Former Ros’ greats launch Dominic’s GAA history book
by Matt Scally Updated: Wednesday, 10th November, 2010 5:00pm
St. John’s Hall, Lecarrow, was the venue on Saturday night for the official launch of a book on the history of Gaelic games in the Knockcroghery area.
The book, which is titled 'Passion for Play - A History of Gaelic Games in the Knockcroghery Area from 1884 to 2009’, chronicles the complete history of the Knockcroghery-based St Dominic’s GAA club through its previous incarnation as St. Patrick’s, which consisted of Ballymurray and Knockcroghery, and its eventual amalgamation with St John’s.
Up to four hundred people packed the hall on Saturday evening for the occasion including the two special guests Liam Gilmartin and Gerry O’Malley, two of the surviving members of the Roscommon All-Ireland-winning team of 1944.
The evening began with JJ Wier (MC for the event) welcoming everyone to the Hall including members of the county board and, of course, the two guests of honour for the night.
An apology from GAA President Christy Cooney was read out, in which he explained that he was already committed to another function in Derry that night.
First up to speak on the night was Dominic Feeley, chairman of the history committee and president of St. Dominic’s GAA club. In his speech, he bemoaned the lack of minutes taken in olden days.
“If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen” was the phrase he used.
This saying provided the inspiration for the book, which he described as an “invaluable source of reference as well as a great read.” Tribute was also paid by Mr Feeley to the late Jimmy Murray and all other St Dominic’s players and patrons who have passed away over the years.
Up next was local parish priest Canon Lavin, who gave a heart-warming story about loyalty and pride of place, and about how the local GAA club is something to be proud of.
Secretary of the county board Brian Stenson then stepped up to speak. He was there to replace county board chairman Michael McGuire who, he explained, was unable to attend due to a family illness. He congratulated St. Dominic’s on the release of their history book before talking about Jimmy Murray and the great pride he brought to both St. Dominic’s and Roscommon.
He told of his feeling of inadequacy having stepped in at short notice and not having anything prepared. But, nonetheless, Mr Stenson’s speech was well-received.
Canon Liam Devine then stepped up declaring with a smile that “anyone who knows him knows he’s always happiest when amongst GAA people and, in particular, Roscommon people.” He went on to congratulate St. Dominic’s on the launch of their book before stating that “any club that produces players of the calibre of Jimmy Murray can be very proud”.
“St. Patrick’s (a former incarnation of St. Dominic’s) were the strongest team in Roscommon at a time when Roscommon were the strongest team in Ireland,” said Canon Devine.
He rounded off his speech with a couple of humorous stories that had the large attendance laughing heartily.
Chairman of St. Dominic’s, David O’Connor then gave a short address to the crowd before the first guest of honour, Liam Gilmartin, stepped forward. Mr Gilmartin, who contributed in a big way to the book, described the publication colourfully as “an all-embracing history of the club and a true social history of the area.”
He pointed out that back then there seemed to be lower scores in games and humorously quipped that he didn’t know whether that was because today’s backs were worse or that the forwards were better.
He then quoted a Seamus Heaney poem before speaking at length about his playing career, giving invaluable insight into the great battles between Tarmon and the St. Patrick’s team which comprised the areas of Ballymurray and Knockcroghery.
Gerry O’Malley was up next and he began by paying tribute to Liam Gilmartin’s article in the book as well as his delivery on the night.
The main theme of O’Malley’s speech was the divisions that occurred within the club over the years.
“There is only one way to deal with divisions,” declared O’Malley, “and that’s to confront them. And that’s what St Dominic’s have done. Whatever name was on the club throughout the years, it’s now called St. Dominic’s and it represents the parish.”
It was a lively speech from O’Malley who concluded by saying that it was an honour to follow Liam Gilmartin who, he said, spoke so well before him.
The night finished on a high with both men given not one, but two, standing ovations as they completed the official launch of the book as well as being given presentations by the St Dominic’s club.
