CONTINUING THE TRADITION

with deep regret I read the account (in the Munster notes of the Advocate) of the death of Tim Nagle of St Mary’s HC Cork. “Taidg” as we used to affectionately call him, was one of the finest centerfield men I ever saw. When I recall the fierce duels and strenuous tussles for possession of the “horseskin” between himself and the famous Limerick center, Tyler Mackey the big round tears are rolling down my cheeks. I remember away back in 1911 Dungourney (Cork) were invited by the Killarney Feis Committee to play Castleconnell (Limerick) for a special set of gold medals. It was a glorious June day and there was hardly room to stand in the village, famed in song and story. Both teams were met at the station by members of the Killarney Feis committee and taken to the G S and W R Hotel for a light luncheon. Before the game my seat at the table happened to be next to the “one and only” Jim Kelleher, and after a friendly salute and handshake, Jim says in a stage whisper, “Egan, I want to introduce you to Timmy Nagle, the lad that is going to spike Tyler’s guns today. Watch his style. He is very fast and snappy. This is his first inter county game”.

These comments coming from the lips of such a wonderful hurler as Kelleher, needless to say, caused me to take a great interest in my new acquaintance, who not only lived up to his captain’s expectations by checking “Tyler’s” rushes, but he was acclaimed by all sporting writers as the outstanding star in the memorable contest, which Castleconnell won by 9 points to 7, only to have the decision reversed the following Sunday two weeks by Dungourney at Cork Athletic Grounds for the Ottway-Cuile Shield and gold medals by 6 points to 5.

“In this terrible struggle for supremacy, both teams were 5 points each at about four minutes to go; out of a ruck at midfield Nagle got possession, dribbling at top speed down to the left wing, “pucked the leather”, and, with a lovely shot, sent over the winning point. It was one of the most spectacular and thrilling passages I’ve ever seen in any game. Ever after, when Cork and Limerick met, you could hear on all sides along the lines “look out for the exchanges between Tyler and Nagle today.” They were truly worth watching.

“May the sod lay light and be ever green over the grave of Tim Nagle, and his memory be ever fresh in the heart of every Munster Gael, is the sincere wish of his old friend in Gaeldom.”

It is one hundred years since Tim won his AllIreland medal and in that time, his relatives have player their part in the GAA. Tim’s brother, Michael (Mick) Nagle, gave a lifetime of service to the GAA in Killavullen and North Cork as a player, official and referee and his nephews, Tim and Sean Nagle, continue that great tradition today. The Gaels of North Cork can be proud of the man who played for 12 years for Cork, won an All-Ireland medal and 4 Munster medals.

Thanks to John O’Connor NT and to Tim and Sean Nagle who contributed to the research of this article.

How stiff and starchy and staid they look this morning, thought nine year old Miranda, as she gazed at the neatly stacked supermarket shelves and recalled her dream of the night before.

Shortly after her mother had tucked her in and kissed her goodnight, Miranda found herself transported to her local supermarket, which was gaily decorated and illuminated by fairy lights. Their annual party was on they told her and invited her to judge the various competitions and to preside at the proceedings.

What a great honour she thought, as she stood beside the Fairy Queen Liquid who waved her wand at 9.30pm to commence the party: She was resplendent in a white gown and her cousin Fairy Snow was gaily decked in the green, white and red of her packets. Mr Sheen and Mr Proper looked tired but proud of the polished floors and shelves which they had finished in good time for the party.

By now the party was in full swing. Tayto Crisp seemed to fancy Boland'a biscuit a lot, and what a pretty sight they were. A competition was held for the fastest washing-up liquid and Three Hands, in a yellow silk costume, was declared the winner by Miranda. Dairy Gold was rather shy at first but danced a lot with Flora and Benecol. CMP and Dawn had to leave early as they had to go on the milk rounds.

From the medical section, Elasto Plast and Pana Dol danced a four-hand reel with Colgate Toothpaste and Palm Olive Soap. Green Label Lyons couldn’t choose between Maxwell House and Nescafe Coffee.

The meat and vegetables came dressed up as the Muppets and won the prize for the most unusual costume.

Miranda had to pinch herself at times to check if it were real, as on and on they danced. Milky Way, Club Milk and Cadbury Buttons recited the Three Blind Mice.

The highlight of the evening was when Odlums Flour, dressed as an owl, Stork Margarine dressed as a Stork, eggs disguised as fluffy chicks and Siucra, as a honey bee performed their magical act … the lights went out for a few seconds, during which time a fierce noise was heard of cake tins clattering, oven doors banging and fierce activity in the cutlery section. Baking powder waved his magic spoon, the lights came on and there before us was a magnificent pastry and confectionery section proudly displayed by pastry cooks Swiss Roll, Apple Tarts, Battenburgs and Gateau Sponges.

Miranda’s eyes became heavy. A huge trolley filled with goodies was pushed over to her by Cash Register, who was dressed in a gown of Bank notes, adorned by a silver necklace. “They are for you Miranda,” she said, “on condition … you mustn’t tell anyone about this party because if the boss finds out we would never be left on our own again.”

The lights were dimmed for the last dance by the Solus family. There was the sound of scampering. Miranda rubbed her tired eyes as she heard her mother call her for school. She reached for a bar of chocolate but the trolley had vanished.

Her mother couldn’t understand her eagerness to fetch a loaf of bread from the supermarket before going to school. Miranda thought she perceived a smile here and there from the shelves, but pulled herself together and set off for school thinking it must have been a dream … “I hope I dream again, next time I’ll eat all the goodies from the trolley.”