Leinster Football Championship 1944
Leinster Football Final

Carlow 2 – 06             Dublin 1 - 06

Match Day - The Build Up To Throw In

From an early hour the trek to Athy from Carlow began. Supporters from the southern end of the County poured into Carlow, where they heard mass before finishing their journey to Athy. The number that left the capital town must have been a record as on the road we saw people of all classes and creeds in the apparently never-ending stream of cyclists and horse-drawn vehicles. For seats in the latter as much as one pound was cheerfully paid. In the motley crowd we noticed a cheerful party on a hay bogey and another lot in an ancient covered car.

In Athy from an early hour it was evident that the crowd was going to be a big one and if the Carlow following was in the majority it was but natural and so the Barrowside colours predominated and were displayed by man, woman and child all anxious and eager to see Carlow win their first senior title. There was only one-way traffic and that was to the field. Bikes were parked in every available place and even stabling found for the horses that had brought spectators from a distance. It was a great crowd and a good humoured one and the only topic was the match. For over a couple of hours before the start the way to the field resounded to the tramp of marching men (and women) and ticket sellers and stewards as busy as bees. Vantage points were sought and obtained and the local Gaels under Mr. Fintan Brennan had all in order. A junior game helped to while away the waiting for the big match and chances and form were sized up.

Sharp to time the teams were on the pitch and if Carlow got the better reception the Dublin welcome was little behind. The Athy Local Security Force Pipers Band lead the parade around the pitch and the National Anthem was honoured. The teams were soon in motion and what a game!

 

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