Cabra and Sport - 1930s to 2020s

The idea

Cabra associated with Gaelic games & soccer but denoted by sport’s excellence & participation in many sports; athletics, basketball, boxing, cycling, Gaelic games, judo, weight lifting, rowing, and soccer. It needs a book for fantastic & untold story of Cabra’s sport people and achievements.

Huge number of Cabra sports clubs & participants since the 1930’s
High performances at community, regional, national & international levels

Beggsboro AFC 1938 going strong 2025
Naomh Fionnbarra CLG continues since 1945
Voluntary inputs sustain many sports

Five Olympians – one a double Olympian & bronze medallist
World champion boxer
12 men soccer internationals
Two women soccer internationals
68 League of Ireland soccer players
Two All –Ireland football winners
Dublin camogie, football, hurling players, a Dublin football & hurling manager
National boxing champions
Basketball internationals,
World master’s athlete medallist,
Champions Cycling and Judo
International masters weight lifte

What we'll deliver

First ever Cabra sports history book from 1930s to 2025s

Completion of research and communications with people and clubs

Athletics Basketball Boxing Cycling Gaelic Games, Judo Power weightlifting, Rowing and Soccer

Raising the profile with recognition of the Cabra’s community contribution to sport

Interesting facts, influences and networks based on interviews of local people and clubs

Sport is a life benefit for all ages, abilities genders, race and standards

Demonstration of public health and social development of the inclusivity of sport clubs

Why it's a great idea

- Showcases the diversity of sports in Cabra, promoting inclusivity and broader community engagement.
- Celebrates decades of sustained achievements, motivating current and future athletes to strive for excellence.
- Acknowledges and honours the legacy of local sports heroes, fostering a greater sense of pride within the community.
- Highlights Cabra’s unique contribution to Ireland’s sporting history, reinforcing its cultural identity.
- Provides a platform to share untold stories, creating a richer narrative for Cabra’s heritage.
- Strengthens community cohesion by uniting residents around shared sporting accomplishments.
- Encourages investment in local sports infrastructure and programmes by showcasing historical success.
- Supports educational initiatives by offering a valuable resource for local schools and youth groups.
- Serves as inspiration for documenting sports histories in other regions, fostering a national appreciation for local heritage.

Steps to get it done

Submit the draft book to a publisher

Produce and distribute book

Presentations in Cabra on the book contents

Deliver a media and publicity campaign

Location

By Jim Kelly

After much research I am at final draft of “... Learn More

About

Successful book launch Friday 15th At Cabra Festival – Project delivery I wish to thank all sponsors, DCC Crowd Fund and Spacehive to enable the publication of Cabra and Sport 1920s -2020s”. There was a big attendance at St Finbarr’s CLG club house as part of Cabra Festival. The venue was decked outside for the occasion with flags and signage. Inside the Cabra Historical Society provided a range of sports photos and Larry Maher had assembled Powerpoint display flow of images from the book. Among those present were, Athletics: Andrea (daughter) and James (son) of Jim McNamara Olympian, Anne and Florence Curley (Donore Harriers), Basketball: Bob and Liam Hartigan, Boxing: Eddie Tracey Olympian, Crossbow: Dermot Mc Mahon GAA : Phelim Brady, 94 year old Joe Casserly, Siobhan Kehoe, Eilis Ui Longain, Mickey Whelan All Ireland football winner plus many @’Barrs players and committee people, Power weightlifting: Billy Kidd, Rowing: Eimear Lambe, bronze medallist Olympian Soccer : Mick Conroy, Eamon Fitzgibbon, Colm Healy nephew of Kevin Healy, Frankie Gleeson, Dominic Martin (son of Bob), Rosaleen McAllorum, Robbie Webb, Mattie Whelan and John Whelan brother of John. Apologies for omissions as it was a bit hectic, though enjoyable for me. The event was covered initially by Irish Daily Mail, Northside People and Dublin Gazette and social media. There is very likely more media coverage to come. I am open to feedback. Big appreciation to Naomh Fionnbarra CLG (chair Dane Russell) who hosted the event and my family and friends who attended and helped. Benefits of first ever publication I believe that the launch and book has the advantages:  Public demonstration of the inclusivity of sport open to all ages, genders, race and standards,  Sport is a life benefit whether as active participant from child to veteran and/or coach/mentor /committee or spectator/supporter,  Source of information for further research and publications,  Elite performers are role models and a boost to stimulate high performance,  Inspiration to other Dublin suburban communities to undertake similar research and publications. Athletics: Andrea (daughter) and James (son) of Jim Mc Namara Olympian, Anne and Florence Curley (Donore Harriers), Basketball: Bob and Liam Hartigan, Boxing: Eddie Tracey Olympian, Crossbow: Dermot Mc Mahon, GAA : Phelim Brady, 94 year old Joe Casserly, Siobhan Kehoe, Eilis Ui Longain, Mickey Whelan All Ireland football winner plus many Finbarrs players and committee people, Power weightlifting: Billy Kidd, Rowing: Eimear Lambe, bronze medallist Olympian Soccer : Mick Conroy, Eamon Fitzgibbon, Colm Healy nephew of Kevin Healy, Frankie Gleeson, Dominic Martin (son of Bob), Rosaleen McAllorum, Mattie Whelan and John Whelan brother of John. Cabra Olympians It will be awhile before there is a similar gathering of Cabra sports people are in the same place. It was an honour and pleasure to chat to Cabra Olympians. I attach a photo of myself with Eimear Lambe and Eddie Tracey, the only two Irish resident Cabra Olympians in Ireland. Claire Lambe and Tony Lally are in Australia and Jim McNamara RIP sadly passed in 2016. On the 1st September 6 30 pm I will present at Cabra library. Details on Dublin City Library Services. I can’t emphasis my appreciation as the book publication would not have been possible without sponsorship and support of DCC Crowd Fund and Spacehive. Go raibh maith agaibh go leir.