Just released from the National Library archives, the photographs below each tell an amazing story none more so than the first.
From the National Library
Appearances can be deceptive. This is a photo of the O'Connor family, Tramore, Co. Waterford. At first glance, the paterfamilias Peter O'Connor looks like a mild-mannered solicitor. Solicitor he was, but mild-mannered, no.
On 15 August 1901, he jumped 24ft 11¾ins (7.61m), a World record in long jump that lasted 20 years. His Irish record in long jump lasted 89 years. Peter O'Connor won a silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 1906, but did not like being regarded as a British athlete. He climbed a flagpole and raised an Erin go Bragh flag.
In sporting retirement, he became Vice-President of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.
[caption id="attachment_20165" align="aligncenter" width="627" caption="Tipperary Hurling Team 1910 outside Clonmel Station"]
[caption id="attachment_20180" align="aligncenter" width="641" caption="Ned Murphy, a member of or visiting player at Christendom Cricket Club, Co. Waterford. 1902"]
[caption id="attachment_20177" align="aligncenter" width="591" caption="Captain Malcolm Campbell at Mountjoy Corner, Phoenix Park during practice"]
[caption id="attachment_20173" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="waterford boating club, 1906"]
[caption id="attachment_20172" align="aligncenter" width="624" caption="Physical culture class at poole"]
[caption id="attachment_20174" align="aligncenter" width="627" caption="Winning oarsmen at Waterford Boat Club with an impressive array of very ornate silverware circa 1897"]
