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
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