Cooley kickhams
Cooley Kickhams GFC are a Gaelic football club from Cooley in County Louth, Republic of Ireland. They wear a green and gold strip. They play and train in Fr. McEvoy Park on the Cooley Peninsula. Cooly have won nine Louth Senior Championships but, like any other Louth club have failed to emulate their success in Leinster.
Cooley Independent Club
The above-named team commenced practice on Sunday, March 27th, 1887, in a field kindly given by Rev. Hugh Murphy, P.P.
Fr. Hugh Murphy was Parish Priest of Cooley at the time. He was a great motivator and took a great interest in the G.A.A. from its foundation. The Cooley Independents hailed from the Grange area, but players from all over Cooley rallied to their side. They practiced hard and, although teams in Bellurgan, Lordship, Carlingford and Omeath were also taking shape, it was to Dromintee that they turned to for their first official practice. The match was well reported in letter form in the local paper.
Cooley Independents change name to Saint James
Cooley Independents affiliated under the name St. James'. A letter was also received by the county board requesting affiliation for a team called St. Patricks. St. Patricks catchment area was Whitestown, Ballinamoney, Templetown and Ballinamara, while St. James' area was Grange, Greenore and Riverstown. The county board declared that Saint Patricks could affiliate but only on condition that the existing club St. James' did not object. No objections were forthcoming and St. Patricks were affiliated, but did not take part in the championship. They played one game against Kilcurry Geraldines, a match they won by 0-1 to 0-0.
Cooley play in championship
Carlingford Fr. Finns, in existence from 1887, affiliated for 1888, but did not take part in the championship. They played mainly in tournaments, one of them being the prestigious Camlough tournament together with Crossmaglen Red Hands, Camlough O'Briens, Forkhill Men-In-The-Gap, Bessbrook Dillons and Bessbrook Blaines. Fr. Finns colours were green with the name embroidered in gold thread.
Saint James' first game was in January against Bellurgan Gladstonians. The game was played in a friendly atmosphere and Bellurgan were declared winners by three points to no score. The return match at Cooley in February was not so friendly and is described by Charles Dullagan in a letter to the Dundalk Examiner: February fifth. Return match between Bellurgan and Cooley A great crowd from Bellurgan were disappointed. The Cooley club had no competent referee and appointed one of their own members and two umpires. During the match, the Cooley team pursued a systematic course of foul play without being checked by either umpire or referee. The referee caused great dissatisfaction by the manner in which he threw in the ball. However, Bellurgan were able to score two points. At the end of twenty seven minutes play, the conduct of the Cooley players became such that Bellurgan, not being able to obtain even a semblance of fair play from the referee, were forced to leave the field. The score at that stage was Bellurgan 0-2, 5t. James' 0-0.
Forty-two teams entered the draw for the county championship. Cooley St. James', the only Cooley representative, were drawn against Walshestown Repealers. The match took place on the fourth of March 1888. Walshestown pressed hard in the first half and led by 1-3 to 0-1 at half-time. The second half saw St. James' at their best. They held Walshestown scoreless but could only manage four points. The final score was: Walshestown Repealers 1-3, Cooley 5t. James' 0-11
The remainder of the season was taken up with tournament games. St. James' were defeated by Dundalk Emmets in the Young Irelands' tournament. In November they played in the six team Ravensdale tournament. A team from Omeath, The Grattons, did not affiliate, but played in some tournaments, one of them being against Camlough in the South Armagh tournament.
Carlingford Saint Patricks affiliated
There were no Cooley teams at the Louth convention held in December 1888 and in fact 1888 was the last year that St. James' graced the field of play. It was left to Carlingford to keep the flag flying in the peninsula. Fr. Finns changed their name to Carlingford 5t. Patricks and they were the only Cooley team to participate in the championship, which showed a decrease of fifteen teams from the previous year. They were drawn against Drogheda Commercials and led by 1-4 to 0-0 at half time, having the advantage of a very strong breeze. They held their own in the second half and won by 1-4 to 1-1. They were unfortunate to meet the 1888 finalists, Dundalk Dillons, in the second round. They lost the match, but Carlingford 5t. Patricks will go down in history as the first Cooley team to win a championship match.
1890-1901: The decline of the G.A.A. continues
Only twelve teams took part in the 1890 championship. The decline of the G.A.A. was due in part to rough play and bad organization, but the main reason was undoubtedly its infiltration by the secret societies such as the Irish Republican Brotherhood who certainly had some members in each club. Clubs came under the scrutiny of the police as never before and detailed accounts of club members and activities were kept on police files. The clergy condemned the I.R.B. involvement, and consequently, because of clerical condemnations, men were reluctant to join clubs. The decline continued and in several parishes the playing of football on a Sunday was banned and playing fields were often refused.
Charles Stewart Parnell was at the time, leader of the Irish party in The House Of Commons and was revered and honoured by Irishmen everywhere. When news of his involvement with Mrs. Kitty O'Shea came to light and divorce proceedings followed, clerical opposition became intense and the G.A.A. suffered as a result. The G.A.A. GeneRally supported Parnell but mainly due to clerical condemnations, clubs became divided, matches were few and the G.A.A. boom of 1887 and 1888 had all but disappeared.
The Gaels of Cooley became completely inactive and it was not until 1902 that Fr. Mullen, Joseph Kearney and Pat Feehan got the Cooley men out practising in preparation for the 1903 season.
Cooley Revival
There were ample signs of a revival in G.A.A. affairs countrywide. Six teams took part in Louth county championship, and, later on in the year, fourteen teams participated in the first league, won by Young lrelands. A motion was passed at congress prohibiting policemen, soldiers, and sailors of the realm from taking part in hurling and gaelic football. Although the Peninsula did not affiliate any team for 1902, the ground work must nevertheless have been done, because by the 5th Apri1 1903, there was three teams from the area, ready to do battle.
Cooley Emmets affiliated
The Cooley revival had started and 1903 saw football resume once again after a break of fourteen years. Cooley Emmets, Ravensdale and Bellurgan Shamrocks affiliated with the county board. Robert Emmet had no connection with Cooley, but it is easy to see why the name 'Cooley Emmets' was chosen. 1903 was the anniversary of the great patriot's death, and it being normal practice to associate one's club with a patriot, who better than the great man himself.
Cooley I and II affiliated
Mr Tom O'Connell, Mountpleasant, was elected chairman of Louth county board at the county convention. Due to so many teams being affiliated, it was decided to inaugurate a new Junior championship. Cooley entered teams in both Senior and Junior and, for draw purposes, became known as Cooley I and Cooley II. Bellurgan, Ravensdale and Mountpleasant were also affiliated. Cooley representatives at convention and county board meetings were Mr Joe Keamey (Willville House) for Cooley I and Mr Pat Feehan, (Castlecarra, Riverstown) for Cooley II.
Name and colour change for Cooley
1905 saw the amalgamation of Cooley Emmets and Bellurgan Shamrocks. The name Cooley Kickhams was decided on and the team colours were Saint Patrick's blue with an embossed shamrock. Although the colours have changed since then, the name has remained the same and the Cooley Kickhams are known the length and breadth of Ireland and even further afield.
Mr Joe Rice, Bellurgan, was their representative at county board meetings and, later on in the year, he was replaced by a Mr O'Hanlon, also of Bellurgan.
Courtbane Red Hands (the Louth section of Crossmaglen parish), making their debut in Louth football, were Kickhams first round opponents. Cooley won easily by 1-19 to 0-2. The best match of the second round, and one that was hotly contested up to the dying minutes, was the match between Cooley and Ardee Volunteers, They put up a brave show, but in the end had to submit to a tough Ardee combination. Behind at half-time 2-2 to 0-2, Cooley scored three points in succession and seemed to be heading for victory, but good defensive work by Ardee and a few late scores clinched it on a score of 2-6 to 0-5. 'Dickey" Rice and Pete Finnegan were the Cooley stars.
No Cooley team affiliated
Mr Tom O'Connell was unanimously re-elected chairman at county convention. There were no Cooley delegates present at convention and, surprisingly enough, no Cooley team affiliated. Mountpleasant were the only team, north of Dundalk to affiliate and, no doubt, as in later years, they had the assistance of a number of Cooley players.
Despite the absence of a football team, an event of great significance took place in the area. The first ever official game of Camogie in Louth took place in the Ghan field outside Carlingford between Emers of Dundalk and Newry. The two teams arrived by train and, to great applause, were marched by the local Carlingford band to the Ghan field. The field itself was specially laid out and gaily decorated with green flags. The Dundalk girls won the match easily by 6-4 to 0-0.
In November, a march in honour of the Manchester martyrs was scheduled to take place in Dundalk. Each club, including Cooley Kickhams, were allotted a section for marching. Cooley didn't march in Dundalk, the reason being that a similar march took place in Greenore, which they attended.
The plan of a football ground and team placings (seventeen a side) was taken from the 1906-7 EDition of the Louth G.A.A. annual. The standard size of a pitch was 140 yds x 84 yds, but in practice, the games were played in the most convenient field available, regardless of size, shape or contour. A ball going into the eight foot x fifteen-foot box was counted as a goal (three points). A ball going anywhere else between the outer posts, whether at ground level or no matter how high, was counted as a point. This is something which must puzzle those who have never seen a match with the old scoring areas. They would have naturally thought that, with such a vast scoring area (forty five feet), the total scores in a match must have been very high. In fact that was not the case, either in football or hurling, the main reason being that the pitch was so overcrowded that it was often impossible to get a kick at goal.
Cooley Kickhams, first winners of new Intermediate Championship
1907 was a year to remember as far as the Cooley club was concerned. First of all, after a year's absence, Cooley Kickhams affiliated a team for the 1907 championship. Secondly, a great honour was bestowed on the club by the unanimous election of Fr. Mullen as chairman of Louth County board. He was proposed in his absence by the outgoing chairman, Tom O'Connell, who referred to him as " A man who has taken a great interest in the G.A.A. and, if you travel the length and breadth of Ireland, you will scarcely find a better gael." A new intermediate grade to bridge the gap between junior and senior was proposed and passed. This grade was mainly for rural clubs, and Cooley was one of twelve clubs whose name went into the draw.
The special meeting held in Grange on 28th April 1907 was reported as follows in the Dundalk Democrat. "Gaelic patrons got a wonderful fillup in the Kingdom of Cooley last Sunday, when the local football team was revived and placed in charge of a strong and earnest committee, presided over by Rev. Fr. McNeece. Judging by the enthusiasm that prevailed at the meeting in Grange, it is evident that the old love for gaelic football is as strong today in Cooley as it ever was and that is saying a good deal. Great credit to J. P. Kearney for loaning a field and also for the time, expense, and help he has bestowed on the Gaels of Cooley." The following committee was elected: Chairman: Fr. McNeece. Vice Chairman: Fr. John Mullen. Treasurer: Mr John Feehan. Secretary: Mr M. H. Campbell. Committee: J. P. Kearney, Pat Feehan, Owen McKeown, Larry Connor, Arthur O'Hare, Patrick Larkin, J. Killen, James Thornton and Edward Murphy.
Immediate plans were made to prepare the team. Challenge games were played and one particular match stands out. It was the visit of Young lrelands to Fr. Murphy's field at Castletown Cooley. “Football is being talked to death this week in Cooley after the feast of football between Cooley and Young lrelands. Everyone from Omeath to Bellurgan and from Big Womans grave to Ballagan was there. Cooley brass band was reformed and marched from Grange Church to the field. Cooley lost by 1-7 to 1-4 but, considering it was their first match and second practice, they put up a plucky fight and were far from vanquished. Rice and Kearney played well, McShane, Marks & Nugent played gallantly, young Feehan did well and Carroll, Donnelly, Emerson and Finnegan all played their part.” Young lrelands were entertained by Cooley after the match.
Cooley's first match in the intermediate championship was against Cuchulainns, Knockbridge. They played well and won easily by 3-26 to 0-0. A challenge game against senior finalists, Dundalk Geraldines, which, incidentally Cooley lost by 1-6 to 0-4, prepared them for their second round game against Kilcurry. Cooley won as they liked by a total of twenty points to no score. A report of the match described Cooley “As fine a lot as ever stepped onto a football field, were neatly attired, but their opponents only thought it worthwhile to remove their overcoats.” The semi-final against Annagassan was a much closer affair. Cooley without Jimmy Rice who, since the last round had emigrated to America, were by and far the better team and won by 1-7 to 1-2.
The first ever Intermediate final took place on the twelfth of January, 1908, on a cold, miserable day with Mr Joe Ward as referee. Cooley, with the wind and rain at their backs in the first half, led by eight points to nil at half time. Shortly after the restart they increased their lead by one point, but Dromiskin, with the help of the elements, came at Cooley, scored three points without reply and were really putting it up to Cooley. However, Cooley repulsed everything Dromiskin threw at them and, in the last ten minutes, regained control and won by 0-9 to 0-3. Cooley captain, Charlie Keamey, was the man of the match while Tom Marks, Tom Murphy, John Emerson and John Finnegan also played well.
The Team lined out as follows: Paddy Boyle, Charles Po Kearney (Capt), Tommy Carroll, M. Donnelly, Joseph Smith, Tom Murphy, Tom Marks, Paddy Emerson, Pete Finnegan, John Fitzsimons, Owen Rice, John McShane, John Emerson, J. Carroll, John Finnegan, Jimmy McGrath, John Feehan. Cooley obviously looked their best. "I believe you would travel a long road before finding a country team whose physique and football would throw them in the shade. The winners are a credit to Louth in every way and are such great favourites with followers of football everywhere." The team celebrated afterwards in Mr Short's dining room in Park Street. A great night was had by all, the sing song was terrific, and the night finished to the sound of “God Save Ireland.”
Three great supporters and committee members were Larry Connor, James Thornton, and Edward Murphy. When Cooley were under severe pressure in the 2nd half, Larry Connor was asked what he thought would happen. His reply was “In order to find out what a Cooley man is really capable of, you must first go through the little ceremony of knocking him down and sitting moment on him. After that things will develop.”
At the beginning of 1907 season, Cooley had to apply for the re-instatement of Patrick Rice. Seemingly he was under suspension because he played for Down against Armagh the previous year, although he was not properly transferred. The application was granted and the player turned out for Cooley in the first two championship games. He then emigrated to America.
Cooley take part in senior and junior championship
Fr. John Mullen was unanimously re-elected chairman of Louth county board at convention. By virtue of their winning the 1907 intermediate championship, Cooley were eligible to play in the senior championship. A junior team was also affiliated. John Finnegan and Charles Kearney were Cooley's representatives at county convention while at the monthly county board meetings the seniors and juniors were represented by Charles and Joseph Kearney, respectively.
The first round of the championship took place at Dundalk on the 23rd of May. "The Cooley Kickhams fielded two teams and a finer lot of men would be hard to find. Attired in their neat jerseys and white knickers, they looked a picture and the Kingdom should feel proud of having such a stalwart lot of gaels, and we venture to say that there is not a parish in Ireland could produce thirty four men the equal of those who represented the Kickhams on Sunday." Fine praise indeed, but the results on the field of play did not match their appearance. The Juniors were decisively beaten by Young Irelands 2-19 to 0-4. The team was: John McShane, Tommy Carroll, H. King, Hugh Finnegan, J. Nicholson, J. Hanlon, 0. Hanratty, MI. Callaghan, Stephen Feehan, J. Nugent, M. Toal, Mickey Farrell, H. Toal, P. Murphy, E. Rice, J. Fitzsimons, John Murphy.
John Dillons, one of the top teams of the period and 1907 senior finalists, were favourites to win against Cooley seniors in the first round. Cooley, playing with the strong breeze, completely dominated the first half, and, despite missing numerous chances, led by 0-8 to 0-0 at the break. In the second half, however, the quaysiders turned on the style, and, with the breeze at their backs, scored fifteen points to Cooley's one by Charlie Kearney to leave them winners by 0-15 to 0-9. The Dillons deserved to win, but a smaller margin would have better represented the play. It was a good fast game, but it was obviously spoiled by the wind. The performance of the referee left a lot to be desired and this was the subject of a Cooley objection, which was later withdrawn.
Louth reach All-lreland Final
Due to the delay in completing the Leinster championship, Louth, already in the Leinster final, were nominated to play Antrim in the All Ireland semi-final. They beat Antrim to qualify for the All Ireland Final, and the following week, they beat Kilkenny in the Leinster final. Kerry, however, won the All Ireland by beating Louth 1-9 to 0-6. The Louth team was selected at this time by the Senior champions, perhaps one reason why we don't find any Cooley players lining out for Louth until much later in the twenties.
Kerry refuse to travel to play Louth in All Ireland Final
There was uproar at the county convention when a number of clubs protested at Mr Tim Healy's attitude towards Redmond and the Irish Party. The 1909 Tim Healy cup competition was a disaster, with teams refusing to play and, in some cases, previous winners returning their medals. Fr. John Mullen, a long time friend of Tim Healy, and who was mainly responsible for getting the cup in the first place, protested strongly in favour of the M.P. It was because of Fr. Mullen's attitude that Joe Ward was persuaded to run against him for chairman. Mr Ward duly won by twenty-nine votes to ten. One of the main motions proposed was a three-man selection committee to pick the Louth team for all future games. At annual congress the points posts were abolished. The scoring area between the goal posts was increased to twenty-one feet with the crossbar remaining at eight feet.
Although Messrs Kearney and Malone had attended the convention, there was no Cooley team affiliated for 1910. Indeed the only happening of note, football wise, was a presentation by Cooley Kickhams to Joseph Smith, Piedmount, on his departure to America. He was a member of the 1907 intermediate championship winning team, and had given great service to Cooley.
Louth Juniors won their first Leinster Junior title. Louth seniors were once again nominated to represent Leinster in the All Ireland series. They beat London Irish in the All Ireland semi-final, beat Dublin in the Leinster final, and were eventually awarded the All Ireland Championship when Kerry refused to travel to Dublin because of a dispute with the railway company.
No football activity in Cooley
There was no football activity in the Cooley area during these two years. In later years there was a saying that Louth football needed a successful Cooley team. This was certainly true in the thirties and early forties, but it by no means related to the era in question. It is indeed ironic that during Louth's best ever period 1909-1912, there was hardly a football kicked in Cooley.
In 1912, Louth Juniors contested the very first All Ireland Junior final, losing by one point to Tipperary. Louth beat Dublin in the 1912 Leinster Senior final. Dublin, who had been nominated to represent Leinster in the All Ireland series, had already beaten Roscommon in the All Ireland semi-final. Louth, having upset the applecart by beating Dublin in Leinster, went directly into the All Ireland final against Antrim and won by 1-7 to 1-2. The only peninsula connection with the final was the Antrim captain, John Coburn, who played with Mountpleasant on a number of occasions.
The jerseys of the county champions were always worn by the Louth team, but from 1912 onwards the county committee decided on red as the county colours.
Forty five years were to elapse before an emblem appeared on a red county jersey.
Slieve Foy, (Carlingford) enter Junior team
Football returned to the Peninsula after a lapse of nearly four years. The Kickhams, with Paddy Gribbon, George Lowe, and Patrick Rourke at the helm, regraded to Junior, and, together with a team from Carlingford, Slieve Foy, took their place in the Junior draw.
The most noteworthy change in the game was the reduction in the strength of a team from seventeen to fifteen players. One immediate result of this change was that with thirty men operating in the same space, where there had formerly been thirty-four players, they had to be fitter, better trained and more accurate. Also, more than ever before, players were trained for certain positions and many specialised in these positions only.
Four Peninsula teams enter Junior championship
Paddy Gribbon and Patrick Rourke were Cooley's representatives at the county convention at which a motion was passed dividing the Junior championship into town and country teams, the winners of each to meet in the final.
Football in Cooley was reaching great heights and a glance at the Junior draw finds four Peninsula teams included, Cooley Kickhams and Slieve Foy together with new teams, Greenore Volunteers and Valley Rangers from Lordship/Ravensdale area. The first round draw brought together the following teams: Slieve Foy v. Valley Rangers, Cooley Kickhams v. Mount Rovers and Greenore Volunteers v. Cartown Rovers (North of Drogheda).
Before a large crowd at Whitestown, Valley Rangers beat Slieve Foy by 1-4 to 0-1. On the same day, Cooley beat Greenore easily in a challenge. The following Sunday at Dundalk, Cooley Kickhams, much sharper around goals, beat the Castletown team, Mount Rovers, by 1-5 to 1-0 in a hard fought game. At the same venue, Greenore Volunteers, neatly dressed in their claret and blue, were lucky to get the verdict over Cartown Rovers, by the minimum of scores, 1-2 to 1-1. The second round in June was a much different story. Cooley Kickhams were easily beaten by an above average Dromiskin Shamrocks by 2-3 to 0-0. A strong Annaminnan Rovers team proved too strong for Greenore Volunteers and won by 2-2 to 0-2. Valley Rangers were also beaten in the second round.
Paddy Gribbon was appointed a Louth Junior selector for 1914. The Louth junior team that lined out against Meath in the championship included three Cooley players, Joseph Keamey, Mickey Farrell and James Rice. Meath were lucky to win a closely contested match by 2-1 to 0-6.
These three were the first Cooley players to have the honour of representing the Cooley club on the county team in any grade.
Sometime around the end of 1914, it was decided that, with so much enthusiasm around, the time was ripe to get a Cooley league going. A meeting was held and it was decided, "To start a Junior league for a set of medals and other profitable inducements. A very energetic committee has been appointed, all the arrangements have been completed, and it is hoped the competition will give a good fillup to football in the Cooley district. Cooley teams did extremely well in the Junior championship, and were it not for the want of match practice, they might have done a lot better. The league now started should do away with this obstacle and give the Cooley boys a chance of showing their real worth and prowess." This was the start of the now famous Cooley League.
Valley Rangers win first ever Cooley League
Greenore Volunteers were the only Peninsula club represented at county convention. It was again decided to have a town and country section in the Junior championship.
Cooley's first round opponents were Mount Rovers, whom they had beaten in the second round in 1914. It was another closely contested game, with Cooley having most of the play, the only difference being, that while Cooley got the points, Rovers were getting the goals and won by 2-0 to 0-4.
In the other first round game, Valley Rangers beat Annaminnan Rovers. Greenore Volunteers got a walkover from Clermont Pamells (Haggardstown), while Slieve Foy gave a walkover to Mountpleasant.
The second round saw Greenore beat Cartown for the second year by 3-1 to 0-0. Valley Rangers, with white jerseys and shamrock, also held their opponents Dromiskin scoreless, winning by 1-3 to 0-0. They were represented by the following: John Hanlon, Paddy McArdle, Bookie Gallagher, Danny Ferguson, Josie Ferguson, James Hanlon, M. Hanlon, L. Conlon, P. Rice, Joe McKeown, F. Kelly, Paddy Sheelan, Frank Connor, T. Hanlon, F. Trainor, J. Kelly, F. McKeown.
The semi-final matched Greenore with Mountpleasant, the former winning by 6-0 to 1-4. Blame for Mountpleasant's defeat was placed squarely on their goalkeeper, a report on the match stating that "If keepers had been reversed, the score would have been much different." The other semi-final between Valley Rangers and Hitchestown (Dunleer) ended in a draw, but Hitchestown won the replay. The way was now clear for the country area Junior final between Greenore Volunteers and Hitchestown.
A thrilling first half saw Greenore hold their own but Hitchestown gradually pulled ahead and won by 1-5 to 1-2. A very creditable performance by Greenore, who proved themselves a very good Junior side.
The first game in the Cooley league was played on the 24th of January 1915, between Valley Rangers and Cooley Kickhams. Valley Rangers, with stars such as Joseph Ferguson, Joe McKeown, Owen Gallagher and Paddy McArdle won by 0-5 to 0-3. Cooley's best were, Pete Finnegan, James McCormack, James Rice and Townley. Greenore Volunteers with Rafferty, Toal, Connor, and Hugh Brennan in top form, beat Slieve Foy by 1-3 to 0-0. Slieve Foy's best were H. O'Hare, Thornton and McKevitt. Valley Rangers beat Slieve Foy by 2-3 to 1-0, while Greenore beat Cooley. Valley Rangers were unbeaten after three games and although there are no more details, it is on record that Valley Rangers won the very first Cooley league by beating Cooley Kickhams ten points to three with Paddy Gribbon as referee.
Effect of 1916 rising on G.A.A.
The eventful years of the first world war had little effect on the G.A.A., but when Padraig Pearse took over the G.P.O. at Easter 1916, it had repercussions on the G.A.A. throughout Ireland. The backbone of the Volunteers and the G.A.A. were one and the same. To them, Ireland was the G.A.A., and the G.A.A. was all that was Irish. The English authorities were well aware of this fact and of course many hurlers and footballers were arrested. Every town and village in Ireland had at least one G.A.A. man incarcerated and many were to die. After the rising, all games were prohibited when martial law was declared. It was June before Irish men were allowed to play their beloved game and then only with permission from their English peers. Because of this the 1916 championships were postponed and a league was organised in its place. The league was run on a knockout basis and it was run mainly to boost flagging spirits and to keep players fit. Valley Rangers, Greenore Volunteers and Cooley Kickhams participated. The Kickhams were the only successful peninsula team, beating Glyde Rangers in the first round.
In a disappointing second round, Cooley went down to eventual winners, Dromiskin, by 3-5 to 0-0. Cooley finished the game with only fourteen men because James McCormack walked off the field after a goal was disputed. He did not inform the referee and also refused to return to finish the game. A few attempts were made to start the championships, but, because of travel restrictions and a flu epidemic, they were not successful. Eventually the county board decided to cancel the original draw and make a new draw dividing Louth into four areas with the winners meeting in the semi-finals. The Cooley area was comprised of Valley Rangers and Cooley Kickhams. Although the Valleys had affiliated for 1916 and this was still a 1916 championship game, though it was played in 1917, they were unable to field a team and gave a walkover to Cooley. In March 1917, eight Valley Rangers players, Paddy McArdle, Josie and Danny Ferguson, Frank Connor, Paddy Sheelan, Owen Callagher, Joe and James McKeown were transferred to Cooley, and were the backbone of Cooley teams for years to come.
Cooley reach first senior final
The 1917 county convention was held in June mainly due to the delay in finishing the 1916 championships. Cooley's representatives were Josie Ferguson and Paddy Gribbon. A proposal put forward by Cooley that, "No Dublin referees be appointed in future at games in Louth" was left to the discretion of the new committee. Nearly all Louth finals were refereed by Dublin men. The reason for the motion put forward by Paddy Gribbon was that "He had never seen a Dublin man referee a game right yet".
Cooley took their place in the north section draw of the senior championship along with four Dundalk teams, O'Rahillys, Geraldines, Rangers and John Dillons. Cooley juniors were drawn against Dromiskin, while Greenore Rapparees were drawn to play Young Irelands. As it turned out, Cooley juniors gave a walkover to Dromiskin, while the Rapparees had to give way to a strong Young Irelands team, losing by 2-1 to 0-1.
In the run-in to the senior championship, Cooley met Geraldines on two occasions, losing to them in the Geraldines tournament, but gaining revenge by beating them at Lordship carnival 3-3 to 0-4. Geraldines were 1916 senior champions. Full of confidence after their win, Cooley played and beat Dundalk Rangers in the first round of the championship by 3-2 to 1-3. Their semi-final meeting with Dundalk O'Rahillys was cancelled for various reasons on two occasions, but was eventually played in February 1918.
"The Cooley Kickhams covered themselves with glory by defeating Dundalk O'Rahillys in the semi-final which was played under extraordinary circumstances. Under normal circumstances their win indeed would have been a creditable one, but, considering the scenes of [...] and blackguardism which they had to contend with in the closing stages, the Cooley boys deserve the highest praise on their triumphant entry into the final and on the manner in which they conducted themselves under a most trying ordeal. The conduct of the winners all through was such to win them the admiration of every gael present on Sunday, and their behaviour under such trying conditions stamped them as gaels worthy of the Kingdom of Cooley".
Cooley fail to turn up for first round of senior championship
The county convention, attended by Paddy Gribbon, Josie Ferguson, Hugh Brennan and Peter White, did not take place until April, mainly due to the delay in completing the 1917 championships. A Cooley motion that "Clubs competing against each other in championship ties, toss for choice of ground", was withdrawn on condition that a recommendation be made to the county committee that Cooley should not travel twice in succession. The question of making a grant available to cover travelling expenses was also passed to the incoming committee. It was also agreed that Cooley's matches would be first on the programme in order to alleviate travelling a long distance by road at night. This was an obvious reference to the Cooley bicycle riders.
Cooley's first round senior championship match with Rangers was called off due to a Cooley player being involved in an accident. Rangers were awarded the game when Cooley failed on two other occasions to put in an appearance. The junior game between Cooley and O'Rahillys, played at Castlecarra, ended in a convincing win for the visitors by fourteen points to nil. Greenore Hurling Club, reformed this year, were also beaten by Dundalk Hurling Club by 2-2 to 0-2.
In June the authorities once again issued a decree prohibiting all sports fixtures without a permit, and the full might of the military and police was mobilised to assure that the ban would be enforced. The G.A.A. made it clear that it would not apply for a permit, because they were non-political. Various matches took place but the police intervened. The G.A.A. asked each county to hold a special meeting and organise a series of matches for the 4th August to show their defiance. The idea was to promote a match at every G.A.A. pitch in the country, and by doing so, make it virtually impossible for the police to stop all games. Cooley was no exception and on "Gaelic Sunday", as it became known, they played and defeated John Dillons by 2-4 to 0-4 at Whitestown. The Greenore hurlers, backboned by O'Dwyer, Sharkey, Kennedy, James Carron and Clarke, defeated Dundalk hurling club by 3-1 to 3-0, also at Whitestown. "Gaelic Sunday" was a tremendous success with no police intervention and, from then onwards, the authorities did not interfere.
James McKeown played in the Louth senior trial and was picked for the Louth team the following week. For some reason or other he did not play but he was one of the first Cooley players to be selected for a Louth senior team.
Almost one thousand games in hurling and football were played on 'Gaelic Sunday' throughout the country. The games were played as arranged and the authorities were powerless to do anything about it. The government ban had been cleverly and successfully circumvented. With so many players involved, it would have meant arresting over thirty thousand players and that was out of the question. After this, the authorities relented and it was decreed that Gaelic games would not be prohibited "unless they had relation to politics". Most members of the G.A.A. were in the Volunteers and this is what annoyed Dublin Castle.
"Bloody Sunday" at Croke Park
Cooley Kickhams once again regraded to junior and, together with Valley Rangers, took part in the Louth junior championship. Cooley was represented at convention by J. Rogers of Grange, Valley Rangers by Josie Ferguson and Greenore hurling club by J. McGee, Seamus Kennedy and Joe Waller.
For the first time in many years, the championships were based on an open draw rather than districts. Cooleys first round game against Con Colberts (Dundalk) was played in September, but unfortunately Cooley lost by 2-6 to 1-1. Erin's Hope from Grange also entered a team in the second division but were beaten by Darver Hearts.
Valley Rangers had a good campaign. They got a bye in the first round, beat Eamonn Ceannts (Ardee) in the second, and Darver Hearts by 0-5 to 0-3 in the next round. Hearts objected that Joseph McKeown, Danny Ferguson and Patrick Sheelan, having played senior with O'Rahillys in 1919, were properly transferred, but not regraded to junior. The objection was upheld, but a counter objection by Valley Rangers was also upheld, and they went through to a semi-final meeting with Dundalk Geraldines, who proved too strong for them and actually went on to win the junior championship.
The war between the Volunteers and the Black and Tans intensified during the year and in November the Country and G.A.A. followers were shocked when the Black and Tans entered Croke Park on "Bloody Sunday" and shot dead thirteen people, including one of the players, Michael Hogan, and injured many people. The Hogan stand was later dedicated to Michael Hogan's memory.
Valley Rangers take part in Junior Championship
1921 saw the National struggle at its height with Black and Tans, trenched roads, ambushes galore, men on the run, and football taking a back seat, as the fight for freedom intensified. Every parish in Ireland was deeply involved and Cooley was no exception. The truce in July and the signing of the treaty in December eased the situation enough to allow, among other things, the championship draw to be made. Valley Rangers had affiliated and, as Cooley had no team entered, several of their players helped the Rangers in the campaign. They played and beat Tadhg Barrys (Dundalk) by 1-2 to 0-0 in the first round, but lost their second round tie against Larks (Drogheda) by 0-2 to 0-0. A close enough result when one considers that the Larks went on to contest the final.
Kickham players help Dundalk clubs
With the signing of the treaty, a big effort was planned to re-organise the association and bring the various championships up to date, but then, the tragedy of the Civil War intervened. The Civil War split parishes, clubs and even members of the same family.
Cooley Kickhams were affiliated and drawn against Isles of the Sea {Dundalk) in the Junior championship. Cooley, however, failed to put in an appearance and the Isles were given the match. A reporter summed it up, "I had thought to see Cooley Kickhams with a strong side, but the men from Cooley were nowhere to be seen". He continued, "Could there not be a junior team picked from all the robust lads in the Kingdom? It sounds bad for the game in this thickly populated centre, if a team could not be found to do justice to the old name".
The troubles, emigration and travel restrictions had all taken their toll. Many of the older Cooley players had retired and, of course, many others, not knowing whether there would be a team affiliated or not, still played for the Dundalk clubs.
Cooley Kickhams, Carlingford United, and Whitestown Emmets affiliated
No Cooley representative was present at convention in February, when a motion was passed for congress advocating the setting up of a special vigilance committee who were to report on breaches of the ban by players attending or playing soccer. This was later passed at congress.
No Cooley team was affiliated, but in June, three late applications were received, one from Mr Patrick Hughes for Cooley Kickhams, one from Mr B. Murchan, secretary of Carlingford United and one from Mr Peter Kearney, secretary of Whitestown Emmets. Each secretary spoke of their club's efforts to revive football in the Kingdom, and they also stated that the railway company were anxious to facilitate them by running special trains to suit fixtures. The County Board were delighted at the efforts made and all three clubs were unanimously accepted. It was agreed that Cooley and Carlingford play each other in junior while Whitestown Emmets play Saint Domnicks in the second division.
Cooley were forced to field without Pete Finnegan, Owen GalIagher, Francis White, Frank Connor, Michael Hoey and Peter Connor, because they had already assisted O'Mahoneys in the 1924 senior championship. They proved to be too strong for Carlingford, winning by 1-5 to 1-3. Carlingford, however, lodged an objection to the presence of Danny Ferguson on the team because he was also an O'Mahoneys player and had already played in the senior championship for them. Danny Ferguson, in his defence, said that he was under the impression that Carlingford had given Cooley a walk over and that the game in question was only a friendly. The objection was upheld and the player suspended for six months. Patrick Hughes, on behalf of Cooley, asked for a re-match, but Carlingford refused. In the second round, Clan na Gael had it all their own way, beating Carlingford by 3-1 to 0-1. Boyle and Keenan were Carlingford's best players. Saint Domnicks lost the toss for choice of venue, but won the match against Whitestown in the first round of the second division championship, which was played in Whitestown.
"I remember the Cooley v. Carlingford junior championship game very well. Cooley would have won easily if they had been able to field their full team. I don't remember the circumstances about how Danny Ferguson was playing, but I know why he was so conspicious, he more or less played and beat Carlingford on his own". John Murphy. This was nothing unusual, because Danny Ferguson regularly gave first class displays for Cooley. The saying, "Come on lads, don't leave it all to Danny" , originated from some of those displays. The only drawback he seemed to have was his kicking of the ball straight up in the air, but he was always capable of handling the consequences of these kicks because they say he was the only man who could catch his own kick.
Cooley reach quarter final of the championship
At county convention, Whitestown Emmets proposed the following motion: "That fines be substituted for suspensions for minor breaches of the rules." The chairman remarked that the motion was not in accordance with the spirit of the G.A.A., but as there was no Whitestown representative present, it fell through.
Cooley Kickhams, with a full complement of players, except Danny Ferguson, who was still not regraded, easily beat Millmount Harps (Drogheda) in the first round of the junior championship by 5-2 to 0-0. Joe McKeown and Pete Finnegan starred in a game which they won as they pleased. A one-sided second round match against Clogherhead Dreadnoughts resulted in a win for Cooley by 3-7 to 0-2. They built up a big lead with the wind in the first half. A huge crowd came by bicycle, lorry and every available conveyance to cheer Cooley in their quarter-final match against Isles of the Sea (Dundalk).
The line out was:- Willie Murphy Owen Gallagher Mick Hanlon James McCormack Pete Finnegan Mick Carron Edward Boyle Pat Shields John Boyle Peter Connor Frank Connor John Murphy John Finnegan Tom Hanlon
Played in a great atmosphere, the Isles won by 1-4 to l-l, beating the heavier Cooley side, who lacked scoring power and continually kept bunching instead of playing wide to the wings. James McCormack, Joe McKeown, Frank Connor and Mick Hanlon were their best players. John Boyle was seriously injured in this match. In February 1926 he died as a direct result of the injury received. A benefit match was arranged for his wife and family in which Louth juniors played Louth seniors in a trial and Cooley beat Castle Emmets by 0-7 to 0-5.
The change of name from Carlingford to Saint Michaels certainly did the village team no harm in their victory over Collon United by 2-3 to 1-1. Collon lodged an objection stating that Stephen Lowe, a Cooley player, played for Saint Michaels under an assumed name. The evidence was that a spectator was heard to call his name, but it was ruled out because of insufficient evidence. Saint Michaels second round match at Johnstown was a one-sided affair, O'Mahoneys winning by 4-8 to 0-1.
A 2-6 to 1-0 win over Pioneers (Drogheda) paved the way for a thrilling second round tie between Whitestown and Unknowns in the second division championship. Whitestown lost by 1-3 to 1-2 but considering that this Unknowns side went on to win the championship, it was no mean feat. Whitestown lodged an objection that Paddy Garland was not properly transferred from Saint Domnicks but it was ruled out because of a counter objection by Unknowns that the paper used was not of Irish manufacture.
A letter was read at the county board meeting stating that the Clans were giving St. Michaels a walk over in the second division championship. Ironically, the next letter opened was from St. Michaels giving a walk over to Clans.
No Cooley team had ever taken part in the minor championship, even though it had been played for since 1913. However, a note from Patrick McGrane (Jnr.) changed all that. It read, "Please enter in minor championship, 'The Whitestown Reserves'. 1/- enclosed." When they lined out against Shamrocks (Dundalk) they became the first underage team to represent Cooley. They won the game by 3-0 to 1-0, but the Shamrocks objected that (1) Thomas Marks and James McKevitt were over age, (2) The list of players was not written in Irish, (3) List of names was not accompanied by birth certificates. No representative turned up from Whitestown to disprove these allegations and Shamrocks were awarded the game and went on to win the minor championship.
Cooley got permission to play a Dundalk junior team to help defray expenses. They eventually played against John Dillons, but were beaten by 6-2 to 1-1.
1925 saw the popularity of the G.A.A. return slowly but surely to the Cooley area. Most of the great players of the past had retired and first class players were in short supply, but that was the natural result of several years when football was only played in a half-hearted manner and when people, playing or watching a game, never knew when the field would be raided by some one or other who carried guns or generally made themselves unpleasant. When the conflict finally ended it was the G.A.A. more than any other influence that helped wipe out the animosity, brought the young men on both sides together again, playing on the same teams, cheering for the same colours, sitting on the same committees. This is one of the proudest achievements of the G.A.A.
Louth having beaten Dublin in the Leinster junior final, went on to meet Mayo in the All Ireland Final. They won by 2-6 to 2-5.
Both Paddy Gribbon and John Murphy in separate letters to the county committee, had claimed the right to represent Cooley Kickhams at county board level. They were both asked to attend the next meeting to solve the problem, but, in the meantime, Mr Murphy notified them that Mr Gribbon would represent Cooley for the coming year.