The Man who Bought Croke Park

I suspect that many do not know that Jones Road site was purchased by a Limerick man who then sold to GAA ‘for the same consideration’.

Yesterday, I spotted a tweet from Jean with a copy of the notification of the death, 100 years ago on 18th April, 1916, of Frank Brazil Dineen and it reminded me of this plaque on the side wall of a building in Ballylanders.

Joining those two dots of knowledge was justification for today’s blog.

---

“This plaque was erected by Baile an Londraigh CLG in honour of the late Prionsais Breasil O Duinnon – Frank Brazil Dineen (Athlete, Journalist, Patriot)

Born in this house 28th December 1862, Frank B. Dineen came to prominence as an athlete holding the record for the 100 yards sprint and high jump in the 1880’s.

Úachtaran Cumann Luithchleas Gael 1895-1898 agus Ard Stiurthoir 1898-1901.

He was the first President of the Athletic Council and published the “Irish Athletic Record” in 1906. He founded Ballylanders Shamrock Football Club in 1886. Frank will be best remembered as the man who in 1908 purchased Jones Road now Croke Park, which he gave to the GAA for the same consideration. He was the Athletic Editor of “SPORT” published by the Freeman’s Journal when he died on 18th April 1916.

This plaque was unveiled on the 15th August 2009 by Criostóir O Cuana Úachtaran Cumann Luthchleas Gael”
Plaque at Ballylanders