A bumper crowd made their way to James’s Park on Friday night last for the annual O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club Benefit Night of Greyhound Racing. The McCarthy family (Eurospar) were our special guests. Eurospar has been a loyal friend to OLG over the years and we thank them for their continued support. George Candler’s dulcet tones rang out across the tannoy throughout the night and kept proceedings moving along. Messrs Cullen & Croghan served up American style Hot Dogs to the children of St John’s Parish while the races proceeded apace behind them. This reporter bumped into many members – too numerous to mention and was amazed at the variety of ways punters went about trying to select that elusive winning dog. Some simply picked a number between one and six. Others were more scientific however & deployed a strategy that involved “studying form” and analysing “track record”. One well known female member told this reporter she had to eye the beast from top to tail before deciding if he was for her or not. What a pity she hadn’t applied those selection criteria – when she got hitched all those years ago – to yer man beside her!
Eddie Buckley (Chairman OLG) took to the microphone and sincerely thanked our sponsors and all those involved in making the night possible – particularly Ben Fogarty and his team. Eddie signed off by wishing Aidan Fogarty and his seniors the very best for the remainder of the season. The evening was moving along effortlessly at this stage and as night began to descend on the track – we were treated to the main event – the final race. Race ten had the much fancied Tearaway La running in trap one. Tearaway La’s owner is none other than Richie Moylan of OLG. The omens were good. Those who place the “pin on the page” seemed to opt for him as did the more seasoned and scientific punters. Even the aforementioned beast surveyor told this reporter “she liked what she was seeing” and placed the last of her hard earned on Tearaway La. Moylan’s animal duly obliged and the biggest roar of the night could be heard all around St Canices’ Parish, as Tearaway La brought home the bacon. We look forward to seeing you all again this time next year in James’s Park – mark the date in your diary now.
Club Lotto
There was no winner of this week’s club lotto. The numbers drawn were: 1, 11, 19, 28 and the bonus number was 12. To be in with a chance to win €20,000 – please buy a ticket form any of our registered sellers or call to the clubhouse bar.
Youth 2000
Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th August. For young people aged 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new people.
This Festival has been nicknamed the “Holy Oxygen” with over 1000 young people from all corners of Ireland attending last year. The festival is donation only. Free buses available from towns throughout Ireland. For more information and to book online see www.youth2000.ie or phone 01 6753690.
Who Were They?
A number of weeks ago we circulated an old photograph of a St John’s Parish based team and asked people to make contact with us regarding the personnel in the picture. This reporter is happy to say we got a very positive response. The team pic relates to O’Loughlins Hurling Club and was taken in 1923. O’Loughlin Gaels would like to thank the following for their help: Jim Rushe, John Joe Cullen, Billy Sullivan, Conor Denieffe and Eamon Doyle. The picture itself can be viewed on our website: www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie and simply go to The Continent >>> Dunmore & Johnswell.
Back Row (standing) L to R: Tom J Bergin (Johnstown), Jack Howley (Mooncoin), Jack Shea
Second Row (also standing): John Jackman (Chairman, John Street), Tom Doherty (USA), Andy Phelan, Paddy Murray (Wolfe Tone Street), John Rice C.C. (President), Dick Comerford (John Street), John Talbot, Martin Madigan, Joe Timmins (Secretary & Treasurer),
Seated: Tom Talbot, James Kavanagh (England), Mick Walsh, Arthur Rushe, Jim McEvoy (Dunmore), Paddy Fahy (Wolfe Tone Street),
Sitting: Tom Wyse (Maudlin St & England), Alfie Rushe, Bill Murphy (Michael Street)
This reporter believes this team played and trained in an area known as the Asylum Flats on the banks of the River Nore. We can also confirm the following pieces of information concerning some of the team members. Tom J Bergin was a former Chairman of the Northern County Board. Jack Shea went on to be a high profile athlete and was originally from the south of the county. John Jackman was known as “Jacksie”. He was a founder member of a re-incarnation of this team known as St John’s in the 1930’s. Andy Phelan was the groundsman in St John’s Church for many years. Martin Madigan was known to his friends as “Junie”. Joe Timmins was a founding member of O’Loughlins Hurling Club and was also Town Clerk. Tom Talbot (brother of John) took up athletics when he finished hurling and would become a county champion long distance runner. Arthur Rushe is a very important link between this team and the present day O’Loughlin Gaels Club as we know it. Arthur was a founder member of OLG in 1969. He was treasurer and selector 1969 to 1975 and indeed a special “This Is Your Life” style commemoration of his achievements was held for him in the club in 1975. Jim McEvoy was an uncle of Billy Sullivan. Jim was a mechanic and was also a dab hand at the cards. He emigrated to Canada. Alfie Rushe (brother of Arthur) went on to be a successful chemist in Templemore. Bill Murphy was known to his friends as Galtee. He managed the Royal Liver at John’s Bridge for many years and his son J.D. was also well known in the financial and sporting life of the city.