IN THE early 1900s the main focus of GAA activity in Belfast was the Kennedy's Bakery site on the Springfield Road where large crowds assembled to witness weekly games in the 'Convent Fields'.The [Peter O'Neill] Crowley Club [named after a Cork Fenian of 1867] was organised in Clonard.
The GAA was firmly established in Belfast following the visit of its founder, Michael Cusack in 1898. The Irish News in April 1902 reported a match between Red Hand and St Malachy's College. Prior to Cusack's visit, intermittent attempts had been made to organise the association in the county but these had perished due to political dissensions [over the Parnell Split].
The first Belfast clubs strictly adhered to hurling but, with the introduction of Gaelic football in 1902, clubs fielded teams in both sports. Another landmark in the city was the acquisition by the Shaun's Club of a ground on the Whiterock Road (later MacRory Park). The senior league of this period consisted of six or seven clubs including Brian Og, led by J Corrigan, and O'Neill Crowley's, captained by a wonderful athlete, Hugh O'Toole. No account of GAA activities in Belfast would be complete without reference to Tir na nOg. Formed chiefly from Post Office workers, it held a foremost place in the game and, more than any other club of the time, was imbued with the spirit of the founders of the association. In particular, it furthered the spirit of the language movement. It was in a more fortunate position than other clubs in that it was constantly being strengthened by new recruits from other parts of the country to work in the GPO. Dan Dempsey, a member of this club, was a prominent as a player and official.
Then, as now, the [lLicensed] vintners were keen supporters of the GAA and the licensed trade was represented by two senior teams in Cuchullians and Sarsfields. The Ardoyne football team ably upheld the honour of the district while the Dalcassians was a hurling team from Rosario parish.
The standard of play in the senior teams was reflected in the impressive record of the Antrim county team. It held the Ulster Championship from 1909-13 and made two successful appearances in the All-Ireland final - in 1911, when it went down to a Cork selection, and again in 1912 when it was beaten by Louth. In the Antrim Glens and along the lough shore, some form of hurling was practised for centuries and it was no surprise when clubs were organised throughout the Glens.
Edited by Éamon Phoenix e.phoenix@irishnews.com