St Patricks Boys National School, Brian Dillons Hurling and Football Club and their entwined history
On the 29th of November 1937, almost 75 years ago, 261 boys came to school at the old St Patricks Boys National School at St Lukes Cross, Cork. When everyone was settled down and accounted for, the boys and their teachers marched up the Ballyhooly Road to the new school that had been built in […]
Will Glasgow Rangers be out of their depth in the lower leagues?
I only know on genuine Glasgow Celtic fan. Having made that statement I think I better explain that I am using the word “genuine” as defined by former Cork City FC manager Pat Dolan. It used to irk him when he heard somebody claim to be a fan of Liverpool or Manchester United. “Are you […]
Green is the Colour – An RTE Documentary on the History of Soccer in Ireland
I was fearful that the storyline might get the Sky Sports treatment; everything is brilliant, it always has been and it is only going to get much better. What I saw was a very insightful account, warts and all, of the formative years of Irish soccer.
Tennis: My Game of Gladiators and Daydreams
I very much doubt that I was the only boy who ever dreamed of scoring the winning goals in All-Ireland finals, F.A. Cup finals and for good measure, the winning try in a triple crown decider. Of course I never imagined I would do all this Gaisce on the one weekend. No, my dreams followed […]
There are far more important thing in life and sport than a handshake between Suarez and Evra. Ask Tommy Smith or the family of Robert Enke
There is something very strange when two individuals, whose main claim to fame is that they can hurl insults at each other, receive more attention than important historical moments.
The GAA’s Congress 2011
The GAA’s National Congress was held in Mullingar last weekend. Judging from the reports that that were on the papers, it seems to have been a good congress. The only complaint I have is that it is difficult to find out what happened to all 49 motions on the agenda. Monday’s papers only gave information […]
Ireland are debarred from the 2015 Cricket World Cup
We should not be too surprised by the decision of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to deny Ireland and 94 other countries the opportunity to play in the 2015 World Cricket Cup One-day. After all it is now common practice for world governing bodies to make seemingly bizarre decisions. It is only a few month […]
Two books that look at different aspects of Cork’s local sporting history
It is very difficult to come up with a true definition of what is history. The Roman philosopher Cicero said that “History is a witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminates reality, vitalises memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity.” Feel free to go deeper into the […]
The Left Handed Sportsman
There was one thing certain about yesterday’s United States presidential election long before the citizens cast their votes. That was that the next president of the USA would be left handed. In fact three of the last four presidents of the USA have been left handed. Ronald Regan (1981 to 1989) passed the baton (with […]