15 July 2009
Rasharkin GAC who this season celebrate their centenary will hold a novel match to mark this historic milestone in the club’s history.
On the 18th of July 1909 the club played its first recorded game when a hurling match between St. Olcan’s Rasharkin and Loughgiel Tir Na nOg was played in a field at McLaughlin’s Corner, just outside the village.
100 years to the day a centenary rematch is scheduled between St.Mary’s Rasharkin and Loughgiel Shamrocks at the club’s current ground at Dreen with the throw-in at 8.30pm.
GAA President Christy Cooney will travel up from Cork to unveil a plaque commemorating the first ever Rasharkin team.
In what promises to be one of the most significant events in the club’s centenary year a special initiation is extended to the relatives of those players of that era.
The Rasharkin club would appeal to all former and present members and players to come out and celebrate this historic milestone.
The following is a report from the Irish News dated 20th July 1909
NOTES FROM NORTH ANTRIM: FRIENDLY GAME AT RASHARKIN
Though the teams in North Antrim are scattered far apart, and in consequence have not much opportunity for practice, I am pleased to note that our national pastimes are still flourishing in the district. The latest edition are Rasharkin, who are only a few months organised.
On Sunday 18th they entertained Loughgiel Tir na nOg. The latter played a fine dashing game and showed their friendly rivals some of the nice points of caman playing. Though this was the first game for Rasharkin they acquitted themselves admirably.
Rashakin led at half-time and were confident of pulling off a victory. Tir na nOg however settled down in the second moiety and won a follows
Tir na nOg 3 goals 7 points
Rasharkin 2 goals 3 points
The visitors were subsequently entertained in the bandroom. I am glad to hear that Rasharkin club are receiving every support, especially from Fr Mc Cudden.
The teams were - Tir na n-Og – Jas McAleese, H McKee, J McKee, J Connolly, J Connolly, J Watt, C Connolly, P Connolly, J McAleese (captain), P McCambridge, F McCollum, H McCollum, P Connolly, P McCloskey, N McCloskey, Hugh McKee, T McCloskey.
Rasharkin – D Mullaghan, - ’Connor, P Dealliot, W McGoldrick, R McGoldrick, A Crawford, J McMullan, P McAleese, James McGarry, - McCotter (captain), H McCloskey, R F Mooney, N McCoy, J McKillen,
