Introduction
There is a long tradition of Gaelic games in Toomore.
Michael John Gallagher recalls his father bringing him to a game
between Meelick and Toomore in or around 1928-30, played in Barretts
field, organised by Hugh McGeever. Click
here to read Michael John's recollections.
Toomore produced several good teams in the thirties
and forties. The bulk of the players were from the Toomore area,
supplemented on occasions, as was the tradition at the time, by
players from outside. Equally, when there was no team in the area
players from Toomore played for a variety of clubs, such as Killasser,
Foxford, Bohola and Kiltimagh and at a later stage in the fifties
and sixties for the very successful Ballyvarry club. One of the
reasons for the formation of so many clubs in a small area was
the requirement to turn senior having won a Junior title. Many
clubs avoided this by disbanding and regrouping under the auspices
of a different neighbouring club.
Killasser won the 1935 Mayo Junior title, defeating
Mayo Abbey on a scoreline of 4-1 to 2-4. This match did not take
place until July 1936. Most of the Toomore players would have
played on this team, which was locally referred to as Martin O
Keefe's team.
Killasser also won a county minor title in 1937.
Claremorris failed to turn up.
Toomore take Junior Title from
Kiltimagh: 1945
Toomore 3-5 Kiltimagh 3-3
Toomore after defeating Swinford in the East Mayo Semifinal by
20 points to 7, met and defeated Kiltimagh on Sunday 19th August.
The game was very keenly contested and both teams gave a good display.
The catching and kicking of the ball at times was a treat to watch.
Kiltimagh last years East Mayo Champions fielded a formidable side.
Toomore a newly formed club played magnificiently and were deserving
winners in a well contested game. Final Score 3-5 to 3-3.
Team: John Boyle, Andrew Laffey,
Tom Healy, Paudge McGowan, Mike McGann, Paddy McGann, J. Loftus,
E. Clarke, J. Burke, B. Hardy, Matt Burke, John McGowan, Joe Canning,
Louis Walsh, Joe Hennelly. Many of this team are pictured in the following group on the
occasion of the dedication of Toomore Church in 1954.
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