From the archive: Cavan Gaels win SFC in 1977

From the archive

Following their maiden county championship success in 1965, Cavan Gaels made subsequent final appearances in 1967 and 1970, losing on both occasions to Crosserlough, before they finally beat the same opponents by 1-11 to 0-8 in a replayed final in 1975.

The following year, they suffered an early round knockout against Woodford Gaels so by the time the 1977 campaign came round, the Gaels – under the management of the legendary Gabriel Kelly – were doubly determined to do themselves justice.

In 1977, the Cavan Town side had a bye into the quarter-finals where they again met Crosserlough, which was described as “a difficult assignment”.

“Now while a winning tally of two points might indicate that the town team were lucky to survive, this was far from the case. The Gaels never looked in danger of defeat,” this newspaper opined.

“However, an attack with the undoubted skills of the town team might have made better use of their opportunities. But it was, ironically, in attack that the Gaels held the whip hand and this was the main difference between the teams at the final whistle.”

In the semi-final, they met Redhills, conquerors of Killygarry and an experienced Ramor team.

In the end, the Gaels ran out easy winners by 3-14 to 3-3, the goals coming from Dermot Dalton, Charlie O’Donoghue and Noel Smith.

“Displaying tremendous skills, teamwork of quality, together with exciting flair and individual performances, Cavan Gaels demonstrated their intention of making a bold bid for the Cavan Senior Football Championship title with an easy win over Redhills in a disappointing semi-final before a large attendance,” read the match report.

“The anticipated close contest never materialised as Cavan Gaels were in control from the opening minutes and the longer the game went on, the more emphatic the town team’s control became.

“On this kind of form, Cavan Gaels will be strong favourites for the title and it will take a top-class display by St Mary’s if they are to hold on to their crown.”

St Mary’s (Castlerahan and Munterconnaught) had upset Ballyhaise in the county final in 1976 and were regarded as a formidable side. However, the Gaels, given their free-scoring form, went into the decider as firm favourites.

An interesting method of selecting the county final referee was employed. Each team nominated three referees – Miceál Greenan, Fintan Tierney and Jim McCorry were nominated by Cavan Gaels and John Lynch, John Brady and Seamus Galligan by St Mary’s.

“Following the elimination of nominees on both sides, it was reduced to Greenan and Lynch. Both names were then placed in a hat and Miceál Greenan was the successful choice.”

Before a bumper crowd of 4,982 who paid record gate receipts of £3710, the final itself turned out to be the most one-sided since 1966.

“The game, far from producing champagne fare, provided the crowd with a featureless game that was prevented from ‘dying a death’ by some fine constructive football from Cavan Gaels.

“The town team, who last won the title in 1975, had only brief periods of uncertainty but had the necessary ability to counter successfully whenever danger threatened.”

The Gaels got on top early and went on to dominate, with the result wrapped up long before the final whistle.

“Cavan Gaels set the pattern for success with goals at crucial stages. The first from Charlie O’Donoghue in the 22nd minute of the first half was out of the blue and came following a period of pressure from St Mary’s.

“Now with a lead of seven points, Cavan Gaels grew in confidence. Although St Mary’s kept in touch, there were six points between the teams until nine minutes into the second half when Pat McNamara shot a fine goal which ended the game as a contest.

“The third goal from Noel Smith one minute before the end followed a period of St Mary’s pressure, an indication of the ability of the Cavan Gaels side to counter quickly and with deadly effect.”

The Gaels were ahead by 1-7 to 0-3 at half-time. PJ Carroll and Pat McNamara were on the mark early in the second half with John O’Dwyer registering at the other end before St Mary’s were awarded a penalty which Shane Moynagh scored to cut the gap to five.

However, a point from Dermot Dalton and a goal from McNamara put nine between them and the Gaels eased away after that.

Cavan Gaels were on top at midfield, despite the efforts of county player Mattie Hetherton, and up front, they shone.

“The Cavan Gaels attack missed few opportunities and only registered a total of seven wides. Thirty-five yea-old Phil ‘Lightning’ Murray was the inspiration behind many attacks and scores and while he faded late in the second half, his contribution proved valuable.

“Pat McNamara was another to play exceptionally well and may have ear-marked a place for himself on the Cavan senior team for the forthcoming National League.

“Charlie O’Donoghue also had his best game for some time while Dermot Dalton’s distribution and use of the open spaces played a major part in many of his side’s scores. Haulie Reilly and Noel Smith also made valuable contributions.”

The Cavan champions went on to contest the Ulster Club SFC final that winter, losing to Belfast side St John’s in Castleblayney, before they retained their county title with a 1-10 to 0-6 win over Ballyhaise in 1977.

Cavan Gaels: Aidan Elliott, Eugene Reilly, Jimmy Fay, Myles McEntee, Oliver Galligan, Paddy Reilly, Dominic Sheridan, PJ Carroll (0-1), JJ Reilly, Pat McNamara (1-4, 1f), Haulie Reilly (0-1), Noel Smith, Charlie O’Donoghue (1-2, 1f), Dermot Dalton (capt, 0-2), Phil Murray (0-1)

St Mary’s: Oliver Dwyer, Oliver Brady, Jack Hetherton, Eamonn Gillick, Johnny Kerrigan, Michael Plunkett, Seamus Kiernan, Matt Hetherton (capt), Jack Stanley, Tony Brady, John O’Dwyer (0-4, 3f), Shane Moynagh (1-0, pen), Sean Brady (0-1), Gerry Hetherton (0-1), Oliver Stanley

Subs: Gerry Cahill, Dermot Flaherty

Main pic: Back (from left): Oliver Galligan, Haulie Reilly, PJ Carroll, Eugene Reilly, Aiden Elliott, Jimmy Fay, Myles McEntee, JJ Reilly. Front: Pat McNamara, Noel Smith, Paddy Reilly, Dermot Dalton, Phil Murray, Charlie O’Donoghue, Dominic Sheridan.