Newcastle win County Intermediate Hurling Title

In January Fr. Kearney again attempted to form a Parish team.The Newcastle Club gave his views very serious consideration at their AGM but, after a secret ballot, turned down his proposals.Newcastle continued as a separate Club and in their first game of the season were defeated by Athenry 3-10 to 4-5 in the league.

The North Board championship draws gave Newcastle a bye into the final where their opponents were Annaghdown who had defeated Cussane. Newcastle had an easier than expected win with eleven points to spare at the final whistle 3-8 to 1-3.Joe Burke had an outstanding game for Newcastle with several other players proving their worth.

In the County semi-final Newcastle defeated Ballindereen by 5-11 to 6-4 but acting on the referees report the County Board ordered a replay. Stephen Carty was one of the umpires and as he was suspended at the time the Board had no option but to order a replay according to the rules' Luckily however there were objections and counter objections following the other County semi-final between Carnmore and Killimor. Both teams were declared illegal and expelled from the competition. The Newcastle v Ballindereen replay would be the County intermediate Final and it was fixed for Athenry on the 27th November.

With almost continuous heavy rain during the week preceding the game Kenny Park was declared unplayable. County Board Secretary Jack Whelan phoned Newcastle officials on the Saturday before the game to inform them that, if they agreed the match would go ahead at Clarinbridge and, if not, it would be postponed until the following Spring. Newcastle agreed and, as a result of the change of venue the game got national news coverage. It was announced on Radio Eire's evening news and got coverage in the Sunday papers. The Club hurriedly ordered buses from CIE for players and supporters.

Fielding without star player Joe Burke who could not be contacted in Limerick the men in green and gold took the field totally committed to winning the Club's first County Championship Final. "So fast was the opening quarter" according to the Connacht Tribune "that the wise ones shrugged shoulders and predicted that some side must crack, but neither team wilted and the end was even faster than the beginning. Noteworthy as the game went on was that the Newcastle men were better first-time pullers. They lifted as little as possible and it was their first time tactics that gave them victory."

In the seventeenth minute of the first half T. J. Jordan scored a goal to give his side the lead, which they held for eight tough minutes of swaying fortunes. Then from an almost impossible angle Linnane netted for Ballindereen to put his side in front at halftime. On the resumption Eamonn Keogh equalised with a point from forty yards and almost immediately Tony Morris crashed in a goal. Newcastle's lead was wiped out when, after George Moran had saved well in their goal, John 0 Connor drove the ball past him to level the score.

Both sides redoubled their efforts and following some tremendous play Linnane and T. J. Jordan exchanged points- Jordan's after a long solo run by Tommy Madden. Michael Hallinan pointed for Ballindereen and the cheers of the crowd had scarcely died when Frank Burke made it all square again. As the time ticked away the excitement grew with the players trying all they knew to get ahead. In the last minute Frank Burke pointed a free to give his side victory by the narrowest of margins. The final whistle was greeted with scenes of jubilation by the Newcastle supporters whose numbers had increased considerably by the presence of many from other parts of the Parish. It was fitting that a solitary point should win such a tremendous struggle between two well-matched teams and that the result should be in a balance until the last minute.

George Moran had an outstanding game in goal with Bernie Rohon, Sean Connors and Bertie Burns in the full back line fighting hard until the end. Frank Rohan was an energetic halfback with good support coming from Paddy Joe Rabbitte and Kerrill Burke. Eamonn Keogh and Frank Burke were in command at midfield while the best line on the team was the half-forward line of Robbie Burke, Padraic Keogh and Christy Glynn. A hard pulling full forward line of T.J. Jordan, Tommy Madden and Tony Morris worked hard together and took their scores well. Unfortunately there was no member of the County Board to present the cup to team Captain Kerrill Burke who was an inspiration to all his teamates.

Team: George Moran, Bernie Rohan, Sean Connors, Bertie Burns, Kerrill Burke, Paddy J Rabbitte, Frank Rohan, Eamonn Keogh, Frank Burke, Robbie Burke, Padraic Keogh, Christy Glynn, T J Jordan, Tommy Madden, Tony Morris, Subs: Sean Glynn and Kevin Rohan.

M. O'Brien and S. Welsh in the All-Ireland Junior Softball Doubles Handball semi-final at Loughrea defeated Christy O'Grady and Tom Cleary. In the hardball semi-final Athenry players Gerry Cronnolly and Michael Kelly had no luck either losing to Tipperary's Cleere brothers.

Willie Morris wins 'on his own' in National Marathon Championship

For many western athletic fans the highlight of the year was the magnificent win by Willie Morris in the National Marathon Championship. Many who had seen this lion-hearted runner win titles such as his triumphs at Athenry or Dunleer considered he had reached his peak but the Derrydonnell distance man had other ideas. Using his strategy like the shrewd judge of pace and opposition that he undoubtedly was, Willie selected the strength sapping 26 miles 385 yards marathon for his big effort of the year. He timed his training accordingly and on the big day over the Dublin roads he passed opponent after opponent and at the finish was well ahead of them all with a time of 2 hours 53 minutes 52 seconds.

Tom Cryan in the Irish Independent wrote "One of biggest ovations of the day was reserved for Galwayman Willie Morris. A cross country star down the years he tried his luck in the marathon yesterday and won on his own."

Playing with the wind Athenry hurlers conceded two goals in the first four minutes of their first round senior hurling championship game against Maree at Pearse Stadium. From then on it was an uphill struggle but they still managed to draw level and would almost certainly have gone ahead if their forwards took their points instead go trying for goals. Maree seemed to be coasting to an easy victory but two goals from twenty-one yard frees by Bobby Gardner kept Athenry in touch. However, a goal and a point by Brendan Hanniffy in the closing stages put his side back in control and they held on to win by 4-8 to 4-3.

Team: Dave Morris, Mick Rooney, Billy Conway, Christy Kelly, Anthony Freaney, Sean Dempsey, John A. Kelly, Leo Gardner, John Conway, Bobby Gardner, Tom Conway, Des Healy, Frank Kilkelly, Peter Greaney, Hubert Conway.

Hurricane Debbie fails to stop Gerry Cronnelly and Michael Kelly 

Few people will forget Saturday 21st September 1961. It was the day of hurricane 'Debbie' that caused considerable damage and destruction throughout the country. With trees down and roads blocked the main problem facing Athenry handballers was 'would the bus the Club had hired be able to get through to Tuamgreaney for the All-Ireland Handball Finals on the following day?'

Gerry Cronnelly and Michael Kelly, after losing at the All-Ireland semi-final stages in 1959 and 1960, had secured a place in the junior hardball doubles final. At Horse-and-Jockey they had defeated Tipperary's Paddy Hickey and Tom Brady in the semi-final with Sean Glynn earning a place in the minor hardball singles final. But Martin Lynch and Boso Hession failed to reach the final of the minor doubles.

The bus carrying the Athenry players and supporters finally made it to Tuamgreaney (after several detours). First into the alley was Sean Glynn who was very unlucky to injure his ankle while leading in the third game and lost to J. Brennan, Kilkenny. It is interesting to note that thirty two years earlier, in 1929, Sean's father Tommy, was defeated in the senior softball singles final by Brennan's father Danny.

With fine victories over Mayo and Sligo in the Connacht Championship, Gerry Cronnolly and Michael Kelly were hard pressed to win by three games to one in a cracking semi-final against Kilkenny's Hanlon and Horgon. In the final the Athenry pair played with confidence and power to win by three games to one. Athenry and Galway had won their first All-Ireland title after a break of twenty-one years.

The All-Ireland champions got a rousing welcome home that night in Athenry and the celebrations lasted for weeks. It was fitting that Gerry Cronnolly should win a hardball title, as it was he who was mainly responsible for the revival of the code in Galway and Connacht.

With convincing victories over Monivea and Skehana Athenry minor hurlers qualified for the North Board Final against Newtown. They gained the title with a 5-2 to 2-2 victory over the Abbeyknockmoy side. In the County semi-final St. Augustine's (Galway) the eventual County champions had a convincing win over Athenry.

Team: Frank Connell, Martin Lynch, Morgan Healy, Paul Waldron, Bosco Hession, Joe Mannion, Tony Coffey, Anthony Clarke, Sean Clarke, Martin Curran, J. J. Kelly, Gabe Gardner, Jackie O'Shea, J. J. Madden, Pat Madden.

In the senior hurling championship for the first time Newcastle were well beaten by Ballinasloe at Fohenagh. Though they had already defeated the East Galway side in the league they found the championship game far more competitive losing by 7-5 to 1-4. Turloughmore defeated Newcastle in the North Board championship at Kenny Park by 4-3 to 1-1. From the start both teams entered the fray with a will to win and spectators saw some rousing hurling right up to the final whistle. In the end it was the superior fitness of the Turloughmore men that won the day as they withstood a grand second half rally by Newcastle. For Newcastle Michael Burke had a good game in goal and could not be faulted for the shots that beat him. Best of the backs were Sean Connors, Bertie Burns, T. J. Jordan and Paddy Rabbitte. At centerfield Kevin Rohan and Frank Burke had some great duels with their opposite numbers while forwards Padraic Keogh, Christy Glynn and Tony Morris also impressed.

Cussane proved far too strong for a Shehana-Ahascragh selection and in the end had four goals to spare. The winners were well served by goalkeeper Eamonn Mullins and defenders Eamonn Egan and Frank Coyne with Eddie Treacy, Joe Coen, Michael Qualter and Paddy Cooley most impressive in the forwards. Cussane were winners of an Ardrahan gold medal 1 1-a-side tournament defeating Clostoken in the final by 5-3 to 0-2.

Team: Eamonn Mullins, Mattie Higgins, Eamonn Egan, Richard Cooley, Richie Williams, Michael Cooley, Joe Coen, Frank Coen, Frank Cullinane, Richard Finn, Michael Mullins, Sub: Frank Coyne.

With a lead of five points at the interval against Cussane in the North Board semi-final Newcastle looked like winners, but in a whirlwind second half display the Cussane men were victorious, winning by 3-11 to 0-11.

Team: Eamonn Mullins, Mattie Feeney, Michael Cooley, Eamonn Egan, Frank Coen, Richard Finn, Paddy Cooley, RichieWilliams, EddieTreacy, Pete Feeney, Peter Greaney, Michael Mullins, Robert Cooley, Michael Qualter, TomTyrell. Newcastle objected claiming they did not get the required notification of the game. The Chairman of the North Board ruled the objection out of order on the grounds that the word Tuam on the envelope was not in Irish-it should be spelt T-U-A-I-M.

Against Abbeyknockmoy in the final a Cussane player was ordered off but did not leave the field. As a result the referee called off the game. At a meeting of the Board the title was awarded to Abbeyknockmoy and the player involved was suspended.

After a tough senior hurling championship game at Pearse Stadium Athenry and Kilconieron ended level with the score 5-6 each. Two goals by Bobby Gardner in the second half kept Athenry in the game and they went on to win the replay. They were no match however for a very strong Ballinasloe side in their next game losing by 4-8 to 0-1.

Athenry senior hurling panel: Bobby Gardner, Martin Rooney, Tom Conway, Morgan Healy, Anthony Freeney, Joe Mannion, Sean Dempsey, Hubert Conway, J. J. Kelly, Gabe Gardner, Colm Hilliard, Boso Hession, Leo Gardner, Tommy Lally, Peter Briggs and Jack O'Shea.

North Board Intermediate win for Newcastle in 1962 

After a thrilling game at Athenry Newcastle defeated Abbeyknockmoy in the North Board Intermediate championship by 2-11 to 3-6. With fourteen men for most of the hour, Newcastle became North Board champions when they defeated Cussane by one point at Kenny Park. "Playing wholehearted hurling the neighbouring teams provided some fine entertainment, and much to the 'enjoyment' of the followers a few minor flare-ups during the hour' stated the Connacht Tribune.

Newcastle started well and were dominant until one of their players, Noel Keogh, was sent off. Many spectators disagreed with the referee's decision because it appeared to most that he sent off the wrong player.

After the interval Cussane came back with a bang, and their attack spearheaded by Frank Cullinane availed of every opportunity. J. J. Connaughton put them ahead after fifteen minutes with a goal. A Jack O'Shea goal was all Newcastle needed to start their rally and Cussane had no answer to their onslaught. At the end Newcasle were winners by 2-6 to 2-5.

Kevin Rohan played a fine game in goal for Newcastle and got good cover from T. J. Jordan, Paddy Joe Rabbitte and Frank Burke. Eamonn Keogh and Jim Cloonan were impressive at midfield with forwards Jack O'Shea, Michael Burke and Padraic Keogh also doing well. Eamonn Mullins had one of his usual brilliant games between the posts for Cussane with backs Frank Coen, Richie Williams and Eamonn Egan also at their best. Frank Cullinane when moved to the forwards was a constant threat with Pete Feeney, Robby Cooley and Pete Greaney trying hard.

Team: Kevin Rohan, Patsy Burke, Sean Connors, T.J.Jordan, Frank Burke, Paddy J. Rabbitte, Frank Rohan, Eamonn Keogh, Jim Cloonan, Robbie Burke, Padraic Keogh, Michael Burke, Noel Keogh, Bertie Burns, Jack 0'Shea

Newcastle lost to Moycullen in the County semi-final by 7-5 to 5-4.

Under the name 'St. Patrick's' both Clubs joined for a senior hurling team but were defeated by Cappatagle 5-4 to 2-4 in the first round of the senior championship.

North Board Intermediate Title for Cussane in 1963 

Cussane defeated Newcastle by 8-6 to 5-4 in the North Board intermediate Final at Athenry after being awarded their first game against Abbeyknockmoy following an objection. A great rally in the last five minutes confirmed the destiny of the North Board title in one of the best games seen at the venue during the year. Hard knocks were given and taken throughout and prompt action by the referee in ordering a player from each side to the line prevented further trouble.

Michael Mullins, with four goals and a point, was Cussane's man-of-the-match, closely followed by Joe Coen with two goals and Pete Feeney with 1-1.

Team: Eamonn Mullins, WillieCullinane, Richard Finn, Eamonn Egan, Frank Coen, Frank Coyne, Patrick Cooley, Michael Cooley, Richie Williams, Peter Feeney, Peter Greaney, Michael Mullins, Pat Costello, Mattie Feeney, Robert Cooley.

In the County semi-final they defeated Fr. Tom Burke's by 5-4 to 4-6 and in the County Final. Killimordaly were the victors by 3-12 to 4-7.