Kilkenny won the first of its thirty six All Ireland Senior Hurling titles in 1904. As happened often in the early days of the G.A.A. the final was not played in the calendar year of ’04 nor indeed in ’05 but rather in June ’06.
The final was played in Carrick on Suir on Maurice Davin’s land. Kilkenny beat Cork by a single point on a scoreline of 1-8 to 1-7. One of the stars of the team was 18 year old Dan Stapleton at mid field. He was from Tullamaine, Callan.
Stapleton was one of those who pioneered Kilkenny’s rise to fame. He added two further All Ireland titles in 1905 and 1907. He was on the Black and Amber sides which won the Railway Shield in 1906, 1907, and 1908.A man of great physique, ideal for his midfield position.
At club level he played with the famed city club Erin’s Own, which included All Ireland hurlers in Paddy(Icy)Lanigan, Matt Gargan, Jack Lennon and Dick Brennan. Like another outstanding Kilkenny hurler Pierce Grace, Dan Stapleton was also a distinguished footballer and was on the Kilkenny team that reached a Leinster Final in 1906.This iron man played in the hurling final the same day.
Aside from his sporting prowess he was a chemist on High Street and lived in James’ Street Sconce. He was a Volunteer and an active I.R.A. member during the Black and Tan war. His training as a chemist proved of immense value to the movement and he manufactured many of the explosives used in mines and homemade grenades.
Following the signing of the Treaty he joined the National Army and held the rank of Commandant. He was in the Ordnance Corps until 1932 when he transferred to An Garda Siochana with the rank of Superintendent. For fourteen years he was the ballistics expert in Garda Technical Bureau and was an expert in many murder trials. He retired from the force in 1955. He took up golf and was a supporter of Skerries Harps football team.
He was chairman of the Kilkenny men’s Association in Dublin for many years and was a familiar figure organising receptions for Kilkenny teams after All Irelands. He died in 1968. His life’s work was a massive contribution to the G.A.A, the Army, and the Gardai.
FÓGRA:
While researching this wonderful article, supplied by The Kilkenny’s walkers group, The Kilkenny Observer came across a play ‘Run with the Hare ( and hunt with the Hound).
Written by William X Troy it details the life and times of Daniel John Stapleton and the Battle for Kilkenny. It dramatises the under told story of an important Irish Patriot during the Irish War of Independence (1998-1921). While hiding in plain sight in his Medical Hall at 23 High Street, Stapleton successfully supplied nearby Flying Columns with ammunition and explosives supporting the ongoing distribution of Crown Forces to stall the Home Project so popular in Kilkenny and the surrounding region.
The Observer spoke to Professor Troy at the Lawrence University of Wisconsin, USA, where he lectures in theatre studies. Mr Troy gave this paper the following statement: “Through research, writing, and revising the play over the past two years, I’ve come to articulate a special approach to the struggle for Irish Independence, I refer to as the Kilkenny Strategy, which includes foregrounding the language of Home Rule, using local government institutions (the courts, local assemblies, social clubs) to demonstrate effective independence, gathering allies across all sectors of the community, and avoiding local conflicts that might prompt an over-response British Forces.”
The play had a first reading presented by Kats Theatre at The Home Rule Club, Kilkenny, June 2023.
Speaking to the Kilkenny Observer, chair of the Kilkenny drama group, Delia Lowery said they were delighted to assist Professor Troy with the reading and that Kats hoped to develop the play in the future
Sources: The bureau of Military history. The Flying column West Kilkenny ( 1916-1921) J Maher. Dan Stapleton, Obituary.Prof’ William X Troy.
Thanks to Pof Troy , and Michael Mahony for use of photos.
