History of Sport in Clontuskert

Cricket in Clontuskert!!!

Did you know that cricket flourished in Clontuskert in the first quarter of the 20th century? There was a team in Ganaveen which included players such as Pat Gilligan, Tom Hoare and the Mariners. They were allowed to play anywhere they wished on the lawn at Lismany. Frequently they played a team from the other end of the parish, Glanlochan. The Goodes, one of whom was an excellent bowler, the Walshes and the Josephs, were among the regular competitors. While they played in the usual protective gear, the immaculate whites usually associated with cricket were nowhere to be seen. In fact, the only time the correct regulation gear was to be seen was when the Lawrencetown team were playing. On those occasions, Fr. Nagle played in his resplendent white attire! These contests were always pleasant social occasions. There was always a quarter barrel of porter, and mounds of sandwiches were laid out on shaded tables. Cricket was also played in the shadow of the ruined castle at Ballagh in the closing days of the last century.

Early Sports-Meetings

Among the earliest sports-meeting held in the parish were the Annual Fancy Fêtes held on the lawn close to the big house in Lismany. These occasions were like one-day Country Fairs, complete with amusements and side-shows. Foot-races, hammer throwing, jumping and shot-putting attracted a huge number of competitors. A large dog with collection boxes for the Red Cross slung over his back was led among the attendance. The small figure of the shy landlord, Alan Pollock, sporting trilby hat and spats could be observed mingling with the crowd.

Click Here To Read about the History of Kiltormer GAA Club

History Menu

Allan Pollock
"The Great Shame"
History of
Sport
Clontuskert
Around 1837
Gortnamona House
Battle of Aughrim
The Old Abbey of
Clontuskert
The Somerset
Horde
The Old School
Glann Church

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