Naomh Eoin GAA

The late sixties particularly 1967 saw a great surge of youth coming together at the one time all across our parish and great strides in the early part of the year were made with  teams entered in the junior football championship and league, junior hurling championship and league, under 21 football under 21 hurling championship. The club did not enter minor hurling or football teams in 1967. The club contested very well in the early part of the year but in the end victory eluded them. What probably no one realised was this fine bunch of young men that had come on the scene at that time had brawn, skill and courage in abundance all they wanted to do was play football and hurling from morning till night. Despite people working hard for the club organisation of the field games was poor and the word train, training or coaching never came in to the vocabulary.  Down through the years most Sundays and summer week evenings a group of players would meet at ‘The Ranch’ some would be togged out, some half togged, jersey on and the trousers still on.  Seven or eight would stand around the goalmouth square and a further seven or eight would go out to the middle of the field, then the kicking in and out would start and with only one football if you got the ball or caught the ball you earned your kick in or out and would want to be in the whole of your of health to survive.  The belts, clatters and challenges are now legendry. We as chaps standing behind the goal had to kill ourselves running to bring back the football when it would go wide or over the bar.  This type of kicking could go on for the whole evening or sometimes two people would call two teams and get a match going for a half an hour and that was a training session. There was one word used back then maybe it’s not political correct to use it in today’s language people would sum up the training, “There was a lot of ‘Plunging’ out there this evening” Looking back now we had great hearted people and were no different like so many other clubs in rural Ireland at that time. It must also be said that there was no other outlet and many people were Pioneers and didn’t taste alcohol plus pocket or spending money was scarce with everyone especially parents who worked so hard with very little.  Times were simple then and to prove the point after training players would come out to the road sit down and watch the evening sun setting, chat, smoke cigarettes and coming duskish decide to head for home either walking or on a bicycle there was very little cars back then maybe a motor bike or two incidentally the famed Honda 50 hadn’t come to Ireland as yet. However it was a way of Irish life and young people were happy knowing that we would do it all again in two evenings time. At times even though the teams played well success didn’t come and from 1955 to 1967 it was only Myshall-Ballinree Utd hurling team that contested the junior hurling final in 1965.              With so many games for players nowadays it’s hard to believe back then there was only one chance, win and you were still in the championship lose and it was all over for another year.  In a dressing room in either McGrath Park or Dr. Cullen Park for the first round of the junior championship one of the great sayings annually was   “Remember men it’s our first day out and it can be our last”.   We lacked leadership, coaching, and knowhow and glad to say as you read on from here that all came in 1968 and the next half century could only be described as glorious

1968

From the Nationalist Friday January 12th 1968 

The Annual General Meeting of Naomh Eoin Football and Hurling club was held on Sunday last January 7th 1968 in Garryhill Hall. The meeting was attended by a large number. Chairman Andrew Jordan expressed his satisfaction at the good attendance. Officers elected President Rev. Joseph Kehoe P.P, Vice-do Rev. Philip O’Shea, Chairman Andrew Jordan Myshall, Secretary Mick Tobin Ballinree, Treasurer Mick Donoghue Ballinakill, Team Manager and Trainer Art Kavanagh, Team Captains junior football Liam Fox, junior hurling Andy Ryan, Under 21 football Brian Fox, under 21 hurling Tom Donoghue, minor hurling Michael Mullins, minor football Pat Nolan.

 It must be said that all of us as a bunch of young players didn’t realise that the above officer names had been working hard and secretly for some time behind the scenes to make this happen. They had a direction of where they wanted the club to go and they pulled it together. One man in particular would have to be Fr. Joseph Kehoe P.P. formerly from Leighlinbridge and brother of a long serving County GAA chairperson Jim Kehoe. A serious man that wouldn’t take no for an answer talked to different people behind the scenes along with his Curate Fr. Philip O’Shea who had done trojan work with the juveniles for a number of years almost on his own and they got people to come forward to work together unite and build one strong club in the parish of Myshall & Drumphea and the rest is history. Sadly for Fr. Joseph Kehoe he didn’t see this dream come true as after saying second mass in Myshall on Sunday May 3rd 1968 he suffered a severe heart attack was rushed to a Dublin hospital where he died on Tuesday morning May 5th 1968 just four months after the annual general meeting and he never got to see Naomh Eoin play a championship game. He is buried in Lismaconly. Much the same as his predecessor Fr. Charles O’Connor P.P. after doing trojan work and naming the Ranch ‘Gaelic Park Myshall’ in April 1960 became ill and died in November 1960 and didn’t see his dream come through either. 

As we look back now when we went in to that annual general meeting in Garryhill hall at about twenty to three full of life and enthusiasm and after kicking football in the car park in front of the hall for about half an hour in our Sunday best clothes and in our white shirts as it was a summer’s day in January (a pet day) Not sure who was chairman in 1967 but if memory serves me right Andy Jordan Myshall convened the meeting in a caretaker capacity and was then elected chairperson. Michael Tobin Ballinree was elected secretary and Mick Donoghue Ballinakill was elected treasurer not sure whether Paddy Devereux was at this meeting or had stepped down after a long number of years as treasurer. Art Kavanagh was also at that meeting and accepted the position of trainer and spoke for a short while of his intentions. The meeting adopted Miltown Garryhill as the headquarters of the club and adopted the club name as Naomh Eoin Hurling and Football club. Captains for the coming season were elected.  The meeting was streamlined everyone had their say if they wanted to say anything and we left that meeting happy. The meeting was over about twenty past four and it was too dark and also gone too cold to have another kick around.            

Attendance;

Rev. Joseph Kehoe P.P, Myshall & Drumphea  Vice-do Rev. Philip O’Shea C.C Myshall & Drumphea, Chairman Andrew Jordan Myshall, Secretary Mick Tobin Ballinree, Treasurer Mick Donoghue Ballinakill,

Pat Doyle Ballinree, Tom Doyle Ballinree, Jimmy Doyle Ballinree, Liam Doyle Ballinree, Jack Doyle Ballinree, James Doyle Myshall, Jimmy Doyle Ballinacrea, Tom Kelly Ballinree, Sean Dowling Ballinacrea, Sean Smithers Ballinacrea, Peter Smithers Ballinacrea, Andy Ryan Knocklonogad Pat Keogh Aclare, Sean Keogh Aclare, Liam Fox Shangarry, Tom Fox Shangarry, Christy Fox Shangarry, Brian Fox Shangarry, Willie Eustace Myshall, James Eustace Myshall, Pa Murphy Lismaconly, Tommy Murphy Lismaconly, Paddy Fitzgerald Miltown, Willie Ryder Bealalaw, Paddy Smithers Ballinacrea, John Rice Croanruss, Pat Nolan Myshall, Pakie Quirke Ballinree, Mick Slye Croppy Rd. Joe Holmes Rathnageera, Mosey Kelly Rathnageera, Jimmy Nolan Knockindrane, Ned Tobin Drumphea ???  Mick O’Hara Miltown, Pat Fitzpatrick Bealalaw, Tom Donoghue Knockdrumagh,

Need to be confirmed Pat Keogh Aclare, Sean Keogh Aclare, and Christy Fox walked to that meeting.

Lads who else was at that meeting

Art Kavanagh

Art Kavanagh was a young man from Bunclody who came as a primary school teacher to Rathnageera National School in September 1967.  Art and his family moved to Myshall and lived for two years in the house where James Eustace and family now reside.  A very keen and passionate Gaelic man Art transferred from the Halfway House Bunclody to Naomh Eoin. It was passed at the AGM that Art Kavanagh would be trainer and it was one of the best decisions ever made by a club. Back then in the middle of the winter Sunday if it was fine was the only chance for players to meet to get a kick at the ball.

Real Training for the first time   

Art soon got the ball rolling and every Sunday possible all players would meet at 2-00 pm. Looking back one of the big things that happened was the kicking in and out was finished. Three new words were heard in ‘The Ranch’ for the first time and Boy oh Boy they have stood many great players and teams in good stead to this day ‘On the Line.’   Then in a big group all players would start off together to run three laps of the field before a break for water, start again and three more laps at the end of the six laps only four or five would come in first and the rest straggled in and some had to walk in. A few minutes of a break and then what was never done before serious stretching of the body, press-ups, etc you name it Art had it. As training progressed it was also a history and science lesson as there were words used explaining parts of the body that we never even knew we had, such as quads, calf muscles, ham strings, I often wonder why we never had more surgeons and doctors in the GAA, well we often heard the tall tales and fire side stories of “I’ll let out your guts” or “I’ll wrap your guts around the crossbar” back to reality.   After about three quarters of an hour of physical training Art would assemble the group in to a circle would talk about fitness what we were doing, the way we were going about it, and for all of us to improve our own skills. Everything was always positive moving forward and he told us the shortest distance between any two points where you are and where you want to get to is a straight line no matter who or what was in your way and it worked.  He would then pick out any two players to pick two teams to play a game and he’d play himself, stop the game from time to time tell us what we were doing wrong  

There was also another first as positions on the field now came in to play even more and where ever you were asked to go you played in that position either as a back or a forward and did the best you could. All training sessions and games were played using the full size pitch from end to end. Most notable of all this was the first time we ever saw organised training in our club and it was good and it started at 7-45.

While Naomh Eoin entered a minor football and hurling team they did not take part in the competitions as numbers were not organised and some players were playing with neighbouring clubs at minor level.  

Fixtures

Tuesday April 23rd M.F.L. at Bagenalstown  Naomh Eoin v St. Malachy’s

Sunday April 28th  Under 21 hurling at Tullow St. Fintans v Naomh Eoin 3-45

Myshall Notes Friday May 3rd 1968

On Sunday the local Under 21 hurlers were defeated by a more skilful Ballinabranna side at Tullow.   Myshall played against the breeze in the first half and were badly in arrears at half time 3-6 to 0-1. On resumption they improved and scored a further 2-2 but this was insufficient and the final score was Ballinabranna 3-7 Naomh Eoin 2-3.

Myshall under 14 footballers travelled to Bahana where St. Mullins defeated them by 3-3 to 1-7  Best for Myshall were Peter Nolan, John Butler, John Barron, and Donie Barron.

In the under 14 game (hurling) fixed for Monday last Hacketstown failed to show up and conceded the points     

Junior Football Championship

Sunday May 19th at Bagenalstown   Naomh Eoin v Milford at 3-30

Myshall had a facile win 4-14 to 0-0 over Milford in the junior football championship at Bagenalstown on Sunday. The winners led by 1-7 to 0-0 at the break.  Scorers Andy Ryan 2-2, John McMahon 0-4, Tom Doyle 1-1, Tom Donoghue 1-1, Pat Nolan 0-3, Jimmy Doyle 0-2, Art Kavanagh 0-1

On paper this game may look like any other junior football championship game. Truly this is the game where it all started this was the new look Naomh Eoin it was also their very first win at junior football championship level firstly as Naomh Eoin and more so for the parish in a very long time.   It must be remembered as all championships was on the knockout system then only the winners stayed in the championship, for the losers it was all over for another year.  Looking back now Art had the lads travelling and working at a fierce rate plus they all could play football kick it on either high or low and it was up to the next man to catch it high or on the chest but win it was the most important thing and like Jack Charlton “Put em under pressure” and that is what they did and the scores came. Truly it was the beginning    

Sunday May 26th at Bagenalstown 2nd round JFC Naomh Eoin 3-11 Leighlinbridge 0-1.

Sunday August 18th   Naomh Eoin v Tullow in J.F.C. semi-final in Dr. Cullen Park

Naomh Eoin encountered no difficulty when they defeated Tullow by 1-10 to 0-3 at Dr. Cullen Park. In the other semi-final Grange defeated Tinryland by 2-15 to 3-4 the previous week. So it was now Naomh Eoin and Grange for the 1968  junior football final. 1938 was the last time Naomh Eoin had won the junior football final. 

Sunday September 8th      Junior Football Championship final

Grange hold off lively Myshall boys in J F Final

Grange 1-6                           Naomh Eoin 0-6

The frustrations and disappointments of the past two seasons vanished for Grange in Carlow on Sunday when they won the elusive Carlow JFC title by beating gallant Naomh Eoin Myshall in a thrill packed final.

What a scare Grange got from the gallant losers. Myshall did not win the title since 1938, so we could well understand their fierce determination which labelled them as a side who will be back again. In last year’s final Rathvilly and Grange served up football that would make many teams blush. On Sunday Grange and Myshall, two well matched teams provided football of as high a calibre. A pity there had to be a loser.

A notable feature of the game was the failure of the winners to score in the second half. But this cannot take from their merited victory--- a victory they achieved because they had in their ranks what Myshall lacked an outstanding individual. P.J. Kelly the Co. Under 21 player who lined out at full back was the man who did most in bringing Grange their first J. F. title. His high fielding, well placed deliveries and timely interceptions stopped numerous Myshall onslaughts.

The opening half gave no indication of what was to follow. Although Jimmy Doyle opened the scoring with a Myshall point after six minutes Grange took complete control for the remainder of the half. Captain Oliver Murray operating at midfield levelled before his side was awarded a penalty when a grange player was fouled in the square.  Vinny Doyle made no mistake from the spot.

Powered by the dominance of Ned Doyle and the tall Pat Murphy at midfield the nippy Grange Forwards took their scores well.  Points from James Pender, Vinny Doyle, (free), Ned Doyle, Pat Gaynor, and Vinny Doyle again put them 1-6 to 0-1 but for the remaining thirty four minutes they failed to score again. Myshall managed a point before half time from Tom Donoghue.  Grange 1-6 Naomh Eoin 0-6

Myshall were a transformed team after the interval. Within five minutes their full forward Pat Doyle landed two points.  Myshall continued to dominate but failed to add to their score and Grange slowly began to regain composure.

Grange shot four wides in succession and their forwards were finding it very hard to get through a great defence. High fielding defenders Ted Butler, Liam and Brian Fox and Pa Murphy all cleared repeatedly.  But the Myshall forwards never showed the same power although Tom Donoghue and Pat Nolan had points in the 14th 16th minutes they could never shake off the attentions of Kelly and company.

The final minutes were played in a welter of excitement when the Grange goal had two close shaves.

Besides Kelly, Grange defenders Oliver Dillon, Paddy Farrell, and Frank Nolan in particular were sound. Ned Doyle and Pat Murphy were the better midfield pair but did not make use of their advantage.  Forwards Vinny Doyle, Oliver Murray, Sean Hade, and James Pender were most conspicuous.

For Myshall goalie Jim Eustace brought off some good saves. The Foxes, Butler Kavanagh and Murphy gave great displays in the second half. Jimmy Doyle played a storming second half at mid field while forwards Andy Ryan, Pat Doyle and Tom Donoghue made most headway against a very solid Grange defence. Vincent Harvey of Eire Og was the Grange trainer.

Naomh Eoin; Jimmy Eustace, Ted Butler, Liam Fox, Pa Murphy, Tommy Murphy, Brian Fox, Art Kavanagh, Jimmy Doyle 0-1, John Foley, Jimmy Doyle, John McMahon, Andy Ryan Tom Donoghue 0-2, Pat Doyle 0-2, Pat Nolan 0-1.

Subs; Willie Ryder, John Rice, Pat Keogh, James Kavanagh Sean Keogh, Tom Fox Willie Eustace, Jimmy Nolan,

Trainer Art Kavanagh, selectors Andy Jordan, Mick Tobin was James Doyle ???? a selector ,

Referee Bob Stack Laois

For all of us young players we were devastated and felt we had let the parish down and were down in the dumps when we came back to Myshall that evening we seemed to be lost, However it was here that the strength of character and comradeship of the people of the parish and club was really born. All the great supporters men women and children many who had played in 1938 and earlier had been following the teams all through the year and was in Carlow earlier that day gave the lads a hero’s welcome even in defeat and they let no one say one wrong word about the team or any of the players, and we sincerely thank them for that.  Sadly many of the great people who were in Carlow that day and in Myshall that night have passed to their eternal reward but we never forget them.   

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday September 13th 1968 Myshall Notes

GAA

Myshall’s Naomh Eoin J. F. Team failed to rise to the occasion on Sunday last and were beaten by Grange in the final. Although this has been a major set-back the club members are confident of victory next Sunday in the J. H.  L. final against Palatine (“what though the field be lost?  All is not lost…).  Vigour and determination are characteristics of this week’s training programme at which there has been one hundred per cent attendance. The team will be selected from the following.  James Eustace Myshall, Willie Ryder Bealalaw, Ted Butler Straduff, Pat Keogh Aclare, Brian Fox Shangarry, John Rice Croanruss, Pa Murphy Lismaconly, Sean Keogh Aclare, Tommy Murphy Lismaconly, Jimmy Doyle Ballinree, Art Kavanagh Bunclody (Trainer), Tom Doyle, Ballinree, James Kavanagh Aclare, Jimmy Doyle Ballinacrea, Tom Donoghue Knockdrumagh, John Foley Aughabeg, Pat Nolan Myshall, Liam Fox Shangarry, Andy Ryan Knocklonogad, John McMahon Myshall (Cavan) Pat Doyle Ballinree, Tom Fox Shangarry, Willie Eustace Myshall, Jimmy Nolan Knockindrane,

Dance

There was a very good attendance at the Naomh Eoin Supporters dance held in Myshall Hall on Sunday night.  Music was provided by the Corvettes (Gerry Barry Ger Corcoran etc.)    

Junior Hurling Championship

Sunday June 2nd at Tullow Naomh Eoin v Kildavin at 2-15  

Sunday July 14th at Bagenalstown Junior Hurling Championship semi-final Borris v Naomh Eoin (Myshall)

Myshall Notes Nationalist Friday July 19th 

G.A.A Myshall’s junior hurling team is through to the county final of the championship.  They defeated a fancied Borris fifteen in Bagenalstown on Sunday.  Five minutes after the start Borris had notched up 2-1 to nil.  Although disheartened the great spirited Myshall team fought back and at half time scores were 2-2 to 2-1 in favour of Borris.  There was some tremendous hurling from both sides in the second half and Myshall scored a further 1-4 and Borris answered with 1-1.   The final score was Naomh Eoin 3-5 Borris 3-2.  Referee was Sean Byrne Milford.

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday November 8th 1968 

Sunday November 3rd 1968

Naomh Eoin run riot in Junior final

Naomh Eoin 5-6             St. Fintans 0-2

Naomh Eoin Myshall became the latest Carlow junior club to win a double when they followed up their J.H.L. victory by taking the championship when they hammered St. Fintans in a lop-sided final in Dr. Cullen Park on Sunday.   After defeating Palatine in the junior league final the same fifteen were tipped to win the double and on Sunday they left little doubt as to which was the superior side when they routed a very inept Ballinabranna second string.  Naomh Eoin were the vastly superior outfit. More accomplished in every sector, their defence was superb.  It tackled swiftly, covered cleverly while the team showed tremendous recovery and speed.

The Half back line of Tom Murphy, Jimmy Doyle and Art Kavanagh hurled magnificently Doyle was the powerhouse of the defence but behind him corner back Willie Eustace and Brian Fox were unbeatable. Willie’s brother Jimmy in the goal made three terrific saves in the opening half in which St. Fintans were a trifle unlucky not to have bagged two goals.

But hesitancy was one of Ballinabranna’s weaknesses. Their forwards were slow and lost several gilt edge opportunities when the ball was rolling loose in the ‘square.

Gone was the opportunism of the Doyles which dashed Palatine in the Semi-final, Mick Shaw was also played out of the picture by the alert Jimmy Doyle and the only player to show any threat in the forwards was No 10 Joe Sheeran who scored both Ballinabranna’s points in  the second half.

Tom Kelly along with John Foley controlled the midfield opened the champions tally with a point from a free. Shortly afterwards the trend was firmly established when skipper Andy Ryan whipped in the first of five goals. John Foley scored a point before Ryan crashed in his second goal.

Leading by 3-3 to 0-0 at the interval Myshall reformed this year and heading for four titles in one season never slackened their relentless pressure and finally a few soft goals killed all St. Fintans hopes of a recovery.  The St. Fintans defence was porous and only for a few spectacular saves by goalie Eamonn Breen in the opening half the score would have hit double figures.  But Breen was caught napping for two soft Myshall goals in the second half.  Pat Donoghue tried hard at full back, Liam Geraghty Tom Haughney and Jackie Lowry also worked under tremendous pressure but they were no match for the champions. ‘Lost’ at midfield were brothers John and Larry Kehoe were rarely in it St. Fintans who won the junior hurling championship in 1966 beating Bagenalstown in the final should have scored more but for the poverty of their forwards and the vigilance and hard tackling Myshall defence. With seven senior footballers in action only Danny Doyle and Joe Sheeran made any effort in the attack while sub Paschal Doyle played well for the short time he was in. Jimmy Doyle (Ballinree), Liam Fox, Andy Ryan and Pat Nolan were excellent Myshall forwards but the other two Tom Doyle and Tom Donoghue were also in fine fettle making up a very balanced division.

Scorers; Naomh Eoin Andy Ryan 2-0, Liam Fox 2-0, Tom Donoghue 1-0, John Foley 0-1, Tom Doyle 0-2, Pat Nolan 0-1, Jimmy Doyle 0-1, Tom Kelly 0-1.

St. Fintans, Joe Sheeran 0-2

Naomh Eoin James Eustace, Willie Eustace, Ted Butler, Brian Fox, Tommy Murphy, Jimmy Doyle (Ballinacrea), Art Kavanagh, Tom Kelly  John Foley, Pat Nolan, Jimmy Doyle (Ballinree), Tom Donoghue, Andy Ryan, Liam Fox, Tom Doyle,

As far as can be ascertained there was no subs used on the day, however Willie Ryder sub goalie, John Rice, Pat Doyle, Pa Murphy, Luke Slye, Pat Keogh, Jack Slye, Sean Keogh, Mick Slye, Pat Kelly were all part of the panel and played at different times during the year and were ready for the call.

Andy Ryan was the first man to bring a hurling championship trophy and league trophy to the Parish.  Incidentally that Carlow junior hurling championship cup that Andy won was the old Carlow senior hurling championship cup it was first presented in 1949 and was replaced in 1960 with the senior hurling championship cup that Naomh Eoin won so many times at senior level after. However the junior hurling cup which is still in use is valued at over a five figure sum.

Back then there were only three subs allowed and the myth was in case any of the players on the field got injured and had to come off then a sub was put in.  Someone would want to be playing really badly before another sub was put in and then you had to hold the third sub in case someone else got injured in the last couple of minutes.  It was a mortal sin if all three subs were used and someone got injured with about a quarter of an hour to go and the team had to finish the game with fourteen men. 

There was one other big problem back then as well  a set of jersey’s would only consist of eighteen or at very best twenty the fifteen players and the three subs and that only left two more so the rest of the lads didn’t tog off. Also a jersey would disappear or a couple of jerseys could get badly torn and the players would bring them home and get their mothers to stitch them            

Junior hurling league

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday August 30th

In Three Finals

Myshall 6-7        Borris 4-3

Myshall put themselves in three finals with a sweeping victory over Borris in the junior hurling league semi-final on Thursday.   The Black and Amber men are also in the J.H.C. and J.F.C. finals

Carrying greater power up front they soon tired out the Borris defence.   In attack Myshall big guns included Liam Fox and Tom Donoghue who each scored 2-2 each, Pat Nolan 2-0 and Andy Ryan 0-2, midfielder John Nolan had a point.

Borris who trailed 2-4 to 2-2 with the wind at half time quickly faded.  They had their scores from Paddy Daly 2-0, Jim Clerkin and Walter Parsaloe 1-0 each Timmy Byrne 0-2 and Pat Hynes 0-1

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday September 20th 1968

Won Title after 30 years

Naomh Eoin 7-6     Palatine 2-2

Naomh Eoin may have been denied the Carlow J.F.C but there was no halting them at Dr. Cullen Park on Sunday last when they bought the club its first title in thirty years with a comfortable win over Palatine in the J.H. L. final,’

Myshall’s determination was the key factor they chased every ball and had in John Foley and the two Jimmy Doyle’s hurlers to which Palatine had no answer.

In the opening half they were by far the sharper side and taking their scoring opportunities well went in to a commanding 4-5 to 1-1 interval lead.

Besides Foley Myshall had outstanding players in Brian Fox, Jimmy Doyle, and Art Kavanagh in defence.   Tom Kelly gave Foley good assistance at midfield while Jimmy Doyle from Ballinree, Andy Ryan, Tom Donoghue, Liam Fox all gave excellent displays. For Palatine David Power, Timmy O’Keeffe and Paddy Phelan tried hardest to conquer the lively Myshall forwards.  Forwards Willie Burroughs, Brendan Walker and Willie Brennan tried hard.

Scorers; Myshall Liam Fox 3-0, Pat Nolan 2-2, Tom Donoghue 2-1, Andy Ryan 0-2, and Jimmy Doyle 0-1

Palatine; Willie Brennan and J. J. Mullins 1-0 each, Billy Archbold and Peter Wall 0-1 each

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Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday October 4th                                         Myshall Notes

G. A. A.          At a meeting on Wednesday week it was decided to run a seven-a-side competition open to all comers, senior and junior from the county or outside it.   It is hoped the County Board will give its approval and it is expected to run the competition during the winter months.

The under twenty one football team had their first outing on Sunday when they beat a fancied Ballymurphy side in Bagenalstown.  It was not until the closing quarter that Myshall asserted the superiority that should have been theirs for the hour. Eight of the Naomh Eoin J.F. Team (1968 finalists) were playing and their lack of fitness and speed was lamentable, but their spirit of determination eventually won the day. A very rugged training schedule (Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8-00) has begun in preparation for the County Hurling Final and the junior football league semi-final.

………………………………………………………………………………………….

Sunday September 29th   Under 21 F.C. first round Naomh Eoin defeated Ballymurphy

Sunday October 15th    under 21 Quarter Final

Naomh Eoin 0-8      Ballinabranna 1-4

Squandering chances in this rugged under 21 F. C. tie in Bagenalstown, Naomh Eoin were unlucky to trail 0-4 to 1-2 at the interval.

Fox Smithers Keogh and Murphy were excellent in defence while Nolan was superb at half forward. Donoghue and Butler were always on top at midfield. The Dunnes Madden, the Delaneys, McDonald and Hughes were outstanding for Ballinabranna

In the other semi-final Eire Og 1-7 Tullow 1-7

Sunday 27th October Bro. Leo Park, Under 21 F. C. semi-final Naomh Eoin v Clonmore 3-15  

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday November 1st 1968

Myshall Teams Qualify For Four Co. Finals

Myshall 2-6            Clonmore 1-5

Myshall has never had it so good. This year the club will have teams in four finals thanks to a great win by their under 21 side which got through convincingly against Clonmore at Tullow on Sunday. 

To date Myshall have won the J.H. L. lost the J.F.C. (narrowly) and now meet Ballinabranna in the J.H.C. decider on Sunday and Eire Og in the under 21 F.C. later.   Sundays win over Clonmore was as complete as unexpected. With first wind Myshall led by 1-3 to 0-2 at half time, were hauled back to level scores the minutes from time, but they returned to go five points clear at the finish. In the crucial second half centre fielders Tom Donoghue and Des Murphy, came in to their own  Murphys three points from frees in this period being decisive. The greasy ball coupled with Myshall’s hard tackling had an adverse effect on the losers, and although powered by eight seniors Clonmore could never reach their true form. On the other hand Myshall mastered the bad weather conditions better and kept pegging away to the final whistle

In Defence Myshall had stalwarts in Brian Fox Pat Keogh and Tom Murphy.. Best of the forwards were Pat Nolan Jack Doyle and Tom Kelly.  None fought harder for Clonmore than the Conway brothers P. J. and Kevin but they got little support from their wing forwards.  Centre field players Fintan Doyle and Jim Kennedy had to play second fiddle while backs BIsh Casperski, Liam Butler, and Sean O’Toole fought hard

Scorers

Myshall; Tom Kelly 1-0, Jack Doyle 1-0, Tom Donoghue 0-4, Pat Nolan 0-1, Jimmy Doyle 0-1

Clonmore, Tommy Keogh, 1-0, P. J. Conway 0-2, Kevin Conway 0-I, Peter Kelly, and Ollie Sullivan 0-1 each.

In the other semi-final replay on the same day in Carlow Eire Og defeated Tullow by 3-7 to 2-5. Naomh Eoin were in their first ever under 21 football final and their opponents would be Eire Og

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday November 22nd 1968 (preview)

Eire Og to win U-21 F.C. final

With all county team commitments over until after Christmas the focus on Sunday is on Tullow where Eire Og and Naomh Eoin (Myshall) battle out the Carlow under 21 F. C. final.

Myshall who are having a terrific season qualified for the final by disposing of Clonmore who beat the champions Tinryland by 2-6 to 1-5.  Brian Fox, Pat Keogh and Tom Murphy are three outstanding defenders, while Pat Nolan, Jack Doyle, and Tom Kelly, will certainly trouble the YI’s defence. Eire Og have Tony Moran, Tom Moore, Eamon O Gorman, John Ayres, Eamon Ellis, J.J. Hennessy, Mick Corcoran should be able to do enough to win.

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday November 29th 1968

Sunday November 24th 1968

                                           Eire Og Blitz Naomh Eoin in Rough Final

Four players ordered off

Eire Og 6-7           Naomh Eoin 1-4

Myshall must surely have learned a valuable lesson at Tullow on Sunday ---rough house tactics just don’t pay. For they finished this very poor under 21 F. C. final with only twelve men and had nothing to offer a game which might have been better billed for a boxing stadium.

To Eire Og go all the laurels. They had offenders too and had one of their players dismissed 

Out in general they were subjected to severe provocation through late tackles, punches and heavy charges.

The score speaks for itself. Eire Og were masters from start to finish, and the tough men from the south – so poorly versed in the bare essentials of the game –could never claim any sort of clarity against opposition which played good football. When Eire Og chalking up their

Fourth under 21 title in five years led by 1-5 to 0-1 after twenty minutes Myshall were well and truly on the way out. Tony Moran and john Joe Hennessy dominated midfield and their fluent service to a free scoring forward line kept the scoreboard man busy.  The game was over as a contest before half time. After twenty one minutes Eamonn O’Gorman lashed on to the crossbar and John Moore tapped in the rebound. Minutes later a Myshall defender picked the ball of the ground in the penalty area and Tom Geoeghan made no mistake with the spot kick.  Before half time Eire Og Captain Tom Moore and Myshall’s full forward Tom Murphy were ordered off by referee Brian Stack.  It was 3-5 to 0-2 at half time and when Tom Donoghue had an early point for the Myshall men it seemed the game might come to life. But a Tony Moran point and a John Moore goal stifled hopes of a revival, and from there it was just a matter of playing out time.  Meanwhile Myshall had their depleted ranks reduced further when Pat Keogh and James Kavanagh found themselves bound for the side line. Even with that they battled on as best they could.  For Myshall Ted Butler, Tom Donoghue 1-2, Brian Fox and Andy Ryan 0-2, tried hard.

The team Myshall and full panel that played the whole year was; Jimmy Eustace Myshall, Jack Doyle Ballinree, Ted Butler Straduff, Pat Keogh Aclare, James Kavanagh Aclare, Brian Fox Shangarry, Peter Smithers Ballinacrea, Des Murphy Garryhill, Tom Donoghue Knockdrumagh, Pat Nolan Myshall, Andy Ryan Knocklonogad, Michael Tracey Rathnageera, John Nolan Knockindrane ??, Tommy Murphy Lismaconly, Tom Kelly Ballinree, Sean Keogh Aclare   Who Else was on the Under 21 Panel

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday December 6th

Junior Football League final   

Naomh Eoin do it again

A great year for Myshall Club

Naomh Eoin Myshall 4-9                 Tinryland 1-5

1968 will certainly go down as Myshall’s year in Carlow GAA records.  On Sunday they won their third title of the season in their fifth final appearance of the season. The men in black and amber made light the challenge of Tinryland in the J.F. league with a convincing thirteen points win at Dr. Cullen Park.

Front runners early on Myshall soon made it clear that they were not going to let the league slip away as they did the championship. They led 0-3 to 0-0 after ten minutes and with Tom Donoghue and Liam fox the midfield masters the Tinryland backs were given more than their share of work.

Art Kavanagh really set his side on the victory trail with a well taken goal after a quarter of an hour and Tinryland were never really in with a chance from there. Playing some very clever football Myshall continued to take their scores with a point from Des Murphy and a great goal from the same player.  It took Tinryland twenty four minutes to register their first score -- a Pat Foster point which was followed by another from Seamus Hayden.  John Foley pointed to leave Myshall 2-6 to 0-2 in front at the break.

Tinryland improved with the breeze in the behind them in the second half but Myshall quickly polished off the opposition when Andy Ryan had a scrambled goal, quickly followed by another from Jimmy Doyle.  Tinryland’s Mick Farrell had a point followed quickly by a well taken goal from the same player. But generally the losers played aimless football. There young forwards lacked the approach of the stronger Myshall players and they never posed any sort of serious threat.

Myshall continued to do as much as they pleased in the last quarter and moved the ball well among their speedy forwards.   They had very sound defenders in full back and captain John McMahon who got good help from Ted Butler, Brian Fox and Pa Murphy.  Donoghue and Fox dominated midfield while Des Murphy, Andy Ryan who had earlier played one and a half hours handball and Art Kavanagh were outstanding attackers. Tinryland’s best were Goalie Kieran Egan and defenders John Sheehan, Jackie Doyle, Mick Farrell and Liam Foster and Pat Foster and Willie Purcell in the forwards.

Scorers;  Naomh Eoin,  Tom Donoghue 0-4, Des Murphy 1-2, Jimmy Doyle 1-1,  Andy Ryan 1-0, Art Kavanagh 1-0,  John Foley and Willie Ryder 0-1 each.   Tinryland Mick Farrell 1-2, Liam Brophy, Pat Foster and Seamus Hayden 0-1 each       

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday February 21st 1969

Myshall Boys Celebrate Their First Victory after Thirty Years

A glorious season for Naomh Eoin payers

Thirty years is a long time to wait for a celebration but Myshall footballers and Hurlers more than compensated for the barren three decades when under the Naomh Eoin banner they won the Carlow Junior hurling double and the J. F. L. In to the bargain they qualified for the Co. under 21 F. C. and JFC finals while eight minors form the club helped Kilcloney reach the M.F.C. final.  Last week more than three hundred and seventy five parishioners honoured their twenty eight players as well as the officials when they were guests of honour at the clubs first dinner dance in the Crofton Hotel Carlow (Tuesday 11th February). It was a nostalgic evening for members of the clubs 1938 JFC winning team who were scattered among the 1968 stars.  They beat Palatine after three hectic drawn games in the ‘28 final and won the junior again in ’38 the following year the same team won the IFC after defeating the now defunct Carlow Shamrocks in the decider.

Also present was one lone representive of the 1928 victorious JFC side, Jay Doyle who vividly recalls Myshall’s great battles in the ‘20s. Yet another happy man was club chairman, Andy Jordan, who capped a memorable season for the club when he was elected Carlow Co. Board chairman.

Introducing the speakers MR. Jordan said, “We are here to honour these loyal lads who won three competitions for the club. We are all very proud of their conduct on the field, and look forward to bringing further honours to Myshall”

Presenting the J.F. medals Rev John Hayden P.P. president, said it was a desirable thing to have a get together which would foster a spirit of comradeship among the community.

We congratulate the players who won the three competitions. After thirty years the club burst on the scene like a bombshell -- this is great for a small parish.

“We must also congratulate the officials who did not win any trophies. They did great work for the club. These are the men who work behind the scenes and are largely responsible for the building of the teams and who rarely get any recognition.”

Fr. Hayden said he came to Myshall from a prominent football parish Emo and he did not realise he was coming to another parish which would be so active G.A.A wise.

“I certainly discovered otherwise and was delighted that in my first year in the parish the club has done such wonderful things.

I hope we can bring further honours to the parish, we have already done a little in that regard we have Andy Jordan as Co Board chairman and indeed there is no better man for the position.

ERA RECALLED

Rev Philip O’Shea C. C. the man responsible for the great pitch and put drive in Garryhill presenting the football medals said “Up to now we have heard about the 1938 team. Now the memories of that era has been recalled in the new dawn of 1968.  I hope you will all keep up that great work”.

Fr. O’Shea said in a conversation with a prominent hurler he was told that what made teams were; good example, dedication, training and socials which keep good spirit alive among the members. The player Phil Wilson of Wexford, said that it is not enough for players who have reached the top to win medals and then sit back and watch.  They must help those players who have not reached the pinnacle.

Fr. O’Shea said to the players “You now have won medals. Now you can help the youth by your example and dedication to training.” 

Mr Tom Nolan T.D. said “As a Myshall man I am very happy to be here to celebrate with you. Since the foundation of the GAA, 1968 has been the greatest year ever for Myshall not only for the players but for the officials and supporters.” Deputy Nolan recalled the 1938 final and said he was pleased to see many of that team present.  “There is no doubt the part hurling and football play in our great national tradition. The greatest example can be seen when 90,000 stand for the National Anthem in Croke Park,  and the GAA will survive once the people of rural Ireland like the people of Myshall assemble to bring honour to their club, parish, county and Ireland.  “Listening to Bill Fenelon here, playing next year’s championship you seem to have the JFC in your pockets already.”  Mr Nolan said that he hoped that he would be presenting his trophy (for the SHL) to Myshall this season. (Tom Nolan’s home place was in Cappawater the long driveway on the right at the bottom of Cuailea Hill on the way to the Taylors Cross)

                                                                        Crusaders

Gerry Fenlon a member of the 1938 team said he heard of the days when Myshall were represented by a team called the Crusaders in the 1880’s and 1890’s when the game was played 21 a-side and frequently without togs or and jersies.

“On behalf of the 1928 and ’38 teams I congratulate the present teams. A JFC eludes us narrowly but perhaps we will not miss it this season” 

Mr. Jordan thanked the officials and especially secretary Michael Tobin and trainer Art Kavanagh for their great work.  Mr Donie Nolan M.C.C. Andy Ryan J.H. captain, Liam Fox J.F. captain John Foley, and Art Kavanagh also spoke.

The following received J.H.C. J.H.L. & J.F.L. medals, Andy Ryan Knocklonogad, John Foley Aughabeg, Art Kavanagh Myshall, James Eustace Myshall, Willie Eustace Myshall, Brian Fox Shangarry, Liam Fox Shangarry, Ted Butler Straduff, Tommy Murphy Lismaconly, Jimmy Doyle Ballinacrea, Pat Nolan, Jimmy Doyle Ballinree, Tom Doyle Ballinree, Tom Kelly Ballinree, Tom Donoghue Knockdrumagh, Willie Ryder Bealalaw, John Rice Croanruss, Des Murphy Garryhill, Pat Doyle Ballinree, Pat Keogh Aclare,  Michael Tracey Rathnageera, James Kavanagh Aclare,  Pa Murphy Lismaconly, Jack Slye Croppy Road Sean Keogh Aclare,  Jim Foley Aughabeg, Michael Rossitor Aughabeg, junior football medals were presented to Tom Fox Shangarry,  John McMahon Myshall, Jimmy Nolan Knockindrane.

Reflection on that night first of all it was on a Tuesday night February 11th 1969

Back then a set of medals consisted of eighteen no more and this created a shortage of medals.  Remember James Doyle (jigger) standing at one of the square pillars in the Crofton Hotel and as players came down he asked for the players to give him the medals and he brought them back up to the stage to whoever was presenting so that all the players that went up got their medals. Extra medals that were needed were ordered that same week and given to the players when they came.

Three weeks before the Dinner Dance the Hotel was booked and at a general meeting there was a long discussion on the price of the tickets would it be twenty five shillings (1 euro 25 cent) or twenty seven and sixpence (1 euro 40 cent). The difference was lose money on the first price or breakeven and make a small profit on the second price after the discussion it was twenty seven and six pence a ticket. All players and everyone paid for their ticket.  Coming towards the week end before the dinner dance there was a fierce demand for tickets and they were like gold dust as the hotel had set a ceiling at 350 max and were under pressure at that however the final number that sat down that night was 376 and does anyone remember that there were forty people seated on the balcony that is no longer there.

What do you remember from the night ??

We want your memories on that night and year ??

What kind of a banger of a car had you??

Did you bring a long haired chum ??

What band played at the dinner dance??   

To all before we close the chapter on 1968 please read above carefully and add your bit as well

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1969

The Carlow GAA Draws for 1969 were made at a County Board meeting on Tuesday 11th March at Dr. Cullen Park

Hurling

Senior Hurling Championship;        Naomh Eoin    v       St. Mullins  

Junior hurling Championship;     St. Brigids    v       Naomh Eoin

Under 21 Hurling Championship     Naomh Eoin v      St. Mullins

Senior Hurling League                    Naomh Eoin     v      Palatine

Junior Hurling League                     Naomh Eoin     v     St. Fintans

We had no team entered in the minor hurling championship or minor hurling league.

Football

Junior Football Championship;       Naomh Eoin    v      Milford

Junior Football League;                  Naomh Eoin    v      Rathvilly

Under 21 Football Championship;  Naomh Eoin    v      Fighting Cocks

Minor Football Championship Div. 1  Naomh Eoin v      St. Brigids No 1   

We had no team entered in the Minor football League

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday May 9th Myshall Notes

Myshall under 21 hurlers beat St. Mullins by one point in the first round of the county championship at McGrath Park on Sunday April 27th   Myshall were trailing by nine points at half time but put in a mighty spirited second half performance to win

Sunday May 18th At McGrath Park Under 21 H.C. Semi-final

Borris 4-14  Naomh Eoin 3-2

Traditionally a tie between these two neighbouring sides produces exciting hurling. This one was no exception.  The early stages were inconclusive as Myshall kept in touch but then as the ‘Saints defence began to feel the lively Borris attack, Terry Byrne made them pay the penalty   with seven well struck points from placed balls.   Naomh Eoin however had their Jimmy Doyle a great hearted player. Although not given adequate support the staunch midfielder managed all of his sides 2-1 first half total.  Borris in the meantime had 3-8 on the board.  The scores began to mount for Borris as Byrne and Cyril Hughes at midfield laid on excellent ball for the attack. In the Borris defence Philip O’Neill was the big man while at the other end Dinny Lyons ha a field day scoring 3-2. He was well supported by Kevin Hynes.

In the other semi-final Palatine defeated Erins Own by 8-8 to 3-2. On Sunday June 8th Borris beat Palatine by 3-6 to 2-3.

Champions win in Carlow SHC

Carlow senior hurling champions St. Mullins and their arch rivals Erins Own both advanced in the SHC at Bagenalstown on Sunday. The reigning champions had it tough against Naomh Eoin who were making their first appearance in senior hurling championship ranks.

St. Mullins 1-7   Naomh Eoin 0-4

Forced to field their three substitutes owing to a car breakdown St. Mullins nevertheless carried to much ability for the Myshall men.  Although Jimmy Doyle had an early Myshall point the champions took the lead when John Walsh kicked in a goal. The scores came slowly and the challengers were always in a threatening position but threw away some easy chances.

Red Willie Walsh proved a big thorn in the side of the Myshall defenders and by half time St. Mullins led by 1-3 to 0-2.   The second half opened on a high note but then followed a nasty interlude when hurleys and fists flew. The crowd invaded the pitch and referee Mick O’Brien had to summon both teams to the centre of the field for a stern lecture.  Red Willie notched a point before Myshall went in to an all out attack but failed to score.  John Walsh kicked a point and Red Willie followed with another before Fox replied for Myshall.   But the Red maestro was again on the mark.  Myshall looked a very fit side forced a ’70 but sixteen years old Moriarty in the St. Mullins goal cleared most efficiently and the losers only reward was appoint from Tom Kelly,

St. Mullins; Willie Walsh 0-5, John Walsh 1-1, Eamonn Lennon 0-1

Naomh Eoin; Jimmy Doyle, Brian Fox, Andy Ryan, Tom Kelly 0-1 each, Referee Mick O’Brien Hacketstown

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1969 Junior Football Championship

1st Round Naomh Eoin 4-17 Milford 0-4;      Quarter Final   Naomh Eoin beat Grange 

 Sunday August 10th Bro. Leo Park,       Semi-final;

                                                 Naomh Eoin 3-5    Tullow 0-3

Myshall qualified for their second final on successive Sundays when they easily disposed of a ponderous Tullow challenge in this J.F.C. semi-final in Tullow.  Leading 1-3 to 0-0 at half time Myshall were never appalling shooting could have trebled their score.  There does not appear to be a team in in the county capable of extending Myshall in the junior grade who have only been beaten once in two years. The game itself was no contest as Tullow who matched their opponents physically were too slow and hesitant. From and early stage it was merely a question of how much the mountainy men would win by.  Jimmy Doyle was the most intelligent player afield, he scarcely wasted a ball.  Trainer Art Kavanagh was scorer in chief notching 2-2 while Andy Ryan with a gaol always threatened more. Tom Foley with two points was an extremely active forward.  Liam fox and Willie Eustace were others to shine. For Tullow Martin Coady, Mick O’Toole, Jim Fogarty former senior player were great triers. 

 Scorers Art Kavanagh 2-2 Andy Ryan 1-1, Tom Foley 0-2,

Sunday September 13th at Bro. Leo Park   

Naomh Eoin Blitz Listless Kildavin in Junior Football Final

Doyle and Foley superb at midfield

Naomh Eoin 2-19   Kildavin 1-2

Myshall footballers are the Carlow junior football champions. They won in Convincing style when they blitzed a lethargic and listless Kildavin in a most one sided final in Tullow on Sunday. Even considering the poverty of the opposition this was a superbly workmanlike execution. Myshall played with the maturity of seniors in a very sporting encounter, and they will undoubtly be a force innthe intermediate grade next season.  Myshall’s overwhelmed superiority stemmed from their complete monopoly at mid field where Jimmy Doyle (Ballinree) and Tom Foley gave a classic exhibition. This pair played scintillating football for the hour using the ball cleverly and combining well with their forwards.   Kildavin just had no answer to this power football.  They opened the scoring when Frank White lobbed a soft shot tonthe net 

For fifteen minutes it was a touch and go affair. The teams were level in the eight minute and again at the end of the quarter when Jim Fitzharris flashed over a point but this was Kildavin’s last score of the game.

Myshall turned over leading 1-19 to 1-2 and literally did what they liked in a completely one sided second half in which they tacked on 1-10.   How Myshall would have fared against a better side is conjecture but it is my guess that this team which last season won the JFL and J.H. double with practically the same team will win the I.F title if they keep playing like this. Apart from Doyle and Foley both of them worth a run on the county team – Myshall had excellent players in Jim Eustace (Goal) Liam Fox, Willie Eustace, Brian Fox and John Kelly in defence, Des Murphy a splendid wing half, Jimmy Doyle (Ballinacrea) and Andy Ryan in attack.  Kildavin deserve credit for a gallant display against insuperable odds, Jim Kirwin was excellent at full back, Joe Murphy, Pat Murphy in defence. Frank White, Tom Nolan and Stephen Sheill tried hard.

Naomh Eoin James Eustace Myshall,  Ted Butler Straduff, Liam Fox Shangarry, Willie Eustace Myshall, Tommy Murphy Lismaconly, Brian Fox (0-1 fifty, captain) Shangarry, John Kelly Myshall (Garda Mayo), Jimmy Doyle (1-2) Ballinree, Tom Foley (0-7) Aughabeg, Des Murphy (0-3) Garryhill, Jimmy Doyle Ballinacrea, Tom Donoghue (0-1)Knockdrumagh, John Foley (0-1) Aughabeg, Art Kavanagh (1-0) Myshall, Andy Ryan Knocklonogad.               Referee Brendan Hayden Tinryland

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Nationalist & Leinster Times Sunday September 14th   Dr. Cullen Park

Borris Lose but still in SHL

Naomh Eoin 6-4      Borris 2-3

Myshall fielding almost the same team which won the Carlow JFC the previous Sunday, scored an impressive win over Borris in the Carlow SHL in Carlow on Sunday, but after all their efforts they are out of the league competition.  Ironically if Borris if they beat Erins Own they will meet St. Fintans innthe final.   On this form Borris haven’t a hope against the Bagenalstown side, for they showed no zest and failed to score after the 33rd minute when the sides were level. For the remaining 27 minutes it was all Myshall as they swept over the Borris men to add 4-1 against a rapidly fading defence.  Here againit was the names on the JF team who laid the foundations for victory. Liam Fox played a blinder scoring 2-1 while Pat Nolan and Andy Ryan shone in attack.

At Midfield the two jimmy Doyles always held the whip hand against a succession of Borris pairings even though Tim Byrne and Tom Collier made good headway at intervals.  The star of the Myshall defence was undoubtly goalie Jimmy Eustace, who certainly stopped four goal bound shots in the closing quarter. In front of him, Brian Fox, Eddie Butler, Tommy Murphy and John Foley (scorer of two goals) were quite steady.  Borris winners of the 1967 JH double and senior hurling semi-finalists only to fail to St. Mullins were short five players, but never the less they never looked like winning, except for brief spells in the second half.

Tom Redmond, Christy Hynes, Tim Byrne, John Fleming and Pat Hynes were the only players to catch the eye.   The game was level 1-1 in the twelfth minute, 1-2 all a few minutes later after which Myshall went 1-3 to 1-2 ahead at the interval.   After Fox goaled, Clerkin and Fleming scored 1-1 but it was Borris’s last say.  Tom Doyle and Tom Foley Myshall and Tom Collier Borris were sent off.  None of the infringements were serious.

Myshall; Liam Fox 2-1, Andy Ryan 1-1, John Foley 2-0,  Tom Kelly 1-0, Pat Nolan 0-2,  Borris Paddy Doyle 1-1, Jim Clerkin 1-0, Johnny Fleming 0-2,  Referee John Monaghan  Erins Own

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Under 21 F.C.

Naomh Eoin beat Fighting Cocks in the first round of the under 21 F.C

Under 21 Game called off

Palatine 0-4             Myshall 0-3

This Under 21 F.C. game at Carlow on Sunday ended prematurely when referee Pat O’Toole of Kilbride ordered off a Myshall player Jimmy Doyle with five minutes to go. (Jimmy protested his innocent’s as he had done nothing wrong and wouldn’t leave the field he was right)   The player refused to leave the field and the referee had no option but to call off the game.  A fracas then developed in which a number of players were involved, a regrettable prelude to the National Football League game which followed. Neither side could cope with the conditions A very strong diagonal wind blowing from the cannery end should have favoured Palatine but they misused it. They squandered chance after chance including a penalty in the first half and led at the break by a mere 2 points 0-4 to 0-2.

The second half saw Myshall do most of the attacking and they too missed as many scoring opportunities as their opponents registering only one point in 25 minutes. Martin Cunningham at full back Brian Farrell who suffered unduly from over robust tactics, Tom Homes centre half; Willie Cullen, midfield, P.J. Byrne and Ollie Dowling forwards for Palatine. Jack Doyle wing half back, John Butler, centre back, Jimmy Doyle midfield Peter Nolan, and Andy Ryan in the forwards were best for Myshall.

Scorers, Palatine; Ollie Dowling 0-3, P.J. Byrne 0-1, Myshall; Peter Nolan 0-2, John Butler 0-1

For the record all the men that played under 21 football and hurling in 1969,

James Eustace Myshall, Ted Butler Straduff, Brian Fox Shangarry, Pat Keogh Aclare, Tommy Murphy Lismaconly, Jack Doyle Ballinree, Sean Keogh Aclare, James Kavanagh Aclare, Jimmy Doyle Ballinree, Tom Foley Aughabeg ????? Tom Donoghue Knockdrumagh, Ger Foley Aughabeg ???, Peter Nolan Shangarry,  Andy Ryan Knocklonogad, Sean Smithers Ballinacrea, Peter Smithers Ballinacrea, Des Murphy Garryhill, John Butler Straduff,  Pat Nolan Myshall, Tom Doyle Ballinree, Michael Tracey Rathnageera, Tom Kelly Ballinree ????? Jimmy Nolan Knockindrane ???   Christy Fox Shangarry,  Jimmy Murray Knockdrumagh ?????  Michael Nolan Shangarry ????

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Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday October 5th Junior Hurling Championship Preview

Tullow can upset Holders Myshall

Interest on the Carlow GAA scene next Sunday will be focussed on the junior hurling championship semi-finals at Dr. Cullen Park where defending champions Naomh Eoin play Tullow (2;15) followed by the clash Between Borris and St. Fintans.   Both games should provide exciting fare with Tullow and Borris possible finalists. In the first game Tullow could upset Myshall.  Support for this view lies in the fact that the Myshall team will be a second string, while Tullow will be playing their first year as junior for some time after a number of years of uneventful senior outings.

Determination Myshall noted for their grit and determination are always to be respected, but Tullow with former seniors Jim Fogarty, Mick Mulhall and Nick Jackman in the side can gain the verdict.  Tullow beat Kildavin and Palatine en route while Naomh Eoin accounted for St. Brigid’s.

Junior Football League

Semi Final Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 2-11 Leighlinbridge 1-5

Leighlin gave favourites Myshall a far tougher fight than they expected in this dour J.F.L. semi-final at Carlow on Sunday when Myshall became the first team to qualify for a 1969 final after they led by 1-7 to 1-3 at the interval. Myshall stars were Wille Eustace Pat Nolan, and the Foleys who all played excellently. While Bob McGrath, J. Egan, F. Dermody N. Hayes, and J. Byrne gave some fine performances for Leighlin

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday October 24th 1969

Myshall Capture the JF Double

Myshall 3-3                           Eire Og 0-1

Myshall deservedly added the junior football league title to their championship crown in Bro. Leo Park on Sunday.  But what a fight they got from Eire Og’s third string.   Up to the three quarter stage the game was a draw one point all and one had visions of the upset of the season.  A soft goal for the winners at this stage opened the flood gates however an o. g. per Michael Brophy added to the loser’s misery.   The first half was possibly the best half hours football seen in this grade this year.  Nevertheless Eire Og deserves credit for making it the game it was. They fielded a youthful side and their minors showed great potential against bigger and more experienced opponents. The forwards on both sides were well held.   Brian Fox was man of the match he ploughed through the opposition (though never unfairly) Jack Doyle, Tom Foley, Peter Nolan and scorer in chief Andy Ryan were others to star for Myshall.   Best for Eire Og were Pat Fleming, Pat Broderick, Tom Sullivan, Seamus Donoghue, and Mick Byrne,   Myshall scorers; Andy Ryan 2-1, Tom Foley 0-1, Art Kavanagh, 0-1, Michael Brophy o.g. Eire Og Tom Sullivan 0-1.

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