There is Nothing as 'Galway' as Our Lady's Boys Club (25 06 2015)
As President Michael D. Higgins said recently on a visit to Sea Road, “Our Ladys Boys Club was built on a vision”. It was founded in 1940, the main object being “To provide for the relief of poverty by serving homeless kids in need, by promoting human services which would meet long-term needs and by these means to encourage their development and give their lives a dignity which is their birthright”. Fr. Leonard Shiel S.J. was the inspiration behind the project. He has given thousands of young Galwegians and the City of Galway a rich legacy.
At the time there were was a great need for some social and recreational out-of-school facilities for young people, there was no such activity in the working class areas of ‘The West’, Shantalla, Bohermore or the Claddagh. So this youth club which was set up in Sea Road was a godsend to a great many young people who were able to meet in a spirit of good fellowship and enjoy games and competitions which were organised by the committee. They could play darts, draughts, rings, volleyball, basketball, groundball, skittles, billiards, snooker and table tennis. They also became involved in outdoor sports such as soccer, rugby, golf and water safety.
Our photograph today was taken c.1952/53 and shows a group of OLBC boxers taken on the stage of the Columban Hall after a tournament. You can see some of the ring ropes. In the front row are; Tom O’Connor, ------- , Pat Blakeny, William McDonagh, John Keady, Michael Keady, Francis Walsh, Kieran Tierney. In the second row are; Mick Lohan, Francis Parsons, ------- , Fr. O’Connor S.J. (a tough man in confessions, he always gave out a heavy penance), Pat Stephens.
At the back are Michael John Tierney, Paddy Thornton, Paddy Delargy, Mícheál Walsh, Frank Lydon (Claddagh), Frank McCabe, Gerry Glynn, Larry Holleran, Seán McNamara, -------- . Amby Roche and Mick Lohan were the boxing coaches.
From the beginnings of the club, an annual “Camp” was organised, a week-long holiday for boys who might never otherwise have a holiday. They were (and are) always well fed and are usually much healthier by the end of the week. There is a lot of sporting activity and the recreational element of the outing is its central benefit. Competition and achievement are important, but not competition which might promote the exclusion of those who might not be as adept as others. Participation and cooperation are also very important and for this reason, boys assist in the cleaning, tidying and washing up duties in the hope that these chores will imitate and reinforce values that are associated with family life. Several generations of Club boys will tell you that the happiest days of their life were spent on Camp.
This year OLBC will go on their 75th annual camp to St. Colman’s College, Claremorris on June 25th. As always, they are totally dependent on the citizens of Galway as well as those who have already gone through the club, for funding for this project. They are appealing to anyone who can to make a donation to Jim Cunningham, President OLBC at Unit 1, Liosbán Estate, Tuam Road, Galway, or any committee member. Please support this great institution.
To quote President Michael D. Higgins again, “There is nothing as Galway as Our Lady's Boys Club”.
