Commemorative talk to mark centenary of Offaly’s first All-Ireland title

Willie Ryan of Birr, who was on the Offaly team that won the All-Ireland Junior Hurling final 100 years ago, and was later a prominent hurler with Offaly teams in New York for many years.

placeholder image — Willie Ryan of Birr, who was on the Offaly team that won the All-Ireland Junior Hurling final 100 years ago, and was later a prominent hurler with Offaly teams in New York for many years.

A commemorative talk to mark the centenary of Offaly GAA’s first All-Ireland title will be held in Dooly’s Hotel, Birr, on Saturday evening, October 12.

It is being organised by Offaly GAA, in conjunction with Offaly Libraries, to remember the Offaly team that won the 1923 Junior Hurling Championship title. The talk will be given by Offaly GAA official, Brendan Minnock (Shamrocks).

Offaly beat Cork in what was described as a thrilling final at Croke Park by 3-04 to 3-02. GAA Championships back then inevitably ran late during what was a difficult period in Ireland’s history, in the aftermath of the War of Independence and the Civil War. The final did not take place until 12th October 1924, so the event being organised will take place exactly 100 years after this milestone for the Faithful County.

The talk will recall an eventful championship campaign, and the players involved. It will also highlight the role this team played in enhancing the Offaly hurling tradition, which ultimately led to All-Ireland Senior Hurling glory in the 1980s.

Indeed, it could be argued that but for the loss of several of the All-Ireland winning panel to emigration in 1925, Senior success may have come to the Faithful County more than half a century sooner.

Some of them went on to achieve acclaim with Offaly hurling teams in New York in the 1920s and ‘30s, and this will also be documented on the night.

Interestingly, descendants and relations of some of the players who featured on the Offaly team 100 years ago have represented the Faithful County in hurling and camogie, including Joe, Billy and Johnny Dooley, whose grandfather Jim Carroll was corner back on the team being commemorated.

Entry is free, but tickets are limited and must be obtained beforehand by contacting one of the following: Brendan Minnock 087 7641711 (or [email protected]); Pat Teehan 087 6593757; or Damian White 086 3809708.