Willie Hough
Encyclopedia
Willie Hough was an Irish
sportsperson. He played hurling
with his local club Newcastlewest and with the Limerick
senior inter-county team from 1915 until 1929. Hough captained Limerick to the All-Ireland
title in 1918.
in 1892. He was born into a family that had a strong association with Gaelic games
. His father, who excelled in both hurling
and Gaelic football
, was chairman of the West Limerick Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association
from 1902 until 1910. Hough was educated locally and later attended the De La Salle College
in Waterford
where he qualified as a national school teacher. After qualifying as a teacher Hough worked in Baltimore
, County Cork
.
club and enjoyed some success. He won back-to-back county titles with the club in 1913 and 1914. After moving to Cork Hough played with the UCC
club. When he returned to his own native town he played with Newcastlewest and enjoyed more success. He captured county titles
with that club in 1917 and 1925.
. In 1913 he was handed the captaincy of the inter-county team. Waterford, however, were eliminated from the provincial championship at the first hurdle at the hands of Tipperary
. After moving to Cork Hough was invited to join the Cork senior team, however, he declined.
In 1915 Hough made his debut with the Limerick
inter-county team. Limerick’s hurling fortunes were on the way up at the time. In 1917 Hough lined out in his first Munster final with Tipperary providing the opposition. Tipp were the All-Ireland champions, however, Limerick took the game by the scruff of the neck. At the final whistle both sides had recorded 3-4 and a replay was necessary. Tipp made no mistake in the final and walloped Limerick by 6-4 to 3-1.
In 1918 Hough was appointed captain of the Limerick senior hurling team. For the second year in-a-row Limerick reached the Munster final. Clare
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, Hough’s side were the better team on the day. The final score of 11-3 to 1-2 tells its own story as Hough collected his first Munster
title. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Limerick take on Wexford
. The first-half saw Hough’s side go on a goal-scoring spree as Limerick took a half-time lead of 5-4 to 0-2. The goals continued in the second-half as Limerick won the game by 9-5 to 1-3, giving Hough his first All-Ireland
medal.
In 1919 Limerick reached their third consecutive Munster final. Cork were the opponents on that occasion, however, the All-Ireland champions were humbled with a 3-5 to 1-6 defeat. Hough’s side were heavily beaten by Cork again in the 1920 provincial decider.
In 1921 the Munster championship was affected by political strife. Because of this only Cork and Limerick participated with both sides contesting the provincial final for the third consecutive year. Hough’s side avenged the defeats of the previous two years by beating Cork by 5-2 to 1-2. It was Hough’s second Munster title. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Limerick against Dublin
. Once again, Limerick went on a goal-scoring rampage with captain Bob McConkey
capturing four goals in all. Limerick went on to win the game by 8-5 to 3-2, giving Hough a second All-Ireland medal.
Limerick surrendered their Munster crown to Tipperary after a replay in 1922, however, they reversed that defeat in 1923 with Hough adding a third Munster medal to his collection. He later lined out in his third All-Ireland final as Galway
provided the opposition. In spite of Galway playing in the very first All-Ireland final they had yet to win a title. Limerick looked likely to capture a third All-Ireland title in six years, however, for the very first time the All-Ireland title went to a team from Connacht
.
The next few years saw Limerick go into decline in Munster. Hough retired from inter-county activity in 1926. He returned three years later in 1929 for a championship match against Waterford. His side was defeated on that occasion bringing the final curtain down on his inter-county career.
and Munster championship games. The highlight of his refereeing career came when he took charge of an All-Ireland semi-final between Kilkenny
and Galway.
Hough also excelled as an administrator within the GAA. He was vice-chairman of the West Limerick Board from 1924 until 1928. In 1936 he was appointed treasurer of the Munster Council
. He remained in that position, unopposed, until his retirement in 1962.
Willie Hough died in 1976.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
sportsperson. He played hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club Newcastlewest and with the Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
senior inter-county team from 1915 until 1929. Hough captained Limerick to the All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
title in 1918.
Early life
Willie Hough was born just outside Newcastlewest, County LimerickCounty Limerick
It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC...
in 1892. He was born into a family that had a strong association with Gaelic games
Gaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
. His father, who excelled in both hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
and Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
, was chairman of the West Limerick Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association
Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
from 1902 until 1910. Hough was educated locally and later attended the De La Salle College
De La Salle College Waterford
De La Salle College Waterford is a secondary school in Waterford, Ireland. It currently houses over 1000 students and 70 teachers.-Notable alumni:* Paul Begadon- national taekwondo champion* Jim Beglin - soccer player...
in Waterford
Waterford
Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland...
where he qualified as a national school teacher. After qualifying as a teacher Hough worked in Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, County Cork
County Cork
County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county...
.
Club
Hough played his club hurling with a variety of clubs. During his studies in Waterford he played with the De La SalleDe La Salle GAA
De La Salle Gaelic football and hurling club is based in the western outskirts of Waterford City, Ireland. The club competes in Gaelic games competitions organised by Waterford GAA board. The club has won the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship twice and the Waterford Senior Football...
club and enjoyed some success. He won back-to-back county titles with the club in 1913 and 1914. After moving to Cork Hough played with the UCC
UCC GAA
UCC is a football and hurling club associated with University College Cork. UCC teams play in the Cork Senior Football Championship and Cork Senior Hurling Championship as well as the two main third-level competitions namely the Sigerson Cup in football and the Fitzgibbon Cup in hurling...
club. When he returned to his own native town he played with Newcastlewest and enjoyed more success. He captured county titles
Limerick Senior Hurling Championship
The Limerick Senior Hurling Championship is an annual club competition between the top Limerick Clubs. The winners of the Limerick Championship qualify to represent their county in the Munster Club Championship and in turn, go on to the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship...
with that club in 1917 and 1925.
Inter-county
Hough first came to prominence on the inter-county scene, not with his own native-county but, with WaterfordWaterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
. In 1913 he was handed the captaincy of the inter-county team. Waterford, however, were eliminated from the provincial championship at the first hurdle at the hands of Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
. After moving to Cork Hough was invited to join the Cork senior team, however, he declined.
In 1915 Hough made his debut with the Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
inter-county team. Limerick’s hurling fortunes were on the way up at the time. In 1917 Hough lined out in his first Munster final with Tipperary providing the opposition. Tipp were the All-Ireland champions, however, Limerick took the game by the scruff of the neck. At the final whistle both sides had recorded 3-4 and a replay was necessary. Tipp made no mistake in the final and walloped Limerick by 6-4 to 3-1.
In 1918 Hough was appointed captain of the Limerick senior hurling team. For the second year in-a-row Limerick reached the Munster final. Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, Hough’s side were the better team on the day. The final score of 11-3 to 1-2 tells its own story as Hough collected his first Munster
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
title. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Limerick take on Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
. The first-half saw Hough’s side go on a goal-scoring spree as Limerick took a half-time lead of 5-4 to 0-2. The goals continued in the second-half as Limerick won the game by 9-5 to 1-3, giving Hough his first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
medal.
In 1919 Limerick reached their third consecutive Munster final. Cork were the opponents on that occasion, however, the All-Ireland champions were humbled with a 3-5 to 1-6 defeat. Hough’s side were heavily beaten by Cork again in the 1920 provincial decider.
In 1921 the Munster championship was affected by political strife. Because of this only Cork and Limerick participated with both sides contesting the provincial final for the third consecutive year. Hough’s side avenged the defeats of the previous two years by beating Cork by 5-2 to 1-2. It was Hough’s second Munster title. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Limerick against Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
. Once again, Limerick went on a goal-scoring rampage with captain Bob McConkey
Bob McConkey
Bob McConkey Bob McConkey Bob McConkey (born 1895 in Limerick, Ireland was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Young Irelands and with the Limerick senior inter-county team from the 1910s until the 1930s...
capturing four goals in all. Limerick went on to win the game by 8-5 to 3-2, giving Hough a second All-Ireland medal.
Limerick surrendered their Munster crown to Tipperary after a replay in 1922, however, they reversed that defeat in 1923 with Hough adding a third Munster medal to his collection. He later lined out in his third All-Ireland final as Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
provided the opposition. In spite of Galway playing in the very first All-Ireland final they had yet to win a title. Limerick looked likely to capture a third All-Ireland title in six years, however, for the very first time the All-Ireland title went to a team from Connacht
Connacht
Connacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
.
The next few years saw Limerick go into decline in Munster. Hough retired from inter-county activity in 1926. He returned three years later in 1929 for a championship match against Waterford. His side was defeated on that occasion bringing the final curtain down on his inter-county career.
Post-playing career
In retirement Hough took up refereeing and distinguished himself in National Hurling LeagueNational Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
and Munster championship games. The highlight of his refereeing career came when he took charge of an All-Ireland semi-final between Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
and Galway.
Hough also excelled as an administrator within the GAA. He was vice-chairman of the West Limerick Board from 1924 until 1928. In 1936 he was appointed treasurer of the Munster Council
Munster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
. He remained in that position, unopposed, until his retirement in 1962.
Willie Hough died in 1976.