Former St Brigid’s hurling star, Jack Daly was delighted to return from Canada for last Friday’s 50-year celebration. Back in 1964 he was part of the St Brigid’s side that won both the league and championship, a great double success.
Speaking to Topic prior to his departure for Canada on Monday, Jack said he thoroughly enjoyed the reunion.
“Once Nollaig McEntaggart phoned me about the reunion I agreed to come home without hesitation. I have great memories of my hurling days with St Brigid’s and we had great times playing the game,” he said.
Jack explained that there was never a hurling team in the area until Nollaig’s father, Frank McEntaggart started it. Frank was a school teacher and his arrival to the Dalystown area heralded the beginning of a new sporting organisation.
“It grew from there, really. We had a junior team back then and I was number nine on the side for 10 years. We won the double in 1964 and I left for Canada after that,” he recalled.
Jack’s sporting prowess shone brightly in Canada also where he won two Canadian Cycling Masters Championships.
“I did a lot of cycling in my younger days and got back into it when the World Masters were held in Edmonton, Canada, near where I live,” he explained. Jack enjoyed success at the over 55 event in the Alberta Summer Games of 2013.
“I have great memories from my time with St Brigid’s and will never forget the advice of Frank McEntaggart: ‘keep at it and your time will come.’ It was simple, but very effective. There were great people involved and the memories will live on,” added the Ballinagore native.
