Sean Lavan

Sean Lavan- man of talents

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Sean Lavan was a man of many talents, both athletic and academic. An Olympian, he represented Ireland in the 440 yards event, and he played Gaelic football for Mayo. He taught for a while before studying medicine. He later qualified as a surgeon and lecturer in anatomy.

Born in Kiltimagh at the end of the 19th century, he attended Ballyglass National School. He won the King's scholarship and trained as a national teacher in Waterford. He taught for a while in Cloongulane National School, near Swinford. He became interested in handball at that time, and became quite proficient in the game, beating the Irish Champion on one occasion, and earning the familiar name "Baller" Lavan. As a handballer, he had an advantage in that he could use both hands equally well.

It was while playing for Mayo, during the All Ireland semi final of 1921, that he adopted the " toe to hand" method of running with the ball, and scored what he thought was the winning point, only to have it disallowed. The "toe to hand" or "solo run" would later become a fundamental skill in Gaelic football.

A wrist injury kept Sean out of football. He turned his hand to running, and won his first race, barefooted, in Castlebar. Other successes quickly followed. He established many records, and went on to represent his country in the 1924 Olympics.

In the field of medicine, he excelled. He was awarded the O' Farrell Medal for surgery. He became Lecturer in Anatomy in U.C.D., and subsequently Surgeon in Temple St. Hospital and police Surgeon.

It is rarely, indeed, that a small community, like Kiltimagh, can produce such a person of diverse talent as Sean Lavan .It proves conclusively, in his case, that sporting artistry is no hindrance to a distinguished academic career. We can all be very proud of his achievements.

Sean Lavan the Champion, the pride of all Ireland,
Whose toe to hand movement changed Gaelic you know.
His skill it surprised them, his speed it defied them.
With the Forde drop inside him, when he played for Mayo.

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