By
Joe Littleton

Early in 2011 I visited Micheál King in Rannagh Tulla, whose uncle John King, was a member of the twenty one man team that defeated Feakle to win the Carrahan Flag in 1889. This exquisite banner is thought to be the oldest GAA trophy in existence and was played for in Kearney’s field behind Harrison’s pub in Clooney.

The flag is a magnificent five feet by four feet oil painting. It is believed to depict a famous hurler and athlete named Patrick McGrath from Glandree. It is as prized today in the parish of Tulla as it was on the day it was won and proudly carried back in triumph to the town of Tulla on May 18th 1889.

The legendary 'Irish Independent' sports columnist John D Hickey spoke to the only surviving member of the Tulla team that won the Carrahan Flag, at his home in early 1956, ninety two year old Danny McNamara, of Glandree. John D was accompanied by the Chairman of Clare County Board at the time, Rev. John Corry, who was then CC in Quin. Fr Corry also served as CC in the parishes of Tulla and Feakle.

The competition for what was known as the Carrahan Tournament commenced in September 1888 and attracted many of the top clubs in Clare. Two teams from Quin and two from Clooney competed in the competition. Tulla took immense pleasure in beating Ogonnelloe on their way to the final as Tulla had been defeated by Ogonnelloe in the 1888 County Championship final. Danny recalled that there was great betting on matches in those days. Denis McKenna, the captain of Tulla wanted to place a bet of £20 with Dominic Stuart, the manager of Ogonnelloe, but Stuart would not take him on, as he felt according to Danny, that they were half beaten before they took to the field.

Feakle and Tulla were regarded as the kingpins of hurling in Clare at the time. Considering the interest in the tournament there was an amount of preparation for the contest. In the first half Tulla played with the fall of ground in their favour. The 'Saturday Record' remarked that it was impossible to describe the scientific hurling that ensued. Feakle were ahead by a goal and a point after ten minutes. Soon, Tulla were thick in the affray with a point followed by a goal from John McKenna to level matters.

After the restart Feakle’s Henchy pointed, but the game was quickly leveled by Tulla. With ten minutes left to play, the large attendance was anticipating a draw, with a half hour of extra time to decide matters. However, during the final stages Tulla hammered home a goal and a point to leave the final score Tulla 2-03 Feakle 1-2.

After the match the team adjourned to Kearney’s bar for refreshments. According to Danny McNamara Father Tim Lynch, who was President of the Tulla Club and Willie Moloney the Vice President, carried the prize trophy back to Tulla. They and the players were paraded through the town by the local brass band and a large crowd joined in the celebrations.

The tournament was played for only once and the flag found its home in the residence of Fr Lynch. When he was leaving Tulla was presented with the proceeds of a collection amounting to £300 according to Danny. (This was a lot of money at the time and still is in this year of austerity and IMF/EU bailouts). However, Fr Lynch refused to take the money and insisted that it be kept for the club and other uses. Fr Lynch subsequently returned to Tulla as Parish Priest and later became Canon.

Following its sojourn in the parochial house, the flag found its way to the home of the Sisters of Mercy in Tulla, where it remained for many years. In the early 1970s it was decided to restore the flag to its former glory. A committee comprising mainly of relatives of the winning team was formed in 1974 and money was raised for this purpose. The delicate task of restoring the flag was undertaken by Tulla man, Eugene McCarthy, who ensured that the flag was restored to its present day pristine condition.

The Banner has been paraded at many public functions down through the years. It is minded with great affection by Micheál King, to whom I am very grateful, for enlightening me on the history of this magnificent trophy which goes back to the days of the foundation of the GAA.


The Carrahan Flag


Micheál King.