First County Convention in Carlow

Notice of GAA Convention Oct 1888

This notice taken from the Nationalist and Leinster Times 20th Oct 1888 advertising the upcoming GAA Convention. This was the first convention held in Carlow.

Carlow County Library

Notice of GAA Convention Oct 1888
Carlow County Library

Notice of GAA Convention Oct 1888

This notice taken from the Nationalist and Leinster Times 20th Oct 1888 advertising the upcoming GAA Convention. This was the first convention held in Carlow.

Carlow County Library

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The first County Convention was held at Lennon's Hotel, Tullow in late October early November, 1888. Thirteen clubs were represented.

They were:
Myshall – P. Nolan, James Murphy
Ballon and Rathoe – P. Kelly, John Cummins
Carlow – John Conlan, Francis Stenson
Aghade – Paul Maher, R. Flemming
Tullow – M. Rooney, Eugene Peppard
Grange and Killerig – John Reid, Arthur McDonald
Rathvilly – Ed. O'Toole, M.P. Maher
Donore – William Prandy, P. Phelan
Nurney – P. Kinsella, Jas. Gorman
Ticknock – Michael Nolan, Lawrence O'Toole
Clonmore – Michael Byrne, P. McCall
Leighlinbridge – John Cummins, Chas. Brennan
Clonegal and Kildavin – T.B. Donohoe, Thos. White

The Chairman M.P. Maher remarked that only one club was in existence twelve months earlier but that now "every parish had a club". The first County Board meeting was held in Ballon on January 21st 1889 and E.J. Doyle was in the chair.

The first Carlow County Championship was held in Ballybar near the River Barrow. The match was played on the famous race course there. The Championship was played between teams from Donore (near Bagenalstown) and Carlow on March 3rd 1889. A large crowd was present at the match and E.J. Doyle was the referee.