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Banteer GAA Celebrates 30 Years Since Historic 1995 Hurling Triumph with Heartfelt Reunion
Banteer GAA celebrated a very special occasion last Friday night at the Glen Theatre when past players gathered to mark the 30year reunion of the 1995 Junior Hurling Championship winning team. Former hurlers travelled from all corners of the world to be there, with special thanks to John Goggin, Michael Doyle and Ronan Sheehan who made long journeys back to Banteer to support the event.
The 1995 success remains one of the club’s greatest achievements, ending a 38year wait for a hurling title. Banteer last lifted the Junior Championship in 1957, a year that completed a famous three in a row. The 1995 victory in Kanturk, where Banteer overcame Meelin, is fondly remembered as a defining moment in the club’s history.
Banteer GAA has a proud tradition dating back to its founding in 1929 by Sgt. Kelly, a Galway man based in the village. The club’s first major success came in football in 1937, followed by its hurling breakthrough in 1952 and further titles in the mid-1950s. While hurling went through quieter years afterwards, a huge effort at underage level in the late 70s and 80s, including the formation of a juvenile club and strong work in the schools, laid the foundations for future success. This produced county and divisional wins at U12,
minor, and U21 level, culminating in a golden period where Banteer won nine U21 titles in eleven years from 1985–1995. Friday’s reunion was a wonderful chance for players, supporters and friends to meet again, share stories and celebrate the history they created together. Special thanks to Seán Óg Ó hAilpín who attended as guest of honour and presented on the night, as well as Duhallow Board Chairman Stephen Lynch for his support. Sincere gratitude is also extended to the organising committee and all who helped make the night such a memorable success.
