Members of Ballaghaderreen GAA Club

Members of Ballaghaderreen discuss their involvement in the GAA. They discuss their early memories of the GAA in the locality and how they got involved in the GAA. Father John Doherty recalls moving to Ballaghaderreen in 1966 and becoming chairman of the club soon after. They describe the role of the club in the community and talk about the important people involved in the club over the years like John Morley and Gerry Clarke. They discuss the development of the club’s grounds and improvements over the years. The club’s successes and defeats are documented including the club’s county final win in 2008.The issue of identity in relation to the transferring of town from Mayo to Roscommon and back again under the Local Government (Ireland) Act is addressed. John O’Mahony discusses his inter-county managerial career and the highs and lows he experienced. The issue of emigration is discussed and Frank Kelly talks about moving to Birmingham and playing with St Brendan’s. Towards the end of the interview the interviewees highlight the importance of the GAA in their lives and the role it plays in Ballaghaderreen.