In 1791, a French writer, in his impressions of Galway wrote, “In August, hurling begins to be played. Each team is divided into three sections – 'L’arriere' of back guards the goal and seeks to stop the ball from passing through. Another group is in front to prevent the enemy’s ball from coming back from that end, that is the middle; the third group called the whip is 'sur le terrain' [on the ground]. The game of hurling is 'Behine' and the place they play – Turlough. The ball is cow’s hair, very compact and covered with leather. The spectators are on the ground about – the majority dancing. The sides are distinguished by the colour of their caps. It is terrifying to see the way they rush into each other to force the ball to pass under the goal.”
So, we know that hurling was played in Bohermore over 200 years ago. Clubs such as Bohermore 98’s, College Road, Thomas Ashe and Galway City all operated in the general area, and players would occasionally transfer from one to the other. It was natural, therefore when a new club called Liam Mellows was formed in Bohermore on February 11, 1933 that many of these players joined it.
A number of County players were among the first to join – Mike King, Miko Cunningham and Jack Deeley. The club won their first senior County Championship within two years and they repeated this achievement when they beat Ardrahan by a score of 8 – 4 to 0 – 8 in the 1942 final. That game did not produce brilliant hurling, rather it was a vigorous, hard-slogging affair in which dash and strength counted for more than clever camán-craft. The match was played in the Sportsground. In spite of losing by 20 points, Ardrahan decided to appeal the result on the basis that the ground was too short, the grass was too long and some of their players were assaulted after the game. Their appeal was upheld and the replay was fixed for Loughrea. That game opened with some thrilling play but soon developed into a brawl. Three players were sent off and rioting broke out after the final whistle which resulted in both clubs being suspended by the County Board.
Liam Mellows Hurling Club continued to evolve and make a major impact on the promotion of hurling and camogie in the city and environs. It was always a city club. They have trained thousands of young Galwegians over the years and fielded teams at all levels from under-6 to senior. Their club colours are green with a white collar and white cuffs. They have won 10 senior county hurling championships, the most recent being 2017.
In 1984, they completed the development of a 10-acre playing field and clubhouse at Ballyloughane at a total cost of £150,000, not bad for an amateur organisation. They continue to be a progressive club, but they now have a great 94-year tradition behind them, much of which was documented in a book entitled The History of Liam Mellows Hurling Club 1933-2007 by James Casserley. They have produced many notable players over the years, notably the Duggan brothers, Seán, Paddy and Jimmy, Johnny Kelly, Jimmy Hegarty, Inky Flaherty and many more.
Some of the families who have been associated with Mellows are the Hughes, Ellwoods, Kearns, Lenihans, Crowes, Powers, McHughs, Duggans, Lallys, Fordes, Quinns, Divineys and Kenellys.
So, to celebrate their 93 year history (since yesterday ) we have for you two teams that became county senior champions. The first is the team that played in the above-mentioned 1942 final. They are, back row: MJ Kennedy, Tom Sweeney, Mick Hughes, John Crowe (Captain ), Tom Flynn, Charlie Hughes, John Forde, “Bunny” Keane, Tom O’Connor, Tom Hughes, Dan Henderson, Paddy Flaherty, “Inky” Flaherty. Middle row: Matt Forde, Darby Diviney, Matt O’Connor, Mick O’Brien, Pat Duggan, Tom Kelly, Jack Deeley. Seated in front are Malachy O’Connor, “Hockey” Nestor and Seán Duggan.
Our other photograph is of the 1955 team who beat An Céad Cath in the county final in the Sportsground by 3 – 4 to 2 – 5. They are, front row: Louis O’Leary, John Lenihan, Tommy Lenihan, Pádraic O’Donoghue, John Kelly, Jimmy Duggan, Mickey Ellwood, Billy Heffernan, Paddy (Mogan ) Duggan. At the back are Bernie Power, Paddy Daly, Patsy Hardiman, Paddy (Danno ) Lenihan, G Mahony, Willie Cullinane, and Billy Keane.
Finally, a request … The History Society of Ballinasloe is engaged in a project to document the early days of photography in the town. Robert Simmons of Nun's Island is believed to have had a studio in Ballinasloe at the end of the 19th and early 20th century. They would love anyone with information on this, or archive photographs of the Nun’s Island, Ballinasloe or Athlone studios to contact them at [email protected].
