Programmes prove priceless glimpse into GAA’s past

SCANNING through some old match programmes earlier this week, Donal McAnallen came across a single-sheet production from 1946.

Promoting a game in the schools competition, now known as the Hogan Cup, it wouldn’t have warranted a second look until the Cardinal Ó Fiach library-based Ulster GAA archivist noticed the Sweet Afton cigarettes ad overleaf.

The GAA were pioneers in doing away with tobacco sponsorship but here was an example of how it was once tolerated — and in an underage competition, perish the thought (incidentally, the trophy on offer for the Munster intermediate hurling championship is still referred to as the Sweet Afton Cup).