The Beginning
In January 1962, the junior members of Sexton Street, P.P.U. realized an ambition when permission to form a dub was granted by the Limerick Co. GAA Board. The initial forming of a panel of senior players led to quite a deal of controversy among
some clubs in the county who feared that their players who had been educated at Sexton Street would wish to join with Old Christians. To those who have been led to believe that this team was built up at the expense of the other city dubs and that its success was in no small
way the result of poaching by Old Christians, the following facts may be illuminating:
In 1962, of the 24 footballers who formed the panel, only 4 were active members of clubs in the city, while of the 5 city players who transferred to Old Christians, one was a junior and two others had decided to withdraw from Gaelic games altogether. Of the entire football selection,
only two were playing senior football, while 16 others were not playing any football, senior or junior.
This panel of players, whom we welcome here to be with us tonight, created history by winning the County Senior Football Championship at the first attempt, I quote. From "Caman's" column in the Limerick Leader of 10th November, 1962.
He wrote:
"Last Sunday's winning of the County Senior Football Crown was an achievement of exceptional merit, all the more remarkable when one considers how this club started right from scratch at the commencement of this season and by pure willpower,
determination and devotion to training built a championship side from next to nothing".
THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF OLD CHRISTIANS 1962
PRESIDENT: Rev. Br. White
CHAIRMAN: James Heelan
VICE-CHAIRMAN: Michael Costelloe
SECRETARY: Frank O'Dwyer
TREASURER: Robert Murphy
COMMITTEE:
Rev. Br. G. 8ourke, R.1.P. Paddy Hennessy, R.1.P. Stephen Keogh, R.I.P. Paddy Carey Christy Coughlan, Eric Lynch, and John Power.
some clubs in the county who feared that their players who had been educated at Sexton Street would wish to join with Old Christians. To those who have been led to believe that this team was built up at the expense of the other city dubs and that its success was in no small
way the result of poaching by Old Christians, the following facts may be illuminating:
In 1962, of the 24 footballers who formed the panel, only 4 were active members of clubs in the city, while of the 5 city players who transferred to Old Christians, one was a junior and two others had decided to withdraw from Gaelic games altogether. Of the entire football selection,
only two were playing senior football, while 16 others were not playing any football, senior or junior.
This panel of players, whom we welcome here to be with us tonight, created history by winning the County Senior Football Championship at the first attempt, I quote. From "Caman's" column in the Limerick Leader of 10th November, 1962.
He wrote:
"Last Sunday's winning of the County Senior Football Crown was an achievement of exceptional merit, all the more remarkable when one considers how this club started right from scratch at the commencement of this season and by pure willpower,
determination and devotion to training built a championship side from next to nothing".
THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF OLD CHRISTIANS 1962
PRESIDENT: Rev. Br. White
CHAIRMAN: James Heelan
VICE-CHAIRMAN: Michael Costelloe
SECRETARY: Frank O'Dwyer
TREASURER: Robert Murphy
COMMITTEE:
Rev. Br. G. 8ourke, R.1.P. Paddy Hennessy, R.1.P. Stephen Keogh, R.I.P. Paddy Carey Christy Coughlan, Eric Lynch, and John Power.
1989 Intermediate hurling championship final
Limerick Leader
September 25th, 1989.
Bruff 0-9
Old Christians 1-06
A draw was a fitting result to a hard-fought and sporting Intermediate hurling championship final at Cappamore yesterday between Bruff and Old Christians. Old Christians led 1-3 to 0 3 at half-time after playing with the assistance of a fresh breeze Bruff looked to be in a
good position at this stage, but found the opposition tough as teak in the second half Scores were hard to come by and it was in the closing seconds when Paul Moloney snatched the equalizer for Bruff. Pat Howard, home from the USA, played a storming game at center back
for Old Christians and won the man of the award, presented to him by Pat Coffee of Cappamore.
Bruff scorers: R O’Leary 0-4, D Kiely 0-2, G O’Connell, P Barrett, and P Moloney 0-1.
Old Christians scorers: G Hegarty 0-4, J Goggin 1-01 and P Foley 0-1.
September 25th, 1989.
Bruff 0-9
Old Christians 1-06
A draw was a fitting result to a hard-fought and sporting Intermediate hurling championship final at Cappamore yesterday between Bruff and Old Christians. Old Christians led 1-3 to 0 3 at half-time after playing with the assistance of a fresh breeze Bruff looked to be in a
good position at this stage, but found the opposition tough as teak in the second half Scores were hard to come by and it was in the closing seconds when Paul Moloney snatched the equalizer for Bruff. Pat Howard, home from the USA, played a storming game at center back
for Old Christians and won the man of the award, presented to him by Pat Coffee of Cappamore.
Bruff scorers: R O’Leary 0-4, D Kiely 0-2, G O’Connell, P Barrett, and P Moloney 0-1.
Old Christians scorers: G Hegarty 0-4, J Goggin 1-01 and P Foley 0-1.
1989 Intermediate hurling championship final replay
Christians Pipped in Extra Time
Limerick Leader
Monday, October 2nd, 1989.
An ABSORBING 90 minutes of hurling at Cappamore on Sunday ended in triumph for Bruff as they fashioned a 0-17 to 1-12 win over Old Christians to lift the intermediate hurling championship and record their first county success at adult level.
Before paying tribute to the men from the banks of the Morning Star, it is only fitting that Old Christians ne complemented for their contribution to a magnificent contest, and on reflection it is they who could be celebrating If some of their brave attacks, particularly at the end of the hour,
had produces a score or two. For Bruff, it was the turn at the end of a long and frustrating hour.
A century of endeavor had failed to produce an adult hurting title, and what better way to make the breakthrough than to force a draw with a late point in the first game with gallant Old Christians and then clinch the issue with points in the last five minutes of extra time in the replay.
In the opening 20 minutes of this replay, it looked as if Bruff were about to stroll to an easy win. Once Raymond O'Leary pointed them into the lead from a free in the fourth minute, they outplayed Christians to lead by 5 clear points after 20 minutes.
Ger Hegarty was moved from attack at this stage to midfield to break the Bruff monopoly. This move changed the trend of the game, and when Ray Kiely goaled after 21 minutes with a ground shot. helped on its way by a touch of Ray McCarthy's stick, it was the signal for an Old Christian's fight back. Ger Hegarty and Michael Reale, who had a brilliant opening quarter at center back for Bruff, exchanged Points from trees, before Hegarty was again on target with 2 further efforts, to leave the score at half-time Bruff 0-6, Old Christians 1-3.
Ger Hegarty put the city team ahead for the first time with a point just after the resumption. Then followed another period of Bruff dominance as they fired over five points without reply to lead 0-11 to 1-4. Dom Costello, the Old Christians Full Back, was now operating in the middle of the ark, and his promptings, aided by the skills of Ger Twomey and Tom Phayer, had Bruff on the rack in the final quarter. Pat Barren had a point for Bruff during this period, but the running and bustling Ger Hegarty caused confusion m their defence and a succession of frees earned.
Hegarty scored a total of five points, the last of these coming in the last minute to make it 0-12 to 1-9 and set the stage for another 30 minutes of thrills. Old Christians went ahead on two occasions during the first half of extra time, only to have parity restored by a point from play by Ger O'Connell and a 65-metre free by Michael Reale. This left the score 0-14 to 1-11.
The contest reached its peak in the second half of extra time. Bruff went ahead, then Old Christians equalized. Michael Reale, who was brilliant in the opening stages of the game proper and then had periods of ups and downs, was back at his best as Christians fought hard to go ahead once more.
Inspired by Reale and the hard grafting John Fitzgerald, Bruff came good m a pulsating finish to send over the winning points from play by Vincent O'Donovan and Tom Ryan. Michael Reale was selected as the man of the match, although his colleague John Fitzgerald, who came on as a substitute, must have been high on the list for the honors.
Others to star for Bruff were Tadhg Sullivan, Willie Bulfin, John Riordan, Vincent Donovan, Paul Moloney, and Pat Barrett. Dom Costello, Ger Toomey, Ger Hegarty, Pat Howard, Ray Kiely, who retired injured after 55 minutes., Pat Foley, Tom Phayer and Tom Kennedy were in great form for Old Christians.
SCORERS
Bruff: P. Barrett 0-5, M. Reale 0-4, A. O’Leary 0-3, G. O'Connell 0-2. T Ryan, D. Kiely, V. O ‘O'Donovan 0-1 each.
Old Christians: G. Hegarty 0-12, R Kiely 1-0.
Ref: T. Lyons, Caherline.
Limerick Leader
Monday, October 2nd, 1989.
An ABSORBING 90 minutes of hurling at Cappamore on Sunday ended in triumph for Bruff as they fashioned a 0-17 to 1-12 win over Old Christians to lift the intermediate hurling championship and record their first county success at adult level.
Before paying tribute to the men from the banks of the Morning Star, it is only fitting that Old Christians ne complemented for their contribution to a magnificent contest, and on reflection it is they who could be celebrating If some of their brave attacks, particularly at the end of the hour,
had produces a score or two. For Bruff, it was the turn at the end of a long and frustrating hour.
A century of endeavor had failed to produce an adult hurting title, and what better way to make the breakthrough than to force a draw with a late point in the first game with gallant Old Christians and then clinch the issue with points in the last five minutes of extra time in the replay.
In the opening 20 minutes of this replay, it looked as if Bruff were about to stroll to an easy win. Once Raymond O'Leary pointed them into the lead from a free in the fourth minute, they outplayed Christians to lead by 5 clear points after 20 minutes.
Ger Hegarty was moved from attack at this stage to midfield to break the Bruff monopoly. This move changed the trend of the game, and when Ray Kiely goaled after 21 minutes with a ground shot. helped on its way by a touch of Ray McCarthy's stick, it was the signal for an Old Christian's fight back. Ger Hegarty and Michael Reale, who had a brilliant opening quarter at center back for Bruff, exchanged Points from trees, before Hegarty was again on target with 2 further efforts, to leave the score at half-time Bruff 0-6, Old Christians 1-3.
Ger Hegarty put the city team ahead for the first time with a point just after the resumption. Then followed another period of Bruff dominance as they fired over five points without reply to lead 0-11 to 1-4. Dom Costello, the Old Christians Full Back, was now operating in the middle of the ark, and his promptings, aided by the skills of Ger Twomey and Tom Phayer, had Bruff on the rack in the final quarter. Pat Barren had a point for Bruff during this period, but the running and bustling Ger Hegarty caused confusion m their defence and a succession of frees earned.
Hegarty scored a total of five points, the last of these coming in the last minute to make it 0-12 to 1-9 and set the stage for another 30 minutes of thrills. Old Christians went ahead on two occasions during the first half of extra time, only to have parity restored by a point from play by Ger O'Connell and a 65-metre free by Michael Reale. This left the score 0-14 to 1-11.
The contest reached its peak in the second half of extra time. Bruff went ahead, then Old Christians equalized. Michael Reale, who was brilliant in the opening stages of the game proper and then had periods of ups and downs, was back at his best as Christians fought hard to go ahead once more.
Inspired by Reale and the hard grafting John Fitzgerald, Bruff came good m a pulsating finish to send over the winning points from play by Vincent O'Donovan and Tom Ryan. Michael Reale was selected as the man of the match, although his colleague John Fitzgerald, who came on as a substitute, must have been high on the list for the honors.
Others to star for Bruff were Tadhg Sullivan, Willie Bulfin, John Riordan, Vincent Donovan, Paul Moloney, and Pat Barrett. Dom Costello, Ger Toomey, Ger Hegarty, Pat Howard, Ray Kiely, who retired injured after 55 minutes., Pat Foley, Tom Phayer and Tom Kennedy were in great form for Old Christians.
SCORERS
Bruff: P. Barrett 0-5, M. Reale 0-4, A. O’Leary 0-3, G. O'Connell 0-2. T Ryan, D. Kiely, V. O ‘O'Donovan 0-1 each.
Old Christians: G. Hegarty 0-12, R Kiely 1-0.
Ref: T. Lyons, Caherline.
1991 Intermediate Hurling final
THE PROUDEST person at Bruff on Sunday after Old Christians had surprised Bruree in the Intermediate Hurling final most sorely has been Ned Whelan, a man who 29 years ago helped to find a club which 'wiser* heads predicted would have a short lifespan.
Limerick Leader
November 11th, 1991
Old Christians 1-10
Bruree 0-09
THE PROUDEST person at Bruff on Sunday after Old Christians had surprised Bruree in the Intermediate Hurling final most sorely has been Ned Whelan, a man who 29 years ago helped to find a club which 'wiser* heads predicted would have a short lifespan.
Well, Old Christians defied the odds against them and have stood the test of time well, setting high standards in under-age ranks.
The big honours may have eluded them in hurling they won the county senior football crown in their first year, but they have now bridged the gap and are knocking on the door for senior status. Ned Whelan, one of the most respected administrators locally, even if he now prefers to take a back seat as club president. (Limerick City soccer chairman Fr. Joe Young is vice president), was escorted onto the Bruff pitch at the end of a hectic hour's hurling and was visibly moved by it all. He agreed that Bruree had caused him many anxious moments. The south Limerick side battled gamely to the very end and were it not for a lapse in concentration in 56 minutes when a forward drove wide in a good position, they might have salvaged a replay. At that stage Old Christians were just a point to the good, 0-10 to 0-9. Upset by that costly miss, Bruree lost their composure at the back for a brief moment, enough for Joe Hegarty to drive the ball past Mike O'Brien for the game's only goal.
Standard
The standard of hurling was often no more than mediocre but put that down to a bitterly cold day, a soft pitch, intermittent rain and a strong wind. That Old Christians won the title was due to the influential figure of Ger Hegarty. He started out at centre-forward but with so little possession coming his way as his side played into the elements, moved to midfield. It was from there that he orchestrated this win. He won vital possession in the air and often frustrated at the ineptitude of those in front of him, decided it was time he set a lead himself. Hegarty lofted over seven great points and also had a hand in the build-up to that crucial match-winning goal. Bruree, for whom full-back John Potter scored a marvellous third-minute point from a placed ball, well inside his own half, often looked the more composed and had five points on the board, courtesy of Mike Mullane and the impressive Dan Deady, before the city club had then* first response from Tim Sheehan in 20 minutes.
Pat Potter and Seamus Murphy gave them a slight edge in the centre of the park but that changed when Hegarty moved. At the end of the first half they were left to regret many missed chances, and a 0-7 to 0-3 lead was seen as uncomfortable by their supporters. Mike Sextan was unable to make any worthwhile contribution at _half-forward, and Pat Howard saw to it that Mike Mullane was more subdued than usual. The losers did look the part after 23 minutes when they led 0-7 to 0-1, but coming up to the break, Hegarty had two vital points for their opponents, one of which was from the halfway line and into the wind. ' • 'When Edmund Potter made it 0-8 to 0-3 immediately on the change of ends, Old Christians had reason to worry., But before the rot was allowed to set in, Hegarty set the pattern with another great point. Now the onus was on them to prove their worth, and they did so in style. Dom Costelloe and Pat Howard wasted no time in returning the ball into enemy territory and three points on the trot from Hegarty left just one between them, 0-8 to 0-7. Bruree badly needed a score to lift the pressure, and it came from the stick of Eddie Potter. John Power, son of another founder member of the same name, set the game up for a thrilling finale. Old Christians were level for the first time in 53 minutes,' Hegarty pointing from 80 yards. The tension was unbearable. Enter substitute Pat Foley and he turned the tide in his side's favour. Bruree advanced on two occasions but one piece of heroic defending, and a wide upset their calculations. Foley was in the picture again in the final minute. When he put the ball into the path of Joe Hegarty, he found the target. A great day for Christians, but let's not forget the contribution made by Bruree, who now have the intermediate league to look forward to and the possibility of another date with the championship holders to decide which club goes senior. A useful mentor for the winners was former intercounty star Bernie Hartigan who, if memory serves " me correctly, was also at that meeting at Sexton Street in 1962, when the club was formed. And at half-back for Bruree was Stephen McDonagh, whose father, John McDonagh, also wore the county colours with distinction.
Old Christians. James Howard; Paul Howard, James _Kearns Declan Maher, Dom Costelloe, Pat Howard (Capt.), Tom Phayer; Ger Toomey, Ger Hegarty (0-7); Robert McCarthy, Mark Timmons, Pat Butler, Tim Sheehan (0-1), John Power (0-1) Joe Hegarty (1-0). Subs. T. Kennedy for McCarthy, P. Foley, (0-1) for Kennedy, A. Maher for Timmons.
Bruree. Mike O'Brien; John Lyons, John Potter (0-1), Kieran O 'Regan, Richard Sheehan, Peter Finn, Stephen McDonagh; Pat Potter, Seamus Murphy; Mike Sexton, Mike Mullane (0-2), Danny Deady (0-4), Edmund Potter (0-2), Ger Mullane, Donal Mullane. Sub. D. McCarthy for G. Mullane.
Timmy Lyons (Caherline) was an efficient referee.
A Personal History of Old Christians
by Michael Keogh
Having been commissioned on a Monday night to compile a history of the Club to be ready for printing on the following (Tuesday) night, l am left with no choice but to produce a few brief lines based on personal memories rather than a year by year account of the faltering steps of what is still a young G.AA. Club. I would point out at the outset that it is entirely my own fault that I was landed with this job, I proposed at an earlier meeting that some record of the Club's history be produced in this program and the Old Christians motto is that if you have the audacity to propose something at a meeting you have no choice but to carry out the work yourself.
Old Christians won its only County Senior Championship in the year it was formed, i.e. 1962. In later years I decided it was the worst thing that could have happened because if you start at the top there is but one way to go after that. The team that won the football crown that year included in its ranks Bernie Hartigan, Pat Murphy, Seamus Cox and others who went on to represent Limerick in both hurling and football in later years. The growth of the Club in the next few years is etched in my memory as being linked to the progress of John Power. When J joined in 1963 he was on a bicycle, he graduated to a Honda and finally he managed the ultimate in transportation - an old Austin A40. The Club produced a Minor Hurling T earn in 1965 that reached the County Final but never actually played in it, the reason being, if memory serves me right, that the C.8.S. School refused to release its Old Christians Harty Players (who made up half the team) and Doon took the title on a walkover. In 1966, however, the Club took both Minor County Titles. We actually won the Football Final twice, the County Board ordered a replay because one of our players was alleged to have been seen playing soccer on a specific day. (The ban was in force at the time). The player concerned, Michael Penny, swore this was not true, he was actually full back for Old Christians on the day in question. Among the officers of the Club at that time were: that man Power, that other man Ned Whelan, Mick Grace R.I.P., Joe Walshe and Joe Leonard.
In the mid and late sixties, the Senior playing squad was evenly divided between a Dublin based squad (Pat Murphy, Seamus Cox, Jim Heelan etc.), and a Limerick based squad.
As we rarely met except on the day of the Championship game it is perhaps easier to understand why we never progressed too often beyond the first round. As this writer was a member of the Limerick squad at that time I can confirm that our half of the team trained but I have, to admit that we still could not match the endurance level of the Dublin squad when it came to the post match drinking sessions.
Into the Seventies and the Club set an outstanding record at under-age level - winning everything in sight including the historic Feile na nGael Championships, in Thurles in 1972. The man behind the Juvenile successes in the 70s included Willie Hurley, Bro. Cahill, Tim Sheehan, J. Power and N. Whelan. Unfortunately this run of success did not lead to further success at Senior level. The players as juveniles had a base at the C.B.S. and having left school drifted from the Club. Because of this, the Club Just many outstanding players to other Clubs. No Club could afford to lose players of the caliber of the two Graces, Christy Campbell, Dave Tuohy etc., and hope to put out a winning combination of Senior players.
Finally we came to the Eighties and this present crop of players. Winning a Duggan Club a couple of years ago was not something to get overly excited about, but that team saw the introduction to Senior ranks of youngsters like Pat Howard, Ray Kiely, Tim Sheehan, Ger Toomey and more who now form the basis of a side that is presently showing a lot of promise. These players have grown up together and have shown grat loyalty and commitment to the Club at a time when their presence was sorely needed. I for one, feel that if this pre sent team stay together, that the future of the Club is in safe hands. We are in our own grounds now at Punch Park and hopefully this will be a base for Championship success in the very near future. Old Christians may not have set the Limerick Scene alight since its inception but friendships have been formed over the years that will test forever and despite defeats that have left us despondent, the "crack" was always great, as it should be and as it will always be.
As I wrote at the outset, this effort is only a personal view of the past twenty three years, not a chronicle of the Club's progress and here are a few personal memories that will always stay with me.
Coming out of the Bruff Grounds after a defeat at the hands of South Liberties in the Senior Championship in the company of Ned and Mary Whelan, I overheard a spectator saying, 'They are only a bunch of College Boys". The good Mary (I hope she'll forgive me for this) proceeded to wield her umbrella at the unfortunate man in such a manner that he was forced to defend himself desperately. l remember thinking that if we had used the hurleys in the same manner that we would have won comfortably!
In the dressing room at Kilmallock before a Championship quarter final in 1969 again against "Liberties", we were exhorted by our memories to "play only the ball" not to "retaliate'' "Stay out of trouble'' etc., etc. In the first ten minutes of the game, our three subs had been used and the following morning at least six of us were in the X-ray Department of Barrington's Hospital.
Finally a very personal memory. In a changing game at Rathbane against a tough Tipperary team this writer attained a ferocious belt in the left knee which dislocated his kneecap. Anyone who has suffered this type of injury will know that it is accompanied by some pain and an inability to stand on one's two feet. John Power (himself) w-as medical orderly that day - he was also sole selector, sole supporter and linesman - and he rushed out to attend me. It was fairly obvious that I needed immediate surgery not to mention hospital treatment but the bold John had to keep in mind that the "subs" bench was empty. "Listen Mick", says he, "will you go into goals?''
Taken from Old Christians G.A.A. Club 1962-1987 Booklet
Old Christians won its only County Senior Championship in the year it was formed, i.e. 1962. In later years I decided it was the worst thing that could have happened because if you start at the top there is but one way to go after that. The team that won the football crown that year included in its ranks Bernie Hartigan, Pat Murphy, Seamus Cox and others who went on to represent Limerick in both hurling and football in later years. The growth of the Club in the next few years is etched in my memory as being linked to the progress of John Power. When J joined in 1963 he was on a bicycle, he graduated to a Honda and finally he managed the ultimate in transportation - an old Austin A40. The Club produced a Minor Hurling T earn in 1965 that reached the County Final but never actually played in it, the reason being, if memory serves me right, that the C.8.S. School refused to release its Old Christians Harty Players (who made up half the team) and Doon took the title on a walkover. In 1966, however, the Club took both Minor County Titles. We actually won the Football Final twice, the County Board ordered a replay because one of our players was alleged to have been seen playing soccer on a specific day. (The ban was in force at the time). The player concerned, Michael Penny, swore this was not true, he was actually full back for Old Christians on the day in question. Among the officers of the Club at that time were: that man Power, that other man Ned Whelan, Mick Grace R.I.P., Joe Walshe and Joe Leonard.
In the mid and late sixties, the Senior playing squad was evenly divided between a Dublin based squad (Pat Murphy, Seamus Cox, Jim Heelan etc.), and a Limerick based squad.
As we rarely met except on the day of the Championship game it is perhaps easier to understand why we never progressed too often beyond the first round. As this writer was a member of the Limerick squad at that time I can confirm that our half of the team trained but I have, to admit that we still could not match the endurance level of the Dublin squad when it came to the post match drinking sessions.
Into the Seventies and the Club set an outstanding record at under-age level - winning everything in sight including the historic Feile na nGael Championships, in Thurles in 1972. The man behind the Juvenile successes in the 70s included Willie Hurley, Bro. Cahill, Tim Sheehan, J. Power and N. Whelan. Unfortunately this run of success did not lead to further success at Senior level. The players as juveniles had a base at the C.B.S. and having left school drifted from the Club. Because of this, the Club Just many outstanding players to other Clubs. No Club could afford to lose players of the caliber of the two Graces, Christy Campbell, Dave Tuohy etc., and hope to put out a winning combination of Senior players.
Finally we came to the Eighties and this present crop of players. Winning a Duggan Club a couple of years ago was not something to get overly excited about, but that team saw the introduction to Senior ranks of youngsters like Pat Howard, Ray Kiely, Tim Sheehan, Ger Toomey and more who now form the basis of a side that is presently showing a lot of promise. These players have grown up together and have shown grat loyalty and commitment to the Club at a time when their presence was sorely needed. I for one, feel that if this pre sent team stay together, that the future of the Club is in safe hands. We are in our own grounds now at Punch Park and hopefully this will be a base for Championship success in the very near future. Old Christians may not have set the Limerick Scene alight since its inception but friendships have been formed over the years that will test forever and despite defeats that have left us despondent, the "crack" was always great, as it should be and as it will always be.
As I wrote at the outset, this effort is only a personal view of the past twenty three years, not a chronicle of the Club's progress and here are a few personal memories that will always stay with me.
Coming out of the Bruff Grounds after a defeat at the hands of South Liberties in the Senior Championship in the company of Ned and Mary Whelan, I overheard a spectator saying, 'They are only a bunch of College Boys". The good Mary (I hope she'll forgive me for this) proceeded to wield her umbrella at the unfortunate man in such a manner that he was forced to defend himself desperately. l remember thinking that if we had used the hurleys in the same manner that we would have won comfortably!
In the dressing room at Kilmallock before a Championship quarter final in 1969 again against "Liberties", we were exhorted by our memories to "play only the ball" not to "retaliate'' "Stay out of trouble'' etc., etc. In the first ten minutes of the game, our three subs had been used and the following morning at least six of us were in the X-ray Department of Barrington's Hospital.
Finally a very personal memory. In a changing game at Rathbane against a tough Tipperary team this writer attained a ferocious belt in the left knee which dislocated his kneecap. Anyone who has suffered this type of injury will know that it is accompanied by some pain and an inability to stand on one's two feet. John Power (himself) w-as medical orderly that day - he was also sole selector, sole supporter and linesman - and he rushed out to attend me. It was fairly obvious that I needed immediate surgery not to mention hospital treatment but the bold John had to keep in mind that the "subs" bench was empty. "Listen Mick", says he, "will you go into goals?''
Taken from Old Christians G.A.A. Club 1962-1987 Booklet
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