Members of Dohenys GAA Club, Dunmanway

Members of the Doheny's club in Cork reflect on their long association with the GAA - which stretches back to 1886. They talk about the founding of the club and how things began to develop through participation in tournaments and the dedication of particular people within the area. They also provide a sketch of what the area was like in terms of the main industries and the employment situation over the years. Sam Maguire hailed from Dunmanway and his life and times are discussed, as is his importance to the people of the area and their sense of identity. Things did not always run smoothly at the club and problems presented themselves in the form of wider societal conflicts in the early 1900s, which led to splits within the club. Emigration was a recurring problem but nevertheless the club navigated such challenges and continued to flourish. The members discuss how things have changed over the years and assess the long-term impact of the lifting of the Ban, which gave young players the freedom to engage in other sporting activities. They also address the issue of Cork inter-county players going on strike. Each member has their own unique perspective on the evolution of the club - and of the GAA - in the area, and they are acutely aware of their own history. Dedicated and proud, their continued commitment to Doheny's bodes well for the club's future, demonstrating to the younger generation the importance of having a sense of place and the highlighting the direct link between the GAA and local identity.