Clann Na N Gael GAA (Cork) - 1888 First Match

1888 First Match

Considering that now, Clann na nGael is a Drimoleague–Drinagh team that plays together for the honour of the entire parish it is fitting that the first match played was also a Drimoleague-Drinagh combination. The first match played by a team representing the entire parish took place in Drinagh between Drimoleague-Drinagh (O’Connells) and Leap (Geraldines) in Drinagh. The ball was thrown in at 3 o’ clock after O’Connells won the toss. It is a credit to the men who organised the game that they overcome the difficulties of limited and time consuming transport facilities to select a team from such a large area. The name ‘O’ Connells’ was used in connection with the team representing the parish. In the early years of the GAA most clubs adopted patriotic names to show their nationalistic beliefs and the title was in honour of Daniel O’Connell.