John and Michael Lenihan

John Lenihan talks about growing up in Limerick in the early 1900s. Born in 1911, there was much strife in the country during his younger days, but there was still a place for Gaelic games, which John feels were a force for good. Clubs came and went in those days, and when John played with teams they often played against other teams in Limerick, or those over the border in Kerry. He recalls making hurleys from wood in the area, saving up with friends to buy a football, and collecting from local people so that they could afford jerseys. He sometimes went to Croke Park for the All-Ireland final, which was a major excursion. John talks about the talented players he saw in action and remembers people being forced to emigrate, often never to be seen again. The GAA has endured through the years as has his enthusiasm for Gaelic games. He is joined by his grandson Michael, who keeps the family tradition alive playing by lining out with his local club Mountcollins.