The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-07-14
i GREAT IRISH ATHLETE.
4 Brief Sketch Of Mr. Maurice DAWN,
the Celebrated Irish Athletic
Champion.

/ the Celebrated Irish Athletic
Champion.
HIS uNQUESTI0NABLE HONESTY
MIR. Dayin's Assistance in Reyiviny
Irish National Pas
The. Dublin Sport of recent dat,
contained the following sketch OF Mr.
Maurice Dawn, the celebrated Irisl
athlete, who is now on his way tt
America:
Perhaps the most commanding per
sonage in Irish athletics at the present
time, and for some years past, is the
subject of this sketch. Mr.. Maurice
Davin's name has now become SC in
separately connected with the Gaelic
Athletic Association that to refer
briefly to Che foundation and subsequent
history Of that organization when writ
ing of his life. could scarcely be thought
out of place. In October, 1884, an
article appeared in United Ireland be-
wailing the decay of our national pas
times. This called forth letter from
Mr.. DAWN, in which he states that,
should any move be made for the pub
fishing Of our national sports and pas
times, or for their revival, he would be
most happy to render all the assistance
in his power. 70 cut q long story s}1ozt,
81 meeting, having for it's object the re-
yiyal of our national pastimes, was held
in Hayes Hotel, Thurles, at which the
Gaelic Athletic Association was estab-
lisbed, and Mr. Maurice DAWN BECAME
it's president. During his previous
hrillAsiiaa.ytt :aJthletis-eareer, Mr. DAWN al
ways stood remarkably high in popular
esteem. This was due to several ca uses.
First and foremost came his uaaques.
tionabls honesty. then his personal
genlality and amiahility, and finally,
his numerous sterling. sportszl1aaliks ks
qualities. With such a record as this
to his credit it is u @ wonder that, when
he tilreN himself with such earnestaegs
into the movement fer the revival OF
cur national pastimes, bis name should
become so deeply imprinted on the af-
factions not only OF the great body of
Gasls throughout the country, but of
every lrishman who adm1res the un--
selfish efforts OF anyone who endeayors
TO ennobls and elevate his countrymen.
Maurice DAWN was born at Deer
Park, CarGick 6n-Suir, in the county
Tipperary, On the 26th Of June. 1912,
He stands 6 feet / inch in heighth,
measures 46 inches round the chest, and
Of late years when in training his weight
was I4st Alb. Though he commenced
his athletic career as a Jumper. and
weight thrower: etc, he has not yet
confined himself 10 these branches ex.
clusiyely, as he has, also distinguished
himself as an oarsman, winning several
races, in all OF which he rowed stroke.
At cricket he was considered 3, fair
batsman. and was very good slow un-
derhand bowler. But perhaps the best
item Oh his hands is boxing, and at this
he has never yet met his equal, He
has al extraordinary length Of reach,
which gives him a great advantage in
''countering.' and besides he can hit
exceedingly hard, and is q most difficult
man to be got at.
The subject Of our sketch frst ap-
peared at a regular athletic meeting in
1868, where he competed at Gurteen,
County Waterford, getting third in the
100 yards fat, and tieing for the high
jump at SIT 4in. The next year at Ira
more, he won the high jump and got
second in singing the 55lb. In 1870 at
Cahir, County Tipperary, he won the
hop, step and jump at 80 feet
inches, putting 28lb, at % feet inches.
snd tied with T.. DAWN, his brother in
the high jump. The following year
'1s7I) at Cork he easily won the ham
mer throwing. In 1872. at Carrlck-.
on-Suir sports he won the fol-
owing events: Singing the 56lb
between the legs), 26ft. Ain; putting
lib. with follow 3sft. Sin; throwing
;he 16lb,, hammer, 93fJ; standing hop
step and jump, 32ft. Tin; and the stand
ng wide jump, lift. Gin; and was al
owed walk over for the high jump.
at this time he could jump about SIT.
in. At the Civil Service athletic
meeting the same year he won the ham
ner throwing with 97ft, lOin., beating
v. M. Stritch and several others. Tn
ll1nging the 56Ib. he only got second to
3tritch, who threw with unlimited run
md turn, DAWN thro wing between the
egs with follow; and his best throw Of
eft sin, being the best on record for
hat method In 1873 he competed at:|
The Champi onship meeting but was in
Door form. and got beaten by Wads.
Torth in putting the ]. weig ights, and /
Stri IN No Ia ~ mar III Il