Our sincere thanks to the staff of Johnston Central Library for their kind help and assistance in researching and publishing this file.

Editor Micheal Smyth Easter 2011

 

November 5^th 1927 After beating the defending All Ireland Champions Armagh in the Ulster Final at Cootehill by a decisive 4-8 to 1-2 in June. Cavan beat Mayo 3-3 to 0-5 in the All Ireland Junior Semi Final at sparsely attended Croke Park on a cold but sunny October day. No proper organisation for the game and only when they got to the ground were they informed of the time of throw in 1:15.Cavan won the toss and played with the breeze and sun defending the Canal end. Off to a flying start with a goal direct from a 50 by Pat Kangley the Cavan captain in the early minutes.Kangley again had a great point after 7 minutes with Louis Mallon striking another Cavan point on 10 minutes.Forde of Mayo opened their account in the 12^th minute while Armstrong completed the scoring with a point for Mayo on the stroke of half time Cavan 1-2 Mayo 0-2.Mayo with their high catching and kicking were coming more into the game but the Cavan defence stood resolute before Ormsby had a great Mayo point from the corner after a brilliant save by Charlie Ronaghan in the Cavan goal. Mayo lacked the cohesion and combination among their forwards to convert their possession into scores. Peter O Reilly then did the same for Cavan converting a difficult free from the corner before Hogan had another Mayo point. Then with only 5 minutes to go Cavan struck the decisive blow when Louis Mallon receiving from Coyle sent to the net for a great Cavan goal. From the kick out the ball came back to Louis Mallon who found Coyle to score Cavan’s 3^rd goal with only 2 minutes left for play. In the last attack Mayo had their 5^th point when Hogan once again screwed over a difficult free from the corner Cavan 3-3 Mayo 0-5.Cavan Charlie Ronaghan Cavan Slashers Tom Crowe Cavan Slashers George Malcomson Bailieboro J Martin Templeport Paddy Kangley Bailieboro Captain Patsy Lynch Bailieboro J P Dolan Templeport Hughie O Reilly Tullyvin L Galligan Crosserlough P Flanagan Crosserlough Peter O Reilly Cavan Slashers Louis Mallon Cavan Slashers James Murphy Cornafean J J Coyle Crosserlough T Fitzpatrick Bruskey. Cavan qualified to meet Kildare in the Final but Kildare were suspended and put out of the competition when their train to play Kerry in the Semi Final was late arriving and the Championship awarded to Cavan who would not accept the title until they played Kildare who were reinstated and the Final was fixed for Breffni Park on June 3^rd 1928.

June 9th 1928 Cavan beat Kildare 0-7 to 1-3 to win their first All Ireland Junior title at warm and sunny Breffni Park before a crowd of 2,000 wildly excited fans. The much changed team from the Semi Final was selected 3 weeks ago to give each player a chance to get in some extra training. Cavan were on top right throughout the first half scoring 0-5 to a solitary point for Kildare. The second half was a much different affair with Kildare gradually getting the upper hand at centre field and notching a late goal to ensure that the game ended in a welter of excitement with the exhausted Cavan defence in which Tom Crowe and George Malcomson played a heroic part just held out for a famous victory. The Central Council again come in for scathing criticism following their decision to fix the game for 3 o clock new when most of the rural areas in Cavan continued to adhere to old time thus making it impossible for many of the gaels to attend Mass and then rush into Breffni Park for the game. As it was the stadium was almost empty when play began but filled up by half time to accommodate a good crowd of over 2,000 mostly seated in the stand and on the sidelines on a sweltering day. The Kildare train was practically empty with only 150 on board including the team and officials itinerant musicians and fruit sellers from the Capital. The pitch was excellently presented freshly mowed and marked in lime. Kildare won the toss and elected to play with both sun and fresh breeze in their backs. Cavan Labour Band and the Foresters Brass Band played the National Anthem and entertained the crowd during the interval.Packy Devlin secured after great play by O Reilly and Flaherty to send over Cavan’s 1^st point from away out with hardly a minute gone Great clearance by Tom Crowe found Dolan then on to O Reilly for Packy Devlin to send over another Cavan point after 5 minutes. Reilly Flaherty and Fitzpatrick prominent at centre field securing plenty of possession and on 15 minutes Packy Devlin set up Andy Conlon for the 3rd Cavan point. Louis Mallon pounced on a poor Kildare clearance before sending over Cavan’s 4th point in the 20th minute. Kildare started to find their feet and display the short passing game for which they are famous with O Connell Hynan and Murphy combining to place Ryan for their 1^st point after 25 minutes 0-4 to 0-1.Then just before half time Packy Devlin sent over another Cavan point to leave the half time score Cavan 0-5 Kildare 0-1.Kildare attacked immediately in the second half but Crowe and Malcomson were magnificent and from another great clearance from Crowe Hughie O Reilly sent over a glorious point for Cavan after 5 minutes play to make the score 0-6 to 0-1.Despite being frustrated by the Cavan defence Kildare kept up the pressure and Ryan receiving from O Neill sent over a great point from an acute angle 0-6 to 0-2.Gaining control of the midfield area against a Cavan team exhausted by the sun and endeavour Kildare laid siege to the Cavan goal and after  a series of short clearances Dempsey secured and sent the ball to the back of the Cavan net to leave just 1 point in it and Kildare now on top. Hughie O Reilly gained possession from the kick out and placed Devlin who transferred to PJ O Reilly for the point of the game and a 2 point cushion for Cavan with only 3 minutes left. Play swept up field again and after Patsy Lynch saved a certain goal Dempsey sent over from a 30 yards free to leave only 1 point in it with time almost up. Cavan swept downfield and 3 times in succession Kildare cleared across the sidelines for 3 throw ins to Cavan. Kildare in their last attack saw Cavan captain Patsy Lynch twice catch and kick clear magnificently and the ball was being moved up field for Cavan when the final whistle sounded. Cavan supporters chaired their heroes from the field amidst scenes of unbridled joy as they brought the All Ireland Junior title to Cavan for the 1st time and emulated Armagh’s achievement of 1926.They will now play Britain in the International in Dundalk. Both teams were entertained to dinner in the Farnham where Seamus Gilheaney Chairman Cavan County Board and his Kildare counterpart Tom Lawlor expressed the hope that Cavan and Kildare would meet again in the final stages of the All Ireland Senior series and glory would come to Ulster and Cavan in a short time. Cavan J Morgan Annagh J Martin Templeport Tom Crowe Cavan Slashers George Malcomson Bailieboro J P Dolan Templeport Patsy Lynch Bailieboro Captain F Fitzpatrick Cavan Slashers L Flaherty Virginia Hughie O Reilly Tullyvin Packie Devlin Killeshandra TF Corr Lacken F Reid Carrick P J O Reilly Cornafean Louis Mallon Cavan Slashers and Andy Conlon Cavan Slashers.Subs Cluskey Gorman Carolan (Bailieboro) and Gilsenan.Kildare Joe Maddock Curragh Joe Craddock Athgarvan J Hynan Carbury Eamonn Malone Leixlip Joe Grady Athy T Grady Athy Bill Hynan Captain Carbury Kevin Barry Castledermot James Dempsey Leixlip E Connell Leixlip Dermot Murphy Athgarvan E O Neill Athy E Hynes Leixlip P Ryan Cadbury and T Johnston Leixlip

September 1^st 1928 Cavan beat Sligo in the All Ireland Senior Football Semi Final at a packed Breffni Park in foul weather conditions with a deluge of rain falling throughout the day. Cavan will now play the winners of Kildare and Cork in the All Ireland Final at Croke Park Dublin on the 30^th September .It is the first time since Shaun’s of Belfast were defeated in the All Ireland Final by Cork in 1911 that Ulster are represented in the Final. Cavan regained their Ulster title at the end of July which they lost to Monaghan in 1927 defeating Armagh 2-6 to 1-4 in a thrilling Ulster Final at Breffni Park Cavan. Alderman Tom Burke from Drogheda was the referee giving his usual faultless style prompt and decisive his decisions were never questioned. The Central Council represented by Martin O Neill Secretary Leinster Council and BC Fay Cavan had 10 men down from Dublin manning the turnstiles and the clubs of the county were responsible for stewarding at the All Ireland Semi Final. Cavan Foresters Brass and Reed Band Labour Band and Killann Band paraded the teams and entertained the good humoured soaked crowd. The gate in excess of £400 was the largest ever in the history of Cavan GAA.The pitch was in immaculate condition and despite the rain no water lay on the closely shaven surface the pitch was marked out in lime which thankfully did not wash away and all arrangements were carried out and organised by Cavan County Treasurer Paddy O Reilly Athbara who spent weeks preparing for the big day. There was an outcry from supporters that no programme was made available by the Central Council and the local organisers said if they had known they could have compiled a programme themselves. Sligo led by 3 points to 2 at half time after dominating play in the opening period but goals by Packy Devlin after 10 minutes of the second half and JP Murphy taking a great delivery from Jim Smith Captain in the18th minute of the second half sealed the issue for Cavan. Great hordes of supporters invaded the pitch after the full time whistle carrying Jimmy Smith despite his protests from the ground and surrounding all the other Cavan heroes particularly JP Murphy who was the leading forward afield and nearly all of Cavan’s scores flowed through him. Cavan J Morgan Drumbo Jack J Clarke Cavan Slashers Tom Campbell Crosserlough Herbie Clegg Cootehill P Leddy Cornafean Patsy Lynch Bailieboro Harry Mulvaney Maghera James Murphy Cornafean P Fox Crosserlough Jim Smith Killinkere Hughie O Reilly Tullyvin Packie Devlin Killeshandra JP Murphy Cavan Slashers Sean Farrelly Drumbo and Andy Conlon Cavan Slashers.

After the match it was decided that Cavan would go into Collective training at the Slieve Russell House in Ballyconnell recently taken over by the Blake family from Derrylin and managed by Mrs Blake. Situated a half mile from Ballyconnell on a secluded site with ample grounds to carry out all the training exercises. It is equipped with baths. The total cost for the 20 days is estimated for the full party at £350.Players will rise early for walk before breakfast –rest- ball work physical exercises- lunch- rest -ball work physical exercises and skipping- finishing with a massage and rub down by John McGeough- rosary before bed at 10-no visitors are allowed. All donations to Seamus Gilheaney Drumbrane Cloverhill Chairman Paddy O Reilly Athbara Treasurer or J J Clarke Secretary Cavan Post Office. Church Gate collections throughout the County on the weekend of the 16^th September 1928.

September 22nd 1928 The Cavan V Kildare All Ireland Final will be preceded by the clash of Dublin and Offaly in the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship. Hogan Stand seats available from the usual outlets at 5/- each.GNR are running a corridor train to the game which departs Cavan at 8:10 arriving in Dublin at 11:15 and returning at 6:50 Fare is 5/6.Great Southern Railways are also running a train from Cavan which will stop at all the main stations leaving at 9:15 and arriving 12:15 returning from Broadstone at 7:30 costing 5/-.Over 40 trains are travelling from all over the country and the Ulster contingent promises to be the biggest ever seen at Croke Park.

September 29th 1928 Sean McCormack Manager and Jim Smith Captain bring the Anglo Celt correspondent on a trip around their training headquarters in Ballyconnell where all the players are in great form and fighting fit. John McGeough from Castleblayney Trainer and former Champion runner in Scotland England and Ireland says “I never met a better lot of lads and no doubt they will do their county proud” Jack Clarke Sean Farrelly Harry Clegg and Tom Campbell were unable to take part in the collective training due to work commitments but joined their colleagues at the weekends after training on their own during the week. Meanwhile donations pour in for the Fund including several of $50 from the USA. Cavan exiles from Scotland and England are organising to travel over for the game all rate Cavan as having a great chance. The Selection Committee met at the Slieve Russell on Sunday evening Seamus Gilheaney presiding and the following is the team to play Kildare Guard Morgan Drumbo George Malcomson Bailieboro Tom Campbell Crosserlough Herbie Clegg Cootehill Harry Mulvaney Maghera Patsy Lynch Bailieboro Jack Clarke Cavan Slashers James Murphy Cornafean Jim Smith Captain Killinkere Hughie O Reilly Tullyvin Walter Higgins Drumbo Packy Devin Killeshandra Andy Conlon Cavan Slashers Sean Farrelly Drumbo Willie Young Cornafean Subs Tom Crowe Cavan Slashers F Fitzpatrick Cavan Slashers Tom Mulvaney Maghera B O Reilly Maghera B Fay Cornafean and J Reilly Templeport.The team will leave their headquarters to day and journey to Belturbet for train to Dublin at 1:30.They will make their base at Clerkin’s Hotel Eccles Street with Seamus Gilheaney and Sean McCormack the Mangers. Supporters are asked to stay way from the hotel until after the game.

October 5th 1928 This file is missing from Micro Film in Johnston Central Library. Applying to Leinster Leader Naas for Kildare report. We are indebted to Father Dan Gallogly ‘Cavan’s Football Story’ for the following description of the game.

Cavan unlucky to lose to Kildare in the All Ireland Final watched by 25,000 at Croke Park. Fast open keenly contested game. The standard of football was good in the first half but degenerated after the interval but it remained highly exciting right until the end. The teams were drawn with minutes to go .Just on the stroke of full time Paul Doyle who played for Cavan earlier in the decade swung over the winning point for Kildare. Cavan supporters still harp back to Kildare’s winning goal when Pat O Loughlin receiving from the peerless Paul Doyle threw the ball into the Cavan net and claimed that the goal should have been disallowed. Despite having to field without P Leddy and P Fox both clerical students and the great J P Murphy who was injured Cavan settled in straight away tackled the Kildare forwards closely and never allowed them to settle into their attractive short passing game. Cavan plying against a strong sun got a dream start and were 3 points up before Kildare scored.. Brilliant display by M.Goff on the Kildare team at full back and by Bailieboro youngster Patsy Lynch for Cavan. Kildare gradually got on top and had much the better of things in the 2^nd quarter leading Cavan 1-2 to 0-3 at half time. In the 3^rd quart Paul Doyle prolific sharpshooter put Kildare 3 points ahead 1-4 to 0-4.Then Willie Young and Packy Devlin combined for a great Cavan goal and moments later Cavan went ahead by a point. Then came the controversial Kildare goal by young Pat O Loughlin and Paul Doyle put Kildare 3 points up with another point from a free. Back came Cavan with another great Packy Devlin goal to level the game at 2-5 each. Then Kildare were awarded a last second free right in front of the posts which Paul Doyle converted  leaving Kildare winners 2-6 to 2-5 and first holders of the magnificent Sam Maguire Cup. Cavan team Guard Morgan Drumbo George Malcomson Bailieboro Tom Campbell Crosserlough Herbie Clegg Cootehill Harry Mulvaney Maghera Patsy Lynch Bailieboro Jack Clarke Cavan Slashers James Murphy Cornafean Jim Smith Captain Killinkere Hughie O Reilly Tullyvin Walter Higgins Drumbo Packy Devin Killeshandra Andy Conlon Cavan Slashers Sean Farrelly Drumbo Willie Young Cornafean Subs Tom Crowe Cavan Slashers F Fitzpatrick Cavan Slashers Tom Mulvaney Maghera B O Reilly Maghera B Fay Cornafean and J Reilly Templeport.

Leinster Leader Report

1928    Back Row (Left to Right) Rev P J Masterson Tom Crowe J Morgan Benny Fay Hughie Clegg Seamus Gilheaney John P Murphy Willkie Young Brian O’ Reilly Rev P Conway .Centre (Left to Right) Sean Farrelly Walter A Higgins Packy Devlin Hugh Mulvaney Jimmy Smith (Captain) George Malcomson Patsy Lynch Tom Campbell and Hughie O’ Reilly. Front Row (Left to Right) –Frank Fitzpatrick John Murphy Andy Conlon and T Mullally.

August 12th 1933 Cavan overwhelm Tyrone 6-13 to 1-2 in the Ulster Senior Football Final at Breffni Park before a large crowd who paid gate receipts of £165-00 after leading at half time by 5-8 to 0-1.Tyrone who beat Antrim and Fermanagh in the Championship were not helped by the fact that Dungannon Clarke’s were suspended on the eve of the Final thus making 5 of their original selection ineligible to play. Cavan Labour Band paraded the teams and played the National Anthem after which T Murtagh the Referee from Monaghan threw in the ball. The Anglo Celt Cup was presented to Jim Smith Captain of the winning 3 in a row Cavan team by ET O Hanlon Editor of the Anglo Celt. Cavan’s 26^th Ulster crown which they first won in 1887.They will now play the winners of the Munster Final Tipperary or Kerry in the All Ireland Semi Final on the 27^th August next.

August 26th 1933 Kerry the All Ireland Champions since 1929 and seeking their 5^th title in a row arrive at Cavan Station on the 10 pm G S R train from Dublin on Saturday night. Hundreds of well wishers out to greet the heroes who are household names throughout the land. Cavan Labour Band lead the torch lit parade to the Farnham Hotel where the team and officials will stay during their visit to Cavan. Cavan Urban Council led by Chairman Joe Taggart accord a civic reception with the Celtic scroll depicting Clough Oughter Castle prepared by Sister Mary Scholastica Poor Clare Convent. Addresses of welcome by Joe Taggart Seamus Gilheaney replied to by J J Landers Secretary Kerry County Board who thanked everybody for the wonderful welcome.

September 3rd 1933 Cavan beat Kerry 1-5 to 0-5 in the All Ireland Senior Football Semi Final at Breffni Park before a packed attendance of 17,111 who paid gate receipts of £957.Rain fell all night and during the morning and during the All Ireland Minor Hurling Semi Final between Galway winners and Antrim right up to the start of the Senior game when it relented to reappear in a deluge as soon as the final whistle sounded. Every available vantage point availed of with many youths climbing to the tops of trees and the galvanise surrounding the stadium was packed with spectators. Cavan Foresters Brass Band and Cavan Labour Bands paraded the teams and played the National Anthem Cavan Willie Young Cornafean Farmer’s son Willie Connolly Cootehill and Erin’s Hope National Teacher Patsy Lynch Bailieboro Butcher Mick Dinneny Cornafean Farmer’s son Terry Coyle Cavan Slashers Hairdresser Jim Smith Captain Killinkere Garda Sergeant Packy Phair Cornafean Farmer Hughie O Reilly Cootehill Road Ganger Tom O Reilly Cornafean Farmer’s son Donald Morgan Cross Farmer’s son Packy Devlin Killeshandra Postman Jack Smallhorne Crosserlough Lorry Driver Vincent McGovern Virginia Student Louis Blessing Cavan Slashers Shop Assistant M J Magee National Teacher. Subs Tom Crowe S Brady Mullahoran Tom Reilly Mullahoran P Brady Castlerahan T Brady Cornafean and P McNamee Cross. Kerry Dan O Keeffe Strand Street Tralee D O Connor East Kerry Paddy Whitley Rock Street Tralee Jack Walsh North Kerry Paul Russell East Kerry Joe Sullivan West Kerry Tim O Donnell East Kerry Miko Doyle Rock Street Tralee J Walsh North Kerry G Garvey Boherbee Willie Landers Rock Street Tralee John Joe Landers Rock Street Tralee Jackie Ryan Rock Street Tralee Tim Landers Rock Street Tralee.Subs Healy Kinnerk O Sullivan and Quile.Cavan defended the entrance goal and played with the wind after winning the toss.Mr Shevlin the referee got the game in motion at precisely 4:10 pm.Play flowed from end to end as the two teams battled for supremacy in a low scoring first half at the end of which Kerry led by 2 points to 1 for Cavan courtesy of Jackie Ryan in 1^st and 17^th minute for Kerry and M J Magee from a free after 25 minutes play for Cavan. Defences were on top again early in the second half with Paul Doyle notching a great point from a 50 for Kerry after 15 minutes. Then from the kick out Paul Russell secured and sent unerringly over the bar from 40 yards. Play was rugged at this stage and Big Tom went down injured to be replaced by namesake Tom O Reilly Mullahoran.Magee from play had a great Cavan point from the corner with 10 minutes remaining. Magee again secured sending to Louis Blessing who placed Morgan for another Cavan point and Kerry were noticeably tiring in the face of the Cavan onslaught but Ryan was back again with a free to put Kerry ahead again with 8 minutes remaining. Then Smith cleared brilliantly for Cavan finding Jack Smallhorne who passed to Donal Morgan for a glorious point for Cavan. After a dangerous melee in which Hughie O Reilly appeared to be kicked by Kerry defenders a threatened invasion of the pitch was prevented by the quick thinking stewards and police. Magee sent over the equalising point with less than 5 minutes left and the spectators were all on their feet cheering Cavan to a famous victory. Then in the move of the match Jim Smith again found Jack Smallhorne racing in behind the Kerry defence to place Vincent McGovern for the winning goal for Cavan. Hats umbrellas coats were thrown in the air as the crowd reached a frenzy pitch. Kerry were not yet finished and Ryan sped past the Cavan defence to send inches wide of the Cavan goal. The ball was being worked forward by Cavan when the referee blew the final whistle to leave Cavan winners 1-5 to 0-5.Thousands invaded the pitch to cheer off their heroes with Patsy Lynch Man of the Match with the best display ever seen at Breffni Park. Great credit for the organisation of this unique occasion goes to Jack Clarke Secretary Seamus Gilheaney Chairman but above all Paddy O Reilly Athbara Treasurer who was meticulous in arranging every last detail to make the day a great success. Cavan Boy Scouts were on duty rendering first aid and selling the match programmes. The economy of the town benefited greatly with the huge influx of spectators particularly from the North and many of the licensed premises and hostelries reported record takings. It is reckoned that over £8,000 was spent in the town with businesses reporting turnover of over £100 for the day. One young lad in Butlersbridge kept a record of the traffic through the village from 6-9 pm Sunday Motor Cars 33 Buses 23 Motor Cycles 20 Horse Drawn Vehicles 12 Bicycles over 300 with 2 cyclists at least braving the desperate weather to cycle from Dublin. The main bulk of the traffic outside the county came by train from Belfast and Dublin. The Kerry team were entertained at the Farnham Hotel with some members departing on Sunday night for home but the main party didn’t leave until Monday with a few of the team returning on Tuesday. Meanwhile Cavan are preparing to go into collective training for the All Ireland Final at Greenville House and an appeal is made for funds to defray the cost.

Figures of the Senior Game

September 24th 1933 Cavan beat Galway to win their first All Ireland Senior crown 2-5 to 1-4 before a record crowd of 45,188 who paid record gate receipts of £4,037 at Croke Park Dublin. Great Northern Railway and Great Southern Railways ferried most of the supporters with over 50 excursion trains running from all over the country. All modes of conveyance pressed into service including cars lorries and bicycles with many of the Cavan supporters setting out in the early hours of the morning to cycle to Croke Park. Generous response to the Church Gate Collections held throughout the County with £30 being collected in Cavan town and a donation of £100 received from the Cavan Men’s Association in New York. The team were in collective training at Greenville House Belturbet with P Murphy Trainer and Mr O Reilly Trainer. On the day of the Final there was a special early Mass in the Cathedral at 7 am to facilitate those travelling. Great Southern carried 800 from Killeshandra 450 from Cavan Kingscourt 450 and Longford 500 while The Great Northern Railway had over 800 passengers from Cavan Belturbet 700 Clones 160 Cootehill 450 and Monaghan 500 and picked up thousands on their many stops in Ballyhaise Redhills and Clones. “Ulster travelled in their 1000s steadfast opponents of partition and faithful followers of gaelic games”. The team left Greenville House on Saturday evening meting the train at Crossdoney Station and were sent off to the sound of fog horns and the sight of flags being waved from every doorway on their way including a huge banner at Mullahoran Catholic Church wishing the team Good Luck. Rain fell lightly in the morning but as the day progressed got heavier until the second half was played in a deluge. The Referee was Leinster County Secretary Martin O Neill with Croke Park looking resplendent shaved to the turf and the brand new ball was eel like to handle. Cavan were 1^st out of the dressing rooms in their resplendent new blue jerseys and both teams were paraded by the Artane Band with shouts of encouragement ringing out all over the stadium. After the playing of the National Anthem which was sung by many of the spectators particularly from Ulster Cavan won the toss and elected to play into the Canal goal.Kellegher from Galway had the first point after 2 minutes then after great interchange play Magee was fouled and elected to take the free from 35 yards which he slotted over the black spot. After a strong delivery by Tom Reilly Mullahoran was sent into the forwards Galway were penalised and Magee sent over another free from a difficult angle after 15 minutes of play. After 20 minutes Galway attacked with Mick Higgins placing Brendan Nestor for the equaliser. On 23 minutes after Tom Reilly passed to Devlin who was knocked out Jimmy Smith from the resultant free 40 yards out sent to the square with deadly accuracy and the ball eluded the goalkeeper with Blessing in close attention.Packy Devlin after great work by Smallhorne Magee and Blessing had a wonderful point. Magee and Blessing then were involved in the move of the half which ended with Magee scoring a great goal to leave the Half Time score Cavan 2-3 Galway0-2.Galway playing with the breeze in the 2^nd half opened in whirlwind fashion and after a great run by Dunne was repulsed the ball came to Nestor who blasted to the back of the net after 3 minutes. Try as they might Galway could not breach the resolute Cavan defence until Donnellan pointed after 15 minutes play. Then Packy Devlin sent a great pass to Jack Smallhorne who sent over the score of the game after 17minutes play. On 20 minutes Brendan Nestor pointed for Galway to leave just a goal between the sides. Play was hard and rugged at this stage and both sides had narrow misses when Bailieboro’s Patsy Lynch was involved in a collision with Donnellan and had to be stretchered off to the Mater Hospital with a serious injury. Cavan Slashers Tom Crowe replaced Lynch at full back and was soundness personified. At the same time MJ Magee also retired and was replaced by Reilly Mullahoran.In the 30^th minute Cavan got the insurance point after a glorious solo run and point from  Packy Devlin into the Hill 16 goals. In the 4 minutes of added time it was all Cavan and despite missing two more scores with blatant wides Cavan were still on the attack when the referee blew the long whistle to signal the end of the match. Amidst scenes of unbridled joy Cavan and Ulster celebrated a historic win with the President of the GAA Sean McCarthy presenting the Sam Maguire Cup to Cavan Captain Jim Smith who praised his team mates for a wonderful victory and performance and the sporting manner in which Galway accepted their defeat." After 14 years of trying my life ambition has been achieved here to day as we bring the Sam Maguire to Cavan and Ulster for the 1^st time".The team who were staying in the Central Hotel Exchequer Street were later entertained at a banquet in the Shelbourne Hotel. At home thousands of people poured on to the streets of towns and villages throughout the county after listening to the story of Cavan’s triumph while the small villages and towns along the border were packed with people from all over Ulster joining with Cavan natives to celebrate this Cavan and Ulster triumph. In every town and village in Ulster people gathered waving Cavan colours lighting bonfires  to celebrate a historic win and the breakthrough for Cavan and Ulster. To the sound of foghorns the Cavan team returned on Monday night and were met by 3,000 people bedecked in the Cavan colours before forming a parade led by the Cavan Labour Band passing up Coleman Road College Street down Main Street to the Farnham Hotel where the team were feted and accorded a great welcome home. Team Willie Young Cornafean Willie Connolly Cootehill Patsy Lynch Bailieborough Mick Dinneny Cornafean Terry Coyle Cavan Slashers Jim Smith Captain Garda Packy Phair Cornafean Hughie Reilly Cootehill Tom Reilly Cornafean Donald Morgan Cross Packy Devlin Killeshandra Jack Smallhorne Crosserlough Vincent McGovern Virginia Louis Blessing Cavan Slashers M J Sonny Magee Drumlane. Messages of congratulations and telegrams poured into Cavan County Board from all over Ireland England and the USA while tales of cycling to the game came from Frank B Cahill a County Council Road Worker cycled to Croke Park from Ballyconnell and arrived in the Capital in time for Mass while Joseph McNamee and his son Patrick cycled all the way from Newtownbutler to Croke Park leaving at 2:30 am on Sunday morning and arriving back at 3 pm on Monday a distance of 160 miles.

All Ireland Champions 1933

Back Row ( Left to Right) Seamus Gilheaney (President) Willie Young Jack Smallhorne Dermot Morgan Vincent McGovern Mick Dinneny J J Clarke (Secretary) . Middle Row (Left to Right) Captain J P Murphy (Manager) Paddy McNamee P Brady Tom O’Reilly (Mullahoran) Willie Connolly Big Tom O’Reilly Packy Devlin Hughie O’ Reilly J Rahill M O’ Reilly (Trainer) . Front Row ( Left to Right) Tom Crowe Louis Blessing Packy Phair Jimmy Smith (Captain) Patsy Lynch Terry Coyle and M J ‘Sonny’ Magee.

July 28^th 1935 Cavan win their 5^th Ulster title on the trot when they deservedly beat a formidable Fermanagh team 2-6 to 2-1 in the Ulster Final at Belturbet before an attendance of 6,000 who paid gate receipts of £350.Cavan will now play Tipperary in the All Ireland Semi Final at Croke Park while Fermanagh play Mayo n the National League Final in Castlebar next Sunday. Ideal conditions with just a small amount of rain during the first half. Cavan Labour and Enniskillen Pipers led the parade and played the National Anthem. Referee Tom Shevlin Roscommon. The difference between the teams was that Cavan were lighter and faster Fermanagh were big and strong but did not have the same team work among outstanding individual players. The play however was robust every ball keenly contested and Cavan were not allowed to impose their fast flowing passing game on a resolute Fermanagh team. Cavan got off to a flying start scoring 1-2 in the first 5 minutes and leading by 2-3 to 1-0 at half time. Fermanagh were the better team n the 2nd half but Cavan finished comfortable winners after a bruising battle.

August 24^th 1935 Tipperary and Cavan Semi Final finishes in controversy as Hughie O Reilly palms the ball to the net after Blessing had charged goalkeeper McCann for a goal for Cavan in the 34^th minute of the second half thus giving victory to Cavan by 1-7 to 0-8.Immdeiatly after the game Tipperary lodged an official objection to the Central Council under 6 headings but their appeal was dismissed and Cavan will now play Kildare who beat National League champions Mayo in the second Semi Final in the All Ireland Final on the last Sunday of September. Few Cavan supporters bothered to travel and Tipperary supporters were in the ascendancy of the small crowd of 11,547 who paid gate receipts of £720.The Transport Union Workers Band paraded the teams and played the National Anthem. Cavan defending the Canal goal played against the breeze but with the sun in their backs in the first half and led by 5 points to 0-2 at the interval. Tipperary dominated the second half scoring 6 points against the wind with Cavan notching just 2 points from frees by MJ Magee. With numerous stoppages the referee played 4 minutes overtime and it was on the stroke of time that Hughie O Reilly got his sinewy right hand to the ball to send it past McCann in the Tipperary goal to leave Cavan winners on the score of 1-7 to 0-8.Terry Dolan Templeport replaced the injured Patsy Lynch at full back for Cavan. A feature of the game was the mass confusion that existed with the clash of colours with Tipp in their customary blue and yellow and Cavan in blue and white cuffs. Numerous passes were sent to members of the opposing team by both sets of players and Andy McEntee in the Anglo Celt castigates Central Council for their lack of foresight in dealing with such an important detail. Over 50 members of Cavan Cycling Club set out for Dublin after the shops closed at 10 pm on Saturday night making great progress until they ran into a storm near Kells seeking refuge in a large barn. They resumed their journey the following morning at 7 am breaking for breakfast in Navan before being in time for Mass in the city which they reached at 10:10 am. With the game won and the wind in their back they set out for home just after 6 pm and arrived in the town at midnight-none of them tired or exhausted but vowing that they will have a huge crowd of cyclists for the same journey when Cavan play Kildare in the All Ireland Final. Cavan Willie Young Cornafean Willie Connolly Cootehill Terry Dolan Templeport Mick Dinneny Cornafean John Molloy Cavan Slashers Jim Smith Killinkere and Garda Packy Phair Killeshandra Hughie O Reilly Cootehill Tom O Reilly Cornafean Donal Morgan Cross Packy Devlin Cornafean Jack Smallhorne Crosserlough Patrick McNamee Virginia Louis Blessing Cavan Slashers and M J Magee Drumlane.

September 21st 1935 Cavan win their second All Ireland beating Kildare in their best ever performance in Croke Park. Fifty three specials ran from all over Ireland including a G S R train from Cavan with a Refreshment Car ran directly to Broadstone departing Cavan at 9:45.There was also a Special from Killeshandra stopping in Mullingar with the Return Fare 5/- and children half price.G N R ran an early train leaving from Cavan which picked up passengers in Ballyhaise and Clones. Masses throughout the area began at 7 am to facilitate the thousands travelling. The game was a great promotion for the sale of radios in the area with Smyth’s 60 Main Street offering radios for sale on easy terms batteries charged and sets repaired. Cavan beat Fermanagh 2-6 to 2-1 in the Ulster Final of 1935 before 6,000 spectators who paid gate receipts of £356 in Belturbet. Cavan were faster lighter and younger than a gallant Fermanagh. Cavan led by 2-3 to 1-0 at the interval. Cavan were reckoned by their followers to be a sure thing against Tipperary in the All Ireland Semi Final where only 11,547 people paid £720 to watch Cavan well on top n the first half and leading by 0-5 to 0-2 at half time. Lack lustre poor performance by Cavan in the second half scoring only 1 point until the 30^th minute of the half. With Tipperary dictating play and leading by 0-8 to Cavan’s 0-6 M J Magee struck for a  Cavan point on 30 minutes followed by a most fortuitous goal from Jimmy Smith direct from a fifty 4 minutes into injury time in the second half and the last kick of the game to give Cavan victory by 1-7 to 0-8.Kildare therefore were raging hot favourites to win the All Ireland and nobody outside of Cavan gave them a chance. Cavan went into full time training for the Final at Holywell House Belturbet under Captain J P Murphy Sergeant O Reilly Garda Paddy Kirwin and Dr Plunkett and left  Ballywillan Station on Saturday on their way to Dublin staying as before in the Central Hotel Exchequer Street. On the eve of the Final the Cavan team in relaxed mood attended a Military Tattoo in Ballsbridge before retiring for the night. Cavan made 2 changes from the team that defeated Tipperary T Dolan Castlerahan replacing John Molloy Cavan Slashers and Paddy Boylan Cavan Slashers preferred to Paddy McNamee Virginia Team Willie Young Cornafean Willie Connolly Cootehill Jimmy Smith Garda Mick Dinneny Cornafean T Dolan Castlerahan Tom O Reilly Cornafean Packy Phair Cornafean Hughie O Reilly Cootehill Captain Tom O Reilly Mullahoran Dermot Morgan Virginia Packy Devlin Croghan Jack Smallhorne Crosserlough Paddy Boylan Cavan Slashers Louis Blessing Cavan Slashes M J Magee Croghan Subs Paddy McNamee Virginia John Molloy Cavan Slashers Vincent McGovern Virginia Joe Mitchell Bailieboro James White Gowna Eugene Finnegan Mountnuggent and E Reilly Cornafean. A record crowd of 50,380 paid gate receipts of £4,553 to witness Cavan beat Kildare at their own fast passing game by 3-6 to 2-5 in glorious sunshine at resplendent Croke Park where no less than 5 bands were in attendance with the Transport Workers Union Band and Cavan Labour Band taking pride of place. “From the hardy sons of toil to professional classes clergy T Ds Government Ministers and a beautiful array of fine young girls added colour and glamour to the occasion”. Cavan were younger fitter faster and excelled in converting their superiority into scores in a hard tough uncompromising game where Hughie Reilly ably assisted by Tom O Reilly gave the Cavan forwards ample supply to tot up a winning score indeed 1-3 points of the Kildare total came when the game was safely won by Cavan.The rugged Louis Blessing despite not scoring himself selflessly laid the ball off to his colleagues and nearly every Cavan score came through him. Cavan won the toss and elected to play with the breeze into the Canal goal. After a great move with Devlin Boylan and Blessing  Cavan were awarded a free which Sonny Magee sent over from 20 yards after 1 minutes play. Kildare came back and after some fine interchange movement Geraghty equalised after 5 minutes play. Smallhorne after great interchange passing between Devlin Blessing and Magee sent over a great point from a difficult angle after 13 minutes play. After Blessing held off the entire Kildare full back line he passed to Magee to send over after 22 minutes play. Soon after Magee was fouled in the corner and sent over the resultant free himself. Then came the decisive moment of the first half which brought the crowd to their feet when Hughie Reilly sent to Magee then Devlin who passed to Morgan then Blessing who placed his Slasher’s comrade Paddy Boylan for a great goal. It was all Cavan now and after a melee in the Kildare goalmouth Hughie Reilly was on hand to send a rasper over the bar after 27 minutes. Then Kildare struck back for a goal by Mullhall on 28 minutes after laying siege to the Cavan goal. From the kick out the ball was transferred to Jim Smith who passed to the 3 Reillys who transferred to Morgan then Pack Devlin and the in running Louis Blessing who despite being heavily tackled once again placed his team mate Boylan for a wonderful Cavan goal after 30 minutes. Paddy Martin Kildare had a fine Kildare point right on half time after 36 minutes of the first half to leave Cavan ahead 2-5 to 1-2.Cavan had a dream start to the second half when after 5 minutes Tom O Reilly sent straight to the net over the goalkeeper’s  hands from a 40 yards free with Blessing in close attention. Then on 6 minutes Devlin passed to Morgan and the Killeshandra man was on target for another point. Kildare did not score until the 15^th minute when Matthews had a great point from 25 yards followed by another point from Paddy Martin on 49 minutes and M Geraghty got through for a great Kildare goal on 50 minutes after persistent pressure by the Kildare attack. From then until the end the Cavan defence was magnificent and stood resolute until John Dowling had the closing point for Kildare on 60 minutes. Cavan hit the post and Magee was wide on 2 occasions from relatively easy scoring positions 21 yards out after great work by Louis Blessing who was heavily fouled by both Goff and Mangan.Hughie Reilly the Cavan Captain was Man of The March ably assisted by Tom Reilly  Morgan Devlin Smallhorne were magnificent while Louis Blessing led the full forward line bravely and with great strength and character all of the Cavan scores came from openings created by Louis while Sonny Magee was deadly accurate from frees and as elusive as ever. Paddy Boylan for a young light lad was as fast as a deer and always on his game. Hughie O Reilly was presented with the Sam Maguire by the President of the GAA Robert O Keeffe and in congratulating his own team he called for three cheers for Kildare who had played a fine hard sporting game without rancour or bitterness. "Cavan were younger fitter and hungrier than Kildare and that was the difference to day." Paul Matthews the Kildare Captain echoed Hughie’s sentiments saying that "the score at half time made it very difficult for Kildare to overhaul the Breffni men. Cavan were the better team with great team work and spectacular fielders of the ball. Kildare fought to the final whistle to get on terms and we could do no more". As the bus returned to the Central Hotel carrying the Cavan team they were hailed as heroes on the route with many buildings flying the blue and white colours of the new Champions. Later on that evening they were guests of the Cavan Reception Committee at a function in the Shelbourne Hotel  while many of the players and their friends attended a Ceilidhe in the Mansion House on Sunday night before returning from Broadstone Station on the Monday where they were again mobbed by ecstatic fans domiciled in the capital and the beaten Mayo Minor team who accompanied them on the train as far as Mullingar.3,000 fans greeted the train at Cavan Station where foghorns were set off as the train pulled in .James Brady Conductor of the Cavan Labour Band sounded a fanfare and Shady Gray played a roll on the drums as the players emerged to a tumultuous welcome. The Cavan Boy Scouts formed a cordon to keep the well wishers back as the team were taken by bus in procession around the town.The parade was led by 24 torch bearers and led by 3 bands Cavan Labour Castletara and Drumcrave Fife and Drum through Coleman Road College Street Main Street Farnham Street and into Town Hall Street to be received with an address of welcome from Cavan UDC while the magnificent Sam Maguire trophy was on display for all to see on the front balcony of the Town Hall with the Cavan colours everywhere. The town was festooned with Cavan flags and colours with candles lit in most houses and bonfires and tar barrels blazing throughout the town in welcome for the returning heroes. In the unavoidable absence of the Chairman Mary Brady Vice Chair UDC presided and also present were  Fathers John O Reilly Adm John Maguire CC Tom Maguire CC Bruskey Thomas McCormack Cardiff and Rev J Young Crosskeys brother of Willie Young the Cavan goalkeeper .Councillors John Magee PC Tom Flynn Peter Soden John Maguire Jack Moore Johnny Murray. In her address of welcome Mary Brady said “ you have brought honour to Breffni O Reilly and to our own Province of Ulster from the Erne Head at Granard to the Giants Causeway in Antrim".John McGuiness PC Town Clerk B Coffey Town Surveyor Dr T P O Reilly County M O H ET O Hanlon Editor Anglo Celt J F O Hanlon Managing Director Anglo Celt Seamus Gilheaney NT PJ McCabe Peter Brady Town Hall Street Miss Maura Brady were among the distinguished gathering. A Reception was later held for the team in the Farnham Hotel. The mystery of the missing captain Hughie O Reilly who shuns all type of publicity and attention was cleared up on Tuesday night when he arrived back in Cootehill by bus carrying the ball used in Sunday’s Final and an American flag. Alighting from the bus he was startled to be greeted by a welcoming committee headed by Jim Rice who formed a parade with Hughie at the helm and over 2,000 wildly cheering supporters through the blue and white bedecked streets of Cootehill where candles flickered in every house in welcome and bonfires and tar barrels blazed in triumph. The parade headed by Saint Patrick’s Brass Band Bunnoe stopped at Blessings and Willie Connolly's where 3 cheers were sent up for Louis Blessing and Willie Connolly who starred in Sundays game. Hughie thanked the Gaels of Cootehill and particularly Cootehill Celtic G F C for their great unexpected welcome. He paid tribute to the great Gaels of Drumgoon Kill and Drung who have always stood by the GAA and their support in Croke Park was a record.

 Thousands of telegrams and letters of congratulations poured into Cavan County Board particularly from al over Ulster but while the sense of achievement in beating such a great team as Kildare was most appreciated in Cavan there did not appear to be the same sense of enthusiasm in Ulster as in Cavan’s first victory in 1933.Thousands of householders tuned into the radio for the broadcast of the match and each phase of play was greeted with the same loud cheering as if they were all present and reached a crescendo as Cavan were assured of victory when they all rushed out on the streets cheering and lighting bonfires.

1935 Back Row ( Left to Right) Paddy McNamee John Molloy Eugene Finegan Tom Dolan Mick Dinneny J White Willie Connolly N O’ Reilly Jack Smallhorne Tom O’ Reilly Willie Young Vincent McGovern and  Joe Mitchell. Front (Left to Right) Paddy Boylan Dermot Morgan Tom O’Reilly ( Mullahoran) Jimmy Smith Hughie  O’Reilly (Captain) Packy Devlin Louis Blessing M J ‘Sonny’ Magee and Packy Phair.

Picture courtesy of J J Reilly Cavan Gaels and Hugh Hourican Stag's Head Capel Street Dublin

August 28th 1937 Cavan beat the All Ireland Champions  Mayo 2-5 to 1-7 in a thrilling All Ireland Semi Final played at Cusack Park Mullingar which was resplendent in the bright sunshine on a glorious day before a capacity crowd of 26,000 who paid gate receipts of £1,788.Cavan had support from all over Ulster while Mayo were well supported by the other Connaught counties. Cavan Labour Band Oldcastle Brass and Reed and Clara Pipers led the parade and played the National Anthem before M Hennessy Dublin Referee threw in the ball. The teams were tied on Cavan 0-5 to Mayo 1-2 at half time. Cusack Park was unable to accommodate the crowd with the result that the pitch was invaded on a number of occasions the referee allowing 11 minutes additional time. Mayo were coasting to a 5 point victory with Cavan supporters streaming for the exits when Big Tom’s clearance came to Boylan who passed to the fast incoming Sonny Magee who gave Burke in the Mayo goals no chance from 20 yards for a great Cavan goal and leaving just 2 points between the sides with lost time being played. The crowd rushed the pitch again and after a lengthy delay play resumed and in a last ditch Cavan attack Louis Blessing gained possession to send Cavan through to the All Ireland Final with a rocket of a shot past Burke in the Mayo goal Cavan 2-5 to Mayo’s 1-7.Scorers for Cavan MJ Sonny Magee 1-2 Louis Blessing 1-1 and Dermot Morgan and Vincent White 0-1 each Mayo Carney 1-3 J Munnelly 0-3 Paddy Moclair 0-1.Cavan Willie Young Cornafean Eugene Finnegan Mountnuggent Jim Smith Garda Mick Dinneny Cornafean JJ O Reilly Saint Pats and Cornafean Tom O Reilly Captain Cornafean Paddy Smith Saint Pats and Drumkilly James White Gowna and Clann Dublin Bill Campbell Bailieboro Donald Morgan Paddy Devlin Croghan Vincent White Gowna and Clanns Dublin Paddy Boylan Cavan Slashers Louis Blessing Cavan Slashers and MJ Magee Cavan Slashers Mayo T Burke Joe McGowan Tom McNicholas Mick Hannon Ted Ryan George Ormsby P Collins Patsy Flannelly Henry Kenny Jack Carney M O Malley P Laffery Josie Munnelly Paddy Moclair and Patsy Munnelly.Great credit is due to Rev T Maguire Chairman Cavan County Board Sgt M O Reilly Treasurer Assistant Trainer Paddy Kirwin and Hughie O Reilly “for this day in Mullingar never to be forgotten.” Cavan will now play the winners of the All Ireland Replay between Laois and Kerry taking place in Waterford after the two teams played a draw in the first game.

Double for Cavan as the Minors beat Galway 3-11 to 2-9 to qualify in glorious style for the All Ireland final against Wexford in Croke Park on the last Sunday in September. Cavan led by 0-6 to 0-5 at half time. Cavan JJ Brady Cornafean and Saint Pats M Argue Bailieboro Barney Cully Cornafean and Saint Pats J Cully Cornafean P Fay Ballyconnell and Saint Pats P Clarke Bailieboro M Reilly Killinkere D Brady Ballyjamesduff T P O Reilly Belturbet and Saint Pats Paddy Conaty Cavan Slashers and Saint Pats M Farrell Bailieboro and Saint Pats Harry Bouchier Cornafean and Saint Pats PA O Reilly Belturbet and Saint Pats P McDonald Belturbet J McConnell Ballyconnell.Both Cavan Senior and Minor teams were guests of honour at the annual Castlepollard Carnival on their way home from Mullingar on Sunday night.

September 25th 1937 Cavan Seniors in collective training at Mount Pallis Mountnuggent overlooking Lough Sheelin.House is a most modern amenity where the players are undergoing strict training ball practice walking physical exercises and for recreation they have the daily newspapers cards and a radio which was installed during the week by Smyth’s 60 Main Street Cavan. After Rosary at night the players retire at 10 pm and are up and back out walking by 7:30 the following day The players are a picture of fitness and health and are geared for he hardest of hard hours on Sunday. Jim Smith Captain predicts that they are so fit and enthusiastic that they just won’t be beaten.M J Magee is a notable absentee due to his teaching commitments but joins the team each Friday evening. The Minors meanwhile had a full work out against Saint Pats on Sunday and they are training in Breffni Park on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Cavan having been beaten by Kerry on the sodden turf of Croke Park in 1923 and by as last minute goal in Tralee in 1925 and narrowly again in 1926 are determined to overcome the Kingdom who are making their first appearance in Croke Park since beating Mayo in the 1932 Final and include 6 players under 20 in their line out. Cavan on the other hand are Ulster Champions since 1931 and All Ireland Champions in 1933 and 1935 are brimful of youth and experience. Cavan will leave Mount Pallas on Saturday at 3:30 catching the Dublin train and joining up with the Minors at Corawelis. Cavan will make their base at Exchequer Street and are guests of the Gaelic League at a Ceilidhe in the Mansion House which will be broadcast by Radio Eireann on Saturday night. The following night both teams are guests of the Cavan Association in Dublin at another Ceilidhe in Rathmines Town Hall where Ladies are 1/- admission while Gents are 2/-.G N R Services from Cavan commence at 7:35 price 5/6 G S R 8 am price 5/-

October 2nd 1937 Cavan’s great football day as the Minors win their first All Ireland beating Wexford 1-11 to 1-5 and the Senior game which was the best ever played at the National Stadium ends in confusion before being declared a draw after a late Cavan point by Paddy Boylan was flagged and put on the scoreboard but later disallowed Cavan 1-8 Kerry 2-5. Robbery pure and simple with the GAA in the middle of redeveloping the Cusack Stand at Croke Park looking for badly needed finance after over 60,000 attended amidst chaos with 10,000 at least gaining admission after knocking down the turnstiles when a number of trains carrying supporters from England and Scotland were delayed with the gates locked. One side of the pitch was closed off with the building of the new Cusack Stand and people even clung  to the scoreboard in a bid to get a decent view. The score keeper abandoned his perch as more people stormed the area. The official attendance was 52,325 paying gate receipts of £4,730.Over 1,000 travelled from Cavan and 10 G N R specials left Belfast. Cavan were on a high all afternoon with the Minors decisively beating Wexford Cavan Labour Band leading the Parade and the newly appointed Bishop of Kilmore Monsignor Patrick Lyons PP VG Drogheda throwing in the ball. Cavan won the toss and elected to play with a slight breeze defending the Canal goal. The parade headed by Cavan Labour Band Emyvale Fife Band West Belfast Accordion and Transport Workers Union Brass and Reed Band Dublin paraded the teams and played Faith of Our Fathers and the National Anthem before the referee M Hennessy handed the ball to Monsignor Lyons flanked by Padraig O Keeffe Secretary and R O Keeffe President of the GAA who got the 1937 All Ireland Final underway amidst much confusion with members of the official party getting entangled with the eager players. Cavan opened the scoring through Vincent White and there followed points by M J Magee Jack Smallhorne and in the 28^th minute Packy Devlin.Kerry were always dangerous and the combination play of JJ and brother Tim Landers posed huge problems for another wise sound Cavan defence. After 6 minutes receiving from brother Tim John Joe Landers actually walked into the Cavan goals before kicking the ball into the net. Double tragedy for Cavan when James White was observed bleeding profusely from the nose and mouth and after first aid was rendered by Doctor Plunkett Kilnaleck and Dr O Sullivan Killarney he was assisted off the field and later detained in the Mater Hospital to be replaced by Jack Smallhorne.In the 13^th minute John Joe Landers was again through on goal from a pass by brother Tim and smashed the ball to the Cavan net. At half time Kerry led by 2 goals to Cavan’s 4 points. The second half was one of the most dramatic ever seen at Headquarters with the pendulum swinging one way and then the other but Cavan had the lions share of possession storming the Kingdom citadel Blessing opened Cavan’s account after 2 minutes to leave just 1 point between the sides but Kerry stormed back with points from Tim Landers from a free Sullivan in the 7^th minute and John Joe Landers on 10 minutes to put the Kingdom 4 points ahead. Young strong Kerry team defending like tigers but Devlin emerged from a ruck of 12 players and despite close attention from the defenders shot a glorious point to leave 3 points between the sides after 14 minutes Jack Smallhorne was narrowly wide from a free out on the wing. White scored for Cavan after Dan O Keeffe had brought off 2 great saves in the Kerry goal. It was all Cavan now and Paddy Smith after a 40 yard solo run found Blessing who despite robust Kerry tackling passed to Paddy Boylan who shot low and hard past Dan O Keeffe for a glorious Cavan goal greeted by ecstatic scenes of joy from the Cavan supporters. After a calm descended it was noticed that 3 of the Cavan attack were lying prone on the grass and Saint John Ambulance Brigade rendered assistance. With Cavan now 1 point ahead Kerry came storming back and Fitzgerald levelled after 24 minutes. Then another tragedy struck Cavan when Willie Young allowed the ball kicked in by O Donnell to hop in front of goal on the hard surface and it bounced over the bar despite his best efforts to claw it back for the Kerry lead again after 26 minutes. Still Cavan came back and their superior fitness was now evident when Blessing going through was pulled down for Magee to convert the free from 15 yards in the 29^th minute. Kerry stormed up field in search of a winner but Willie Young made 2 great saves with 3 minutes left. Then the high drama Tom Reilly drove into the Kerry square and both Keohane and Myers attempted to clear before the ball came to Paddy Boylan who punched over the winning Cavan point. Cavan in a bid for another score pressed forward with Big Tom O Reilly and White prominent before the referee called full time and declared the game a draw.  The Final score was Cavan 1-8 Kerry 2-5.Scorers for Cavan Paddy Boylan 1 goal Packy Devlin Vincent White 0-2 each and MJ Sonny Magee  Jack Smallhorne and Louis Blessing 0-1 each. Scorers for Kerry John Joe Landers 2-1 Tom Landers Tom O Donnell Tom Sullivan Fitzgerald 0-1 each Kerry Dan O Keeffe D Kinnerk Joe Keohane Willie Myers W Dillon M Doyle Captain J Hanley J Walsh P Kennedy S Brosnan C O Sullivan Tim Landers John Joe Landers Tom O Donnell M Lyne.

Both Cavan teams were later entertained at a Ceilidhe in Rathmines Town Hall with both Senior finalists visiting Guinness Brewery in Dublin on the Monday morning followed by a reception by the Central Council before Cavan left by train for home where they were accorded a tumultuous reception with bonfires blazing colours flying and the ever faithful Cavan Labour Band leading the parade to the Farnham Hotel where both teams were guests of Cavan County Board GAA.Father Tom Maguire CC Chairman of the County Board welcomed the teams and paid tribute to Saint Patrick’s College and in particular Father Patrick McNiffe (President) for their dedicated outstanding work in producing so many of the Senior and Minor heroes. Seniors Jim Smith Donal Morgan Paddy Smith John Joe O Reilly Minors  Harry Boucher T P O Reilly Barney Cully M Farrell John Joe Brady Pat Conaty PA O Reilly Sean McCormick P Fay and Donal Brady are all either attending Saint Patrick’s College or are past pupils of that illustrious Alma Mater. He also paid tribute to Sergeant O Reilly Trainer Garda Paddy Kirwin Assistant Hughie O Reilly Manager for the manner in which both teams were prepared. The Kerry team Reception in Tralee was postponed and both teams will return to collective training this week for the replay in 3 weeks time.

Figures of the Senior Game

In the Minor Final Cavan had a comprehensive victory over Wexford winning by 1-11 to 1-5 after Wexford led by 1-4 to 0-5 at the interval JJ Brady in goals was very safe the 2 Cullys from Arva Argue Clarke Fay and M J O Reilly were very sound Donal Brady and T P O Reilly gave Cavan the edge at midfield particularly in the 2^nd half. Paddy Conaty Cavan Slashers McDonald  PA O Reilly and N McCormack were outstanding forwards Farrell was brilliant both from play and frees but the outstanding player afield was Cavan’s Captain Harry Boucher from Arva whose brilliant solo runs and general play were the highlight and he was by some distance the Man of the Match. Indeed returning to the Seminary in Birmingham on Sunday night Andy McEntee comments that “Harry’s vocation is a huge loss to the future of Cavan football”! Cavan won the toss and defended the Railway goal in the first half but trailed Wexford by 2 points at the interval Cavan were totally on top and overran Wexford who only scored 1 point in the second half. Scorers for Cavan M Farrell 5 points H Bouchier 0-4  J McConnell 1 goal and PA O Reilly and Donal Brady 0-1 each. Wexford Williams 1-1 Howlin Dunbar Murphy and Thorpe 0-1 each. Cavan J J Brady Cornafean and Saint Pats M Argue Bailieboro Barney Cully Cornafean and Saint Pats J Cully Cornafean P Fay Ballyconnell and Saint Pats P Clarke Bailieboro M Reilly Killinkere Donal Brady Ballyjamesduff T P O Reilly Belturbet and Saint Pats Paddy Conaty Cavan Slashers and Saint Pats M Farrell Bailieboro and Saint Pats Harry Bouchier Cornafean and Saint Pats PA O Reilly Belturbet and Saint Pats P McDonald Belturbet J McConnell Ballyconnell.Wexford M Kehoe N Butler Captain J Dwyer H Kenny D Hurley D Hall J Morris J Murphy P Foley P Dunbar W Howlin T Redmond E Roice J Williams S Thorpe.

Cavan's 1st Minor All Ireland Champions  1937

October 16th 1937 Many contributions to Cavan training fund with Kingscourt donating £4-0-8 Munterconnaught £2-17-9 Shercock and Killane £4 Laragh £10-12-4 Castletara £1-13-0.The Dublin Cavan training fund committee £100 Cavan Fife and Drum Band New York $100 (£20).The good news from Mount Pallas is that James White is back in training and the only sign of his extensive injuries suffered in the drawn game is a bandage around his nose. A medical student in Dublin James was able to sit his exams after leaving hospital. Dwyer and Company Cork have donated jerseys and boots to the Kerry team and there is intense interest in the Kingdom. The Cavan team are undergoing very light training and enjoy the radio and the game of cards at night in the bungalow which was recently connected to the electricity. One change on the Cavan team with Kerrigan replacing Carroll at right half back. Jack Smallhorne who came on as a sub for James White in the drawn game is preferred in the half forward line with Vincent White going to centre field. Kerry make 8 changes most of them positional from the drawn game Kerry O Keeffe Kinnerk Keohane Myers O Donnell Dillon Healy Walsh Brosnan Flavin O Sullivan T Landers JJ Landers Miko Doyle and O Leary. Cavan Willie Young Eugene Finnegan Jim Smith Mick Dinneny D Kerrigan Tom Reilly Cornafean JJ O Reilly Vincent White Paddy Smith Donal Morgan Packy Devlin Jack Smallhorne Paddy Boylan Louis Blessing and M J Sonny Magee.The Senior game will be preceded by the Dublin Minor Final. In order to avoid the confusion of the drawn game a new sliding score board has been installed and will be in operation for the Final. Andy McEntee points out the importance of centre field and the old adage of stick to your man being the keys to victory while captain of the reigning champions Mayo is intrigued by the Kerry selectors choice of Miko Doyle to play full forward where he will be marshalled by the legendary Jim Smith.

October 23rd 1937 Anglo Celt front page features interview with Jim Smith from a Dublin hospital where he has been detained following savage injuries received in the first 10 minutes of Sunday’s All Ireland Final against Kerry. His 2 eyes are purple and closed lips broken and split a huge bump on the back of his head his nose split and broken and is unable to breath except through his mouth 5 successive brutal assaults in the first 10 minutes of the game. Jim says it was more like a boxing match than football with his injuries akin to that of British boxer Tommy Farr who was recently beaten by Joe Louis over 15 rounds. Outcry from all over the country at the brutal tactics that were allowed to go unchecked by loose refereeing. The older Kerry players with the finger pointing firmly at their captain Miko Doyle initiated the tactics which resulted in 4 of Cavan’s stars being replaced. Kerry won the replay 4-4 to Cavan’s 1-7.Meanwhile in Cootehill Patrick McCarren (72) was listening to the game but dropped dead when Jim Smith was carried from the pitch his last words were “that finishes Cavan”! Kerry brought great shame on the GAA by their abuse of one of Ireland’s greatest players who was allegedly singled out before the game by the Kerry back room staff. Cavan were fast daring and skilful but Kerry played the game like it was 30 years ago and were downright dangerous in their attempts to curb the fast Cavan forwards. The loss of Jim Smith did not deter Cavan with Eugene Finnegan moving to full back and Tom Reilly Mullahoran coming on at right full back. No sooner had Tom taken his place on the field than he was assaulted this time by an encroaching Kerry spectator who had to be escorted from the pitch by a large body of policemen. Kerry were very much in the ascendancy but they missed a bagful of chances with their only score coming from John Joe Landers in the 15^th minute when he shot a brilliant goal but Magee 2 from frees and a typical opportunist point by Packy Devlin left Cavan smiling after playing against the wind into the Canal goal Half Time Kerry 1-0 Cavan 0-3.In the early stages of the second half Cavan were all over Kerry and went ahead with points from Devlin and Magee .Then a bad pass by one of the Cavan backs went to Miko Doyle who finished it to the net and the lead again for Kerry but worse was to follow when Big Tom the Cavan Captain was injured in the melee and had to be replaced. It was the beginning of the end for a brave Cavan team with 15 minutes left. Kerry surged forward again and breached the Cavan defence but the goal was disallowed. Tim Landers had a point from a free and young Jimmy O Leary at corner forward had a great goal for Kerry. Cavan fought back again and James White shot for a goal saved by Dan O Keefe who was bundled into the net by Blessing and Boylan for a Cavan goal. James White immediately added to Cavan’s total with a point from a free. At this stage the Cavan casualties began to mount with MJ Magee and Dan Kerrigan retiring injured. Kerry sensed victory now and John Joe Landers had another great Kerry goal followed soon afterwards by a point from brother Tim. Cavan never gave up trying and the brilliant Vincent White kicked over a great point from 40 yards and Keohane and Myers repulsed a further Cavan attack before the referee blew the final whistle to end one of the greatest anti climatic Finals of all time. Kerry 4-4 Cavan 1-7 before a crowd of 51,234 who paid gate receipts of £4,286.Cavan were awarded 26 free to Kerry’s 21.Cavan followers particularly the working classes who journey by train failed to travel in numbers and the train from Cavan Station run by Cavan Slashers was only half full. All cars in the area had a full compliment of passengers. Kerry supporters outnumbered Cavan by 2-1 with a great surge of interest 1,500 alone travelled at mid night from Tralee on the Ghost Train.7 Specials left Belfast with 4,600 on board all wearing Cavan hats and colours. On a delightful day in mid October the crowd were good humoured and in their places early they were entertained by the numerous bands and Community Singing which was much appreciated as the crowd sang the Rose of Tralee Come Back Paddy Reilly and many more popular airs. The parade was led by Cavan Labour Band West Belfast Accordion Band Lusk Pipers Tralee Accordion Band and The Transport Workers Band who paraded the teams and played Faith of our Fathers as Bishop Patrick Lyons was escorted on to the pitch by R O Keeffe President of the GAA P McNamee Chairman Ulster Council and Father John Maguire Adm Cavan Cathedral. Both captains kissed the newly consecrated Bishop’s ring before the band struck up the National Anthem after which the referee handed the ball to the Bishop who started the 1937 All Ireland Final Replay with Kerry winning the toss and playing into the Railway goal assisted by a slight wind. Scorers for Kerry Jimmy O Leary 2 goals Tm Landers 4 points Mick O Doyle and John Joe Landers 1-0 each. Cavan James White 1-0 MJ Magee 0-3 Packy Devlin and Vincent White 0-2 each.Miko Doyle was later presented with the Sam Maguire by the President of the GAA after Kerry had won their 12^th Senior title and first since 1932.Cavan were entertained to a Ceilidhe in the Town Hall Rathmines packed to capacity where tributes were paid to a brave Cavan team who were the kingpins of Ulster and foremost name in the GAA in the Northern Province. Huge crowd turned out at Cavan Station to greet the team who were led through the crowded streets of the town by the ever faithful Cavan Labour Band where tar barrels burnt and flags were waved to welcome back the heroes to a glittering Reception in the Farnham Hotel where Paddy Reilly Treasurer of Cavan County Board summed up the mood “we don’t blame the Kerry players for the brutal tactics used against us yesterday but the faceless men in Kerry who coached the players to play in such a disgraceful manner”!. Larry Stanley of Kildare described it as “a gruelling hour where the fittest survived and the tackling was much too robust”. Big Tom’s display at centre half was the best ever seen at Headquarters and comparable to Jack Higgins of Kildare at his best. Paddy Kennedy who did not play for Kerry said “it was a hard hitting robust game where Cavan thought they could knock the younger Kerry men out of their stride but there was no going back for these Kerry men”.The referee in his report to Central Council stated " I am sorry to say the game was very rough and difficult to handle Tom O Donnell Kerry was the first to retire injured and was replaced by Tom O Connor. Next came Jim Smith of Cavan bleeding from the mouth and nose. I am unable to state how he sustained these injuries. He was replaced by Tom O Reilly who was later attacked and assaulted by a spectator the pitch was cleared after a period of 5 minutes with the assistance of police who were on duty within the ground.M J Magee Dan Kerrigan and Tom O Reilly retired injured and were replaced by James White Joe Mitchell and Willie O Carroll.Packy Devlin reported to me during the game that he got two teeth broken”. This defeat marked the end of the great Cavan team of the 1930s who had made the breakthrough in 1933 by winning Cavan and Ulster’s 1^st All Ireland Senior crown. The future of Cavan football was assured by the performance of their Minor team who won Cavan’s 1^st Minor title in 1937.It was regrettable that their passing should be marked in such an unpleasant manner. Kerry took exception to Cavan’s criticism which was re echoed by the rest of the GAA world and refused to travel with Cavan for the annual USA exhibition games in the Spring of 1938. The Central Council nominated Laois to travel with Cavan and they had a most successful pleasant tour all games played in the proper manner of sportsmanship. It was Cavan’s 3^rd tour of the USA in 4 years.

June 12^th 1938 Cavan open the defence of their All Ireland Minor crown with a facile 5-4 to 0-2 win over Donegal in Bundoran.Fielding only 4 survivors from the 1937 team Cavan were bigger stronger faster and fitter than their opponents with scores from Felim Coyle 3-0 Peadair Doyle 1-0 Paddy Conaty 1-0 and John Johnston and Kiernan 0-1 each. Cold but fine weather there were very few visitors in the seaside resort and gate receipts amounted to a modest £15.The team were in the charge of Phil Ruddy T Rehill and Paddy Reilly Athbara.

June 26th 1938 Cavan Minors beat Fermanagh 2-7 to 1-5 in Belturbet with Willie Doonan in goals and fielding only Barney Cully JJ Brady and captain Paddy Conaty of the 1937 All Ireland winning team.

August 14th 1938 Cavan beat Antrim 2-7 to 2-4 in the Ulster Minor Final in Armagh in a very well contested game with flashes of brilliant football from both teams. Cavan are a bigger stronger faster team than last year and are expected to go all the way in retaining their title. Antrim led by 1-3 to 0-4 at half time. Cavan W Doonan Cavan Slashers Peter Paul Galligan Drumalee Barney Cully Arva P Coyle Kill Michael Reilly Killinkere James McCormack Ballyconnell Gerry O Reilly Shercock Seamus Maguire Cornafean Larry Brady Stradone S O Reilly Kill Paddy Conaty Cavan Slashers Captain M Fitzsimmons Drumalee Peadair Doyle Cornafean JJ Brady Arva And Felim Coyle Kill Referee Christy Fischer Monaghan.In the senior game a resolute Monaghan fresh from their recent Semi Final win over Cavan overcame the favourites Armagh bidding for their 1^st Ulster title since 1903 2-5 to 2-2 and will now meet Galway in the All Ireland Semi Final in Mullingar which will be broadcast by young Michéal O Hehir.

August 13th 1938 Kerry convincing winners over Galway 3-9 to 1-4 in the All Ireland Minor Semi Final in Mullingar.Displaying high catching and long kicking Kerry took many of their chances from long range and looked a team of all the talents as they humiliated Galway who were lively for the first half. Kerry led by 1-7 to 1-3 at half time and will now play the winners of the Longford and Cavan Semi Final in the All Ireland Final.

September 17th 1938 Cavan beat Longford  4-6 to 2-4 in the All Ireland Minor Semi Final in Pearse Park Longford before an attendance of over 5,000 who paid gate receipts of £310.The teams were level 1-2 all at half time but Cavan stronger faster and more skilful pulled away in the 2^nd half. Willie Doonan was required to vacate the goals after John A Young Drumalee received a severe gash to his head and had to be replaced by Des Benson who was sprung from the bench to replace Willie Doonan in goals. Cavan W Doonan Cavan Slashers John A Young Drumalee Barney Cully Arva Peter Paul Galligan Drumalee Michael Reilly Ballinagh P Coyle Kill Simon Duignan Mullagh J Cormack Ballyconnell Seamus Maguire Cornafean S O Reilly Kill Paddy Conaty Cavan Slashers Captain M Fitzsimmons Drumalee Felim Coyle Kill John Johnston Cavan Slashers and Peadair Doyle Cornafean. Sub Des Benson for John A Young. Referee PA O Farrell Roscommon. Outcry over no train service to Longford with very few Cavan supporters travelling because of lack of transport. Some lucky few got lifts in motor cars and the rest had to cycle to the Longford venue.

October 1st 1938 Cavan retain their All Ireland Minor Championship with a 3-3 to 0-8 victory over Kerry in Croke Park curtain raiser to the drawn Senor Final Galway V Kerry witnessed by 68,000 who paid gate receipts of £6,166.The Minor game started 15 minutes before the scheduled time and many of the Kerry and Cavan supporters missed the first quarter. The gates were closed at 3 pm but opened periodically afterwards to admit late comers who had travelled long distances. Team J D Benson Cornafean Willie Doonan Cavan Slashers Barney Cully Arva PP Galligan Drumalee M Reilly Bailieboro P Coyle Kill Simon Duignan Mullagh Seamus Maguire Cornafean S McCormack Ballyconnell Kevin O Reilly Ballyjamesduff Paddy Conaty Captain Cavan Slashers Michael Fitzsimmons Drumalee Felim Coyle Kill John Johnston Cavan Slashers and Peadair Doyle Cornafean.Kerry M Kennedy P Fitzgerald D Lyne J Bailey M O Shea D Rice T Flavin D Kavanagh J O Connor J Long T O Donnell M Farrell E Dunne J Burke and P O Brien.Kerry won the toss and played with the wind blowing from the Railway goal but the sun in their eyes. Kerry were dominant in the first 20 minutes and could have been ahead by more than 4 points but for the resolute Cavan defence where Willie Doonan Barney Cully and P P Galligan were outstanding pushing the nippy Kerry forwards far out the field Des Benson in goals had plenty of time to deal wit the few shots that came his way.Fitzsimmons Doyle Johnston and Conaty prominent in Cavan attack all shooting narrowly wide. Then a free by Fitzsimmons was taken by Seamus Maguire who placed sharp shooter Felim Coyle who scored a great Cavan goal. Cavan continued to attack and forced a 50 cleared by Rice and the score at half time was Kerry 0-4 Cavan 1-0.On the resumption Cavan stormed the Kerry citadel with O Reilly Coyle and Johnston narrowly wide before Kerry broke away and O Driscoll sent over from a 15 yard free to stretch the Kerry lead to 2 points. Maguire sent a long clearance down the field taken by Drumalee man Fitzsimmons who sent over the bar for a glorious point from a narrow angle. Kerry again were awarded a 40 yards free and Rice sent over from 40 yards.Duignan McCormack and K O Reilly prominent before Paddy Conaty gained possession and sent over a great Cavan point. Paddy Conaty was having a great game for Cavan and after fielding a Cavan 50 gained possession to place John Johnston for a great Cavan point and the equaliser.Afterr Barney Cully was forced to concede a 50 there followed a goalmouth struggle and Kerry awarded a 15 yards free which Long sent over for the Kerry lead again. In the best move of the game Conaty and McCormack combined in weaving their way through the Kerry defence to place John Johnston for a great Cavan goal and the lead for the first time 2-3 to 0-7.Kerry were badly shaken by this goal and kept the ball out of touch for a period until they recovered with a great point from T O Connor to leave one point in the game 2-3 to 0-8.On instructions from the line Kerry kept sending the ball across the sidelines to give them more time to recover from the Cavan onslaught but from a throw in held by Conaty who found John Johnston although covered by Lyne and Bailey broke through the Kerry defence to hit the ball with great force past the Kerry custodian for one of the best goals ever seen in Croke Park Cavan 3-3 Kerry 0-8 .Cavan were rampant now and Peadair Doyle and Paddy Conaty shot wide when well placed to leave the final score Cavan 3-3 Kerry 0-8.John Johnston Cavan Slashers shot 2-1 of the Cavan total with Felim Coyle scoring the Cavan goal in the first half and the other points were recorded by Michael Fitzsimmons Drumalee and man of the match Paddy Conaty Cavan Slashers.Congratulations continue to pour into Cavan County Board GAA on their great achievement in retaining the All Ireland Minor crown including telegrams from H B O Donohoe Chairman of the Health Board Harry Boucher in Birmingham last year’s successful captain and Gerry Arthurs Secretary of the Ulster Council GAA congratulating Cavan who have upheld the honour of Breifne and Ulster and "with this success hopes it will not be long before Cavan are crowned All Ireland Senior champions once again." In the Senior Final Kerry dominated the game shooting 11 wides and awarded 4 50s against Galway’s 6 wides and no 50s but had to settle for a draw Kerry 2-6 Galway 3-3.Kerry were later to lose the Final in a sensational Replay 2 weeks later.

Same Week No War. Agreement reached between Herr Hitler Neville Chamberlain British Prime Minister Mussolini and Deladier French President in Munich after all night conference.

June 29th 1941 Cavan beat Armagh 2-7 to 1-8 at Castleblayney to make it 3 in a row of Ulster Junior titles. Goals by Cavan Slashers Mick Fallon after a Seamus Maguire 50 and a goal by newcomer Simon Deignan decisive. Cavan better in the air and showed great combination in a game well contested by Armagh who were powered by the great Jim McCullough. Cavan led by 1-4 to 0-3 at half time. In the Ulster Semi Final Cavan had heralded their arrival with a sparkling 4-12 to 2-2 victory over Fermanagh in Breffni Park.

August 24th 1941 Cavan beat Leitrim 1-6 to 1-5 before an attendance of 3,500 who paid gate receipts of £200 in the All Ireland Junior Semi Final at Breffni Park. Cavan will now play Kerry who accounted for Laois in the 2^nd Semi Final. Cavan led by 0-3 to 0-1 at half time. Leitrim were a tough hard strong team who matched Cavan all the way and at several stages of the game they could have pushed ahead and won. Their Captain from Arigna Mick Moran had to leave the field with a broken leg and was detained in the Surgical Hospital for some weeks afterwards. With the War time restrictions on travelling most of the large Leitrim contingent arrived by bicycle 10,20,30,40 even 50 deep. Parking on the Farnham Road they then made their way to the Cathedral site where the Cathedral for the Diocese of Kilmore is being erected. Most of them are members of the Diocese of Kilmore and this was their first time in Cavan. Leitrim supporters were in the ascendancy and it is estimated that they outnumbered Cavan supporters by 2-1.Many clergy students and members of the fair sex looking glamorous in the sunshine attended. Star forward Joe Devlin Cavan Slashers accounted for 1-4 of the Cavan total while James Coyle from Kill scored the remaining 2 points Nipper Shalvey had a chance to level or even win the game for Leitrim with time up but his shot hit the upright came back into play and was cleared by the Cavan defence. Cavan J D Benson Croghan Tom Cahill Cavan Slashers J F McGahern Captain Cornafean M Argue Bailieboro James Reilly Bailieboro Patrick Coyle Kill Josie Greenan Cavan Slashers and Willie Doonan Cavan Slashers T Hennessy Cootehill B Hunt Cavan Slashers Josie Devlin Cavan Slashers Phelim Coyle Kill James Coyle Kill and PJ Clarke Bailieboro.Subs J McGahern Cavan John O Reilly Bailieboro T Roe Killinkere J Conroy Killinkere J J Cassidy Arva.Leitrim F O Connor Bornacoola P Reynolds Gortleteragh J Bohan Bornacoola T McDonagh Ballinamore P Quinn Aughawillan B Kilkenny Cloone P Rogan Gortleteragh Malachy O Rourke Aughavas M Moran Aughavas Captain J Keoghan Ballinamore JP Donnigan Cloone J Fulham Ballinamore J Duffy Annaduff J Nipper Shalvey Bornacoola.P Ratty Meath was a satisfactory referee and supplied his own umpires.

September 27th 1941 Kerry beat Cavan 9 points to 4 to win their 6^th Junior crown at sparsely attended Croke Park where there was no band no parade and no match programmes. Cavan and Kerry supporters failed to travel due to War time restrictions and it was left to Kerry and Cavan people working in Dublin to cheer on their favourites. Cavan won the toss and elected to defend the Railway goal with a slight breeze in their favour but a blinding sun in their eyes It was Kerry’s 2^nd All Ireland Championship in a week having beaten Galway comprehensively a week ago in the Senior Final.Magnificient display by Kerry who were man for man at least 3 stone bigger and stronger than Cavan who missed the brilliance of Michael Fallon and Simon Deignan from their Ulster Final team. Kerry used their high catching and kicking game to effect while their forwards combined brilliantly but did not breach the Cavan goal magnificently guarded by Des Benson Kerry led by 5-3 at half time after dominating the first half. Kerry again dominated the 3^rd quarter with only the magnificence of the Cavan defence saving them from a massacre. Both teams played a high brand of fast open football with Cavan inclined to bunch more and their catching was not as impressive as Kerry. Cavan had undergone Collective Training for the game but Kerry trained normally and many of these players are destined for greatness in Kerry Senior teams. Cavan J D Benson Croghan Tom Cahill Cavan Slashers J F McGahern Captain Cornafean M Argue Bailieboro James Reilly Bailieboro Patrick Coyle Kill Josie Greenan Cavan Slashers and Willie Doonan Cavan Slashers T Hennessy Cootehill B Hunt Cavan Slashers Josie Devlin Cavan Slashers Phelim Coyle Kill James Coyle Kill and PJ Clarke Bailieboro.Subs J McGahern Cavan John O Reilly Bailieboro T Roe Killinkere J Conroy Killinkere J J Cassidy Arva Kerry J Sheehy Tralee T Barrett Dingle T Brosnan Dingle D Lyne Killarney DJ Healy Tralee M McCarthy Castleisland T Sullivan Dingle James Kennington Austin Stacks J Murphy Listry P McCarthy O Rahilly’s W O Donnell Tralee P Sexton Killarney T Long Dingle T Lyne Tralee P O Donoghue Tralee.

August 28th 1943 After defeating Monaghan in the Ulster Final before a disappointing crowd of 2,500 due to war time restrictions on travelling Cavan played a very strong Cork team in the first meting between the two sides in the Championship. As with many Cork teams they were physically stronger but spoiled outfield play with poor finishing Cork led by 1-5 to 0-3 at half time. Cavan closed the gap in the early stages of the second half with 2 points and then Joe Stafford struck with a great goal after 13 minutes to level the game .The rest of the game was fought out in a welter of excitement with Cavan scoring 2 points to Cork’s 2 to give them a narrow 1-8 to 1-7 victory and meting with newcomers Roscommon who had just got the better of a wasteful Louth team in the second Semi Final.Immediatly after the Semi Final Cavan decided to go in to Collective Training at Cherrybank House Cornafean but delayed setting up Camp until the 15^th September thereby only having one hard week and one tapering down week instead of the usual 3-4 weeks.Cornafean was chosen as it was the home place of Big Tom and John Joe O Reilly had a hall nearby where the team could train in bad weather had a twice daily bus service to Cavan and the train service was close at hand at Crossdoney Junction. Under retired Sergeant Reilly from the Curragh assisted by Willie Young former Cavan goalie and former captain Sergeant Jim Smith the regime consisted of early rising 5 mile walk breakfast hard physical work out lunch then at 4 ball work and more physical work before dinner rest 2 mile walk Rosary Bed at 10:45 lights out at 11.The Chef at the camp was Thomas Smith Emmett Place Cavan.J D Benson and Barney Cully were unable to attend due to examination commitments. After defeating Louth 3-10 to 3-6 Roscommon immediately returned to Collective Training and had a challenge game against Galway which resulted in a 4-6 to 1-3 victory in Ballinasloe.In charge was W Keogh Athlone and it was the 3^rd time that Roscommon had gone into Collective Training this year which Andy McEntee in the Anglo Celt reckoned was a total overkill and would render them stale and listless. Meanwhile on the home front Cornafean defeated Mullahoran 3-7 to 2-4 to win the County Senior Championship they last held in 1940 on a wet day where the slippery ball did not help matters.Mullahoran led by 2-2 to 0-5 after playing with the breeze in the first half. Big Tom PP Galligan and Seamus Maguire were the stars for Cornafean.Pasy Lynch Bailieboro excellent referee with Upper Lavey Fife and Drum Band supplying the music.

September 25th 1943 Roscommon who usually play in blue will now avoid a clash of colours by wearing their new outfit of primrose with blue collars and cuffs. They have never reached an All Ireland Senior Final before but were Connaught Champions in 1905 1912 and 1915 they also won the Junior All Ireland as recently as 1940 and were All Ireland Minor Champions in 1939 and 1941.On the Cavan team selected at a meeting of the selection committee in Cherrybank House only Big Tom O Reilly remains from the 1933-1935 winning team while Paddy Boylan was an All Ireland winner in 1935. Cavan J D Benson E Finnegan Barney Cully PP Galligan Gerry Smith Big Tom O Reilly Captain Simon Deignan Mick Higgins and John Joe O Reilly Donald Morgan Paddy Smith Paddy Boylan T P O Reilly Joe Stafford and Seamus Maguire. Subs J W Martin B Kelly T Cahill H Rodgers J Keogan W Fitzpatrick Pat Clarke and G Darcy. The team will leave Cherrybank House on Saturday for Crossdoney Junction and travel to Dublin by train where they will stay in Barry’s Hotel. Both teams will be guests of the Theatre Royal at a Gala presentation in the theatre on Saturday night. Roscommon F Glynn J Cummins Will Jackson J P O Callaghan B Lynch Bill Carlos W Hennessy Liam Kilmartin Eamonn Boland Phelim Murray Jimmy Murray Captain Donal Keenan Dr D McDermott Frankie Kinlough and J McQuillan.In the build up to the game the Cavan Association in Dublin will hold a banquet for the team in the Gresham on Sunday night while later they are guests at the Ceilidhe in Rathmines Town Hall dancing 8-3 music by the Shamrock Ceilidhe Band  Cycle Park Trams 14 and 15 Admission 3/6.The Roscommon Reception will be held in the Mount Café with the President of Ireland and Roscommon native Douglas Hyde refusing an invitation to attend but sending best wishes and greetings. Andy McEntee in his summing up says that Cavan must not underestimate the newcomers from the West “mark your men cut out the solo runs let the ball do the work keep hand passing movements to a minimum and win the battle at centre field then Cavan are well on their way to their 3^rd All Ireland crown.”

October 2nd 1943 Cavan and Roscommon draw game of lost opportunities 1-6 each before a huge War time crowd of 68,023 who paid gate receipts of £5,314. Replay on October 10^th.With the Minister of Supplies restricting Roscommon and Cavan to 1 train each there were scenes of riots and stampede at Cavan Station as the train was rushed and extra carriages added. 54 young boys from De La Salle School under Brothers David were on board as a treat following the recent ceremonies in the new Cathedral. The return fare for adults was 16/- children half price. The wiser travelled by car saving coupons for weeks for the necessary petrol to complete the journey. The wisest of all decided to cycle and there was a huge influx of cyclists from North and West for the game. Cavan started brilliantly with Paddy Smith scoring a point from the throw in gradually they exerted the pressure and Roscommon seemed to have stage fright as Cavan led by 1-4 to 0-1 point after 20 minutes Cavan’s goal coming from Joe Stafford. They missed a bagful of scorable chances playing with the breeze into the Railway goal and should have been out of sight by half time Gradually Roscommon began to exert control at midfield with Eamonn Boland and Liam Gillmartin getting the measure of John Joe O Reilly and Mick Higgins. Cavan had to bring Big Tom to midfield to try and break their grip. Points from Liam Gillmartin and 2 points from Felim Murray from Knockroghery threw Roscommon a life line and left them trailing by 1-4 to 0-3 at the interval. Playing into the Railway goal and the advantage of a stiff breeze Roscommon went on the attack from the throw in and their captain Jimmy Murray had a great goal followed by a Donal Keenan point to tie the game at 1-4 each after 15 minutes of the 2^nd half. Roscommon sensed victory now and in the 18^th minute Phelim Murray sent over the lead point from play. In a rare Cavan attack Seamus Maguire secured possession and sent over a great Cavan point to leave the game 1-5 all after 20 minutes. Roscommon missed from play and frees in their anxiety to exert their superiority.Donal Keenan pointed a free after 27 minutes but Cavan were not finished yet and John Joe O Reilly sent over the equaliser with time almost up. In a last desperate attack Joe Stafford secured and was fouled within range of the goals the large Cavan crowd thought the referee was awarding a free in but he called for the ball and then summoned Jimmy Murray Captain of Roscommon and Big Tom the Cavan Captain telling them that the Central Council had decided at the last minute under pressure from the Government to play extra time if the teams were tied at full time because of the travel restrictions imposed by the Emergency. After briefly consulting with one another both captains refused the proposition and the replay was fixed for Sunday October 10^th.Staticistics

Frees                Wides

Cavan               17                     11

Roscommon      25                    17

Scorers Cavan Joe Stafford 1-2 Paddy Smith 0-2 Seamus Maguire and John Joe O Reilly 0-1 each 1-6 Roscommon Jimmy Murray 1-1 Phelim Murray 0-2 Donal Keenan 0-2 and Liam Gillmartin 0-1 1-6.Referee Sergeant P McKenna Dublin

October 9th 1943 From their headquarters at Cornafean Big Tom says we will do it this time the team are sharp and fitter than in the first game. The atmosphere and spirits within the camp are upbeat and Major Murphy Sergeant O Reilly and Willie Young are confident of victory. Andy McEntee says" play as a team there’s always something around the next corner no matter how bleak the outlook". The Selectors M J Magee P J Masterson Patsy Lynch J O Reilly Tom O Reilly (Mullahoran) J Maguire Templeport Louis Blessing Tom Gilroy and H L Smyth meeting on Sunday evening at Cornafean announced the following tram to play Roscommon Cavan J D Benson E Finnegan Barney Cully J Martin Gerry Smith Big Tom O Reilly Captain John Joe O Reilly Simon Deignan and T P O Reilly Donald Morgan Paddy Smith Mick Higgins Paddy Boylan Joe Stafford and H Rodgers. Subs B Kelly J Kerrigan T Cahill J Keogan Seamus Maguire W Fitzpatrick. Roscommon F Glynn J Cummins Will Jackson JP O Callaghan B Lynch Bill Carlos W O Hoare Liam Kilmartin Eamonn Boland Phelim Murray Jimmy Murray Captain Donal Keenan Dr D McDermott Frankie Kinlough and J McQuillan.The game will start at 3 sharp and 15 minutes extra time will be played if the teams are still locked. If weather favourable thousands of boys and girls are cycling to the game. Cavan team will attend the Ceilidhe in Rathmines Town Hall with music by Austin Stack Ceilidhe Band dancing 9-2 admission 3/6.

October 16th 1943 Roscommon brilliantly defeat Cavan in All Ireland Final Replay at Croke Park by 2-7 to 2-2 before a crowd of 47,196-20,830 less than at replay who paid gate receipts of .Roscommon supporters outnumbered the Cavan contingent 2-1 and the trains jammed only a few weeks ago were half empty with only 220 boarding at Cavan 50 in Ballyhaise arriving at Amiens Street at 12:20.The Westerners learnt more from the drawn game and the experience was telling despite only getting a 50/50 share of the ball at centre field.With 15 minutes remaining and Cavan launching a torrent of attacks to close the gap came the incident that both spoiled and decided the game when Cavan’s most dangerous forward Joe Stafford was hauled down rugby style by 2 Roscommon defenders lashing out at them in a bid to loosen their grip Owensie Hoare went down injured and sensationally the referee ordered Joe Stafford off despite his protests of innocence and refusal to be victimised. Big Tom O Reilly the Captain intervened and Stafford thus became the first man ever to be sent off in an All Ireland Final. Big Tom took the free awarded for the foul on Stafford and immediately afterwards Cavan again gained possession and John Joe O Reilly closed the gap to 3 points. Roscommon had the remaining scores and ran out deserving winners by 5 points. In the last play of the game Phelim Murray gained possession and boxed over the 7^th and last Roscommon point with the Cavan backs appealing to the referee that he was clearly in the square .In the melee that ensued the referee was assaulted. With the kick out came the final whistle and Roscommon deservedly became the 1943 All Ireland Champions The Artane Boys Band O Toole Pipers paraded the teams on a dull and threatening day. Cavan won the toss played with the wind defending the Canal End. After the crowd had stood and joined in the singing of the National Anthem and Faith of Our Fathers the referee P Mythem handed the ball to Most Rev Dr Walsh the Archbishop of Tuam who threw in the ball to start the All Ireland Final replay of 1943.With the slippery ball many of the players  wore gloves with showers falling before and during the game. Scorers for Roscommon Donal Keenan 0-5 Frankie Kinlough 1-1 Jim McQuillan 1-0 and Phelim Murray 0-1 Cavan Joe Stafford 1-0 Paddy Boylan 1-0 Tom O Reilly and J J O Reilly 0-1 each.Mr Gardiner NT President of the GAA presented the Sam Maguire Cup to Jimmy Murray the Captain of the Roscommon team who was chaired from the field by thousands of exuberant supporters. In his victory speech Jimmy Murray said that “Roscommon had waited over 50 years for this honour and after winning the Minor All Irelands of 1939 and 1940 together with the Junior All Ireland of 1940 they had moulded together a team worthy of the achievement”. He paid tribute to Cavan for a good sporting hard fought encounter over 2 games.

October 23rd 1943 M J Magee Chairman H L Smyth Secretary Tom O Reilly Captain Joe Stafford TP O Reilly and Barney Cully are summoned by the Central Council to a disciplinary hearing at Croke Park.Later it was learned that 2 of the Cavan players were suspended for life following the assault on the referee at the recent All Ireland Senior Final.

Cavan Team Defeated by Roscommon 1943-1944

Back Row (Left to Right) Barney Smith M J ‘Sonny’ Magee (Chairman Cavan County Board) Mick Higgins T P O Reilly John Joe O Reilly C Kelly Frank Comiskey Johnny Wilson Jack Boylan and Hugh L Smith ( Secretary Cavan County Board). Front Row (Left to Right) Michael Cully Seamus Morris Peter Paul Galligan Paddy Smith Simon Deignan Gerry Smith Eugene Finegan and Tony Tighes.

August 4th 1945 Cavan over run Fermanagh in Ulster Final 4-10 to 1-4 after leading at the interval by 1-6 to 1-2 at Saint Tiernach’s Park Clones. Cavan opened up in the 3^rd quarter and with 15 minutes to go the crowds were streaming to the exits. A large crowd paying gate receipts of £840 witnessed a well contested first half but Cavan’s class and experience were the deciding factors in a one sided second half.MJ Murtagh from Down was the referee while Canon Marron PP Clones threw in the ball to start the Final. All modes of conveyance were pressed into service including donkeys carts horse traps and thousands of boys and girls in the glorious sunshine cycling the short journey to Clones and back. Cavan will now play Wexford in the All Ireland Semi Final and the winners will play Cork who beat Galway 2-12 to 2-8 in the other Semi Final.The Cork team contains only 5 of the team that Cavan defeated in the All Ireland Semi Final of 1943.

August 25th 1945 Cavan beat Wexford 1-4 to 0-5 in the All Ireland Semi Final at Croke Park. Scorers for Cavan Joe Stafford 1-0 Simon Deignan 0-2 Mick Higgins 0-1 free and Peter Donohoe 0-1 overhead kick 1-4 Wexford P Kehoe 0-3 D O Neill 0-2.Brendan Nestor Galway was a fair and competent referee while the Artane Boys Band and Gorey Pipers paraded the teams.

Cavan will now go into collective training at Bingfield House Crossdoney courtesy of old loyal Gael J Maguire.

September 1st 1945 G N R announce passenger service to the All Ireland Final on Sunday September 23^rd while G S R has ceased passenger services from Cavan Station “which is a further manifestation of its incompetence”.Mullahoran retain their Senior County title in a very disappointing final against Bailieboro Shamrocks 3-8 to 1-4 at Breffni Park after leading by 2-3 to 1-2 at the interval.Mullahoran had 5 of the Senior county team on duty and Patsy Lynch presented the Plunkett Cup to veteran Tom O Reilly at the conclusion where Herbie Clegg was as usual a sound referee Louis Mallon and Bartley Smith operated the scoreboard in a most efficient manner. Cavan Labour Band paraded the teams and played the National Anthem before the game. Cavan have a number of challenge games lined up including Roscommon the reigning Champions at Hyde Park and Meath at Breffni Park in preparation for the Final.

September 15th 1945  G N R are making arrangements to carry over 900 on passenger train from Cavan on September 23^rd leaving at 7:30 and returning at 6:30.To facilitate those travelling to the game Masses will be celebrated in the Cathedral from 6:30.The team will be guests of the Cavan Association at a Banquet in Clery’s with dinner at 6:30 admission 10/-.The team will later attend a Ceilidhe in Rathmines Town Hall with dancing 9-3 to the Austin Stack Ceilidhe Band. The team continue their training at Bingfield House under Hughie O Reilly and John McGeough Masseur rising at 8:30 full list of physical activities rest and massage before rosary and lights out at 11.Chef Tommy Smith from Emmett Place is in charge of the kitchen and all the players and staff are loud in their praise of the quality of his cooking and the general accommodation at Bingfield House.

September 22nd 1945  Cavan team selected at meeting in Bingfield House Brendan Kelly Bailieboro Tom O Reilly Cornafean Captain Barney Cully Arva PP Galligan Cornafean John Wilson Mullahoran John Joe O Reilly The Curragh Paddy Smith Stradone A Tighe Mountnuggent Simon Deignan Mullagh A Comiskey Mick Higgins Mountnuggent T P O Reilly Ballyconnell Joe Stafford Killinkere Peter Donohoe Kilnaleck PJ Duke Stradone.Subs Jack Boylan J W Martin PA O Reilly Owen Roe McGovern T Casserly Phil Brady Dessie Reilly.9 of the players are past pupils of Saint Patrick’s College and Jack Boylan of Mullahoran makes way for A Comiskey in the only personnel change of the team who beat Wexford in the Semi Final. Cork M O Driscoll D Magnier P Murphy C Cronin P Cronin T Crowley D O Connor F Donovan Eamonn Young Eamonn Casey Harry O Neill Michael Tubridy Jack Lynch John Cronin Derry Beckett Cavan will leave for Dublin from Crossdoney by bus on Saturday where they will make their headquarters in The Belvedere Hotel Great Denmark Street.

September 29th 1945 Cavan’s Bold Bid Bad Luck. Great game with Cork. Big blow before the game when Mick Higgins cries off after suffering injury in training. Cavan playing with wind and sun defended the Canal goals in the firs half but were led at the interval by 1-4 to 0-5 before a crowd of 67,329 who paid gate receipts of £5,558.The gates were closed 2 hours before the throw in with thousands clamouring for admission. The Cork supporters were in the ascendancy-many of the Cavan supporters failed to travel and the train from Cavan was only half full with 420 leaving from the town-many opted to stay at home and listen to the broadcast because of the severe weather conditions with thunder and lightning throughout the morning and another major factor was the relatively high return ticket priced at 16/10.Prersident Sean T O Kelly on his arrival at Croke Park was escorted across the pitch to his seat by Seamus Gardiner NT President of the GAA and Padraic O Keeffe Secretary of the GAA.Bands in attendance were Cavan Labour Saint Malachy’s Belfast Cork Volunteer Pipers Saint Laurence O Toole and the Artane Boy’s Band who paraded the teams and played the traditional Faith of Our Father and the National Anthem. Cavan won the toss and elected to play with the strong breeze and sun in the first half defending the Canal goal. In the first half controversy surrounded the great goal scored by Simon Deignan in the 30^th minute which was flagged and put up on scoreboard before members of the Cork team surrounded the referee who then went back in to consult his umpires who crossed the flags to disallow a perfectly legitimate goal because the half time whistle had sounded when the ball was on its way to the net. Cavan were in the ascendancy for long periods but failed to convert their superiority into scores and more often than not shot for goals or sent wide from favourable positions. Cork on the other hand snapped up every chance that came their way and their 2 goals one early in the game by Tubridy and the second one by Derry Beckett when they broke away following a period of sustained Cavan pressure in the closing minutes proved decisive and decided the game. Cavan had 10 50s 4 in the first half while Cork had one in each half. After great work by Duke and Stafford T P O Reilly had the first point for Cavan after 3 minutes. Cork swept downfield and 2 of the Cavan defenders collided and Tubridy stole in to score Cork’s first goal after 3 minutes. In the 9^th minute Tony Tighe received a great delivery by John Wilson to score Cavan’s second point. Then Peter Donohoe fetched a great ball to place Stafford for another Cavan point 1-0 to 0-3 after 12 minutes play. Play swung to the Canal goal and Derry Beckett sent over from 15 yards after Eamonn Young was fouled 15 yards out.Tubridy who was giving Big Tom a lot of problems sped through to score another Cork point on 20 minutes. All Cork at this stage and Peter Paul Galligan’s clearance was blocked down by Harry O Neill who again sped past a ponderous Big Tom for another Cork point and necessitated Barney Cully switching places with Big Tom. Peter Donohoe was causing problems to the Cork defence and when he was pulled down away out on the sideline Joe Stafford brilliantly converted the free. Then Tubridy again receiving from a clearance by Jack Lynch went on a solo run and shot over a glorious Cork point for a 4 point lead. In the 28^th minute the very sound Paddy Smith made another great clearance that found T P O Reilly who scored a beautiful Cavan point. Cavan in a bid to close the gap before half time forced 2 50s before John Joe O Reilly found Simon Deignan who cut through the Cork defence shooting low and hard past O Driscoll for a great Cavan goal which was subsequently disallowed to the amazement and disappointment of the Cavan followers Cork 1-4 Cavan 0-5.Cork playing with the wind and sun attacked the Railway goal from the throw in and Derry Beckett sent over a great Cork point and a 5 point lead. Cavan swung into the attack with Donohoe Stafford and Jack Boylan prominent before placing Stafford who shot low and hard but brilliantly saved by O Driscoll.Cavan swept back into the attack and after sustained pressure Stafford shot over from 20 yards. Further Cavan points followed until the 15^th minute of the second half Cavan were only 2 point behind. Cavan wasted 2 50s and a 40 yards free with Lynch and O Driscoll resolute in the Cork defence. Tony Tighe and Simon Duignan were wide after great work by John Joe O Reilly. Cavan forced another 50 but Jack Boylan was wide again. Then Comiskey who was playing well at centre field found Stafford going through the Cork defence pulled down for a free which he converted himself to leave 1 point between the sides with 3 minutes left for play. Cavan committed all their players forward in search of the equaliser or even winner but a smart clearance by the Cork defence found Cavan napping and Derry Beckett stole in to beat the Cavan keeper for the winning goal for Cork on 30 minutes. John Dunne Ballinasloe who was an impartial referee but failed to punish the Cork pulling tactics and his decision to disallow the Cavan goal at the end of the 1^st half will forever remain a mystery. Cork 2-5 Cavan 0-7.Cavan Brendan Kelly Bailieboro Tom O Reilly Captain Cornafean PP Galligan Cornafean Barney Cully Arva John Wilson Mullahoran Cmdt John Joe O Reilly Cornafean Paddy Smith Stradone Tony Tighe Mountnuggent Simon Deignan Mullagh T P O Reilly Templeport A Comaskey Mullahoran Jack Boylan Mullahoran Joe Stafford Killinkere Peter Donohoe Kilnaleck and P J Duke Stradone.Subs J W Martin Templeport P A O Reilly Templeport Owen Roe McGovern Swanlinbar T Casserly Bailieboro Dessie O Reilly Stradone and Phil Brady Mullahoran.

Defeated Finalists 1945 Back Row (Left to Right) Hugh L Smyth (Secretary Cavan County Board) Dessie O Reilly Owen Roe McGovern Peadar Doyle Phil Brady Johnny Wilson Peter Paul Galligan Peter Donohoe Tony Tighe Brendan Kelly Mick Higgins Barney Cully Hughie O Reilly J W Martin Frank Comiskey. Front Brian O Reilly Paddy Smith Jack Boylan P J Duke ‘Big Tom’ O Reilly (Captain) Simon Deignan T  P O Reilly John Joe O Reilly P Reilly and Joe Stafford.

 Polo Grounds New York 1947 It took two hard games for Cavan to overcome a young fit spirited Monaghan team in the 1^st Round of the Ulster Championship. In the first game at Breffni Park they drew level with Cavan with just a minute left. Then Cavan were awarded a penalty. John Joe O Reilly shot for a goal and the Monaghan goalie saved to leave the final score Cavan 0-9 Monaghan 1-6 The replay was even more exciting than the drawn encounter.The teams were level six times in the hour but Cavan pulled away with two points from Edwin Carolan before Val Gannon made a brilliant save to deny Monaghan in the closing minute of the game Cavan 1-11 Monaghan 1-9. These two games did much to mould Cavan into a winning team. They easily accounted for Tyrone in Dungannon 4-5 to 0-2 in the Ulster Semi Final Over 30,000 travelled to Clones and braved torrential rain to witness the 1947 Ulster Final between the defending Champions Antrim and Cavan. Cavan had undergone Collective Training for the game and tore into Antrim looking for revenge for their 1946 defeat  Cavan led by 3-2 to 0-2 at the interval. But the game was far from over with Antrim fighting back to score 1-4 against a single point by Cavan. With 5 minutes to go and Antrim rampant but inclined to over play the ball when scores were there for the taking Cavan tore up field for Peter Donohoe to score a point that left Cavan safe and give them a 3-2 to 1-6 winning tally. Cavan were back in training in The Imperial Hotel (Byers) Ballyjamesduff where Hughie O Reilly and Johnny McGeough Masseur put them through their paces from 7:30 am the morning to lights out at 10:30. for the All Ireland Semi Final against the raging hot favourites Roscommon whom Cavan had never beaten in the Championship and who were unlucky to concede a replay and the title to Kerry in 1946.Roscommon totally underestimated Cavan and were so confident of victory that a presentation was made to each of the players of a suit length suitable for the hot humid New York weather. When news of this reached Cavan, players and supporters alike were doubly determined to see the Primrose and Blue hammered for their arrogance. As Mick Higgins was leaving the field of play after beating Roscommon he remarked to the nearby Phelim Murray“Phelim you will hardly have much use for that suit length now”!. All over the county the Cavan colours were everywhere and there was the air of a Final about the game with over 60,000 in attendance. Fast furious uncompromising and extremely exciting game. Cavan raced into a 3 point lead before the Roscommon team exerted complete control at centre field where Eamonn Boland and Mick Culhane were rampant. Cavan had experienced trouble all through their campaign with a weak centre field. Approaching half time Cavan made the switch that won the game moving Tony Tighe and Mick Higgins to centre field and Phil Gunner Brady and Donegal native Columba McDyer to the three quarter line. With the scores 0-3 0-3 each approaching half time Tighe collected the ball soloed through the Roscommon defence to place Peter Donohoe who crashed the ball to the net to leave Cavan ahead 1-3 to 0-3 at the interval. Cavan continued to attack in the second half playing great interchange football but the Roscommon defence stood resolute with Jackson Casserly and Brendan Lynch magnificent. Cavan had little to show for their dominance and beautiful team work until the 19^th minute when Tony Tighe took a pass from T P O Reilly and careered towards the Roscommon goal. His shot from nearly 30 yards hit the stauncheon at the back of the goal and rebounded back into play as the umpire waved the green flag to signal one of the greatest goals ever scored in Croke Park. Roscommon tried their best to come on terms but were hindered by an injury to Jimmy Murray (Knockroghery) the pivot of their attack and a disallowed goal by Jack McQuillan.Great display by Cavan winning 2-4 to 0-6 and awaiting the winners of the Meath Kerry game at Headquarters on the following Sunday. Cavan Val Gannon Mullahoran Willie Doonan Cavan Harps Brian O Reilly Mullahoran Paddy Smith Stradone John Wilson Mullahoran Cmdt J J O Reilly Captain Curragh Lieutenant Simon Deignan Mullagh Phil Brady Mullahoran Columba McDyer Cavan Slashers Tony Tighe Mountnuggent Mick Higgins Mountnuggent T P O Reilly Ballyconnell Joe Stafford Arva Peter Donohoe Mountnuggent Edwin Carolan Mullagh.John Wilson replaced PJ Duke injured in the Ulster Final.The sense of euphoria and celebration far outweighed anything experienced before and Cavan returned to a heroes welcome on Monday night where over 3,000 were on hand to form a parade led by the Drumcrave and Cavan Labour Bands to the Market Square where bonfires burnt in celebration the stars and stripes and the tricolour were flying from nearly every building and the town bedecked in blue and white. The following night Tuesday the team were welcomed by a further 3,000 people in Ballyjamesduff where they had trained for both the Ulster Final and All Ireland Semi Final.Lavey Band led the parade to the Imperial Hotel with speeches by Tony Tighe T P O Reilly and Patsy Lynch Chairman of the County Board. Throughout all the celebrations Hughie O Reilly sounded a note of caution saying “we have won nothing yet-we won’t be satisfied until we win the blue riband of gaelic football in New York on September 14^th.

August 16th 1947 Roscommon Herald in its report of the game acknowledge that Cavan were the superior team in the Semi Final and wishes them good luck in the Final against Kerr in New York. “ We look forward to meting you and beating you again in the near future”! The Meath Chronicle praise the leadership on and off the field of John Joe O Reilly and says Cavan were tuned up the limit both individually and as a team. Despite the presence of the Artane Boys Band and Most Rev Dr Kyne Bishop of Meath throwing in the ball Meath were soundly beaten by Kerry in the second Semi Final 1-11 to 0-5 before a record crowd of 65,000.That night a Banquet was held in Clery’s Restaurant for the victorious Kerry team with Very Rev T Canon Lyne presiding who attributed Kerry’s great win to the generosity of Dennis Guiney owner of Clery’s and said that no 2 better teams could represent Ireland in New York than Cavan and Kerry. The following day they made the final arrangements for their trip to New York and returned to full time training in Killarney on the Tuesday. In making arrangements for the trip to New York Cavan County Board met with Patsy Lynch presiding. He told them that both teams could bring 22 players an increase of 1 and 4 Officials. Despite manoeuvres to have PJ Masterson Cornafean included it was decided that the two officials would be The Secretary H L Smith and Chairman Patsy Lynch.M J Magee seconded by Andy O Brien Ulster Council proposed that Cavan would go back in to training in Ballyjamesduff for a period of 10 days under Hughie O Reilly and Johnny McGeough.Tommy Gilroy Stradone seconded by Tommy Meehan Cavan Slashers proposed that the Cavan party of 26 would include the key figures of Hughie Reilly and Johnny McGeough and that Jim Duignan brother of Lieutenant Simon Deignan be included. The two teams would fly out from Rinnana on Monday 8^th September while the rest of the party would leave Cobh on the Mauritania on the 3^rd September. It was decided to apply to the Ulster Council for a grant of £300 towards the Players Welfare Fund.MJ Sonny Magee Ulster Council said that he wished to congratulate Cavan and assure them of the support of all Ulster undivided. He was confident that “when they met again he would be welcoming Cavan back to these shores as the new All Ireland Champions!” During the time that they were away PJ Masterson Vice Chairman and Paddy Reilly Athbara would be at the helm of affairs at home. Meanwhile the GAA issued a statement saying that the Goal Umpires would be the Provincial Secretaries Gerry Arthurs Armagh H O Mahony Cork J Bannon Sligo and T Kilcoyne Galway while Martin O Neill Wexford would referee the game. The two linesmen would be chosen in New York by Padraic O Keefe Secretary General of the GAA who said that a crowd of 55,000 was expected and trains would run from all the Eastern cities as far away as Boston. The pitch at the Polo Grounds was 25 yards shorter and 10 yards narrower than Croke Park while the nets were being supplied and brought to the States from Saint Brendan’s Club in Birr County Offaly. Meanwhile Radio Eireann announced that their commentator Michéal O Hehir was flying out to New York and would broadcast the game which is set to begin at 8:30 Irish time. Transmission will begin at 7 with a special feature entitled ‘60 years of Gaelic Games’ narrated and produced by Patrick Purcell. The live broadcast will begin with a recital from the 280 piece New York Police Band.

 August 30th 1947 Val Gannon Brian O Reilly Edwin Carolan Peter Donohoe Joe Stafford John Wilson  Paddy Smith Simon Deignan Phil Brady Columba McDyer Tony Tighe Mick Higgins TP O Reilly PJ Duke  Hughie O Reilly and Johnny McGeough would all fly from Rinnana on Monday 8^th September while John Joe O Reilly and his wife Olive would fly out on the following morning Tuesday the 9h September. The party travelling from Cobh on September 3^rd are Terry Sheridan Owen Roe McGovern Willie Doonan John Joe Cassidy Tom O Reilly E Teevan Brendan Kelly Jim Duignan Patsy Lynch Chairman and Hughie Smith Treasurer. Only Willie Doonan of the selected team decided to travel by boat. The return trip will be on the much more luxurious and faster Queen Mary which will put into Dun Laoghaire on Friday 12^th October. Hughie O Reilly Cavan Trainer was born in Cork City in 1902 and played football and hurling there until the death of his father who was a native of Tullyvin.Returned there with his mother and brother Tommy well known Cootehill referee. Played with Laragh Rovers and was a member of the Cavan All Ireland winning team of 1927.Played in the All Ireland Final of 1928 when Cavan leading by 2 points were beaten by a ball thrown into their net by the Lily Whites.Centrefield in 1933 and Captain in 1935 when Cavan won their only two All Ireland titles. Trained Monaghan in 1930 and Cavan in 1945 when they gifted the All Ireland to Cork.He is a man of limitless energy and an accomplished hurler. Hughie is a Road Ganger with Cavan County Council The Masseur John ‘Johnny’ McGeough was born in Castleblayney and came to prominence as a Postman in Scotland. In 1890 he was best athlete in Post Services Sports from 600 yards to 5 miles.7 times Scottish mile record holder and twice 2^nd in AAA Championships at Crystal Palace. Best time for the mile of 4:44 while his 4 mile record stands at 21:06.Mile Champion of Ireland and Scotland in 1907.He had 30 major championships to this credit when he retired in 1911.He reports that all the Cavan players are co-operating wholeheartedly and successfully to the gruelling training. Andy McEntee of the Anglo Celt  states that when visiting the Hotel in Ballyjamesduff he was struck by the harmony in the camp and Hughie O Reilly reported all were fit eager and ready to battle. Hughie Reilly says” the team are now fitter mentally and physically than for the Semi Final with a regime that starts at 7 Am with a 5 mile walk and physical exercise ball practice and sprinting before  Rosary and lights out at 10:30 pm.Hughie says they are a great bunch of lads easy to coach and very focused on the task ahead. They should be good enough for good news on the radio from New York on September 14^th”!.The big bombshell was that Columba McDyer was getting married in Ballina Conty Mayo on the following Wednesday but would be definitely flying out with the team on Monday 8^th September. Andy McEntee in his build up for the game warns Cavan to have 1 if not 2 good place kickers available and on target as the pitch being 25 yards shorter will afford more than the usual quota of scorable frees.

September 6th 1947 Good news for Cavan as PJ Duke injured in the Ulster Final is declared fit to play in the All Ireland Final at the Polo Grounds New York. To accommodate PJ Edwin Carolan drops to the bench and will wear the Number 16 shirt. Team Val Gannon Mullahoran Willie Doonan Cavan Harps Brian O Reilly Mullahoran Paddy Smith Stradone John Wilson Mullahoran Cmdt JJ O Reilly Captain Curragh Simon Deignan Mullagh PJ Duke Stradone Phil Brady Mullahoran Tony Tighe Mountnuggent Mick Higgins Mountnuggent Columba McDyer Cavan Slashers Joe Stafford  Peter Donohoe Mountnuggent and TP O Reilly Ballyconnell.Subs Edwin Carolan Mullagh Terry Sheridan JJ Cassidy Arva O Roe McGovern Templeport Tom O Reilly Cornafean E Tiernan Brendan Kelly Bailiebrorough Jim Duignan Mullagh.

September 13th 1947 Cavan and Kerry teams leave for New York on board the Mauritania on Wednesday September 3^rd arriving in New York on Monday September 8^th to be greeted by scorching heat. Many of the players were completely taken back and were heard to say “how can we play football in this heat”?. Leaving Ballyjamesduff where the town was en fete and the entire population came out to bid them adieu they later arrived in Dublin as guests of the GAA to witness one of the great hurling All Ireland Finals in which Kilkenny beat Cork by a point. They later had tea in Lawlor’s of Naas before heading for Limerick where they were welcomed by former Cavan and Slashers great Colonel JP Murphy. Accommodation was not available but they stayed over in Ennis County Clare and returned to Rinnana the following day where they were guests at a luncheon hosted by Rev Canon Hamilton PP Newmarket on Fergus who had proposed at Congress that the All Ireland Football Final of 1947 be played in New York to honour those who died or emigrated during the Great Famine. There to see off the Cavan contingent were Dr Phil Carroll Medical Adviser to the team Donal Morgan old Cavan footballer Donal Brady Ballyjamesduff Miss Tighe sister of Tony Ernie McPhilips Virginia while Danny O Rourke Ballyhaise went ahead by ship. The remainder flew from Rineanna the following Monday September 8^th leaving at 6:25 pm and arriving in New York at 11:25 pm Irish time on Tuesday after a gruelling 29 hour flight via Santa Maria in the Andores Gander and Boston they finally reached New York.They were all given a typical New York welcome with a cavalcade of 30 cars headed by 18 cops on red motor cycles with screaming sirens driving through 7 miles of main streets. In Broadway confetti and ticker tape drifted down from 40 storey buildings. At the City  Hall they were received by Mayor Bill O Dwyer a native of Bohola County Mayo and a crowd of 5,000 people. He welcomed them as ambassadors of Ireland. The New York Police Band played Irish airs and Sean Feeney the well known Irish tenor sang ‘The Rose of Tralee’ while Frank Ryan sang ‘Come Back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff’ The procession then proceeded to the Hotel Roosevelt for an official luncheon. After a good night’s rest the two teams limbered up Kerry at Gaelic Park and Cavan at Cortland Park where both teams reported a clean bill of health. It was announced that a film would be made of the game and be on general release on the 20^th September while extra time would be played if the game was being drawn after 60 minutes.

September 20th 1947 On the morning of the match the two teams and officials attended High Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral where they were officially welcomed from the pulpit by Rt Rev Monsignor Flannelly on behalf of his Eminence Cardinal Spellman as “sporting ambassadors of Ireland whose sons and daughters had built this great Cathedral which was a monument to the faith and generosity of the millions of Irish that sought refuge in this great land. The altar speaks of 700 years of religious persecution for our faith and as visiting Irish athletes you can be proud of the great Irish people who came here and built this great Cathedral.” Afterwards the visiting party were introduced to Cardinal Spellman of New York. Each of the party kissed his ring and he spoke to each one of them asking their county of origin in Ireland. He gave to each of them a Miraculous medal when Willie Doonan received his he whispered to the nearby Mick Higgins “I hope we get the real medal this evening”. In attendance was Monsignor Middleton Fathers James Griffith Edwin Roderick Thomas Donnellan and Charles McManus (All Irish apart from English born Monsignor Midleton) Despite reports to the contrary it was a scorching hot day with only a slight breeze as the two teams emerged from the Dressing Rooms at 3:15 American time to be greeted by the 280 New York Police Band and 2 Pipe Bands who paraded the teams playing O Donnell Abu and The Minstrel Boy. There followed the singing of Faith of Our Fathers The Star Spangled Banner and the Irish National Anthem. The pitch was brown rock hard with very little green grass and was watered by watering cart just an hour before the game. A crowd of 34,941 paid gate receipts of $ 152,000 (£38,000) The two teams lined out as selected Cavan Team Val Gannon Mullahoran Willie Doonan Cavan Harps Brian O Reilly Mullahoran Paddy Smith Stradone John Wilson Mullahoran Cmdt JJ O Reilly Captain Curragh Simon Deignan Mullagh PJ Duke Stradone Phil Brady Mullahoran Tony Tighe Mountnuggent Mick Higgins Mountnuggent Columba McDyer Cavan Slashers Joe Stafford Killinkere Peter Donohoe Mountnuggent and TP O Reilly Ballyconnell.Subs Edwin Carolan Mullagh Terry Sheridan Killinkere JJ Cassidy Arva O Roe McGovern Swanlinbar Tom O Reilly Cornafean E Tiernan Templeport Brendan Kelly Bailiebrorough

 Kerry Dan O Keefe D Lyne Captain Lieutenant Joe Keohane Paddy Bawn Brosnan Jackie Lyne D Carey Eddie Walsh Eddie Dowling E Gaga O Connor T O Sullivan D Kavanagh Bat Garvey F O Keefe Tom O Connor and Paddy Kennedy. Kerry started like a whirlwind and registered a wide from the throw in. Tom O Connor had a point for Kerry after 3 minutes and after a 30 yards solo run Garvey sliced open the Cavan defence to shoot a great goal for Kerry after only 5 minutes. In their 1^st  attack Peter Donohoe gained possession and was pulled down taking the free and the point himself to open the scoring for Cavan after 6 minutes. After a Kerry attack was broken up Cavan swept back downfield when John Wilson side stepped Garvey to find Higgins who was pulled down as he headed for goal Peter Donohoe pointed the resultant free after 7 minutes. Play swung quickly back up field and Tom O Connor fielded brilliantly lost his marker and gave Val Gannon no chance in the Cavan goal. Kerry were now ahead by 7 points and many of the spectators in the white shirted crowd wondered how Cavan ever got to the Final. Despite trogan work by Willie Doonan who cleared his lines twice before Tom O Connor had the now vociferous Kerry support on its feet again after 9 minutes when he shot another point after O Keefe had been fouled to give Kerry an 8 point lead-time for drastic action and Hughie O Reilly was ringing the switches bringing 19 year old Tony Tighe and Mick Higgins to centre field in place of Phil Brady and PJ Duke the latter taking over from John Wilson to mark the mercurial Batt Garvey who had been involved in all of Kerry’s scores. From a beautiful fetch and pass by Tighe Columba McDyer shot a brilliant Cavan point but Eddie O Connor quickly replied with a Kerry point after a flash of genius by the Kerry forward line interchanging at speed. Then Higgins found McDyer who found Donohoe soling through the Kerry cover before being dragged down for a free which he converted himself.Tighe was now supreme at midfield and after a brilliant catch set off at speed on his own for the Kerry goal only to be pulled down Peter Donohoe converting the resultant free. Tighe then caught the kick out brilliantly placed Joe Stafford for a great Cavan goal. Cavan were now rampant and had shaken off their early lethargy and then Duke placed Phil Brady who found Tighe who passed to Donohoe who placed the in running Mick Higgins for the goal of the Championship in the 28^th minute and brought the entire Polo Grounds to its feet to acclaim a wonderful score. Cavan were all over Kerry now and missed several chances of scores before the half time whistle sounded with Cavan ahead 2-5 to 2-4.During the interval Mayor O Dwyer of New York addressed the Irish people listening to the broadcast saying “it was a pleasure to see this game here to day. Since emigrating from Ireland I have longed to see the All Ireland Final played in my adopted city of New York. Both teams are a credit to Ireland”. The President of the GAA Dan O Rourke a native of Roscommon said as he looked out on the Polo Grounds “it was a wonderful sight with spectators witnessing a wonderful game –one of the greatest ever in the history of the GAA”. Cavan were first out of he dressing rooms after showering changing and drinking copious amounts of water at half time with the words of Hughie O Reilly ringing in their ears “you are in the lead and well fit to win it now” and Kerry making them wait in the sweltering sun for a lengthy period before emerging in their green and gold jersies and white baseball caps. Cavan were on the attack from the thrown in but repulsed by determined Kerry defending then Kerry swept up field only for Kavanagh to be fouled by John Joe Reilly with Tom O Connor shooting the equaliser after 2 minutes play. From Doonan’s long kick out Donohoe fetched and passed to Higgins who was pulled down in flight and Donohoe converted the free to give Cavan a 2-6 to 2-5 lead. From the kick out Tony Tighe went high to fetch and was nearly killed when Brosnan and Eddie Casey caught him in a sandwich but Tighe passed on to Higgins clean through only to be denied by a great save from Dan O Keefe who was lucky not to be charged across the line by the inrushing TP O Reilly. In the next minute Higgins again fielded and was pulled down only for Peter Donohoe to send over another Cavan point 2-7 to 2-5.Following great work by JJ O Reilly TP O Reilly was in on goal when pulled down and Donohoe converted the free 2-8 to 2-5.After prolonged Cavan pressure Kerry broke away and Gaga O Connor scored a beautiful point for the Kingdom 2-8 to 2-6.In the sweltering heat the younger fitter Cavan team ran riot and dominated play. After 3 more Cavan wides Higgins sent over 2 beautiful points from play in the 26^th and 28^th minute 2-10 to 2-6.After great play by the Cavan forwards in which Higgins was pulled down when heading for goal Peter Donohoe had the final point for Cavan. Kerry true to their reputation stormed up field looking for a goal but their only reward was a consolation Gaga O Connor point after great work by Doonan Smith Duke and JJ O Reilly who sent Cavan on the attack again. The Final whistle saw winners and vanquished in sporting embrace of each other. They had played a classic All Ireland Final and thrilled the spectators in the Polo Grounds and the millions listening to Micheal O Hehir’s commentary all over Ireland. Martin O Neill of Wexford was a fair impartial referee who let the game ebb and flow to its conclusion. Figures of the game showed that Cavan scored 2 goals 11 points to Kerry’s 2 goals and 7 points shooting 12 wides to Kerry’s 9 they had 2 50s none for Kerry and were awarded 18 frees to Kerry’s 15.The members of the victorious Cavan team were carried to the dressing rooms on the shoulders of proud Cavan emigrants who milled around the dressing room to acclaim their heroes particularly Peter Donohoe Mick Higgins Tony Tighe PJ Duke Captain John Joe O Reilly and Willie Doonan as they made their way to the coach and back to their headquarters in the Roosevelt Hotel. Scorers for Cavan Mick Higgins 1-2 Joe Stafford 1-0 Peter Donohoe 0-8 and Columba McDyer 0-1.Kerry Garvey 1-0 Eddie Dowling 1-0 Gaga O Connor 0-5 Paddy Kennedy and Tom O Connor 0-1 each. Kerry used 4 subs while Cavan used none At the Commodore Hotel 1,400 attended the official banquet of turkey and trimmings. The Officers of the GAA sat at the top table Mr McNamara President of the New York GAA presided and the toastmaster was Pat O Dwyer brother of the Lord Mayor. Before the speeches which lasted for over 3 hours Cavan were presented with their All Ireland medals while the speakers initially congratulated the teams and organisation the speeches took on a more political hue with impassioned pleas for an end to partition. John Joe Sheehy of Kerry said “we have our games our culture our language we appeal to this great power that is the USA to intervene and restore our country”. A sentiment echoed by many speakers including the President of the Munster Council Denis O Mahoney. In Ireland people listened to the games at home in pubs and in dance halls throughout the country. When the final whistle went they poured out on to streets laneways and rural roads embracing neighbours friends and even enemies whom thy had not spoken to for years in unbridled joy at the wonderful tidings from America. In the Magnet Cinema in Cavan Jimmy McCormack the Projectionist kept the customers happy by improvising slides which superimposed on the film the latest score when the final result came up hundreds rushed out to join the thousands of people dancing in the streets with bonfires blazing at every vantage point. Throughout the North whole families gathered around the wireless enthralled by the New York Pipe Band playing O Donnell Abu The Minstrel Boy and the singing of Faith of Our Fathers Amhrain Na Fiann and The Star Spangled Banner. Many poured into the streets shouting “Up Cavan and Up Ulster”. Thousands poured out of houses in the Falls Road after the broadcast ended soon after 10 embracing and shouting “Up Cavan Up Ulster” while many of the houses sported Cavan and Ulster flags. The crowd was swelled by people returning from cinemas clubs and dances and rejoicing went on until well after midnight. Meanwhile back in New York the following day both teams had a long lie in and were served a hearty breakfast around midday. All the players were fit and well and no serious injuries were reported from the Cavan or Kerry squads. Arthur Daly in the New York Times acclaimed both teams for their sporting behaviour in a tough spectacular all action encounter. “Donohoe is the Babe Ruth of Gaelic Football. He is Dead Eye Dick with his accurate kicking. Cavan were younger and fitter and able to carry their hand passing game with speed and deadly accuracy while Kerry with their more direct approach of catch and kick played into the hands of the Cavan defence. It was amazing and uplifting to see two teams after kicking the stuffing out of one another go over and embrace one another at the end of a great Final. If it was here they would surely each want to land another blow.Tighe of Cavan came in for dog’s abuse knocked out three times he came back for more each time. Outside the stadium an impromptu Fleadh Cheoil took place with musician singers and dancers displaying the custom and traditions of Ireland oblivious to the deafening roars of the nearby subway”. Harold Rosenthal in the Herald Tribune says “The name Donohoe 23 year old Publican’s Assistant rang out all over New York and throughout Ireland last night to acclaim the Cavan sharpshooter who was instrumental in landing Cavan’s 3^rd Senor All Ireland title. Long afternoon of fierce battling in unrelenting heat where hard knocks were the order of the day and each embraced friend and foe at the end of the game”. Chris Kiernan in The Daily News said that “Cavan completely outplayed out kicked and out manoeuvred their opposition after a very shaky start. Bruising battle complete with sustained fast action and reckless play” Wedger Meagher brother of the famous Laurey Meagher of Kilkenny writing in the Daily Mirror “Cavan played a brilliant type of football in electric atmosphere cheered on by ecstatic crowd after a disastrous start. Kerry relied too much on their traditional catch and kick which was easily dealt with by a sound Cavan defence”. The Irish World said “it was a glorious game and glorious victory clean tough and fast it was well refereed” The Irish Echo said “it was a great game with the better team winning. Important in the fight against partition that victory should go to Ulster this year” As Mick Higgins said many years later “this was the experience of a lifetime the enthusiasm and generosity of our hosts was incredible we were treated like Royalty”. On Monday both teams were guests of City Commissioner Nolan at a lavish Reception at City Hall. On Tuesday many of the party went to visit relatives or went to the seaside at Brockway Beach where they were the centre of attention and acclamation. Wednesday was a visit to the City Police Headquarters where they were entertained by the Commissioner as honoured guests of New York City. In the afternoon they journeyed out of town to visit West Point Military Academy which was of particular interest to Cmdt JJ O Reilly Lieutenant Joe Keohane and Lieutenant Simon Deignan.They were accorded a warm welcome by the thousands of young cadets and were guests of the Military High Command. The highlight of Thursday was a motor boat tour of the harbour taking in all the islands that make up New York and visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. On Friday night there was a challenge game under artificial light at Gaelic Park between a Cavan/Kerry Selection and New York after which the Cavan team were guests of honour of the Cavan Association in New York Annul Dinner where they were the recipients of a special presentation. On Saturday night the Kerrymen’s Association had their team as special guests at their Annual Dinner when each member of the team was presented with solid gold watches. Meanwhile back at home Micheal O Hehir’s broadcast is acclaimed as one of the greatest acts of communication and skill in the history of Irish broadcasting and ensures his place in Irish folklore. Thousands of telegrams continue to pour in among them Bishop Lyons Mr Tighe Bank Manager Ballyjamesduff DT Dwane Cavan Post Office Michael J Smith Town Clerk on behalf of the people of Cavan town Paddy O Reilly Treasurer Cavan County Board Andy McEntee Breffni Bar 57 Main Street and President of Cavan GAA on behalf of the Gaels of Breffni Brother Dermot Bagenalstown and formerly De La Salle Cavan Miss Mary Brady Chairman Cavan UDC and Paddy Smith TD Chairman Cavan County Council. The only casualty was John Sexton former Cavan and Monaghan footballer who cycled to Killadoon on Sunday to referee the Cornafean V Mullahoran League encounter to be informed that the game had been cancelled John returned to his caretaker’s house in Breffni Park in good time for the broadcast from New York. In Croke Park Tyrone won their first All Ireland Minor title beating Mayo 4-4 to 4-3 after trailing by 4-2 to 0-2 at the interval. Star of the show was Eddie Devlin a student at Saint Patrick’s College Armagh. An early McCaffrey goal in the 2^nd half grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat and ensured an Ulster double for the very first time. Team M Bradley L Campbell R McNulty V Cullen M Vaughan Eddie Devlin M Cushnaghan B McGrath S Poyntz A Martin M Dargan J McConnell B McCafrey T Sullivan and P Donnelly.

Willie Doonan left and Paddy Kennedy (Kerry) race for procession near the Cavan goal !

Mick Higgins gets his shot in despite the close attention of Kerry’s Willie Casey and Paddy Bawn Brosnan.

A Moment of Victory

Cavan team and officials celebrate in the Dressing Room after their historic victory over Kerry in the heat and humidity of the Polo Grounds on September 14th 1947

September 27th 1947 Cavan and Kerry teams left for home on the 26^th September on the luxury liner The Queen Mary which will put into Southampton from which the party will transfer by train to Holyhead and journey to DunLaoghaire on Friday morning 3^rd October. Before leaving New York Micheal O Hehir was guest of the Dublin Association who made him a presentation to commemorate his memorable broadcast while Padraic O Keefe General Secretary of the GAA and H O Mahoney President of the Munster Council were Guests of Honour of the Cork Hurling Club while Gerry Arthurs of Armagh was Guest of Honour at The Armagh Association function. Before leaving New York each member of the Cavan team was presented with a wallet of notes by the Cavan Association. The teams and officials continued to enjoy New York hospitality and visited Radio City Music Hall where they were shown around and entertained to luncheon. They took in shows on Broadway and the latest movies-everywhere they were feted and treated as honoured guests of the city of New York At home a special Reception Committee was formed headed by Seamus Gilheaney NT Father Patrick Gargan Saint Patrick’s College and Treasurer Paddy Reilly Athbara.

Cavan and Kerry teams received at Arus an Uachtarainn by President and Mrs Sean T O Kelly on the morning of their return from New York. Also in the picture is on Taoiseach Eamonn De Velera and Mr Patrick Smith TD Minister for Agriculture and a native of Cootehill

The Champions 1947

Back Row Eddie Tiernan T P O Reilly ‘Big Tom’ O Reilly Peter Donohoe Tony Tighe Johnny Wilson  and Phil Brady. Centre (Left to Right) James McGeough (Masseur) Willie Doonan Terry Sheridan Val Gannon Simon Deignan Columba McDyer  P J Duke Hughie O Reilly (Trainer). Front Row (Left to Right) Hughie L Smith (County Board Secretary) Joe Stafford Owen Roe McGovern John Joe O Reilly (Captain) Edwin Carolan Paddy Smith and Patsy Lynch (Chairman Cavan County Board). Missing from picture Mick Higgins J J Cassidy Brendan Kelly and Brian O Reilly.

October 11th 1947 Champions come home over 15,000 at reception in the Farnham Gardens. Arriving at Dun Laoighaire on the morning of October 3^rd both parties were greeted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and entertained to a hearty breakfast in the Salthill Hotel Monkstown. Making their base in Barry’s Hotel they were given a civic reception in the Mansion House and in the afternoon journeyed to Arus an Uachtarainn where they were greeted by President and Bean Ui Ceilidhe Eamonn De Valera Taoiseach and members of the Cabinet including the Minister for Agriculture Paddy Smith from Cootehill. That night the entire party were guests of the Central Council in the Gresham Hotel where the Cavan captain Cmdt John Joe O Reilly was presented with the Sam Maguire Cup by Dan O Rourke TD President of the GAA. Present were members of the Cavan and Kerry County Boards as well as members of the Central Council who had sanctioned the game at Easter. Many invited guests from Cavan town including Marona Foster Dr Jack Sullivan Andy and Molly O Brien Market Square MJ and Maisie Magee as well as Paddy Treasurer and Mrs O Reilly from Athbara. On Saturday the two teams were guests at a Dublin City Cinema where they viewed a newsreel of the Final before making the final preparations for home and meeting old friends and acquaintances in Barry’s Hotel. After attending Mass in the city the Kerry and Cavan parties went their separate ways with Kerry returning to Killarney by train while Cavan began their triumphant journey where they were greeted all along the way by people waving Cavan flags until they got to Navan where they were accorded a Civic Reception and on to Kells where the cavalcade was officially welcomed and led by the Kells Brass Band to the outskirts of the town. On the Meath/Cavan border over 300 cars greeted the cavalcade and they were officially welcomed home by the Parish Priest on behalf of the people of Maghera. Virginia was a sea of blue and white and thousands lined the street to catch a glimpse of their heroes. At 3:30 precisely the cavalcade inched its way into Cavan town to be greeted by a banner adjacent to flag and bunting bedecked Lake View proclaiming ‘Welcome Home the Champions’ Every house in Owen Roe Mitchell Street Saint Brigid’s Jubilee Saint Mary’s Saint Patrick’s Wolfe Tone Street Coleman Road and O Rahilly Street were decorated in bunting and flew both the Cavan and National flags with many American flags among the display. Mallon’s in O Rahilly Street had a beautiful banner with Breifne Abu and the Sam Maguire super imposed. The De La Salle School flew both Papal and Cavan colours with a banner across the road ‘Cead Mile Failte to the Champions’. On a beautiful Autumn day 16 bands took part in the procession with pride of place leading the parade to the Cootehill Brass Band in honour of the Cavan trainer Hughie Reilly. The team bus driven by  Patrick Donaghy Saint Mary’s Terrace brought up the rear with the members of the team and the magnificent Sam Maguire Cup clearly visible.Cootehill were followed by Bailieboro Brass Band Drumcrow War Pipers and the following fife bands Castletara Drung Drumcrave Lower Lavey Laragh Killann Mullahoran Clifferna Cavan Labour Band Denn Drumany and Aughavas County Leitrim. The FCA under Lieutenant Jimmy McEntee and 2ndb Lieutenant Jim Scanlon formed a Guard of Honour at the Farnham Gardens and later helped with the stewarding while the De La Salle Boys team led by Brothers David and Michael held a banner proclaiming ‘Champions of 1957’.Incredibly for the second successive time John Joe O Reilly like Hughie Reilly in 1935 was not present to carry the Sam Maguire Cup (John Joe was assisting the Curragh in a Kildare Senior Championship Semi Final) and left the task to Vice Captain Joe Stafford until he arrived later in the evening at the Banquet in the Farnham Hotel.15,000 people crammed the Farnham Gardens entering via Cafferty's House in Ashe Street. The team were greeted by Bishop Patrick Lyons Bishop of Kilmore and Bishop Moynagh Vicar Apostolic of Calabar and a native of Mullahoran all members of the team and officials kissing their rings. Addresses of welcome were read by Michael Harding Cavan County Council Michael J Smith Town Clerk Cavan town PE Clarke on behalf of the people of Cootehill JD Quinn on behalf of the people of Belturbet. Bishops Lyons and Moynagh spoke first followed by Dan O Rourke President of the GAA Patsy Lynch Chairman Cavan County Board who paid tribute to the “Mayor of New York W O Dwyer for affording the touring party the freedom of the city Lieuts McDermott and Ryan who were their guides throughout their stay there- they saw more of New York than many people resident there for over 25 years. He also paid tribute to Cardinal Spellman and Monsignor Flannelly Adm Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. To the people of New York particularly the Cavan Association for their hospitality and generosity that ensured that they did not come home with empty pockets. Most of all the people at home who made this great day possible by their support and generosity in contributing to the Training Fund. Cavan could not have got to the Final and their support meant that when they took the field in New York they were the best prepared Cavan team ever to contest a Final.” The next speaker Hughie O Reilly was accorded a rapturous reception and opened by saying “Thank God we are home again safe and sound and all the boys of Breffni were magnificent in winning the Sam Maguire in style in the only All Ireland ever played outside Ireland and I hope it is the last. Thank you to our loyal supporters who helped us achieve this great day and with their donations supported us through a difficult Ulster campaign and the Semi Final against Roscommon. We thank our own kith and kin in that land across the sea who opened their homes and hearts to us over the last three weeks. God send the day when the youth of Breffni will be able to get a decent living in their own native land they so dearly love” To close the meeting the Cootehill Brass Band struck up the National Anthem all present joining in the Chorus. Supt Murray was in charge of the Gardai who directed traffic with Inspector Brett Sergeant Thorne Sergeant McDonagh. The Banquet in the Farnham Hotel followed at which all the clubs in the County were represented Cavan Harps were represented by Paddy Conaty Chairman Paddy Boylan Treasurer Paddy Brady Secretary Bartley Smith Vice Chairman Michael Walsh Johnny O Rourke Noel Halligan P Dunne Phil Lee John Keoghan and Poppy McNamara. The toast ‘Ireland’ was proposed all standing to sing the National Anthem. ‘Our Guests of Honour’ (Bishops Lyons and Moynagh) proposed by Seamus Gilheaney and replied to by Bishop Lyons MJ Magee (Ulster Council) proposed the toast ‘The GAA’ replied to by Dan O Rourke President of the GAA and Andy McEntee President of Cavan GAA.Father PJ Gargan proposed the toast ‘All Ireland Champions’ Hughie O Reilly replied praising Monaghan Tyrone Antrim Roscommon and Kerry for the manner in which they accepted defeat at the hands of Cavan in this year’s Championship. Prolonged applause greeted the arrival of JJ O Reilly Captain of the Cavan team who apologised for being late due to another engagement in Kildare. He “hoped that winning in New York would inspire the youth of the County to play the game and uphold Breffni tradition and that this victory would make up to the Cavan supporters their years of frustration in their quest for All Ireland honours.” The banquet concluded with the playing of the National Anthem.

Cavan Welcomes The Champions

The bus carrying the victorious team moves down Farnham Street to the  Reception in the Farnham Gardens

Joe Stafford carries the Sam Maguire to the platform in the Farnham Gardens where the team and officials were received by Dr Patrick Lyons Bishop of Kilmore.

Over 25,000 people gathered in Cavan to welcome the victorious Cavan team home. The parade through the blue and white bedecked streets of the town stretched for over a mile and included 14 Bands.

Bus carrying the victorious Cavan team passes the Courthouse on its way to the Reception in the Farnham Gardens at the intersection of Farnham Street and Ashe Street.

August 7th 1948 Appeal for funds to train the Cavan team for Semi Final clash with Louth after their easy victory against Antrim 2-12 to 2-4 in the Ulster Final in Clones before an attendance of 32,000 paying gate receipts of £2,125 on a beautiful Summer’s day.JJ O Reilly Captain was the Man of The Match and the rock on which many of the Antrim attacks perished. Cavan were a much slicker outfit than last year with Tighe and Brady supreme at centre field and Sherlock later sprung from the subs. Cavan led by 1-6 to 1-3 at the interval. The Anglo Celt Cup presented by the new Editor of the Anglo Celt ET O Hanlon who congratulated both sides on a splendid match. Scorers for Cavan Peter Donohoe 1-4 Edwin Carolan 1-1 Mick Higgins 0-2 JJ Cassidy 0-2 Simon Deignan Victor Sherlock and Tony Tighe 0-1 each.

August 26th 1948 Cavan concede 4 second half goals but defeat Louth 1-14 to 4-2 in the All Ireland Semi Final before 51,000 who paid gate receipts of £4,657 at Croke Park with a strong gale force wind blowing from the Canal goal. Cavan won the toss and elected to play with the gale force wind and sun in their backs defending the Canal goal and led by 1-10 to 0-1 at the interval and nobody rated Louth’s chances even with the gale force wind. Sherlock and Brady were dominant throughout at midfield and with JJ O Reilly Willie Doonan Paddy Smith PJ Duke and Simon Deignan superb in defence Cavan fell into the trap of trying to get goals to polish the Louth men off  but it was Louth who got the goals and they were rampant in the second half. Brian O Reilly at full back was the weak link and J Benson in goals although beaten 4 times brought off some great saves. Higgins and Donohoe steadied the ship while Edwin Carolan Joe Stafford and JJ Cassidy were inclined to shoot for goals. When Louth closed to 1 points with 10 minutes left Donohoe and Higgins led the way with superb Cavan points in the last 10 minutes as Cavan regained the upper hand to ensure that they meet either Mayo or Kerry in the 1948 All Ireland Final on the last Sunday of September. Scorers for Cavan Peter Donohoe 0-8 7 frees Mick Higgins 0-5 I free Tony Tighe 1-0 and Edwin Carolan 0-1 while Hardy 2-0 Fegan 1-2 and Mooney 1-0 replied for Louth. Team JD Benson Croghan Willie Doonan Cavan Harps Brian O Reilly Mullahoran Paddy Smith Stradone PJ Duke Stradone JJ O Reilly Curragh Simon Deignan Mullagh Phil Brady Mullahoran Victor Sherlock Kingscourt Tony Tighe Ballyjamesduff Mick Higgins Kilnaleck JJ Cassidy Arva Joe Stafford Killinkere Peter Donohoe Kilnaleck Edwin Carolan Mullagh Subs T P O Reilly Ballyconnell Barney Cully Arva Owen Roe McGovern Swanlinbar John Wilson Mullahoran Terry Sheridan Killinkere Vincent Gannon Mullahoran and Paul Fitzsimmons Maghera. The following Sunday Mayo who had survived a replay and extra time to take the Connaught title against Galway 2-10 to 2-7 in Roscommon turn on the style at Croke Park before 51,305 paying £4,588 to hammer Kerry 0-13 to 0-3 with Kerry failing to score in the 2^nd half against a young fit physical Mayo team who will now meet Cavan in the All Ireland Final. Tyrone meanwhile qualified for the All Ireland Minor Final beating Galway 2-7 to 2-2 in Ballinasloe they will now defend their crown against Dublin in the All Ireland Final.

Cavan parade to victory over Mayo in the All Ireland Final of 1948. Led by the Artane Boys' Band are John Joe O Reilly (Captain) Peter Donohoe Des Benson Brian O Reilly Mick Higgins Simon Deignan P J Duke Joe Stafford Paddy Smith John Joe Cassidy Willie Doonan  Edwin Carolan Victor Sherlock Phil Brady and Tony Tighe.

October 2nd 1948 Cavan still champions Mayo conquered 4-5 to 4-4 in pulsating Final while Tyrone make it an Ulster double for the second consecutive year. An official attendance of 76,645 paid gate receipts of £6,129 with 25,000 locked out 2 hours before the Senior game. The Cavan team were first out of the dressing rooms at 3:05 to be greeted by a tumultuous roar looking slim and trim very fit and a credit to trainer Hughie O Reilly and John McGeough. Then came the arrival of Sean T O Kelly and the playing of the Presidential salute at 3:10.3:15 The stadium erupted with the entry of Mayo who were accompanied as is customary in the West by a mascot. A large kite in the Mayo colours hovered high above the stadium and a rabbit was released in the Mayo colours. Not to be outdone Cavan supporters released a hare in the Cavan colours both animals rescued before the start by the stewards. The teams lined up behind the Artane Boys Band who paraded the teams to deafening cheers then followed the playing of Faith of Our Fathers and Amhrain na Fiann. The Archbishop of Tuam Most Rev Dr Walsh was escorted on to the pitch by Dan O Donnell TD President of the GAA and introduced to the two captains Cmdt JJ O Reilly and Sean Forde both kissing his ring. He then proceeded to throw in the ball and the All Ireland Final of 1948 was on. Cavan won the toss played with the elements wind and sun in their backs on a dry sunny windy day into Hill 16 goal and led by 3-2 to Nil at the interval after Mayo had held them to just two points with 21 minutes gone. From the start Mayo walked into Cavan and the play was rugged in the extreme with a deep lying defence pushing the dangerous Cavan forward line out towards midfield where Cavan were dominant with cousins Phil Brady and Victor Sherlock supreme and easily eclipsing the vaunted Eamonn Mongey and Padraic Carney who resorted to boxing the ball in the second half. On 21 minutes came the moment of genius from 20 year old Tony Tighe when he went high to fetch the ball over 40 yards out and soloed at lightning speed through the heart of the Mayo defence passing quickly to John Joe Cassidy who continued the solo run and sent back to Tighe running at lightning speed who unleashed an unstoppable shot past Byrne that almost tore the back of the Mayo net. Cavan were rampant now and Mayo so composed and clinical in their approach lost their composure and fell back in defence allowing Cavan to play their own fast speedy brand of interchanging football which resulted in a great goal again by Tony Tighe. Deignan intercepted and found Stafford  who passed to Edwin Carolan and on to the elusive Tighe motoring like a greyhound crossed the ball to left finding Joe Stafford Tighe then took the return to blast the ball past Byrne for the goal of the 1948 Championship Cavan 2-2 to Nil. Then after prolonged pressure Cavan were back again with Victor Sherlock soloing through a now shaken Mayo defence to find the net from 30 yards out Cavan 3-2 Mayo Nil. Cavan continued to press all the way to half time but were intent on carving out openings for goals instead of taking the points that presented themselves and would prove invaluable before the end. The hurricane freshened in the second half with Mayo now defending the Canal goal. After 1 minute played Mayo had their first point from Sean Mulderrig after they had forced an early 50.Then on 5 minutes JJ O Reilly took a very hard knock dislocating his shoulder and having to be replaced by Owen Roe McGovern from Swanlinbar .No sooner had JJ left the pitch than Mayo struck for their first goal on 6 minutes from Peter Solan after Des Benson dropped the ball under pressure from Sean Mulderrig.There was no panic in the Cavan ranks despite some very hard over robust Mayo tackling and Cava struck back with Donohoe sending over another Cavan point. From the kick out Owen Roe McGovern found Higgins who at full speed ran through the spread-eagled Mayo defence side stepping Paddy Prendergast for a great Cavan goal to leave the score 4-4 to 1-1 after 10 minutes of the second half-many of the huge crowd felt sorry for Mayo who were receiving a football lesson and likely to get a trashing from this superb Cavan team. Cavan played a containment game and with 16 minutes gone in clearing his lines Paddy Smith caught superbly and passed to Doonan who turned inside to kick with his left foot but the ball was blocked down into the net by a superb block by Tom Acton . Mayo were suddenly in the game and running rings around Cavan scoring when Tom Acton struck again for another close in Mayo goal on 15 minutes. On 18 minutes Joe Gilvarry was pulled down in the square after Brian O Reilly had saved a point blank shot from close range from Peter Solan. Padraic Carney’s penalty was superbly struck to leave Mayo only 2 points adrift with over 10 minutes left 4-4 to 4-2.Immediatly Paraic Carney was back with anther point 4-4 to 4-3.The Sean Mullderrig got free on the left found Eamonn Mongey to level the game at 4-4 each in the 24^th minute. Cavan hit back in style Mick Higgins gained possession passed to Joe Stafford who was pulled down while going through Peter Donohoe took the free from 30 yards out but missed by inches. From the kick out the ball fell to Sherlock who placed the inrushing Edwin Carolan who was pulled down going through and Peter Donohoe converted the free from 25 yards out in the 26^th minute. Then Higgins and Sherlock combined with John Joe Cassidy who was once gain pulled down Donohoe’s free from 25 yards out hit the right hand post and back into play where John Joe Cassidy gained possession with the goal at his mercy but shot wide after 29 minutes play. Play swung up field and one last chance for Mayo to draw the game Carney’s shot was cleared to touch by Des Benson but from the resultant free Mayo were awarded a close in free. Padraic Carney was entrusted with the free straight in front of the post with over 31 minutes of the second half gone. Tactically aware Mick Higgins was back helping his defence and blocked down Carney’s kick but the ball came back to the Mayo forwards who were quickly closed down by the Cavan defenders and the ball went wide. Bill Doonan took the kick out sending the ball over 50 yards in the teeth of the gale force wind and the referee blew the full time whistle to give victory to Cavan and the Sam Maguire for the second consecutive years. Scorers for Cavan Tony Tighe 2-0 Victor Sherlock 1-1 Mick Higgins 1-0 and Peter Donohoe 0-4.Mayo Acton 2-0 Padraic Carney 1-1 Peter Solan 1-0 Padraig Mullderrig 0-2 and Eamonn Mongey 0-1.Cavan were much the better tam and threatened to blow Mayo away in the 2^nd half but poor defensive work John Joe Reilly’s retirement and Mayo’s brave fight back almost scuttled the Cavan bandwagon. Andy McEntee list the number of heavy fouls against key Cavan players s who required medical assistance to continue John Joe O Reilly 2 Tony Tighe 2 Victor Sherlock 3 Simon Deignan Phil Brady Edwin Carolan and Mick Higgins 1 each. In addition Willie Doonan played with a heavily bandaged hand having been involved in the rescue of 2 people from a blazing house in Mitchell Street Cavan earlier in the month. The injured John Joe O Reilly was escorted to the Hogan Stand to receive the Sam Maguire from the President of the GAA Dan O Rourke who described the game as “a fine hard sporting encounter between two evenly matched teams” while JJ O Reilly called for 3 cheers for the vanquished Mayo team lifting the heavy Sam Maguire Cup high into the air with one hand. Later the Mayo trainer Mr Courell made history by visiting the Cavan dressing room paying tribute to the Cavan team and back room staff particularly Hughie O Reilly Johnny McGeough and Dr Philip Carroll. It was the first time that a beaten trainer made this gesture. In the Minor Final Tyrone beat Dublin 0-11 to 1-5.Later in the evening the All Ireland Senior and Minor medals were presented to Cavan and Tyrone at a Ceilidhe in the Mansion House after which Cavan were entertained to Dinner by the Cavan Association in Dublin at the Metropole Hotel at which there were over 500 in attendance while across the road in Clery's Mayo were entertained by the Mayo Association with 400 guests in attendance. Cavan Team J D Benson Croghan Age 25 Willie Doonan Cavan Harps 26 Brian O Reilly Mullahoran 25 Paddy Smith Stradone 29 PJ Duke Stradone 25 JJ O Reilly Curragh 29 Simon Deignan Mullagh 25 Phil Brady Mullahoran 23 Victor Sherlock Kingscourt 24 Tony Tighe Ballyjamesduff 20 Mick Higgins Kilnaleck 26 JJ Cassidy Arva 26 Joe Stafford Killinkere 30 Peter Donohoe Kilnaleck 23 Edwin Carolan Mullagh 20 Subs TP O Reilly Ballyconnell Barney Cully Arva Owen Roe McGovern Swanlinbar  John Wilson Mullahoran Terry Sheridan Killinkere Vincent Gannon Mullahoran and Paul Fitzsimmons Maghera. Mayo T Byrne Patrick Quinn Paddy Prendergast Sean Flanagan J Forde Paddy McAndrew Jim Gilvarry Eamonn Mongey Padraic Carney Willie Kenny Tom Langan Joe Gilvarry Peter Solan Tom Acton and Sean Mullderrig. Referee PJ Flaherty Tullamore was very lenient in his interpretation of the rules and generally let play flow freely from end to end.

Figures for the game

Cavan returned home on Tuesday night and were met at the Meath border by a cavalcade of cars and Cavan flags and bunting with a banner proclaiming Cavan as the 1948 Champions. In Cavan town at Owen Roe Terrace there was a banner with ‘Welcome Home the Champions’ and all the houses in the terraces were festooned with blue and white flags and bunting. A Torchlight Parade formed at Harry Richmond’s led by the Cavan Labour Band and thousands of supporters. with bonfires at the junction of Main Street Mitchell Street as well as at Wolfe Tone Street. They were officially welcomed by Seamus Gilheaney Chairman of the Welcoming Committee NT speaking in both Irish and English in the Market Square.Mr Gilheaney said that this was a continuation of the golden age of Cavan football winning their 4^th title and retaining the Sam Maguire. Cavan would be back within a month victorious in the National Football League Final where they were once again due to play Cork in the Replay.Mr Michael J Smith presented JJ O Reilly Cavan Captain with an address of welcome while JJ thanked his colleagues on the team the back room staff particularly Hughie O Reilly Johnny McGeough and Dr Phil Carroll. Cavan had the best supporters in the land and they were generous in their donations to the Training Fund and the fitness required to win a tough hard All Ireland like Sunday against a gallant Mayo team who gave their all in their quest for victory. Finally John Joe said the future of the great tradition of Breifne rested in the hands of the youth who he encouraged “by constant practice discipline and good sportsmanship to carry the torch lit by our forefathers”. There followed the playing of the National anthem and the team were then escorted to the Farnham Hotel for a Banquet hosted by the Cavan County Board GAA.The Cootehill Brass Band who were late arriving then paraded the town much to the delight of all present. In the Minor game which preceded the Senior Final Tyrone retained their title 0-11 to Dublin’s 1-5 after the teams were deadlocked at 3 points each at the interval after Dublin had the benefit of the elements in the 1^st half. Man of the Match was Eddie Devlin who started at centre half back and in the second half dominated play at midfield for Tyrone while Barney Eastwood was the leading Tyrone forward.Des Ferguson and Cyril Freaney were the pick of the Dublin team. Tyrone J McGahern D Donnelly M Connolly E Knox L Campbell Eddie Devlin P O Hanlon S McGrath H Hartop J Reilly M Dargan Barney Eastwood L Devlin JJ O Hagan J Twoomey.Over 2,500 people greeted the Tyrone team on their return home to Dungannon by rail on Monday evening.

All Ireland Champions 1948

Back Row (Left to Right) T P O Reilly Tony Tighe Brian O Reilly Des Benson Victor Sherlock Peter Donohoe Phil Brady P J Duke Mick Higgins John Joe Cassidy and Johnny Wilson. Front (Left to Right) Simon Deignan  John Joe O Reilly (Captain) Willie Doonan Joe Stafford Edwin Carolan Paddy Smith Owen Roe McGovern and Val Gannon.

October 30th 1948 Cavan make it a glorious double when they beat Cork 5-9 to 2-8 in the replay of the Irish National Insurance Company National League Final in Croke Park before an attendance of 26,576.Scorers for Cavan Joe Stafford 2-1 Peter Donohoe 1-3 Tony Tighe 1-1 Edwin Carolan 1-1 Mick Higgins 0-2.Cavan led at the interval by 3-7 to 1-5 Cork O Donovan 1-4 Duggan 1-0 Daly 0-2 Hartnett and B Murphy 0-1 each.Tom Barry the Cork trainer hailed Cavan as “the 15 Giants of gaelic football”. The team were entertained to Dinner in Barry’s Hotel by the Central Council and later were feted at a Function in the Regent Hotel in Howth hosted by the Cavan Association in Dublin. Pat O in the Irish Times remarked “Not so much Cork played badly but Cavan made them look bad.The backs were solid and played as a unit with Seamus Morris manning the sticks. Philip Brady with his height weight and sheer strength was a colossus at centre field particularly in the second half when Cavan’s superior fitness began to reap dividends. He got wonderful assistance from PJ Duke of UCD who matched Cork players in catch and kick who were much taller and stronger. The Cavan forward line gave an exhibition in collective team work sprinting at speed and passing and receiving in full flight seldom if ever seen before in Croke Park. The Cork defence that contained 5 of the team that beat Cavan in 1945 were over run and Cavan punished them with 5 superbly taken goals.” Cavan Seamus Morris Arva Willie Doonan Cavan Harps 26 Brian O Reilly Mullahoran 25 Paddy Smith Stradone 29 Owen Roe McGovern Swanlinbar 19 JJ O Reilly Curragh 29 Simon Deignan Mullagh 25 Phil Brady Mullahoran 23 PJ Duke Stradone 25 Tony Tighe Ballyjamesduff 20 Mick Higgins Kilnaleck 26 JJ Cassidy Arva 26 Joe Stafford Killinkere 30 Peter Donohoe Kilnaleck 23 Edwin Carolan Mullagh 20 Subs T P O Reilly Ballyconnell Barney Cully Arva John Wilson Mullahoran Terry Sheridan Killinkere Vincent Gannon Mullahoran and Paul Fitzsimmons Maghera.Owen Roe McGovern replaced Victor Sherlock who was not eligible to play for Cavan while Seamus Morris replacing Des Benson in goals from the team that won the All Ireland in September. Martin O Neill Wexford Secretary of the Leinster Council GAA was an outstanding referee who managed to keep the game moving and still remain unobtrusive. The Artane Boys Band paraded the teams played the National Anthem before the game and entertained the crowd at half time with selections such as ‘The Banks of my own Lovely Lee’ and ‘Come Back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff’

National League Winners 1948

Back Row Left to Right Patsy Lynch (Chairman Cavan County Board) Tony Tighe Des Benson Brian O Reilly Victor Sherlock T P O Reilly Mick Higgins Peter Donohoe Barney Cully Johnny Wilson J J Cassidy Edwin Carolan and Paul Fitzsimmons. Front Row ( Left to Right) Willie Doonan Val Gannon Simon Deignan John Joe O Reilly ( Captain) Phil Brady Paddy Smith Owen Roe  McGovern Terry Sheridan Seamus Morris  P J Duke and Joe Stafford.

August 6^th 1949 Cavan beat Armagh 1-7 to 1-6 in the Ulster Senior Final played at Saint Tiernach’s Park Clones before a crowd of 24,000 who paid gate receipts of £1,960. Tough hard encounter Armagh had chances to win and were on their toes  after 2 weeks of collective training. The outstanding player for Cavan was their captain JJ O Reilly while Phil Brady after an early injury played on despite his handicap and gave a grand display at midfield where Cavan were dominant. Missing Mick Higgins who was injured earlier in the campaign TP O Reilly was an excellent choice as replacement and as always to the fore in the Cavan attack. Cavan led by 1-2 to 0-3 at half time. In the second half JJ Cassidy was injured and was replaced by up and coming College’s player Brian McNamara who gave an excellent account of himself. The Cootehill Brass and Reed Band paraded the teams and played the National anthem before the game refereed by Dr JP O Callaghan from Roscommon. Scorers for Cavan Peter Donohoe 1-2 Edwin Carolan 0-3 Victor Sherlock 0-1 Tony Tighe 0-1.Cavan Seamus Morris R O Connor Paddy Smith Owen Roe McGovern Pj Duke John Joe O Reilly Simon Deignan Phil Brady Victor Sherlock John Joe Cassidy Tony Tighe Joe Stafford Edwin Carolan Peter Donohoe and TP O Reilly. Subs Brian McNamara Willie Doonan P Wall John McCabe Johnny Cusack Des Maguire

August 20th 1949 Meath cause the upset of the Championship when they beat warm favourites Mayo 3-10 to 1-10 in the All Ireland Semi Final in Croke Park before an attendance of 48,200 who paid gate receipts of £4,961.Meath produced a pulsating style in the bright sunshine and were on top in defence and attack where they notched 3 superb goals. Their 3 game Leinster Semi Final marathon against Louth has brought the team on a ton and they will be worthy opposition for the winners of next Sunday’s Semi Final between Cork and Cavan. Scorers for Meath Mattie McDonnell 2-1 Frankie Byrne 0-5 Paddy Meegan 1-0 Kevin Halpenny Peter McDermott and Connell 0-1 each while Mayo replied through Padraic Carney 0-6 Tom Langan 1-0 Flanagan 0-2 Hastings and Peter Solan 0-1 each. Meath led by 0-5 to 0-4 at half time. Because of the clash of colours Meath played in white while Mayo were in red. Meath Kevin Smyth Kells Mick O Brien Skryne Paddy O Brien Skryne and Sean McDermott’s Dublin Kevin McConnell Syddan Jim Heerey Rathkenny Paddy Dixon Balivor Christo Hand Ardcath J Connell Moynalty C Smith Western Frankie Byrne Syddan and Clan na Gael Dublin Brian Smyth Capt Skryne Matt McDonnell Ballinlough Paddy Meegan Syddan Bill Halpenny Syddan Peter McDermott Young Ireland. Frankie Byrne and Peter McDermott had just returned from the 3 day pilgrimage to Saint Patrick’s Purgatory Lough Derg in the week of the game.

August 27th 1949 Cavan football victory 3^rd consecutive title in sight beat Cork 1-9 to 2-3 before an attendance of 49,789 paying gate receipts of £5,103.Score does scant justice to Cavan superiority  as Cork scored goals in the first and last minute of the game. Cavan seemed inspired in the absence of Mick Higgins and were determined to reach the Final for their great marksman who was injured in the 1^st round of the Ulster Championship.TP O Reilly made a marvellous comeback for Cavan and was always threatening danger around the Cork goal. Towards the end Edwin Carolan received a very nasty knock and was replaced by Brian McNamara who distinguished himself on his first Senior Championship outing in Croke Park and this young student will figure largely in the future Cavan campaigns. Cork played a very spoiling style of play holding Cavan opponents by the arm or jersey as they contested the ball. Cavan were far too fleet footed for this ruse but several of the Cavan jersies were in shred and Victor Sherlock lost his completely early in the second half. Cork led by 1-2 to 0-4 at half time having won the toss and defended the Railway end in the first half. They were breaking even at centre field but should have been further ahead at the break.In the second half Sherlock and Brady dominated midfield supplying the lightning fast Cavan forwards with plenty of opportunities. The half back line of PJ Duke JJ O Reilly and Simon Deignan were unbeatable and seemed to be everywhere when they were wanted. Apart from the goal in the last second Cork scored only 1 point in the second half when Cavan showed their superior fitness speed and team work and taking the lead in the 35^th minute which they never relinquished to the end. Scorers for Cavan Peter Donohoe 0-6 John Joe Cassidy 1-0 Phil Brady Tony Tighe Joe Stafford 0-1 each Cork O Donnell 1-0 Hartnett 1-0 Cronin 0-2 Duggan 0-1 Cavan Seamus Morris Arva  Des Maguire Cornafean 19 Paddy Smith Stradone 30 Owen Roe McGovern Swanlinbar 32 PJ Duke 26 Stradone JJ O Reilly Curragh 30 Simon Deignan Mullagh 26 Phil Brady Mullahoran 24 Victor Sherlock Kingscourt 25 Tony Tighe Ballyjamesduff 21 Edwin Carolan Mullagh 21 JJ Cassidy Arva 27 Joe Stafford Killinkere 31 Peter Donohoe Kilnaleck 24 TP O Reilly Ballyconnell 29.Besides the game one of the main talking points was the increase in all admission charges to Croke Park with Hill 16 cost 1/6 and the sideline 3/- an increase of 6d on prices charged at the Meath Mayo Semi Final one week ago. On the way home there was chaos on the roads as well as on the railways as a severe electrical storm broke out with hundreds of cars unable to proceed beyond Dunshaughlin during the 3 hour storm. All trains were running at snail’s pace with all destinations affected. Some of the supporters did not reach home until after 3 am on Monday but there were no accidents or casualties reported. The Cavan team meanwhile will return to their training base in the Park Hotel in Virginia owned by former Cavan footballer Ernie McDonnell at the end of the week where they will be put through their paces by strict disciplinarian Hughie O Reilly assisted by Johnny McGeough Castleblayney.

September 24th 1949 Build up continues for the All Ireland Final between near neighbours Cavan and Meath who will be contesting the Final for the 3^rd time having been beaten in 1896 when represented by Pierce O Mahony’s Navan by Tipperary represented by Annaville Rovers by 0-4 to 0-3 and in 1939 when beaten in the Final by Kerry. Meath are in strict training in Gibbstown Navan under the watchful eye of Father P Tully C C Moynalty Chairman of the County Board and Ted Meade former Meath footballer. Cavan are in residence in the magnificent sylvan setting of the Park Hotel Virginia under Hughie O Reilly and Captain John Joe O Reilly while Johnny McGeough Masseur has a separate room for massage and is busy from morning to night. The players are checked out on a daily basis by Doctor Phil Carroll of Bailieborough and are in magnificent shape rising early for their 7 mile walk  physical exercises sprinting and ball practice. The team say the Rosary each night before retiring to bed at 10:30 pm.Training will taper down from the Wednesday prior to the game. The team are accommodated in beautiful rooms with views of the lake and surrounding countryside while the kitchen and household staff under Pauline McDonnell daughter of the proprietor old Gael Ernie McDonnell attend to their every need. The sensational news from the Camps is that Jim Kearney who starred in the last Meath appearance in the Final back in 1939 will partner Matt Connell at centre field while Cavan have selected 19 year old James McCabe from Ballintemple to play at right full back in his Championship début. James is a former Saint Patrick’s College and Ulster Colleges star and played a star role in Mullahoran’s recent County Championship triumph. Willie Doonan is back on the panel but will start on the bench.Des Maguire a Clerical Student in Dalgan Park Navan who played soundly in the match against Cork is not available. Team Seamus Morris Arva 25 James McCabe Mullahoran19 Paddy Smith Stradone 30 Owen Roe McGovern Swanlinbar 33 PJ Duke 26 Stradone JJ O Reilly Curragh 31 Simon Deignan Mullagh 27 Phil Brady Mullahoran 24 Victor Sherlock Kingscourt 25 Tony Tighe Ballyjamesduff 22 Mick Higgins Kilnaleck 27 J J Cassidy Arva 27 Joe Stafford Killinkere 31 Peter Donohoe Kilnaleck 24 Edwin Carolan Mullagh 22.Subs T P O Reilly Ballyconnell Willie Doonan Cavan Harps Brian McNamara Bartley McEnroe and R O Connor. Masses in the Cathedral will start at 6:30 to facilitate those travelling to the game by train bus and car. Meath make one change in their team recalling veteran Jim Kearney to centre field to partner Paddy Connell from Moynalty Meath Team Kevin Smyth Kells Mick O Brien Skryne Paddy O Brien Skryne and Sean McDermott’s Dublin Kevin McConnell Syddan Jim Heerey Rathkenny Paddy Dixon Balivor Christo Hand Ardcath J Connell Moynalty Jim Kearney Frankie Byrne Syddan and Clan na Gael Dublin Brian Smyth Capt Skryne Matt McDonnell Ballinlough Paddy Meegan Syddan Bill Halpenny Syddan and Peter McDermott Young Ireland’s.

October 1st 1949 Cavan dethroned - Meath are the new All Ireland Champions beating Cavan 1-10 to 1-6 before a record crowd of 79,460 who paid gate receipts of £7,057 with 10,000 failing to gain admission when the gates were closed an hour before the match. Meath totally unfancied outside their own county dropped a bombshell and their 3 games against Louth in the Leinster Final ensured that they lasted the furious pace to the end. Indeed if their forwards had to take all the chances afforded them throughout the hour from a dominant Meath defence and outstanding centre field they should have been further in front at the finish The game was not a classic tackling was furious and the Meath defence afforded the vaunted Cavan attack very little chance to get into their fast running smooth hand passing style where only Edwin Carolan and Tony Tighe posed any serious problem with Mick Higgins being soundly marked by the powerful Dixon on his return to the team after injury Peter Donohoe John Joe Cassidy and the veteran Joe Stafford were outplayed by a staunch Meath defence.. Problems in the Cavan defence were manifest from an early stage with the outstanding Peter McDermott giving Championship debut 19 year old James McCabe Ballintemple and Mullahoran a torrid time. Cavan missed Willie Doonan for his high catches powerful forays and lengthy kicking and the game was lost as much on the line as on the pitch. John Joe O Reilly Paddy Smith and PJ Duke were magnificent all through but James McCabe Simon Deignan and Owen Roe McGovern were found wanting under severe Meath pressure.After nearly 20 minutes Cavan switched Tony Tighe to centre field Victor Sherlock joining the half forward line and this move gave Cavan an equal share of procession at centre field for the remainder of the game but removed the goal scoring threat of Tony Tighe from the forward line. The two teams were welcomed onto the pitch to a crescendo of sound with many of the Meath supporters waving green and gold umbrellas in a sea of colour of good humoured crowd mingling together at the Irish event of the year. Among the attendance was the President Sean T ad Mrs O Kelly and Taoiseach Eamonn De Velera.19 special trains ran from Northern Ireland while trains ran from Killarney Kilkenny Athlone together with hundreds of special buses.7 people flew from Dungloe Strand to Dublin Airport arriving within the hour and returning safely in the evening Kehoe President of the GAA escorted Most Rev Dr Kyne Bishop of Meath on to the pitch where he was introduced to the two captains Brian Smith and Cmdt John Joe O Reilly both kissing his ring. Meath won the toss and elected to defend the Railway goal with a light breeze in their back. Dan Ryan Referee of Kerry then handed the ball to Bishop Kyne who threw it in to start the 1949 All Ireland Senior Football Final Meath after storming the Cavan goal had their firs point after 2 minutes  from Mattie McDonnell Brian Smith took advantage of a blunder in the Cavan defence involving James McCabe and Owen Roe McGovern to drive over Meath’s second point after 4 minutes. Mick Higgins was pulled down after careering through the Meath defence and Peter Donohoe opened he Cavan account after 8 minutes with a well struck free. Peter McDermott then grabs procession and soling through the Cavan defence is pulled don for  Frankie Byrne to strike the 3^rd Meath pint on 10 minutes. Cavan were still very much in the game and getting their fair share of ball Donohoe Safford Carolan Tighe were involved in a slick move when Tighe was pulled down in sight of goal and Peter Donohoe sent over the free after 12 minutes. On 13 minutes Frankie Byrne had a point from a free at the other end 4-2.The Cavan had a narrow escape when Halpenny rising high above the Cavan defence punched goal ward only for the ball to hit the outside of the Cavan net. Edwin Carolan was causing acute problems for the Meath defence and was fouled when going trough Peter Donohoe failed to raise the ball and Paddy O Brien cleared his lines to acclamation from the Meath supporters after 15 minutes play. Then Paddy Meegan collected the ball passed to captain Brian Smith ho punched over for another Meath point 5-2.After a great save by Seamus Morris for Cavan the ball came to Brian Smith who sent over the 6^th Meath point on 20 minutes and Meath were dominant at this stage. Cavan then switched Tony Tighe to partner Phil Brady at mid field with Sherlock going into thr half forward line. In the 27^th minute Peter Donohoe was fouled in procession and sent over the resultant free for Cavan’s 3^rd point 6-3.From the kick out Connell caught and placed Brian Smith who found Frankie Byrne in space he soloed through before passing to Brian Smith for a great Meath point on 29 minutes 7-3.The referee blew the whistle to call a halt to proceedings in the first half with Meath well on top. The second half opened with Cavan on the attack and Higgins was badly wide in the first attack then Higgins collected JJ O Reilly’s 50 yards kick and was fouled by the Meath defence 21 yards out in front of goal Donohoe converting the free for Cavan’s 4^th point. With play swinging to the other end Brian Smyth placed Peter McDermott but he was fouled and Frankie Byrne converted the free in front of goal 8-4.In the 7^th minute Higgins Carolan  combined to give Joe Stafford a clear chance on goal but he was pulled down and Peter Donohoe converted the free 8-5Cavan were pressing now and forced another 50 which was caught by both Paddy O Brien and Joe Stafford on the Meath square the referee hopped the ball which Kevin McConnell cleared under pressure only out to Edwin Carolan and Peter Donohoe pointed from an acute angle for the best point of the game 8-6 with only 9 minutes gone. Then Meath had a period of ascendancy forcing 2 50 yard kicks but great work by James McCabe Paddy Smith and Simon Duignan cleared the danger and Cavan were back on the attack again. Looking for a goal to break the Meath resistance Tighe Donohoe and Carolan combined back to Donohoe who was fouled on the 14 yard line in front of goal.Donohoe took the kick himself aiming low and hard but just wide of the right upright. After a brilliant solo run by Paddy Meighan the ball was saved and gathered by Seamus Morris who was charged by Peter McDermott following up Morris was upended and the ball spilled out to Halpenny who shot a Meath goal. Play flowed from end to end with Meath unable to press home their advantage and Cavan came away in a blinding movement with Tighe Higgins and then Carolan who was fouled Donohoe taking a quick free to Stafford who placed Higgins for a great Cavan goal to leave the score 1-8 to 1-6.A minute later Kevin Halpenny was fouled in front of the Cavan posts and Frankie Byrne sent over to make the score 1-9 to 1-6.Cavanthen swarmed the Meath defence pushing all the troops forward in search of a goal but Connell in a break away attack put the issue beyond doubt in injury time. Cavan in their last attack launched by Paddy Smith and Owen Roe McGovern placed Carolan who found Tighe who returned the pass to Carolan in front of the goal Paddy O Brien rushed out and blocked Carolan’s kick clearing the ball to centre field when the whistle sounded to herald Meath as the All Ireland Senior Football Champions of 1949.The Sam Maguire was presented to Brian Smith Captain by the President of the GAA Michael Kehoe NT with 10,000 Meath supporters cheering in front of the Hogan Stand The Meath team were guests of honour at the Meath Association Dinner in Clery’s .Among the speakers was the Bishop of Meath Most Rev Dr Kyne and Father P Tully CC Moynalty who paid tribute to a sporting Cavan team who accepted defeat after a bruising battle in the manner of Champions. Over 300 attended the Cavan Reception in the Gresham and the team were later presented with a gift each at the Ceilidhe in the Town Hall Rathmines hosted by the Cavan Reception Association. Meanwhile the supporters on their journey home ran into thick fog and the journey to Cavan town took over 4 hours while the trains were slowed to a snail’s pace. The Meath team were guests of Aer Lingus on Monday and were brought on a conducted tour of the County where people gathered in every town and village to wave to their heroes. In the evening they journeyed home by way of Clonee and Dunsaughlin before being accorded a civic Reception in Navan where they were guests of Meath County Council and Navan Urban Council at a banquet in the Beechmont House Hotel. Armagh beat Kerry 1-7 to 1-5 to win their 1^st ever All Ireland Minor crown-they won the Junior All Ireland in 1926 Kerry led by 1-2 to 0-3 at the interval. Armagh L McCorry E McCann Jack Brattan John McKnight F Keenan Harry O Neill T McConville E Mee C Collins T Connolly Sean Blayney Captain J Cunningham S Smith PJ McKeever B Greene Kerry J Foley Jerome O Shea P Colgan M Galway T Kerens John Moriarity Captain P Costello J Murphy Des Falvey P Coleman P O Donnell Paudie Sheehy M Gallivan Colm Kenneally and R Miller. The victorious Armagh team were later welcomed home by over 1,000 supporters who carried them shoulder high from the Railway Station to a lorry flying both the tricolour and the Armagh colours .The parade  was led by the Armagh Catholic Boy Scout’s Band and the team were entertained to supper in a city centre hotel. In Croke Park at the end of the Minor game Andy McEntee (Sports Editor Anglo Celt) observed a man decked out in the Armagh colours reaching into a basket he was carrying extracting a small ticket on which he wrote the Final Score. He then reached into the basket again and took out a carrier pigeon attaching the glad tidings to the foot of the pigeon which flew around the stadium once before heading across the Railway Wall and straight to Armagh where it arrived within 20 minutes to the delight of the waiting crowds. The broadcast of the Senior game did not begin until 25 minutes after the pigeon had arrived in Armagh!. The defeat of Cavan was overshadowed by the preparations for the Tercentenary Celebrations of Owen Roe O Neill.With shops an private houses putting the finishing touches to their decoration of their homes and premises. The advance Army units taking part in the Tattoo arrived early in the week taking up residence in the Old Sanatorium on Cathedral Road while thousands of soldiers are under canvas in the Show Grounds. Special attention is focussed on the Courthouse where the Military and Historical Exhibition will be housed while the Franciscan Abbey is being prepared for the Presidential visit later in the week. All hotels and guest houses in the area have been completely booked out.

 April 25^th 1950 Cavan beat Kerry 3-9 to 1-5 before an attendance of 20,000 who paid gate receipts of £1,529 to qualify for the National League Final where they will play All Ireland Champions Meath. The Artane Boy’s Band paraded the teams and played the National Anthem. Cavan won the toss and elected to defend the Cabal goal with a strong breeze in their backs. One of the worst displays ever in Croke Park by Kerry who failed to score in the first half with the interval score Cavan 1-7 Kerry Nil. Only the full back line of Paddy Bawn Brosnan Jackie Lyne and Jim Murphy played up to form and it will be sometime before Kerry will be a potent force again. Cavan played with wonderful smoothness precision showing complete understanding and team work and on this form they can become All Ireland Champions by the end of the year. The Referee was M Colbert Limerick who was a capable referee. Cavan Seamus Morris Simon Deignan Paddy Smith Liam Maguire Pat Carolan JJ O Reilly Captain John Joe Cassidy Victor Sherlock Phil Brady Tony Tighe Mick Higgins Tom Hardy Joe Stafford Peter Donohoe Edwin Carolan Subs James McCabe P Wall Owen Roe McGovern and Bartley McEnroe.

May 6^th1950

Sudden death of the great PJ Duke at Saint Vincent’s Hospital Dublin shocks the country and particularly every village and town in County Cavan. Thousands at the May Fair in Bailieborough are numb with shock and many tears are shed while the same pattern is repeated all over the county with people bursting into tears as his death was announced on the Radio Eireann News Bulletins. In Dublin his team mates file past the coffin in the Mortuary at Saint Vincent’s Hospital before carrying his remains to the waiting hearse for his last journey home to Stradone.In O Connell Street all businesses closed traffic was stopped and thousands thronged the footpaths to catch a glimpse of the famous Cavan team lining both sides of the hearse. In Blanchardstown Clonee Navan Kells and Virginia thousands stand with head bared tears streaming down their cheeks mourning the loss of one of Cavan’s greatest warriors. Saint Brigid’s Church in Larah was packed to capacity as friends and neighbours come to pay their respects. The coffin was draped in both the UCD and Cavan colours and his football boots stood on top of the coffin. The young altar servers carried the 14 wreaths to his grave while his team mates carried PJ from the Church to his final resting place.Rev Father Ryan CC assisted by Rev J Canon Keogan and Rev L Corr CC officiated at the graveside.PJ Duke is survived by his parents Andrew and Mrs Duke brothers Charles Vincent Tom sisters Betty and Kathleen.PJ Duke was the holder of 2 All Ireland Senior medals- playing in 4 Finals (1945 1947 1948 and 1949) 4 Ulster Senior Championship medals 1 National League 1948 1 Railway Cup won on Saint Patrick’s Day 1950.McRory Cup medals with Saint Patrick’s College 1942 and 1943 representing Ulster Colleges on both occasions 3 Sigerson Cup medals 1945 1949 and 1947 when he captained UCD to victory. In 1950 he represented the Combined Universities against Ireland where he came up against his old friend and Cavan team mate Victor Sherlock producing a classic performance. He was a final year Dentistry student at UCD and was due to sit his finals next month.

Funeral of P J Duke

Funeral of P J Duke moves up O Connell Street Dublin flanked by Cavan team mates led by John Joe Reilly. Businesses in al the main shopping areas in Dublin Clonee Navan Kells and Virginia closed as a mark of respect as the cortege made its way to Saint Brigid’s Church Laragh.

As I was walking through Dublin city

One pleasant morning in the month of May

Near Stephen’s Greene I met a student

With tear dimmed eyes to me did say

This morning early as the birds were singing and the

May Bells ringing in fervent tone

To  His great promise the Lord took from us

Our fearless champion from sweet Stradone

The banshee queens by Breifne’s border

Beyond Lough Sheelin in the morning breeze

By lake and river the rushes quiver

In silent sorrow for one so young

No more he’ll trod the green sod of Croke Park

But we will see him still his manly bearing

And Manhood pealing

And red hair flying in battle still

New stars may rise in the years before us

But none like him will they then dethrone

The boy from Breffni the pride of Ulster

God rest you P J in sweet Stradone

Members of the Cavan team carry the coffin of PJ Duke to its final resting place at Saint Brigid's cemetery Laragh while past and present members of the Cavan and Stradone teams form a guard of honour.

June 3rd 1950 Cavan beat Meath 2-8 to 1-6 to win the National League (Home) title at Croke Park before an attendance of 38,258 who paid gate receipts of £3182     .Game was spoiled by the recent abolition of the hand pass with both teams suffering but Cavan the acknowledged masters were most effected. Cavan adapted well with high catching and kicking and good positional play but the short kicking and passing slowed down the game. Hard rugged game with Meath getting off to a lightning start and scoring 1-3 in the first 15 minutes playing with the wind and sun defending the Canal End. It was all Cavan from there to half time and they led by 1-5 to 1-3 at the interval with the scores coming from Edwin Carolan a goal Donohoe and Higgins 2 points each and Tony Tighe 1 point while Meath responded per Paddy Meegan goal Frankie Byrne 0-2 and Mattie McDonnell 0-1. Phil Brady and Victor Sherlock were dominant at midfield after the poor start and supplied the forwards with plenty of opportunities to win the game. Meath fought back in the 2^nd half and levelled the game at 1-6 all after 15 minutes. Cavan took over completely from there and only poor finishing saved a very tired Meath team from a bad beating – they have played 25 games in 12 months. Biggest cheer of the day was for Joe Stafford who replaced Seamus Morris in the Cavan goal at half time. Morris was injured in one of the many melees in the Cavan goalmouth in the 1^st half but Stafford had only to make one clearance in the 2^nd half as Math faded. Johnny Cusack had a goal and Peter Donohoe 0-3 for Cavan in the 2^nd half while Frankie Byrne 0-2 and Paddy O Brien 0-1 replied for Meath. Paddy Smith was magnificent at full back his high catching and long kicks a feature with great support from his colleagues particularly the outstanding half back line of Pat Carolan John Joe O Reilly and John Joe Cassidy.Victor Sherlock and Phil Brady lorded it for Cavan at midfield while will of the wisp Mick Higgins caused consternation in the Meat defence with Peter Donohoe drawing out Paddy O Brien to make room for goal scorers Edwin Carolan and Johnny Cusack Thousands of jubilant Cavan fans invaded the pitch to carry off  their heroes and the natives of County Meath afforded safe and quiet passage to the jubilant Cavan fans as they journeyed home through Clonee Dunshaughlin Navan Kells and Carnaross while a huge crowd welcomed home the team at the Cavan/Meath border at Whitegate. Cavan Seamus Morris Simon Deignan Paddy Smith Liam Maguire Pat Carolan JJ O Reilly Captain John Joe Cassidy Victor Sherlock Phil Brady Tony Tighe Mick Higgins Tom Hardy Edwin Carolan Peter Donohoe and Johnny Cusack Subs Joe Stafford for Seamus Morris injured half time. Meath Kevin Smith Michael O Brien Paddy O Brien Kevin McConnell S Heery P Dixon Christo Hand Des Taaffe Patsy Connell Frankie Byrne Brian Smith Paddy Meegan P Carolan Jim Meehan and Mattie McDonnell. Many of the early comers to the city attended the Months’ Mind Mass for PJ Duke in University Church Stephen’s Green which was celebrated at the request of the Cavan Association in Dublin. In the curtain raiser Faughs beat UCD 5-5 to 2-10 thus recording their 23^rd Dublin Senior Hurling Championship victory.

July 29th 1950 Cavan are surprisingly beaten by Armagh 1-11 to 1-7 in an enthralling Ulster Final in Saint Tiernach’s Park Clones before an attendance of 28,000 who paid gate receipts of £2,036.Armagh who were beaten by a single point in last year’s decider were worthy winners playing top class football to record their 1^st Ulster senior Championship since 1903.The game was won and lost at midfield where Jim McCorry and O Hagan had the upper hand of the much vaunted Victor Sherlock and Phil Brady. The outstanding players for Cavan were John Joe Reilly Seamus Morris in goal and Edwin Carolan in the forwards. Armagh off to a lightning start led by 0-9 to 0-3 at half time but were holding on desperately when Armagh were awarded a penalty in the 23^rd minute which Jim McCorry converted after a great Cavan fight back.Dungannon Brass Band paraded the teams and played the National Anthem while A McCardle Louth was an efficient and fair referee. Hordes of Armagh supporters were on their feet long before the end and there was unbridled joy as they chaired their heroes off the park and lit up Clones for the rest of the evening as Cavan supporters headed home by bicycle train and motor car wondering what New York had in store on the following Sunday in the National League Final.

August 5th 1950 Big strong New York beat Cavan 2-08 to 0-12 to claim their 1^st ever National League title before an attendance of 31,872. Rugged game played at a blistering pace where both teams tore into the fray and played to a standstill. New York had a nasty surprise for Cavan when they fielded several household names including Bill Carlos Roscommon and big 6 foot 4 Paddy McAndrew at midfield where he dominated affairs until he tired in the last quarter. Cavan had 2 apparently perfect goals disallowed by the referee one in the 1^st half when the referee failed to give Edwin Carolan the advantage and blew play back for a Cavan free and in the 26^th minute of the 2^nd half when Tony Tighe was quickest to react to a John Joe Reilly 50 and palmed to the net. In the next bout of play Tighe secured possession again and his speed took him through the tiring New York defence when he was brutally chopped down and had to be replaced by Bartley McEnroe in the ensuing melee Phil Brady Cavan and T Gallagher New York were issued with marching orders. New York won the toss and played with the wind and strong sun in their back defending the Canal goal. Playing hard fast rugged football and dominant at midfield New York led by 2-4 to 0-7 at half time. Both teams tired in the 2^nd half but New York opened brightly scoring 2 points in the first 7 minutes with Cavan replying with 3 points of their own to leave the margin down to 4 points with 20 minutes remaining. Phil Brady and Victor Sherlock gradually wrested control of midfield from the tiring Paddy McAndrew and Pat Ryan. Then came the drama in the 26^th minute when Cavan awarded a free taken by Donohoe shot low and hard but the ball was diverted out twice for 2 50s taken expertly by the peerless John Joe O Reilly. Tighe was quickest to react and sent the ball to the net disallowed for palming by the referee.Tighe was then felled while going through resulting in Phil Brady and Gallagher New York being sent off. Despite gallant efforts Cavan could not breach a teak tough New York defence and after another Donohoe attempt for a goal Cavan had to be satisfied with 2 points in the dying minutes. The National League Cup was presented to New York Captain M O Sullivan by the President of the GAA M Kehoe amidst scenes of unbridled joy after giving a display of catch and kick seldom if ever equalled in Croke Park. The medals were presented to the two teams at a Ceilidhe in the Mansion House while both sides and officials were entertained to a Banquet in the Gresham Hotel by the Central Council where the President is quoted as saying “Easter Week 1916 would never have happened only for the existence of the GAA”! Ironically this was one of John Joe O Reilly’s greatest games he was immense and showed skill class leadership and restraint throughout in the face of rugged tactics. Cavan Seamus Morris Simon Deignan James McCabe Paddy Smith Pat Carolan JJ O Reilly Captain John Joe Cassidy Victor Sherlock Phil Brady Tony Tighe Mick Higgins Tom Hardy Edwin Carolan Peter Donohoe and Johnny Cusack.Subs Joe Stafford for Johnny Cusack injured and Bartley McEnroe for Tony Tighe injured. New York P O Reilly Dublin J Quinn Roscommon T Gallagher Philadelphia D Connors Cork J Ratigan Offaly Bill Carlos Roscommon E Kenny Carlow Paddy McAndrew Mayo P Ryan Galway M O Sullivan Captain New York J Hughes New York F Quinn Galway P Hollay Kerry S Keane Kerry J Corcoran Carlow Referee M Colbert Limerick

National League Finalists 1950

Back Row (Left to Right) Paul Fitzsimmons Mick Higgins Bartley McEnroe Tony Tighe Tom Hardy James McCabe Simon Deignan John Joe Cassidy Pat Carolan Pat Wall Liam Maguire Peter Donohoe and Victor Sherlock. Front Row (Left to Right) Joe Stafford Owen Roe McGovern Seamus Morris Paddy Smith Johnny Cusack Edwin Carolan John Joe O Reilly (Captain) and Phil Brady.

July 19th 1952 Cavan beat the defending Champions Antrim 3-6 to 2-6 at Saint Tiernach’s Park Clones before an attendance of 14,000 in the Ulster Senior Football Semi Final. Cavan led by 2-3 to 0-3 at half time. Antrim fought back to go in front in the second half but Cavan regained the lead after they were awarded a penalty in the 27^th minute of the second half followed by their 6^th and last point. Cavan Seamus Morris James McCabe Phil Brady Paul Fitzsimmons Tom Hardy Liam Maguire Brian Reilly Victor Sherlock Pat Carolan Seamus Hetherton Mick Higgins Terry Keogan John Joe Cassidy Tony Tighe Edwin Carolan.

August 2nd 1952 Cavan beat Monaghan 1-8 to 0-8 in one of the great Ulster Finals played before 30,000 spectators who paid gate receipts of £3,300 at dull but dry Breffni Park.Monaghan who won the toss led by 05 to 0-4 at the interval aided by a strong breeze blowing into the Town end. The turning point came when Brian Gallagher Cootehill found Edwin Carolan with a precise pass which Edwin soloed in from the left beating  2 defenders before sending an acute angled shot low and hard to the net.Monaghan were magnificent but they lacked the guile and experience of Cavan who were ably assisted by Phil Brady who was supreme at full back Mick Higgins Victor Sherlock John Joe Cassidy Tony Tighe and Edwin Carolan. Séan Og O Callaghan Dublin was an exacting but fair referee. Cavan were on the attack from the throw in and after 3 minutes John Joe Cassidy opened the scoring for the home side. After play flowed from end to end Tony Tighe had a Cavan point after 8 minutes.Monaghan opened their account in the 25^th minute when Mickey Moyna sent over from a 25 yards free. Cassidy replied a minute later with another point from a free.Tighe and Sherlock found Hetherton running through on the right to shoot a great Cavan point. Then Paddy O Rourke had another Monaghan point to level the match at 0-3 each when he received from McQuaid and after soling through sent over a great point for Monaghan.Mickey Moyna from a free in the 28^th and 29^th minute levelled the score with 2 well struck frees and Clarke put Monaghan in front with the last kick of the first half 5-4 at the interval. After the Drumcrow War Pipers joined the Monaghan Brass Band to play selections at half time Cavan opened the scoring in the second half after 7 minutes with a point from a 14 yard free by John Joe Cassidy Joe Smith immediately replied for Maonaghan with a great point to leave the Farney men still in front. Then Cavan swept downfield with Sherlock to Higgins passing to Edwin Carolan for a great goal disallowed due to recent change in the hand pass rule which no longer permits an open hand goal. After 12 minutes Cavan were back with a free by Cassidy after Tighe was fouled on the 21 yard line to level the game at 6 points all. On 14 minutes Cassidy again from a 14 yards free gave Cavan the lead 7-6.A minute later Cassidy was fouled took the free himself to make it 8-6 after 15 minutes play. After a smart Monaghan move involving Prunty McKearney was fouled and Moyna sent over to make it 8-7.There followed a period of relentless Cavan pressure and Pat Carolan and Seamus Hetherton were just wide before 19 year old Brian Gallagher sent in a great pass to Edwin Carolan who dribbled in from corner and sent the ball past 2 defenders low and hard to the net. Hats overcoats umbrellas and colours were thrown in the air  in celebration by the delirious Cavan fans.Monaghan put all their resources forward to get the equaliser but their only reward was a point from Moyna after McKearney was fouled. James McCabe and Phil Brady repulsed repeated Monaghan attacks and the ball was in the centre of the field when the referee blew the final whistle. Cavan 1-8 Monaghan 0-8.Thousands of Cavan followers invaded the pitch to carry their heroes to the dressing rooms. The Anglo Celt Cup was presented by the Editor of the Anglo Celt ET O Hanlon to the Cavan captain Mick Higgins. There was crushing on the lane as the vast bulk of the fans rushed for the exits some cutting across the wooden fence and making their way through Bogue’s Sawmills on to the Ballinagh Road. Over 4,500 travelled from all over the North by train while hundreds of buses and thousands of cars of strange registration were to be seen in the town from an early hour. It was the first time for many of the spectators to visit Cavan town and some just came on an excursion availing of the extended drinking hours and didn’t bother going to the game at all. There were no major incidents and no injuries during this day which was the busiest in Cavan since the Owen Roe celebrations of 1949.41 members of the Gardai under Superintendent J Murray kept the traffic moving smoothly and the stewarding inside and outside the ground was  magnificient.Amplifification was by Smyth’s 60 Main Street Cavan. Cavan will now go into collective training  In the curtain raiser Cavan beat Fermanagh in the Ulster Minor Semi Final after leading with the aid of the breeze 4-5 to 1-0 at half time. Cavan will now play Down in the Ulster Minor Final at SaintTiernach’s Park Clones on Sunday next. Cavan Seniors will meet later in the week at Woodford House Ballyconnell where they will train under the watchful eye of Hughie O Reilly assisted by ex Sergeant Bennett. John Joe O Reilly ex Cavan Captain will assist the team in training from next week..

August 9th 1952 Cavan beat Down 1-5 to 1-3 in the Ulster Minor Football Final in wet and windy Saint Tiernach’s Park Clones. Great performance by Cavan who were strong in all departments but Down can blame their forwards for not converting their ample opportunities in the wet and slippery conditions before a very small crowd who paid gate receipts of £32.Danny Kelly in the Down goal had a wonderful game and brought off a number of great saves while Frawley in the Cavan goals staked his place for future consideration on the Senior panel. Cavan S Frawley P O Hare PA Farrell Donal Kelly B Brady Sean Keogan Tom Maguire Gerry Keyes Seamus Farrelly Gerry Smith (son of Jim Smith) Vincent Bligh Gerry Fitzpatrick Captain M McKenna and Jim McDonnell from Bunnoe who replaced M Hetherton in the team that beat Fermanagh in the Semi Final in Breffni Park. Andy McEntee says that the team on this display can go all the way and win Cavan their 3^rd All Ireland Minor crown with their high catching long kicking. Among the Down team defeated by Cavan were Joe Lennon Danny Kelly in goal James McCartan and Paddy Doherty. Cavan will now play Westmeath in the All Ireland Semi Final in Pearse Park Mullingar the winners will play Cork or Galway in the All Ireland Final in Croke Park on the 28^th September.

August 16th 1952 Cavan Senior team settle into their new surroundings in The Woodford Hotel in Ballyconnell where Father Noel Fay Chairman Cavan County Committee has equipped their quarters with a radio set purchased during the week from well known electrical retailer Smyth’s 60 Main Street Cavan. The team are under the guidance of Hughie O Reilly ex Sergeant Brennan and former Captain JJ Reilly and will undergo 14 days intensive training before travelling from Ballyconnell on the morning of the match to face Cork in the All Ireland Semi Final. Cavan Seamus Morris James McCabe Phil Brady Des Maguire Tom Hardy Liam Maguire Brian Reilly Victor Sherlock Paul Fitzsimmons Seamus Hetherton Mick Higgins Pat Carolan John Joe Cassidy Tony Tighe and Edwin Carolan.Subs B McEnroe Simon Deignan Brian Gallagher C Halten Johnny Cusack .Cork Lieut D O Keefe C Dineen PA Murphy J O Brien Paddy O Driscoll John Cronin Dennis Bernard Neillie Duggan Denis Toots Kellegher M Fitzgerald Eamonn Young Captain Tom Moriarity John Cronin JJ Henehan Der O Donovan. Mass in the Cathedral at 7 to facilitate the many thousands travelling  on the excursion train from Cavan leaving at 8:45 returning at 7:05 calling at all stations en route. The return fare is 14/6 children half price. The curtain raiser is the Galway V Cork All Ireland Minor Semi Final. Tommy Molloy from Drumalee is the only newcomer from the team that beat Down. on the Cavan team to play Westmeath in the All Ireland Minor Semi Final in Longford.

August 22nd 1952 Cavan’s great win beating Cork 2-3 to 0-10 in the All Ireland Semi Final before an attendance of 42,000 at Croke Park. Wonder fight back. Victory triumph for skill and determination. Now play Meath in the All Ireland Final on September 28^th.Cavan missed a penalty and Cork in their next attack shocked Cavan with a goal. Cavan were going like trains at the finish and Cork were beaten in last fifteen minutes. Cavan were as fit as fiddles and as hard as nails thanks to the conditioning received in Ballyconnell under Hughie O Reilly and ex Sergeant Brennan.Ideal day for football with slight wind and sunshine. Saint Peter’s Brass Band from Drogheda led the parade and played the National Anthem before the ball was thrown in by referee D O Connell Tullmore.Mick Higgins had the opening score a point in the 7^th minute after both teams had attacked Tom Moriarity had the sides level after 11 minutes Seamus Hetherton added to the Cavan total in the 11^th minute to leave the score 2-1 to Cavan where it remained until the 24^th minute when Cork swept through the Cavan defence with O Donovan passing to Cahill who sent to Tom Moriarity who blasted past Morris for a great Cork goal to give Cork the lead 1-1 to 0-2.After a mix up with Phil Brady and Des Maguire Toots Kellegher got hold of the ball and sent over a great Cork point 1-2 to 0-2.Then in the 35^th minute Tony Tighe in full stride through the Cork defence sent over for Cavan but Cork were still not finished scoring and Kellegher again beat the Cavan defence for another Cork point in the 36^th minute to leave the half time score 1-3 to 0-3 in favour of Cork. The second half opened with Cavan putting on the pressure and after a move between Fitzsimmons and Hetherton was halted Higgins sent over from the resultant free 1-3 to 0-4.Fitzsimmons again found Carolan who was fouled and the referee awarded Cavan a penalty taken by JJ Cassidy but brilliantly saved by the Cork goalkeeper O Keefe.After this escape Cork raced downfield and Tom Moriarity beat Phil Brady and blasted the ball past a hapless Seamus Morris for a great Cork goal 2-3 to 0-4 to put Cork 5 points ahead with 15 minutes of the second half gone. Cavan swept back with a series of attacks where Higgins Tighe Sherlock and Cassidy were prominent with Higgins converting a free 2-3 to 0-5.Then Sherlock Tighe and Pat Carolan combined the latter pulled down and Cassidy sent over Cavan’s 6^th point on 25 minutes. Then Sherlock was heavily fouled and Cassidy again sent over for a Cavan point with 30 minutes gone 2-3 to 0-7.More drama was to follow and after another great Cavan attack almost yielded a goal Higgins sent over to leave just a point between them with 32 minutes gone. Cavan finally got on level terms in the 34^th minute when Higgins sent over again after Pat Carolan was heavily challenged and replaced by Simon Deignan who beat 3 men to pass to cousin Edwin Carolan who was heavily fouled and Higgins sent over the winning point for Cavan. Cavan were all over Cork at this stage but Higgins went down injured and some spectators thinking the game was over invaded the pitch and caused a delay eventually cleared by the referee and players. Cavan were on the attack with Phil Brady and Victor Sherlock heading for the Cork goal when the referee who was honest but had no experience of handling such a big bruising battle blew for full time. Memorable day memorable game with Mick Higgins the Cavan captain Man of the Match  chaired off the field. Cavan will now renew rivalry with near neighbours Meath who were unimpressive in their Semi Final win over Connaught Champions Roscommon. Cavan returned to the Woodford House Hotel Ballyconnell later in the week to prepare for the All Ireland Final.

August 30th 1952 Cavan Minors beat Westmeath 3-6 to 1-9 in the All Ireland Semi Final at Pearse Stadium Longford where gate receipts were an impressive £580.Cavan led by 2-5 to 1-3 at half time. Cavan were better in the air and contested possession better than Westmeath who were slower to the ball. They will now play Galway in the All Ireland Minor Final at Croke Park on Sunday September 28^th .Cavan S Frawley Dowra P O Hare Cootehill PA Farrelly Ballinagh J Farrelly Castlerahan Donal Kelly Bailieboro Sean Keogan Laragh Brendan Brady Ballinagh Tom Maguire Swanlinbar Gerry Keyes Cootehill Seamus Farrelly Ballinagh Gerry Smith Killinkere Tommy Molloy Drumalee Gene Fitzpatrick Croghan Captain M McKenna Belturbet Jim McDonnell Drung Subs Noel Fitzpatrick Croghan Colm Hurley Cootehill Pat Lynch Lavey Vin Bligh Cavan Harps C Magee Ballyconnell Jerry McHugh Swanlinbar and Seamus Conaty Stradone.

September 28th 1952 Cavan team will leave Ballyconnell on Sunday morning at 10:30 and journey to Barry’s Hotel; where they will be based during their stay in the capital. The minor team will travel from their homes separately for the All Ireland Minor Final with Galway starting at 1:20.The teams will be guests of the Central Council and the Cavan Association in Dublin over the weekend. Train from Cavan will leave at 7:40 while the train from Belturbet will leave at 6:45.There will also be special trains from Killeshandra and Kingscourt.All buses from the area are leaving at 7:30 including the Denn bus from Ned Cooke’s Main Street which will pick up passengers in Crosskeys and Ballyjamesduff.Both Cavan and Meath teams are expected to line out as selected and both have undergone intensive training at Ballyconnell and Gibbstown Navan.The Cavan schedule reads Rising at 7:45 3 mile fast walk Breakfast at 9:30 Football practice in secluded local pitch from 11-1 Lunch at 1:30 running and football exercises from 4-6 followed by Dinner at 7 9-9:30 brisk walk before Rosary at 11 followed by Bed. Meath have just completed 3 weeks training under Farther P Tully CC Moynalty with a similar regime but variety in clock golf tennis and block chopping. Kevin Smith is back in goals after missing the All Ireland Semi Final and replaces Ollie O Sullivan who drops to the bench. Cavan make one change on the Minor team to play Galway with Vin Bligh of Cavan Harps replacing Tommy Molloy Drumalee who drops to the bench. Cavan Seniors will field the same team that beat Cork in the Semi Final. Meath Kevin Smith Kells Michael O Brien Skryne Paddy O Brien Skryne Kevin McConnell Syddan Kevin McGerty Balivor Con Kelly Oldcastle Christy Hand St-Syddan Brendan Maguire Bingfield Des Taaffe Bettystown P Connell Moynalty Brian Smith Skryne Paddy Meegan Captain Syddan Mattie McDonald Ballinlough Jim Reilly Dunboyne Peter McDermott Navan O Mahoney’s.

October 4th 1952  Cavan and Meath draw in downpour while Minor game postponed because of the weather.64,000 paid gate receipts of £8,696 to see a hard fought sporting low scoring All Ireland Final when Meath and Cavan drew 2-4 to 1-7.Both goals had miraculous escapes during a ding dong contest and Cavan’s equaliser from Edwin Carolan when he retrieved a ball from the corner flag at the Canal end and sent over a miracle point in the 27^th minute of the second half after Cavan had surrendered a 4 point lead 15 minutes into the second half. Much to the disappointment of the 40,000 early comers mostly from Cavan the Minor Final was correctly postponed because of the deluge which occurred after one of the driest years in living memory. The Artane Boys Band led the parade with Cavan in royal blue led by Mick Higgins and Meath in green and gold led by Paddy Meegan bringing up the rear for Cavan and carrying a silver horseshoe was Seamus Hetherton.The teams were met by the referee Sean Hayes Tipperary who tossed the coin and Cavan elected to defend the Canal goal in the first half playing with the wind- the rain had given a short respite at this stage and only returned in torrents after the final whistle. Among the attendance was President Sean T O Kelly Taoiseach Eamonn De Valera celebrating his 70^th birthday Most Rev Dr Kyne Bishop of Meath and Bishop Austin Quinn The Papal Nuncio Most Rev Dr O Hara was escorted on to the pitch by the President of the GAA MV Donohoe to meet the two captains and the spectators rose for the singing of Faith of our Fathers followed by the National Anthem after which the Papal Nuncio threw in the ball caught by Meath danger man Peter Donohoe who took advantage of the momentary confusion as the pitch was being cleared to crash the ball against the Cavan upright for a narrow escape followed soon afterwards by bad miss by Jim Reilly who had Morris out of position in the Cavan goal but shot wide. In the 3^rd minute Jim Reilly opened the Meath scoring with a well taken point. Then Higgins as alert as ever found Tony Tighe free and he raced through the Meath defence to send a scorcher to the net –the ball hitting the stauncheon at the back of the goal and rebounding into play.2 further points from Paddy Megan had the game level after 10 minutes. Then Tighe again who was giving Paddy O Brien a torrid time raced through only to hit the base of the upright with Kevin Smith beaten. At half time the scores were even Cavan 1-2 Meath 0-5.Meath playing with the breeze were expected to put the pressure on Cavan in the 3^rd quarter but Cavan totally dominated the game but both Cassidy and Higgins were strangely off target with frees before Tony Tighe placed John Joe Cassidy for another great Cavan goal giving them a 4 point lead with less than 15 minutes remining.Meath were back straight away for a point from Mattie McDonnell and a goal from danger man Peter McDermott (the man with the cap) following a mix up in the Cavan defence. Meath were now dominant and Brian Smith gave them the lead in the 23^rd minute with a well struck point. Cavan went in search of the equaliser which came in the form of the miracle point  from Edwin Carolan when he screwed over a great point from an impossible angle in the 29^th minute. The game ended in a welter of excitement with Meath being awarded a 50 taken by Paddy O Brien which was hit hard and high but just wide of the Cavan posts despite the gallant effort of Peter McDermott to keep the ball in play.A draw was probably the fairest result but Meath after their fight back in the second half were the more disappointed with the result. Both teams having been entertained by the Central Council and their respective County Associations returned to Camp Meath to Gibbstown Navan and Cavan to Ballyconnell to prepare for the replay on October 12^th at Croke Park.

Figures for the game

Referee Sean Hayes was an excellent official of a difficult game to referee because of the close exchanges and heavy underfoot conditions.

October 11th 1952 Bus for replay leaves Drumalee Cross at 7:50 stopping for 8 am Mass in the Cathedral and continuing to Dublin immediately after Mass. Both CIE and GNR are running specials with the return fare 14/6 leaving Cavan Station at 7:30 and returning from Dublin at 6:40.Mass in the Cathedral at 6:30 while the usual 6:45 Mass takes place n the Poor Clare’s Chapel. On the team front Johnny Cusack replaces Paul Fitzsimmons on the Cavan team. The Lavey Senior Championship captain of 1951 has already played in Croke Park against Meath in the home National League Final of 1949 when he scored a goal in Cavan’s 2-8 to 1-6 win against the Royal county. Tom Hardy will replace Paul Fitzsimmons at centre field partnering Victor Sherlock with Pat Carolan dropping back to right half back and Johnny Cusack selected at left full forward. Mick Higgins was confined to bed during the week with a flu virus but is a definite starter at centre half forward. On the Meath team T O Brien replaces McGerty at right half back while W Brennan comes in for Moynalty’s P Connell at right half forward. Cavan are travelling up from Ballyconnell leaving at 10 and again making Barry’s Hotel their base for the weekend. Meath will also travel on Sunday morning from Gibbstown while the Cavan Minors will travel separately for their Minor Final with Galway commencing at 1:20 with the Senior game at3:15.

October 18th 1952 5^th All Ireland for Cavan-Replay Bogey overcome. Higgins home with Sam Maguire after Cavan defeat Meath by 0-9 to 0-5 in the All Ireland Final at Croke Park played before a record attendance for a replay of 62,515 who paid gate receipts of £8,152.Conditions almost as bad as in the drawn game with a deluge of rain falling throughout the afternoon. Cavan won the toss and played with the wind defending the Canal end in the first half but after dominating the play for long periods only led by 0-3 to 0-2 at half time. Cavan gradually exerted their superiority stemming from complete control at midfield where Sherlock and Hardy outshone Brendan Maguire and Des Taaffe and overran Meath in the last quarter in a hard fought game played at a cracking pace. Cavan went in search of goals in the closing stages but the Meath defence fought like tigers with Paddy O Brien magnificent and saving 2 certain goals diving at the feet of Tony Tighe and it was left to the free taking accuracy of Mick Higgins who scored 7 of Cavan’s 9 points from frees to seal the issue. On the other hand Paddy Meegan had a total off day with the Meath frees and missed several easy opportunities to close the gap. Brian Smith took over for Meath for a period in the second half but he also failed to handle the heavy slippery ball while Mick Higgins for Cavan ambled up totally relaxed and stroked the ball over from all angles within a forty yards distance from goals. Cavan outshone Meath in all sectors including a brilliant half back and centre field display. Meath had a deadly full forward line despite feeding off scraps the brilliant Peter McDermott (2) was aided by Mattie McDonnell and Jim Reilly scoring 4 of Meath’s points the other came from centre field man Des Taaffe in injury time. Incredibly Meath did not score at all from frees despite many of them being in scorable positions Among the attendance was the Papal Nuncio Most Rev Dr O Hara Most Rev Dr Walsh the Archbishop of Tuam Gerry Boland Minister for Justice Paddy Smith Minister for Local Government T Walsh the Minister for Agriculture. After the Artane Boys Band had paraded the teams with Seamus Hetherton again taking up the rear for Cavan carrying a silver horse shoe in his right hand. When the teams reached the centre of the field the Band struck up Faith of Our Fathers and The National Anthem all present standing and joining in the chorus. Most Rev Dr Kyne Bishop of Meath was then escorted on to the pitch by Mr V O Donohoe President of the GAA and introduced to S Hayes Tipperary Referee and the two captains Paddy Meegan and Mick Higgins all three kissing his ring. The Referee then handed him the ball and at 1 minute past 3 the All Ireland Senior Final of 1952 was on. Play swung one way then the other until the 4^th minute when Mick Higgins secured but was pulled down and sent over Cavan’s opening score. After Seamus Hetherton fielded and was on his way through the Meath defence he was pulled down by Christo Hand close in and Higgins coolly sent over Cavan’s 2^nd point in the 8^th minute. Then Tom O Brien found Paddy Meegan who transferred to Matty McDonnell for  Meath’s opening point after 10 minutes play. In the 18^th minute Tony Tighe who was again giving Paddy O Brien at full back for Meath a torrid time cut through the Meath defence after a great pass from Liam Maguire to send hard just over the crossbar. At the other end Seamus Morris boxed clear but the ball came to Jim Reilly who fisted it over the bar. In the 28^th minute Sherlock placed Mick Higgins who soloed through the Math defence to shoot low and hard but the ball came off the upright gathered by Michael O Brien who although challenged by Cassidy cleared his lines.The Half Time Score of  Cavan 3 Meath 2 does not reflect the superiority of Cavan in the 1^st half but with the wind in their backs in the 2^nd half Meath were still very much in the game. In the first attack after the interval it was noticed that JJ Cassidy was limping and the Cavan bench immediately replaced the Arva man with Paul Fitzsimmons from Maghera who had played in the drawn game. Then Meath showed their class when Brendan Maguire fielded a high ball transferring to Brennan who placed Brian Smith who passed to Peter McDermott who levelled the match at 3-3 all after 8 minutes. Tighe and Higgins combined brilliantly in the 11^th minute and when Higgins was fouled he took the free himself and sent over from 30 yards. At the other end Paddy Meegan was having a nightmare with the frees and when awarded a simple 25 yards free in front of the posts sent well wide. Brian Smith took over for a period but fared no better and Megan resumed his duties as free taker. In the 18^th minute Johnny Cusack from Lavey received from Sherlock and from an acute angle sent over a great point to give Cavan a 5-3 advantage. The play swung to the other end and on 19 minutes Meath’s danger man Peter McDermott cut through the Cavan defence  after receiving a great pass from Brendan Maguire to close the gap to 5-4.The Cavan defence was well on top of the Meath attack who were disheartened by the failure of their free takers to give them any advantage. On 22 minutes Higgins combined with Tighe to put Johnny Cusack through and the Lavey man was hauled down and Higgins converted the free in front of the posts to give Cavan a 6-4 advantage. After great work by Paddy Carolan in breaking up a Meath attack passing to Des Maguire going forward who placed Tighe combining with Sherlock to put Edwin Carolan through but the Mullagh man was pulled own as he bore down on goal with Mick Higgins again converting the free on 27 minutes 7-4.Then Hetherton who was giving Christo Hand a torrid time for the second day found Sherlock who placed Tighe who found the on running Seamus Hetherton who was again pulled down in front of the posts for Higgins to convert in the 29^th minute 8-3.Cavan on top at mid field were now running riot Tony Tighe placed Paul Fitzsimmons on the wing 35 yards out but he was pulled down and Higgins as cool as a cucumber ambled up and gently stroked the ball dead centre over the bar to the delight of the huge Cavan support and admiration of all present on 30 minutes. Meath then true to their reputation kept on plugging and were awarded a 14 yards free straight in front of the posts but Paddy Meegan clumsily hit yards wide. Back they came again in the 3^rd minute of added time and Des Taaffe sent over the last score of the game to leave Cavan winners on the score of 0-9 to 0-5 after one of the greatest personal triumphs by Mick Higgins Captain in one of the lowest scoring games in modern times. As Cavan made their way back to the dressing rooms at the Canal goal Mick Higgins was gently reminded of his next task by Mr Rock Chief Steward who escorted the Cavan Captain to receive the magnificent Sam Maguire Cup from the President of the GAA MV O Donohoe. Séan Hayes of Tipperary was an outstanding referee and an example to others in the art of letting a game flow without undue interference. As the Cavan supporters made their way out of Croke Park they were oblivious of the pouring rain as Meath fans vented their disgust at such an inept performance by discarding their Meath hats colours and flags which were trampled upon by the emerging hordes. They need not have worried Meath would be back again in glorious triumph against Kerry in 1954 Cork in 1967 Cork in 1987 and 1988 Mayo in 1996 and Kerry in 2001 Cavan despite near Semi Final misses in 1954 1955 1962 1964 1969 1997 would never grace another All Ireland Final in Croke Park in the years from 1953-2010.Cavan Scorers Mick Higgins 0-7 Johnny Cusack and Tony Tighe 0-1 each Meath Peter McDermott 0-2 Mattie McDonnell Jim Reilly and Des Taaffe 0-1 each. Cavan Seamus Morris Arva James McCabe Mullahoran Phil Brady Mullahoran Des Maguire Cornafean Pat Carolan Mullagh Liam Maguire Cornafean Brian Reilly Mullahoran Victor Sherlock Kingscourt Tom Hardy Mullahoran Seamus Hetherton Munterconnaught Mick Higgins Bailieboro Edwin Carolan Mullagh John Joe Cassidy Arva Tony Tighe Castlerahan and Johnny Cusack Lavey.Subs used Paul Fitzsimmons Mullagh for John Joe Cassidy Arva after 35 minutes retired injured. Subs Ben McEnroe Castlerahan Simon Deignan Mullagh and Dublin Paul Fitzsimmons Maghera Brian Gallagher Cootehill Terry Keogan Bailieboro Peter Donohoe Banba Dublin and Kilnaleck V Clarke Knockbride and John Sheridan Killinkere .Meath Kevin Smith Kells Michael O Brien Skryne Paddy O Brien Skryne Kevin McConnell Syddan Kevin McGerty Balivor Con Kelly Oldcastle Christy Hand St-Syddan Brendan Maguire Bingfield Des Taaffe Bettystown P Connell Moynalty Brian Smith Skryne Paddy Meegan Captain Syddan Mattie McDonald Ballinlough Jim Reilly Dunboyne and Peter McDermott Navan O Mahoney’s.

Statistics of the Game

All Ireland Champions 1952

Back Row (Left to Right) Paul Fitzsimmons Tony Tighe Peter Donohoe Liam Maguire Brian Gallagher Victor Sherlock Tom Hardy Bartley McEnroe Aidan Corrigan Edwin Carolan Simon Deignan Vincent Clarke James McCabe. Front Row (Left to Right) John Sheridan Terry Keogan Des Maguire Seamus Morris Johnny Cusack Seamus Hetherton Phil Brady Mick Higgins (Captain) Pat Carolan J J Cassidy and Brian O Reilly.

Disappointment for Cavan in the Minor Final played in a down pour before the Senior Game Galway 2-9 Cavan 1-6.Andy McEntee states “Cavan were simply too light and didn’t have the bone and muscle of the representatives from the Atlantic Shore.” The outstanding player on the field was T Brosnan who scored 6 points from frees and a goal from open play for Galway”. Galway led by 1-4 to 1-2 at half time. Cavan made one change from the team that beat Westmeath in the Semi Final with Vin Bligh Cavan Harps replacing Tommy Molloy Drumalee at left half forward. Cavan S Frawley Dowra P O Hare Cootehill PA Farrelly Ballinagh J Farrelly Castlerahan Donal Kelly Bailieboro Brendan Brady Ballinagh Sean Keogan Laragh Tom Maguire Swanlinbar Gerry Keyes Cootehill Sean Farelly Ballinagh Gerry Smith Killinkere Vin Bligh Cavan Harps Gene Fitzpatrick Croghan Captain M McKenna Belturbet Jim McDonnell Cavan Slashers Subs Noel Fitzpatrick Croghan Colm Hurley Cootehill Pat Lynch Lavey Tommy Molloy Drumalee C Magee Ballyconnell Jerry McHugh Swanlinbar and Seamus Conaty Stradone.Galway M Ryan B Naughton S Kyne SP Hoban M Lehan S Dunleavy M Hockshaw M Kelly P Mahon T Brosnan S Mitchell S Morrison B Waldron P Kirwin and M Geraghty. Cavan started like a whirlwind with a goal from Tom Maguire direct from a 50 in the 4^th minute Galway replied in the 6^th minute with a point then Sean Farrelly Cavan’s top sorer received a great pass from Vin Bligh which he sent over to leave Cavan ahead 1-1 to 1. Then Jim McDonnell had a great point for Cavan and they were dominating matters but Galway replied with a point by Kelly followed by a goal from Brosnan to leave the Half Time score Galway 1-4 Cavan 1-2.Cavan started the second half intent on closing the gap and after great work by Keogan and Maguie Bligh was put through on goal but his shot was blocked by Naughton and Sean Farrelly following up sent over another Cavan point to leave the score 1-4 to 1-3.Play swung away and Galway attacked with Kirwin passing to Brosnan who shot a great Galway goal 2-4 to 1-3.Brendan Brady broke up a Galway attack sent to Donal Kelly and found Tom Maguire who shot narrowly wide as Cavan went in search of a goal. Sean Farrelly was back for another Cavan point.2-4 to 1-5 .All Galway now and Brosnan sent over another Galway point.2-5 to 1-5 Before the end Brosnan and Sean Farrelly exchanged points 2-6 to 1-6 before Brosnan (2) and Kirwin closed out the game for Galway who seemed to relish the heavy conditions and the slippery ball 2-9 to 1-6. Séan Og O Ceallacain from Dublin was a thoroughly efficient and fair referee.

Cavan taking the scenic route returned home on Monday night with the Sam Maguire Cup via Kingscourt where the wide streets were packed with cheering fans all waving the blue and white with a special welcome for local hero Victor Sherlock then it was on to Mullagh home of Edwin and Pat Carolan and Garda Phil Brady is now based there. Address of welcome read by Ralph McKenna son of the founder and President of Cavan GAA the late TP McKenna and each member presented with scarves by Jim Bryson Edward Carolan father of Pat and Edwin who proceeded to the Reception and Banquet in Cavan. Next stop Bailieboro where Garda Mick Higgins the Captain is based they were led trough the town by Bailieboro Brass and Reed Band and the meeting was addressed by Thomas Kelly PC and Mr P Farrell County Council. Mick Higgins praised the great achievement of the players and called for 3 cheers for a sporting Meath team. At this stage it was found that the bus carrying the team and officials from Dublin had broken down and the players were whisked off to the main Reception in Cavan by private cars where a huge crowd was waiting bedecked in blue and white colours with streamers flags and bunting in the victorious blue and white. Bonfires blazed at the butt of the Half Acre from the top of the Gallows Hill and at the bottom of the Barrack Hill. The players transferred to a lorry and the procession was led down from Harry Richmond’s by the Labour and Drumcrave Fife and Drum Bands. Tommy Gilroy Chairman of the Breffni Park Committee presided and welcomed Mick Higgins and the team home. Mick hoisted the Sam Maguire to the delight of the huge crowd and apologised for their late arrival. He again praised the men who brought honour to Cavan and paid tribute o the sportsmanship and prowess of the Meath team calling for 3 cheers for their vanquished neighbours. A long letter was then read from the absent Bishop of Kilmore Austin Quinn and Ms Mary Brady then read an address of welcome from Cavan UDC praising " their glorious exploits in Croke Park and bringing glory to this great county and town by emulating the deeds of their illustrious predecessors”.Dr Phil Carroll and MJ Mullen Vice Chairman then spoke before the party adjourned for the Banquet in the Farnham Hotel. Among the party were the selectors Rev Father Noel Fay CC Dr PJ Carroll Bailieboro HL Smyth Cavan MJ Mullen Mountnuggent Tommy Smith Lavey T J O Reilly Cootehill T P O Reilly Ballyconnell Jimmy Dalton Mullahoran and Patsy Lynch Dublin.

Same Week John T Kennedy Director Fagan’s Limited weds Sarah (Sadie) Small in Cavan Parish Church with Archdeacon Shire presiding assisted by Rev Wilson. The Choir was under the direction of Mrs Daniels. The Bride was given away by Tommy Montgomery and the Bridesmaid was Irma Ross with the Best Man William Montgomery. After a lavish Reception in the home of the Bride the couple left for a tour of the South of Ireland.

November 25th 1952

Unexpected death of the legendary John Joe O Reilly on Friday night the 21^st November 1952 at the Curragh General Hospital after a short illness at the age of 34.The nation were shocked to hear the news of the death of John Joe on the 8 am Radio Eireann news as recent reports from the Hospital had indicated that he had rallied and would make a full recovery. Educated at the Derries National School Saint Patrick’s College and The Cadet Military Academy which he entered in 1937.John Joe was a member of the Cavan Senior team from 1937-1952 starring in 6 All Ireland Finals and playing a pivotal role behind the scenes in the winning of this year’s All Ireland by Cavan.He played his last game for Cavan at the opening of Breffni Park on June 8^th 1952 and unveiled a Memorial to his great half back colleague PJ Duke in Laragh Cemetery before leading out Cavan for the last time. He was commissioned in 1939 appointed Captain in 1942 and Commandant in 1945 attached to 3^rd Battalion 25^th Battalion Curragh Military College and Training Depot. His father John played for Cavan from 1908 while his brothers Tom (Big Tom) and Father Brian also won All Ireland medals with Cavan.He was perhaps Cavan’s greatest ever personality showing outstanding example and leadership. Tributes pour in from all over Ireland England and the USA with many people from the North and Donegal journeying to Killeshandra to pay their last respects. He was a figure of hope and courage in the face of oppression and persecution for the Nationalist population in the North where his photograph adorned many of their homes. His friend and colleague on the Ulster team Kevin Armstrong from Antrim says “ John Joe was perhaps the greatest all round player of his generation. His like will never be seen again” The Belfast News acclaims “John Joe as a naturally clever footballer tactician without a peer.His consistent genius as a Captain and team colleague would never be surpassed. He was the doyen of Gaelic football clean generous chivalrous and one who accepted defeat in the characteristic manner that befitted the supreme sportsman that he was “.The Anglo Celt proclaims John Joe as a “legend before he was 30 who could pluck victory from the jaws of defeat an outstanding example of leadership and sportsmanship.Removal took place to Saint Brigid’s Garrison Church The Curragh on Saturday evening with John Joe’s Army cap and sword on the coffin draped in the Tricolour the gun carriage and the Guard of honour of NCO s marching with reverse rifles each side of the gun carriage with the Army Number 3 Band under Lt D Mellerick playing solemn music including the Dead March. The remains were received by  Father PJ Boylan O F Reverend J McGurk. Also in attendance was Major General Liam Egan Chief of Staff Colonel J Lillis Assistant Chief of Staff Cmdt James Daly Parade Marshal. All hotels and catering establishments in the area booked out as huge crowds gathered on the route through Naas Dublin Navan Kells where the cortege stopped outside the Church Virginia and Cavan where thousands gathered at Breffni Park and the cortege over 2 mile long stopped with 1 minutes silence being observed by the huge crowd. Then the coffin draped in the Tricolour with the dead officers cap sword and gloves on top borne on a gun carriage for over 150 miles began to make its final journey to Killeshandra where people from all over Ireland but particularly Ulster gathered to pay their last respects to a man who was known and respected in every household in the country. The Army Number 3 Band and Officers with reverse rifles escorted the Gun Carriage through the crowded streets where many of the natives sobbed and cried in grief. Arriving at Saint Brigid’s Church the coffin was borne into the Church by a party of NCOs and received by Rev P Boylan Senior Chaplain the Curragh Very Rev P Canon Smith PP VF Killeshandra Very Rev P Comiskey PP Kilmore and Rev J J Donohoe CC Killeshandra.After a short Service the remains were bone from the Church to the grave by members of the Cavan All Ireland winning team where Father Boylan recited the prayers at the graveside. The firing party under Lieut J Clarke Army Training Depot the Curragh fired 3 volleys and the Last Post and Reveille were then sounded. Nine wreaths were laid on the grave The chief mourners were widow Olive O Reilly sons Breffni and Brian daughters Sarah and Alval parents John and Sarah O Reilly Derries Upper brothers Rev Brian Jersey City USA Michael Thomas (Big Tom) Vincent Frank Seamus sisters Mrs M Fox Mrs E O Dowd Mrs M McLoughlin Mrs K Matthews Mrs J Brady and Miss Anna O Reilly Mr and Mrs J Quane Virginia parents in law. Brothers in law John C OP Dowd Killeshandra Robert McLoughlin Ardee John Fox New York Seamus Brady London Peter Matthews London Uncles listed are Michael O Reilly Drumcoghill Peter O Reilly Marahill Frank O Reilly Church Street Cavan Packie Joe O Reilly Farnaser Aunts Mrs Phair Mrs Plunkett and Mrs J Cullen. Among the dignitaries in attendance was Paddy Smith Minister for Local Government and Jack Lynch Parliamentary Secretary to the Government. Sean O Siochain representing the Central Council of the GAA said  that “ John Joe O Reilly stood for all that was finest on and off the GAA field” while Captain Con Sullivan fellow Irish Army officer said that “John Joe O Reilly was a great soldier respected by the men and loved by all “Throughout the land at all GAA games the Tricolour flew at half mast and 2 minutes silence was observed.

 John Joe O Reilly was born in 1918 son oh John and Sarah Anne O Reilly Derries Upper in the Parish of Kilmore.His father was an outstanding goalkeeper for Cavan winning 4 Ulster Senior Championship medals. Educated at the local National School and Saint Patrick’s College where he won 3 McRory Cup medals in 1935 1936 and 1937.Won his 1^st Ulster Senior medal in 1937 when he later played on the Cavan team who were harshly beaten in the All Ireland Final by Kerry. Starred in the All Ireland Final of 1943 against Roscommon which Cavan again lost in a Replay. He ws again on the beaten side when Cavan ‘gifted’ the All Ireland title to Cork in 1945.John Joe was a great sportsman where victory and defeat were treated in the same manner but hard lessons were learned which were later to stand John Joe and Cavan in good stead. On the 17^th March 1942 Ulster captained by John Joe won the Railway Cup for the first time beating a Munster team of 14 Kerrymen and Cork’s Eamonn Young by 1-10 to 1-5.Captain again in 1943 when Ulster retained the Railway Cup beating Leinster 3-7 to 2-9.In 1946 John Joe succeeded Big Tom as Captain of the Cavan team winning the All Ireland at the Polo Grounds New York in 1947 retaining the title against Mayo in 1948 and annexing Cavan’s first and only National League title in 1948.He was Captain again when Cavan were surprisingly beaten by Meath in the 1949 Final but was first to congratulate the Royal county men on winning their first title. Played a pivotal role behind the scenes with Hughie Reilly in winning Cavan’s 5^th All Ireland title again after a replay against Meath in October 1952.In all John Joe won 2 All Ireland Senior medals 1947 and 1948 11 Ulster Senior medals 1937 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1947 1948 1949 4 Railway Cup medals 1942 1943 1947 and 1950 3 McRory Cup medals with Saint Patrick’s College 1935 1936 and 1937.John Joe O Reilly received the ultimate accolade of greatness when he was named on the GAA team of the Century at Centre Half Back with a postage stamp issued in his honour. May Cavan and Ulster’s greatest son Rest in Peace.

The Gallant John Joe

In the month of November on a cold stormy day

I left my old home and to town made my way

I met with a young man on the road he did go

And he told me of the death of the gallant John Joe

Chorus

John Joe O Reilly has left us behind

He is gone to his Maker who is faithful and kind

He brought him to Heaven that proud land to show
A true son of Breffni is the gallant John Joe

Brave Clan O Reilly oh proud is your name

You've reared many sons of great honour and fame

But not even the Princes of long long ago

Could compare with our sportsman the Gallant John Joe

His record's a proud one without blemish or stain

From he played his first football with famed Cornafean

Till he's laid in his cold grave where the wild flowers grow

A true son of Breifne was the gallant John Joe

He led Cavan to victory on that memorable day

In the Final against Kerry in New York far away

The next year in Croke Park when our boys beat Mayo

Once again they were led by the gallant John Joe

In each corner of Breifne there's sorrow and pain

Such a true hearted sportsman we'll neer see again

New players may come and new players may go

But we'll neer see another like the gallant John Joe

(Courtesy of George Cartwright 'Up The Reds')

April 18^th 1953 Cavan beat Kerry 3-6 to 2-5 to qualify for the National League Final where they will play Dublin before an attendance of 23,358 at Croke Park on a cold dry and sunny day. The Kerry team were much taller heavier and slower than their opponents but with training they will again be a force in the land. They only came in to their own in the last 10 minutes when Jackie Lyne was switched into full forward and reduced the deficit from 10 points to 4 at the finish. Cavan led by 1-2 to 0-3 at half time. Scorers for Cavan Edwin Carolan 1-1 Mick Higgins 1-0 Brian Gallagher 0-3 Tony Tighe 0-2 Scorers for Kerry Jackie Lyne 1-1 Tadhg Lyne 0-4 S Kelly 1-0.Fintan Lawlor Pipe Band paraded the teams and played the National Anthem Connell Offaly was an excellent referee. Cavan Seamus Morris Arva James McCabe Ballintemple Phil Brady Mullahoran Vincent Clarke Killinkere Pat Carolan Mullagh Liam Maguire Cornafean Sean Keogan Bailieboro Pat Carolan Mullagh Paul Fitzsimmons Maghera Brian Gallagher Cootehill Mick Higgins Captain Bailieboro Edwin Carolan Mullagh JJ Cassidy Arva Tony Tighe Ballyjamesduff Johnny Cusack Lavey.Subs Simon Deignan Dublin John Sheridan Killinkere Dan McCaffrey Stradone Donie Smith Lavey L Cahill Mountnuggent Connie Halton Mullahoran and Gerry Keyes Cootehill.

May 9th 1953 Cavan fail to complete the double when losing to a faster fitter younger  Dublin team in the National League Final by 4-6 to 0-9 before an attendance of 37,605 in ideal conditions at Croke Park. Dublin fielded 13 of the County Champions Saint Vincent’s and played in their club’s colours white with a blue band. Dublin did all the damage in the first 12 minutes leading a stunned Cavan team by 3-1 to 0-1 .Cavan regained their composure and the game was evenly fought out from there with Cavan never really threatening to gain parity as Dublin won their first National League title. Cavan are a tired team and the loss of John Joe O Reilly is incalculable either as a player or mentor. They have played far too much football since winning the All Ireland Championship last October and on this form are unlikely to challenge for national honours later in the Summer. Mick Higgins and Tony Tighe were strangely completely out of sorts and the loss of Victor Sherlock before the game was a cruel blow to Cavan’s hopes of gaining parity at midfield. Brian Gallagher Edwin Carolan and Johnny Cusack tried hard but they could not undo the early damage. Paul Fitzsimmons had a great game at centre field and was Cavan’s outstanding player. Gerry Keyes from Cootehill was another who showed great promise but halves Keogan and Paddy Carolan were disappointing with Tom Hardy  at centre half being sound throughout. Both Vincent Clarke and James McCabe were slow to get rid of the ball and Clarke was later replaced by Doney Smith from Lavey and Pullamore.Phil Brady at full back did his best but was led a merry dance by a clever fast forward line and drawn out of position thus making room for Heffernan and Atkins in the corner. Morris had very little chance with the early 3 goals and the last goal coming late in the game resulted from a defensive error trickling across the line. Dublin had 12 frees and 8 wides while Cavan had 28 frees and 6 wides and 1 50. On a perfect day for football Dublin played with the slight breeze defending the Railway goal in the first half  and were on the attack from the start playing fast football with lightning combinations Brian Atkins opened the scoring with a goal on 5 minutes Brian Gallagher replied with point for Cavan from a free in the 7^th minute. Cyril Freaney cut through a stunned Cavan defence to crash the ball to the net from 14 yards after 8 minutes. Dublin gained possession from the kick out and Johnny Crowley sent over for another Dublin point. Then on 12 minutes Des Ferguson soled up the wing and passed to Ollie Freaney who sent a great pass to brother Cyril for Dublin’s 3^rd goal making the score 3-1 to 0-1 at this point. Entering the 2^nd quarter Cavan began to rally and Brian Gallagher sent over a great point then Edwin Carolan placed cousin Simon Deignan for another Cavan point. After Cavan had laid siege to the Dublin goal seeking a goal before the break Dublin on a quick counter attack broke free and Kevin Heffernan sent over from a free after a Dublin forward was pulled down. In the 28^th minute Brian Gallagher closed the scoring for the first half with a point from a free to leave the half time score Dublin 3-2 Cavan 0-4.Dublin opened  strongly in the second half and after a number of attacks Kevin Heffernan and Des Ferguson had points for Dublin. Then Cavan ha a purple patch with Cusack finding Deignan who shot over for another Cavan point and after Brian Gallagher’s attempt at a goal was blocked the rebound was sent over by Edwin Carolan.Edwin Carolan who was Cavan’s best forward fielded from Tom Hardy and sent over another Cavan point and the supporters were now cheering Cavan on. Only great work by O Mahoney  Marcus Wilson and Norman Allen saved Dublin. After a long period of pressure Dublin broke away with Des Ferguson again soloing 40 yards up the wing unopposed to cross the ball into the square where Heffernan got his fist to it and it eluded both Brady and McCabe trickling over the Cavan line with Morris unsighted for Dublin’s 4^th goal. Cyril Freaney sent over another Dublin point before Gallagher replied for Cavan with a point from a free. Dublin were dangerous on the break and Cyril Freaney sent over another Dublin point after Mick Moylan cleared a goal bound Johnny Cusack effort. Mick Higgins tried on 2 occasions to breach the Dublin citadel by going for goals from 21 yards free but Cavan’s only reward was a closing point from Brian Gallagher from a 21 yards free Dublin 4-6 Cavan 0-9.Cavan Seamus Morris Arva James McCabe Ballintemple Phil Brady Mullahoran Vincent Clarke Killinkere Tom Hardy Mullahoran Liam Maguire Cornafean Sean Keogan Bailieboro Pat Carolan Mullagh Paul Fitzsimmons Maghera Brian Gallagher Cootehill Mick Higgins Captain Bailieboro Edwin Carolan Mullagh Simon Deignan Dublin Tony Tighe Ballyjamesduff Johnny Cusack Lavey Subs Gerry Keyes for Pat Carolan Donie Smith for Vincent Clarke Pat Carolan for James McCabe. Dublin Paddy O Grady Dennis O Mahoney Mick Moylan Marcus Wilson John Lavery Norman Allen Nicky Maher Mickey Whelan Johnny Crowley Des 'Snitchy' Ferguson Ollie Freaney Cyril Freaney B Atkins A Young Kevin Heffernan. Peter O Reilly former Dublin star footballer who trained Dublin is son of Sgt M O Reilly who trained Cavan to victory in the 1933 and 1935 Finals. Seamus Hayes of Tipperary was an outstanding referee.

August 18th 1959 Cavan beat Antrim 2-11 to 2-7 to win their first Ulster Minor title in 7 years. Trademark of this team was their ability to score in every game very early and this time Tony Morris scored a goal after 30 seconds and J McCormack had a point soon afterwards. Phil Murray got a great goal for Cavan after 15 minutes following a long period of Antrim dominance. Soon afterwards Phil Murray had another point followed by a pint from a free by C McCormack before Dessie Brady closed the scoring with 2 points before the half time break Cavan 2-5 Antrim 1-5.Hugh Donohoe opened the scoring for Cavan in the second half with a point direct from a 50 before Brian Sherlock had a glorious point followed by 3 points from C McCormack all from frees before Dessie Brady sent over Cavan’s final point on 25 minutes before Antrim rallied with a goal from Mulholland and appoint from McLoughlin on the stroke of full time. Cavan 2-11 to 2-7.Cavan J Boyle Cootehill Hugo Cafferty Cavan Gaels Fintan McKiernan West Cavan Gaels Finbar O Reilly Ballinagh Pat Flood Captain Drumalee Tony Morris Lough Gowna HC Donohoe Crosserlough Declan McCluskey Cootehill Dessie Brady Redhills Kevin Blessing Cootehill C McCormack Maghera Brian Morris Lough Gowna Phil Murray Cavan Gaels Referee S O Harte Tyrone. In the Senior Final played in blazing sunshine Down were superior in all positions yards faster than Cavan to every ball winning their first Ulster title 2-16 to 0-7.Cavan who had beaten Armagh after a replay were the red hot favourites and the only player to emerge with his reputation enhanced was Gabriel Kelly Bailieboro. Cavan’s cup of woe was filled to capacity when their star midfielder Hugh Barney O Donoghoe was sent off in the last quarter.

August 29th 1959 Cavan beat Galway 2-3 to 0-8 to qualify for the All Ireland Minor Final where they will play Dublin who beat Cork in the other Semi Final. Very one sided game with Galway on top from the start. They missed chance after chance and failed to put Cavan away after Cavan’s customary bright start when they scored 1-1.S Boyle in the Cavan goal was absolutely brilliant and saved a deluge of goals Fintan McKiernan at full back was outstanding wile in the forwards young Phil Murray was dangerous on the few occasions the Cavan forwards gained possession. Galway led by 0-5 to 1-1 at half time. Galway dominated mid field and overran Cavan in the 3^rd quarter missing chance after chance and being thwarted by a heroic Cavan defence. In the closing stages with Cavan trailing by 2 points Pat Flood sent in a high ball to the Galway square caught by the Galway full back who was dispossessed by Dessie Brady with the ball running  loose to the in running Kevin Blessing who hammered it to the Galway net for a goal and the lead for Cavan. Back came Cavan again as they scented victory. After Phil Murray was fouled Brian Sherlock from the free placed Dessie Brady for another Cavan point to put them 2 ahead with 5 minutes remaining. Galway threw everything into attack but their only return was a Cleary point in the 28^th minute to leave the Final score Cavan 2-3 Galway 0-8.Cavan J Boyle Cootehill Hugo Cafferty Cavan Gaels Fintan McKiernan West Cavan Gaels Finbar O Reilly Ballinagh Pat Flood Captain Drumalee Tony Morris Lough Gowna HC Donohoe Crosserlough K McNally Declan McCluskey Cootehill Brian Sherlock Dessie Brady Redhills Kevin Blessing Cootehill C McCormack Maghera Brian Morris Lough Gowna Phil Murray Cavan Gaels Subs Frankie Kennedy for HC Donohoe Garrett O Reilly for Declan McCluskey and J Dolan for McNally Galway M Brennan E Geraghty Noel Tierney P Peters J Walsh Pat Donnellan P Fahey J Tormey J Clancy Cyril Dunne John Keenan Seamus Leyden M Ryan H Henderson J Gavin Sub G Prendergast. Included in the Galway side were many of the future stars of their Senior 3 in a row team of 1964-1966 and one can only assume that they were beaten by stage fright and frustrated by a hard working Cavan defence on the day. Galway beat a listless Down team in the Senior All Ireland Semi Final 1-11 to 1-4 to claim a place in the Final where they will play Kerry.

October 3rd 1959 Dublin beat Cavan 0-11 to 1-4 to win the All Ireland Minor Final at Croke Park Dublin. Playing against the breeze and defending the Railway goal Cavan led by 1-2 to 0-4 at half time after their usual lightning start. In the 1^st minute Dessie Brady had a great Cavan point followed in the 9^th minute by a Larry McCluskey high ball into he Dublin square which the Dublin goalkeeper failed to hold to put Cavan ahead by 1-1 to Nil. Dublin did not score until the 15^th minute again being well held by a resolute Cavan defence. Phil Murray on 20 minutes gained possession swivelled and sent over a glorious Cavan point to give Cavan a half time lead of 1-2 to 0-4.Playing with the breeze in the second half Cavan faded as the stronger bigger Dublin team exerted their superiority and overran tem completely in the 3^rd quarter where they placed their forwards with low passes along the ground soccer style which the Cavan players found difficult to adapt to. In the last 5 minutes Cavan went on the offensive with nothing to lose and Cavan’s outstanding player Larry McCluskey sent over a great point. In the 29^th minute great work by Phil Murray shook off the Dublin defence to place Dessie Brady who blazed the goal chance over the bar to leave the final score Dublin 0-11 Cavan 1-4 Cavan J Boyle Cootehill Hugo Cafferty Cavan Gaels Fintan McKiernan West Cavan Gaels Finbar O Reilly Ballinagh Pat Flood Captain Drumalee Tony Morris Lough Gowna HC Donohoe Crosserlough Brian Morris Lough Gowna Declan McCluskey Cootehill Brian Sherlock Dessie Brady Redhills Kevin Blessing Cootehill C McCormack Maghera Brian Morris Lough Gowna Phil Murray Cavan Gaels Subs Tom McKiernan for Declan McCluskey Larry McCluskey for Finbar O Reilly Dublin P Talbot E Granger E Doran F McCourt M Campion Mick Kissane Frank Byrne Simon Behan L Levins P Delaney B McDonnell J Dowling G McKetrick J McCabe and Sean ‘Blackie’ Coen.Subs B Cooney for McKetrick L Taylor for Simon Behan.In the Senior Final Kerry beat Galway 3-7 to 1-4 despite playing second fiddle to the Galway midfield partnership of Frank Eivers and Mattie McDonagh before an attendance of 85,807.The 9 point winning margin flatters Kerry who had Man of the Match Sean Murphy and a great half back line to thank for their 1^st All Ireland victory since 1955.

April 16^th 1960 Down beat Kerry 2-10 to 2-8 in a classic National League Semi Final at Croke Park. Down who played magnificent football particularly in the forward division where every opportunity was converted were much better than Kerry than their winning margin suggests. They will now play the winners of next Sunday’s Semi Final between Cavan and Dublin at Pairc Tailteann Navan. Scorers for Down Sean O Neill 1-2 Jim McCartan 1-2 Paddy Doherty 0-4 Tony Hadden and Bran Morgan 0-1 each.

April 30th 1960 Cavan beat Dublin 2-8 to 1-8 in the National football League Semi Final at Pairc Tailteann Navan before an attendance of 25,000.Cavan playing in Ulster saffron and Dublin in green battled for honours in a gripping contest played at an electrifying pace throughout. Cavan held the whip hand at centre field where Jim McDonnell and Hugh Barney O Donoghue were majestic for the full hour. Their forward division attacked in numbers and at speed crowding out the Dublin defence and causing havoc with James Brady leading the charge. Cavan led by 1-3 to 0-4 at half time with John Dowling Offaly a very efficient fair referee who applied the advantage and let play flow. Cavan Brian O Reilly Mullahoran Noel O Reilly Crosserlough Gabriel Kelly Bailieboro Mickey Brady Bailieboro Hubert Gaffney Crosserlough Tom Maguire Captain Templeport Jimmy Meehan Cavan Gaels Hugh Barney O Donoghue Virginia Jim McDonnell Drung Con Smith Butlersbridge Tommy Galligan Charlie Gallagher Cootehill Mal Shiels Cornafean James Brady UCD and Jimmy Sheridan Cavan Gaels. Subs Conor Maguire for Mickey Brady head injury just before the end and Seamus Conaty for James Brady.

May 14th 1960 Down win their 1^st National Senior League title defeating Cavan 0-12 to 0-9 before an attendance of 50,000 at Croke Park in a tough dour struggle with 54 frees being awarded most of them against Down who foiled many of the Cavan attacks by resorting to holding and dragging. Scrappy game bitter battle for supremacy with Cavan enjoying territorial advantage through the dominance of Jim McDonnell and Hugh Barney Donoghue at midfield. No quarter given or asked the defining moment came 7 minutes from the end with Down leading by 0-9 to 0-8 when Cavan’s star player Jim McDonnell went high but came down on his shoulder smashing his collar bone and had to be replaced by Tommy Galligan who was on his way off the field at that moment. Charlie Gallagher levelled the game in the 25^th minute but after that it was all Down as they gained superiority at mid field for the first time and Cavan fell into disarray. O Hagan sent over the lead point after a long solo run and then a mistake by Tom Maguire following a bad kick out led to Brian Morgan getting in for another Down point on 28^th minutes. Then Tom Maguire one of Cavan’s heroes sent a 45 into the square looking for a goal but the ball was cleared by George Lavery who found Morgan behind the spreadeagled  Cavan defence soloing through for the final point on 30 minutes. Down can thank their brilliant forward division who scored 12 points with only 6 wides for this victory while Cavan scored 9 points but shot 18 wides after enjoying the lion’s share of possession. The foundation of their victory was laid at half back where Kevin Mussen Dan McCartan and Kevin O Neill snuffed out a very weak Cavan half forward division and pushed forward to assist their beleaguered mid field. Their half forward line of Sean O Neill Patsy O Hagan and Paddy Doherty were the architects of nearly all the Down scores. Cavan opened brightly and after sustained pressure Jimmy Sheridan opened the scoring after 5 minutes. Then Charlie Gallagher from in front of the goal failed to raise a Cavan free and the ball was cleared by a relieved Down defence. Tommy Galligan gained possession and passed to James Brady who scored a great point to put Cavan 2  points ahead. Then Down struck back and after Noel O Reilly fouled the elusive Brian Morgan Sean O Neill had Down’s first point after 9 minutes. It was all Cavan and they shot 3 wides before Sean O Neill in a rare Down attack sent over on 17 minutes for their 2^nd point. On 19 minutes Tony Hadden had a further Down point and after yet another Cavan wide Sean O Neill sent over Down’s 4^th point on 22 minutes. After great combination work by Con Smith and Mal Sheils Charlie Gallagher sent over from a Cavan free. From the kick out PJ McElroy secured and from 50 yards sent straight and true over the bar for Down’s 5^th point. Then just before half time Tom Maguire was harshly penalised for over carrying and from the free Sean O Nell sent over Down’s 6^th point to leave the scores at half time Down 0-6 Cavan 0-3.Cavan playing with the wind opened in style in the second half and after less than a minute Jimmy Sheridan sent over a great point. Then after Hugh Barney O Donoghoe was fouled Charlie Gallagher sent over for another Cavan point to leave the score 6-5 with 9 minutes of the second half gone. Cavan had their tails up at this stage and looked to be heading for victory when  after 2 wides by Hugh Barney O Donoghue and Jimmy Sheridan Tommy Galligan disposed Dan McCartan and Mal Sheils levelled the game with 12 minutes gone. Then after a long free by Hugh Barney Donoghue Tommy Galligan put Cavan in the lead on 14 minutes 7-6.2 minutes later another tragedy struck Cavan when Gabriel Kelly clearing his lines slipped and fell with Paddy Doherty collecting to level the scores 7-7.Then a very questionable free to Down resulted in Paddy Doherty sending over the lead point on 17 minutes 8-7 and Brian Morgan stretched the Down lead to two points after 19 minutes. Then on 20 minutes Con Smith sent over a great Cavan point from an acute angle to leave the score 9-8 At this stage Seamus Conaty replaced Tommy Galligan on the Cavan team. Then followed the unfortunate accident to Jim McDonnell and Cavan were in disarray with Galligan on his way to the line returning to partner Hugh Barney O Donoghue at midfield. Down sensed victory but in their haste both Paddy Doherty and Brian Morgan shot wide and Charlie Gallagher was back to level the game for Cavan from a free after 25 minutes 0-9 to 0-9. Then Down closed out the game with those 3 late points from Brian Morgan 2 and PJ McElroy to win their 1^st National League title. Pat O Neill Anglo Celt bemoans the fact that a sharpshooter like Brian Gallagher who was wiling and able to start but domiciled in England was not included in the Cavan attack or midfield to punish the many Down outfield indiscretions. Down Leo Murphy Pat Rice Kevin Mussen Dan McCartan Kevin O Neill PJ McElroy Joe Lennon Sean O Neill Patsy  Hagan Paddy Doherty James McCartan and Brian Morgan Subs Kieran Denver Jarlath Carey Eamon Burns J Fitzpatrick Eamon Lundy Cavan Brian O Reilly Mullahoran Noel O Reilly Crosserlough Gabriel Kelly Bailieboro Mickey Brady Bailieboro Hubert Gaffney Crosserlough Tom Maguire Captain Templeport Jimmy Meehan Cavan Gaels Hugh Barney O Donoghue Virginia Jim McDonnell Drung Con Smith Butlersbridge Tommy Galligan Charlie Gallagher Cootehill Mal Shiels Cornafean James Brady UCD and Jimmy Sheridan Cavan Gaels. Subs used Seamus Conaty for James Brady Tommy Galligan for Jim McDonnell Subs K O Reilly Seamus Conaty Conor Maguire Dennis King Pat Clarke Seamus Keevans

National League Finalist 1960 Left to Right: Tom Maguire Captain Jim McDonnell Jim Meehan Hubert Gaffney Hugh Barney Donohoe Malachy Shiels Gabriel Kelly Tommie Galligan Jimmy Sheridan Con Smith Mickey Brady Noel O Reilly Charlie Gallagher James Brady and Brian O Reilly

Picture Courtesy of Jim McDonnell

August 18^th 1962 Cavan spring a huge surprise when they beat a very good Cork team 3-10 to 1-7 at Breffni Park in ideal weather conditions in the All Ireland Junior Football Semi Final. Cork got off to a flying start and were leading by 1-3 to Nil and playing football of a very high calibre. Cavan fought back to lead at half time by 2-3 to 1-4.Then came the turning point early in the 2^nd half when referee McCarville sent off Cork’s Jimmy Sullivan for an innocuous tackle on Eamon O Grady to the surprise of all present. Cavan fielded only 3 of the team that beat Down in the Ulster Junior Final in April at Carrickmacross.The foundations of victory were laid at centre field where John Joe Reilly Crosserlough and Tomsie Smith Mullahoran dominated play and sent in a plentiful supply to their forwards to convert to scores. John Joe Reilly scored 2 of the Cavan goals while his Crosserlough team mate Paraic Boyle scored Cavan’s 3^rd goal to make the issue safe Cavan Paddy Lyons Drumalee Eamonn O Grady Redhills Captain Vincent Cahill Castlerahan Finbar O Reilly Ballinagh Donal O Grady Ballyhaise Joe Quinn Ballyconnell Ambrose Given Ballyhaise John Joe Reilly Crosserlough Tomsie Smith Mullahoran Padraic Boyle Crosserlough Brian Kennedy Kingscourt Martin Kelly Bailieboro Mickey Sheridan Killinkere Larry Mulvaney Killinkere and Phil Murray Cavan Gaels Subs Frank Kennedy for Martin Kelly injured

September 15^th 1962 Meath beat Cavan 1-11 to 3-4 to win the All Ireland Junior (Home) title at wet and windy Pairc Mhuire Ardee.. Meath had earlier beaten Leitrim 3-4 to 1-3 in the All Ireland Semi Final played in atrocious conditions at Sean O Heslin Park Ballinamore where one end of the pitch was totally submerged in water ankle deep while Cavan had a very impassive 3-10 to 1-7 victory over Cork in ideal conditions at Breffni Park. Game of 2 halves with Meath playing with the wind leading by 1-7 to 1-0 at the interval. The Cavan goal scored by Martin Kelly Bailieboro from a pass by Padraic Boyle.Despite conceding an early point which Jim Ryan sent over from 35 yards for Meath after a mix up in the Cavan defence Cavan were on level terms and apparently heading for victory by the 20^th minute of the second half. Cavan went ahead by 1 point but they threw away chance after chance to close out the game with Donal O Grady losing his grip at midfield. After being let off the hook Meath attacked in the 27^th minute and sent over the equaliser. From the kick out Thomas Muldoon secured for Meath and soloed unchallenged through the Cavan defence for the winning point for Meath on 28 minutes. Cavan laid siege to the Meath goal in the remaining minutes but good efforts by Reilly Murray and Shalvey were cleared and Meath were surprising winners of a game Cavan threw away. Great display by John Joe Reilly who relished the high ball into the square and Philip Murray who snapped up every chance that came his way for Cavan and it was these two who were involved in all of Cavan’s major scores with Murray notching 2-1 from play the rest of the attack are described as “ornamental”. In the absence of Tomsie Smith Cavan were never going as well at midfield as in the Semi Final but the Pat O Neill in the Anglo Celt wonders why a big man like Brian Morris was not sprung from the subs in the last quarter as Donal O Grady had played to a standstill and this put extra pressure on the Cavan half back line while the Cavan half forward line showed complete “indifference” to Cavan’s cause. Pat Clarke after his recent injury was an exciting right half back with good support from Finbar Reilly and Ambrose Given Cavan Paddy Lyons Finbar O Reilly Vincie Cahill Eamonn O Grady Ambrose Given J Quinn Pat Clarke Donal O Grady Brian Kennedy Martin Kelly Larry Mulvaney Pauric Boyle Phil Murray John Joe Reilly and Mick Shevlin. Meath M Clarke S McCormack Jack Quinn J Carolan W Eiffe T Gibney P Price P Christie J Ryan P McCormack P Hanley J Walsh M White S Quinn and T Mongey.

Same Week Patrick B  Reilly Ashe Street son of Michael and Mary Elizabeth Reilly is awarded a County Council scholarship to Saint Patrick’s College. He recently won a Gaeltacht Scholarship to Gweedore and is a member of the winning De La Salle Schools League team another member of the team Sean Gaffney 20 Saint Patrick’s Terrace son of John and Margaret Gaffney also won a County Council Scholarship.

May 18th 1988 Cavan outclass Galway 1-15 to 0-10 in the Under 21 All Ireland Semi Final in Carrick on Shannon before an attendance of 3,000 most of them from Cavan. Scorers for Cavan Ronan Carolan  0-6 Dessie Brady 1-1 and Michael Fagan Vivion Dowd and Seamus Donohoe 0-1 each. In the Ulster campaign Cavan beat All Ireland Champions Donegal in O Reilly Park Cootehill by 3 points before beating Down 3-10 to 0-6 in the Ulster Final in Newry to clinch their 1^st Ulster Under 21 title since the competition was founded in 1963.

June 3oth 1988 Cavan battle bravely but in vain as Offaly’s greater physique and power are decisive in All Ireland Under 21 Final in Pearse Park Longford before an attendance of 10,000 in ideal dry warm Summer weather. Cavan lined out without their star free taker Ronan Carolan and David McDonald centre half had to cry off the team just before the throw in. The star of the game was Mark Plunkett at centre field for Offaly the Tullamore player was ably assisted by Ken Kelleghan and even the assistance of the Cavan half backs could not rest supremacy from Offaly in this sector. Cavan got off to a lightning start and led by 2 points to Nil after 4 minutes with points from Francis Mooney and Seamus Donohoe.Offaly then took over and scored 4 points without reply leading by 0-4 to 0-2 after 17 minutes. Then Cavan had a period of domination sending over 4 points from Donohoe and Vincent Kelly with James Stewart getting the sole Offaly point before the break to leave Cavan ahead y 0-6 to 0-5 at half time.Michael Fagan extended Cavan’s lead to 3 just 5 minutes into 2^nd half but Offaly took over from there and only heroic work in the Cavan defence saved them from a drubbing with Offaly forcing a penalty after 9 minutes  after Brendan Flynn was pulled down in the square. James Stewart sent the ball straight at goalie James Reilly who cleared his lines for a 45 but Offaly stormed back with attack after attack and scoring 4 points without reply.Vivion Dowd was moved from full forward to centre field in a switch with Laurence Brady and Michael Fagan scored two great points for Cavan with 10 minutes lef.Offaly kept pushing forward and Niall O Shea sent them into the lead again in the 21^st minute before Cavan shot 3 successive wides as they unwisely went hunting for a goal before Brendan Flynn closed the scoring for Offaly with a great point in the 26^th minute. Cavan now threw everybody into attack and Fintan Cahill went close on 2 occasions when he tried for a goal. Time ran out and Offaly were deserving winners 0-11 to 0-9.Damian O Reilly was outstanding for Cavan at full back with Pat Sharkey the only back to keep his opposite number scoreless Michael Fagan tried hard at mid field while in attack Dessie Brady and Seamus Donohoe were prominent throughout. For Offaly Gerard O Brien at full back with support from James Stewart and Aidan Bracken centre field Mark Plunkett Man of the Match with great assistance from Kelleghan. Derek Claffey Niall O Shea and Michael Casey were prominent in the attack Scorers for Cavan Seamus Conaty 0-3 Michael Fagan 0-2 Francis Mooney Fintan Cahill  Vincent Kelly and Dessie Brady 0-1 each. Offaly Brendan Flynn 0-3 Mark Plunkett Derek Claffey and Niall O Shea 0-2 each Michael Casey and Ronan Scully 0-1 each. Paddy Maguire  (Cavan Team Manager) said after the game that “the difference between the two sides was in the last quarter when the Offaly centre field totally dominated the play and ensured victory for the Faithful County. Nevertheless Cavan have the nucleus of a good senior team in a couple of years time”.  The choice of Pearse Park as the venue for the game was the big talking point among Cavan supporters many of whom didn’t gain access to the ground until after the half time whistle. With Longford playing Dublin in Mullingar in the Leinster Championship and the throw in at Pearse Park timed for 7:30 the traffic chaos from Edgeworthstown was appalling. Why was the game not fixed for the newly refurbished Pairc Tailteann or Croke Park? Cavan Team Jimmy Reilly Shay Smith Damian Reilly Brendan Sweeney John Donnellan Joe Brady Pat Sharkey Laurence Brady Michael Fagan Fintan Cahill Seamus Donohoe Dessie Brady Vincent Kelly  Vivion Dowd and Francis Mooney. Sub Cian Murtagh for Laurence Brady. Offaly Donal O Neill Padraig Moran Garrett O Brien Tom Coffey James Stewart Aidan Bracken Phil O Reilly Mark Plunkett Ken Kelleghan Gary Daly Derek Claffey Niall O Shea Michael Casey James Mullen Brendan Flynn Subs Ronan Scully for Gary Daly Pat Daly for Derek Claffey Referee Tommy Sugrue Kerry.

Back Row (Left to Right) David McDonnell Joe Brady Seamus Donohoe Vivian Dowd Jimmy Reilly Damien O Reilly Brendan Sweeney Laurence Brady Fintan Cahill and Ronan Carolan.Middle Row (Left to Right) John Reilly Vincent Kelly John Donnellan Francis Mooney Dessie Brady Patrick Sharkey Michael Fagan Shay Smith. Front Row (Left to Right) Eamonn McEnroe Padraig Lynch Noel Donohoe Michael Brady and Cian Murtagh.

June 27th 1996 Cavan beat Derry 1-11 to 1-5 to win the Ulster Under 21 Final at sunny dry and calm Saint Tiernach’s Park Clones. They will now play Meath in the All Ireland Semi Final. Outstanding display by Cavan led by Man of the Match Peter O Reilly Captain, they outclassed Derry in all sectors of the field. Best for Cavan Aaron Donohoe in goals Peter Reilly captain and centre half back Dermot McCabe and Terry Farrelly at midfield Michael Graham Jason Reilly and Anthony Forde in attack Scorers for Cavan Roy Brennan 0-5 David McCann 1-0 Dermot McCabe 0-2 Peter Reilly Jason Reilly Mickey Graham and Anthony Forde 0-1 each. Cavan Team Aaron Donohoe Paul Murphy Ciaran Reilly Michael Reilly Mark McGauran Peter Reilly Paul Brady Dermot McCabe Terry Farrelly David McCann Jason Reilly Roy Brennan Mickey Graham Anthony Forde and Larry Reilly. Subs David Fagan for Mickey Graham (Injured) Sean Brady for David McCann.

Ulster Under 21 Champions 1996

Front Row ( Left to Right) Ciaran Reilly Jason Reilly Larry Reilly Michael Reilly Peter Reilly Michael Graham Paul Murphy and Ray Brennan. Back Row (Left to Right) Anthony Forde Dermot McCabe David McCann Aaron Donohoe Paul Brady Terry Farrelly and Mark McGauran.

August 5th 1996 Cavan snatch a draw with Meath in The All Ireland Under 21 Semi Final 1-9 to 1-9 before 5,000 spectators at Hyde Park Roscommon with the last kick of the game Roy Brennan’s point following a foul on Killygarry’s Frankie Lovett. Scorers for Cavan Roy Brennan 0-5 Michael Graham 0-2 Jason Reilly Larry Reilly 0-1 each.

August 29th 1996 Cavan beat Meath 1-11 to 1-9 to qualify for the all Ireland Under 21 Final at Hyde Park Roscommon before a large attendance of 8,000.Cavan on top all through and Meath’s late rally failed to stop Cavan who will now play Kerry in The All Ireland Final in Semple Stadium Thurles. Scorers for Cavan Dermot McCabe 0-4 Jason Reilly 1-0 Roy Brennan 0-3 Michael Reilly Terry Farrelly Anthony Forde and Michael Graham 0-1 each.

September 12th 1996 Bigger stronger fitter Kerry team just edge out Cavan in thrilling Under 21 All Ireland Final before 35,000 spectators at warm and sunny Semple Stadium Thurles. Cavan held their own all through and were in the lead with 4 minutes of normal time left but the holders winning their 8^th title finished with 5 unanswered points in the last 8 minutes including 4 minutes of injury time. At least 10,000 from Cavan travelled and their enthusiasm and support were tremendous lifting the team throughout a titanic struggle. Kerry fielding 8 of last year’s title winning team were just a little stronger more experienced and able to shoot points from every angle from distance. They shot 5 wides -1 in the 2^nd half as compared to Cavan’s 11 wides -7 in 2^nd half. Dermot McCabe and Terry Farrelly gave Cavan an excellent platform at midfield letting the ball quickly into the forwards. Peter Reilly at centre half was sound but his solo runs and distribution were the cause of many scores to Kerry as he lost possession or shot wide-a move to centre half forward could have proved successful and brought the Clery Cup to Cavan for the first time. Michael Graham and Jason Reilly were outstanding in the forward line and were well capable in possession of prising open the Kerry defence. Kerry led by 0-4 to 0-3 after 20 minutes then Cavan struck a purple patch for the next 7 minutes scoring 1-2 including a great goal from Jason Reilly to go 1-6 to 0-4 ahead and Kerry were rattled. Then Mike Frank Russell broke away for a Kerry point. Dara O Cinneide from a free landed the ball high in the Cavan square where the luckless Peter and Michael Reilly collided and sub John Brennan shot trough a crowded goalmouth for a soft Kerry goal leaving the scores 1-6 to 1-5  at half time. Kerry lost no time in drawing level Dara O Cinneide sending over a glorious point from the sideline after 1 minute of the second half. Then Liam Hassett in space cut through the Cavan defence for the lead and  another Kerry point. Cavan failed miserably at this stage to convert their possession into scores shooting a number of wides before John Brennan sent Kerry further ahead with a point 1-8 to 1-6.Then Cavan found the target with Larry Reilly and Roy Brennan scoring points to tie the game but the stronger more accurate Kerry exerted their superiority with points from John Brennan Dara O Se and James O Shea to leave Kerry cruising at 1-11 to 1-8 with only 10 minutes of normal time left. Then Brian Mulvaney breaking from defence found Anthony Forde who sent in a sublime pass to Mickey Graham who finished to the Kerry net and all of the Cavan support were on their feet cheering their heroes .Mike Frank Russell  secured possession from the kick out and sent over a great Kerr point to put Kerry in the lead again 1-12 to 2-8 but Cavan had another purple spell when Roy Brennan levelled the match from a 30 metres free with 8 minutes left. In the25th minute  Dermot McCabe’s sideline kick found inspirational Cavan Gaels forward Michael Graham to put Cavan back in the lead with 4 minutes of normal time left. Then another bad mistake in the Cavan defence handed the initiative back to Kerry and Dara O Cinneide levelled the match from the resultant free. Peter Reilly again lost possession as he left his position to solo run and Mike Frank Russell with the minimum of fuss sent over from distance for the lead for Kerry at the end of normal time. The exhausted Cavan defence were now in disarray and Eamonn Fitzsimmons pushed up from defence for another Kerry point. With time up and 4 minutes played of injury time Willie Kirby and Liam Hassett sent over further Kerry points to make the final score Kerry 1-17 Cavan 2-10.Paul Brady Peter Reilly and Mark McGauran were an outstanding half back line until they ran out of steam in the last 5 minutes while Dermot McCabe with great assistance from Terry Farrelly gave Cavan a share at centre field with Michael Graham Jason Reilly with occasional glimpses of Larry Reilly best of the forwards. Scorers for Cavan Jason Reilly 1-1 Michael Graham 1-1 Dermot McCabe 0-3 Roy Brennan and Larry Reilly 0-2 each and Mark McGauran 0-1.Kerry John Brennan 1-2 Mike Frank Russell0-3 David O Shea Liam Hassett 0-2 each Eamonn Fitzsimmons Denis O Dwyer William Kirby James O Shea and Brian Clarke 0-1 each. Cavan Aaron Donohoe Paul Murphy Michael Reilly Conor McCarey Paul Brady Peter Reilly Captain Mark McGauran Dermot McCabe Terry Farrelly David Fagan Roy Brennan Anthony Forde Jason Reilly Larry Reilly and Michael Graham Sub Brian Mulvaney for David Fagan. Kerry Diarmuid Murphy Kieran O Driscoll Brian McCarthy Morgan O Shea Chris Drummond Eamon Fitzmaurice Dara O Shea William Kirby Dennis O Dwyer Liam Hassett Dara O Cinneide James O Shea Brian Clarke Mike Frank Russell Subs John Brennan for Brian Clarke and Rory O Rahilly for John Brennan. Pat Casserly Westmeath was an excellent referee using the advantage rule to let the play flow. The Cavan team were accorded an official welcome home on Sunday night with Belturbet and Castletara Youth Bands in attendance. Gabriel Cullivan Administrative Officer Cavan County Council was MC while the County Manger Brian Johnston paid tribute to a wonderful team effort cheered on by the best supporters in the land. Martin McHugh Team Manger said it was very heartening to see Cavan with such great support in Thurles and ready to come out in numbers at a late hour to welcome a beaten team home to Cavan town. Martin prophetically said that he would not forget this great tribute and loyalty and the team will go on in a short time to bring glory to Breffni.Michael Graham summing up the game said Kerry made better use of their possession shooting points from far out and sending in high difficult balls to the Cavan defence. “We needed to get the ball into the full forward line much earlier. Kerry were much more accurate while Cavan shot too many wayward wides.The goal just before half time from a defensive mix up knocked the wind out of our sails”

Cavan Under 21 Ulster Champions and All Ireland Finalists 1996

Front Row (Left to Right) Michael Reilly Jason Reilly Peter Reilly Michael Graham Larry Reilly Mark McGauran and  David Fagan. Back Row (Left to Right) Anthony Forde Conor McCarey Dermot McCabe Aaron Donohoe Terry Farrelly Roy Brennan Paul Murphy and Paul Brady.

April 18th 2002 Cavan beat Roscommon 5-13 to 3-12 in the National League Semi Final at sun kissed Cusack Park Mullingar before an attendance of 13,000.On a beautiful day everything went right for Cavan and they led by 3-8 to 2-5 at half time. Lining out without Eamon Reilly Cavan Gaels and Barry McCrudden Ballyhaise both injured Cavan made little of the setback and their victory stemmed from a dominant midfield of Cathal Collins and Pierce McKenna and a forward line where Mickey Graham Jason Reilly Larry and Peter Reilly were outstanding and made great use of the plentiful supply. Both sides played open attractive fast moving football with 2 goals coming in the first 4 minutes. On 30 seconds Jason Reilly had the ball in the net after being put through by Larry Reilly and on 2 minutes Jonathan Dunning replied with a Roscommon goal after receiving a sublime pass from the impressive Francie Grehan to level the scores. Further goals cane from Peter Reilly penalty after Mickey Graham was fouled going through and after 28 minutes Nigel Dineen chipped over Aaron Donohoe for Roscommon’s second and 30 seconds later Michael Graham scored a great solo goal for Cavan ‘s 3^rd and gave them a 3-8 to 2-5 lead at half time. Cavan continued to press in the second half and Peter Reilly scored Cavan’s 4^th on 11 minutes after a shot from Finbar Reilly hit the upright. Michael Graham put the seal on a great and well deserved Cavan victory with a great goal in the 55^th minute after a high ball from Peter Reilly. Roscommon had the last 3 points of the game to leave the Final score Cavan 5-13 Roscommon 3-12.Michael Brides was a very popular Man of the Match the blonde Redhills clubman was afforded a free role being more often up on attack than defending his lines .Not far behind were Cathal Collins and Pierce McKenna who were immense at centre field. Scorers for Cavan Michael Graham 2-1 Peter Reilly 2-1 Jason Reilly 1-2 Larry Reilly 0-4 Finbar O Reilly and Paul Galligan 0-2 each and Pierce McKenna 0-1=5-13 Scorers for Roscommon Nigel Dineen  2-4 J Dining 1-1 S Lohan 0-4 Francie Grehan R Cox and J Egan 0-1 each =3-12 Cavan Aaron Donohoe Philip Kermath Tony Prior Colm Hannon Michael Brides Anthony Forde Captain James Doonan Pierce McKenna Cathal Collins Paul Galligan Peter Reilly Finbar O Reilly Larry Reilly Jason Reilly Michael Graham Subs Barry McCrudden for Paul Galligan Gerard Pierson for Larry Reilly Roscommon D Thompson D Gavin J Whyte L Daly R Cox Francie Grehan P Noone S O Neill D Carey J Egan S Lohan G Cox N Dineen J Dunning J Hanley. Subs F Carroll for John Whyte Fergal O Donnell for Seamus O Neill N Galvan for D Daly Don Connellan for John Hanley E Kenny for D Casey.

May 2nd 2002 Cavan wilt under Tyrone supremacy 0-16 to 0-7 as the O Neill county win their first National League title at wet and stormy Saint Tiernach’s Park Clones before an attendance of 25,452.Cavan completely outclassed by a supremely confident experienced and well trained Tyrone team who held sway at centre field throughout through Cormac McAnallen and the foundation of their scores was laid by the superb half forward line of Colm Holmes Brian Dooher and Stephen O Neill with Peter Canavan giving a superb display scoring 6 points of the Tyrone total. Playing with the elements in the first half Tyrone seldom let Cavan have the ball and ran up a lead of 10 points to 3 at half time. The lone Cavan points coming from a well struck Finbar O Reilly free away out on the left in the 19th minutes Peter Reilly on the 28^th minute and Finbar O Reilly again on the stroke of half time with another well struck free. Cavan opened brightly in the second half and after Paul Galligan was fouled he sent over the free himself to make it 10-4 but Canavan and Stephen O Neill quickly replied for Tyrone with 2 superb points from play.A this stage Eddie Reilly Mullahoran came into the Cavan attack replacing Michael Graham but it was Tyrone who scored the next 3 points to make the score 15-4 .Finbar O Reilly had another fine point from a free with 15 minutes left and the spectators streaming out of the ground. Anthony Forde Cavan’s outstanding player surged forward but was just wide of the target on two occasions as he sought the goals that could redeem his team. Peter Canavan had Tyrone’s last point with 7 minutes of the game remaining and Tyrone funnelled back in defence Cavan’s only response was a point from a free by Finbar O Reilly and a point from Paul Galligan with time up. Matt Kerrigan the Cavan team Manager paid tribute to Tyrone who “ put up a masterly performance and if they were handing out the Sam Maguire Cup now Tyrone would certainly be deserving winners. They were bigger stronger faster and fitter than Cavan and were much more suited to the heavy stormy conditions. Still it is a remarkable achievement for a team we only put together since my appointment in the Autumn to reach the National League Davison 1 Final”. He had high hopes for the upcoming Ulster Championship game against Donegal in Breffni Park in 2 weeks time. Scorers for Cavan Finbar O Reilly 0-4 Paul Galligan 0-2 and Peter Reilly 0-1.Scorers for Tyrone Peter Canavan 0-6 Stephen O Neill 0-4 Ryan McMenamin 0-2 Cormac McAnallen Gerard Cavlan Brian McGuigan Kevin Hughes=16.Cavan Aaron Donohoe Eamon Reilly Tony Prior Colm Hannon Michael Brides Anthony Forde Captain James Doonan Pierce McKenna Cathal Collins Paul Galligan Peter Reilly Finbar O Reilly Larry Reilly Jason Reilly Michael Graham Subs Eddie Reilly for Michael Graham 37 minutes E Jackson for James Doonan 45 Raphael Rogers for Larry Reilly 62 minutes Tyrone P Ward Conor Gormley Chris Lawn Brian Robinson Ryan McMenamin C Gourley Philip Jordan Cormac McAnallen Colm Holmes Brian Dooher Stephen O Neill Gerard Cavlan Brian McGuigan Kevin Hughes Peter Canavan Subs Sean Cavanagh for Kevin Hughes D McCrossan for Philip Jordan Referee S McCormack Meath.

National League Finalists 2002

Same Week Cavan Bridge Club Winners N/S 1^st Harry Hunt and Ann Carlin 2^nd Jim Scanlon and Imelda Brady 3^rd Father Thomas Woods and Kay Henry E/W 1^st Dympna O Reilly and Maura Fitzpatrick 2^nd and Best Gross Ann Burrill and Paddy Faulkner 3^rd Mildred Judge and Jim McDaid.

September 23^rd 1993 Cavan beat Tyrone 2-8 to 1-9 in Omagh after being 5 points down at half time 1-7 to 1-2 and will now play Kildare in the Masters All Ireland Final in Longford next Saturday. Decisive moment when Dessie Gardiner pounced on a blunder by the Tyrone goalkeeper Sean Henry to send to the net for a Cavan goal mid way through the second half. Then JJ O Reilly and John Joe Martin took control at mid field and JJ Martin edged Cavan in front with a great point. Tyrone fought back and the sides were level with just 10 minutes left but Ollie Leddy sent over in the 24^th minute and Mickey Reilly struck the last and best point of the game to give Cavan victory. Scorers for Cavan Dessie Gardiner and Haulie Reilly 1-1 each Brendan Smith John Joe Martin and Mickey Reilly 0-2 each.

Pauric Brady receiving the All Ireland Masters Trophy from Albert Fallon President of the Masters Football Association.

September 30th 1993 Cavan beat Kildare 2-7 to 2-5 to win their 1^st Masters All Ireland title before a large crowd at Michael Fay Park Longford. Late change on the Cavan team when Dessie Gardiner replaced Team Manger John O Dwyer in attack and the Carrick on Suir man turned in a memorable performance feeding off the aerial domination of Ollie Leddy and scoring vital scores for Cavan at crucial moments. Kildare seeking their 3^rd title were pre match favourites against newcomers Cavan. Cavan playing against a stiff breeze got off to a flying start with Mickey Freehill sending over after 17 seconds. Amazingly there was no further score until the 18^th minute with Kildare shooting a litany of wides after enjoying the lions share of possession. They managed to shoot 17 wides in the game with 12 coming in the first half.Haulie Reilly from a great pass by Ollie Leddy shot a great goal and the decisive score of the 1^st half and Cavan led by 1-1 to 1-0 the Kildare goal coming after a defensive error in the Cavan goalmouth.Haulie Reilly had another Cavan point in the 4^th minute of the second half followed by a Gabriel Myles point for Kildare in the 7^th minute. Pat McCarthy levelled the match after 10 minutes. Then Ollie Leddy despite being heavily tackled passed the ball to Dessie Gardiner who finished in clinical style for a Cavan goal. Ollie Leddy added to the Cavan total with a point on 14 minutes and then Leddy and Myles exchanged points before Dessie Gardiner gained possession and shot a great point for Cavan. Mickey Reilly from a free put Cavan 6 points ahead with only 7 minutes left. Noel Myles and John Joe Martin swapped points with 4 minutes left for play. Then came the grandstand finish by Kildare with Mick McKeever finishing a Noel Myles free to the Cavan net with 2 minutes left. Noel Byrne had the last point of the game with 2 minutes of injury time gone after persistent Kildare pressure failed to yield a winning goal. Cavan Gaels were represented on the winning All Ireland team by brothers J J Paddy and Haulie Reilly and Dessie Gardiner. Scorers Kildare Pat McCarthy 1-1 Mick McKeever 1-0 Noel Myles 0-3 Noel Byrne 0- Scorers for Cavan Dessie Gardiner 1-1 Haulie Reilly 1-1 Ollie Leddy 0-2 John Joe Martin Mickey Freehill and Mickey Reilly 0-1 each. Team Michael Lyons (Drumalee) Pauric Brady (Lacken) Captain  John Joe Martin (Thomas Davis) Joe Reilly (Bailieboro) Johnny Sherlock (Kingscourt) Paddy Reilly (Cavan Gaels) Hubert Brady (Mullahoran) J J Reilly (Cavan Gels) Brendan Smith (Redhills) Pat Moran (Belturbet) Haulie Reilly (Cavan Gaels) Michael Reilly (Redhills) Michael Freehill (Killdallen) Ollie Leddy (Redhills) and Dessie Gardiner (Cavan Gaels).Subs J J Murphy (Belturbet) for Pat Moran  Dessie King (Lavey) for J J Murphy.

Kildare George Power Joe McTeague Joe Fox Seamus Deery Cha O Connor Harry Doyle John Hickey Paddy Browne Pat Hughes Tom Fitzgerald Pat McCarthy George Bagnall Jack O Connell Ned Molloy Mick McKeever Subs Ollie Crinigan Noel Myles and Eamon Fitzsimons Referee P O Toole Longford. John O Dwyer was the Cavan Team Manager while the selectors were Frankie Kennedy John Dalton John Andy McCabe and Terry Hyland.

Masters Champions 1993

Front Row (Left to Right) John O Dwyer (Manager) Johnny Sherlock Ollie Leddy Pauric Brady (Captain) Mickey Reilly Hubert Brady Mickey Freehill and  Pat Moran. Back Row (Left to Right) John Joe Martin J J Reilly Brendan Smith Joe Reilly Michael Lyons Micheal ‘Haulie’ Reilly Dessie Gardiner and Paddy Reilly.

1996 Presentation

JJ Martin Captain of the victorious Cavan Masters team receives the All Ireland trophy from De Mick Loftus President of the GAA.

August 29th 1996 In the curtain raiser at Dr Hyde Park Cavan captained by Thomas Davis’ John Joe Martin win the All Ireland Masters title for the 2^nd time beating Mayo 1-10 to 0-5.Mayo Champions in 1992 1994 and 1995 were expected to dispose of the Cavan challenge whose only other success in the competition was in 1993.Cavan beat Down Leitrim Monaghan Armagh and Antrim before disposing of Galway in the Quarter Final at Killygarry and had a very hard earned win  over Longford in the Semi Final while Mayo beat Monaghan in the Quarter Finals and Dublin in the Semi Final. Cavan’s preparation began last Winter training 2 nights a week on the back pitch at Breffni Park and later in Munterconnaught where there was a full turn out of players from as far away as Wicklow and Dublin at their twice weekly training sessions. Cavan played with the wind in the first half but the early stages belonged to Mayo who shot wide after wide with their ground shots being easily saved by Michael Lyons in the Cavan goal. Cavan led by 1-5 to 0-4 at the interval with the Cavan goal coming from Man of the Match John Joe Martin. In the second half Cavan came under severe Mayo pressure conceding a penalty which Michael Lyons saved brilliantly. Cavan were coping admirably with the fierce Mayo pressure when Fergus Costello and Paddy Gaffney collided and had to be substituted but Cavan finished well and kept the Mayo raiders at bay for the cost of only 1 point while Cavan added a further 5 points to their half time tally to win deservedly by 1-10 to 0-5. Michael Lyons was outstanding in the Cavan goals with Paddy Gaffney affording excellent cover at full back Adge King (Until injured) and Robbie McDermott held sway at centre field while John Joe Martin Mickey Reilly and Paddy McNamee were always prominent in the Cavan attack.JJ  Reilly (Cavan Gaels) says that this is a bonus after the 1993 triumph. and pays glowing tribute to the Munterconnaught Club who afforded their training and playing facilities to the team in preparation for their successful season. The team manager was Terry Hyland and the back room staff included Physios Teddy McCormack and Caroline Brady and selectors Louis Lyons and Pauric Brady Team Michael Lyons (Drumalee) Fergus Costello (Lacken) Paddy Gaffney (Denn) Pauric Brady (Lacken) Seamus Kiernan (Munterconnaught Peadar Queally (Denn) Ollie Stanley (Munterconnaught) Robbie McDermott (Ballinagh) Adge King (Laragh) Noel Corcoran (Killdallen) Paddy McNamee (Ramor) Mickey Freehill (Killdallen) Pat Flanagan (Aughawillan) John Joe Martin (Thomas Davis ) Captain and Mickey Reilly (Redhills) Subs JJ Reilly (Cavan Gaels for Adge King Hubert Brady (Mullahoran) for Fergus Costello Brendan Smith (Redhills) for Noel Corcoran and Tony Lynch (Drung) for Ollie Stanley. Mayo Mick Higgins Thomas Hynes Noel Bell Mick Donnellan Eamon Howley Tony Warde Alex Dempsey Ollie Bolton Des McGrath Tony Cooke Tom Heneghan Mick Sweeney Frank Kelly Captain Joe McGrath and John O Malley Referee John Bannon Longford.

Masters Champions 1996

Front Row (Left to Right) Mickey Freehill Seamus Kiernan Pat Flanagan Mickey Reilly Paddy McNamee John Joe Martin Peadar Queally and Pauric Brady. Back Row (Left to Right) Paddy Gaffney Noel Corcoran Adge King Ollie Stanley Fergus Costello Michael Lyons and Robbie McDermott.

August 20th 1976: Kathleen Leddy (Butlersbridge) leads Cavan to their 1^st Ladies Ulster Senior Championship when they beat Armagh over two legs. Ann Shanaghy and Veronica Sharkey are the two local heroines. Now meet Kerry in the All Ireland Semi Final.

November 4^th 1977 Cavan beat Roscommon 1-8 to 0-2 to win their first Under 16 All Ireland Ladies title before a big crowd at windy Hyde Park Roscommon. Game of two halves with Roscommon winning the toss and playing with the wind in the first half. Their centre field of Peggy Guckian and Maeve Fallon ruled supreme in the first half but their forwards were very wasteful and scored only 2 points to Cavan’s Nil in the first half. Cavan introduced Mary Kilkenny from Lavey in the 2^nd half and she was immediately in action with a great goal for Cavan after 5 minutes of the second half. Then Eileen Cunningham and Anna May Roe had further Cavan points before Eileen Cunningham had a purple patch and shot 2 more great points to leave the score Cavan 1-4 Roscommon 0-2.Cavan were now completely in control and their forwards were taking their chances with Brid Cooney and Anna May Roe scoring 2 more points before Mary Fox and Mary Kilkenny closed the scoring with 2 more Cavan points leaving the final score Cavan 1-8 Roscommon 0-2.Amidst scenes of unbridled joy and jubilation Tony Kenny President of The Ladies Football Association presented the cup to the Cavan captain Rita Briody Cavan Christina Reilly Bernie Cullivan Natasha Maguire Olive Wilson Ursula Nannery Therese Callaghan Ann Lynch Bernie O Callaghan Margaret O Connell Marie O Connell Ann Marie Roe Martina Dolan Ann Smith Eileen Cunningham Rita Briody Subs Mary Kilkenny Brid Cooney and Mary Fox.

December 9th 1977 Cavan win their 1^st All Ireland Senior Ladies title defeating Roscommon 4-3 to 2-3 in Hyde Park before an attendance of over 3,000 who paid gate receipts of over £1,500.Kathleen Leddy from Butlersbridge was the local heroine at centre field her partnership with Bernie Callaghan swung the game for Cavan. Cavan led by 2-3 to 2-0 at half time after a lightning start. Mary Agnes Baxter point after 2 minutes followed by another point from Monica Connell after 4 minutes. After great play by Kathleen Leddy and Bernie Callaghan Ann Farrelly sent over Cavan’s 3^rd point on 7 minutes followed soon afterwards by a great move involving Ann Agnes Baxter to Josie Briody who found Rose Lynch who shot to the Roscommon net Cavan 1-3 Roscommon Nil on 18 minutes. Roscommon then fought back in style and after a period of intense pressure a free from P Grisham was not held by defender E Halton and slipped to the Cavan net. Roscommon were well on top now and Sister Pauline sent a great shot to the Cavan net to leave it Cavan 1-3 Roscommon 2-0 after 22 minutes. Then after great work by Bernie Callaghan Josie Brady found Ann Farrelly who found Josie Briody free and she shot a great goal for Cavan just before half time Cavan 2-3 Roscommon 2-0.Cavan were well on top in the second half and in the 7^th minute Kathleen Leddy and Bernie Callaghan dominating midfield found Agnes Baxter who shot to the Roscommon net for Cavan’s 3^rd goal 3-3 to 2-0.Triona Moran had a great point for Roscommon after 10 minutes and their star player Liz O Brien was beginning to exert pressure on the Cavan defence and sent over another great point for Roscommon 3-3 to 2-2.Monica Connell settled the issue with a great goal for Cavan in the 25^th minute 4-3 to 2-2 before Liz O Brien sent over  a point for Roscommon and closed the scoring Cavan 4-3 Roscommon 2-3.The National Vice President of the Ladie’s Football Association Lynda Colgan Mayo presented the Martin Cup to Cavan Captain Bridget Sheridan after the game amidst scenes of great jubilation. Cavan Bernie McCabe Anna McCabe Martina Maguire Eileen Halton Sarah Murphy Bridget Sheridan Captain Carmel Lynch Kathleen Leddy Berni Callaghan Ann Agnes Baxter Monica Connell Josie Briody Rosie Lynch Ann Farrelly Rita Briody Subs Ann Marie Roe and Helen Smith Roscommon C McManus C Browne Captain N Egan M Mullhern M McManus S Reynolds P Gibbons Liz O Brien A Dolan M Fallon T Moran M Treacy A Donlon P Guckian Subs A Briody M Shiels.Referee Brother

Behan

Cavan Under 21 Campaign 2011

Ulster Quarter Final Cavan 1-13 Fermanagh 1-7 One sided encounter at Brewster Park Enniskillen where Fermanagh put up a “toothless” performance and trailed by 10 points early in the second half and were flattered to finish within 6 points of a strong well fancied Cavan outfit. Cavan Alan O Mara Mark Leddy Owen Moynagh D Tighe Kevin Meehan David Blakely Michael Brady Gearóid McKiernan Fergus Flanagan Niall Smith Niall Murray Barry Reilly Jack Brady Niall McDermott Packy Leddy Subs T Mooney for Tighe Conor McClarey for Jack Brady B Tully for Michael Brady S Nolan for Niall Smith N McKiernan for Packy Leddy.Scorers for Cavan Niall Smith 1-0 Jack Brady 0-4 Niall McDermott 0-3 Gearoid McKiernan and Brian Smith 0-2 each Niall Murray Packy Leddy 0-1 each.

Ulster Semi Final Cavan 0-12 Donegal 1-4 at Brewster Park Enniskillen. Cavan dethrone the 2010 Ulster Champions and claim a place in the Ulster Under 21 Final for the second successive year. Donegal Captain Mark McHugh sent over for Donegal from a free after 7 minutes and a goal from Dermot Molly on 24 minutes Cavan replied with points from Barry Reilly and Niall McDermott when Cavan lead by 0-6 to1-1 at half time. Cavan re established their ascendancy in the second half with points from Jack Brady  and Barry Reilly (2) to leave Cavan leading by 0-9 to 1-1 with 9 minutes left. Donegal opened their 2^nd half account with a point from a free by Dermot Molloy and laid siege to the Cavan goal with Alan O Mara bringing off some miraculous saves to leave Cavan winners by 0-12 to 1-4.

Scorers for Cavan Barry Reilly 0-5 Jack Brady and Niall McDermott 0-2 each Gearoid McKiernan Niall Smith and Packy Leddy 0-1 each.

April 13th 2011 Ulster Final Cavan 1-10 Tyrone 0-10 at Brewster Park Enniskillen. Dream start for Cavan when Niall Murray nipped in behind the Tyrone defence to score a great goal on 17 seconds .Cavan were never subsequently led and played  a defensive game breaking quickly out of defence after smothering the Tyrone attacks. Tyrone responded with points from Mattie Donnelly and Ronan O Neill but Cavan replied with points from Barry Reilly free and Jack Brady. Tyrone struggled to get any momentum going and were always playing catch up against a fast tenacious and determined Cavan. Ronan O Neill and Captain Peter Harte sent over for Tyrone. Cavan recovered from a difficult spell and Man of the Match Gearoid McKiernan sent over 2 booming efforts to leave the half time score 1-5 to 0-4.Tyrone were first out of the blocks in the second half and within 2 minutes of the restart had points from Niall McKenna and O Neill.But back came Cavan and Barry Reilly and Jack Brady from an acute angle sent over 2 wonderful points to restore the Cavan lead to 0-4 much to the delight o the huge Cavan support who could now sense that Cavan were going to upset the favourites and take their 3^rd Ulster Under 21 title and first since 1996.In the last play of the game Niall Murray once again got in behind the Tyrone defence but after a great run his shot for goal was saved by the Tyrone goalkeeper.
Scorers for Cavan Niall Murray 1-0 Jack Brady 0-4 Patrick King Gearoid McKiernan Barry Reilly 0-2 each.

Gearoid McKiernan Captain Cavan Under 21 team proudly holds aloft the Irish News Cup which he received from Aodghan Farrell President Ulster Council GAA

April 16th 2011 All Ireland Semi Final Parnell Park Dublin Cavan 1-10 Wexford 0-8.Just three days after their Ulster Final exertions against Tyrone ,Cavan were forced to take the field against a big strong but very erratic Wexford side who shot wide after wide in the first half while Cavan were trying to find their feet. Cavan had star performers in Kevin Meehan and Niall Murray at the back while up front Niall McDermott looked lethal.Wexford held sway at midfield through star performer Michael O Regan while attacking wing back Conor Carty always looked threatening. Cavan survived the onslaught and against the run of play Barry Reilly levelled the match at 0-4 each as the teams retired for the half time break. Then came the turning point in the game when a long ball from Jack Brady found Niall McDermott who finished to the net for a great goal for Cavan with Cavan adding a further 6 points to run out deserving winners 1-10 to 0-8 and a place in the All Ireland Under 21 Final against Galway at Croke Park on May 1^st 2011.

Galway Campaign On their way to the All Ireland Final Galway who were All Ireland Minor Champions in 2008 beat Sligo 2-20 to 0-7 at Marckievicz Park Sligo.

They beat Roscommon 1-10 to 07 in the Connaught Final at Pearse Stadium where their centre field of Thomas Flynn and Fintan O Curran. Playing fast attractive football Galway ld by 0-6 to 0-2 at the interval. Colin Forde  at full back wing back Tomas Fahy outstanding while in attack Mark Hehir Danny Cummins and Patrick Sweeney were always dangerous.

All Ireland Semi Final Galway 1-11 Cork 0-12.For long periods of this exciting All Ireland Semi Final at Ennis it was Cork who looked the more likely to advance to the final leading by 0-7 to 0-6 at the interval. Galway trailing by 4 points after 15 minutes of the second half 0-11 to 0-7 had a point from play by Eric Monahan and 2 from frees by Mark Hehir left Galway only a point in arrears 11 points to 0-10.Then an injury to Cork star midfielder Aiden Walsh 49 minutes and a superb goal by Galway ace Michael Boyle on 51 minutes brought Galway right back into contention and they finished the stronger to run out 1-11 to 0-12 point winners over a very fancied Cork team to qualify to meet Cavan in the Cadbury’s All Ireland Under 21 Final in Croke Park on May 1^st 2011.

All Ireland Final Galway 2-16 Cavan 1-10 Croke Park Dublin Sunday May 1^st 2011 before an attendance of 42,000.

Hogan Stand Report

It was all too easy for Galway as they crushed Cavan by 2-16 to 1-9 in the Cadbury All-Ireland U21 FC decider at sunny Croke Park.

Man of the Match Mark Hehir scored seven points for the runaway winners, who were served by a series of stellar performances all over the pitch on the biggest day of their careers thus far.

After a slow start, Galway took control of the first half to lead by eleven points at the interval, 2-10 to 0-5, with the goals coming from Patrick Sweeney and Eric Monaghan, while Hehir arrowed over five points.

The Breffni County got off to a fantastic start when Niall Smith ran half the length of the field unchallenged to fist the ball over the bar at the Hill 16 end inside 20 seconds. But wing back Josh Moore replied immediately with an excellent point from distance.
Cavan custodian Alan O'Mara dealt capably with the next Galway attack and Barry Reilly had the Ulster champions back in front when he clipped over a fabulous point off his left boot. But captain Gearoid McKiernan's effort to stretch the gap tailed narrowly wide. 0-2 to 0-1 in Cavan's favour after five minutes.
When Packie Leddy fouled Aonghus Moore, the Cavan defence was caught sleeping by a quick free to Moore, who popped over his second point to level the scores again. Midfielder Fergal Flanagan had Cavan in front for the third time but the Tribe replied quickly again, this time via Danny Cummins.

Good work from Eric Monaghan and Patrick Sweeney earned the Connacht champions a close-range free, resulting in a yellow card for wing back Kevin Meehan and a pointed free from Mark Hehir, which saw the men in maroon take the lead for the first time: 0-4 to 0-3 with 14 minutes played.

Cummins added his second point moments later and there were two between the sides for the first time. In the 15th minute Galway bagged a goal after an unbelievable scramble. Midfielder Tomas Flynn saw his initial shot deflected onto the crossbar by Cavan keeper O'Mara; when Cummins kept the ball in play, Flynn again hit the bar; but full forward Sweeney was on hand to palm the loose ball across the line, despite the best efforts of O'Mara.

Hehir (free) and Cummins added points and daylight had appeared between the teams by the time Hehir popped over his first point from open play on 19 minutes: 1-8 to 0-3. Cavan were unlucky when McKiernan again missed the target but they were left scratching their heads as Monaghan had time to retrieve the ball after dropping it and fired a second Galway goal to the net in the 21st minute, leaving eleven points between the teams.

In contrast, when Leddy lost control of the ball at the other end, there were Galway defenders all around him and the chance was gone. Hehir floated over a ninth Galway point, his second from play: 2-9 to 0-3. Niall Murray dropped a weak shot into the arms of the Galway goalkeeper Maurice Breathnach. Reilly tapped over a free - Cavan's first score in 18 minutes.

The Breffni boys were almost in for a goal after great direct play from Smith but full forward Niall McDermott was crowded out. On the stroke of the half-hour, McDermott demonstrated great strength and perseverance to strike a fine point from play, closing the gap to ten points.

But the unerring Hehir dropped over a long-range free in the first minute of added time at the end of the first half, leaving eleven in it at the short whistle. Cavan had led by a point approaching the ten-minute mark and were just a point adrift coming up to the end of the first quarter, but Alan Mulholland's charges completely bossed the second quarter to end the match as a contest.

Michael Boyle strolled through to increase the gap within a minute of the restart and substitute Adrian Murphy came close to adding another but ran out of space. Cavan centre forward Niall Murray took a great point on 32 minutes after more great work from Smith.

Cavan were handed a possible lifeline in the 34th minute when Gary Sweeney was adjudged to have fouled McDermott, who'd made a great catch - penalty! But Breathnach saved Reilly's kick with ease before McKiernan sent a shot wide and corner forward Jack Brady failed to take advantage of another brief Cavan goal chance.

Boyle drilled over a free from the ground from distance to make it treble scores, 2-12 to 0-6, with eight minutes played in the second half.

Substitute Tierney and McDermott pulled back points for the losers but Cummins slotted over a super Galway point at the start of the final quarter. Brady tapped over a free from his hands as Cavan kept trying hard.

As the game petered out and lost its shape completely, Hehir tapped over another free from close range and Conor Doherty followed up with a point from play on 57 minutes.

Cavan manager Terry Hyland made his fifth substitution, introducing Conor McCleary, and the No.17 had the ball in the net within seconds, having been placed brilliantly by McDermott. Hehir claimed his seventh point - this one from play - in injury time

Galway: M Breathnach; G Sweeney, C Forde, A Tierney; J Moore (0-2), J Duane, T Fahy; F Ó Curraoin, T Flynn; M Boyle (0-2), M Hehir (0-7), C Doherty (0-1); D Cummins (0-4), P Sweeney (1-0), E Monaghan (1-0). Subs: A Murphy, M Farragher, B Flaherty, C Halloran, C Silke

Cavan: A O'Mara; M Leddy, O Minagh, D Tighe; K Meehan, D Barkey, M Brady; G McKiernan, M Leddy (0-1); N Smith (0-1), N Murray (0-1), B Reilly (0-2); J Brady (0-1), N McDermott (0-2), P Leddy. Subs: P King, T Mooney, K Tierney (0-1), N McKiernan, C McCleary (1-0).

Belfast Telegraph

ALL-IRELAND U21 FOOTBALL FINAL

The Breffni side, who had shown superb character and skill in claiming provincial honours, had simply no answer to their opponents pace and penetration although in some respects, particularly in relation to poor defending and missing a 34th minute penalty, they were the authors of their own misfortune.

Even the tonic of an encouraging start and the vociferous backing of a huge blue-bedecked gallery failed to galvanize Cavan who could be considered decidedly fortunate not to have conceded even more scores.

Manager Terry Hyland had predicted in advance of the game that his side would not be overawed by the occasion but even before the half-way stage his words had surely come back to haunt them.

His defence, vulnerable throughout, was repeatedly caught cold by Galway’s blistering speed and sure-footed finishing.

Ironically, Cavan had enjoyed a 0-3 to 0-2 lead by the 8th minute Niall Smith, Barry Reilly and Fergal Flanagan having been on target but that it was as good as it got for them.

When the lively Danny Cummins blazed in to level matters in the 9th minute, this was the signal for a concerted Galway scoring blitz that not only yielded two well-executed goals from Patrick Sweeney and Eric Monaghan in the 15th and 20th minutes respectively but also embraced a raft of points from the deadly accurate Mark Hehir, who was a particular thorn in the side of the Cavan defence.

From play and frees, Hehir reaped a rich harvest of seven points in all as Cavan visibly wilted, their occasional forays into Galway territory being efficiently repelled by a defence that was well marshalled by skipper Colin Forde.

At 2-10 to 0-5 in front at half-way, Galway were not only in the driving seat but already had one hand clasped firmly on the cup.

And by the end of the third quarter they had further sealed their authority through a brace of Michael Boyle points after Barry Reilly had seen Galway goalkeeper Michael Breathnach push away his feeble 34th minute penalty when a goal would surely have reinvigorated Cavan.

They had to wait until four minutes from the end before they grabbed their only goal, substitute Conor McClarey sweeping a low drive past Breathnach.

But by then Galway were home and dry and already basking in the optimism that this triumph will prove the precursor to success at senior level in the foreseeable future.

Cavan: A O'Mara; F Flanagan, O Minagh, D Tighe, K Meehan, D Barkey, M Brady, G McKiernan, M Leddy (0-1), N Smith (0-1), N Murray (0-2), B Reilly (0-2), J Brady (0-1), N McDermott (0-2), P Leddy. Subs: P King for P Leddy (20 mins), T Mooney for Tighe (30), R Tierney for Reilly (39), N McKiernan for King (50), C McClarey (1-0) for Meehan (57).

Galway: M Breathnach; G Sweeney, C Forde, A Tierney, J Moore (0-2), J Duane, T Fahy, F Ó Curraoin, T Flynn, M Boyle (0-2), M Hehir (0-8), C Doherty (0-1), D Cummins (0-4), P Sweeney (1-0), E Monaghan (1-0). Subs; A Murphy for Sweeney (half-time), M Farragher for Monaghan (46), B Flaherty for Boyle (56), C Silke for A Tierney (59).

Referee: Eddie Kinsella (Laois)

Eugene McGee: No end to Cavan's 60 years of misery

By Eugene McGee

Monday May 02 2011

It's hard for people under a certain age to realise the power in Gaelic football that Cavan once was, but for a 20-year period -- 1933-1952 -- Cavan won as many All-Irelands as Kerry, five each.

Not alone that, but Cavan actually played in a staggering 12 All-Ireland finals, including three replays, in that same 20-year span and they also played in half a dozen semi-finals which they lost.

The legacy of those glorious years, amazingly, still lingers with Cavan people after 60 years of failure, which explains why over 12,000 of their fans descended on Croke Park for the All-Ireland U-21 final with Galway yesterday.

In sport, hope really does spring eternal, but Cavan dreams of their first All-Ireland success in this grade were shattered in a 12-minute spell in the middle of the first half when Galway, backed by the very strong wind, simply blasted Cavan out of existence.

Backed by a brilliant midfield pairing of Tomas Flynn and Fionntan O Curraoin, Galway took the game by the scruff of the neck and with a devastating scoring blitz of 2-6 -- all but one point from play -- they ended Cavan's dreams in ruthless fashion.

It must be stated that the team, managed by Alan Mulholland, is one of the best underage sides we have seen from Galway in a very long time.

Alan has already managed his county to an All-Ireland minor success and is clearly a coach of exceptional skill. He's methodical, calm and inspirational -- just as he was when he played for Ireland in Australia in 1990. The odds on him being a future manager of the Galway senior team must be very short indeed.

Cavan's last great achievement was stopping the great Down team of 1960/61 from achieving a hat-trick of All-Irelands when they beat the Mournemen in the Ulster final of 1962.

A star forward on that Down team was the late Patsy O'Hagan, who later went to live in Galway, and his grandson Danny Cummins from Claregalway was one of several stars on yesterday's winning side. He scored four magnificent points from play and is one of many potential senior stars of the future.

There had been genuinely high hopes for this particular set of Cavan players, who actually made a pact three years ago to stick together in an attempt to win an U-21 All-Ireland.

That was after they had lost narrowly to Tyrone in the Ulster minor championship of 2008 and Tyrone went on to win the All-Ireland.

They reached the Ulster U-21 final last year and beat that equivalent Tyrone team in this year's Ulster final, which, in itself, was a notable achievement.

Clearly they are a better set of players than their performance yesterday indicates on the scoreboard.

However, the strong wind was always going to be crucial for a young team playing in Croke Park for the first time and it was Cavan's misfortune that Galway had first use of that bonus, and it was this that really decided this game.

To their credit Cavan did fight to the bitter end, but goalkeeper Manus Breathnach's save from Barry Reilly's penalty was a mortal blow to Cavan, as a goal then, in the 34th minute, would have left the margin at a manageable eight points with the wind to come.

The players battled on to the finish, but they -- and everyone else --knew it was a hopeless cause from that point on.

Galway football has a bright future based on this game, but Cavan, too, may start a new era of real substance if these young men retain the attitude that brought them to the final.

Cavan All Ireland Under 21 Finalists 2011

Andy McEntee 

Andy McEntee The Breffni Bar 57 Main Street was born in Killycannon Lavey in 1869.Joined the Editorial staff of the Anglo Celt at the age of 17 and served as Sports Editor for a period of 67 years. During his tenure Cavan were to win 5 All Ireland Senior titles almost 40 Ulster Championships 1 National League title. He was President of Cavan County Board since 1920 and one of the main promoters for the acquisition and development of Breffni Park in 1922 and again in 1952.Reformed the GAA in Cavan and Ulster when it was in danger of falling by the wayside in 1903.The other three promoters in the reorganisation were all natives of Cavan town Joe Smith The Courthouse John F O Hanlon Proprietor Anglo Celt and Paddy O’ Reilly Athbara House. The Anglo Celt was pivotal to the development of the game bringing fixture lists and reports of games and meetings throughout Cavan and Ulster. Trustee of Breffni Park until his death he was a former player and Captain of Cavan Slashers GFC winning a County Senior Championship medal in 1892.Andy wrote in a clear concise manner with an incisive insight into the administration and playing of the game. Attention to detail he was never personal in his criticism and doled out in equal measure encouragement and praise to both the winners and the vanquished.Fianna Fail member of Cavan Urban Council he was also Chairman for a number of years. Serene even tempered man he had a steely determination to overcome setbacks and difficulties that presented themselves in the course of his life. For many years he was Proprietor of the Breffni Bar 57 Main Street and the leading Newsagent in Cavan town. Andy is survived by his wife Anna sons Jimmy Andy Hugh P Kevin and his daughter Anna Conlon Killynebber House.

Father Dan Gallogly

A native of Ballinamore County Leitrim where he was born in 1935.Educated in Ballinamore National School and Saint Patrick's College Cavan.Later studied in Saint Patrick's College Maynooth where he took his BA and H Dip. Ordained to the Priesthood on the 18th of June 1961.First posting was to the Parish of Drung.Served as both teacher and President in Saint Patrick's College for 25 years. PP Mullagh until his sudden and untimely death on the 16th of July 1999..Prolific Historian writes in a very easy laid back style making the subject interesting and attractive. Major contributor of articles on the history of 'The O Rourkes of Breffni' and the history of Leitrim to the local historical journal 'Breifne'.Co author with Father Terence Cunningham DCL of 'Saint Patricks College-A Centenary History’. Author of' Cavan Football Story'(1979) and 'Sliabh an Eireann Slopes-A History of the Town and Parish of Ballinamore.'(1991).Prominent member of Cavan County Board GAA.He served on the Ulster Council both as a delegate and President. We are indebted to him for references from his masterpiece 'Cavan's Football Story' which is a very well researched beautifully scripted history of the GAA in Cavan from its foundation in 1884-1979

Pat O Neill

Pat O Neill was Sports Editor of the Anglo Celt from 1953-1969.Native of Enniscorthy County Wexford Pat’s family were immersed in the affairs of the GAA.His brother Martin was Secretary of the Leinster Council  and a very well known referee. It was Martin who took charge of the Cavan V Galway All Ireland Final of 1933 when Cavan took Sam Maguire back to Cavan and Ulster for the first time. He also refereed the Cavan V Kerry All Ireland Final in the Polo Grounds New York while another brother Des was reckoned to be the greatest Wexford footballer of all time winning Leinster title medals with Wexford in 1945 and a regular on the Leinster Railway Cup team. Besides gaelic games Pat had a passion for greyhounds and competed frequently in Clones Longford Navan and Mullingar tracks. During hi stay in Cavan made several attempts to reform hurling in the town with clubs such as Owen Roes and Cavan Gaels. Total contrast to the reserved detailed reporting of Andy McEntee Pat set out to court controversy and his headlines were always the talk of the GAA fraternity in Cavan. Straight from the shoulder Pat was honest and exacting but did not have the easy readable style of Andy McEntee when it came to the facts and figures of a game. Left the Anglo Celt in 1968 to take up an appointment as the Editor of the Waterford Star

Eamonn Gaffney

Eamonn Gaffney was born in 1944 a native of 20 Saint Patrick’s Terrace Swellan Cavan.Eldest son of John and Margaret (Nee Doherty) Gaffney. After studying at the Poor Clare’s the De La Salle and Cavan Technical School where he came under the expert tuition of Headmaster Gerry Lovett.Eamonn later furthered his studies and became proficient in shorthand typing and publishing techniques. Joined the Anglo Celt in 1961 Eamonn served his time as an apprentice and learnt the trade from senior reporters Anselem Lovett Andy McEntee and Editor Edward O Hanlon.After Pat O Neill retired in 1969 Eamonn took over the mantle of Sports Editor bringing to the job a style and presence of his own. His modern techniques were an immediate hit and allied to the outstanding photographs of Tom Hussey Paddy Ronaghan and Edward O Hanlon he was rightly lauded for his magnificent easy to read lay out that culminated with the Anglo Celt winning the prestigious McNamee award for best County Final report in 1975 and 1976 when Eamonn was presented with the award by Con Murphy President of the GAA. He continued to work with the Anglo Celt until 2009 adapting with distinction to the many changes of the period. Eamonn compiled the Cavan News Items and covered the Court circuit in Cavan for many years. He was a founding member of Cavan Arts Society which flourished with the likes of Phil Lawlor Pat Nally Myrtle Henderson and Eamonn Cooke at the helm. He took a deep interest in promoting local artistic talent and was one of the organiser of the annual Art Exhibition in the Protestant Hall. Lifetime member of Cumainn Seanchas Bhreifne.He took a leading part in the promotion of athletics in the County serving as Chairman of Laragh Athletic Club and bringing the story of Catherina McKiernan’s International triumphs from all over the world to the readers at home. He was also a news reporter and one of the highlights was when he covered the Consistory in Rome in December 2007 where his good friend and former Cavan Central Council delegate Archbishop Sean Brady was made a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI.Married to the former Nancy Brady Loughduff Eamonn still maintains an active interest in writing and is a frequent contributor to papers magazines and match programmes-his numerous articles in the 2009 County Final programme commemorating 125 years of the GAA were outstanding.

Eddie Brady

Eddie Brady Urney Ballinagh former Treasurer of Cavan County Board 1973-1977.Eddie was an outstanding Administrator and PRO.Represented the Ballinagh Club and was deservedly popular all over the County. Porter and Attendant at Saint Joseph’s Hospital Lisdarn for over 14 years. Eddie brought a whole new meaning to caring and encouragement to patients arriving in Hospital. Always kind and reassuring Eddie lives out the Christian message in his life.Reader in Cavan Cathedral. steward and attendant at Knock since 1964. Eddie makes the monthly trip to assist the invalids and general public at the Marian Shrine.Former Chairman of Cavan Chamber of Commerce Eddie celebrates his 25th year as Chairman of Cavan Tidy Towns Committee this year by guiding the town to County success and the threshold of All Ireland honours.

Eddie is presently President of Our Lady of The Wayside Conference Saint Vincent De Paul Society in Cavan. Secretary of Cavan Tidy Towns Committee Chairman of Cavan Town Saint Patrick’s Day Parade for the last 10 years and Chairman of Ballinagh Christmas Lights committee for over 9 years. Registered Steward and Helper at Knock Shrine since May 1964 and Brancardier and Helper at Kilmore and Meath Diocesan Pilgrimages to Lourdes on 14 occasions. Served on the Board of Cavan Credit Union for 6 years later taking on the mantle of Chairman for 2 years.Treasuer of the Irish Kidney Association Cavan/ Monaghan branch for 2 years. Chairman for 5 years of Cavan Branch MS Eddie also served on the National Executive for 3 years. Eddie was Chairman of Cavan Tourist Association for 12 years when among his colleagues was John McGinnity Hugh Gough Brendan Coulter and Beezie O Hanlon.

Elected Treasurer of Cavan County Board GAA in January 1976 Eddie served for 5 years retiring in 1981.During Eddie’s time as Treasurer the main item on the agenda was the building of the New Stand at Breffni Park and continuing development of the stadium that hosted some of the classic Monaghan V Armagh Ulster Semi Finals of that era. Eddie was PRO Cavan County Board from 1981-1986 where Eddie was the welcoming face of Cavan football in an era when the Senior county team were beaten in the Ulster Final of 1982 and fortunes continued to decline on the playing fields in all grades. Eddie also forged a many friendships as the Cavan Delegate to the Ulster Camogie Council from 1970-1975.

Secretary of Cavan Chamber of Commerce from 1976-1979 until elected President in 1980 continuing to serve the commercial interests of the town until 1986.In 1984 Eddie Brady was named Cavan Man of the Year by the Cavan Association in Dublin.

We are indebted to Eddie for his help and assistance in compiling this record of the GAA in Cavan and particularly his recording of ‘The 25 Glorious Years of Cavan Football 1927-1952’ and his detailed well researched profile of Tom (Big Tom) and John Joe O Reilly which we have relied extensively for references.

Thanks