Jimmy Chambers

Jim Chambers was born in Clare in 1932 and the interview gives an insight into Gaelic football in his native Cooraclare in the 1940s and 1950s, dealing with the style and tactics of football played, equipment and facilities, transport to matches, injuries and medical treatment, local rivalries and the toughness of the game. There are interesting insights into the crowds at matches, the role of the clergy, teachers and schools, and politics in relation to the GAA. There is also mention of the Clare County side at that time. He emigrated to New York in 1956 and the interview discusses the strength of the GAA in New York at that time, the facilities and social life and clothes worn at Gaelic Park, John Kerry O’Donnell, and the style and standard of football and hurling in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. The interview also mentions the closure of Gaelic Park and the New York GAA’s move to Rockland for that time. The Clare Club in New York is also discussed and the development of the system of bringing players over from Ireland for the weekend and the benefits of that for spectators. The style and toughness of hurling and football, training places, and the development of the youth game with Irish-Americans are covered. He also discusses keeping in touch with the GAA and the club back home, the importance of getting the local papers and hearing the All-Ireland on the radio, and the changes to the Irish population in New York. He also discusses the importance of Clare’s All-Ireland win in 1995.