New home for wealth of Longford GAA archive material
The Longford GAA Archive, in partnership with Longford Libraries, Heritage and Archives Services, was launched at a well attended event at the Longford Library in the presence of Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern who welcomed the guests including other local public representatives, members of the Longford GAA executive committee, local GAA club members and other members of the public.
MC was Eamonn Brennan who remarked on the phrase “it was a historic occasion“ and they “made history“. Undoubtedly the most historic event in Longford in 2022 was the winning Longford Slashers ladies football team.
Mr Brennan introduced them as guests of honour on the night to a standing ovation.
Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Gerry Hagan also congratulated the Longford Slashers ladies team and in welcoming the launch of the archive, he also mentioned the recently launched Gaelic Field book which chronicles the history of each GAA club ground in Longford.
The idea of a Longford archive was first mooted by Longford GAA Chairperson, Albert Cooney.
In his address, Mr Cooney said, “When you are young, history is not a priority for most people, you are thinking of today and the future. As life moves on we tend to look back on the good old days…I’m conscious of the wealth of information that’s in the county, of times past and I wanted to find a home for it so it could be available to all. I’m delighted to announce tonight that we have that home in the Longford County Library.”
County Archivist Martin Morris explained that an archive is a place where people can go to gather first hand facts, data and evidence from letters, reports, notes, memos, photographs, interviews, and other primary sources.
Mr Morris added that “apart from information on the GAA, these sources will provide an insight into the coming of the railways, the cultural revival, the role of newspapers and much more. In modern times we have the growth of the LGFA and all that goes with it.”
Guest speaker was Dr Tom Hunt, a leading sports historian, who has written extensively on the significance of many sports, not just GAA, in our lives particularly from 1850 to 1920.
Mr Hunt talked about the first County Championship held in Longford with 21 teams taking part. He also talked about JP Farrell, the founder of the Longford Leader, who had the authority from the County Board to check and edit match reports as he saw fit. This proved invaluable in avoiding and diffusing many a row.
Mr Hunt urged all clubs to engage with Martin and the library and make their stories available for all. He concluded his address saying “I compliment Longford GAA on this initiative and its an example for all to follow.”
There were a number of presentations on the night; 40 years of county final programmes from Pat Chapman of Longford Slashers, 30 years of county convention reports from Longford GAA Secretary, Peter O’Reilly.
John Fay from the Abbeylara club also presented a collection of newspaper reports covering many Longford games that have been long forgotten.
A transcript of 14 interviews with members of the Longford Slashers club were also handed over by Seamus McRory.
MC Eamonn Brennan concluded proceedings with an entertaining account of the Ghost Train to Croke Park. The train left Caherciveen for Dublin at 10pm the night before the All-Ireland final. Eamonn said the Kerry County Board had considered pulling out of the All-Ireland in the 1920s because of the cost of travelling to Dublin every year for the final.