NostalGAA: Red hands reach the top

A look back at GAA events this week 10, 20 and 30 years ago

10 years ago

The big story 10 years ago this week was the All-Ireland SHC final replay between Kilkenny and Tipperary.

The first game had been a thriller as their rivalry scaled new heights with the final going to the replay for the third time in a row having gone 43 years without one until 2012.

That drawn encounter was remembered for Hawkeye ruling out John O’Dwyer’s apparent winner, and Brian Cody’s side made the most of their reprieve with a 2-17 to 2-14 win.

It moved Cody to double figures in terms of All-Ireland titles while Henry Shefflin did likewise, as a player.

The Power brothers, Richie and John, played crucial roles as they both grabbed goals in the 2-17 to 2-14 win.

The Premier County had led by two points at the break but they were outclassed in the second half with Séamus Callanan’s late goal giving them some hope that they couldn’t take advantage of with new Laois manager Darren Gleeson making a string of saves to keep the Cats from winning by even more.

It was Kilkenny’s 35th All-Ireland success and moved them 10 clear of Cork in the roll of honour.

After the game, Cody opted to revisit the drawn game and slammed Barry Kelly for awarding the free that O’Dwyer came so close to converting. “At the end of the day, they (Tipperary) were handed an opportunity in the wrong,” Cody said, also describing the decision as “criminal.”

Kilkenny would come back and retain the title the following season, but Tipperary had their day in the sun in 2016.

20 years ago

THIS week in 2004 marked a very special one for Tyrone fans as they lifted the Tom Markham Cup after a 0-12 to 0-10 All-Ireland Minor final win over Kerry at Croke Park.

Four points at the start of the second half were decisive, Ronan McRory grabbing a brace and Raymie Mulgrew and Aidan Cassidy on target. That put the Red Hands 0-10 to 0-6 ahead and they were able to manage the game from there with Marc Cunningham getting the raise the cup for Liam Donnelly and Martin Coyle’s side.

Not too many of those Tyrone players became senior regulars, full-forward Colm Cavanagh and substitute Cathal McCarron the two big exceptions. Kerry, likewise, had only a few players who became big names, most notably Darran O’Sullivan and goalkeeper Brendan Kealy.

The Kingdom did have some joy in the senior decider however as Jack O’Connor’s side tore Mayo asunder.

Alan Dillon had given the Westerners the perfect start with an early goal as they tried to end their long wait for Sam Maguire joy, but Kerry took control and led 1-12 to 1-4 at half-time.

The second half was equally as one-sided with Kerry eventually winning 1-20 to 2-9 with many in the stadium long gone by the time Pat McEnaney sounded his full-time whistle.

At that stage, Mayo were hoping to end a 53-year famine, and they’ve added another two decades onto that in the meantime.

30 years ago

IT was a historic time for Monaghan ladies back in 1994 as they collected their first national title with a Division One final win over Mayo in Boyle.

Brenda McAnespie was the hero for the Oriel County with her goal two minutes from time giving them enough wiggle room to see out a spirited late Mayo drive in the 2-9 to 1-10 success.

Jennifer Greenan was another Monaghan star on the day with
captain Linda Farrelly leading by example.

The McKenna Cup final was also on the same weekend with Armagh defeating Down 3-9 to 1-14, with the Mourne County understrength following their recent All-Ireland success.

Down haven’t won the All-Ireland since but have won the McKenna Cup while Armagh have won the All-Ireland but haven’t won the McKenna Cup.

Des Mackin, Fergal Harney and a young substitute by the name of Oisín McConville had Armagh seemingly easing to victory before Rory Sharvin’s goal sparked a late Down revival that came up short.

Speaking of that ‘94 All-Ireland final, there was some unwanted déjà vu for Charlie Redmond who had missed from the penalty spot for Dublin against Down.

He was off target again, this time on club duty, as his Erin’s Isle side lost the Dublin league final 0-10 to 0-05 to Kilmacud Crokes.

In the Ulster Club Hurling Championship, Henry Downey was in fine form as Lavey swatted aside the challenge of Armagh’s Keady to book a final spot. Holders Ballycran were downed in the other semi-final by Dunloy.