|
|
|
Welcome to the website of the Limerick Association of London
Pictured above: Guests at the Association Annual Dinner More Pictures
The Association's Annual dinner was held at St Augustine's Hammersmith on September 10th , the occasion was well attended, with guests including Mayor Johnson, Hammersmith & Fulham, Chairman of Limerick County Council, Cllr. John Gallahue. Representing The Embassy of Ireland was Mr. Kevin Conmy.
Information urgently required on the following deceased Limerick native: James Oge Hanley, a renowned Hurler
and a native of Kilfinane Co. Limerick.. Any information available should be posted in our Guest Book.
CARBURY'S ANNUAL WROTE: GAA STARS OF YESTERYEAR
JAMES ("SEAN OGE") HANLEY, OF KILFINANE, CO. LIMERICK
That area of rich green fields with its centre in the hillside town of Kilfinane was rich in hurling tradition-yes, long before the GAA came.
About 1850, there was a famous left-handed hurler in the area called Sean Oge Hanley and, in the course of time, a stalwart grandson called James, appeared in the practising field. The observant old-timers recognoised his build and style, and at once shouted his grandfather's name! And that was how James Hanley was called "Sean Oge" ever after.
Blossoming our into a tall, broad-shouldered man, the young "Sean Oge", first as a schoolboy hurler and then as an outstanding senior hurler with Kilfinane. At 21 years of age, "Sean Oge" was a giant of a man-six feet one inch tall, deep chested and long limbed. He played successfully in many positions of the field, but centre-back was his best.
Many years ago, a much older man than me described to me a great day in 1897 when Kilfinane played St. Michaels (Limerick) in the hurling county championship The match was at Kilmallock, and St. Michael's team were memorable for they drove our 20 miles from Limerick City in brakes and four grey horses. In a splendid game Kilfinane won, and Sean Oge was the talk of the countryside, because of his mighty hurling.Kilfinane hit their peak that year and they beat Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final. Sean Oige was widely acclaimed as "the hurler of the year. "Good offers were made to Sean Oge by Dublin clubs and he was employed in Dublin for some time. It was there I first saw him play--with Commercials club. I fancy "Sean Oge" hurled with the right hand under and, a natural left-hander, he was equally free left and right. His length of delivery was immense - 100 yards or more -- one of the longest hitters I ever saw. A singularly quiet and shy man, he used his skill alwaysand shunned all rough play.He was rather a restless individual and soon found his way to London where there were some fine hurling clubs. Sean joined the Desmonds and was immediately popular. He was of course, selected on the mighty London-Irish side that ran Tipperary so very close in the final of 1900.Sean Oge drove balls of great length that day.He was a master hurler, with a smooth easy style. He showed rare judgment and accuracy. His energy and strength were immense. He worked hard in London and the climate did not agree with him. London fogs found a victim and "Sean Oge" died there in the prime of lifeThis magnificient hurler had many admirers and had an immense funeral in London, where he is buried. In recent years his friends amongst theGaels of London raised a beautiful Celtic monument over his grave."Oge" Hanley of Kilfinane was the greatest hurler of his period-rich in fine hurlers RIP.
In the course of our enquiries, we have discovered that "Sean Oge" died at the age of 38 and was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery, London on 28th. August 1915.We will endeavour to locate the grave of "Sean Oge" and with the consent of his surviving relatives, carry out any necessary restoration work.
14th. March 2008
After much searching, we have located the last resting place of "Sean Oge" Hanley, some work needs to be done on the headstone, this may present a financial problem for us but I feel sure it can be overcome.
Before proceeding further, we require some member of the relevant Hanley family to communicate with us immediately.
28th. March 2008
With the help of Maurice O' Regan Kilfinane and Joe Harrington, Irish Rambling House, we have managed to make contact with a surviving member of the Hanley family.Plans will now be drawn up by this Limerick Association to raise funding to enable us to carry out the necessary restoration work on Sean og Hanley's last resting place. If you would like to contribute financially to the fund-raising effort, please communicate with us.
Since 28th. March we have written several letters to the famed Kilfinane/Blackrock GAA Club, as well as to prominent business individuals within that area, seeking funding for the Hanley memorial refurbishment project. To our great surprise, all of our correspondence have been ignored. Strangely, the Kilfinane GAA club did not subscribe to the original cost of erecting the memorial to their famous son, Sean og Hanley. Nothing has changed!
Since writing the above, one Kilfinane individual, an elderly gentleman, has made a financial contribution to the Hanley memorial restoration fund as has a well known Community organisation within the town. (Not the GAA) All subscribptions will be published here at a later date.
At the time of writing, 22nd. October 2008, we have in hand at least half of the required funding.
Donations should be made payable to LIMERICK ASSOCIATION LONDON.
admin@treatygaels.com