Mickie Reilly and Ollie Brady

Michael Reilly and Ollie Brady discuss the role of the GAA in their lives and the experiences they have had as part of the Association. They recall what the GAA was like in their local area of Redhills in Cavan during their youth, the amalgamation with other local clubs and the changes in the club over the years. They discuss their schooldays and Ollie discusses going to school in Dublin before returning to Cavan. They talk about the importance of St Pat’s College for Cavan football during the 1960s and the success the county enjoyed during this period. Ollie discusses his county career, winning an All-Star in 1978 and travelling to America with the All-Stars. Michael recalls Redhills’ 1973 championship win and the celebrations in the village after. They discuss the issue of emigration and Ollie moving to Birmingham in the 1970s and playing with the Sean McDermott club. Michael discusses his involvement in the club and county, from playing with the county in the early 1970s to being selector of the county team from the 1990s onwards. He recalls becoming secretary of the club when he was only 19 and discusses the various roles he held before becoming chairman in 2004. He describes the impact of the Troubles on the area and effect it had on the club. Michael talks about the role of the GAA in his life and towards the end of the interview he discusses how important the Association has been to him over the years.