Three famous Roscommon GAA grounds included in ‘A Place to Play’

Since publishing ‘GAA Family Silver’, the people and stories behind 101 cups and trophies in 2013, former Dublin hurling manager and GAA historian Humphrey Kelleher has been working on a different project that has just come to fruition, and it’s one that’s sure to be of significant interest to supporters all across the county and the country this Christmas.

‘A Place to Play’ is the product of a decade of research into 101 famous GAA grounds from all across Ireland, while also featuring Gaelic Park in New York and McGovern Park in Ruislip, London.

Waldron Park in Athleague, St. Brigid’s Park in Kiltoom and Dr. Hyde Park all feature in this celebration of iconic and historic venues, where Kelleher goes through the history and evolution of each facility, with reference to some of the most celebrated games that have taken place in each one.

The story of how Gaelic games in Roscommon Town was originally based in St. Coman’s Park but moved to what was Raftery’s Field and is now Dr. Hyde Park is laid out, while readers also learn why St. Brigid’s came to play in green and red as opposed to blue and white, and how the club’s home was bought in 1953 and the journey that was travelled to bring them to the fantastic amenity that exists in Kiltoom today.

The story of James Waldron, his hurling career and the significant contribution of his wife Bridget Mary O’Reilly is also touched upon, and how his name came to adorn what has become the home of Roscommon hurling.

Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada in Carrick-on-Shannon, Duggan Park in Ballinasloe, Fr. O’Hara Park in Charlestown and Páirc Chiaráin in Athlone are other venues that feature, and which will be of significant interest to people from various parts of Roscommon.

‘A Place to Play’ is published by Merrion Press and is available in most bookshops.