Erin's Hopes 1956 Team Reunion

A group of some 35 people assembled recently at the Castlerosse Hotel in Killarney to celebrate a notable 50th anniversary – the victory of Erin’s Hope in the Dublin Senior Football Championship of 1956.

The victory was a particularly memorable one because of its circumstances. Over a fourteen-year period (1949-1962) opponents, St Vincents, created an incredible record of achievement by winning this title in each successive year – but one. The 1956 final was the only one they lost in that amazing run.

St Vincents could field at least ¾ of the Dublin team at the time (All-Ireland finalists 1955) while the Erin’s Hope team was virtually an U-21 lineout. However, despite all the odds, the students from St Patrick’s Teacher Training College caused a major surprise, which brought a flood of congratulations from teachers up and down the country.

The team was Terry McQuinn (Kerry), Mick O’Donoghue (Kerry), Brendan Keane RIP (Mayo), John Joe Breslin (Roscommon), Tadhg O Siocrú (Kerry), Martin Queally (Clare), Pat Conefrey (Leitrim), Fintan Walsh, Capt. (Laois), Tom Long (Kerry), Dermot O’Donovan (Cork), Mattie McDonagh RIP (Galway), Micheal O Briain (Cork), Tomás McKenna (Kerry), Donal Hurley (Cork), Bertie Towey RIP (Mayo). Subs were: Piaras Ferriter (Donegal), Jimmy Casey (Longford), Gerry Twomey (Meath), John Browne (Clare), Tadhg Garvey (Kerry), Dave McSweeney (Cork), Paddy O’Toole (Mayo).

The ‘legends’ talked till morning and reminisced on their two outstanding players – Mattie McDonagh of Galway’s All-Ireland team and Tom Long of the Kerry senior team. McDonagh was on the forty mark, but he roamed very effectively from back to forward with endless energy. The group also recalled how Long played a master game at centre, his fielding, driving and solo runs playing a big part in his team’s victory. Singled out for mention was the performance of Quinn in goal, O’Donoghue, Keane, Sugrue and Queally, too, splendid in defence. A glass was raised to Long and Walsh who commanded midfield and, of course, McDonagh, who outshone all his colleagues in attack, but O’Donovan, O’Brien and Hurley – fast and ever eager – got special mention also . . . and so the talk and banter sounded till the exhausted group called it a day sometime in the wee small hours with a prayerful thought for three of this unique troupe who have passed to their eternal reward.

 

Last Updated: Thursday September 21 2006