Sean Toner

Seán Toner recounts the history of the Bellaghy club, which was founded in 1939. He recalls playing with his friends as a child, when resources were scarce and all aspects of the club were underdeveloped. Although he wasn’t a player himself, Seán has maintained a lifelong passion for the GAA and was never far away from the action, whether it was at tournaments or carnivals. The poet Seamus Heaney sometimes took part in local events and has since immortalised his experiences in verse. Things were not always carefree, though, and Seán discusses the impact of the Troubles in the area. Some locals were killed while others died as a result of the hunger strikes. In later years the club enjoyed much success, and claimed an All-Ireland club final in 1972. For Seán the GAA represents the glue that holds a community together.