RESILIENT ÉIRE ÓG PULL OFF THRILLING VICTORY IN UNDER-21 NORTH FINAL SUNDAY, JANUARY 10TH 2016 WALSH’S OF NENAGH NORTH TIPPERARY UNDER-21A CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL 2015 NENAGH ÉIRE ÓG 1-18 KILDANGAN 3-11

SPRING 2016 IS HERE!

IN THIS SPECIAL EASTER EDITION WE BRING YOU UP TO DATE WITH SOME OF OUR SPRING EVENTS AND SEND YOU BACK IN TIME TO REMEMBER OUR LOCAL HERO OF THE 1916 RISING THOMAS MACDONAGH, THE TEACHER, POET AND PATRIOT FOR WHOM OUR GROUNDS ARE NAMED.

On Sunday J an 10th Nenagh Eire Óg goal. The goal ended a long wait at this age for a lifted divisional final when the team Kildangan’s staged an amazing comeback to spirits and seal a memorable victory over a Gallagher and gallant and superb Kildangan side Johnny Horan who had deservedly went in at the both pointed break seven points to the good to extend having led by nine at one stage. their lead. Andrew John Cahalan opened the scoring Coffey, who with a fine long range effort prior to was Nenagh’s the excellent Jack Loughnane best player levelling the sides and before Dan O throughout, Meara sent a blistering shot into the pointed to corner of Daire Gleeson’s goal. A briefly stem pointed Shane Hennessy free and a the Kildangan fine Andrew Coffey effort reduced tide but full the margin to one but it was to be forward Paul the closest Nenagh came to their Flynn found opponents during the opening half the unmarked hour. Ciaran Kelly and blasted Tadhg Gallagher and Loughnane home their both pointed to open the margin to third goal and a goal before James Mackey hit extend the back with one of his own. Kildangan lead to nine then benefitted from the blinding points. Few, if any in the large hope at the interval and with winters sun shining into the old crowd could see any way back for Kildangan getting one of their own, scoreboard end when Jack the Blues’ at this stage. left seven between the sides at the Loughnane’s long range effort break. deceived the unfortunate Daire Points from Coffey, Mackey and Gleeson for the champions second Hennessy did offer the town side

THAT WINNING FEELING! CONOR RYAN AFTER THE HARD-FOUGHT AND HARD-WON UNDER-21 NORTH FINAL

If Nenagh were to have any hope of a come- back it was vital that they get the first score of the second half but it was their opponents who struck first through Andrew Loughnane. Hennessy pointed well from a placed ball before scoring another in-between two fine efforts from Andrew Loughnane and Paul Flynn to leave eight between them in the 36th minute.

This Nenagh team have won a lot of championship honours through the age groups and have a resilience that was to stand to them for the minutes of normal time remaining 2), Andrew Coffey (0-6), Philip remainder of the game. At no stage Philip Hickey doubled the margin Hickey (0-1), John Cahalan (0-1), did they panic or start going for much to the delight of their large Gary Howard (1-1), Shane goals, instead they maturely kept and vocal supporters. Hennessy (0-6, 0-4 frees), Aidan picking off their points to get Kildangan did not go down easy and Healy. Subs: (38th) Bob O’Brien (0- themselves back into contention. fought to the bitter end. Flynn 1) for John Cahalan, (39th) Adam Shane Hennessy, Andrew Coffey, reduced the margin to one and the Carey for Aidan Healy, (56th) Gary Howard and super substitute Christopher Ryan for Killian Bob O Brien all pointed to reduce Nenagh backs were under severe Gleeson, (62nd) Killian Gleeson for the margin to five, 0-14 to 3-10. pressure but their discipline and Christopher Ryan. determination held firm and time Kildangan were dealt a massive and again they cleared. Kildangan: , Darragh blow at this point when Tadhg Molloy, , Jim Minehan, Gallagher, arguable their best There was more drama in the 65th , Johnny Horan (0-1), player up to this stage, left the field minute when referee Kieran Delaney Declan McGrath, Jack Loughnane with an injury and three minutes awarded Kildangan a free 30 meters (1-3), Tadhg Gallagher (captain, 0- later they received another sucker from goal. With their main free 2, 0-1 frees), Darren Moran, Dan punch with a brilliant Gary Howard taker side-lined Barry Hogan was O’Meara (1-0), Andrew Loughnane goal following great work from summoned from the goal but his (0-2), Ciarán Kelly (1-0), Paul Flynn captain . effort went agonizingly wide. (0-2), Tom McLoughlin. Subs: (43rd) Darren Ryan for Tadhg Two more points from Hennessy Shortly after Delaney signalled full Gallagher, (52nd) Cathal Hayes for and Coffey levelled the sides and it time much to the delight of players Ciarán Kelly. appeared as if Nenagh were about and fans of the Blues. to, remarkably, pull this game out Referee: Kieran Delaney of the fire. Nenagh Éire Óg: Darragh Gleeson, (Toomevara). Gavin O’Connor, Michael Collins, Ger Six minutes from the end Andrew O’Gorman, Conor Ryan, Adam Coffey, from a tight angle, gave the Gratton, Barry Heffernan (captain), Blues’ the lead and with two Killian Gleeson, James Mackey (0-

GAA HEALTHY CLUB PROJECT TALK ON SUBSTANCE AWARENESS WITH TIPP LEGEND JOHN LEAHY

TIPP STARS JOHN LEAHY WITH OUR OWN CONOR O’DONOVAN ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY intermittently until 1996 when it drinking and has been sober ever 20TH, THE CLUB, AS PART OF began to take over his life. since. While John had a stellar THE HEALTHY CLUB career, he regretfully told us that INITIATIVE, WE WERE It was in January of that year that due to alcohol he felt never reached his full potential and had he never HONOURED TO HOST he had his road to Damascus moment while sitting in a cell in drank, his glittering career could TIPPERARY HURLING LEGEND Manchester following a well- have been so more. JOHN LEAHY documented incident. It was then who treated the attendees to an that “the penny dropped” that every John also gave very practical and informative, eye opening account on time John got into trouble, drink frightening information to all about substance abuse and the effect his was involved. the dangers and prevalence of drugs relationship with alcohol had on his and alcohol in our society. Heroin career. With great support from friends, was once considered to be solely an John, a three times All-Ireland colleagues and others who had inner city problem in Dublin and winner, spoke openly about how he found themselves in similar sadly today it is available in every first started drinking at 13 years of situations, John successfully quit parish in the country. He focused a age and continued drinking

lot on the problem of cannabis. young age pointing out how their He spoke about the current team There are many misconceptions brains are still developing and drugs and feels that we will be “there or surrounding the drug and a can stilt this development. Drugs there abouts” when the destination perception that it is a safe drug affect the decision making part of of the Liam McCarthy cup is decided which does not cause any problems. the brain leading young people to in September, citing the current half John blew this myth out of the make unwise choices when under back line as the bedrock on which water pointing out how it “plays the influence and even in the days Michael Ryan’s charges can launch with peoples’ mental health” and after. their attack in 2016. All in all it was leads to conditions such as a tremendous night, informative, schizophrenia and psychosis. Towards the end of the night he eye opening and inspiring for those answered many interesting and who attended. Scarily in the last 15 years the varied questions and revealed that strength of the drug has increased he believes Kilkenny’s TJ Reid is the The club wish to thank that other fourfold and today makes users four best hurler in the country at the Tipp hurling legend, our own Conor times more “aggressive”. Former moment and growing up, Nicky O’ Donovan and the Healthy Club users of the drug are still in danger English was his idol. He once went Project for organising the talk and of suffering from a cannabis seizure to Waterford to watch Nicky hurl, as John Leahy himself for giving of his fifteen years after they last took it. he was playing wing forward, the time and knowledge to an The many teenagers in attendance same position that John became appreciative audience. and their parents heard about the synonymous with, so he could study dangers of substance abuse at a his movements and learn from him.

THE ÓGRES ARE BACK!

Ógres everywhere! Thank you to the wonderful young stars of our month long 'Nenagh Éire Ógres GAA For Beginners Camp' which finished on the last Saturday in February. The kids were presented with camp training tops to help them start their hurling careers in the coming weeks. This programme couldn't have worked without the super trainers who seemed to be born to the job! You made a lot of children very happy. Thank you also to the family members and especially the little brothers and sisters who turned the committee room into the best Coffee Shop in town. We are alrea dy looking forward to next year!

THOMAS MACDONAGH SIGNATORY OF THE 1916 PROCLAMATION

championship medal In September 1942 MacDonagh won in the north Park was opened on St Conlon’s division should Road and the choice of name was a contain a bust of foregone conclusion. The 25th him, a wonderful anniversary of the Rising had been tradition that celebrated a year previously and as continues to this very a result, MacDonagh was to the fore day. His home GAA in the consciousness of the people club, Kilruane of Tipperary. MacDonaghs, not only named their club His brother in law, John Brennan in and grounds after an Irish Times article published in him, but his image May 1959, described him as having adorns their club “curling brown hair, handsome crest along with the features, and the most humorous years of his birth and and friendly expression in his grey THIS EASTER, AS WE execution. eyes”. He became, not only a COMMEMORATE THE MacDonagh Park, Cloughjordan was “delightful and witty brother in law” CENTENARY OF THE 1916 officially opened on Easter Sunday, but also “a discreet and valuable 1966. There was no more a fitting ally” with “charm and kindliness”. RISING, WE DECIDED TO TAKE way for the locals to honour the Educated in Rockwell College, he A LOOK AT THE LIFE OF area’s most famous son on the 50th initially appeared destined for a life THOMAS MACDONAGH, THE anniversary of his passing. Hurling in the priesthood believing that he MAN WHO GAVE HIS NAME TO was not played much in had “a vocation for this OUR GROUNDS ON ST Cloughjordan during MacDonagh’s congregation and a decided taste for CONLON’S ROAD. youth and so he never got the the missionary” however he later MacDonagh was born in opportunity to play the game but he changed direction and moved to the Cloughjordan in 1878 and holds a remained immensely proud of his famed St Kieran’s College in very special place in the history of home town and would have been Kilkenny where he taught English Ireland as he was one of the thrilled at these honours bestowed and French. signatories of the 1916 upon him by the GAA Proclamation and shortly after The While in St Kieran’s, MacDonagh Rising, was executed by the British In 1918, Glenahilty, a small area and a priest working in the college authorities, acting under the located between Ballymackey and called a meeting without the command of General Sir John Cloughjordan, named their GAA knowledge or permission of the Maxwell. MacDonagh and the other team “Glenahilty MacDonaghs”, the school’s president to establish a leaders were influenced by Padraig very first time his name was used hurling club in the school. This did Pearse’s theory of “blood sacrifice”, by a GAA club. They played a not go down well and the priest was believing their deaths would inspire Toomevara selection that year in soon after moved to another area the next generation of Irish people the North final and were defeated. while MacDonagh also parted ways to fight for their freedom; how In 1937 successful efforts were and headed to Dublin. It is very prophetic they were. made to unite all the junior clubs in hard to imagine this reaction the Cloughjordan, Ardcroney and considering the role St Kieran’s has MacDonagh has left a lasting Kilruane areas and it was Thomas played in the promotion and impression on the psyche of MacDonagh’s name which acted as development of hurling in Kilkenny Tipperary, so much so that in 1934, the unifying force, creating the club in the decades after. fifty years after the foundation of Kilruane MacDonaghs which we It was during his time in Kilkenny the GAA, Borrisokane’s Seamus have had many memorable matches that the flame of nationalism was Gardiner proposed that every with over the years. truly lit when he attended a meeting

of the Gaelic League. Douglas Hyde was the guest of honour on the night and his words along with the devotion to the Irish language of the members had a dramatic impact on Thomas and it dawned upon him that he was “the greatest West Britisher in Ireland and suppressed the Irish language”. The suppression of traditional culture and replacing it with British forms of cultivation was a tactic used by the Empire to colonise the native populations and help conquer their territory. Padraig Pearse recognised this and established his own schools in Dublin, St Enda’s and St Ita’s, to try and counteract this movement in months leading up to the actual the Proclamation, just four hours Ireland and reawaken a sense of rebellion. before his execution by firing squad Irishness within the Gael. and their harrowing marriage is He married his sweetheart Muriel immortalised in the unforgettable Following a meeting between the Gifford, a member of the Church of song Grace, Just Hold me in Your two, Thomas moved to Dublin Ireland from a Unionist background Arms where he became deputy on January 3rd, 1912 in Ranelagh (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v headmaster in St Enda’s. Pearse and they had two children, Donagh =SMf6IyJI0e4) had previously wrote The Murder and Barbara. Upon his initial Machine in 1912, a book in which he introduction to the Gifford sisters MacDonagh was elected to the outlined his vision for education. He provisional despised the traditional examination committee of the based system which focused on the Irish Volunteers “three R’s” of reading, writing and where his arithmetic preferring a broader leadership skills system of education which would were recognised as create free thinkers. Their students he was later were taught Irish folklore, history, appointed culture and sports. MacDonagh and Commandant of Pearse held many classes outdoors the 2nd Battalion of to give the pupils a love of nature, the Dublin Brigade. were encouraged to wear traditional In April 1915 he Irish dress and were trained in army was sworn onto manoeuvres in preparation for the the Military Council upcoming rebellion. of the Irish Republican Not only was MacDonagh a teacher Brotherhood, a but he enjoyed writing poetry and Grace and Muriel, he was told by a secret organisation plays. His first play, When Dawn is Mrs Dryhurst to “fall in love with who prepared the Rising. He later Come, was first performed in 1908 one of these girls and marry her”. recruited Eamon de Valera into the but received a negative reception MacDonagh was obviously IRB pointing out how he “always among critics. It eerily echoes the impressed with what he saw and the lands on his feet”. events of 1916 as it deals with an charmer quickly responded “that Irish insurrection led by a military would be easy – the only difficulty During the Rising MacDonagh was council of seven. Its main would be to decide which one”. placed in charge of Jacob’s Factory protagonist was a rebel poet. Muriel’s sister Grace married Joseph where they saw little action apart MacDonagh restaged the play in the Mary Plunkett, another signatory to from engaging with sniper fire with Dublin Castle. During the week

tensions were understandably high Lament for Thomas and he organised a miniature ceilidh which “was a real welcome break in MacDonagh By Francis the serious business we had on Ledwidge hands” according to Volunteer Seosamh de Brún. They also found a gramophone in the factory but HE SHALL not hear the much to their dismay they only record they could find was a bittern cry recording of God Save the King! At In the wild sky, where he one stage during Easter week some Volunteer’s played the song “to take is lain, a rise” out of MacDonagh. The Nor voices of the sweeter This piano belonged to Thomas’ Volunteers were well aware that birds, mother Mary Louise and she instilled 1916 was the tri-centenary of Above the wailing of the in him and his siblings a love of William Shakespeare and a reading music. It was made with Brazilian of Julius Caesar was organised when rain. Rosewood and covered with ivory and a copy of the play was discovered in ebony keys and it was played by the library of Jacob’s Biscuit Thomas numerous times during his Factory. Among MacDonagh’s men Nor shall he know when childhood. Following Mrs MacDonagh's was Peader Kearney who in 1907 loud March blows death in 1908 the piano came into the wrote Amhrán na bhFiann. Kearney possession of Mrs Winifred Hynes and was also an uncle of two of Ireland’s Thro’ slanting snows her it remained in her family for four greatest writers Brendan and fanfare shrill, generations before it was donated to Dominic Behan. the Thomas MacDonagh Heritage MacDonagh was executed in Blowing to flame the Centre, Cloughjordan. One of Mrs rd Kilmainham on May 3 , 1916. Hours golden cup Hynes descendants is Seamus prior to his death he wrote to Muriel Hennessy, an All-Ireland medal “I am ready to die, and I thank God Of many an upset winner with Tipperary in 2010 and a that I am to die in so holy a cause. daffodil. speaker at one of our Healthy Club My country will reward my deed Project talks in the past. The richly. I counted the cost of this and Hennessy family kindly donated a I am ready to pay it”. He But when the Dark Cow sizeable sum towards the piano’s magnanimously addressed his restoration and it takes pride of place executioners, offered them leaves the moor, in the Thomas MacDonagh Heritage cigarettes and lamented “I know Centre, Cloughjordan. this is a lousy job, but you’re doing And pastures poor with your duty……I do not hold this greedy weeds, Sources against you”. Brennan, John. (1959). Thomas Perhaps he’ll hear her low MacDonagh, A Personal Memoir. Following the deaths of the leaders at morn, Available: www.irishtimes.com . Last a British soldier said “they all died accessed 12th March, 2015 well, but MacDonagh, he died like a Lifting her horn in pleasant Foley, Vincent (2005). The Pursuit of Prince”. meads. Sovereignty and the Impact of Partition, 1912-49. Dublin: Folens. p24-25. Kenna, Dr Shane. (2016). When Dawn is Come. ASTIR. 34 (2), 19-21. Kilruane MacDonaghs. (2016). Club Thomas MacDonagh, Irish patriot, poet, teacher and a leader History. Available: of Ireland’s 1916 insurrection finally has a museum and http://www.kilruanemacdonaghs.co heritage centre in his home town of Cloughjordan. This m/history.php. Last accessed 12th centre incorporates the MacDonagh family home and brings March, 2016. to the public the story of this great man and the place in Seachtar na Cásca/Seachtar Dearmadta which he grew up. Visit http://www.macdonaghheritage.ie/ Padraig Pearse TG4 2010

to learn more,

CAMOGIE PRESENTATION NIGHT

In 2015 our camogie section reached another milestone when they captured both the Junior A league and championship double. The great panel of players received their hard earned medals at a function in the Hibernian Inn. Thanks to Martin Morris and his staff for the warm welcome and hospitality, Caitriona Morris and the camógie committee for organising the event and all who showed up on the night to share with the ladies their great success. We also wish to thank Collin's Bakery Nenagh for kindly baking a cake to celebrate our promotion to the intermediate ranks. The players are back training now for 2016 and we look forward to following their exploits again this year! We wish them and their new manager Paul Henry the very best of luck.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH ÉIRE ÓG

THE DR. HARTY CUP IN THE SAFE HANDS OF FRANCIS AS ARD SCOIL RÍS AND OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SCÓR NA BPÁISTÍ BALLAD LADY’S TEMPLEMORE FOUGHT IT OUT ON GROUP AND FIGURE DANCERS ON THEIR NORTH FINAL WINS. THE MACDONAGH PARK FIELD. THE SPOILS WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED. YOU HAVE DONE THE CLUB WENT TO ÁRD SCOIL. PROUD!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BARRY HEFFERNAN ON MAKING THE XV OF THE YEAR FOR 2016, ONE OF 5 TIPPERARY PLAYERS. THE FULL TEAM CAN BE VIEWED BELOW

FITZGIBBON CUP XV

1. , Moyne Templetuohy Gaa, Tipperary UL GAA

2. Paul Killeen, Tynagh- Abbey/Duniry Hurling Club, Galway, LIT

3. Richie English, Doon G.A.A., , Misu Sport Mary I

4. Jack Browne, Ballyea GAA, Clare UL

5. , Sarsfields Gaa, Tipperary Mary I

6. Barry Heffernan, Nenagh Éire Óg, UL

7. John Meagher, Loughmore/Castleiney, Tipperary Mary I

8. Darragh O’Donovan, Doon GAA, Limerick, Mary I

9. Fionn Ó Riain Broin, CLG Naomh Jude, Dublin TCD

10. Padraic Guinan, Drumcullen Gaa, Offaly UCD

11. , Patrickswell Gaa Club, Limerick, Mary I

12. Sean Linnane, Turloughmore Hurling, Galway, Mary I

13. John McGrath, Loughmore/Castleiney, Tipperary UL

14. , Adare Gaa, Limerick, Mary I

15. , Ahane, Limerick UL

OUT AND ABOUT WITH ÉIRE ÓG

Well done to the five Éire Óg representatives on the Tipperary minor camogie panel. We would especially like to congratulate Ruth Hassett (top right) who made her inter-county debut recently against Clare in the championship, following in the footsteps of her All Ireland winning grandfather Matt Hassett (pictured right) racing to the ball during the 1960 Oireachtas with in the background. The five girls from our club on the panel are Hazel McAuliffe, Ruth Hassett, Maeve Coffey, Sarah Quigley and Grace O Brien. Well done ladies from everyone in the club.

Amazing history in this photo on display in Steeples Many thanks to our youngest hurlers and their coffee shop. Generations later and the names are still mentors and committee members for marching with going strong in Éire Óg. style for us on St. Patrick’s Day!