Launch of ‘Cabra and Sport 1920’s-2020’s’

Cabra roared with pride as heroes of the parish, Olympians, All-Ireland champions and local legends, came together under one roof for the launch of Jim Kelly’s new book ‘Cabra and Sport 1920s–2020s’, a powerful tribute to one hundred years of sporting glory.

The launch, held on Friday, August 15th as part of the Cabra Festival, transformed St Finbarr’s GAA clubhouse into a living museum of achievement.

Cabra Historical Society lined the walls with a striking array of sports photographs while Larry Maher’s flowing PowerPoint of images from the book drew gasps and memories in equal measure.

The atmosphere was both celebratory and reflective, a recognition of the extraordinary depth of sporting tradition rooted in the community.

The guest list read like a who’s who of Irish sport, past and present.

Andrea and James McNamara, children of Olympian Jim McNamara, were warmly welcomed alongside Anne and Florence Curley of Donore Harriers.

Basketball was represented by Bob and Liam Hartigan, while Olympic boxer Eddie Tracey drew applause on his arrival.

Dermot McMahon carried the flag for crossbow, while the strength sports were embodied by power weightlifter Billy Kidd.

No Cabra sporting celebration could be complete without the GAA, which was richly represented.

Phelim Brady, 94-year-old stalwart Joe Casserly, Siobhan Kehoe, Eilis Uí Longáin, Vincent Sheridan and All-Ireland winner Mickey Whelan joined a host of Naomh Fionnbarra players and committee members to mark the occasion.

Pictured at the launch, from left: Eimear Lambe, Jim Kelly and Eddie Tracey

From rowing came Olympic bronze medallist Eimear Lambe, who stood shoulder to shoulder with neighbours, teammates and admirers.

Soccer had perhaps the largest contingent of the night.

Among those who gathered were Mick Conroy, Eamon Fitzgibbon, Ettie Fullam (widow of Bunny), Colm Healy (nephew of Kevin Healy), Frankie Gleeson, Dominic Martin (son of Bob), Rosaleen McAllorum, Robbie Webb, Mattie Whelan and John Whelan (brother of Liam).

Each name carried with it its own legacy, its own thread in the fabric of Cabra’s sporting past.

Jim Kelly pictured with his sons and cousins

In his address, Jim Kelly paid special tribute to Naomh Fionnbarra CLG and its chair Dane Russell for hosting the event.

He also expressed heartfelt thanks to his family and friends for their support in bringing the project to life, from research to launch.

Kelly emphasised that the book is more than a history — it is a statement of community.

He said it demonstrates the inclusivity of sport across all ages, genders, backgrounds and standards.

It underlines how sport remains a lifelong benefit, whether through active participation, coaching, mentoring, committee work or loyal support from the sidelines.

He pointed to its value as a source of information for future researchers, as well as a record of elite performers who act as role models and inspire high performance.

Most importantly, he expressed hope that it will motivate other suburban communities across Dublin to embark on similar projects to record their own proud traditions.

One of the evening’s most poignant moments was the sight of Cabra’s two resident Olympians, Eimear Lambe and Eddie Tracey, pictured together as representatives of the highest sporting honour. They were joined in spirit by Claire Lambe and Tony Lally, who now live in Australia, and by the late Jim McNamara, remembered fondly by all who knew him since his passing in 2016.

The book itself, Cabra and Sport 1920s–2020s, is both a chronicle and a celebration, weaving together stories of achievement across codes and generations. For Kelly, it represents not only years of research but also a gift to his community — a reminder of what Cabra has given to Irish sport, and of the joy and pride sport continues to bring to everyday life.

Copies of the book are now available locally for €15 at Spar and Day Today on Fassaugh Avenue. For those further afield, postal orders are available for €20 by emailing cabrasportjkelly@gmail.com.