GAA

The Leinster Final 1944

Joe Doorley's Account, Athy

The great day of the Leinster football final 1944 was one of the big days in G.A.A. history in our town, and we had many including all Ireland hurling and football finals before our time. We were as proud of that Carlow “15” as were of our own Lilly Whites! They were not a one match team as most of them played great football for many years before and after.

As a Kildare follower of the Carlow team we at Athy Hurling & Football Club we played practice matches in Carlow - on our bikes on Thursday nights and so knew all about the “build up”.

Athy was preparing for a week for the big day as the crowds had to be catered for as they came on bikes and pony traps even walking, as there was no petrol at the time. We also gave a hand at preparing the grounds for the match and the great crowd that was expected. The Square of Athy was packed with bikes of all kinds and many a puncture had to be mended for the road home.

We were looking forward to a Carlow victory as we cycled to see the three great matches against Wexford and remember especially the last one in Croke Park. We joined the Carlow followers at Killcullen. We didn’t mind the “spin” home as Carlow won - Those were the matches that made the Carlow Team to the Big Day in 1944. We also cycled to the Kerry match only to be disappointed, but not disgraced in the Semi Final of the All-Ireland.

I don’t intend going into details of the final as that is well documented.

Having worked hard all morning I remember running up to the field at the last minute when we got the shop closed - I was lucky to get a good view such was the crowed - a lot of people couldn’t see the match at all.

My abiding memory of the match was of the last long ten minutes and the extraordinary display of those two mighty men - Archbold and Farrell repelling the might of Dublin as they tried in vain to get the result. When the final whistle sounded the celebrations begun and many a tear of joy was shed.

We had a great evening as all Carlow enjoyed their sandwiches and “white label”. Spare a thought for those Carlow men who didn’t win a medal that day, men like - Drakes Walker, Pakes Connolly, Ned Long, Ned Doogue, “Buller” Canavan, Martin Mullney and many others who would get all stars now a days.

There were other great days later in which should not be forgotten - like three great games in the first round against Kildare and the great League games against Kerry and Armagh - no disgrace to be beaten by The Flying Doctor (Peadar Carney) and the great Mayo Team in the League Final.

Thanks for the memories.