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Oral History

Jimmy and Fr. Liam Dunne

Two brothers Father Liam Dunne and Jimmy Dunne discuss their involvement in the GAA. They tell us their family has links with the GAA going back to 1886 and they then talk about their grandfather and mother both of whom encouraged them to take part in the GAA. Jimmy goes on to talk about the setting up of the Geraldines club in Arklow and its importance in the community. Liam and Jimmy also talk about other clubs in the area and about playing as youngsters and entering street leagues. Players they looked up to at this time are mentioned including the 1954 Wicklow team. Jimmy talks about his positions in the administration of the club and county. Liam describes listening to matches on the radio. Jimmy talks about companies in Arklow, the teams they formed and how they interacted with the community. Liam comments on the positions he held and how those same skills, learned from their mother, stood to him. Liam also discusses the fact that seminarians and clergy were not allowed to play Gaelic games. He goes on to tell how his interest in the GAA helped him whenever he moved to a new parish. Jimmy talks about Liam’s popularity and how he seems to know everyone at matches they attend. He goes on to talk about how the schools are playing their part in the future of the GAA. They then discuss volunteering and people’s attitude to it. Jimmy talks about how much stronger they are because of their involvement in the GAA. Finally, Liam echoes this and hopes for a Wicklow All-Ireland win in the future.