Search Results for 'Johnny Kelly'

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.”

One of the most enduring of Galway's institutions is this band which has given pleasure to its own members and countless thousands of members of the public since it was formed in Forster Street in 1896. Thanks to dedicated leaders and teachers, this group of musicians continues to entertain. The founders were Peter Rabbitt, a Forster Street publican and grocer, Paddy Walsh, the station master and Michael Spelman of Moon’s staff.

After falling to defeat for the first time to Kilkenny in the group stages of the Leinster senior hurling championship last Saturday afternoon, manager Micheál Donoghue admitted his displeasure with what was a very disappointing performance in the aftermath of a twelve-point loss in Nowlan Park.

The LIT Gaelic Grounds will host a fascinating All-Ireland senior club hurling semi-final this Sunday afternoon as St Thomas’ bid to reach a third final in eight spectacular years for the club, but they will have to pull out all the stops to derail the challenge of Tipperary and Munster champions Borris-Ileigh (throw-in 4pm).

We know that hurling was played in the Bohermore area 200 years ago. Several different clubs operated around there at different times — Galway City, Bohermore 98s, College Road, Thomas Ashe, etc. Players would occasionally transfer from one club to another so it was natural for them to join the new club that was formed on February 11, 1933. The club was called Liam Mellows after the patriot who led the 1916 rebellion in Galway.

The Galway hurling championship kicks off this weekend with some interesting games down for decision.

HE FOUNDED The Capitol Showband that scored a number of firsts for Irish bands at home and abroad. He discovered songwriting legend Phil Coulter, he set visionary trad band Planxty on the road to success, he is Des Kelly.

He founded The Capitol Showband that scored a number of firsts for Irish bands at home and abroad. He discovered songwriting legend Phil Coulter, he set visionary trad band Planxty on the road to success, he is Des Kelly.

After the stunning victory over Tipperary in the All-Ireland senior semi-final and the euphoria of that win and  the minor success over Kilkenny, it was tempting to believe Galway were going to have it all their own way for the next few weeks in intercounty hurling.