Issue 3
Naomh Barróg GAA Club History of the Club (1974-2014) Issue 3 18th February 2014
Introduction: In this Issue we continue telling the Naomh Barróg Story even though we have not come to that period yet. Between 1971 and 1974 many other things were happening in the school and in the parish that would influence the establishment of the Club. The main purpose at this time was supporting young people and their families to settle into their new environment, making them feel welcome and encouraging them to identify and be proud of their area. What better way to do all this than by sport. KADCA and their Sports and Recreation Committee were active in promoting this. Sport did play an important role in promoting inclusiveness.. Scoil Lorcáin over the next few years was to become a success story in reaching five finals in Croke Park between 1972 and 1974 and Gaelic Games became popular. In the Daily Newspapers the
Scoil Lorcáin Achievements in Croke Park 1972-Win Corn na Laoch 1973-Runners up, Clonmore Cup 1973-Runners up, Miller Shield 1974-Win Clonmore Cup 1974-Win Miller Shield 1975-Win Canon Fields Trophy 1976-Runners up Fingal League Final to Holy Spirit, Ballymun NS 1977-Win Fingal League Finalagainst Malahide NS
Corn na Laoch Winners 1972 with
Final
Mr Fields & Mr Sansome
finals were reported and the boys and their families loved reading the headlines which was positive news for the parish. These were the headlines in the Evening Herald December 1972 “Kilbarrack boys capture first cup” In 1974 the headlines were “Kilbarrack‟s
Clonmore”. This gave the boys and their families a sense of pride. The boys walked around the parish as local heroes. To play in Croke Park in those days was an unbelievable experience, one they have never forgotten. Gaelic Games became established in the parish.
Preparing for the final Reaching the Corn na Laoch final was a great achievement in our second year in Cumann na mBunscoil Competitions. Everybody in the school was involved in preparing for the big day. Jim Harte originally from Roseglen Ave now living in London recalls “I remember
1978-Win Fingal League against Bonnybrook NS
the preparation for our first final involving Scoil Lorcáin. The release from class to learn the songs and chants we would be singing on the day of the final, the making of paper hats and banners. The one song that stands out for me was…”
“Before the match was over
Inside this issue: Corn na Laoch FinalDecember 1972
2
Report in Evening Herald on the drawn game.
2
The names of the boys who played.
2
“Kilbarrack boys capture first cup”.
i3
What winning the final meant to the boys
3
The thoughts of one of the boys on that day..
3
Profile: Luke Brodigan
4
Before the whistle blew Maurice got the ball And up the wing he flew He passed it over to Lar and Lar put it through Another goal for Kilbarrack Before the whistle blew”.
Naomh Barróg GAA Club
Page 2
The Corn na Laoch Final– December 1972 The big day arrived when the team set off from Scoil Lorcáin in the teachers cars with the school cheering us on as they waited for the CIE buses to bring them to Croke Park. The red and green jerseys had been washed, ironed and would be worn with pride. Dick Fields the day before the final went into Duggan‟s Chemist on the Kilbarrack Road asking the chemist for a concoction of Olive Oil and Winter Green to be mixed. This „magic rub‟ was to be rubbed into the boys legs to give them strength and to maintain heat in their legs. Psychologically this rub was to give them an advantage against their opponents, Scoil Colmcille!
The smell of the concoction in the dressing room made it a very manly environment. In those days designer gloves for footballers were not on the agenda. Once again Scoil Lorcáin knew how to prepare for all the challenges they would encounter. A visit to Dunnes Stores to purchase woolen gloves for every player was made. The preparation was to pay off. It turned out to be a cold, windy day with torrential rain. The Evening Herald reported “Driving rain and a slippery sod did not deter Scoil Colmcille and Scoil Lorcáin under 12 sides from providing ardent followers with thrills and fast open football...”. William McDermott tackling for the ball
Scoil Lorcáin 2-1 Scoil Colmcille 2-1 (Report in Evening Herald) “ Appearing in their first ever final, Scoil Lorcáin made a bold bid to capture Corn na Laoch against a very determined Scoil Colmcille team which fought back in the final 10 mins to force a replay. Willie Mc Dermott opened the scoring for the Kilbarrack boys after 5 mins shooting a 14yard free to the net. Then Sc Colmcille rallied to score twice in 5 mins. E Mc Eochagáin shot a point and Peader Caomhánach followed up with a goal, but John Flynn levelled matters with a point before the break.
Ronnie Ryan had a goal after 10 mins for Kilbarrack and they tried their best to hold on to this advantage,. Colmcille kept pressing for the equalizer and their chance seemed to have gone when a 20th min shot crashed off the Kilbarrack upright. However 3 mins from the finish P ó Caomhánach ran in to punch a hopping ball to the net, his second goal and one which ended the game with a deserved share of the spoils”.
Damian Mc Elroy reporter in the Evening Herald December 1972 said, ”It was a day far from suitable for young footballers but the boys involved in these Dublin Primary Schools League Finals struggled manfully to overcome the conditions. In the circumstances they succeeded admirably…..”. Reporting on the drawn game.
The names of the boys who played in the drawn game and in the replay. The team that played in the Drawn Game
The team that played in the Replay
Philip Redmond, Joe Mc Weeney, Laurence Mc Carthy, Anthony Stewart, John Mc Connell, John Ansley, John Clarke, David Ormonde, Séan Farrell Capt), Dermot Buckley, Willie Mc Dermott, Ronnie Ryan, John Flynn, Joe Bradshaw, Philip Martin. Subs Alan O‟Brien, Derek O‟Neill, Willie Sheridan, David Brady, Tony Mc Donnell, Maurice Cassidy, Jimmy Maguire, Raymond Keegan.
Philip Redmond, Anthony Stewart, Laurence Mc Carthy, Seán Farrell, John Mc Connell, John Ansley, John Clarke, Joe Mc Weeney, John Flynn, Philip Martin, David Ormonde, Ronnie Ryan, Joe Bradshaw, Willie Mc Dermott, Maurice Cassidy, Subs: Alan O‟Brien, Derek O‟Neill, Willie Sheridan, David Brady, Raymond Keegan, Tony Mc Donnell, Jimmy Maguire. Did you notice any positional changes?
Joe Bradshaw, Scoil Lorcáin, eye on the ball
Issue 3
Page 3
“ Kilbarrack boys capture first cup” ( Evening Herald Report-Replay) Scoil Lorcáin 2-1 Scoil Colmcille 2-0 Reporter: Séamas Martin–January 1973
“ A great comeback in the last 20 mins gave Scoil Lorcáin, Kilbarrack their first Corn na Laoch, Dublin Primary Schools Junior Football, when they defeated Scoil Colmcille (Marlborough St) at Croke Park on Saturday. Scoil Colmcille were completely on top in the first half but thanks to some great goalkeeping by Philip Redmond the Marlborough St side could manage only to score two points in the first half. These came from T Mac Conraí and S Ó Dalaigh.
Colmcille might have had a much bigger lead but for the fact that when Colmcille were awarded a penalty Brian Ó’ Hicí’s shot was saved by Redmond. In the first min of the second half Colmcille had a goal, who then led by 1-2 to 0-0 and with 20mins to go the score remained the same. But then Willie Mc Dermott got a goal for K ilb arra ck which was followed up in the 16th minute by a point from David Ormonde. Ten mins from time Mc Dermott sent Philip Martin through for a goal for Kilbarrack to put them into the lead for the first time in the match. Five mins from the end T Mac Conraí had a point for Colmcille who then put on some fierce pressure but just could not score”.
What winning that final in Croke Park in 1972 meant to these boys. Winning this final was like winning an All Ireland Final. In School to experience the build up to the game with the singing of the songs and the chants with “2,4,6, 8 who do we appreciate” with the roar lifting the rafters, responding “Scoil Lorcáin”. The journey to Croke Park, in the Dressing Rooms were the Dubs tog out, running out onto the pitch and the roar from all your school mates, teachers, family and friends urging you to be a hero, the final whistle and the realization that you have achieved something
great, the euphoria experienced and then If you have a memory about Naomh the presentation of Corn na Laoch, the Barróg that you would like to share or a cheers, the hugs, the congratulations and comment that you would like to make more importantly the memories that have please let us know. If you have a family lived to this very day and helped these boys member or friend who would like to to be the men they are today. That is what receive our Newsletter please forward sport is all about, That is what sport is sup- email address or home address to pose to do for young people. Sport is to [email protected] lenge all those involved, to grow in confidence and self esteem. The boys who won that final in Croke Park that year, were heroes in the eyes of the parish.
The thoughts of one of the players on that day and what it meant to him then. “ I can’t believe I have just played in Croke Park and have won a medal. It was an unbelievable experience, one that I never will forget as long as I live. I moved out from town with my Ma, Da brothers and sisters. I didn't even know where Kilbarrack was, it could have been anywhere. It wasn't easy and having to start in a new school was scary, trying to make friends. I think everybody felt the same as me. I was put into 5th class. One day Mr Fields came into our class and said he was starting a school team
and that we would be playing Gaelic.. I had never played Gaelic before but I decided to give it a go. I think all the team never played Gaelic but Mr Fields and Mr Sansome trained us nearly every day after school and bit by bit we started getting better and got to love playing it. When we realized we reached the final in Croke Park we were over the moon. Coming to live in Kilbarrack, starting to play Gaelic football and winning a final in Croke Park has changed my life”.
Issue 3
Page 4
Profile: Luke Brodigan Luke Brodigan and his family moved to live in Kilbarrack in the early 70’s and like most parents they wanted the best for their children in a new and developing community. At that time while responding to an invitation to spend some time landscaping the ground of Scoil Lorcáin, he heard about the new Club Naomh Barróg from one of the teachers who was there also. He invited him to attend the next meeting of the Club. Luke a member of the Defence Forces at the time and a native of Donore in County Meath accepted this invitation because as a former player and lover of Gaelic Games he knew this would be a great vehicle to introduce his children to sport.
From his first meeting Luke became a dedicated and committed member of Naomh Barróg. His work rate in promoting the Club was legendary. His gift of communication and relating to people was evident when he was Chairman of many fundraising committees or when he acted as MC at our Race or Auction Nights or when co-ordinating the Opening of our Ground in 1984 and Club House. He was Vice Chairman and Registrar in the Club. He also was at one stage Chairman of the North East League. He was a Mentor of many Naomh Barróg teams which was his first love. He was a highly respected member of our Club. He died September 2010 and is fondly remembered.
Comments and Memories from some of our readers “ The day of the match, the anticipation of a victory or not, the bus journey to the football pitch, Croke Park, was such an adventure for all us as 8/9 year olds. The winning of the Cup, the joy of the day, your heroes who you looked up to, Joe Bradshaw, Lar Mc Carthy, Maurice Cassidy, Ronnie Ryan, John Flynn, the list is endless. This lived with you from that day on. The return journey on the big Double Decker with all the singing and the tour around Kilbarrack with horns blaring to
celebrate”. (Jim Harte originally from Roseglen Ave and now living in London.) “Always remember meeting at Scoil Lorcáin on a Saturday morning and getting a lift off John Sheils in his Hiace van, the Mini Leagues in Foxfield Park and the day the Club was opened. I believe it’s a unique Club and I miss the camaraderie when I moved over here. It’s great to go down 17 years later and still be remembered. That says a lot about the Club”. (Des Kinlough originally from Briarfield Grv/Greendale Ave, now living in Leeds)
Conclusion Researching and reflecting on the early days in Kilbarrack has been enjoyable and fulfilling. It states the important part schools and clubs can do to support and encourage families in their new social settings and the challenges they encounter. To have supports and outlets to be involved in can only lead to positive results. To have good schools at the disposal of people as they move to a new location is paramount. In Dublin today many families find it difficult to obtain places
for their children in the local schools. Issue 2 illustrates how Scoil Lorcáin responded to the needs of the boys of the parish, giving them a vital outlet to play sport and experience success and self satisfaction from the very beginning the school was founded. From the memories you will detect a sense of pride and joy when they are being expressed now. Continue to let us know your memories. Thanks.
Luke Brodigan receiving his Honorary Membership from Club Chairman Liam Byrne
Introduction: In this Issue we continue telling the Naomh Barróg Story even though we have not come to that period yet. Between 1971 and 1974 many other things were happening in the school and in the parish that would influence the establishment of the Club. The main purpose at this time was supporting young people and their families to settle into their new environment, making them feel welcome and encouraging them to identify and be proud of their area. What better way to do all this than by sport. KADCA and their Sports and Recreation Committee were active in promoting this. Sport did play an important role in promoting inclusiveness.. Scoil Lorcáin over the next few years was to become a success story in reaching five finals in Croke Park between 1972 and 1974 and Gaelic Games became popular. In the Daily Newspapers the
Scoil Lorcáin Achievements in Croke Park 1972-Win Corn na Laoch 1973-Runners up, Clonmore Cup 1973-Runners up, Miller Shield 1974-Win Clonmore Cup 1974-Win Miller Shield 1975-Win Canon Fields Trophy 1976-Runners up Fingal League Final to Holy Spirit, Ballymun NS 1977-Win Fingal League Finalagainst Malahide NS
Corn na Laoch Winners 1972 with
Final
Mr Fields & Mr Sansome
finals were reported and the boys and their families loved reading the headlines which was positive news for the parish. These were the headlines in the Evening Herald December 1972 “Kilbarrack boys capture first cup” In 1974 the headlines were “Kilbarrack‟s
Clonmore”. This gave the boys and their families a sense of pride. The boys walked around the parish as local heroes. To play in Croke Park in those days was an unbelievable experience, one they have never forgotten. Gaelic Games became established in the parish.
Preparing for the final Reaching the Corn na Laoch final was a great achievement in our second year in Cumann na mBunscoil Competitions. Everybody in the school was involved in preparing for the big day. Jim Harte originally from Roseglen Ave now living in London recalls “I remember
1978-Win Fingal League against Bonnybrook NS
the preparation for our first final involving Scoil Lorcáin. The release from class to learn the songs and chants we would be singing on the day of the final, the making of paper hats and banners. The one song that stands out for me was…”
“Before the match was over
Inside this issue: Corn na Laoch FinalDecember 1972
2
Report in Evening Herald on the drawn game.
2
The names of the boys who played.
2
“Kilbarrack boys capture first cup”.
i3
What winning the final meant to the boys
3
The thoughts of one of the boys on that day..
3
Profile: Luke Brodigan
4
Before the whistle blew Maurice got the ball And up the wing he flew He passed it over to Lar and Lar put it through Another goal for Kilbarrack Before the whistle blew”.
Naomh Barróg GAA Club
Page 2
The Corn na Laoch Final– December 1972 The big day arrived when the team set off from Scoil Lorcáin in the teachers cars with the school cheering us on as they waited for the CIE buses to bring them to Croke Park. The red and green jerseys had been washed, ironed and would be worn with pride. Dick Fields the day before the final went into Duggan‟s Chemist on the Kilbarrack Road asking the chemist for a concoction of Olive Oil and Winter Green to be mixed. This „magic rub‟ was to be rubbed into the boys legs to give them strength and to maintain heat in their legs. Psychologically this rub was to give them an advantage against their opponents, Scoil Colmcille!
The smell of the concoction in the dressing room made it a very manly environment. In those days designer gloves for footballers were not on the agenda. Once again Scoil Lorcáin knew how to prepare for all the challenges they would encounter. A visit to Dunnes Stores to purchase woolen gloves for every player was made. The preparation was to pay off. It turned out to be a cold, windy day with torrential rain. The Evening Herald reported “Driving rain and a slippery sod did not deter Scoil Colmcille and Scoil Lorcáin under 12 sides from providing ardent followers with thrills and fast open football...”. William McDermott tackling for the ball
Scoil Lorcáin 2-1 Scoil Colmcille 2-1 (Report in Evening Herald) “ Appearing in their first ever final, Scoil Lorcáin made a bold bid to capture Corn na Laoch against a very determined Scoil Colmcille team which fought back in the final 10 mins to force a replay. Willie Mc Dermott opened the scoring for the Kilbarrack boys after 5 mins shooting a 14yard free to the net. Then Sc Colmcille rallied to score twice in 5 mins. E Mc Eochagáin shot a point and Peader Caomhánach followed up with a goal, but John Flynn levelled matters with a point before the break.
Ronnie Ryan had a goal after 10 mins for Kilbarrack and they tried their best to hold on to this advantage,. Colmcille kept pressing for the equalizer and their chance seemed to have gone when a 20th min shot crashed off the Kilbarrack upright. However 3 mins from the finish P ó Caomhánach ran in to punch a hopping ball to the net, his second goal and one which ended the game with a deserved share of the spoils”.
Damian Mc Elroy reporter in the Evening Herald December 1972 said, ”It was a day far from suitable for young footballers but the boys involved in these Dublin Primary Schools League Finals struggled manfully to overcome the conditions. In the circumstances they succeeded admirably…..”. Reporting on the drawn game.
The names of the boys who played in the drawn game and in the replay. The team that played in the Drawn Game
The team that played in the Replay
Philip Redmond, Joe Mc Weeney, Laurence Mc Carthy, Anthony Stewart, John Mc Connell, John Ansley, John Clarke, David Ormonde, Séan Farrell Capt), Dermot Buckley, Willie Mc Dermott, Ronnie Ryan, John Flynn, Joe Bradshaw, Philip Martin. Subs Alan O‟Brien, Derek O‟Neill, Willie Sheridan, David Brady, Tony Mc Donnell, Maurice Cassidy, Jimmy Maguire, Raymond Keegan.
Philip Redmond, Anthony Stewart, Laurence Mc Carthy, Seán Farrell, John Mc Connell, John Ansley, John Clarke, Joe Mc Weeney, John Flynn, Philip Martin, David Ormonde, Ronnie Ryan, Joe Bradshaw, Willie Mc Dermott, Maurice Cassidy, Subs: Alan O‟Brien, Derek O‟Neill, Willie Sheridan, David Brady, Raymond Keegan, Tony Mc Donnell, Jimmy Maguire. Did you notice any positional changes?
Joe Bradshaw, Scoil Lorcáin, eye on the ball
Issue 3
Page 3
“ Kilbarrack boys capture first cup” ( Evening Herald Report-Replay) Scoil Lorcáin 2-1 Scoil Colmcille 2-0 Reporter: Séamas Martin–January 1973
“ A great comeback in the last 20 mins gave Scoil Lorcáin, Kilbarrack their first Corn na Laoch, Dublin Primary Schools Junior Football, when they defeated Scoil Colmcille (Marlborough St) at Croke Park on Saturday. Scoil Colmcille were completely on top in the first half but thanks to some great goalkeeping by Philip Redmond the Marlborough St side could manage only to score two points in the first half. These came from T Mac Conraí and S Ó Dalaigh.
Colmcille might have had a much bigger lead but for the fact that when Colmcille were awarded a penalty Brian Ó’ Hicí’s shot was saved by Redmond. In the first min of the second half Colmcille had a goal, who then led by 1-2 to 0-0 and with 20mins to go the score remained the same. But then Willie Mc Dermott got a goal for K ilb arra ck which was followed up in the 16th minute by a point from David Ormonde. Ten mins from time Mc Dermott sent Philip Martin through for a goal for Kilbarrack to put them into the lead for the first time in the match. Five mins from the end T Mac Conraí had a point for Colmcille who then put on some fierce pressure but just could not score”.
What winning that final in Croke Park in 1972 meant to these boys. Winning this final was like winning an All Ireland Final. In School to experience the build up to the game with the singing of the songs and the chants with “2,4,6, 8 who do we appreciate” with the roar lifting the rafters, responding “Scoil Lorcáin”. The journey to Croke Park, in the Dressing Rooms were the Dubs tog out, running out onto the pitch and the roar from all your school mates, teachers, family and friends urging you to be a hero, the final whistle and the realization that you have achieved something
great, the euphoria experienced and then If you have a memory about Naomh the presentation of Corn na Laoch, the Barróg that you would like to share or a cheers, the hugs, the congratulations and comment that you would like to make more importantly the memories that have please let us know. If you have a family lived to this very day and helped these boys member or friend who would like to to be the men they are today. That is what receive our Newsletter please forward sport is all about, That is what sport is sup- email address or home address to pose to do for young people. Sport is to [email protected] lenge all those involved, to grow in confidence and self esteem. The boys who won that final in Croke Park that year, were heroes in the eyes of the parish.
The thoughts of one of the players on that day and what it meant to him then. “ I can’t believe I have just played in Croke Park and have won a medal. It was an unbelievable experience, one that I never will forget as long as I live. I moved out from town with my Ma, Da brothers and sisters. I didn't even know where Kilbarrack was, it could have been anywhere. It wasn't easy and having to start in a new school was scary, trying to make friends. I think everybody felt the same as me. I was put into 5th class. One day Mr Fields came into our class and said he was starting a school team
and that we would be playing Gaelic.. I had never played Gaelic before but I decided to give it a go. I think all the team never played Gaelic but Mr Fields and Mr Sansome trained us nearly every day after school and bit by bit we started getting better and got to love playing it. When we realized we reached the final in Croke Park we were over the moon. Coming to live in Kilbarrack, starting to play Gaelic football and winning a final in Croke Park has changed my life”.
Issue 3
Page 4
Profile: Luke Brodigan Luke Brodigan and his family moved to live in Kilbarrack in the early 70’s and like most parents they wanted the best for their children in a new and developing community. At that time while responding to an invitation to spend some time landscaping the ground of Scoil Lorcáin, he heard about the new Club Naomh Barróg from one of the teachers who was there also. He invited him to attend the next meeting of the Club. Luke a member of the Defence Forces at the time and a native of Donore in County Meath accepted this invitation because as a former player and lover of Gaelic Games he knew this would be a great vehicle to introduce his children to sport.
From his first meeting Luke became a dedicated and committed member of Naomh Barróg. His work rate in promoting the Club was legendary. His gift of communication and relating to people was evident when he was Chairman of many fundraising committees or when he acted as MC at our Race or Auction Nights or when co-ordinating the Opening of our Ground in 1984 and Club House. He was Vice Chairman and Registrar in the Club. He also was at one stage Chairman of the North East League. He was a Mentor of many Naomh Barróg teams which was his first love. He was a highly respected member of our Club. He died September 2010 and is fondly remembered.
Comments and Memories from some of our readers “ The day of the match, the anticipation of a victory or not, the bus journey to the football pitch, Croke Park, was such an adventure for all us as 8/9 year olds. The winning of the Cup, the joy of the day, your heroes who you looked up to, Joe Bradshaw, Lar Mc Carthy, Maurice Cassidy, Ronnie Ryan, John Flynn, the list is endless. This lived with you from that day on. The return journey on the big Double Decker with all the singing and the tour around Kilbarrack with horns blaring to
celebrate”. (Jim Harte originally from Roseglen Ave and now living in London.) “Always remember meeting at Scoil Lorcáin on a Saturday morning and getting a lift off John Sheils in his Hiace van, the Mini Leagues in Foxfield Park and the day the Club was opened. I believe it’s a unique Club and I miss the camaraderie when I moved over here. It’s great to go down 17 years later and still be remembered. That says a lot about the Club”. (Des Kinlough originally from Briarfield Grv/Greendale Ave, now living in Leeds)
Conclusion Researching and reflecting on the early days in Kilbarrack has been enjoyable and fulfilling. It states the important part schools and clubs can do to support and encourage families in their new social settings and the challenges they encounter. To have supports and outlets to be involved in can only lead to positive results. To have good schools at the disposal of people as they move to a new location is paramount. In Dublin today many families find it difficult to obtain places
for their children in the local schools. Issue 2 illustrates how Scoil Lorcáin responded to the needs of the boys of the parish, giving them a vital outlet to play sport and experience success and self satisfaction from the very beginning the school was founded. From the memories you will detect a sense of pride and joy when they are being expressed now. Continue to let us know your memories. Thanks.
Luke Brodigan receiving his Honorary Membership from Club Chairman Liam Byrne
