Bernard Durkan

Bernard Durkan, born in Attymass in the 1890s, became a primary teacher and was appointed Principal of Carragowan National School in Bohola. Bernard married Mary Rose O Dwyer and lived in Lismurrane.

Bernard Durkan participated in and presided over a golden era of Mayo football, from 1915 to 1938. As a palyer, he played on the Mayo Senior team from 1915 to 1925. Mayo contested 9 Connacht finals during this period winning seven of them. He played in six of these Connacht senior finals, winning 5 senior medals as a player and 2 as a sub.

In this picture he is in the front row, 4th from the left.

As an administrator his record is equally impressive. He was elected chairman of the county board on 20 May 1928, a position he held until 1938. During this period Mayo won their frst Junior All Ireland in 1933, their fist National League title in 1934, their first All Ireland minor in 1935 and their first All Ireland senior title in 1936. Mayo also won 5 National League titles during this period, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938. He organised and took the Mayo team to New York on two occasions during this period in 1932 and again in 1937. Bill O' Dwyer, who was Mayor of New York, was Bernard's brother in law and was instrumental in organising and funding the trips from the New York side.

His son Frank was involved in New York football as a player and an administrator for many years and remains a great friend of Mayo football to this day.

Cathal Hennelly