Denis Keohane

Denis Keohane describes growing up in west Cork, where the GAA was central to people's lives. He recalls listening to big games on the radio, before going to various Munster finals and eventually All-Ireland finals in Croke Park. He talks about his club, Ahiohill being set up. It is the smallest club in the parish but still they have produced players for the county team and Denis describes the impact that this can have on a community where the GAA binds people together. Denis has occupied various administrative positions and he reflects on how Civil War politics affected the running of the GAA and how a person's political stance on various issues is often noted by those in high positions. He also talks about the Cork hurlers' strike of 2009, the opening of Croke Park and his own fears in relation to the prospect of professionalism within the GAA. Coming from a small community, Denis appreciates greatly the role that the GAA plays in bringing the inhabitants closer together.