Carlow Pembroke

Athletics Carlow Pembroke 1884

Advertisement for the Carlow Amateur Athletic Sports held in Pembroke, Carlow taken from the Carlow Sentinel September 1884.

Carlow County Library

Athletics Carlow Pembroke 1884
Carlow County Library

Athletics Carlow Pembroke 1884

Advertisement for the Carlow Amateur Athletic Sports held in Pembroke, Carlow taken from the Carlow Sentinel September 1884.

Carlow County Library

Enlarge image

In September 1884, there was evidence of a revival of Amateur Athletic Sports in Carlow town. A committee was appointed as follows: G.J. Bourke, F. Gale, M Governey, T.C.; B. Coleman, T.C.; T. Lawler, J Whelan, T.C.; J. Hade, A. Balding, P.J. Conlan, W. Doriss, W.H. Boyd, D.J. McGrath, P.J. Gregan. Chairman: M.L. Kelly, T.C. Treasurer: J. O'Brien, Hon. Sec.: T.H. Hayes, TCD. Judges: Dr. R.B. Carey, G.J. Bourke, Charles Casey. Referees of Walking: J.L. Dunbar, P.J. Conlan. Handicapper: J.L. Dunbar. Starters: J.L. Dunbar, J. Hade. Timekeeper: W.M. Douglas.

An advertisement appeared in the Nationalist of that period giving notice of an athletics meeting which would be held in Pembroke on Tuesday 30th September 1884. The events included the long jump, bicycle race, hurdle and flat races and even a donkey race. Programmes and Entry Forms could be obtained from T.H. Hayes of Dublin Street, Carlow.

The Athletics Sports Day took place but on Wednesday, according to the newspaper report. There was a good attendance and the events were closely contested. The encroachment of the spectators caused inconvenience to the participants, particularly during the walking race. But the reporter stated that "all went merry as a marriage bell".

All seventeen events on the card were filled. Mr. Hayes the Secretary received due credit for the success of the meeting. It was also noted that it was the "inaugural meeting of the Carlow Athletic Club". The Band of the Carlow Rifles provided a musical interlude, under the baton of Mr. Collins. Mr. George J. Bourke presented the prizes:

The Winners were: