Summerpride – Aughawillan – RTE 2 – Wednesday night

RTE to show Aughawillan on Summerpride on Tomorrow night (Wed, 5th Sept) @ 8.30 RTE 2

From RTE Website :
Programme 9: Aughawillan GAA Club in Co. Leitrim

Theres a saying in Aughawillan that, whenever a babys born in the parish, they always ask, "Is it a boy?". And well they might because Aughawillan is such a tiny parish (in a county that, itself, has a small population) that they need all the potential players they can get, and its the same for the ladies team.

The club was started in 1936, reached senior level in 1939, but suffered due to emigration and died out in 1963. In 1971 it was, again, revived and included players who had moved up to Dublin since 63. One such player is Frank Darcy who, with wife Phil, talks about how they managed, children in tow, travelling to Leitrim each weekend so he could continue to play.

Seán Ó Suilleabháin, a local historian, gives the history of Aughawillan, and also featured is Maeve Quinn, captain of the ladies football team.

The programme also looks at Leitrim county football on the back of the teams Connacht Football Final win the previous year against Mayo (in 1994) – a very special win for them. GAA All-Star Mickey Quinn and Tom Gannon (Leitrim Captain in 1927), talk about what its meant for the county.

Other contributors include: Patsy Prior, team coach; Pat Flanagan, club chairman; Syl McGovern, club secretary; Tommy Moran, Leitrim county board secretary and club member, Des Quinn.

Unfortunately, since this programme was first transmitted, both Syl McGovern and Tom Gannon have died.

 

 

04-Sep-07 by Brendan Doyle – PRO