Parade

[conahy calling]

I had not scrolled across to see full image in my earlier reply.  Now that I see the banner and the flag I agree that it is much more likely a St Patricks Day parade.
Is that another banner further back?  Can anyone read it?  Looks like 17...

[Sinann]

I thought it can't be 1798 can it
Than found this, what ya think
http://www.kildare.ie/library/ehistory/2012/08/naas_patriots_remembered.asp

oh it even mentions the Naas Hurling Team

[myluck!]

Sinann

WOW that's what I think - I thought had that site read through and search engines exhausted!!
It took me a while to place the parade in Naas

Also I never noticed the flag - I do think you have placed it correctly
He obviously marched in the parade as he was part of the Leinster Inter-Provisonal Track and Field Team in 1948 - His medals and references are to Naas Athletic Club which was probably part of the GAA at that time - still never heard of him playing hurling! The banner with a snake to the front is that of Naas GAA.

I have a badly damaged, by folding, photograph of the 1948 T&F Team - I will try and locate and compare faces.

The reference "The F.C.A. colour party consisted of Lieut. Wm Byrne..." is interesting as I found a memoriam card for this name I am sure - definitely need to go through more boxes!

Thank you all

[myluck!]

I think that conahy calling and sinann are correct that the banner is the logo for Naas GAA
and that the parade was in 1948 commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Naas
I have located his name in a book on line on the club
I knew he was involved in athletics but had not associated him with the GAA so strongly

I think I need to dig out and organise some of the old pics and see what else I can piece together

[Sinann]

When ever I see the number 17 I automatically think 1798, it's a number the seems to be a recurring theme in my life the last few years so it was pure fluke when conahy calling noticed the 17 on the banner. Delighted it proved useful this time.

[healyjfch]

GAA stands for Gaelic Athletic Association. Running jumping included.
Also Hurling, Gaelic Football, Rounders and Handball are all GAA sports.

[myluck!]

thank you healyjfch

I actually have my Dad's old handball although it is starting to disintegrate

I have been able to confirm that this photograph was of a parade to commemorate the 1798 rebellion and was held in Naas in 1948
Unfortunately I have not been able to find names for the men marching with my Dad to date...

[rathmore]

Have you sent the photo to any of the local papers asking for information?  They might print in there paper that what happen were I live old photos in the paper asking for names I live in England.  I am sure the other family's would like to see this photo.

[myluck!]

Thank you for that idea Rathmore
Some papers here also have archive pages and articles