John Donovan

John Donovan talks about growing up in Araglen in Tipperary and his memories of those times. Hurling was prominent in the area and he remembers stories his father had told him about the GAA there in the early 1900s. During the Troubles there was much strife and it was common for people who were on the run to hide out in Araglen. John played with the club and won a North Cork championship, of which he is immensely proud. He talks all about what they wore during games and what their facilities and preparations were like. He also recalls trips to Croke Park to see big games. Araglen was a hive of social activity and John and Nellie share their fond memories of the dances that were held in the area and the bands that would entertain them. Although much has changed in the Association since John was young, it has given him great pleasure over the years and he has remained a committed GAA man through the ongoing process of its modernisation.