Ahane GAA centenary: We brought that swagger that a lot of the country didn't have

ONE OF the county’s proudest sporting institutions will mark its centenary by celebrating the top local athletes and cultural contributors in the area.

Ahane GAA are having a cultural celebration in the parish hall in Castleconnell on Saturday night at 8pm.

While local families like the Mackeys, Morans and most recently the Morrisseys have brought the club into the national spotlight, this weekend offers the opportunity to acknowledge everybody who has kept the club running and reflect on their successes over the last 100 years, which include 19 Limerick SHC titles and five SFC successes.

“Ahane was formed really from the amalgamation of two older clubs Castleconnell and Sallymount,” explained Paddy Meskell, chair of the event’s organising committee. “So for various reasons the club had a huge and immediate impact on Limerick hurling and football and then because of the times with Mick Mackey and and all the lads they began to have a huge impact in Munster and nationally.

Saturday offers the chance “to be able to celebrate that heritage and to be able to celebrate that history and acknowledge all the people who made that happen”.

Success came quickly to the young club.

“We were founded in ‘26 and the first county championship we won was five years later and then they would go on to win seven in a row and - then a break - then another seven,” said Meskell of the historic run.

“Ireland at the time needed some heroes and Mick Mackey was one of those colorful characters. A brilliant sportsperson, a very humble man but also an incredibly charismatic person. We needed that, the country needed that and Ahane brought that glamour, that swagger that just coming out of independence a lot of the country didn't have.”

The club won five county senior football championships in the 1930s and while the big ball took a back seat in the club for many years, last year’s junior championship success has them back very much as a dual club.

“We have the population to support both clubs and be successful in both codes it's very it's very rewarding to see that.”

While of course sport will be front and center on Saturday, the wider cultural contributions from people in the area will also be recognised on the night.

Singer-songwriter Michael Scanlon will perform a composition celebrating the club’s four All-Stars - Dan and Tom Morriessey, Ollie Moran and camogie legend Niamh Mulcahy.

Mícheál Ó Siochrú, award winning poet and novelist, internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Don Mescall, All-Ireland champion sean-nossinger Ann Mulqueen and the harpist and composer Fiana Ni Chonaill will also perform on the night.

While the club is taking time to reflect on past achievements, a recent blitz involving kids from the club as well as visiting teams from Clonlara, Ballina and Bandon show that the club is in good standing for the 100 years to come.

“There’s a real source of togetherness and connectivity and pride in what we've accomplished and hope for what’s to come,” Meskell added.