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
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