Story of Gaelic football in Drumconrath is brought to book

'From Crockedy To Birdhill' also features parish history

A somewhat different style of GAA book will be launched on Monday 10th November at 7.30pm in Drumconrath GFC Clubrooms. 'From Crockedy to Birdhill' details the progress of St Peter's GFC, Drumconrath, since its foundation in 1886, right up to 2024. The somewhat unique feature of this publication is the personal written memories of nearly 40 club members and players, some of are now, unfortunately, deceased, and these stories form the backbone of this book. These reminiscences make for very interesting and compelling reading, and capture the essence of the life of a GAA member in a small rural club, going back as far as the 1940s and '50s.

The history section has something for every year from 1925 to 2024. The period from 1886 to 1924 contains as much information as could be found, but obviously there is little or no details for some years in that period, due to lack of records. Some of the more significant developments in the GAA nationally get a mention too, and this helps set the local happenings in context.

This publication also includes articles about the Drumconrath Brass and Reed Band of the 1930s to the 195Os, the legendary Fr McManus, who served as a curate in Drumconrath parish from 1927 to 1931, Dee Rangers LGFA, the Gold Watch Tournament of the 1970s, underage football, the Handball Alley, and Muintir Na Tire Community Council from 1972 to 1999.

All of the above is complemented with a significant number of photographs, going back as far as 1928, which greatly enhance the book.

The launch night will be an opportunity for young and old to come together for an entertaining night of nostalgia and memories, and a chance to meet people that you might not have seen for some considerable time. This book will remember those former players and officials, and the supporters, who have kept the club going, particularly in the bad times, and who have made it the great community club that it is today.

Liam Hayes and Hero Books have produced a very professional publication, for which Drumconrath GFC is extremely grateful. Liam's help, guidance and advice throughout the gestation of this book was invaluable, and very much appreciated by the club.

This book was compiled by Peter Ludlow, with help from many people, and it took a good number of years of research to come up with abundance of information that this publication holds between it's covers. The book will be on sale on the launch night, and it is a 'must read' for anyone interested in all things GAA.

The book can be pre-ordered from Peter on (086) 810 2203 for €30. All pre-ordered books will be available to purchasers at the launch night.

The guest of honour on launch night is former Meath football captain, Donal Keogan, amongst others. An open invitation is extended to all to come along and enjoy a unique GAA and community occasion in Drumconrath.