This author has yet to write their bio.
Meanwhile lets just say that we are proud Cartlann Digiteach Cuala contributed a whooping 49 entries.
Cartlann Digiteach Cuala loves attics. And when the attic in question belongs to a former Chairman who played a major role in developing one of Cuala’s most important facilities, we know we’re in for a treat. So we were delighted to hear from Tommy Johnson (Chairman 1987-1989) who has shared with us his many interesting notes and images from this important period.
The formal Cuala story can be traced from records of games in the area in the late-19th century and on through a variety of mergers, off-shoots, ‘rests’ and ressurections involving local clubs like Cuala Hurling Club, Naomh Mhuire, St Begnet’s, Dalkey Mitchell’s, Roger Casements and Cuala Boys. All of these clubs are part of the great Cuala journey – their history and that of the modern club are inseparable.
The sinking of the RMS Leinster in 1918 – to be commemorated shortly – was by far the worst loss of life in Irish Waters. Of the 550+ casualties, 21 Post Office mail sorters lost their lives. Many of the postal workers are understood to have come from the Kingstown (Dún Laoghaire) area and it has been reported that some were members of local GAA clubs. We wonder might there be families out there who know more?
Cuala members with an appreciation of the history of the club will be interested in this Summer School taking place at the end of August in Dun Laoghaire. One of the constituent clubs making up the Cuala family was called Cuala Casements (1967 – 1974), previously Roger Casements (1966 – 67) in recognition of the patriot’s association with nearby Sandycove, his birthplace in 1864. Cathaoirleach Cuala, Damian McKeown has been invited to participate in the event. Both he and Cartlann Digiteach Cuala are interested in hearing stories of those amalgamations from anyone involved at the time.
1973 saw the first Adult Football trophy brought home to Dalkey under a “Cuala” title. This short-lived club grew out of the amalgamation of Roger Casements and Cuala Boys. It later amalgamated with Dalkey Mitchell’s to become Cuala Hurling & Football Club.
This picture of St. Michael’s is not only remarkable for its depiction of a set of boys who later, formed the feeder for Cuala Boys, it also contains at least 3 ‘celebrities’
On the eve of a historic weekend when a Cuala team returns to defend its all-Ireland club title at headquarters, Cartlann Digiteach Cuala is delighted to offer this reflection from Frances Browner on happy days gone by.
Cartlann Digiteach Cuala is looking for Dun Laoire players who participated in the Cuala Marian League in 1955
Cartlann Digiteach Cuala is delighted to announce the acquisition of a wide-ranging set of photographs and news clippings courtesy of Bridie Dunphy . This 1974 image is of a presentation to mark a wonderful season for the Minors (who finished top of the Dublin Minor Football League) and to honour the achievements of their manager, the late Mick Dunphy.
The emergence of this beautiful medal raises an important question. Just who were “Dunleary GAA” and what, if any, association had they with our own medal-laden club?
