St. Finnians

From 1941,    As the years passed there was probably a lot of playing done and no team in the parish, some people went to play with neighbouring teams.  However for a great number of young and not so young people there was no social outlet at all and during the summer months they would meet in groups in fields possibly at a cross roads which would be agreed as a meeting place all this would be done by word of mouth. The Ranch also was another place where big numbers kicked or ‘practiced’ they would come together Sunday afternoons or as it was known then ‘Sunday after dinner’ and in the long hot Summer week evenings, where they would spend endless hours. It must be noted that there was no great football boots togs or jersies at that and many people used the ‘Hob Nail Boots that they would use every day for work.       

It was taught about fielding a team in 1953 but to no avail again in 1954 although there was a bit of improvement in numbers, but it came to naught.

1954 Carlow Junior football championship draws were made on Sunday February 14th

In group 6 Rathanna v Borris, Drumphea v Ballymurphy, ????? However it seems Drumphea didn’t play that year

1955      St. Finnians Myshall affiliated after a gap of fourteen years   

Two people who came to the parish in 1953 had a big influence along with other great Gaels in affiliating a club in 1955. A young and vibrant priest Fr. Martin E. Burke C. C. newly ordained arrived on loan from the dioceses of Meath taking up the position vacated by Fr. Stan Shine who moved to the parish of Naas. The other was the return of one of the great sons of the parish Andrew Jordan N.T. Coolnasnaughta to take up the position of Principal of Myshall Boys N.S. following the death of Matthew Doyle Principal at the time. That school building is still there and owned by the Daly Family.    Andy as a boy went  to national school in Rathnageera from Coolnasnaughta and when he qualified as a teacher came back to teach for a short time in Rathnageera, he then taught in Mayo before coming back to Banagher in Offaly.   From here Andy played corner back with Offaly senior footballers for a number of years.   He was also associated with the famed St. Rynaghs Hurling Club in Offaly, and it was in Banagher that he met his future wife Esther Nallen.  He took up the Principals job in Myshall September 1953.

It must be remembered that Ireland had only become a Republic in 1949 and living conditions was a struggle for so many people and without some leadership it was hard to persuade the young men to come to play Gaelic football, Fr. Burke had been trying but maybe not asking the right people. However he came to Andy Jordan and they worked out a pact.  Andy told him “I’ll pick them, You ask them” and it worked

Fr. Burke C.C. Andy Jordan, Paddy Smithers Ballinacrea, Tom Doyle of Doyle’s Cross Shangarry, Paddy Devereux Treasurer, Paddy Murphy Lismaconly who else was involved ,

The draws for 1955 Carlow Co Championships and Leagues  were made at the county board meeting on Tuesday February 12th    This was the first time St. Finnians Myshall were back in the hat after a long number of years.

The full junior football championship draw was

St. Marys (Paulville) v Clonmore,   Tullow v Rathvilly,   Rathoe No1 v Kilbride,  

Rathoe No 2 v Kildavin,       Palatine v O’Hanrahans No 1,         St. Dympnas v O’Hanrahans No 2,        Tinryland v Ballinabranna,  Milford v Nurney,    Fenagh v Old Leighlin,         St. Andrews v Leighlinbridge,       

St. Finnians (Myshall) v Ballymurphy, Borris v Corries

As cars, money and travel arrangements was very scarce at that time, many players and teams rode bicycles to where ever they were playing and many a good man walked to venues and back as well. The county board made every effort for the four teams in a group to be in close proximity to one another for travel reasons.

At a County Board meeting on Wednesday April 13th the junior football championship dates were made and also transfers were passed

As this was the first time St. Finnians were affiliated and taking part in the Carlow junior football Championship in 1955 people from the parish that were playing with other clubs could now transfer back to play with St. Finnians

Transfers;   Peter Smythers Ullard (postman) from Kildavin to St. Finnians,    Peter Doyle Drumphea from Nurney to St. Finnians,

E. O’Brien from Kilbride to St. Finnians, E. Murphy from Kilbride to St. Finnians.

Distance a Problem

It seems at this county board meeting Ballymurphy objected on the distance of having to come to Myshall (The Ranch) to play these matches it was too far.  So a compromise was reached they would play in Garryhill. Permission was got from the late Pado Kelly of Booldurragh to use one of his fields to play the games in, so on Saturday April 23rd a group of St. Finnians men came to the Ranch took down the present timber goalposts that were there, not sure whether it was timber crossbar or a rope crossbar, they loaded them on a cart belonging to Tom Doyle of Shangarry and with a white horse Tom and the gang headed on for Garryhill with their long load. After turning at Garryhill Cross for Fenagh Pado Kelly’s field was approximately four hundred yards on the right hand side and as you turn in off the main road you crossed over a bridge which had the fast flowing River Burren flowing underneath along by the boundary ditch.    On their journey I would say they hadn’t any yellow flashing lights or a Garda escort. When they got to the field they dug the holes put up the goal posts. I am fairly sure they did mark out the pitch with a very small factory made green marker belonging to Myshall Tennis Club that was used for marking out the tennis courts in Myshall where the two Monkey Puzzler trees are standing in the Lawn at the back of Myshall Community Centre. Where the different lines cross the field was marked with Sprigs of Furze Bush and all was ready. It seems everything went according to plan and everyone had a good day.       

Sunday April 24th at Garryhill Junior Football Championship

Corries 2-4   Borris 0-2   at 3-00 pm    Ballymurphy 6-6 St. Finnians Myshall 2-2 at 4-15

First day Out Before the game it seems St. Finnians had a problem with numbers, not enough players had turned up.   Remember this was their first time to field since 1941-42 however no problem and as usual as was done by all clubs in Ireland at that time go down along the side line and pick out one or two people who would play or as in their own words ‘stand in’ to help the cause and you had fifteen players starting everything in order. The Referee had to get a list of the first fifteen players and a duplicate list that started the game written as Gaeilge and duly signed by the club Runai (Secretary). Many a team lost a game they had won because the paper work was not done correctly.  How many remembers that the paper that the teams were written on had to be ‘Deanta as Eireann’ and to have the Watermark (an Irish Logo as Gaeilge) pressed in to each sheet.

One of the players who said he would ‘stand in’ was Johnny Smithers Ballinacrea had to go and do number 1 first, so he went to a private enough place where he could not be seen by the edge of the river. While the rest of the players were waiting for him to come back to start the game so they went to see where he was as he was a long time gone to do no 1, Lo and Behold if he wasn’t after falling in to the river Burren. However after having great shower before the game he went on and played and it didn’t cast him a taught.

The team that day                                  

Seamus Lalor

Ballinrush (Shean)

Pa Murphy

Lismaconly 

Sunday May 1st at Garryhill

Myshall 2-2   Borris 0-0,      Ballymurphy v Corries did not play

County Board Meeting

Pitch was not marked

Just before the start of the Ballymurphy- Corries J.F.C game at Garryhill on May 1st the Ballymurphy captained complained about the markings on the pitch.  A corries official then said his team would not play as there was no use playing the game twice.  When the referees report was read at last Wednesday’s Carlow Co. Board meeting a decision was deferred to await the referee’s report on the pitch.  Referee James Deegan in his report said the game was timed for 4-15 but that both teams were forty minutes late. When he was about to throw in the ball the Ballymurphy captain protested about the markings, Mr. Pat Ryan (Corries) said his team was anxious to play the game although the weather was wretched. But when Ballymurphy’s captain objected they knew they had a case and decided not to play.

Came and Went

Chairman (Mr. Eamonn Long, ‘A Chara), “Wasn’t there a game before that? “  “Mr. Ryan there was markings bits of sticks Chairman.”   ‘The rain did not knock them’ Mr. Ryan, ‘there were exciting tussles and they disappeared.’  Chairman, ‘A certain number of people went to see that game’.  Mr Ryan, ‘they came and they had also gone the first game did not start until 4-15’

The Chairman said they had not sufficient proof of the facts.

Secretary Mr. Willie O’Connor said that the referee in a phone conversation had said that at that particular time the field was not marked.

He did not say that it was not originally marked it had rained heavily.

Chairman, ‘I’ll refer the report back to him for further particulars about the state of the ground.

Co Board Meeting Wednesday June 8th 1955.     Last Wednesday night Carlow Co. Board heard the report of referee James Deegan on the state of the pitch at Garryhill on May 1st when the Corries-Ballymurphy game was not played there. Mr Deegan said he was perfectly satisfied that the pitch was not properly marked. There were only bits of furze bushes here and there. It was decided the game be re-fixed. The late great Frank Curran Rathnageera would have been St. Finnians co board representive.

……………..

Sunday May 19th   Junior Football Championship

Ballymurphy v Borris at Ballyine   Myshall v Corries at Corries or Bagenalstown  

For some reason this game was put off until Sunday June 5th at McGrath Park

Corries on Top

Corries had little difficulty in disposing of Myshall in their J. F. C tie at McGrath Park Bagenalstown last Sunday. They won 5-4 to 1-1   Myshall faded after a good start.

Ballymurphy and Borris contested the area J.F.C final

It is interesting to note that St. Finnians (Myshall) had two games in the junior football championship v Bally murphy and Corries and were beaten in the two games and so there ended the football year on Sunday May 19th a long year all they could do is come to the Ranch or different fields and have a kick around unless they were invited to a Field Day Tournament.     

Under 14 Juvenile Football Games

Wednesday June 1st at Bagenalstown   Myshall v Leighlin

Wednesday June 8th   at Myshall, Myshall v Carlow

Thursday June 16th    at Garryhill   Myshall v Borris

Thursday June 23rd    At Garryhill   Bagenalstown v Myshall

June 29th St. Peters and Pauls day

Seven a side in Myshall

Myshall PTAA Sports It was in the Lawn Myshall this was when all the trees was in the lawn.  Monday April 30th the next day Arty Kehoe Croanruss one of the Pioneer organisers broke his leg while grubbing turnips

Seven a side photo of Myshall and Nurney

Jerseys

A club was lucky if they had a set of jerseys back then.   As a small lad grown up I was always told St. Finnians colours were Black and Amber, it was hard to believe this when you saw the jerseys the team wore.  The jersey had three big bands each approx 6 inches however the colours was cream and grey far removed from your black and amber and to me they always stayed that colour. It appears that they were so old and had been washed so much over the years that the black and amber colours had faded to cream and grey and there was probably only fifteen or less in the bag, if a sub was coming on the player coming off often had to give him his jersey.  Nearly all club jerseys at that time had no numbers. Sometimes and possibly more often than not when the game was over a player would have a big tear in the jersey, and he took it home and got his mother to stitch it up. A very small no of players about two had their own jersey not the same as the fourteen or fifteen team jerseys and they always wore that jersey and brought it home that jersey didn’t go in to the bag.   Pity there is no jersey from that period in existence they would be priceless now.    

And so 1955 St. Finnians Myshall were formed and back in action as a Gaelic Football Club full marks to all the people players, officers and supporters that got the club going again and as this is written in January 2021, sixty six years on we are proud to say there has always been a club in the parish with unbroken service since      

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1956

According to the Nationalist & Leinster Times the 15th February 1956

The draws for the Carlow County Championships were made on the 12th February 1956

St. Finians Myshall entered a junior football team and a minor football team, and incidentally the minor football league was introduced at that meeting for the first time on a vote of 28 for and 18 against.

Sunday April 29th at ‘The Ranch’ Myshall Junior Football Championship

Rathoe v Kildavin at 3-15, Myshall v Kilbride at 4-15,

Carlow Results Saturday May 5th     Kildavin and Kilbride won their junior games at Myshall over Rathoe and St. Finnians respectively.

May 24th at Myshall     Junior Football Championship

Rathoe v St. Finnians at 8-00 pm

Tuesday June 5th       Carlow Juvenile Games

At Bagenalstown,  Bagenalstown v Myshall at 8-00 pm

Sunday June 20th at Myshall       Minor Football League    St. Patricks v St. Finnians

Sunday July 29th   at Bagenalstown   Minor Football League         Kilcloney v St. Finnians

Sunday September 2nd at Dr. Cullen Park      Minor Football League St. Andrews v St. Finnians at 4-15

1957

Nationalist Saturday February 2nd 1957

Report from Carlow Convention

The Junior Football Championship will now be played on the knockout system as a result of a St. Finians motion which was passed. An alternative programme for first time losers will also be run.

Rev. Martin Burke C.C. Myshall who proposed the motion said that at present teams were in groups of four and when a team was beaten they were out of the championship and would be discouraged.  An alternative competition would be very good idea.

On checking through the 1957 championship draws St. Finians only entered one team in the junior football championship.

Saturday 23rd February

Junior Football Championship Draws : Rathvilly v Clonmore; Tullow v St. Marys;  St. Finnians v Kildavin, Kilbride v Rathoe; Tinryland v Eire Og; O’Hanrahans v Palatine, St. Dympnas v Milford, Old Leighlin v Eire Og, Ballinabranna bye; Fenagh v Leighlinbridge, Ballinkillen v Gaels, St. Bridgets or St. Andrews a bye

Saturday April 6th

Carlow Transfers Passed; Nick and Kevin Curry from Kilbride to Naomh Fionain

Carlow Senior Co Football Team selectors; Luke Hickey Palatine, John Doyle Tinryland, Andy Jordan Myshall, Jima Rea Carlow Town, J. J. Doyle Clonmore, Co Chairman Jim Kehoe, Co Secretary Willie O’Connor

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Gold Medal Tournament in ‘The Ranch’ Myshall

The final of the Gold Medal tournament was held in Myshall on Thursday last

In the senior seven a side Ballinabranna defeated Palatine after extra time having finished level at full time.  Andy Murphy of Tinryland refereed.

In the second final Fenagh v St. Finians finished level and both teams agreed to replay on              

June 29th (St. Peters and Pauls Day a Holyday of Obligation) and also an attractive game Ballinabranna v Kildavin for a special trophy

Ballinabranna Photo

Junior Football Championship Kildavin v St. Finians Myshall,   Was this a game where St. Finians were down by ten points at half time and with a changed around team at half time  only lost by a point when it was full time this game was played in McGrath Park

Myshall U-14 Team that beat Borris 1957

The Carlow County Sports under N.A.C.A rules was held in Myshall on Sunday July 7th 1957. This was a big effort from the county athletics and cycling committee to revive the competitions. 

The sport’s was held in a field kindly given by Arty Kehoe of Croanruss.  Mountain View houses are now built on that field and the gate entrance to the field was where the timber rail fencing ends on the right on the way in to Myshall.          

Ger Tobin Drumphea (Lismaconly) won a three mile road race from Fenagh Church back to the sports field and was presented with a lovely clock.  

Myshall and Borris met in the schools final for silver medals. There was something about this final being delayed from the year before ?? 

The sides were well tutored by two well abled Hefty Men that day 

Myshall by Fr. Martin Burke C.C                  Borris by Fr. Edward Kennedy C.C

Myshall won that day and were presented with a set of medals. Ger Donoghue Barragh is the proud holder of one of these medals from that day.  Does anyone know the score and is this the panel and who refereed.

Ger Donoghue     Barragh,                 Tom Donoghue   Barragh,

John Kavanagh   Fenagh Rd.              Noel Kavanagh       Ratheenleigh,

Tommy Kavanagh  Ratheenleigh,         Mick Kavanagh       Hill Rd

Tommy Kavanagh  Hill Rd                     Pat Kelly                 Carrig

Hughie Kelly           Carrig                     Luke Kelly               Carrig

Willie Eustace         Myshall,                Tommy Slye       Croppy Rd  

Watty Doyle           Ballinacrea,          Paddy Doyle           Myshall      

John O’Hara            Shean                   Dick Gibson            Kildavin,             

Jim Dowling            Ballinacrea          Mikey Nolan           Carrig

John Foley               Aughabeg

Talking with Hughie Kelly, Luke Kelly and John Kavanagh on Wednesday July 22nd 2020         Hughie said he was on the first ever under 14 team in the Parish 1955????        

Willie Eustace remembers kicking under 14 football with Myshall in a field on the right hand side before you come to Kavanagh’s Cross from Garryhill the field belong to Tobin’s of Knocklonogad.

Luke Kelly remembers playing in a tournament in Rathvilly u-14 they beat one team ………. But were beaten by Rathvilly 

People what more light can anyone shed on these under 14 fixtures that were listed in the Nationalist in 1955

Under 14 Juvenile Football Games

 Wednesday June 1st at Bagenalstown   Myshall v Leighlin

 Wednesday June 8th   at Myshall, Myshall v Carlow

Thursday June 16th    at Garryhill   Myshall v Borris

Thursday June 23rd    At Garryhill   Bagenalstown v Myshall

 As much information as possible needed  They were great people 

Sunday September 2nd Dr. Cullen Park, Senior Football League, St. Andrews v St. Finians 4-15

St. Bridgets Kildavin won the Carlow minor football championship in 1957 and had three young players from Myshall playing with them, Mick Slye, Mick Mullins and Willie Eustace. 

1958

Carlow GAA Co Convention was held in the small hall in Myshall on Sunday January

The draws for the Carlow football championships were made on Tuesday February 11th

St. Finians Myshall entered a junior football team

This year the junior football championship was on the league system in divisions

Div 2,  Kildavin   v  St. Finians,    Kilbride v Rathoe

St. Finians Myshall v Kildavin (2)

St. Finians Myshall v Kilbride

St. Finians Myshall v Rathoe

Friday June 13th at Kilbride,     Junior Football Tournament St. Finians Myshall v St. Marys Paulville at 8-00pm

Sunday August 24th at Bagenalstown JFC  St. Finians Myshall v The Gaels at 4-15        

1959

This was a decisive year for St. Finnians as it was the first time since 1934/ 36 that hurling was played in the parish and back then it was an area team also. In an effort to get hurling going in rural areas Carlow Co Board asked for players who were interested in hurling from St. Finnians, Fenagh, Kilbride and Kildavin to come and play together as a junior hurling area team and they did compete in the Carlow junior hurling championship and league. As there were players from four different clubs involved the name of the team was decided at a Co. Board meeting between the four representatives one from each club, John Rice representing Myshall, Ted Guidera representing Fenagh, ….. Representing Kilbride and was called as Gaeilge Naomh Eoin (Midhiseal) or St. Johns (Myshall) and it seems the name was because Pope John the 23rd had become Pope of Rome that year.  Most of the players were from St. Finnians and a number of players from Fenagh, possibly one or two from Kilbride and it seems no player from Kildavin. While the hurling team didn’t win many games in the early stages they still stayed playing in the continuing years and it is fair to say that from 1959 until this present January 2020 there has always been a hurling team in the Parish.

Listed here are the players that started playing hurling in 1959 some played right through to 1967 and beyond     

Willie Ryder Bealalaw, Watty Doyle Ballinacrea, Mick Slye Croppy Road, Luke Slye Croppy Road,  Willie Eustace Myshall, Ned Tobin Drumphea, Brian Fox Shangarry, Pat Doyle Ballinree, Mick Cranny Ullard, Jack Cranny Ullard, Tom Doyle Ballinree, Ger Tobin Lismaconly, John Rice Croanruss, Jack Slye Croppy Road, Jimmy Doyle (Fair) Ballinacrea, Tommy Slye Croppy Road, Andy Ryan Knocklonogad, Tom Kelly Ballinree, Liam Fox Shangarry, Neddy Murphy Aclare, Michael O’Neill Aughabeg, Ted Guidera Fenagh, Joe O’Brien Fenagh, Jim Tobin Drumphea, Mick Corcoran Ballybromhill, Chris Forrestral Rathnure   

More to be added

Nationalist & Leinster Times     Saturday 14th February 1959

The Draws for 1959 Carlow   club championship & league games were made at Co Board meeting on Tuesday February 10th at Carlow

Junior Football Championship Div 5  Ballymurphy v   St. Finnians;   The Gaels v Corries;

The draw for playoff between group winners is;  Div 4 v Div 2,  Division 3 v Division 1, Division 5 a bye

Junior Hurling Championship, Cournellan v Erins Own; Pearce’s v Clonmore; St. Fintans (Ballinabranna) v St. Mullins; Tullow v Leighlinbridge; Ballinkillen v Naomh Eoin (Myshall) **

Junior Hurling League; Cournellan v St. Mullins; Ballinkillen v St. Fintans; Erins Own v Naomh Eoin;  Leighlinbridge v Carlow;  Tullow v Clonmore.

**This is the very first mention of a Naomh Eoin Myshall Hurling Team in an official fixture or official capacity  

Sunday April 19th

At Ballinkillen,         The Gaels v Corries 3-00 pm, Ballymurphy v St. Finnians   4-15

In other junior football championship games St. Finnians beat Ballymurphy by a point 1-5 to 2-1 at Ballinkillen while Corries beat The Gaels at The same venue.

Sunday April 26th Junior Football Championship    

Corries v St. Finians Myshall at Myshall 3-00 pm

Ballymurphy v The Gaels at St. Mullins 3-00 pm

Other Games

At St. Mullins Ballymurphy scored 0-7 and The Gaels had 2-1 in a drawn game,

At Myshall Corries and Myshall drew with a score of 1-5 to 0-8

Sunday May 10th  

At McGrath Park;   Junior Hurling League   Erins Own v Naomh Eoin (Myshall) at 3-15

However there is no account of any more hurling fixtures or results

Sunday May 17th  

Junior Football Championship at Ballinkillen

Corries v Ballymurphy at 3-00 pm  St. Finians (Myshall) v The Gaels at 4-15

It seems that St. Finians possibly beat the Gaels and qualified for the semi-final from the three games

Sunday October 4th

 The only game listed for Carlow next Sunday is the Junior Football Championship semi-final between Ballinabranna and St. Finnians Myshall at Dr. Cullen Park at 3-00 pm. The winners will meet Milford in the final.

Ballinabranna beat St. Finnians in the semi-final (has any one the score) and beat Milford in the junior final by 1-6 to 0-3 on Sunday October 18th

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1960

 ‘The Ranch’

When the Land Commission came in to being land would come in to their possession and they divided it in to lots and give some acres to people to help them build up their farms.  Cornwall-Brady’s Estate Myshall was one that was divided and many local people in the area benefited. At that time the Land Commission found that they had not enough land for a

further five or six families that would have been entitled to some.  Hence they set a-side fourteen acres in trust to the parish governed by three trustees.  The land was in two seven acre fields at that time with two rows of tall beech trees separating the fields leaving a passage or lane way between them beautiful in the summer time.

The top field was left as a Sports field and the bottom field was the Ranch but people could freely graze the two fields with a few cattle, sheep or donkeys, which the people was entitled to do and did so.  I never remember the Ranch being mowed but the sheep grazing along the Summer always kept the grass in order. No one ever minded about the sheep dirt back then and sometimes it was bad, however if players got that dirty they went over to river on the right and washed themselves in the clear cool water.  At that time there was only one gate in to the Ranch which was an eight foot wooden gate it was at the end away from Myshall.  Fifty yards down from the gate a lane way started and it continued down to turn at right angles and join with the lane between the two fields. From the start of the lane tall beech trees lined each side a beautiful sight.  Ten yards down from the start of the lane was probably the most famous part of the Ranch as it was here players and teams togged out for many years in the open air.  The players would rool up their trousers and shirts and put them in a rabbit burrow to keep them dry if it was raining, and there were plenty of rabbit burrows. If it was fine they just left them on the ground.  Back then there was no pep talk for half an hour and surely no warm up, there might be time to get a few kicks at the ball before the referee started the game, and all the chaps behind the goal ran like hell after a ball going over the bar or wide to get a kick at the ball. There were often some nice smart bits of fights to and like John Wayne ‘Hell No’ it was often a case of hit first and ask the questions later.

In late 1959 the fourteen acres ran in to trouble with the rent which had amounted to 280 pounds not being paid to the Land Commission by the then trustees for a good number of years and was put up for public auction. The then Parish Priest of Myshall & Drumphea Fr. Charles O’Connor and sixteen staunch Muintir Na Tire people came up with the 280 pounds and bought the field for the Parish.  Fr. O’Connor and people quickly set about making The Ranch presentable to play games and had the pitch marked out with white lime, and low side line flags made by local women.  Two upright timber posts and timber cross bar (pole) were erected at each end and believe it or not the uprights and crossbar was painted white, and he christened it Gaelic Park Myshall, and it was great to see local junior football league and junior football championship games being played in it. Possibly Fr. O’Connor and St. Finnians GFC club had more great ideas back then to further develop the grounds. Sadly Fr. O’Connor became ill during the year and he died on November 29th 1960 and is interred in Lismaconly Myshall, his loss was great because he had a vision for young people, and with his death the same interest wasn’t there to do anything more although games were played there for many years. It was also sad that Fr. O’Connor didn’t see his great work finished.  As the years went by the timber cross bars often broke or disintegrated a rope crossbar or very heavy twine was then used. Before the start of the games the posts were put upright and the rope very tight and it looked very good. However when the match started things wasn’t as good. If a high ball was kicked in to the square, backs, forwards and the goalie all jumped to catch the ball at the one time. Sometimes a back would catch the ball burst out through the crowd and make a mighty clearance.  Of course another big high ball would come in drop on the rope and go over for a point or a goal depending which way you were playing.  If you were a forward it definitely was a goal, ‘a good goal.’   If you were a back or the goalie ‘No way it was over the rope it’s only a point so don’t be raving,’ The umpires of course one from each club that was playing would be vehemently trustworthy and honourable for their own side and for the one that his team was defending it was only a point, and for the other whose team was playing in ‘No mistake it was definitely a goal’.  The poor referee would have to come in then and in trying to sort it out only to make matters even worst.  No matter what decision he gave it wouldn’t suit the other crowd and then tempers flare and a few good punches (or as they were known back then ‘Slaps’) thrown and landed for a minute or two. You could be minding your own business and get a right good punch for nothing. This was known as a ‘wakeup call.’  So after a few minutes they would go on and kick football again. It was a great tonic for the team if the goal was given. It was even better for the team defending if it was only a point.     

At this point it is fair to say without fear of contradiction and this goes for all the GAA fields in All Ireland back then with the rope crossbar and no nets, only The Good Lord in Heaven is the only one that knew exactly if it was a goal or a point.              

Sunday March 13th 1960

Gaelic Park Myshall   J.F.L   Fenagh v St. Finians (Myshall) 2-30 Kildavin v Corries 3-45

Fenagh beat St. Finians Myshall.   The match Kildavin v Corries was unfinished.

Sunday April 10th

Gaelic Park Myshall       J.F.L    St. Finians (Myshall) v Kildavin 3-00 pm

It seems this game was postponed and re-arranged for Thursday May 11th at 7-30

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Sunday May 22nd  At Dr. Cullen Park,   J.F.C. Rathvilly v St. Finians 3-45

Rathvilly 2-11 St. Finians 2-0

The second round championship game between St. Finians and Rathvilly was little better than the earlier match – but it was far more interesting to watch and occasionally there was some good patches of football. Leading by 1-4 to 1-0 at half time, Rathvilly were the better side on the run of play.

Best man on the field was undoubtedly Ned Tobin of St. Finians and he was ably assisted by Kavanagh at fullback and the speedy little Mullins. Best for the winners were the two Doyle’s at midfield, Molloy and Gahan in the backs and Gahan and Foley in the forwards.

Willie Eustace made his Championship debut and he knows all about the Gahan’s

Scorers; Rathvilly,   Molloy 1-1, Doyle 0-4, Foley 0-2, Gahan 1-1, Molloy 0-2

St. Finians; Nolan and Mullins 1-0 each   (I was at that match and I taught that it was John Dawson who got the two goals)

Team & Panel;  James Doyle Myshall, Tommy Kavanagh Ratheenleigh, Jim Kavanagh Ratheenleigh , Andy Jordan Coolnasnaughta, Noel Kavanagh Ratheenleigh, Pa Murphy Lismaconly, Nick Maher Lismaconly, Mick Mullins Coolnasnaughta Ned Tobin Drumphea, Mick Slye Croppy Road, Tom Mullins Coolnasnaughta, Tommy Byrne Myshall, Jack Slye Croppy Road, Dan Timmons Ratheenleigh, Peter Doyle Drumphea,

Back then when you were beaten in the first round of the championship that was it for another year

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Sunday May 29th  At McGrath Park Bagenalstown SHL     Naomh Eoin v Ballinkillen 3-15

Naomh Eoin (Myshall) were completely outclassed by a superior Ballinkillen side in this sub- standard senior hurling league game on Sunday last.  Weight, strength and a determination to win put Ballinkillen on stop where they stayed there to win by 5-9 to 0-2.  

Sunday June 5th     At McGrath Park Bagenalstown   J. H. C     St. Mullins v Naomh Eoin 2-00

After this there is no more account of St. Finians or Naomh Eoin in the Nationalist’

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On the Carlow county junior football panel Ned Tobin, Mick Mullins, Mick Slye and James Doyle (Jigger) St. Finians were named

Ned Tobin was named and played at midfield in the Leinster Semi-final against Dublin in Nowlan Park Kilkenny           

Sunday June 19th

Gaelic Park Myshall, M F C. St. Bridgets v St. Malachys 3-00

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1961

Sunday April 23rd

McGrath Park   J. H. L   Ballinkillen No 2 v Naomh Eoin (Myshall) at 4-30

Sunday April 30th    at Ballon J. F. L

St. Vincents and St. Finnians clash at 2-00,   Ballon and Fenagh at 3-15,  

Rathvilly v Kilbride and Rathoe Utd at 4-30

Sunday May 21st 1961

J. F. C. at Ballon St. Finnians Myshall v St. Marys Paulville at 4-30

St. Finnians won this game and it was played in Maurice O’Neill’s field opposite Murrays Sawmills.  St. Finnians 4-17 Paulville 1-9,   Pa Murphy scored one of the goals who done any more scoring   

Co Minors make it a double

Carlow minor footballers made it a double at Athy on Sunday when they beat an erratic Laois side by eight points.  The winners had a solid fullback in Tom Kavanagh. Midfield was controlled by Tom Boland who serviced the forwards well the best of whom being Broderick, Hennessy, and Colman. Carlow,  Fintan Ryan, Pat King, Tommy Kavanagh (Ratheenleigh), Martin Doyle, Mick Shaw, M. Murphy, Eamonn Fitzpatrick, C. Ryan,  Tom Boland, M. Broderick, Tom Murphy, B. Hennessy, Martin Brophy, Frank Colman, Pat McNally, Paddy Curry substituted for M. Shaw.

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Sunday June 18th at Gaelic Park Myshall     Junior Football League (Area Final)

Ballon v St. Finians (Myshall) at 3-00 pm (Ballon won this game)

Sunday July 16th

Gaelic Park Myshall     M. H. L at 3-00 pm

Bagenalstown v St. Finnians

Field Day in Old Leighlin

St. Finnians were invited to play Old Leighlin in a Field Day in Leighlin, on Accession Thursday, (Church Holyday) that same day the late Christy Ryder of Newtown rode his bicycle up on a ditch and down what was known as a ‘Bunditch’ for a distance of 100 yards and the rattles of the bike had the big crowd staring with their mouths open it was something like you would see in a circus and then everyone burst in to laughter. The game finished level and both teams agreed to replay the match in the ‘Ranch’ Myshall on the following Monday night St. Finnians won by a point. The Old Leighlin men had the medals in a brown paper bag and presented them to the St. Finnians players after the game.

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Sunday August 6th 1961

Is your Game Here

For Gaelic fans who wish to enjoy an entertaining afternoons sport over the weekend Dr. Cullen Park should be their target.

The first of two matches is a junior hurling tie between Erins Own from Bagenalstown and Fenagh’s Naomh Eoin.    Although Erins own are fancied to come out on top they will not be given an easy game.  Naomh Eoin although only recently formed club will be out to climb the ladder perhaps at the expense of Erins Own,

1962                   

All below is from the Nationalist

Fixtures   

Dr. Cullen Park Sunday May 7th Junior Football League St. Finnians (Myshall) v Nurney,  Nurney 2-6    St. Finnians 1-0

The Closing game on the programme almost suffered the same fate as the others. Starting forty minutes late a referee could not be found. Eventually Genie Kelly deputised and Nurney ran out convincing winners

Nurney were best served by Paddy Dermody, Killian Collins, Tom Doorley, Seamus Hayden Jim McDonald, and H. McDonald. Scorers for Nurney were Billy Farrell 1-0, H, McDonald 1-0, Jim McDonald 0-2, Seamus Hayden 0-2, M. Collins and S. Byrne 0-1 each while Mick O’Hara scored for Myshall

At ‘The Ranch’ Myshall        Junior Football League Ballon v Kilbride-Rathoe Utd 2-15

Sunday July 1st 

McGrath Park  Junior Hurling Championship Ballinkillen v Naomh Eoin (Fenagh) 2-15

Sunday July 1st

Dr. Cullen Park     Junior Football Championship St. Finnians v Ballon 2-00 pm

St. Finnians (Myshall) 1-11      Ballon 0-1

St. Finnians Myshall dominating the entire game and at times slackening their pace considerably easily eliminated Ballon in the opening round of the junior football championship at Dr. Cullen Park on Sunday.

Opening on a tame note St. Finians shot in to a quick lead which they stretched to 5 points to 1 at the interval.

On resumption the game detiorated, the winners defence was completely in command while their forwards were content to lob over long range points. James Doyle had little work in the St. Finians goal while Noel Kavanagh, Pa Murphy and Andrew Jordan stood out in a strong defence. Mick Slye and Ned Tobin had little difficulty dominating the midfield while James Dowling, Mick Mullins and Luke Slye were prominent attackers.

Best for a weak and unsteady Ballon side were goalkeeper Tom Blanche, Joe Byrne in defence Seamus Cummins and Eamonn Byrne in attack.

The second half was disappointing in so much as a Ballon rally was expected but never came. In This period the winners added 1-6 without reply.

Scorers for St. Finians, Ned Tobin 0-3, James Dowling 0-3, Luke Slye 0-2, Mick O’Hara 1-1, Mick Slye 0-1, Mick Mullins 0-1, while Seamus Cummins 0-1 replied for Ballon.

St. Finnians; James Doyle, Tommy Kavanagh, Andy Jordan, Noel Kavanagh, Pa Murphy, Nick Maher, Tommy Byrne, Mick Slye, Ned Tobin, James Dowling Mick Mullins, Willie Eustace, Ned Nolan, Dan Timmons, Luke Slye, sub Mick O’Hara for Ned Nolan.

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Friday July 13th   at ‘The Ranch’ Myshall, Junior Hurling Championship

St. Vincents (Kildavin) v Kilbride-Rathoe Utd At 8-00 pm

Sunday August 19th

McGrath Park   Junior Football Championship St. Finnians v Ballymurphy at 3-15 pm

Good Game ends in a draw

St. Finians 1-6           Ballymurphy 1-6

Although forcing the pace for most of the hour, Ballymurphy junior footballers received a severe jolt when St. Finians forced a draw in the junior football championship on Sunday.

Bally murphy looked a certainty but a Myshall burst found hard trier Tommy Kavanagh

Get possession and making no mistake banged in a goal to level the scoring at 1-6 each at which it remained until the end.

It was a game that provided thrills and a few spills. Play was of an exciting order and spice was added when St. Finians trailing for three quarters of an hour began to pull down Ballymurphys comfortable half time lead.

Ballymurphy went in to an early lead when their scoring account was opened with points from P. Murphy and Pete Byrne. James Dowling St. Finians soon replied with a point.

The closeness of the scores held the interest of spectators and there were plenty of thrills as St. Finians with their back to the posts had to pull every trick out of the bag.

Coolness under pressure served them well but their hopes of being in the game with a chance seemed fade as Ballymurphy stretch their lead with two further points from Pete Byrne while Liam Murphy netted a goal. St. Finnians only answer was a Dowling point leaving the interval score; Ballymurphy 1-4 St. Finnians 0-2.

On resumption Ballymurphy launched an early attack which brought them two more points from W. Wall and Liam Murphy their only scores in this half.

It was from then on St. Finians really came in to the picture.  They proved the best finishers and better able to withstand the fast pace.  They made a great recovery and having almost wiped out the deficit came within three points of the leaders, Kavanagh then netted the equalizing goal.   St. Finians did much better than their supporters expected and with a little luck could have easily won the game.

Sunday September 16th 1962 at McGrath Park Muinebeag Junior Football Championship replay St. Finians v Ballymurphy   

Ballymurphy eliminate St. Finians

Ballymurphy 0-7     St. Finnians 1-3

In a hard fought game in the junior football championship replay St. Finians were unfortunate to lose by a point against Ballymurphy in Bagenalstown on Sunday.  For the winners it was great victory. In many parts of the field they were outplayed and it was pure luck that that robbed the Myshall men of at least a draw.

In the Myshall defence was the former Offaly inter county player of fame 44 year old Andy Jordan, who seemed almost as agile as ever and time and again broke up many Ballymurphy raids.

On resumption Ballymurphy realising they had little in reserve pressed relentless  and went ahead with points from Doyle, Walsh, and Coleman, but coming up to the twentieth minute Myshall came back into the picture and a lovely movement down the right wing brought them a point.

After this score St. Finnians rallied once more and with less than seven minutes to go Tommy Byrne worked his way through to get within striking range and outwitting the backs sent a rasper to the Ballymurphy net to level the scores.  Moling Morrissey with minutes left made no mistake when he shot from far out to point the winning score.

St. Finnains team v Ballymurphy

Footnote; Ballymurphy went on to win the junior football final beating Tullow in December

While researching through the Nationalist and Leinster Times on Sunday September 9th 1962 it brought back great memories to me        Carlow hurlers defeated Galway in the All-Ireland Intermediate Home Final at Birr by 3-9 to 2-5.  Galway hurler Joe McDonagh who famously sang ‘The West Awake’ on the steps of the Old Hogan Stand Croke Park when Galway won the All-Ireland Hurling Final of 1980.   Going back to that day in Birr when Carlow won, Joe told me ‘he was a boy of ten and he was brought to the match by his father along with his father’s two brothers and a neighbour in a Ford Prefect car and to see Galway losing Joe cried all the way home in the car’.  Joe went on to become Uachtarain Cumann Luthchleas Gael. Joe passed to his eternal reward in and it was great to see Carlow hurlers win the first ever Joe-McDonough All-Ireland Championship Cup in 2018

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1963

Championship & League Draws made at Co Board meeting Friday February 22nd 1963

JFC Division A

Kildavin v Leighlinbridge; Tinryland v Milford;  Tullow v Palatine; Clonmore v Eire Og; St. Andrews v O’Hanrahans;

Division B;

Fenagh v Starlights; St. Fortcherns v Ballon; Rathvilly v Kilbride –Rathoe Utd; The Gaels v  St. Marys; Ballinabranna v Nurney; St. Finnians No 2 v Corries;  St. Finnians No 1 a bye;

Junior Football League

Division 1; Kilbride-Rathoe Utd v Ballon,     Kildavin v St. Finnains No 1,

Division 2; St. Fortcherns v Gaels,  Fenagh v St. Finnians No 2

JHL North;

Carlow v Kilbride and Rathoe Utd, St. Matthews v Clonmore, Tullow v Palatine,

JHL South; Ballinkillen v Cournellan; St. Fintans v St. Mullins, Leighlinbridge v St. Finnians, Erins Own a bye

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Fixtures

Sunday April 14th 1963

JFL at Kilbride,    In a field kindly given by Johnny Kelly of Miltown on right hand side of lane way.     Kildavin v St. Finnians No 1 at 2-30, Willie Eustace had got out his appendix some days before and he only came home on the Thursday and played on Sunday, St. Finnians won that match.       

Ballon v Kilbride-Rathoe at 4-30

Sunday 21st April 1963

At McGrath Park      JHL Leighlinbridge v St. Finnians at 3-15  

Sunday April 28th 

JFL      at Kilbride    Ballon v St. Finnians No 1, 2-30   Kilbride v Kildavin   

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Sunday May 19th at McGrath Park, Junior Hurling Championship;   St. Finnians v St. Mullins 4-30

St. Mullins Facile Win

St. Mullins 3-6   St. Finnians 0-3

St. Mullins put an end to St. Finians hopes in the JHC when they won by twelve points in the opening round at Bagenalstown on Sunday. The sod, rain and heavy ball made good hurling almost impossible.  The losers looked as if they would test the men from the home of hurling when they held them to 1-3 to 0-2 at the interval, but instead in the second half they completely collapsed and only scored a point.

Attacking from the throw in Kennedy broke through to open St. Mullins scoring with a point.  Rice levelled for St. Finnians but five minutes later Peter Kealy again placed St. Mullins in front with another point, but the lead was short lived as rice again secured the equalizer. P. Kealy restored the lead for St. Mullins and this was further stretched by a J. Doyle goal which placed them in the lead by 1-3 to 0-2 at the interval.

All One Way

In the second half it was all one way traffic as far as scoring was concerned. Hurling became as dull as dishwater.  Admittedly conditions ruled out good play, but St. Mullins seemed to revel in the soft going and quite early in this half went further ahead with points per P. Murphy and L. Cullen.  Murphy and Kealy added goals and near the end another minor by L. Cullen, to which St. Finnians only reply was a solitary point in this period.   Best for St. Finnians were Slye, Doyle, Tobin, and Lawler while Cullen, Kealy and Coleman were outstanding for St. Mullins;

Teams

St. Mullins; D Coady (goal), E Kavanagh, D Foley, P. Dreelan, E. Coleman, L. Ryan,  J. Ryan. L. Cullen, J. Bland, P. Kealy, P Kennedy, P. Murphy, J. Doyle, A. Hickey.

St. Finnians;   Willie Ryder (goal), Johnny Doyle, Mick Slye,  Jer (Jim) Tobin, E Lawler, Pat Kelly, John Rice (0-3), Tommy Kavanagh, Willie Eustace,  Liam Fox,  E. Nolan. J. Brennan, T. Slye

This Team needs correcting

Referee,   Jack Monaghan Bagenalstown

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Sunday 9th June,          McGrath Park       Junior Football Championship

St. Finnians No 2 (Myshall)   v   Corries at 4-30  St. Finnians received a walkover from Corries on Sunday last.

Friday 14th June   at McGrath Park Junior Hurling League

Leighlinbridge v St. Finnians (Myshall) at 8-00 pm

Sunday 16th June          at McGrath Park   J.F.L St. Fortcherns v St. Finnians No 2 (Myshall)  at 4-30

Myshall Beaten

St Fortcherns 1-9 St. Finnians 0-1

Playing for the third successive Sunday in Bagenalstown, St. Fortcherns easily disposed of Myshall by eleven points.  The winners got off to a good start from the throw in and led by 1-3 to nil at the interval. P. Keating securing the goal while Byrne, Keating and Kavanagh added the points. A player from each side received marching orders shortly after the resumption.  St. Fortcherns kept up the pressure and piled on points, W. Lalor (2) and P. Lawler (1) and J. Byrne (3), with only a solitary point as Myshall’s best answer.  Myshall seemed to lack the dash and craft of their opponents in attack, but in defence held their lines more firmly.  Dunphy in goal and P. Keating outfield were the most prominent on the winning side.

 Sunday July 21st 

At Bagenalstown      J.F.L    The Gaels v St. Finnians No 2   at 4-30

The Gaels Run Riot

The second game on the Bagenalstown programme was a completely a one sided affair where The Gaels ran riot over St. Finnians to crush them by twenty five points. Although the game was keenly fought the result was never in doubt and this took all the good out of the game.  Never  had the Gaels to worry.  Their superiority was well emphasised by the score which indeed does them justice.

Back in action were former stars Joe Lennon and Peter Hynes who added great strength to the rere division and indeed aided the attack as well.

Best for the Gaels were Fleming, Cosgrove, Doyle and Ryan who shared most of their team’s total.  After a half time score of 5-5 to 0-1 St. Finnians were a completely disjointed team

Cosgrove, Ryan and Quinn completed the scoring

Can anyone name fully the No 2 team of that period

Sean Dowling Ballinacrea, Mick Nolan Glenco, Tony Doyle Shangarry, Jimmy Doyle Ballinacrea, Mick Lawler,     

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Sunday August 4th   At Dr. Cullen Park   JFC   St. Finnians    v   Fenagh 4-30

Myshall and Fenagh Draw

St. Finnians 1-6    Fenagh 1-6

After a dull opening half when Fenagh led by 0-3 to 0-2, and looked set for victory, St. Finnians came back with an improvement to hold the black and whites to a draw in the Junior Football Championship on Sunday. Fenagh scored first in this scrappy bunching game and were never led although Myshall were guilty of terrible inaccuracy.

The second half was worse than the first, although more scores came including two goals.  The standard was terrible and very little was maintained until the end when everyone was quite surprised to hear it was a draw.   Neither team had any real territorial advantage but if anyone was to blame for losing this game it was Myshall for their marksmanship was inexcusable.  They were kicking wides throughout the whole hour.  Any one of which would have won the game had it been pointed 

For Fenagh Tom Butler, Andy O’Brien, and Jack Hickey were best in defence while Frank Kane and Stephen Brien were best up front.

Good Defenders

Myshall had good defenders in Tommy Kavanagh, Pa Murphy and Nick Maher, while Willie Eustace did a lot of work at midfield, and he pointed some good frees. Up front Dan Timmons and the Slyes were most dangerous.

Scores for Fenagh, Stephen Brien 0-3, Mick O’Brien 1-0, Frank Kane 0-2, Jack Butler 0-1, while Myshall scored through Wille Eustace 0-3, Mick Slye 0-1, Tommy Kavanagh 0-1 Ned Tobin 1-0,

Fenagh;  Leo Gordon,  Stephen O’Brien, Tom Butler, Pat Hickey, Jim Kavanagh, Andy O’Brien, Jack Hickey, Jack Butler, John Kavanagh, Paddy O’Brien, Stephen O’Brien, Mick Corcoran, Ted Guidera,  Frank Kane, Billy O’Neill,   Subs,  Jim Kane for Stephen O’ Brien,  Christy Kane for  Mick O’Brien.

Myshall;  James Doyle,  Tommy Kavanagh, Andy Jordan, Noel Kavanagh, Pa Murphy, Nick Maher, Mick Mullins, Ned Tobin, Willie Eustace, Jack Slye, Mick Slye Jim Dowling, Tommy Byrne, Dan Timmons, Ned Nolan Subs Jim Tobin for Dan Timmons,  Eugene Brennan for Ned Nolan,

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Sunday August 25th

Dr. Cullen Park   J.F. C. Replay St. Finnians v Fenagh at 3-15

Row Spoils Junior Game

Fenagh 1-5                   St. Finnians 0-1

Gaelic football was dragged in the mud on Sunday in Dr. Cullen Park.  The few spectators who turned up to see a J.F. C replay between Fenagh and Myshall were given for the admission price of 2/- shillings, a rotten display which had nothing to do with football.

For over six minutes during the first half 30 players abandoned the ball, the rule book and their common sense, and fell each other. The lightening started between a few in the Fenagh half following a wide. Immediately the rest of the players rushed up to where the fighting was in progress, presumably, so some people taught to separate the boxers.

Bu no many joined in the fray.  For six minutes the battle raged, and finally the combatants were separated by spectators who came to the assistance of the referee.  A player from each side was sent to the line and the game continued in a civil manner.  It was obvious right from the start that there was a fair amount of tension between the two teams, and even then there were rougher-than-usual tactics.

Blame the teams;

I don’t blame the officials who cannot supervise conduct on the field while the game is in progress. Nor do I blame the referee who did a magnificent job trying to quell the riots and the spectators and supporters did everything they could to assist the referee.  The total blame lies with the players.

What sort of a game are these lads playing.  Even quite apart from the periodic fights that break out, there are some poor aspects of the game.  When a player takes a knock and falls to the ground as a result of what he thinks is a foul tackle, he writhes and rolls on the ground in the last agonies of death with the idea of attracting the referee and the sympathy of the crowd.  He then rises and carries on with the game without a bruise to show for it. If you get a knock get up and carry on.  Let the referee alone decide on the fouls.  We could do without these amateur dramatics.  It is this sort of thing which breeds anger and eventually outbursts such as we saw last Sunday.

Surely we have left the dog fighting stage in Gaelic games. Once the players had been sent to the line, the match continued without a show or even a suspicion of barbaric play. Surely it doesn’t mean that players have to be sent to the line to prevent scenes like those last Sunday.

Good Football

Scores came only after the fights.  Fenagh then played some good football considering the conditions. The heavy slippy ball kept scores down but even in spite of this there were some good moves that might have led to scores on a drier day.

Myshall opened the scoring with a point from Timmons in the eighteenth minute. This was to be Myshall’s final score for Fenagh had things their own way.  S. O’Brien pointed a free for the opening Fenagh score, and this was quickly followed by another from M. O’Brien.

The only goal of the match was a spectacular effort,  Stephen. O’Brien punched the ball across to Corcoran coming up at speed on his left. Corcoran still moving fast towards the goal shot a blinder. Goalie Doyle managed to move across to it, but he could not grasp it and the ball bounced up high in front of him. O’Brien still moving in crashed it in to the net with his fist.  This left the half time score of Fenagh 1-3 to Myshall 0-1.

Poor Shooting

In the second half Fenagh were making some bad mistakes in shooting, but were at all times in control.  Of the defence P. and T. Hickey were having a good game and O’Neill at centre half forward was in fine form.  Andy Jordan still makes a better back than most of them put together O’Neill’s opposite number on the Myshall side, M. Slye and D. Timmons were the best of the attack.

Only two points were scored in the last half the first after a good fifty yard solo by O’Neill  who sent the ball scraping over the bar, and the second was O’Brien’s second from twenty yards out in front the posts.          

Teams; Myshall, James Doyle, Tommy Kavanagh, Andy Jordan, Noel Kavanagh, Jim Tobin, Nick Maher,  Mick Mullins, Willie Eustace, Ned Tobin, Willie Ryder, Mick Slye, Tommy Byrne, Eugene Brennan, Jim Kavanagh, Dan Timmons

Report form Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday October 25th  

Four Players and Two Clubs Suspended

Two Carlow clubs were suspended when incidents which occurred during a football championship game were recalled at a meeting of Carlow Co. Board on Thursday. Fenagh and St. Finnians (Myshall) were debarred from competing in the 1963 competitions, while two Fenagh players were suspended for two years and two from St. Finnians were each suspended for a year. 

During the game which Fenagh won by 1-5 to 0-1, a row lasting six minutes broke out. Apart from this the game ran on orderly lines.

Three of the players apologised for their conduct at the meeting but the fourth Ted Guidera, did not appear.

The Sub-committee, who investigated the incident, was formed of the officers of the County Board, with the exception of Deputy Vice-Chairman Mr. A. Jordan N.T. who is a member of the St. Finnians Club.

The sub-committee decided –

(1) That the demand for the inquiry was justified.

(2) That during a tussle between the Fenagh fullback and the St Finnains full forward, Liam Gordon the Fenagh goalkeeper assaulted Jim Kavanagh St. Finnians full forward and this was primarily the trouble.

(3) That the players namely Ted Guidera of Fenagh, and Thomas and Noel Kavanagh of St. Finnians, who left their positions on the field of play and went to where the assault had taken place greatly aggravated the situation.

(4) That the officials of the clubs were in no way to blame and did their best to restore order and help the referee to clear the pitch.

(5) That the committee have no doubt about the guilt of those named

Recommendations

Having carefully considered the entire case and in view  of the fact that the committee considered that the teams concerned brought the  Association in to disrepute, it was  unanimously agreed to place the following recommendations before the County Board.

(1) That the Fenagh team and the St. Finnians team be debarred from further participation in the 1963 competitions

(2) That Liam Gordon and Tim Guidera of Fenagh club be suspended for two years.

(3) That Thomas Kavanagh and Noel Kavanagh of St. Finnians be suspended for one year.

That the Committee wish to place on record their appreciation of all those who voluntarily came forward to give evidence and help and help in their efforts to stamp out such incidents

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1964

The annual general meeting was held on the loft on the Small Hall in Myshall.  Tom Doyle of Shangarry was Chairman and Andrew Jordan was secretary, Paddy Devereux Shangarry was treasurer. Andrew Jordan stepped down as secretary despite strong pleading from the chairman Tom Doyle to stay on. Willie Eustace became secretary and was briefed in his duties over a drink in O’Sheas Public house snug after the meeting.   Morale was low at all levels, as the club was mostly a football club the people who wanted to play and promote hurling found it an uphill battle. Yet there was a strong resolve to stay going and on a cold winters night players standing at the wall at the lower end of Vincent Dunnes house and standing in what was there at time a garage door where Roberts Lounge now is put plans together to form a team and take part in the championship and league and Willie Eustace as secretary would also get the fixtures. While there was a good number of players for both codes officers and workers were very scarce with one or two carrying the whole load and the organisation was poor. The hurling team was also named St. Finnians this year.        

Junior Football Championship Draw in two Divisions   South

St. Finnians No 1 v Ballon, Rathvilly v Old Leighlin,       The Gaels v St. Fortunes,   

St. Marys v Fighting Cocks  Grange v Fenagh,   St. Finnians No. 2 v Starlights, Nurney v Kilbride-Rathoe Utd

We had no minor team most of our minors played with Kilcloney or other neighbouring clubs.

Under 21 Football Championship,   First time to be introduced at Club and County level

Football draws (Open Draw Knockout)

St. Andrews v Milford,        Eire Og v Ballinabranna,     Tinryland v Nurney,  O’Hanrahans v Clonmore,         Tullow v Palatine,    Ballymurphy v St. Finnians,   Grange v Kildavin,  Leighlinbridge a bye.

Did we field against Ballymurphy,   I see later Ballymurphy was down to play St. Vincents  

Junior Football League in 4 Divisions

Division 1,  

Fighting Cocks v Kilbride,    St. Finians No 1 v St. Fortunes,   Kildavin v Ballon

Division 2;

St. Andrews v The Gaels,    Leighlinbridge v St. Finians No 2,  Ballymurphy v Fenagh

Junior Hurling Championship          In two divisions North & South       

South St. Brigids  v  St. Finnians,   Cournellan v St. Mullins,     Kilgreaney v Ballinkillen

We did not enter an Under 21 hurling team in 1964

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Sunday April 26th at McGrath Park

Junior Football League              St. Finnians v St. Fortcherns 3-00 pm

Sunday 17th May at McGrath Park

Junior Football League             St. Finnians (No2) v Leighlinbridge 3-15

Sunday May 31st     at Ballon

Junior Hurling Championship          St. Brigids v St. Finnains

All the junior football Championship matches were on Sunday June 7th but where was St. Finnians No 1 team 

Sunday June   21th at McGrath Park

Junior Football League        Kilbride & Rathoe United v St. Finnians Myshall 2-00 pm

Sunday July 12th      Dr. Cullen Park  J. F.C St. Finnians No 2   v   Starlights 4-30

From the Nationalist

Starlights who were to have played St. Finians No 2 in the J.F.C In Dr. Cullen Park On Sunday last were awarded a walkover. St. Finnians No 2 conceded a walkover to Starlights

Carlow Co. Board   GAA  Calendar

Friday July 24th

At Myshall

Junior Football League

Kildavin v Kilbride & Rathoe United

At     8-00 pm

Admission       1/- shilling

Carlow Co Board

Can find no more results reports or fixtures after this

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

1965

Fixtures made at Co Board meeting on Tuesday March 2nd 1965

Sunday March 14th s at Kilbride Junior Football League St. Finians v Kildavin 2-30

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday march 19th 1965  

St. Finnians go marching on

St. Finnians (Myshall) 2-6        Kildavin 1-3

The saints go marching on, but they won’t march far on form like they displayed on Sunday when they beat a poor Kildavin side by double scores in the J.F.L. at Kilbride

As a game it produced little good football and but for some fine passages from Myshall’s Jimmy Doyle it would have been a tame effort indeed.

The exchanges broke evenly for the first twenty minutes with both sides on the attack and defensive respectively. Following a free on Pat Kelly Myshall went in to the lead when Jimmy Doyle pointed from the free.  Further pressure on the Kildavin goal yielded a point when a shot from Pat Kelly bounced off the upright and Jack Slye boxed the ball over the bar

St. Vincents fought back and had a point from Frank White, before James Eustace in the Myshall goal saved a shot from Murphy which was finally punched over the bar by Nicholas Connors.   It proved to be their last score before the interval. Playing with determination St. Finians launched a series of attacks and had points from Doyle, O’Hara and Kelly who also scored a goal to leave the half time score Myshall 1-6 Kildavin 0-2.      

On resumption play fluctuated between both sides and St. Vincents wasted several valuable points due to inaccurate free taking.  Pressure on the Myshall goal was relieved by Eugene Brennan, Liam Fox and Jim Tobin getting great support from Pa Murphy, Joe Homes and Noel Kavanagh who appeared to be everywhere at once. Assuming the offensive St. Finians had a great goal from Mick O’Hara which was countered when their own goalie fumbled a shot from White and let it slip past himself for a Kildavin goal. Nicholas Connors added a further point before full time leaving Myshall winners by double scores. Best for Myshall were Eugene Brennan, Liam Fox, and Jim Tobin in defence;  Doyle who ruled the roost in the midfield berth and Mick Slye, Pat Kelly, Mick O’Hara and Jack Slye in attack.

For Kildavin none played better than the Deegan’s, Murphy and O’Leary in defence, Kinsella and Nolan at midfield with White the only forward of note up front.

Scorers;   Myshall; Mick O’Hara 1-2, Pat Kelly 1-1, Jimmy Doyle 0-2, and Jack Slye 0-1

Kildavin; Frank White 1-1, Nicholas Connors 0-2

Teams

St. Finians;   James Eustace, Noel Kavanagh, Eugene Brennan, Liam Fox, Jim Tobin, Pa Murphy, Joe Holmes, Willie Eustace, Jimmy Doyle (Fair) Mick Slye, Pat Kelly, Jack Slye, Tommy Byrne, Mick O’Hara, Willie Ryder, sub Pat Doyle for Willie Ryder

At McGrath Park Sunday March 21st 

Junior Hurling League     Myshall-Ballinree Utd v Kilgreaney

Pitch Unplayable

In the third game Kilgreaney v Myshall-Ballinree Utd lined out for their game.  Referee John Monaghan inspected the pitch declared it unfit to play and called the game off to every ones relief

At Kilbride Sunday April 4th Naomh Eoin v St. Brigids ????? was this MHL  or SHL

At Bagenalstown        Sunday April 25th J. F. C  St. Finians Myshall v Fenagh 2-00 pm

Fenagh 1-4     St. Finians 1-0

Fenagh had much the better of St. Finians (Myshall) in the J.F. C. in Bagenalstown on Sunday. Tobin played a great game for St. Finians whose forwards were equally as poor as their opponents. Hickey was a good worker and Pakie Connors also lent a big hand, his point from a fifty yard free being a fine effort. Mullins and Murphy often caught the eye but their side was three points down at the interval per O’Brien Doyle, and Connors.

On resumption both goals had narrow shaves before Kavanagh goaled for Fenagh and led by 1-3 to 0-0. Mullins broke away for St. Finians and sent in a harmless ground shot which deceived the Fenagh goalie. St. Finians had a goal disallowed. O’Brien pointed for Fenagh who ran out winners by 1-4 to 1-0.

Sunday May 2nd     at Bagenalstown   J.H.L     Kilgreaney v Myshall-Ballinree Utd

Carlow GAA

MYSHALL ROUT KILGREANEY

Myshall-Ballinree Utd 5-1         Kilgreaney 1-2

Myshall and Ballinree Utd had no difficulty in disposing of a game Kilgreaney fifteen in their junior hurling league encounter at rain swept Bagenalstown on Sunday. Although the winners were always on top they met with some fierce resistance from the Kilgreaney side right up until the final whistle.

Myshall were stronger in all positions until Johnny Murphy came in for Kilgreaney to inoculate some determination into his hitherto indifferent team. Star of the match was M. Brennan in the Kilgreaney goal.   But for his sound defensive hurling and good covering up for the defects of his back line Kilgreaney would have really been in the soup.

The ball became unplayable on several occasions and while backs and forwards were endeavouring to get it away Brennan moved in between them and cleared the ball to safety. Liam Fox, Martin Murray and Mick Corcoran were the only forwards of note. Brian Fox who came on as a sub for Willie Eustace also caught the eye.

Not Threatened

Myshall midfielders John Rice and Pat Kelly were never seriously threatened both distributed the ball very well among their forward line and on occasions joined the attack themselves scoring a goal each.   Willie Ryder also starred in the winner’s goal although he was not as conspicuous as Brennan. The Slyes and Jimmy Doyle were sound in defence

Scorers, Myshall; Martin Murray 2-0, Liam Fox 1-0, Pat Kelly 1-0 and John Rice 1-0, Mick Corcoran 0-1

Kilgreaney; Peter O’Neill 1-0 Liam Buggy 0-1, and Johnny Murphy 0-1

At Bagenalstown Sunday May 9th Junior Hurling Championship Myshall-Ballinree Utd v Cournellan at 3-00 pm                           

 Preview

On Sunday Myshall and Ballinree Utd are favourites to score in the junior hurling championship at the expense of Cournellan in Bagenalstown at 3-00 pm. While Kilgreaney should beat Leighlinbridge whose junior hurlers have all gone senior

Two Goal Win

Myshall-Ballinree Utd 2-4        Cournellan 0-4

Cournellan leading by 0-3 to 0-2 at half time could not sustain the pressure and were beaten by Myshall-Ballinree Utd in the Junior Hurling Championship in Bagenalstown on Sunday.

There was nothing in it until the dying moments when the winners got the upper hand to ram home a goal and two points.

The game developed into a sad affair when tempers flew causing some players to take some very rough treatment in incidents towards the end.  Pat Kelly, Willie Ryder Eddie Murphy and Mick Slye did trojan work for the winners.

Scores; Myshall-Ballinree John Rice 0-3, Ned Tobin 1-1, Liam Fox 1-0

Cournellan Mick Jordan 0-1 Kieran Long 0-2, Ollie Hynes 0-1,

Myshall-Ballinree Utd; Willie Ryder, Luke Slye, Mick Slye, Watty Doyle, Eddie Murphy, Jim (Ger) Tobin, Pa Murphy, Pat Kelly, John Rice, Tom Kelly, Ned Tobin, Mick Corcoran, Liam Fox, Jack Slye, Tom Doyle,

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Sunday May 16th at Bagenalstown junior football league Fenagh v St. Finians  3-45

Sunday June 6th at Bagenalstown Under 21 F.C St. Finians v O’Hanrahans 3-00 pm

O’Hanrahans 3-9 St. Finians 0-2

Leading by 3-6 to 0-1 at the interval the O’Hanrahans easily disposed of a very weak St. Finians (Myshall) challenge in the under 21 F.C in Bagenalstown on Sunday. In view of the one sidedness of the game, it was a very tame affair with the issue beyond doubt after a short time. For the winners every man played his part but on the Myshall side some of those whom big things were expected disappointed. The winners were definitely the superior side and although St. Finians gamely tried their scoring attempts did not match their approach work. O’Hanrahans all the time showed themselves to be more speedier, more crafty, using that superiority to good effect.  For the winners J. O’Hara notched 1-2, J. McGrath 1-2, Tom Begley 0-4, Pat Culleton 1-1,   Tom Doyle and Brian Fox were St. Finians scorers a point each.   

Wednesday June 9th at Bagenalstown JHL Erins Own v Myshall-Ballinree Utd at 8-00 pm

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Sunday June 20th  Dr. Cullen Park J. F C     Nurney v St. Finnians 

 Nurney 1-1      St. Finians 0-1

Nurney always had the measure of St. Finians in their low scoring J.F.L encounter at Dr Cullen Park on Sunday. From the start the Nurney boys assumed complete control and turned over an interval lead of 0-1 to 0-0. In the second half St. Finians equalized but when Seamus Hayden put Nurney ahead with a goal they completely collapsed.

Sunday June 27th at McGrath Park J.H.C Myshall-Ballinree Utd v Kilgreaney at 4-30

Preview,      Kilgreaney should collect the spoils in the J.H.C when they meet Myshall-Ballinree Utd.

Sunday July 25th At Bagenalstown   Myshall-Ballinree Utd v Ballinkillen at 2-00 pm

Nationalist Friday July 30th

Abandoned Game Awarded

At Friday’s meeting of Carlow Disciplinary Committee, Chairman Jim Kehoe presiding the recommendations of the committee were adopted and the junior hurling league game Erins Own v Myshall-Ballinree Utd played at Bagenalstown was awarded to Erins Own. The game was called off at half time by the referee because he was abused by a number of Myshall-Ballinree Utd players.  The Chairman issued a stern warning to Myshall-Ballinree Utd as to their future conduct. The following new members were added to the committee Messrs. E Conway North, M. Cushen South, J. Cummins East, and S. Byrne West.

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Carlow Junior Hurling Championship Final Sunday October 10th 1965 at Dr. Cullen Park

Palatine Hurling Double

Palatine 2-13           Myshall-Ballinree Utd 0-3

Palatine followed Leighlinbridge when they clinched the junior hurling double. On Sunday they ousted Myshall-Ballinree Utd by sixteen points in a game which deteriorated in the second half after they led narrowly 1-4 to 0-3.

The league winners made very hard work of their task in the opening half when Myshall intent on bunching in the forwards lost several scores.  The Myshall Backline did a splendid job in the first half.  With goalie Willie Ryder, Mick Slye and in particular Jimmy Doyle in top form they held the powerful Palatine forwards in a vice.  But with Ray Shannon and Edward Walsh in fine form at midfield it couldn’t last.

When the resumption came Palatine streaked away and with the whole team rejuvenated Myshall never scored again. Fouling on their part led to numerous scores and arguing among themselves could not match the speedy elusiveness of the champions. The rout began when corner forward Joe Byrne crashed in the second goal,  and from there on Hogan Ber Hennessy and Paddy Dalton were in brilliant form ably supported by Joe Byrne and Christy Hade.  Behind them Sean Tracey was master of all difficult situations while Eddie Walker and Billy Archbold, were sound in the halves. Only Willie Ryder, Mick Slye, Willie Eustace, Jimmy Doyle, Ned Tobin and John Rice shone for Myshall who displayed plenty of courage. Both Walker and Hogan went off with facial cuts Walker’s being rather nasty.       

Scorers

Palatine; Joe Byrne 2-2, Edward Walsh 0-3, Ber Hennessy 0-3, P.J. Hogan 0-3, Paddy Dalton 0-2,     

 Myshall;   Watty Doyle, 0-1, Neddy Murphy 0-1, John Rice 0-1

Palatine;   Paddy Mullins, John Deegan, Sean Tracey, Paddy Kehoe, Paddy O’Brien, Eddie Walker, Billy Archbold, Ray Shannon, Edward Walsh,  Pat Deegan, Paddy Dalton, Christy Hade, Ber Hennessy, Joe Byrne, P. J. Hogan,    Subs David Rossitor for P.J. Hogan Peter Wall for Walker.

Myshall-Ballinree Utd   Willie Ryder, Luke Slye, Mick Slye, Jer Tobin, Brian Fox, Willie Eustace, Jimmy Doyle, Ned Tobin, Pat Kelly,  Neddy Murphy, John Rice, Tom Doyle, Watty Doyle, Liam Fox, Andy Ryan,   Subs, Jack Slye and Pat Doyle,

Referee,    Eamonn Kelly Abbeyleix

Paths to the Final           Myshall-Ballinree Utd 2-4             Cournellan 0-4

                             Myshall-Ballinree Utd                  Kilgreaney

          Myshall-Ballinree Utd                 Ballinkillen

Final                             Palatine 2-13                                Myshall-Ballinree Utd 0-3

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1966

Sunday May 22nd   at Tullow   JFC Grange v St. Finians Myshall 2-00pm

Grange 2-6  St Finians Myshall 0-3

Junior football league champions Grange routed St. Finians by 2-6 to 0-3 in a tough game.

Sunday May 29th

Fourteen Goals in MHL

Palatine 7-6 Myshall-Ballinree Utd 7-5

In a high scoring MHL game at Bagenalstown Sunday league holders Palatine just scraped home by a point against a good Myshall-Ballinree Utd team. Scores level at half time on resumption Myshall jumped in to a five point lead. However a great goal from midfield by Willie Cullen gave Palatine the incentive they needed and a further goal by Power gave them the lead which they held until the end.

Best for the winners were Willie Cullen, Martin Cunningham, Pat Holmes, and David Power, while A. Doyle, P, Cearney and T. Murphy were best for the vanquished.

Scorers;  Palatine, Charlie Keegan, 2-2, Willie Cullen 1-4, Seamie Holmes 2-0, Davy Power 2-0

Myshall-Ballinree Utd;   P. Cearney, 3-1, T. Murphy, 1-1, Tom Kelly 1-0, Andy Ryan 1-0, J. Nolan 1-0, Jimmy Doyle 0-1, Tom Doyle 0-2.  

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Nationalist and Leinster Times Friday June 24th 1966

Fourteen Players Suspended

Fourteen players of St. Finians GFC were suspended for twelve months at Carlow Co Board GAA meeting on Friday night, and Seamus Eustace the St. Finians goalkeeper received a two year suspension.

These decisions were taken at the meeting following two referee’s reports on the J.F.C. St. Finians v Grange and J.F.L St. Finians v Rathvilly games

The Disciplinary Committee recommendations that Rathvilly forfeit the points in their league game with St. Finians was also carried

St. Finnians delegate Mr. Liam Eustace said “We did nothing more than Rathvilly. The referee made no attempt at stopping it.”  Delegates expressed reluctance to propose the adoption of such strong measures on the grounds that no club wanted to see another club “knocked out” Mr John Forde proposed that the recommendations be carried out, but Mr Morris said that “it was a pity that nobody other than a member of the disciplinary committee should propose that we adopt it.”

In reply to a question the chairman said that it would mean that dual players (football and hurling) would be “out”.  Mr. Tim Horohan O’Hanrahans said; “It’s very hard for anyone to get up and propose something that they don’t know about. We should get a little more evidence than we are getting”

Some delegates said that if the evidence was fully investigated at Board meetings there would be no need for the Disciplinary Committee.

Chairman;  “Irrespective of whatever team is involved if you agree to set up a Disciplinary Committee, you should have either confidence in them or not have them at all.

Erins Own delegate; It’s an awkward position. If it’s put to the Board, the Board couldn’t turn them down. It would show complete distrust if it did.

Mr Chris Maher Tullow then proposed that the recommendations be adopted. Mr. J. Forde Clonmore seconded.

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Sunday June 26th Muinebeag   MFC   Kilcloney   v   St. Finians 2-00 pm

Sunday July 3rd Muinebeag    MHC  St, Mullins v Myshall-Ballinree Utd 2-00pm

The opening MHC tie saw St. Molings overwhelming a weak Myshall by 10-8 to 4-4

Sunday July 10th Bro. Leo Park     MFL Kilbride v St. Finnians (Myshall)

Sunday July 17th Muinebeag   J.H.L Cournellan v Myshall-Ballinree Utd 3-45

The Carlow JHL tie between Cournellan and Myshall-Ballinree Utd was not played in Bagenalstown on Sunday. The Myshall side did not turn up while Cournellan were togged and ready to start.

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Sunday August 7th   at Dr. Cullen Park JHC   Myshall-Ballinree Utd v Erins Own

Hurling Club fined £10

At Monday night’s meeting of Carlow Co Board GAA at Ballon, Myshall-Ballinree H.C. was fined for failing to travel to fulfil a fixture against Erins Own in a junior hurling championship at Dr. Cullen Park on Sunday.

Mr. Pat Ryan Erins own said that his club had several players in Dublin and these players had to hire a car to bring them to the game.  He said that last week the Myshall-Ballinree club “had held them on a string” up to Thursday, when this club contacted Erins Own to tell them they would travel. Myshall did not travel and Erins Own were claiming 10 pounds expenses from the Myshall-Ballinree club.

Mr. E. Long chairman said that the Erins Own club “is quite entitled to expenses but they would have to certified expenses.”  He said that he was not sure that the club was entitled to 10 pounds expenses and it was decided that the expense sheet be submitted to the county secretary to ascertain the amount of expenses. A proposition that Myshall-Ballinree be suspended for failing to travel was proposed and seconded. However an amendment that they pay the fine was proposed and seconded and when put to a vote the latter motion was carried.

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1967

Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday March 3rd 1967

Storm Damage

A large Beech tree was blown down last Monday and crashed through the wall of the old graveyard.  The remaining ruins of the ancient church were undamaged but the tree fell within a foot of the west gable corner.  This was the church to which in 1397 a chalice was presented by the mother of Roger Mortimer Earl of March and heir to the throne of England, “to have him alive or dead, to convey into England”—(Dowling) He was slain in that year at Kellistown

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Nationalist & Leinster Times Friday February 24th 1967

Despite checking a couple of times through the complete Carlow GAA Club Draws for 1967 there is no mention of any team whether it be St Finnians or Myshall in either hurling or football anywhere in the draws ????.  Possibly not

 entered in time but were allowed in later.    

Fixtures

Nationalist Friday 21st April 1967 at Carlow JFL Rathvilly v Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 2-15

Result      Rathvilly 1-7 Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 0-5

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Sunday April 30th      at Bagenalstown JFL St. Malachys (Fenagh) v Naomh Eoin (Myshall)

Result          Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 1-6      St. Malachys 0-7

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Sunday May 14th at Myshall,  Leighlinbridge v Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 2-30

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Sunday May 28th at Bagenalstown Under21 Hurling Championship 

Leighlinbridge   v   Naomh Eoin (Myshall) Naomh Eoin-Myshall received a walk over

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Thursday June 15th At Bagenalstown JFL Borris v Naomh Eoin (Myshall)

Myshall Win Scrappy Tie

Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 0-4      Borris 0-3

Myshall just about deserved to win this rugged scrappy junior football league game at Bagenalstown on Thursday last.   Level three times, 0-2 each at the break, the winners scored twice to go ahead eight minutes from time while Borris fluffed opportunities to settle the account. 

Scores Myshall, Pat Doyle, Jimmy Doyle, Jim Foley, Mick O’Hara 0-1 each, with Johnny Fleming scoring all Borris points one from a penalty.

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Wednesday June 21st   at Carlow    JFC Grange v Naomh Eoin at 8-00         

No trouble to Grange

Grange 4-8        Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 2-4

The characteristic needle one associates with these two great rivals was sadly missing in the JFC at Carlow  on Wednesday, rapid Grange goals was the chief reason while Myshall’s goals came too late to alter the situation.

Always in command Grange Defence with Pat Murphy centre back, and Frank Nolan and co. the spring board for frequent attacks their midfielders set up chances for a speedy purposeful attack.  Centre men Mick Doyle and Ollie Murphy (Murray) Tom McDonald left half Jimmy Conway and the ever alert Paddy Farrell on the ‘square’ were chief dangers.

Myshall enjoyed less eminence, their defence was frequently outwitted and only Mick Slye and Mick O’Hara got the opposites measure.

The two Jims – Foley and Doyle battled away at midfield but their deliveries were invariably muffed of the attack. John McMahon, Andy Ryan, Pat Doyle and Jim Foley when moved up front were best.

Scorers:  Grange Tom McDonald 2-4, Paddy Farrell 1-2, Michael Halligan 1-0, Jim Doyle 0-1, Jimmy Conway 0-1

Myshall; Jim Foley 1-1, Andy Ryan 1-0, John McMahon 0-1, Jimmy Doyle 0-1, Pat Doyle 0-1, 

(It must be noted back then all championship games were knock out if you were beaten in the first round or any round a team was out of the championship) So Naomh Eoin was out of the junior football championship.

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 Sunday June 25th at Bagenalstown,   JHL Naomh Eoin (Myshall) v Borris 4-45

Naomh Eoin-Myshall 2-2   Borris 1-5

By virtue of a last minute goal Borris forced a draw 2-2 to 1-5 with Myshall in the JHL in Bagenalstown on Sunday

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Friday August 4th   at Tullow JHC     Naomh Eoin (Myshall) v Erins own 2-30

Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 3-5 Erins Own 1-2

Naomh Eoin Myshall defeated Erins Own in a close JHC tie at Tullow on Sunday. The hurling was in keeping with the attendance the smallest this year. Level at half time Naomh Eoin-Myshall 2-1 Erins own 1-4, the winners played the better attacking hurling on the turn over and won comfortably in the end. Erins Owns  troubles lay mostly at midfield where Eddie Marshall (Mitchell) and Michael Geoeghan played second fiddle to Andy Ryan and Jim Foley, while the forwards led by John Doyle and Mick Kelly seldom penetrated the winners defence.  Wille Ryder in goal, brothers Luke and Mick Slye and Jim Foley played well,  Myshall’s best forwards were John Rice, Liam Fox, and Jack Slye, with the honours in defence for the losers going to John Hayes and Jim Kelly.

Scorers; Naomh Eoin John Rice 1-1, Tom Kelly 1-0,  Jack Slye 1-0, Jim Foley 0-3, Liam Fox 0-1.  The loser’s scores came from Pat Ryan 1-0, Eddie Mitchell 0-3, and Mick Kelly 0-2.     

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Friday August 11th at Tullow under 21 Football Championships

Naomh Eoin v Milford 4-30

Naomh Eoin Advance

Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 3-5   Milford 0-2

Naomh Eoin Myshall advanced in the under 21 football championship when they had an easy victory over Milford in a poor game which tended to produce some over robust tactics at times.  Myshall always looked the more influential side with Jimmy Doyle and Ted Butler controlling midfield their forwards got plenty of the ball.  By half time they led by 1-2 to 0-2, but the losers never scored after that.  For Myshall Liam  Barry, played soundly in goal, Mick Rossitor, Brian Fox and Liam Fox played well. Forwards Andy Ryan, Tom Donoghue and Pat Nolan were best.  For a poor Milford side O. Byrne, D Townsend, Seamus Doyle, M.Townsend, and S. Kearns tried hard.  

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Friday September 1st at Bagenalstown      JHC Borris   v   Naomh Eoin   (Myshall) at   2-00

Borris 3-5 Naomh Eoin (Myshall) 1-4

Two Players were taken to hospital when this junior hurling game at Bagenalstown got out of hand. It was in the second half that tempers flared after heavy tackling and general rough play turned the game into an exhibition of bad sportsmanship

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Sunday September 8th at Carlow JFL   Nurney V Naomh Eoin (Myshall) at 3-15

Not Played

Myshall gave Nurney a walkover in the JFL. The game was fixed for Carlow on Sunday. 

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Sunday September 22nd at Carlow Under-21 Football Championship

Palatine v Naomh Eoin (Myshall) at 1-45  Palatine won

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Erins Own Carlow Under 21 Hurling Champions were awarded a walkover from Naomh Eoin in the Under 21 hurling semi-final on Sunday