The Lean Years 1906-1925 September 22, 2011

THE LEAN YEARS 1906-1925

Even though many games were played in the 1905 championship, it was never completed.  At a South Kerry  Board meeting held in April 1906, the secretary, Mr P J O Shea, reported that things were not going as well as they might be for the Board.  He stated that finances were on the wrong side due mainly to poor gate receipts with ‘supporters’ going through farmers land to avoid paying a few coppers!.

He said that the Board also had to pay £3 to County Board for expenses in connection with 1903 All-Ireland.  He lamented the fact that the Board had yet to procure a field of its own.  The 1905 championship was far from complete as they failed to get clubs to show up for games and even though many new clubs were formed, they preferred to play amongst themselves.  The secretary called for a major effort from all Gaels to get the Board and games back on track.

In November 1906, the secretary of Kerry County Board departed forDublin and the County Board went out of existence and was not re-organised until September 1907.  Clubs from then on concentrated on playing in the county championship only and the South Kerry Board was not heard of again until 1925.

The newly formed Valentia Young Islanders were quite successful at county level.  They were defeated in the county semi- finals of 1907, 1908 and 1911.  Nine of their team got trials for Kerry and John McCarthy played in the All-Ireland final victory over Louth at Jones Road on 5^th December 1909.  John Casey, Valentia was a substitute on that team and both players along with Ned Condon were on the Kerry team defeated by Dublin in the 1908 final.

Major changes were introduced to the Rules at Congress in 1910.  Points were abolished and the Paralellogram was introduced for the first time. A junior All-Ireland Championship was inaugurated.

Kerry qualified for the All-Ireland against Louth in 1910 but as a mark of protest against the treatment it was receiving from the Railways  there was great indignation throughout the county when Louth was awarded the All-Ireland Title and they accepted it.  Kerry appealed and were represented at the hearing by Austin Stack, Chairman of County Board and A.J.Smith of Valentia.  It was to no avail when Kerry and Louth both reached the final of the Croke  Park Memorial Games in 1913, interest was at fever pitch and massive crowds turned up to witness 2 epic encounters.  In the drawn game, £750 was taken at the gate, while a massive £1183 was taken at the re-play which Kerry won.  It was the first 15- A- Side game and not only were ample funds collected for the Memorial to Archbishop Croke but it put the GAA in the black for the first time and a decision was taken to buy out Croke Park (cost £3641).

William Keating (Ohermong) played at corner back for the Kerry juniors when they defeated Carlow in the 1913 All-Ireland Junior Final and so brought the first All-Ireland Junior medal to South Kerry.  He went on to gain his place on the senior side and was at corner back when Kerry drew with Wexford in the 1914 All-Ireland drawn final.  Injury prevented him from taking his place in the re-play which Kerry won. Jackie Walsh (Cahirciveen) played at corner forward for Kerry Juniors when they won the 1915 All-Ireland Final against Westmeath which was played on 20^th August 1916.

Meanwhile Austin Stack had been chairman of Kerry Co. Board since 1908.  He was heavily involved in the volunteers and leader of the Tralee Branch.  He was imprisoned after 1916.  In 1922 he was sent as an envoy to the U.S. with J.J.O’Kelly (Sceilig) of Valentia.  He was imprisoned again after the Civil War.  He was still Chairman of Kerry Co. Board. Inevitably the GAA got tied up in the struggle forIndependence and very little activity took place in the playing fields between 1916 and 1924.

South Kerry All Ireland Football Medal Winners August 11, 2011

South Kerry All IrelandFootball Medal Winners

SENIOR

1903      Ned O’Neill (Cahersiveen)

1904      No Representative

1909      John Casey (Valentia), John McCarthy (Valentia)

1913       William Keating (Cahersiveen)

1914       William Keating (Cahersiveen)

1924       Eamonn Fitzgerald (Caherdaniel), Jack Murphy (Cahersiveen)

1926        No  Representative

1929        No Representative

1930         Eamonn Fitzgerald

1931         Eamonn Fitzgerald (Caherdaniel), Patrick J. O’Sullivan (Cahersiveen)

1932        No Representative

1937        Gearoid Fitzgerald (Sneem)

1939        No Representative

1940        No Representative

1946        No Representative

1953        Jerome O’Shea (St Marys), Gerald O’Sullivan (St Marys), Micksie Palmer (Sneem)

1954       Jerome O’Shea (St Marys), Gerald O’Sullivan (St Marys), Micksie Palmer (Sneem)

1959       Jerome O’Shea (St Marys), Mick O’Dwyer (Waterville), Mick    O’Connell (Valentia)

1962       Mick O’Dwyer (Waterville), Mick O’Connell (Valentia)

1969       Mick O’Dwyer (Waterville), Mick O’Connell (Valentia)

1970       Mick O’Dwyer (Waterville), Mick O’Connell (Valentia), P.J.Burns (Sneem)

1975        John Egan (Sneem), Ger O’Driscoll (Valentia)

1978        John Egan (Sneem), Jack O’Shea (St Marys), Patie O’Mahony (Skelligs Rangers)

1979        John Egan (Sneem), Jack O’Shea (St Marys)

1980        John Egan (Sneem), Jack O’Shea (St Marys)

1981        Ger O’Driscoll (Valentia) John Egan (Sneem), Jack O’Shea(St Marys), Ger Lynch (Valentia)

1984       Jack O’Shea (St Marys), Ger Lynch(Valentia), Jerry O’Sullivan (St Michaels/Foilmore)

1985       Jack O’Shea (St Marys), Ger Lynch (Valentia)

1997        Maurice Fitzgerald (St Marys), Denis Dwyer (Waterville), Killian Burns (Sneem)

2000       Maurice Fitzgerald (St Marys), Denis Dwyer (Waterville), Killian Burns (Sneem), Stephen O’Sullivan (Skellig Rangers)

South Kerry Championship Roll of Honour July 28, 2011

South Kerry Senior Championship Roll of Honour

Valentia’s Great Years July 28, 2011

VALENTIA’S GREAT YEARS

Waterville won the 1956 South Kerry Championship for the first time led in gallant style by a youthful Mick O’Dwyer.  However a new force was emerging in South Kerry Football and Valentia Young Islanders would dominate the next decade.  The Islanders took the 1957 championship with a great victory over Renard in a low scoring but hard fought battle by 0-3 to 0-1 and so a seven year gap was breached.  The Epic Final of 1958 will long be remembered wherever football is spoken and after 4 games with St. Mary’s, the laurels finally rested with Valentia on a score-line of 2-12  to 1-4 with Jerome O’Shea retiring early in the game through injury and Mick O’Connell reigning supreme throughout the field for The Young Islanders.  Valentia completed 3-in-a-row in 1959 but again it took a replay with St. Mary’s to decide the issue.  The final was played in April 1960 and just when it seemed that both sides would again finish on level terms, Mick O’Connell kicked the winning point for the Islanders.  The year 1960 is one that is regretted in football lore in Valentia.  Many of the footballers got involved in rowing and the 3-in-a-row champions were shocked by Waterville who were in turn beaten by St. Mary’s in the Final.  Valentia were back to take the 1961 and 1962 finals, but tragedy struck the Island in 1963.  Returning from a Kerryman Shield game with South Kerry against Kenmare, three young Valentia footballers were drowned in a tragic accident while crossing by rowing boat to their Islandhome on 6^th April.  They were brothers Jerry and Jas. Lynch Farranreagh and Tony Murphy, Cooil.  Seven more were rescued.  Valentia would not recover from this for many a day.  There was little interest in football in the Island for the remainder of 1963. Waterville beat Valentia to take their second title but the Islanders were back to win again in 1964.  This year marked the inauguration of the Kerry Club Championship which was competed for by the District Board winners.  The South Kerry champions defeated Sneem (Kenmare District Board winners) and Moyvane (North Kerry Champions), before they overcame Ballymacelligott to take the first Kerry Club Championship title. This was a fitting climax for aValencia team that had won 6 South Kerry championships between 1957 and 1964.  Even thoughValencia reached the final of the South Kerry Championship again in 1966, they were well and truly beaten byWaterville, a team that was on the verge of glory.  Valentia’s star was on the wane as The Western Union Cable Station (for long a great nursery of Valentia football) closed down in 1966.  As a result many families were forced to leave the island to take up employment elsewhere.  Valentia GAA lost many fine footballers, among them, John Dasher O’ Connor, Raphael Greene, Eoin McCrohan and even Mick O’Connell himself who took up temporary employment inNewcastle in the traditional ‘Beet Campaign’ in the winter of 1966.  All had been employees ofWestern Union.  As its annual convention at the end of 1967, Valentia Young Islalnders took the unprecedented decision to fold the club and declare theIsland and ‘Open Area’, citing ‘inability to field a team for the coming season’.  Mick O’Connell declared forWaterville.  The only other Valentia player to play locally in 1968 was Nealie Murphy who helped Portmagee defeat St. Mary’s in the South Kerry final

Meanwhile South Kerry won the Kerryman Shield in 1963 when they defeated Mid-Kerry by 1-17 to 1-10 and again defeated the same opposition by 2-18 to 0-4 to take the 1966 title.  South Kerry also reached the County Championship Semi-Finals in 1962, – ’64 and -’66 but otherwise failed to make a serious impression on theCountyChampionship.

 SOUTH KERRY G.A.A. ANNUAL CONVENTION 1957

 Before the business of the Convention began , Mr.J.B.Curran (St. Mary’s) presented to the Board a gold mounted trophy which he had received from Mr. John Kerry O’Donnell on behalf of Mr. Jim O’Mahony of New York, the donor.

 Mr. Curran said that it was the wish of the donor that this cup be awarded for the South Kerry Senior Football Championship.  He described Jim O’Mahony as an excellent Gael who had a great interest in the affairs of the G.A.A. at home.  He was manager with the happy state of the G.A.A. in the district.  He is a brother of Mr. Ned O’Mahony, Manager, Cahirciveen Creamery, uncle of Donie O’Neill the Kerry Goalkeeper.

 Mr.S.McCarthy, O.S. Chairman, accepting the trophy on behalf of the Board said he didn’t know Jim O’Mahony but he believed he was great Gael, and they were all proud to accept this beautiful trophy presented by one of our exiled sons.

Mr. Jack Walsh, expressed thanks on behalf of St. Mary’s for the trophy, said that our exiled Gaels were doing a tremendous amount to help the G.A.A. at home.  They had contributed £1,500 towards theCahirciveenConKeatingParkfunds.

 SECRETARY’S REPORT

Hon. Secretary Dick Kissane in his annual report said that it had been a highly successful year.  The South Kerry team had won the Senior Football Championship for the second year in succession and the South Kerry  minors were unluckily beaten in the final of the County  Competition Players from the district , had a large representation on the Kerry senior, junior and minor teams, as well as in the minor hurling grade and for the first time in the history of the G.A.A. in South Kerry the captaincies of the County senior and Junior football teams were held by South Kerry men, Jerome O’Shea (St.Marys) and Ned Gerald Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s) respectively.  Congratulating the South Kerry County Championship team on once again bringing the Bishop Moynihan Cup to Iveragh, he said that special tribute should be paid to the five South Kerry selectors and to Secretary, Frank O’Neill for the great work they did. Special thanks were due also he said to the general public who had subscribed so generously to the training fund and those who had provided transport for the players.  Six senior teams, four minor and six Juvenile teams took part in the District Championships and played 16 senior, 5 minor and 6 juvenile games He extended his heartiest congratulations to Waterville Frank Casey’s on winning the South Kerry senior title for the first time and paid tribute to all teams that competed, stating that the conduct of the players was exemplary, not a single untoward incident marred the course of the Championship.

The minor championship was unfinished owing to the activities of the players in the county competitions and the Juvenile Championship was won by Cahersiveen C.B.S. who became first holders of the Fenian Cup, kindly presented by the Con Keating Park Committee.

EMIGRATION

 Stating that emigration continued to take its toll of South Kerry players he expressed the hope that the exiles would maintain their Gaelic traditions in the lands of their adoption.  In conclusion he thanked his fellow officers and the South Kerry clubs for their co-operation during the year, complimented them on the efficient manner in which they discharged their various duties.

TREASURER’S REPORT

 Mr. Miko Shea Treasurer said that the receipts were £120-14-0 and expenditure £92 leaving a credit balance of £28-14-0.  The previous years debit balance of £37 odd and the settlement of a number of unpaid bill left over from 1954 and 1955 resulted in their debit balance at the bank now standing at £23-16-0 He said that receipts for the South Kerry semi-finals and final were adversely affected by very inclement weather, but the year was most successful for a long time, as receipts all round were high and a lot of old bills were paid.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

 President Mr. Eugene J. Ring: Vice-presidents Rev. Father P.O’Doherty, C.C; Rev. Brother’s Cotter and Barrett; Mr. James Devane, M.C.C. Chairman Mr. Sean MacCarthaigh O.S.; vice –chairman Mr. Dennis Keating M.C.C. and Mr. John Sugrue; Secretary, Mr. R. Kissane, (St.Mary’s); Assistant Secretary, Mr. P. J. O’Sullivan (Renard) Treasurer Mr. M. O’Shea (St. Mary’s)

MOTIONS ADOPTED

1-     That the South Kerry championship be played on the same (league)system as last year, starting in March and finishing in September – St. Mary’s.

2-     That henceforth the “Jim O’Mahoney Cup” be the trophy for the South Kerry Senior Championship – Reenard.

3-     That henceforth the Baily Cup be put up for the South Kerry minor championship – St. Mary’s.

4-     That the juvenile championship be continued and that, if possible, a separate committee be set up for its advancement. –St.Mary’s.

5-     That a League be run between the semi-finalists of the championship, provided the championship finishes in September. –St.Mary’s.

6-     That a knock-out competition for a set of medals be run in March to defray the debit balance of the South Kerry Board – St. Mary’s.

Mr J. Walsh (St.Mary’s) said that his club had nominated Gerald O’Sullivan for the Kerry Football Selection Committee, and asked that all clubs support him to a man.

All delegates enthusiastically supported the proposal.

CON KEATING MEMORIAL PARK

 Mr. Walsh said that very little improvements had been carried out on the Con Keating Park South Kerry’s G.A.A. Headquarters, as the could not hold their Annual August Tournament due to the fact that the Central Council had fixed the All-Ireland semi-final that date.

Votes of sympathy were to Michael O’Sullivan of Marian Place; the O’Shea of West Main St, Caherciveen the O’Donoghue family of Reencaheragh, Portmagee and the Doyle family of Caherciveen on the death of Dan Doyle a member of the 1896 county championship team.

A vote of sympathy was passed to the relatives of O’Hanlon and Sean South who lost their lives recently in the North.

Two minutes silence was observed.

 SOUTH KERRY GAA ANNUAL CONVENTION 1958

“EMIGRATION IS OUR WORST ENEMY AS REGARDS THE GAMES IN SOUTH”, said out going Chairman Mr. Sean Mc.Carthy, O.S., in his address to the delegates at the South Kerry G.A.A Convention held on Sunday.  “Every team in the area suffered, “he stated. “At the beginning of 1957 every club had fine players capable of taking part in the in best of company, but towards the end of the championship they were very depleted indeed. “People ask what is wrong with Kerry football?  Well in my opinion if anything at all is wrong with it, it is due to the wholesale emigration of our youth.”

He congratulated Valentia Young Irelanders on winning the “Jim O’Mahony” Cup for the first time and paid special tribute to Kerry footballer Michael O’Connell on the way he prepared the time and paid special tribute to Kerry footballer Michael O’Connell on the way he prepared the Islanders for victory.  He congratulated Renard on their splendid display in the South Kerry final and said he was delighted to see two sides so fit and well trained for the occasion.

It gave him special pleasure to report that for the first time since he took office, the Board finished the year with a balance to credit.

The Hon. Treasurer, Michael O Seaghdha in his report said that in his 20 years experience as treasurer it was the biggest credit balance they had achieved.  “But” he said “when I first became treasurer we had about twelve teams taking part in the South Kerry Championship as against five nowadays.  I think it is better to have lads playing football than be able to show a credit balance “Receipts for the year were £228-17-10, Expenditure totalled £199-10-11, leaving £29-6-11 to credit Hon. Secretary Mr. R. Kissane, in his report said that five senior and four minor teams took part in the District competition playing a total of 36 matches, 23 senior and 13 minor.  He congratulated Valentia on winning the senior championship and Watervilleon winning the league tournament.  He appealed to the clubs to iron out their internal squabbles in private for the future and not to gain for themselves world wide publicity as happened last year.

He wished South Kerry exiles God’s speed and every success in the lands of their adoption.  Thanked his fellow officers of the Board for their assistance and co-operation during the year and paid tribute to the local Press correspondent for fair publicity accorded to all activities during the year.

OFFICERS

President Mr. Eugene J. Ring; Vice-President’s, Rev. Father P.O’Doherty, C.C. Rev. Brothers Cotter, Barrett and Mc.Grath, Mr.James Devane, M.C.C.; Chairman Mr. S. Mc.Carthy, O.S., Waterville; Vice-Chairman Messrs. D.Keating, M.C.C. Michael Griffen and J.H.O’Connor; Treasurer Mr.M.OSeaghdha (St.Mary’s)Secretary ,Mr.R.Kissan, South Kerry Football Selection Committee, Rev. Fr.P.O’Doherty (St.Mary’s). Messrs.Gerald Sullivan (do) J.B.Curran (do) J.H.O’Connor (Valentia) and Michael O’Sullivan (Waterville); Secretary to South Kerry Team Mr. R. Kissane (St, Marys);

Delegate toCountyBoardMr. R.Kissane (St.Marys)

 MOTIONS

Before discussion on some motions dealing with the composition of the South Kerry football selection committee and management of the South Kerry County Championship team, Mr. Jackie Walsh (St. Mary’s) said that his club had run the St.Kerry team for the past three years and they now wished to withdraw from the responsibility as there were not in a position to undertake the financial commitments involved.

It was there upon decided that the South Kerry teams would be under the jurisdiction of the South Kerry Board, but the management of the teams would be entrusted entirely to the Selection Committee which would be a Sub-Committee of the District Board.

Other motions adopted included that-

• A senior and minor team under the name “South Kerry” shall compete in the county football Championships.           
• The provision of finance shall be the responsibility of the South Kerry Board.
• The South Kerry Championship they shall have the captaincy of the Kerry senior team the following year.
• That senior and minor Championships be run on the league system with an open draw for the semi-finals.
• A motion byWaterville“that the method of distribution of All-Ireland stand tickets be reviewed “was referred to theCountyConvention.
• A motion by St.Mary’s “that every senior team should have a minor team” was referred to the first meeting of the South Kerry Board.
• The Chairman presented Valentia with the South Kerry senior Championship medals andWatervillewith the tournament medals. Votes of condolence were tendered to all members bereaved

 SOUTH KERRY GAA ANNUAL CONVENTION 1965

When reference was made to the fact that last year the South Kerry senior and minor football teams had reached the county semi-finals only to suffer several of those present at Sunday’s South Kerry G.A.A. Convention expressed strong condemnation of the arbitrary manner in which the dates and venues for the matches were fixed by theCountyBoard.

In his address to the Convention the outgoing Chairman Mr. Bernie O’Connell of Valentia, said that the date fixed for the senior semi-final was an inappropriate one for South Kerry, several of whose players were either injured of absent.  However, he said, an ultimatum was received from the Co.Board to “play or go down” and they were left with no option but to play.  “We gambled and lost,”said Mr. O’Connell. He also referred to “some shocking refereeing and the incompetence of goal umpires” of which South Kerry had been the victims.

Continuing, Mr. O’Connell said; The past year has given every cause for satisfaction, not withstanding our surprise exit from the senior and minorCountyChampionships.  On the home front, we had four competitions completed – senior, junior and minor and league.  The standard of sportsmanship in all matches played under the jurisdiction of this Board – with one notable exception – was exemplary.

 ‘CO-OPERATIVE’

‘To the players who continue to play their allegiance to the game, the referees, umpires, linesmen, stewards, ticket sellers and the general public who patronised our fixtures, I extend my warmest thanks an appreciation  I would like to pay a special tribute to my Board colleagues, Ned Fitzgerald and Dick Kissane who have stood by me through thick and thin, to County Board delegate Sean McCarthy, Pat Dennehy for services rendered to the South Kerry team, the Valentia and Waterville clubs who supplied jerseys during the year, the Christian Brothers, Billy Murphy and Eamon O’Neill who provided accommodation for our meetings the John Mitchels and East Kerry teams who obliged us with tournament games – and finally, the clubs themselves who have most co-operative and helpful to me on all occasions.  To the winners of the various competitions in South Kerry (not forgetting Caherciveen C.B.S. who brought further honours to the district during the year) – I extend my warmest congratulations.

Congratulations too are in order for Donie O’Sullivan and Kevin Donnelly on winning under 21.  All Ireland  medals with Kerry also to Mick O’Dwyer, Mick O’Connell, John Burke, Battie Galvin, P.T. O’Sullivan, John Mahony, Pat O’Connell, Kerry Looby and P.J. Fitzpatrick, who wore the county colours in different grades during the past Year”

The outgoing chairman also made a special appeal to St. Mary’s Cahirciveen Club to try and regain some of their past glory and to display again the old spirit to which were heirs.  He said that with Fr. McSweeney to lead the van, football in Cahirciveen would not long be allowed to lie in slumber.  Continuing the chairman said that during the year past they had seen a fine Skellig Rangers/Foilmore continue to make their presence felt and their enthusiasm and dedication to the game is an inspiration to all of us” he said.

“Let us hope we have not seen the last of Derrynane in South Kerry football and that Reenard can recapture some of their former glory during the coming year.  There are no fears for the future of the game inWatervilleand Valentia.

 In his Treasure’s report, Mr. Ned Fitzgerald, said there was loss of £115-3 on the year’s working Receipts were £471-18-6 and income £470-13-3.

Bord na nOg July 22, 2011

Bord na nOg

 Juvenile football in South Kerry was poorly catered for in the first half of the 20^th Century.  Cahersiveen C.B.S. and later theWatervilleVocational School were the only avenues open to the youth for competitive football.  However two permanent South Kerry Board Officials – Jack Sugrue (Renard) and Jackie Walsh (St. Mary’s) were always doing their utmost to foster and encourage the Gaelic traditions among the younger generation “Mol an Oige agus tiocfaidh siad”.

 South Kerry got the opportunity in 1965 to compete in a U-16 County Championship when the then Chairman of the Co. Board, Dr Jim Brosnan, set the competition in motion.  South Kerry Captained by Tim O’Connell (St.Mary’s )defeated Mid Kerry and East Kerry at Austin Stacks in the final 5-3 to 1-1.

Team:  Vincent O’Connell (SK Rangers), Tim O’Connell (St. Mary’s), Des Fitzgerald (St. Michaels), Johnny Casey (SK Rangers),  Des Cronin (Waterville), Leo Shea (St.Michaels), John F.O’Sullivan (SK Rangers), Jerry O’Mahony (Renard), Tom Sugrue (Renard), Teddy O’Donoghue (Renard), Brendan Casey (SK Rangers), P.J. O’Sullivan (SK Rangers),  Dan O’Donoghue (St. Mary’s), Brendy Donnelly (Waterville), Denis O’Shea (SK Rangers).  Subs: Seamus Hoare (St.Mary’s), Pat O’Shea (St.Mary’s). Jim Burns (Sneem), Donie McGillycuddy (Renard), Kevin Murphy (Renard).  Trainer: Junior Murphy (St.Marys)

The South Kerry Senior Board followed suit in 1965 with a district U-16 competiton which Skellig Rangers/St.Michaels won by defeating Renard 3-16 to 1-3 in the final.

Team:  Vincent O’Connell, Michael Curran, Des Fitzgerald, Patrick Keating, John F O’Sullivan, John Casey, Michael Golden, Leo Shea, Brendan Casey, Paul O’Sullivan, P.J. O’Sullivan (Captain), James Mahony, Pat Joe Casey, Denis Shea, Eamon Harty.

Subs:  Michael O’Connell, Paddy O’Connor, P O’Sullivan, A O’Shea.

Annual Convention 1930 July 22, 2011

ANNUAL CONVENTION 1930

 Carnegie Hall,   Cahirciveen.     Sunday 19^th Jan 1930

 Delegates Present

Officers: Michael O Driscoll V. C, John Greensmyth  Treasurer, Denis Daly Hon. Sec., Eugene Ring Ass. Sec.

 Cahirciveen S.F.C.: Charles Healy & John O’Connor,

Cahirciveen Jn.  F.C.: – Sean O’Shea & Jack Walsh

 Cahirciveen  Jn   H. C.: – Patrick Behan and James O’Shea

St.Marys Jn. F.C.: – John Dromey and Michael Clifford

 Cahirciveen, Minor H.C.:- Jim Griffin, Barney O’Driscoll

 Cahirdaniel Jn  F.C.: – Mathew O’Connell and Thomas Doran

Dromid Jn F. C.: – Patrick Walsh;  James O’Connor

 Foilmore S. F.C.:- John Curran

Ballinskelligs Jn F.C.:- Sean Connor; John Curran.

 Portmagee Jn F.C.:- James Devane; John Casey.

 The Vice Chairman, Mr O’Driscoll, took the Chair at 3.15pm and opened the meeting with a short summary of the work and progress of the GAA in South Kerry during 1929.  He congratulated the South Kerry Junior Football Team on winning the Junior County Final (1928), and the Cahirciveen Snr F.C. and the St Mary’s Jnr F.C. on winning the District Senior and Junior Championships respectively (1929).  He also referred to the departure of our respected Chairman Bro. Ryan whose transfer toLimerickwas a serious loss, not alone to the Association in Sth. Kerry but the whole County.

The Secretary’s report for 1929 was read and adopted as was the Treasurer’s Financial Statement which was considered very satisfactory notwithstanding a debit balance of about £20.  Mr Paddy Walsh, Dromid suggested that the Sec. of each club be furnished with a detailed statement of a/c prior to the Annual Convention, and recommended the appointment of two members of the Association to act as auditors. No action was taken.  Mr Mathew O’Connell, Cahirdaniel submitted two bills for car hire.  It was unanimously decided that bills relating to expenses incurred prior to 1929 should be left over for the present.

The Minutes of last Convention were read and adopted on the proposal of E. Ring seconded by Michael Clifford. Mr. John Curran, Foilmore, proposed a vote of thanks to the officers of the board for their sacrifice in the cause of the Association in South Kerry during 1929, seconded by Jack Walsh.

Election of Officers.  As nominations from only three clubs (Cahirciveen, Snr F.St Mary’s and B, Skelligs) had been received, it was proposed by Mr Paddy Walsh Dromid and seconded by Mr John Curran Foilmore, that nominations be received at the convention.

 Chairman:  Three nominations-Bro Dooley J.Greensmyth, and John Curran B’Skelligs.  The latter withdrew, as Bro Dooley had intended his inability to act.  Mr J. Greensmyth was elected unanimously.

Vice-Chairman: Three nominations – John Curran Foilmore, Jack Walsh and Michael O’Driscoll (out going) John Curran withdrew and on a vote Michael O’Driscoll was elected by 11 to 10.

Secretary Two nominations- E. Ring and D. Daly (outgoings). E. Ring withdrew and D.Daly was elected unanimously.

Assistant Secretary: Two nominations-E. Ring (outgoing) and John Curran, Foilmore.  The latter withdrew and E.Ring was elected unanimously.

Treasurer: One nomination-Michael Clifford who was elected unanimously. Mr J. Greenmyth then took the chair.

Resolutions:  St. Mary’s F.C.  “That as St Mary’s F.C. was organised and affiliated by Rev. Bro. Flatly as a school club, and as the great majority of players are very young boys-they should be allowed to compete as a Junior Club in the 1930 League & Championship” proposed by Michael Clifford and seconded by Rev.Bro.Archbold. It was unanimously agreed that St. Mary’s  F.C. be graded Junior for 1930 on the proposal of E. Ring seconded by Sean Connor.

Cahirciveen Snr. F.C.  (1)  Proposed by John Connor seconded by Jack Walsh “That the 1929 League be finished off immediately and that the South Kerry Board be asked to fulfil its promise re medals made at last Convention.”  As all teams concerned withdrew excepting Cahirciveen in the Senior andWaterville in the Junior it was unanimously decided that all outstanding matches be let lapse, and that Cahirciveen andWaterville be declared winners of their respective divisions of the 1929 League.  On the proposal of the Secretary seconded by Sean Connor Ballinskelligs, it was unanimously decided that if funds permit at the end of the coming season medals be given to Cahirciveen  St Mary’s winners of the 1929 Senior & Junior football C.ship, that without any reservation medals be awarded to the winners of the Snr and Junior football C.ships 1930.

(2) Proposed by Charles Healy seconded by John O’Connor- “re proceeds of concert and dance held on Easter Sunday last”,  that we would like to know what became of the proceeds of concert and dance held on Easter Sunday last.  That we would like to know what became of the proceeds of above, and being interested in the matter in so far as that some was got up in aid of the Hurling, Football clubs we now demand that proceeds be handed over to the clubs concerned.  The matter was not considered as the whole question had already been discussed and finally settled at a previous meeting of the District Board.

(3)Proposed by, James O’Shea seconded by Tadgh Sullivan “That we instruct the South Kerry Board to demand from the Kerry County Board the set of medals for the 1928 Junior Championship (County)”  It was unanimously decided on the proposal of the Sec. Seconded by E. Ring that the delegates to the County Board would see about that General Proposed by E. Ring seconded by Jack Walsh “That all players suspended during 1929 and any player or players whose suspension is pending for serious breaches of the Ruled during the same year be reinstated without further consideration of their cases” – Passed.

Proposed by Jack Walsh seconded by J.Greensmyth “that theCountyConventionbe able to leave Easter Sunday an open date, and inviting the co-operation of other District Boards towards the success of our Annual Tournament.” Passed.

Mr. Paddy Walsh suggested that each club area would be made the venue of a least one C`ship or League fixture during 1930, and promised a bumper gate at Dromid if matches were played there.  This was promised consideration at a later date; but from their experience of 1929 it was the general opinion of the Board members that matches should be entirely confined to the more populous centres with a view to having  good gates, and until such time as the Board is in a strong financial position.

 Mr. John Curran Foilmore, spoke inviting closer co-operation between the different Clubs and appealing for mutual support from the delegates.

Mr. Paddy Walsh promised that all in future meetings of the district Committee where possible be held prior to the matches.  This was not seconded as it was believed that such a proceeding would lead to frequent violations of the punctuality rule.  On the proposal of Mr. John Curran seconded by Mr. Matty O’Connell Messrs E.R and J. Walsh were elected delegates to theCountyBoard for 1930.

On the proposal of Jack Walsh seconded by Sean Connor, E.J.Ring was elected to represent South Kerry on the County Finance Committee; the Munster Council and National Congress.

Proposed by J Greensmyth seconded by John Curran Foilmore that Messrs E. Ring D.P.O’Riordan and D.Daly represent Sth. Kerry in the County Selection Committee.

A letter from Mr. Jimmy Griffin Sec. of the Caherciveen minor H.C. was read Mr. Paddy Walsh addressed the delegates on the important question of Nationalism and Gaelic Games.  After dwelling on the modern tendency to forget the ideals of the founders of the G.A.A. he appealed strongly for the introduction of Irish terms on the playing fields as well as for the promotion of Irish Dancing.

Before closing the meeting the Chairman emphasised the importance of the six points mentioned in the Secretary’s Annual Report.  He advised the delegates to bring the matters before their respective clubs at an early date and if these weaknesses and irregularities were remedied at the end of 1930 the G.A.A. in South Kerry would be as near to perfection as possible.

The date of the first meeting of the new District Committee was left to the discretion of the officers of the Board. Sean Mac Sabann    (Secretary).

Jack Murphy R.I.P. July 22, 2011

KERRY FOOTBALLER’S FUNERAL

Jack Murphy Laid to Rest

6^th November, 1926 (Extract from The Kerryman, Nov. 1926)

Few deaths in recent years have occasioned such widespread manifestations of regret as that of Sergt. Jack Murphy, C.G., Cahirciveen, member of the Kerry Football Team.  Only in his 22^nd year, Jack Murphy still retained his boyish characteristics.  Quiet and unassuming to a degree, deceased was a universal favourite with his colleagues at the Depot, the Gaels of the country with whom he came in contact, and with the general public.

The large concourse of people which followed the remains to their last resting place; the many messages of sympathy received from all over the country, and the large number of floral tributes placed on the grave, all bore testimony to the popularity and respect in which the deceased was held.

On Wednesday, 27^th inst., the remains arrived fromTralee, and were met by a huge crowd of people and borne to the O’Connell Memorial Church, where they remained overnight.  High Mass was celebrated on Thursday morning.  Very Rev. Canon Browne being celebrant, Rev. T. Curtayne, C.C., deacon, and Rev. J. Prenderville, C.C., sub-deacon.

 In the afternoon the funeral took place to the burial ground at Kilavarnogue.  There was a large attendance, despite the inclemency of the early morning.  High placed officials of the Civil Guards and G.A.A. were present.  Chief Superintendent Stack (Depot) represented General O’Duffy; others present were Supt. Hugh Duffy, Adj. Depot, Headquarters, Staff, Supt. P.J. Colleran, Gardai A.A., Sergt. M. Lane, Gardai Paul Russell, P.J. Ryan, J.Clifford and J. O’Connor represented Kerry men at the Depot.  Chief Supt. P.J. Clinton,Tralee, and Supt.R.J. Heydon were in charge of the Kerry Gardai, of whom there was a large party.

 The Kerry County Board and the different Kerry Divisional Boards were represented.  Others in attendance were:  Mr. P. O’Keeffe, Secretary Cork County Board G.A.A.: Jerry O’Shea, Ml. Murphy and D. O’Donoghue.  The members of the Kerry Football Team, with the Gardai, marched after the remains, as did the members of the Kerry Selection Committee.  The cortege was preceded by the Killarney Pipers Band, which played appropriate selections of sacred music,

 The chief mourners were:- Pat Murphy (father), Mrs Murphy (mother), Thade, Pat and Denis (brothers) Mrs. M. Lynch (sister),  Mrs. J. Murphy, Mrs Donoghue (aunts), James Griffin, MI. Griffin (uncles), Michael Lynch (brother-in-Law), Mick Donoghue, Jack Donoghue (cousins).

 Wreaths were sent by the following:  ‘As a token of remembrance, from comrades of the Kerry team’’, “In loving memory of Jack Murphy who won the All-Ireland for Kerry,  September 5^th. 1926, from Killarney Dr. Crokes’’, “With deepest sympathy from Tralee League’’, “With deepest sympathy, from Dr. Eamon O’Sullivan’’, “With deepest sympathy Barry’s Hotel” Dublin’’;  “With deepest sympathy North Kerry League’’; “With deepest sympathy to the family of Kerry’s andIreland’s greatest full back,  E. Kerry League’’; “In fond remembrance and deepest sorrow,  Cahirciveen  G.A.A.’’;  “With deepest sympathy from Depot Hurling and Football Clubs’’;  “With deepest sympathy, N.C.O.’s , Phoenix Park’’; “In fond memory of our dead comrade, officers N.C.O’s  and men,  C.G. Tralee’’; “With deepest sympathy, officers, N.C.O,’s  and men H.Q. and Depot’’; “Deepest sympathy, from officers, N.C.O.’s and men Crime Branch, Depot’’.

 Gen. O’Duffy wrote as follows:

“Your wire intimating the death of Sergeant Murphy came as a great shock, as I understood from Dick Fitzgerald on Sunday that he was on the way to recovery.  I take this opportunity of asking you to kindly convey, to his relatives and to the County Board and the Gaels of Kerry, my deep and sincere sympathy.  I regret that the rejoicings over the Kingdom’s great  victory should be so soon marred by the death of one who played his part in that noble achievement.  Since the Sergeant joined the Garda Siochana, he proved, in his own modest and unpretentious way, a faithful and efficient member and from my personal knowledge of his character and worth I believe he would have had a very successful career; but God willed otherwise.  Jack Murphy was a credit to the G.A.A., and the Kerry County Team and the Garda Senior Football Team mourn the loss of a stalwart champion in whom both shared pride’’.

 Mr P. O’Keeffe, Secretary Cork County Board wired as follows:

“Gaels of Cork shocked at sad news.  He is not alone a loss to Kerry, but toIreland’’.

 Larry Stanley wired:

“Greatly shocked to hear of death of Ireland’s best, Jack Murphy’’.

Other messages of sympathy and condolence were received from:  Mr.  W.P.  Clifford, Limerick, President G.A.A.; Mick Sammon, Dublin; Jimmie McNamara, Tipperary; Jerry Beckett, Glanmire, Co. Cork; Phil Sullivan, Dublin; Tom Noonan, Cork; W.O’Leary, M.C.C., Lixnaw, Miss Farrington, Barry’s Hotel Dublin; etc.etc.

 The Kerry and Garda colours were laid on the coffin; also the deceased footballer’s togs.  When the grave had been covered in, the Killarney Pipers’ Band struck up “Nearer my God to Thee’’.

Very Rev. Canon Browne, P.P., assisted by the local clergy, officiated at the graveside.

An oration was delivered by D.Donoghue,Cork, in which the speaker referred in eulogistic terms to deceased’s worth as a comrade and Gael – R.I.P.