Medals of a Hurling Hero on display in Clare Museum

Inspired by the success of the Clare U-21 and Senior hurling teams in recent weeks, Clare Museum has put on display a collection of medals won by Brendan Considine and donated by his sons to the museum in 2006.

Born in the Turnpike, Brendan Considine, along with his brothers William ‘The Dodger’ and Turlough ‘Tull’Considine achieved fame over three decades as both hurlers and footballers. Brendan is reputed to be the youngest ever winner of an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Medal – he was a 17 year old student in St Flannan’s when Clare won the title in 1914.

When he finished school he took up a position with the Munster and Leinster Bank and was frequently moved to branches around the country. He consequently represented Dublin, Waterford and Cork during his playing career. Leinster and All-Ireland Senior Hurling medals he won with Dublin also make up part of the display, along with rare medals awarded for participation in hurling tournaments organised to raise funds for Republican relief organisations during the War of Independence. A member of Sinn Fein, Brendan Considine spent time on the run and had once been on hunger strike for 42 days.

According to Museum Curator John Rattigan, this is a rare opportunity to see the collection. "Although photographs of the medals are viewable on the museum website, they were last displayed to the public in 2006. However, other GAA medals such as the one won by Ned Grace in 1914 make up part of the permanent exhibition". The medals will be on display until mid-September.