Louisburgh community celebrate launch of GAA recent history book

The Louisburgh community came together on Saturday, December 9 in the town hall to celebrate. The community launched the recent publication, 'The GAA in Louisburgh - 2012-2022', before presenting medals to young girls and boys from the U-14s, U-15s, U-16s and U-18s for their achievements in the footballing year gone by.

With the hall filled, the guest of honour, John Gibbons, officially launched the book while editor Tommy Morahan showed a selection of photographs to an attentive audience, both in the hall and online streaming on Facebook Live. The medals were presented by the captain of the Intermediate men’s team, Basil MacLeod. Basil was named in the Championship Team of the Year/Club All-star panel who will play against the Mayo Senior team on December 30, at Garrymore GAA grounds.

John Gibbons was introduced as a local man who played for Louisburgh, Mayo, Meath, and Dublin. He won an All-Ireland U-21 medal in 1967 and a National League medal in 1970 with Mayo. He followed that up in 2002 with an All-Ireland Masters medal playing for Dublin. John finished his playing career back in Louisburgh, where he had started.

The audience gave John a warm reception. He begun by congratulating the young players in the hall and encouraged them all to enjoy football rather than endure it, while being the best that they can be. He spoke about the publication and its relevance now and in the future.

Author Tommy Morahan with special guest, John Gibbons, who launched the book.

“It’s a marvelous publication that will be in each parish house in 50 years’ time. As well as being an historical account of the clubs and scór, it is also a social history of the past ten years with photographs and names for future generations to enjoy. In time, someone will pick this up and say - there’s my granny who played in 2012.”

John congratulated the ladies club and the mens club for funding the project. He was excited to share his amazement at seeing a photo of the South African Gaels having played football on Clare Island, and another photo that conjured up memories for John himself – an image of Noel Sammin and Davy Gibbons, former president of Louisburgh GAA. He credited Noel Sammin with starting his own football career by inviting him to come along to a game as a young lad. He played that day and continued playing competitive football until the age of 56. He noted that the three men’s All-Ireland’s that Mayo have won in 1936, 50 and 51, all included a Louisburgh footballer - Mick O’Malley, Liam Hastings, and Joe Staunton. This is recorded in the list of All-Ireland medals won by Louisburgh people which is in the final pages of the book.

The capacity crowd were attentive for the duration of the proceedings and the young attendees were a credit to themselves, their families, and their community. This was a night of inclusivity where LGFA, GAA and Scór all came together was enjoyed by all. The night ended with cups of tea/coffee and some treats for young and old, male and female, sport and Scór – a community together.

The last of the books are for sale in Duffy's Book Shop in Westport; Staunton’s Pub, Lecanvey; Corrib Oil, Staunton’s Pharmacy, Louisburgh; Gala, Books at One, P Dan’s Pub, Killadoon; Padraic O’Malley’s on Clare Island and online at www.mayobooks.ie.

Caption for group pic above

Members of Louisburgh GAA and LGFA at the launch, back, from left: Larah Hutchnison, Ann O'Reilly, Philip McKiernan, Cean McLoughlin, Margaret O'Malley, Sandra McCluskey, Sarah O'Malley, Ann Marie Kitterick and Eamon Gill. Front, from left: Glenn Hyland, Pat Needham, Tommy Morahan, John Gibbons, Michael O'Grady and Paul Hoban. Pic: Jim Corrigan