Athenry News & Views Summer 2026

Athenry News & Views

Main organiser Jim Reidy (Athenry Tidy Towns)

Club President Michael Crimmins and Chairman Joe Kelly

support for Irish nationalism and the cultural revival symbolised by Kathleen Ní Houlihan. Jordan was re-elected County Secretary, with Jim Barrett confirmed as County Registrar and Larry Lardner appointed as delegate to the Connacht Council. However, within days of the convention, Lardner was arrested by British authorities for engaging in illegal drilling activities— reflecting the ongoing crackdown on nationalist movements and paramilitary training. In July, further conflict erupted when the Athenry G.A.A. planned a Cycling and Athletic Sports Day for Sunday the 21st. The event was proclaimed illegal due to the absence of a British-issued permit. D.I. Gilhooley, the local police inspector, pressured Jim Barrett to seek approval from the British administration, but Barrett refused, insisting that the G.A.A. would not recognise foreign authority. The refusal prompted Gilhooley to alert the military, who responded with force. Troops occupied the

sports grounds, installing machine guns on surrounding walls to deter any attempts to hold the event. However, in a bold move of defiance and coordination, local members of the G.A.A. and the IRA prepared an alternative venue outside the town. The full programme of events was carried out in secret, with neither police nor military detecting the shift. Among the winners was P.J. Doherty of Athenry, who took first place in the Boys Under-16 220 yard race. On April 12th, a special annual convention in Athenry celebrated the release of three key figures from jail: Stephen Jordan, Larry Lardner, and County Board President George McNichollas. Their return was met with applause and strong words of support. The events of 1918 in Athenry highlight the growing tensions between Irish cultural organisations and British rule, as well as the determination of local communities to uphold their

national identity- even under threat of armed suppression. Lardner’s influence was not confined to the GAA, politics and national movements. In other sporting circles, he played an equally active role. He helped organise and served as secretary of the Athenry Coursing Club for several years, turning it into one of the most successful venues in the West of Ireland. He also served as secretary of the Athenry Agricultural Committee, where his leadership and drive contributed greatly to its success. Equally committed to the economic advancement of the region, Lardner worked tirelessly in the Industrial Development Movement. His efforts were instrumental in securing a Beet Factory for the West of Ireland and a Sack and Bag Factory for his native town of Athenry. All his undertakings, whether in sport, culture, politics, or industry, were undertaken as a labour of love for his country.

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