on a History Project which incorporates heritage research and IT training. She was coauthor and editor of the publication “In their own words – the parish of Turloughmore and its people”. She wrote various articles of local and family history interest in local community magazines. Other previous positions included Temporary Heritage Officer with Galway County Council Project CoOrdinator with Friends of Coole, where she organised a series of arts and heritage lectures and events. She currently carries out heritage and genealogical research and teaches family history adult education night classes biannually for Co. Galway & Roscommon VECs and NUIG amongst others. Presently, Bríd is Secretary of the Western Family History Association. She also is a grand-daughter of 1911 Derrydonnell Hurling Club team member, Richard Higgins. Brid Higgins (Book Author) Published by St. Mary’s GAA Club, Athenry, Co. Galway. Digital Edition of book with related documents and photographs available on www.athenrygaa.ie Committee: Leo Coffey, Brendan Burke, Michael Higgins, Michael Quinn, Sean Keane, Jackie Freaney, Tommy Keane, Martin Keane, Noel Kelly, Anthony Freaney, Brid Higgins and Jarlath Cloonan. 1
A Note from the Author… I wish to express my sincere gratitude to those listed below who were interviewed during the course of this research. Without you it would not be possible to gain an insight into your relatives who were on the winning 1911 Derrydonnell team. Gerard Costelloe, nephew of Jack & Martin Costelloe, Paddy & Peter Heneghan of Derrydonnell More. Kit Heneghan and Mary Lindsey, sister in law and niece of Paddy & Peter Heneghan of Derrydonnell More. Midge Glynn, cousin of Paddy & Peter Heneghan of Derrydonnell More. Domininc Parr, nephew of Paddy & Peter Heneghan of Derrydonnell More. Martin and Tom Keane, sons of Mick Keane and nephews of Andy & Pat Keane of Tobberroe. Seán Keane, grandson of Pat Keane and grand-nephew of Mick & Andy Keane of Tobberroe. Jackie and Anthony Freeney, sons of Mick Freeney of Derrydonnell Beg. Padraic Cahill, neighbour of Thomas Mullins of Moyveela. Festus Conroy, friend and ex employee of Michael Fahy of Moyveela. Thomas and Richie Higgins, sons of Richard Higgins and nephews of William Higgins of Lisheenkyle West. Micheál Higgins, son of William Higgins and nephew of Richard Higgins of Lisheenkyle West. Rita Coffey nee Ruane and Gill Ruane, niece and nephew of Jack and Martin Ruane of Lisheenkyle East. Paddy Coen, neighbour of Martin and Mike Joyce of Carnaun. Nell Kennedy and Della Kelly nee Kennedy, nieces of Martin Kennedy of Carnaun. To Canon Tony King, P.P. and Geraldine at Athenry Parish Office, I am extremely grateful for the kindness shown to me in allowing me to research the Athenry Church Registers, where the majority of the records associated with these men were recorded. Thanks too to Fr. Michael Kelly, P.P. Craughwell who was always willing to check his parish registers in relation to a few additional queries. Committee Members: Brendan Burke, Jarlath Cloonan, Leo Coffey, Anthony Freeney, Jackie Freeney, Michael Higgins, Martin Keane, Tom Keane, Seán Keane, Noel Kelly and Mike Quinn were incredibly encouraging and supportive during the course of this research. I wish to acknowledge their foresight, enthusiasm and motivation in commemorating this event with this publication. Thanks to all who assisted with the administration of questionnaires as these proved to be vital in the generation of the text for this book. Special thanks too to Jarlath Cloonan for his expert work in graphically designing this publication and printers A & T Print Athenry. Finally, I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to St. Mary’s GAA Club, for providing me with the opportunity and pleasure of carrying out this research. It was a thoroughly enjoyable task and an honour to be asked to do so. I hope this publication does justice in commemorating these men in their glory, on and off the field, on this the centenary of their magnificent achievement of winning the Galway Senior County Final in November 1911. Brid Higgins 2
Derrydonnell Team Captain 1911 Galway Senior Hurling Championship Medal Pat Keane captain of the victorious Derrydonnell team that won the County Senior Hurling Champinship on the 26th November 1911, with his son Patrick, watching a game at Kenny Park, Athenry during the 1960’s. 3
The Derrydonnell Team. There were seven sets of brothers on the panel with six sets of these on the team. These sets of brothers comprised 13 out of the 17 members that played on the County Final day. Back then, there were 17 on a hurling team. The team members that won in 1911 were: Jack & Martin Costello of Gortroe; Andy, Mick & Pat (Captain) Keane of Tobberroe; Pat and Peter Heneghan of Derrydonnell More; Mick Freaney, of Derrydonnell Beg; Mick Fahy of Moyveela East; Tom Mullins of Moyveela West; William & Richard Higgins of Lisheenkyle West; Jack & Martin Ruane of Lisheenkyle East; Martin Kennedy, Martin and Mike Joyce of Carnaun. There were most likely subs associated with this team. From another match played earlier that year we see that other players featured – these were most likely the subs for the Co. Final match. The subs therefore may have been Mike Higgins – a brother of William and Richard, Myles Freeney, Mick Freeney’s brother and Anthony Freeney of Mountain West and possibly another brother of his called Michael. These men will be discussed later in the book under the individual families. So in all the 1911 team came from nine townlands in the vicinity of Derrydonnell. These townlands were Gortroe, Tobberroe, Derrydonnell More, Derrydonnell Beg, Mountain West, Moyveela East, Moyveela West, Lisheenkyle West, Lisheenkyle East and Carnaun. We could also include Mountain West, to make that ten, as there may have been subs from there. (See Map). These men were all strong believers in getting Independence for Ireland and strived for freedom which came in December 1922 in the form of the Irish Free State. The GAA in those days was very strongly connected with the struggle for Independence. The majority of the Derrydonnell players therefore, were very actively involved in the uprising at the time. These men also had a strong faith, which they passed onto their children and which was obviously passed onto them from their parents. Many members of their families – brothers, sisters, sons and daughters went onto religious life and did missionary work at home and abroad. It is very evident that the tradition of hurling and the love they had for GAA was passed down through the generations in the families of these men. Practically all the team members had relations who have carried on the mantle of the GAA be it as officers or players for the Athenry Club and have contributed to it immensely over the years. The hurling gene didn’t escape the female descendants either with some of them having taken up a camán to play camogie too. It must be said that descendants of practically all the 1911 winning team have played for the club at some stage in the different years. I am sure that if we examined the records we would always find at least one of those surnames involved in various teams. We should also bear in mind that many descendants of these men played hurling with other clubs throughout our county too. Also the wider geographical area that the Derrydonnell Club covered in 1911 produced great sportsmen over the years. Indeed Derrydonnell itself it still doing so, as our recent All- Ireland Winners Jack Carr and Thomas Flynn are from the locality. The colours of the Derrydonnell Hurling Club were green and yellow and they wore 4
long black trousers not shorts. According to Gerard Costello, nephew of Jack and Martin Costello, Anthony and Jackie Freaney sons of Mick Freeney and Kit Heneghan, sister in law of Paddy and Peter Heneghan, the team wore a green and yellow jersey with a sash, although there is debate as to whether it was a yellow jersey with a green sash or a green jersey with a yellow sash. The latter seems more likely when we look at the photograph of the team taken at the time. Apparently the 1911 team trained in front of Heneghan’s, but in later years it seems the Derrydonnell team trained nearer to Castlelambert. The team are meant to have travelled to the Co. Final match by lorry, but it is very possible that they got the train to Tuam from Athenry, as the papers document that a train did travel from Galway to Tuam (via Athenry) to the match that day. The County final took place on 26th November 1911. Prior to that, Derrydonnell won the Junior Championship in 1909. So lets examine the Derrydonnell team through those years and beyond through the analysis of the Connacht Tribune of the time and some local knowledge. 1909 Derrydonnell affiliated a Junior Hurling Team in 1909 and defeated Ardrahan in the first round of the championship by 2-12 to 1-3. On the 10th October 1909 Derrydonnell played Castlegar winning by eleven points. The Connacht Tribune, October 16, 1909; Page: 8 reported: First-Rate Ploughman and Farm Worker Patrick Heneghan of Derrydonnell who was employed as a ploughman at the Agricultural Farm, in Athenry, before he terminated his employment in July 1926 and emigrated to America. 5
Derrydonnell Juniors v. Castlegar Juniors. On Sunday last 10th October at Oranmore in a field kindly given by Mr. C. J. Kerin the hurling match came off between the above teams. Mr. Lawrence P. Lardner acted as referee. The play was good throughout for juniors but the Derrydonnell team proved themselves superior by hitting and splendid combination. The game ended with the scores as follows: - Derrydonnell Juniors – 14 points. Castlegar Juniors – 3 points. Owing to the Galway City Marathon, the attendance was very small and the gate receipts were only trifling. On December 5th in the Junior Hurling Championship Derrydonnell met their rivals Claregalway, whom they encountered on a regular basis throughout their Junior and Senior games in hurling over the coming years. The account of this match was documented in the Connacht Tribune on December 11, 1909; Page: 5. Claregalway v Derrydonnell. A very interesting and well-contested hurling match in connection with the Co. championship was played at Kiltulla on Sunday last, the rivals being Claregalway and Derrydonnell. The latter won by a large margin. The match was very exciting and were it not for the defective scoring line, the win would not have been such an easy one. There were some very fine exhibitions of the game shown on both sides especially by some of the members of the winning team and very few fouls were committed. Derrydonnell is a fine team and should render a good account of itself for the final honours. The brothers Henihan played excellently on behalf of the Derrydonnell team as did also Lally and Rowan on behalf of Claregalway. When the final whistle sounded the score was as follows: - Derrydonnell- 4-4 ; Claregalway – 0-1. Mr. Michael Connolly, Captain of the Claregalway team, refereed the match in an impartial and efficient manner. At Meetings of the Galway County Board that took place in 1909, Derrydonnell Hurling Club delegates who were present on various occasions were P. Heneghan, J. Costello, W. Higgins and P. Ruane. Derrydonnell went on to capture the 1909 Junior County title, defeating Cregmore in the final. This final was played in 1910. Derrydonnell’s William Higgins with his son Micheál in 1945. William was born on 17 Jul 1881 in Lackagh. He was aged 30 in 1911. William then moved to Coshla in 1914 along with his brother Pat where they both set up their respective homes. 6
1910 In April 1910 Cregmore defeated Derrydonnell in the 1909 county junior final but lost their title on an objection, which was awarded to Derrydonnell. The Connacht Tribune April 9, 1910; Page: 7 reported: Cregmore v. Derrydonnell. Interesting Match at Craughwell. On Saturday last a very interesting match in connection with the Junior Hurling Championship was played at Craughwell, the contesting teams being Cregmore and Derrydonnell. The weather was all that could be desired, and the ground, which was properly laid out by the members of the Craughwell H.C. was in admirable condition. At 3p.m. the ball was set going by Mr M Conway, who acted as referee to the satisfaction of all concerned. Soon after starting, Cregmore opened the scoring by a point from a free. This seemed to enliven the Derrydonnell team, who seemed to have matters all their own way till half-time, when the scores stood: DERRYDONNELL – 5 points. CREGMORE – 1 point. Restarting, Creggmore began to show up, and displayed their superiority over their opponents, and kept on scoring point after point until full time, when the scores stood: CREGMORE – 8 points. DERRYDONNELL – 6 points. A Meeting of the Galway County Board was held at Murphy’s Hall, Athenry on Monday 28th February 1910. At this meeting a permit was given to Oranmore Hurling Club to host a hurling tournament on the 27th March 1910. It seems this tournament was scheduled to take place on numerous occasions according to the newspaper of the time, but it eventually took place in May. This tournament depicts the close links that the GAA had with the United Irish League. The United Irish League (UIL) was a nationalist political party in Ireland, launched in 1898 with the motto "The Land for the People". This objective was to be achieved through agrarian disturbance and land reform. Several local GAA teams supported this by their attendance at the tournament. After winning the 1909 Junior Championship, the Derrydonnell Club then were in the Senior ranks of the County Championship. The Connacht Tribune, May 7, 1910; Page: 2, reported on the first draws of the Senior Hurling Championship 1910. Co. Senior Hurling Championship 1910 The following is the first draw for the 1910 Co. Galway Senior Hurling Champiohship: Derrydonnell v. Killimore at Loughrea 22nd May – R. Hickey, referee. The aforementioned hurling tournament in Oranmore did not take place on the day in question in March but did take place in May. The Connacht Tribune, May 14, 1910; Page: 2 reports: A tournament in aid of the funds organised to defray the expenses of Mr. James Delaney, R.D.C., who was recently charged with distributing intimidatory notices, before a jury, and discharged, was held at Oranmore on Sunday week. To defray his expenses in that trial, and to give some token of recognition of the invaluable 7
services he has rendered in the agrarian war, the Gaels of Galway decided on holding the tournament which was a success from every point of view, receiving a large amount of public patronage, which on its merits, it well deserved. Maree fife and drum band was in attendance, and enlivened the proceedings considerably by discoursing a selection of national airs. Derrydonnell v. Oranmore Derrydonnell won by 3 goals and 1 point to nil. There was some excellent material on the Oranmore side, and with sufficient practise, they ought to be heard of to more advantage in the Gaelic field. Derrydonnell assumed the lead from the start, and experienced little difficulty in maintaining it. Such tournaments were commonplace in those times and the Derrydonnell team participated in them regularly. They didn’t just participate in neighbouring parish tournaments but also travelled further afield as mentioned in the Connacht Tribune, May 14, 1910; Page: 2. City of the Tribes League Tie A tournament in aid of the City of the Tribes League Tie will be held on Sunday May 15th in the field opposite Renmore House. The events are varied and interesting, and the tournament is sure to be a most successful one. Galway Commercials will meet Tuam Stars in football, whilst the following teams will cross camans in hurling: Galway Emmets v, Derrydonnell. Oranmore v Claregalway. Rahoon v. Creggmore, and Castlegar v Galway St. Patrick’s. The tournament will also comprise contests in rising and striking the hurling ball, and the longest kick in football. These contests are confined to members of clubs, and an entrance fee of 3d is charged. A silver medal will be given for each event. St. Patrick’s fife and drum band headed by their beautiful Gaelic Athletic banner will start at Eyre-square for the field of play at 2 o’clock sharp and seeing that the price of admission is only 3d, and that this tournament is the outcome of the first active attempt that has been made to revive our Gaelic pastimes in the city, the day should prove one of singular success. Derrydonnell also played in another hurling tournament that took place at Kilconeiron on Sunday 24th July 1910. Hurling Tournament at Kilconeiron. A hurling tournament will be held in Kilconeiron on Sunday, 24th July beginning at 2pm sharp. The following teams have promised to attend: Kilnadeema, Abey, Ardrahan, Craughwell, Derrydonnell and Clarenbridge, and a challenge match has been arranged between Loughrea and Kilconeiron. The latter should bring a large crowd from all parts of Galway. The draws will take place on the field – M McGlynn; Sec. Another tournament took place at Claregalway on 24th July as documented in the Connacht Tribune, July 30, 1910; Page: 10. The following description gives a visual of what the games were like then – they weren’t merely just hurling games it seems, as there was a festive like atmosphere as each team arrived into the town. 8
Claregalway Tournament – A Record Day A large and representative tournament was held in Claregalway on Sunday last. The tournament, which was organised in aid of the Castlegar Prisoner’s ‘ Defence Fund was patronised by all the hurling and football teams or miles around. Immediately after last Mass crowds began to muster from all parts of the country. The first contingents to arrive were the Craughwell hurling team commanded by Mr. Tom Kenny, vice-president G.A.A., closely followed by members of the Clarenbridge teams, and Mr. Thomas Hynes, ex prisoner, who received a hearty céad mile failthe, as he drove along the crowded street. Shortly afterwards the Maree Fife and Drum band arrived playing the National Anthem “God Save Ireland.” They received a great ovation on their arrival. The Derrydonnell hurling club next arrived with a large following. Also came the Annaghdown football club, Cregmore hurling club and Galway City hurling and football clubs. At two o’clock the Claregalway Fife and Drum Band marched to the field, playing National airs followed by the Maree Band and a crowd upwards of seven hundred people, who gave the gate officials a busy time of it for fully two hours. Myles Freaney was born on 28/09/1890 and was a sub. on the Derrydonnell team. He emigrarted to Boston and is photographed here with his wife Ellen and sons Bill, Tom and Myles. His brother Mick was on the team and his father Anthony aged 60 years in 1911 was a farmer and married to Mary Higgins. 9
Later that year an article in the Connacht Tribune of October 22, 1910, Page: 6 a describes presentation of medals to Craughwell, the 1909 Senior Champions. In preceding months both at County Board and Central Council within the GAA there was much deliberation and objections regarding whether Craughwell or Loughrea should be awarded the title. Craughwell were awarded the title of County Galway Senior Champions 1909 in the end. After a game played in Craughwell on the 16th October 1910, between Ballinderreen and Claregalway, the hosts Craughwell were presented with their medals from the 1909 County Senior Championship. Immediately after the hurling match Mr M. O’Donoghoe (Galway Co. Board President) addressed a large concourse of people from a vehicle on the hurling field. He was accorded an enthusiastic reception coming forward to present the 1909 Championship medals to the Craughwell hurling team. Mr. O’Donohue said he had the honour of being asked to present the County Galway championship to the The Higgins family lived inCregcarragh, Lackagh Parish for over half a century before they moved to Lisheenkyle West in 1906. William on the right played on the Derrydonnell team with his brother Richard. Also pictured above is Pat , Honour and Michael. 10
Craughwell hurling team – an honour which he appreciated and he would have pleasant recollections of the occasion. He went on to say: The Craughwell boys were very keen about the goals they scored when on the field but they never lost sight of the one goal, which we should all aim at – the goal of national independence It is most likely that this was the procedure that the presentation took for the medals for the Senior Championship in ensuing years and as we know, Derrydonnell received the honours in 1911. Also again we note the aspiration of the GAA re the goal for Independence. Another article in the same newspaper publication – Connacht Tribune of October 22, 1910; Page 6 – gives an account of a hurling tournament in Oughterard where Derrydonnell played Galway Emmetts. On Sunday the 16th inst. the hurling match between Galway Emmets and Derrydonnell came off at Oughterard in the presence of an unusually large and appreciative gathering of Gaels from Galway City and County. A special train carrying over 300 passengers was run from Galway at 12 o’clock and this number of course, added largely to the muster who had come from the local districts for the occasion. The matched proved very interesting from the start, and was very much appreciated though we regret very much that some of the local youths endeavoured to evade the gate collectors and cross over the walls. This does not tend to encourage people from a distance to undertake such an enterprise again on the off chance of clearing their expenses. However the vast bulk of the people in and around Oughterard are sincere friends of the Gaelic revival as was demonstrated by the assembly on Sunday. The article mentions those that played well for Emmets and then went on to say: They performed their duty in a manner that left nothing to be desired! Whilst on the opposite lines (Derrydonnell) Fahey, Heaney (probably Heneghan) and Joyce were ever conspicuous as perfect exponents of the good old game. Scoring was a bit difficult on either side owing to the clever defence of the backs who guarded their respective territories with an obstinacy that seemed unbending, whilst on the other hand the opposing forwards dashed forward with a persistency that was splendid to witness. From start the match belonged to either side and remained so till the finish when the score stood- Derrydonnell – 2 goals 1 point, Emmets – 2 goals 1 point. Mr. Mulroyan acted as referee. At meetings of the Galway Co. G.A.A Committee held throughout 1910 both P. Keane and L. Lardner were listed as delegates present for the Derrydonnell Club. 11
1911 Fixtures that were set for the new year of 1911 as documented in the Connacht Tribune of December 17, 1910; Page: 3. The following draws were arranged for Sunday 8th January, 1911: Hurling Claregalway v Derrydonnell, and Oranmore v. Castlegar; Mr. J. Walsh to referee both matches. The AGM of the Derrydonnell Hurling Club took place on the 29th January 1911. The: Connacht Tribune of 4th February 1911 gives an account of it. Derrydonnell H. C. The annual meeting was held after the practice match on Sunday evening, all Gaels young and old, from the district being present. The meeting was specially called for the election of officers for the coming year. It was decided to get the club affiliated, and members were requested not to delay with their usual yearly subscription. The following officers were elected unanimously: - President, Mr. Tim Murray; vice-president, Mr. Ml Joyce; captain, Patk Keane; vice-captain, Wm Higgins; treasurer; Mr. Andy Keane; secretary, Mr. John Ruane. Committee: M. Fahy, M. Kennedy. M. Freeney. P. Henehan. R. Higgins, together with the above officers – J Ruane, sec. The Connacht Tribune of May 6, 1911, Page 8 reported on the match of April 30th Two hurling matches were played off at Renmore on Sunday in the presence of a large concourse of people. The Emmets from the city crossed camáns with Claregalway and a fine exposition of the game ensued. A draw resulted, each team having scored four points, and this is just a proper indication of the closeness of the match, which was played with excellent spirit and science throughout. Derrydonnell subsequently met with St. Patricks, but the city representatives in this game appeared to be outclassed. However in face of great odds, they made a brilliant show, but all the same Derrydonnell deserved to win even by a margin of 4 goals 3 points to 1 goal. The May 6th 1911 Connacht Tribune, Page 8, recorded two tournaments taking place in aid of different causes that the Derrydonnell team attended or were to attend. Turloughmore Tournament In consequence of the great rainfall on Sunday, the tournament was postponed until Sunday week, May 21st. Castlegar, Claregalway and Derrydonnell sent on their teams, but under the heavy downpour of rain, play could not take place. Representatives also attended from Abbeyknockmoy, Athenry and Corofin. All Gaels are requested to attend at Turloughmore and support the worthy object for which the tournament has been organised namely, the cause of the political prisoners. Oranmore Hurling Club A G.A.A. tournament will be held in Oranmore on the 21st May 1911, in aid of the 12
Andy Keane was aged 25 when he set sail on the ill-fated Titanic to go to the US. He was drowned with hundreds of others on that night of April 14, 1912. Having decided to emigrate, his sister who was already in America sent him the fare of £8 ls Od and he booked through Mahon Travel Agents, Athenry. 13
Oranmore Fife and Drum Band. The following teams will be in attendance: Galway City, Claregalway, Derrydonnell, and Clarenbridge. – T.J. Lee. hon. sec. The aforementioned Turloughmore Tournament took place as planned as reported in the Connacht Tribune on May 27th 1911 Page: 8. Tournament at Turloughmore A hurling and football tournament came off at Turloughmore on Sunday, 21st, in aid of the Annaghdown prisoners defence fund and was a great success. The following teams were present: Castlegar, Derrydonnell, Claregalway, Liscananaun, Turloughmore, Annaghdown, Billinastack and Abbeyknockmoy. The first match came off at 4 o’clock between Castlegar and Derrydonnell. The Derrydonnell team seemed to have the best of the game. At full time the score was Derrydonnell, 3 goals 3 points; Castlegar, 6 goals 3 points. The first round of the Senior County Championship was played at Claregalway. The Connacht Tribune of June 3rd 1911 on Page 8 described the matches between Turloughmore and Castlegar and Derrydonnell and Galway City. Hurling at Claregalway Two important hurling matches were played at Claregalway on Sunday last for the first round of the senior county championship. The day was an ideal one and a huge crowd of spectators were present. Punctuality was not very keenly observed and it was 3 o’clock when the first two teams – Castlegar and Turlougmore lined up The article goes on to describe this match and lists out the members of the winning team, Castlegar. It then goes on to say The next match was between Derrydonnell and Galway City, which was the best witnessed this year in this part of the country. The spin of the coin favoured Derrydonnell who selected to play with the sun on their backs. From the throw in, the play was fast and exciting, the ball travelling from end to end with great rapidity. M. Freeney and J. Ruane made a splendid defence for the Derrydonnell team as full backs, and Duggan, Hurney and O’Conor were conspicuous on the Galway side. At half time the score was Derrydonnell 2 goals 2 points: Galway 2 goals. After a few minutes rest the ball was again motion. Galway City worked hard to equalise, Martin Freeney a brother of Myles owned Freeney’s Pub in Galway and played for Derrydonnell in later years. 14
scoring a point per O’Connor. Towards the end Derrydonnell played with great determination squashing down the opposition of the City backs and scoring three goals in quick succession. When the final whistle was blown, the result was Derrydonnell 5 goals 3 points: Galway City 2 goals 1 point. Thomas Ruane captain Claregalway hurling club referred both matches in the most impartial manner, his decision never having been questioned. The teams were – Derrydonnell: P. Heneghan, M. Joyce, M. Freeney, A. Keane, J. Ruane, M. Keane, M. Fahy (captain), M. Ruane, M. Costello, M. Joyce, T. Mullin, A. Freeney, M. Freeney, M. Freeney, P. Heneghan, M. Higgins, R. Higgins. This is an interesting excerpt on this particular match as it presents us with some questions. County team members Jack Costello, Pat Keane, Martin Kennedy and William Higgins are not listed as playing in this match. Who were these additional men that were on the team in this instance? We will look into this some more in the section discussing The Subs further on the this booklet. The Connacht Tribune of July 22, 1911, Page 4 reports on the second round of the county championship in hurling and football. Three hurling matches in connection with the county championship were played at Claregalway on Sunday last. The day was an ideal one for the occasion and there was an immense crowd of spectators present, including a good assemblage of the fair sex. The first match (senior) Derrydonnell v. Oranmore resulted in a win for the former on the following score: - Derrydonnell – 7 goals 4 points; Oranmore – Nil. It is expected that Derrydonnell will make a bold bid for this year’s county championship, having only met with one reverse this season, when defeated by Claregalway in the City of the Tribes League competition. The Connacht Tribune of the September 30th 1911 on Page:2 records Fixtures that were made by the County GAA Board – Hurling (senior) – Killimore v. Derrydonnell at Kilconnell on October 22nd; Mr. Tannian referee. On October 7th 1911 Page: 3 in the “In GAELDOM” section of the Connacht Tribune it gave a listing of the hurling team selected to play for Galway County. P. Higgins was a delegate representing Derrydonnell at several meetings in 1911 and at the particular meeting where a committee was appointed to select a county hurling team to represent Galway. He was on this committee. P. Higgins is most likely Pat Higgins a brother of William and Richard and possibly sub Mike Higgins? There was no mention of him ever having played hurling but it seems he was involved in the club but was not a player. Galway was to play against Roscommon in Athlone on Sunday 8th October 1911. This team featured Mick Freaney and Jack Ruane. In fact they both played for Galway regularly in the height of their hurling years. 15
Galway versus Roscommon The following hurling team has been selected to represent Galway County against Roscommon at Athlone on Sunday next, October 8: Kelly (goalkeeper) (Ahascragh). McLoughlin (Ahascragh) Samways (Claregalway) Greelish (Claregalway) Walsh (Claregalway) Freaney (Derrydonnell) Ruane (Derrydonnell) Hanniffy (Kilconeiron) Comer (Kilconeiron) Jennings (Ballinasloe Assylum) Fallon (Ballinasloe Assylum) Callinan (Craughwell) One man (Killimore) One man (Mullagh) Hurney (Galway City) Duggan (Galway City). They weren’t the only team members who played with Galway. Martin Costelloe of Gortroe was a member of the Galway Hurling panel in 1912 when Galway reached the All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny, which they lost. He was also on the panel in 1913. The game between Derrydonnell and Kilimor on 22nd October was again documented in the Connacht Tribune of the day before, Oct 21, 1911; Page: 8. G.A.A. Fixtures. Derrydonnell v. Killimore. This latter is expected to be a very closely contested match. Killimore having already beaten Kilconieron in last years championships. Derrydonnell had a great win over Killimor and therefore qualified for the County Senior Final. There was no report of this match evident in the papers apart from a snippet in the minutes of a Co. Board Meeting as mentioned in the Connacht Tribune of the 4th November 1911; Page: 7; whereby the report of the referee Mr. Tannian was considered. He reported that a player from the Killimore team had been put off the field on the occasion for attempting to strike another player. And now its is coming to that one we are all waiting for… The Connacht Tribune of Saturday November 25th 1911 Page 7 previewed the County Championship final which was to take place on the following day. 16
County Championship Finals The Co. Championship Finals are to come off at Tuam on Sunday next, the 26th inst., and should result in very good contests. The hurling match which is timed for 1.30 should be very keen, as both teams – Claregalway and Derrydonnell – have shown great form in their matches this year, and the best judges of hurling who have seen both teams play, assert that it would be difficult to name the winner of Sunday’s match. The followers of Claregalway rely on the form shown by their team in the matches against Ahascragh, and particularly the last match when they defeated that formidable combination by two points and again on the easy win they got against Mullagh, who won the Co. Championship in 1907. Derrydonnell, on the other hand, has defeated such teams during the present year as Galway City whom they beat rather easy last May at Claregalway, and a few weeks ago they met and defeated Killimore, who a few weeks before had beaten Kilconieron, last year’s finalists. Therefore, granted fine weather on Sunday next, a splendid exhibition of the grand old game may be expected. On the same day the old rivals – Dunmore “MacHales” and Tuam “Stars” – meet in the County Football Final. The Co. Committee have arranged a special train from Galway to Tuam at excursion rates and it is hoped that all the city Gaels will avail of the opportunity of witnessing those two interesting matches. The train will leave Galway at 11.40 and Athenry at 12.15, arriving in Tuam at 12.45. Afterwards, again in the Connacht Tribune, there was a report of the County Final. A large attendance assembled at Parkmore racecourse, Tuam, on Sunday, to witness the final contests in the county hurling and football championships. The finalists in hurling were Claregalway and Derrydonnell and in football Tuam Stars and Dunmore McHales played an unfinished game. The weather was fine for the games, but bitterly cold to spectators. The field was neatly laid out, but the arrangement to prevent the encroachment of the spectators on the field of play could have been more perfect, and in this respect the crowd could valuably assist the gentlemen who under difficult circumstance, did their best to keep the touch-line clear. The attendance was good and a satisfactory “gate” was secured. The Tuam brass band was present during the evening, and under Mr. Gaffney’s conductorship, enlivened the proceedings with appropriate Irish airs. As to the games, the exhibitions, though Pat Heneghan was the eldest of the Heneghan brothers on the winning team. He was born in 1889 (exact date not given in Athenry Baptismal Records) 17
good, could have been better, and will require an improvement if an impression is to be made in the All Ireland finals at Maryborough on Sunday next. Claregalway did not show up to their usual brilliant form in their games with Ahascragh a few months ago. They, however, looked like winners at the first half, but with the sun and wind in their favour in the second moiety, Derrydonnell rallied and at the final whistle were leaders by a respectable margin. Shortly after the appointed hour, Mr. L. Lardner, Secretary of the Co. Board who had charge of the whistle set the lively teams going, and within a few minutes a Derrydonnell man, and one of the mainstays of the team, was hurt, and obliged to be replaced by a “sub”. Derrydonnell forced the ball to the “Clare” goal; the defence was good, the ball reaching the center. The “Clare” getting command rushed the Derrydonnell goal and on being repulsed, again forced matters. In a scrimmage at the goal mouth the ball went over. The free awarded Claregalway was well sent back, and invading the 21 yards quarter, Derrydonnell made a vigorous onslaught which the “Clare” goalkeeper brilliantly defended. Derrydonnell regained possession and shot wide and later narrowly missed a couple of splendid openings. Claregalway with good combination, on the leather being sent to midfield pressed the Derrydonnell backs, and warding off their defence shot a goal. The re-opening placed Derrydonnell on the alert, and quickly getting away, they made another onslaught on the Claregalway goal, to be again unlucky. On the puck-out Claregalway attached and Derrydonnell’s goal threatened danger: At half time the scores were: - Claregalway – 1 goal. Derrydonnell – Nil. On the resumption Derrydonnell put on their mettle and playing with superior dash to that displayed by them in the opening half, made desperate efforts to penetrate the Claregalway cidatel, eventually succeeding in notching a point, to which they shortly added two goals. Claregalway experienced ill-luck in many efforts to minimise the leaders’ score, failing simultaneously with their approach to the Derrydonnell goal. The latter boys sent the ball to the Claregalway goal and increased their lead by another goal. Exciting play was witnessed, in which an improved style was shown by both teams. Derrydonnell maintained their lead at Martin Kennedy was born on 8/11/1888 in Athenry. He was aged 23 in 1911. Martin emigrated to America but was in England prior to that. 18
the conclusion winning on the respectable margin of two goals 1 point. The final scores were: - Derrydonnell – 3 goals 1 point. Claregalway – 1 goal. This half was far more exciting with both teams playing considerably better as the game progressed, Derrydonnell scored three goals to win the title with a comfortable margin. The article continues regarding the celebrations in Derrydonnell. A correspondent writes: There was great jubilation in Derrydonnell on Sunday night. Bonfires and torchlights were blazing in all directions to County Championship honours. Immediately after their arrival a meeting was held, and the popular captain, Mr. P. Keane in a few well-chosen words, thanked the members of his team for bringing home the honours to Derrydonnell on that night. Surely, he said they had fought some tough struggles during the year, and he felt sure none of them wondered at their success that day. Regret was expressed on all sides for the accident that befell Jack Ruane in the first minute of the game and the team were unanimous in the opinion that but for this their score would have been much larger. After the meeting the team, repaired to where the cailíní were assembled and a dance was held in honour of the event, in which hurlers and followers joined and enjoyed themselves until the small hours of the morning. This dance was meant to have taken place in Ruane’s in Castlelambert but it is thought that Ruanes were still in Lisheenkyle at the time and hadn’t moved to Castlelambert, so the exact location is not known. Paddy Kelly, Castlelambert, was a member of the Junior Team that won the Co. Junior Championship later in 1929. His neighbour Martin T. Kelly interviewed him in the lead up to the famous 1987 County Hurling Final, which Athenry won that year. Paddy was only a young boy the time the 1911 team won, but he remembered hearing about it, though he was not at the game himself. Paddy Kelly knew some of the 1911 team and spoke a little about the game and the Derrydonnell Club. Athenry had many different teams that time – Newcastle, Cussaun and Derrydonnell. Derrydonnell won the Co. Junior Championship in 1929. They went Senior after that. I was involved with that Derrydonnell team. We played against Galway city in Claregalway. But the first win was when Derrydonnell won the Co. Championship in 1911. They were beaten in 1912. There were Junior finals in 1909. That is going back a long way. Well I seen them hurling again later on. They bet Claregalway for the final below in Tuam. I was running after me father. He brought me to all the matches. They used to have great matches that time…. Rough. I don’t know was it 17 or 21 they had on the team. 19
The hurling was rougher and tougher than today. They mightn’t be able to pull as fast because the hurls were heavy, heavy with big bosses. The ball was big it was easy to hit it. But I don’t think them boys would hit the ball that’s going today, would you believe that? In our day, the ball we had was a half an inch wider all around and it was easier hit that ball and we never had a good ball. They were kind of soft after one half hour. But the ball that’s going now – it takes a great player, and it takes a great player to mind himself to do the hurling and not to foul. We used to train in our day too. We used to train in a field near Paddy Kelly’s house, another Paddy Kelly. There’d be up to 20 or 30 lads training there twice or three times a week, a match between ourselves. That’s the way we used to train. No running, only just hurling the ball. In our time half an hour would nearly kill us and the last half hour we’d be falling on top of our heads! The one team per parish rule was the best thing that was brought in because there were too many factions in every team – Derrydonnell and Newcastle and Cussaun. Three teams and sure they were the death of one another when they’d meet one another. There was a row everyday, everyday they went out. In a later interview in 1990, Paddy Kelly talks about the Derrydonnell v. Claregalway County Final in Tuam. This excerpt is from the Castle Lambert Tape that was published in the book entitled The Lamberts of Athenry by Finbar O’Regan (page 231). In the years gone by Derrydonnell had a great team one time. The old crowd that’s dead and buried now. The year that Derrydonnell won the County Championship below in Tuam against Claregalway, the row was bitter all the time against Shawe Taylor and the evicting of us. Me father went to the hurling and Jack Moran went with him. He was working in the house with us. He was a ladín about fourteen or fifteen years. But he was below in Tuam whatever and some of the Carnmore people tackled me father at the match. The Grealishes (from Carnmore) and the Caulfields were involved in a big row. They bet one another but Jack Ruane, Matt Ruane, Tom Ruane they all got into the row and Mick Keane and there was terrible work between them. But they bet the Claregalway in the hurling and they bet them with the sticks too. On Sunday 3rd December after winning the County Final on November 25, the All Ireland Championships in hurling and football were to be decided at Marybororough. Mick Franey (capt.) and Jack Ruane were the Derrydonnell representatives on the team. Unfortunately Galway lost that match to Limerick. At meetings of the Galway Gaelic Athletic Association County Board throughout 1911, various delegates attended on behalf of Derrydonnell: P Henehan, P. Keane, M. Ruane, M. Kennedy and P. Higgins. 20
Beyond 1911 In Athenry GAA Story: A History of Gaelic Games in Athenry published by Athenry GAA Club, the following was documented in relation to post 1911 activities of the Derrydonnell Hurling Club. The Derrydonnell Hurling Club continued to be the dominant hurling club in the Parish with football to the fore in Newcastle and Athenry. The Club held their annual meeting in April 1913 and the following officers were elected. President Willie Higgins, Vice-President Michael Fahy, Captain Patrick Keane. Vice- Captain Michael Freaney, Treasurer Richard iggins,Secretary M. Kelly. Committee Jack Ruane, Michael Costello, Pat Heneghan, Martin Joyce, Myles Freaney with officers. In the West Board Championship Derrydonnell were unsuccessful, against Claddagh, losing 5-3 to 2-0 in 1914. Team: Tommy Dobbyn (Captain), Bill Freaney, Paddy Freaney, Michael Freaney, Michael Kelly, Johnny Kelly, Jack Moran. Jack Conneely, Michael Hardiman, Tom Cronin, John Cummins. Patrick Cummins, Patrick Keane, Peter Heneghan, Martin Costello. In the Senior Hurling Championship Derrydonnell had another convincing win over Claregalway winning by 4-3 to 0-1 at Parkmore, Tuam before a large attendance. The first half was very exciting with Claregalway playing very well and were unlucky not to score. Derrydonnell managed a goal and a point before the interval and added two more goals shortly after the break. In the concluding stages both sides fought desperately but the champions held on to win with the final score 4-3 to 0- 1. Team. Willie Higgins (Captain), Jack Ruane, Mick Freaney, Michael Joyce, Mick Fahy, Pat Heneghan, Martin Kennedy, Peter Heneghan, A. Freaney, Martin Joyce, Martin Ruane, M. Kelly, M. Newell. Myles Freaney, Richard Higgins, Martin Costello. Castlegar ended Derrydonnell`s bid to win a second title on October 6th. at Clarinbridge with an unusual score of 6-0 to 1-0. Jack Ruane was Captain of the Galway team defeated by Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Hurling semi-final played at Jones's Road and the team also included Martin Costello. On Sunday 23rd May 1915 Athenry and Derrydonnell Junior Hurlers defeated Turloughmore and Claregalway respectively at Claregalway. In the Athenry v Mick Keane was the youngest of the three and was born on 14/8/1890, aged 21 in 1911. He married Christina Larkin from Manninard in Ardrahan in approx. 1935. They lived in Rathmorrissey. 21
Turloughmore game the better understanding of the Athenry team proved too much for Turloughmore in a keen and exciting game. At the final whistle the score read 3-1 to 1-4 in favour of Athenry. In the second game Derrydonnell completely outclassed their opponents Claregalway and were easy winners. In 1918 Kilconieron defeated Derrydonnell by 3-1 to 1-4 at Athenry in senior hurling. There was also a revival of camogie in Derrydonnell whose hurling club was still in existence if not very successful. However, in l929 they defeated Castlegar by five points to one in the first round of the junior hurling championship and defeated Galway Commercials in their next game. After defeating Bohermore the West Board ordered a replay because the crowd invaded the pitch but Derrydonnell were again successful. The championship was not finished until 1931 and on the 12th. April at Oranmore Derrydonnell defeated Ballindereen in the County semi-final. Playing against the wind in the opening half the winners proved to be a clever combination and had a lead of two points at the interval. Ballindereen came back into contention at the start of the second half with a goal that gave them the lead. A goal and a point in quick succession for Derrydonnell put them in control and from then until the finish they had the better of the exchanges. Team: Bill Broderick, Jack Kelly, Jack Mahon, Peter Mullins, Tommy Broderick, John Hynes, Con Broderick, Michael Costello, Pat Mahon, Mick Poniard, John Heneghan, Paddy Kelly, Peter Heneghan and Johnny Mullins. At this stage none of the 1911 members were on the Derrydonnell team but were replaced by their younger brothers and others in the locality. However the club did go on to have a Junior Title win in 1929 and the ladies of the area also did the area proud by winning a County Senior Camogie Title in 1928. The Costello Brothers: Jack & Martin Costello from Gortroe. Jack and Martin Costello lived in Gortroe in 1911. Their father was Martin Costello was aged 50 years in 1911. He was a Farmer. His wife’s name was Bridget. Her maiden name was Kelly. In 1911 Bridget Costello nee Kelly was aged 48. They were married between January and March in 1888, so they were married 23 years in 1911, although the Census records state it was 25 years. Martin and Bridget Costello had ten children in all – John, Martin, Michael, Julia, Bridget, James, Mary and William according to the 1911 Census. There also was a Patrick who was born after 1911. However the baptisms of the oldest children in the family did not feature in the records for Athenry but in those for Abbeyknockmoy. The family must have resided in Abbeyknockmoy parish before they came to Athenry sometime before 1901 as they were recorded on the Census of that year in Gortroe. Birth records were discovered for six of the children in the Abbeyknockmoy RC records or the state registration of births for the area. The marriage record for the parents was also found in the state records for the area of Abbeyknockmoy. The remaining ones were recorded in the Athenry Baptismal Register. 22
There were no other families other than the Costello family in the townland of Gortroe according to the 1911 Census. Their nearest neighbours from the winning team were the Heneghans and the Keanes. In later years Michael Costello, a brother of Jack and Martin married Delia Heneghan, a sister of Paddy and Peter! Jack and Martin were the two eldest in the Costello family. Jack was born in 1888 and Martin was born in 1891 so the time of the County Final win in 1911 they were 23 and 20 respectively. They both were recorded on the 1901 Census in Gortroe. Martin features on the 1911 Census for Gortroe but Jack does not. Jack may have been working in another area of Co. Galway at the time of the Census in April 1911and featured in that area. There are a few other possibilities for Jack Costello but it is now known which of them is his record. According to Gerard Costello nephew of Jack Costello, he emigrated to New York shortly after 1911. He joined the American Navy. He lost his life at sea in the First World War when his ship was bombed. Martin Costello lived in Gortroe all his life. He was a farmer and worked the land there. Martin played in the forwards for the Derrydonnell Hurling Club. He was a member of the Galway Hurling panel in 1912 when Galway reached the All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny, which they lost. He was also on the panel in 1913. Martin died on 17/05/1971 at the age of 82. He is buried in Athenry New Cemetery. According to Gerard Costello, nephew of Jack and Martin Costello and Paddy and Peter Heneghan, the team wore a green jersey with a yellow sash. Gerry also thinks that they went to the final by lorry. They are meant to have trained in a field near Heneghan’s house. The Heneghan Brothers: Paddy & Peter Heneghan of Derrydonellmore. Patrick and Peter Heneghan (spelt Henehan in the newspapers and the 1911 (Census), lived in Derrydonnellmore according to the 1911 Census. Their father John Henehan was aged 54 in 1911. Their mother Brigid Henehan nee Eagle was aged 46 years in 1911. They were married 26 years. In the 1901 record of the Census for that family Paddy and Peter’s grandparents John and Julia Heneghan Martin Joyce and his brother Mike lived in Carnaun in 1911. Their father was John Joyce and was aged 57 years in 1911. He was a farmer and his wife Mary was aged 58. They were married on the 29/09/1883. 23
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