Coolcroo Athletic Club ( ) Re-Union & Gathering

Transcription

1 Coolcroo Athletic Club ( ) Re-Union & Gathering A famous County Tipperary athletic club, Coolcroo A.C will hold a reunion/gathering in Bannons,Two-Mile-Borris on Saturday 12th October next to celebrate another period of achievement in their history. The club was founded in 1936 by the Healy and Kennedy brothers of Coolcroo, the townsland after which it was named. The first period, The Golden Jubilee was commemorated in January In the early 1950 s the club went out of existence but was revived again in October, 1958 and continued until 1971, a period of thirteen years that is being celebrated now. The Ad Hoc organising committee are:- Paddy Coman, Liam Hennessy, John Coman, Billy Purcell, Joe Coman, Malach Mullaney, Johnny Ryan, Matty Mullaney, Jimmy Fogarty and others to be co-opted. On 17 th November, 1958 a meeting was called to form the Coolcroo club and held in Harry Morrissey s workshop in the village. There was a big turn out and the following committee elected; - President: Harry Morrissey; Chairman: Eamon Donnelly; Vice chairman: Gus Ryan; Treasurer: Mick Maher; Secretary: Jimmy Fogarty. Committee- John Coman, Paddy Coman, Martin Corcoran, Tom Ryan and Billy McKenna. Co Board delegates John Coman, Jimmy Fogarty, Paddy Coman and Martin P Corcoran. A number of athletes from the Two-Mile-Borris area, including the Comans, McKennas and Ryans were competing with Moyne A.C and they decided to revive the Coolcroo club. It must be remembered at this time that hurling was very strong in the area with the Two-Mile-Borris hurlers successful in the 1957 Mid Tipperary junior championship and there was a lot of sporting activity in the area. Chief instigator behind the move to reform the club was Paddy Coman. He would have been one of the foremost runners with Moyne and had won an All Ireland youths first team medal in Hurling was prominent during the spring and summer months but the winter left a void with no soccer or rugby played locally then. Paddy Coman organised a practice run in Martin Maher s field at Coolcroo cross in October 1958 and the turnout was encouraging. A number of youths, including Con and Seamus Bowe (the start of a great athletic careers for that family) came down to have a look and thought it was easy enough and trained the following Sunday. The following was the first registration list Paddy, Jimmy, John and Joe Coman, Seamie Ryan, Billy McKenna, William McKenna, Ned Fanning, Liam Hennessy, Mick Maher, Jimmy Fogarty, Tom Ryan, Gus Ryan, Paddy Woodlock, Tim Kelly, Con and Seamus Bowe, John Connolly, Mick Connell, Stephen Brolan, Andrew Ryan, Malach Mullaney, Sean Corcoran and Mick Kavanagh. Other officers e in the intervening thirteen year were: Chairmen: Din Healy, John Coman, Gus Ryan, Tom Healy, Paddy Coman. Vice Chairmen-Jimmy Coman, Billy McKenna (C), Secretaries:, Liam Hennessy, Malach Mullaney, Joe Coman, Gerry Bowe, Seamus Bourke, Pat Healy. Treasurers: Paddy Coman, P.J Claffey, Johnny Ryan.P.R.O. S: Joe Coman, Gerry Bowe. Committee:-Patrick Coman, Con Bowe, Tom Ryan, Billy McKenna (C), Mick Carroll, Paddy Cussen, William McKenna (L), Ned Fanning, Gus Ryan, Liam Hennessy, Jimmy Fogarty, M.P. Corcoran, Tim Kelly, Jimmy Coman, Tom Kelly, John Casey,

2 Joe Coman, David Hennessy, Seamus Bowe, Pat Ely, Malach Mullaney, Matty Mullaney, Gerry Bowe, Willie Bowe. From very modest beginnings the club went on to reach great endeavours, winning sixteen Co.Tipperary team cross country championships and gaining runners up honours on eleven occasions. In 1964 and 1965 the county senior triumphs highlighted the success story crowned in 1965 by gaining the Munster senior inter club title. There were also many great individual performances by members in securing County, Munster and All Ireland honours. In Track & field many medals were also won, mainly by the Healy family of the Turnpike and Fonsie Ryan of Killenaule Co. Junior at Knockgraffon 1959-Front: Johnny Casey (F); Jimmy Coman (16); Jimmie Fogarty; Ned Fanning; Seamus Bowe (23) Liam Hennessy; Mick Maher and Con Bowe. Missing from photo Paddy & John Coman, Billy McKenna (C) and Seamie Ryan. One of the teams to be honoured are Coolcroo A.C reunion in Bannons, Two-Mile-Borris on October 12 th. County Championship Successes: (Cross Country) SENIOR (2). Runners up (5) Senior Road Championship (1) JUNIOR (2) Runners Up (1) NOVICE: (3) runners up (1) YOUTHS: (3) runners up (4) u/15 AND u/16 (1 EACH). CO. YOUTHS league (1), LADIES U/16 OTHER COMPETITIONS: Fanning Cup, Antigen Cup, Gold Flake Cup (Novice & Senior), Abbey Cup, Open races at many venues. The early committees were very enterprising and sought out new ideas of financing the club. Dances were held at various venue in Littleton, Thurles (Premier Hall), Boherlahan and Cahir. Phil Richardson Orchestra of Cahir, Jack Hanley of Templemore, J.McCarthy, Ukons, J.Fahy, Cossocks, Tollados, Luxemburg Showband, J. Whelehan, Empire Showband and Ber Digginsthe bands. Raffles, church gate collection, gate receipts from open cross country (Fanning Cup), also helped. There was a certain amount of risk always in running dances but a small group of organisers, such as (Joe Coman, Gus Ryan and David Hennessy) always ensured somehow that a profit would be realised. Competitions were held to attract attendances and on one occasion a Twist competition was held in Thurles with a ladies and gents watch the prizes. Dance receipts kept the club financially vibrant.

3 Their first venture into cross country in 1959 brought no team awards but performances gave encouragement for the future. While it was a disappointing beginning the athletes were not dismayed and resolved to train harder and make every effort to improve performances. First Team Successes for Revived Coolcroo: So in 1960 for the county novice championship at Holycross, it was a confident Coolcroo side that took the field that mild January afternoon.. With a field of 200 runners representing 17 clubs and the largest crowd ever to witness a Tipperary novice championship there was great tension for the Coolcroo boys. They had a large parish volume of support and knew they could not let them down. The ten on duty were Paddy Woodlock, Paddy Coman, Con Bowe, Ned Fanning, Liam Hennessy, Mick Maher, Michael Meaney, Jimmy Coman, Jimmy Fogarty and Liam Ryan. The race was won by Michael Hickey (Cashel) and Coolcroo runners winning the Co. Novice Title with a low score of 27 points and a 34 points winning margin over Holycross. Memories of former glories days were recalled as Paddy Coman (Captain) accepted the Peter Maher Cup. Coolcroo novice and junior Co. Tipperary cross country champions 1960, the first successful teams under the new regime.- Back row (l to r) - Jim O Shea, Johnny Ryan, John Coman, Billy McKenna, (Lacken), Paddy Cussen, John Moloughney, Larry Mullaney, Ned Fanning, Mick Carroll, Thomas Moore, Paddy Coman, Con Bowe, Martin P. Corcoran, Liam Hennessy, Tom Dalton, Billy McKenna (Coolcroo), Connie Nolan, Harry Morrissey, Tom Ryan, Gus Ryan, Malach Mullaney, Tommy Bannon. Front row (l to r) Joe Coman, Paddy Maher, Jimmy Coman, Seamus Moloughney, Liam Ryan, Seamus Bowe, Jimmy Fogarty, Mick Maher, Tim Kelly, Tom Kelly, Matty Mullaney, John McGuire, Kathleen Mullaney. In front Paddy Maher, Paudie Moloughney, Pa Joe Mullaney, Kathleen McGuire, Liam McGuire, Tom Kelly, Matty Mullaney. One of the teams to be honoured at re-union in Bannons, Two-Mile-Borris on October 12 th. Gallows Hill outside Cashel provided the venue for the county junior championship. It was a undulating course and taxed the stamina of even the bravest, but once more the Coolcroo runners were not found wanting. Thirteen clubs accounting for 144 runners lined up. The individual title went to Frankie Hughes of Ballincurry, Paddy Coman was second home to captain the team to the Spring Double. It was once more an easy team triumph over Ballincurry with 45 points to spare. Running for the

4 black and whites were Paddy Coman, Con Bowe, Paddy Woodlock, Ned Fanning, Liam Ryan, Jimmy Fogarty, Seamus Bowe, Mick Maher, Liam Hennessy, John Grogan, Tim Kelly, Michael Meaney. and Seamus Moloughney. County Senior Champions 1964: At back- John Coman, Tim Kelly, Michael Hayes, and Gus Ryan. Middle Row - Tom Kelly, Paddy Coman, Ned Fanning, Mick Carroll, John Joe Bourke, Malach Mullaney, Stephen Brolan. Middle row:- Seamus Bowe, Matty Mullaney, Con Bowe, Willie Bowe, Tommy Healy (N), Pat Ely, Liam Hennessy. In Front- Joe Coman, David Hennessy & Pa Joe Mullaney. One of the teams to be honoured at reunion in Bannons, Two-Mile-Borris on October 12 th. Senior Success in 1964 & 65 The large crowd in the home venue of Duggans, The Castle in February, 1964 was treated to a most thrilling and spectacular race. Eight teams participated and the Coolcroo, Dundrum and Holycross runners dominated the race and score markers knew that as the event progressed that the results would be close. When the officials marking were declared Coolcroo & Dundrum tied on 60pts each and the great Holycross run was diminished at last finishing 3 rd with 73 pts. But the best placed sixth scorer rule came to Coolcroo s rescue and they were declared champions to regain the title after almost 20 years. Amid great scenes of excitement the team trophy was presented to team captain Con Bowe. Con finished 3 rd behind his great rivals Mick Hickey (Dundrum) winner and runner-up Billy Dwyer (Holycross). The historic Coolcroo team was, Con Bowe, John Joe Bourke, Paddy Coman, Malach Mullaney, Matty Mullaney, Seamus Bowe, Stephen Brolan, Ned Fanning, Tom Kelly, Willie Bowe, Pat Ely and Tommy Healy (N).The clubs non scorers took credit too with their placings pushing the Dundrum sixth scorer back to crown a wonderful team achievement.

5 The following year the Tipperary senior championship was once more fixed for Two-Mile-Borris and another large crowd on a dry but cold evening waited in anticipation of an exciting race but were somewhat disappointed by a number of defections from the other major senior clubs due to illness. But the big local support did not worry for they saw Coolcroo make a clean sweep of the honours to annex two senior championships in a row. Con Bowe in a power packed display was first past the tape followed by clubmates John Joe Bourke 2nd, Pat Ely 3 rd, Paddy Ryan, Malach Mullaney, Matty Mullaney, Willie Bowe, Seamus Bowe, Jerry O Dwyer, Donal Maher, Timmy Bowe, Larry Phelan, Timmy Bowe and Tommy Healy (N). Ballynonty were a distance second 104 points adrift. It brought back memories of the glorious days of the club when they dominated the senior country scene. Coolcroo A.C. Co. Tipperary senior cross country champions Front row (l to r):_ Mick Carroll (trainer), Pat Ely, Seamus Bowe, Matty Mullaney, Willie Bowe, Timmy Bowe, Donal Maher. Back Row (L to r). Joe Coman, Paddy Ryan, John Joe Bourke, Tommy Healy (N), Liam Woodlock, Con Bowe, Malach Mullaney, J. Coady, Jerry O Dwyer, Larry Phelan, Paddy Coman. One of the teams to be honoured at re-union in Bannons, Two-Mile-Borris on October 12 th. Won Munster Senior Title In the Munster senior in Kenmare Coolcroo runners added to their ongoing status when they became the first Tipperary club to win the provincial inter club championship beating such famous exponents of the sport such as Tulla of Clare, St Finbarrs & Millstreet of Cork and Granagh, Limerick. This victory gave great joy to their travelling supporters and officials. Their score of 81 pts was 14 ahead of Tulla and 24 better than St. Finbarrs. The scoring six on that momentous occasion was Con Bowe, John Joe Bourke, Pat Ely, Paddy Ryan, Willie Bowe and Malach Mullaney. Their names will be etched in any club history. Emigration began to take its toll on the club s running strength around the late 1960 s but still the club was vibrant and with plenty of good quality youths in the ranks Coolcroo could still compete with the best. The 1966 county senior was contested

6 at Two-Mile-Borris and Dundrum thwarted Coolcroo s bid for three in a row and beat their great rivals of the time by 51 pts to 58 with the transfer of the individual winner Billy O Dwyer from Holycross to Dundrum making the difference. In that event John Joe Bourke came third behind Billy O Dwyer and Mick Hickey. Coolcroo scorers - John Joe Bourke, Paddy Ryan, Timmy Bowe, Jerry O Dwyer, Malach Mullaney and Willie Bowe The Youths team of 1971 brought the curtain down on 13 Years: This season the youths team took centre stage when defeating neighbours Moycarkey-Borris (the holders) in the BLE county youths three miles championship at Holycross. Coolcroo scorers - Tom Cawley, Michael Purcell, Joe Gleeson, Richie Fogarty, Jim Ely and Michael Bourke. This ended the era. Coolcroo A.C., 1971Co. TipperaryYouths cross country champions: - (Last team to win a championship) Back Row- Paddy Coman (Club chairman), Liam Kelly, Joe Gleeson, Jim Ely, Michael Purcell, Michael Clohessy, Tommy Heal (N), committee. Middle row: Seamus Bourke (Secretary), Martin Roberts, Michael Bourke, Tom Cawley (captain), Eddie Moore, Richie Fogarty. Front: - Timmie Moore, Liam Troy. Inset- Conor Kennedy. One of the teams to be honoured at re-union in Cannons, Two-Mile-Borris on October 12 th.

7 1984: In 1984 the Coolcroo was revived after a lapse of twelve years with the following officer; President: Fr. Denis Curtin. Vice President: Jimmy Fogarty. Chairman: Paddy Coman. Vice chairman: Tony Kirby. Secretary: Gerry Bowe. Assistant Secretay: Peggy Quirke. Treasurer: P.J. Claffey. A large number of juveniles registered but the amalgamation of other clubs in the county and some strong new outfits made it difficult to continue and unity with Moycarkey A.C beckoned. Moycarkey-Coolcroo A.C. The following year negotiations took place between representative of the two club through Tommy Fogarty, Paddy Coman, Jimmy Fogarty and Tony Kirby and the agreement put to a general meeting in Littleton Monday 30th September and carried so Moycarkey-Coolcroo A.C. was formed. The new officers were then elected;-patron: Tom Healy. President: Father Denis Curtin. Vice Presidents- Father Richard Ryan, Father John Gleeson and Jimmy Fogarty. Chairman: Paddy Coman. Vice-chairman: Tommy Fogarty. Joint Hon. Treasurers: Eamon Barry & Connie Sweeney. Secretary: Sally Dwyer. Assistant Secretary: Tony Kirby. P.R.O.: Danny Butler. Senior Secretary: Billy Skehan. Committee;- Joe Fallon, Breda Fallon, Jimmy Fogarty, William Sweeney, Patrick Bracken, Noel Browne, Rodger Sweeney, Eileen Kelly, Michael Kavanagh, Sheila Callanan, Martin Callanan, Anna Hogan, Mary McCormack, Helen Delahunty, Malach Mullaney, John McGinley, P.J. Claffey, Peggy Quirke, Hannah Mullaney, John Lee, Eamon Hayden, Don McGinty, Johnny Casey. A New Club and a New History Awaiting. Since then this parish club has kept the athletics flag flying and to-day are one of the strongest club in Tipperary and young athletes winning County, Munster and All Ireland medals with regularity and setting new records too. A story for a future generation to chronicle. The rest, as they say, is history and no doubt on October 12 th next memories will be jogged and many stories of triumph and disappointment re-enacted. Over 100 athletes who wore the black & white period over the thirteen years will be invited to attend the gala gathering and re-union, including many from overseas. Alas, a number of those mentioned have gone to their eternal rewards and the bell has rung for their final lap.

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