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CAMOGIE IN BALLINACREE |
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A Camogie team was formed in Ballinacree parish in 1930 and stayed in existence up to about 1940. Among the players of that period were the following: Delia Heery, Rosie Butler, Peg Briody, Lilly Reilly, Rosie Hennessy, Biddy Kevin, Peggy Kevin, Rosie Kevin, Sissy Coyle, Nellie Brown, Teresa Brown, Rosie Gilsenan, Bridie Gilsenan, Maggie Smith, Julie Smith and Molly Smith. For most of its ten-year existence the team was lead and Captained by Teresa Brown (Teresa Carroll, Ballinrink). The team trained and practiced their skills in Mrs. Reilly's (Kit Lee) field at the bridge of Tubrid and used Willie Hennessy's house as dressing rooms and tea-rooms. The team colours were a black gym frock and a yellow blouse. On the playing field, many memorable games were competed in by the team. One of the earliest games contested was against another local team from Belaney. The Muldoons sisters (Mrs. Briody and Mrs. Mullaly) were part of the Belaney team (see photo below). While the Belaney outfit would have been regarded as the more accomplished and skilful with the camán, Ballinacree won by determination and courage and also in no small measure to Lilly Reilly (Ballinacree), who had an outstanding game on the day. Many other games were played against the same opposition in Belaney, where the teams were treated to tea and cake in Jack Hand's house after their exertions on the field. Other games of note were played against Oldcastle, out in Clonifad and great memories of cars and lorries full of players and spectators travelling to Dulane were cherished by all involved. There was a strong social aspect to the club and team, as dances were held in Ballinrink Hall to raise much needed funds for the club. Apart from raising funds, the dances and the entourage to the games, were wonderful social gatherings for the young men and women of the area. These young men went to the games to cheer on the girls (and sometimes protect them) and some notable names come to mind such as Roof and Tom Brown and the two Jimmy Kevins'. The above summary is the memories of Nellie Brown (Farrelly) who played for the team for the ten years and was its youngest member at sixteen in 1930. She concluded her thoughts by saying, "We were a great team and I enjoyed every minute of it". Tom Hennessy
The Belaney Team at Croke Park in the 1931 All-Ireland Ladies Camogie Final. Back Row (right to left): 6th Bridie Gilsenan Can you help us identify the other people in this photo? If so can please email us at: ballinacree2008@eircom.net
Many thanks to Mary Luttrel, Beaumont, Dublin to help identify her mother Bridie Gilsenan.
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