Monagea GAA Club to Honour Willie Hough
NOW that Limerick has its eighth All-Ireland title in the bag and as clubs and communities around the county celebrate that victory, Monagea GAA club is preparing to step back in time to mark another Limerick victory.
In 1918, when clubs represented their county rather than a county team, Newcastle West won the Munster and then the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. And that winning team was captained by Willie Hough from Monagea.
Born in 1892, Willie’s stellar playing career began with Monagea Senior Hurlers in 1910. He went on to captain Waterford in the 1913 championship while a member of the De La Salle Club.
He played with UCC in the 1916 Cork Senior Hurling Championship before returning to captain Newcastle West to victory in the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship.
He was appointed captain of Limerick Senior Hurlers in 1918 and led them to All Ireland glory.
He also played in the 1921 and 1923 finals winning a second All Ireland Medal in the first. When his playing career ended, he took an active part in administration and was appointed treasurer of the Munster Council in 1936, a position he held until 1962.
“Willie Hough was considered to be a very good player and a great administrator. He inspired more than one generation of players,” Liam Herlihy, chairman of Monagea GAA said.