We have an unusual request to ask of you, the readers of the Galway’s Own Magazine Blog.
We were contacted by Micheal Keegan, who’s father (also Michael Keegan b.1928, d.2009) was born in St Bridget’s Pl. nr Prospect Hill and was raised nearby in Woodquay in Galway, seeking our help in uncovering the history behind a particular medal that is now in his possession. This is a GAA medal from the ‘Galway City Tournament 1919 – Walsh Medals’ and won by ‘Galway T Ashe HC – M O Dea’.
The only information Micheal can add is:
The medal is 1½” x 1″ and hallmarked silver.
It was found among my maternal aunt’s personal effects. She was Eithne Drury, (b.1920, d.2012) originally from Rathgar, Co Dublin. She resided for all her life in south Co Dublin, except for c20 years when she worked in the Irish Embassy in London. She never married.
I have no more to go on, so the medal is a complete mystery. I made some inquiries of the County Board (I think it was via John Hynes) a couple of years back, but despite his efforts no light could be shed on the medal’s provenance.
The medal resided in a little jewellery box with various religious medals, along with one relating to the 1930 Father Matthew Feis, for Teagasc Críostaidhe (fé bhun 14). It shows that Eithne was in good standing with the man upstairs, so if you/your readers can’t solve the mystery of the Walsh medal I may have to resort to a higher level investigation.
Micheal kindly sent photos of the Father Matthew Feis medal, which is an interesting addition to this post.
If you can shed some light on these medals please do get in touch at info@galwaysown.ie.
There are reports of a hurling festival in South Park in August 1919. Thomas Ashes defeated Claregalway by 4-7 to 5-2. One report appeared in the Connacht Tribune on 2nd August 1919. The players’ names for Thomas Ashes are listed as P. O’Connor (capt.), M. Harrington, M. O’Dea, M. Noone, M. Newell, B. Newell, W. Mulryan, J. Fallon, B. Nolan, J. Lynskey, T. Fleming, T. Fahy, T. Murphy, W. Lally, P. Casserly.
On the same day, Thomas Ashe’s junior team defeated Menlo Emmets on a score line of 4-08 to 1-00.
While there doesn’t appear to be any player name Keegan, it may be that there was a relative on the team and that the medal was passed down.
In relation to the name “Walsh Medals”, it could be that the medals were presented by the Walsh’s of The Old Malt. Michael Walsh (or Micheál Breathnach), was a great GAA and Thomas Ashe supporter and a Republican who was murdered by the Black and Tans in the 1920s.
I hope this is helpful and if you get any further information, please do let me know.
Very insightful response, Michael, thanks. The winner of the medal, M O’Dea, features on your list alright. The medal just happened into to fall these Keegan hands via an aunt (on my Dublin mother’s side), who had no known connection with Galway – she died in 2012 so the door on that possible source of enlightement is firmly shut. I was hoping to find someone belonging to M O’Dea, albeit, well over 100 years later, whom the medal could be passed on to. Failing that, maybe there’s a Walsh/ Breathnach relative of Mícheál whom the medal might mean something to.
Go raibh míle maith agat.
Hi Michael,
I have asked my brother, Jim Higgins, who is the Galway City Heritage Officer, to do some research into possible Walsh/Breathnach supplier of the medals. An uncle of mine was married to a Maeve Walsh who would be a grand niece of Mícheál Breathnach. My uncle has passed away now but Maeve is still hale and hearty. I doubt if she would have any information but I will ask her anyway.
Hi Michael,
You might give me a call in relation to the medal that we have been in communication about, if you get a chance. My number is (087)0514945. Many thanks.
Michael Higgins
Hi,
You asked for some help identifying hurling medals, at
https://galwaysown.ie/Galway%20Stories/index.php/2024/11/19/readers-help-needed-with-discovering-the-provenance-of-a-medal/
I love a good mystery!
The attached 2 extracts from the Connacht Tribune explain it (short
extract from 26 July 1919, p.8; and pdf of 2 August 1919, p.8)
It was a challenge match for a set of medals. Initially to be played
on 20 July between Thomas Ashes & Emmets – both city teams. “When on
the field the Emmets objected” – saying the Thomas Ashes team had 4 or
5 different players from when they had previously played.
The challenge match for the medals was instead fixed to take place
between Thomas Ashes and Claregalway. It took place on 27 July at
South Park. The end of the 1st paragraph of the article confirms:
“The match on Sunday was a challenge match, a set of medals being the
trophy offered”.
Claregalway took the lead in the 2nd half, but Thomas Ashes finished
the match with a goal & 2 points without reply, winning 4-7 (19) to
5-2 (17).
The players were:
Thomas Ashes : P. O’Connor (capt.), M. Harrington, M. O’Dea, M.
Noone, M. Newell, B. Newell, W. Mulryan, J. Fallon, B. Nolan, J.
Lynskey, T. Fleming, T. Fahy, T. Murphy, W. Lally, P. Casserly.
Claregalway: M Grealish (capt.), W. Corcoran , J. Grealish, M.
Grealish , H .Grealish, M. Lally, J. Walsh, M. Murphy, P. Murphy, D.
Duggan, P. Casserly, P. Hughes, M. Feeney, P. Grealish, J Keaney
The medals are beautifully designed and made, I wonder if they were
custom made for this challenge match. There is a maker’s mark at the
bottom, which could be used to identify who made them, but it’s not
clearly legible in your photo.
Joe McGinley