Cabra and Sport - 1930s to 2020s

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.

Dear Sponsors, I am very pleased to inform you that “Cabra and Sport 1930s -2020s “ has gone to printer. It will be launched on Friday 15th August in St Finbarr’s club house, Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra, Dublin, 7. Doors from 7 15pm and 7 30pm start for function. You are welcome to attend a celebration of Cabra sport people and community. It would not have been possible without your financial support and Dublin City Council’s Crowd Fund and the Spachive service- go raibh mile maith agaibh and many thanks. RSVP.

I am pleased to inform you that I expect to have the book printed and launched in mid- August or so. The final draft is now at design and layout phase and the next one is printing. The extended dead-line for donations was advantageous for getting additional Cabra sport information and photos. I learned of;  Brendan Mc Mahon, World and European cross bow champion,  Wayne Waldron an international ultra-marathon runner,  More on Cabra’s women’s soccer internationals and pioneers in the development of Irish Women’s soccer like Rosaleen McAllorum, Annmarie Dunne, and Pauline Murtagh and other senior players. There truly is, a depth and range of sport heroes, excellence in the sport friendly Cabra community. Your sponsorship and support has made it possible for me, to get it all in the one book for the first time. Many thanks. Go raibh mile maith agaibh

There was an unexpected benefit and value in the delay in getting to publication. In case you did not know, as I didn’t until very recently happily informed,that Dermot McMahon was a crossbow champion nationally, and at European and double at World levels. Certainly one for the book as I move on to publication phase. Thanks again for your support which was vital to getting the book to next phase. Go raibh maith agaibh go leir.