Local Reaction to Carlow’s Win

 

Carlow’s Football Win

By winning the Leinster Senior Football Championship at Athy on Sunday last, the Co. Carlow team made football history, as it is the first time this title was held by Carlow since the inception of the G.A.A. We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to the players and those connected with the team on the achievement, and wish them further success in the forthcoming All-Ireland Championship competition. The winning of the Leinster senior title should do much to foster the native game in the country, and it is to be hoped that the younger players will try to emulate the deeds of the present team, and fit themselves to take their places in the years that lie ahead. By their sportsmanlike bearing on the playing fields, the present county team of Carlow has set a fine example, which we hope will be followed by all the local teams.

Carlow and District

When the news of Carlow's victory over Dublin in the Leinster Senior Football Final reached the town on Sunday evening there was great jubilation. Subscriptions readily came forward and large bon-fires were to be seen burning at several vantage points in the town. Gramophones, accordions and musical instruments of every description were brought out to enliven the festivities, and dancing took place around the fires until late into the night. When the team arrived home they were accorded a great ovation.

A Tribute

There is one man who deserves the thanks of the Gaels of Carlow, and that is Mr. “Jack” Dundon the Trainer. His work for the team in the past couple of months has borne fruit and after the game on Sunday there was not a prouder man on the field. “Jack” is a Dublin man but since coming amongst us has become more “Carlovian” than the “Carlovians” themselves. Interviewed after the match he said “Naturally I am delighted that we won. I never lost hope. I knew they would last better and I am proud to have trained the first Carlow team to win the Leinster Senior Football Championship”.

Adapted excerpt from the “Nationalist and Leinster Times”, 5th August 1944