Famed historian Eamon Phoenix gave a fascinating talk on the history of the GAA in north and south west Antrim 100 years ago at Wednesday evening launch of “Tír na nÓG 1919-2019 An Illustrated History” at their Whitehill clubrooms. Dr Phoenix, who is a political historian and Head of Lifelong Learning at Strandmillis University College, talked for almost an hour about the key figures, many of them from a Unionist background, who were involved in the GAA in Antrim, from the association’s formation in Thurles 1884 through to the mid-1920s and the part that the Tir na nÓg club played.
Former All Star hurler and county manager Terence Sambo McNaughton had the unenviable task of following Dr Phoenix but it has to be said he handled it very well. McNaughton spoke about his feeling of gratitude to the club for their support of the county hurling teams he was involved with over the years.
Afterwards refreshment were served downstairs and copies of the book were on sale. Stories were exchanged about hurling, football and camogie games played over the last century and the characters who helped shape the Tir na nÓg club during that time. Saffron Gael went along to capture the events of the evening.
