AUSTIN STACKS: 1-13 BALLERIN: 2-07
AFTER winning the championship in 1976 for the third time in four years there still remained one goal for the team, and that was the ultimate prize – the All-Ireland Club Championship. We had failed with an understrength side against UCC in ’73 and also went down the following year, this time in the Munster Final to Nemo Rangers by the narrowest of margins. Nemo were to provide the opposition in the final once again the following year and after three memorable matches, during which some splendid football was played, the Cork outfit edged home once again with the aid of a late goal from Liam Goode.
Having been shocked by Spa, Killarney in the County League final late in ’76, our chances of capturing the coveted crown looked to be decidedly slim. Team trainer Joe Joe Barrett however had different ideas and a rigorous training programme clearly mapped out his intentions for the forthcoming championship.
Quite often, such places as far apart as Banna Beach and Ballybeggan Park formed the backdrop for some intensive training sessions, which were ultimately to stand in good stead throughout a glorious season. All the preparation was put into practice in Tralee on December 3, 1976 when Limerick champions, Croom, came to town. A cold and blustery afternoon seemed to limit our effectiveness somewhat and although short some regulars, our display was hardly in keeping with that of former years.
Ger Power in defence, and Paddy Moriarty in attack, produced the few bright sparks of a grey afternoon and Paudie McCarthy’s late goal earned us our ticket into the final against St. Finbarrs from Cork. Playing at home for the second time in the competition, we were to endure many anxious moments before capturing our first ever provincial crown.
It was a grimly contested encounter with no favours sought or given by either side, with tempers becoming somewhat frayed at various intervals. Our opponents were reduced to fourteen men as the first half came to a close. It looked to be the turning point as far as we were concerned but instead it lifted the ‘Barrs to new heights. As the game entered its final minutes, the chance of Munster glory seemed to be slipping away once again.
But a final flourish saw Ger Power find Mikey Sheehy with a long delivery. He duly found Billy Curtin in front of the ‘Barrs citadel. Submerged in a sea of blue jerseys, Curtin went crashing to the ground just inside the small square. One point adrift, Mikey had the onerous responsibility of levelling with a point or of goaling to lift the title. Amidst a series of confused instructions, Mikey drilled for glory and unleashed a tremendous shot which lifted the roof of the net at the scoreboard end.
It clinched the game and kept alive the dream of All-Ireland glory. The win was described afterwards as grand larceny, but I think this observation fell on deaf ears as far as the players were concerned, who no doubt remembered clearly the heartbreak of former years. Captain John O’Keeffe who lined out in an unfamiliar centre forward position, gratefully accepted the trophy from John Joe Sheehy, President of the Kerry G.A.A. Board afterwards.
Kingdom from London were next on the list and they travelled to Tralee to contest the quarter-final on January 30, 1977, encouraged by some strong vocal support in a good sized attendance. Strong midfield play from John and Ger O’Keeffe gave our attack a plentiful supply. The sticky underfoot conditions failed to limit the silken skills of Mikey Sheehy who notched the only two goals of the game, which formed the basis of an emphatic fifteen point win.
For the semi-final, we left Tralee for the first time and taxing CIE to its limits, brought every last Rockie to Portlaoise to take on the locals. Ten thousand people packed themselves into O’Moore Park for a game which ebbed and flowed at an alarming rate. Portlaoise with an early goal, led by one point at the half-time break, but with Mike Sheehy’s accuracy, especially from frees, we got our noses back in front early in the second half. But a second goal from Prendergast put Portlaoise in front again, amidst a frenzy of excitement.
Sheehy levelled the scores for the third time and then put us in front from a fifty yard free. But Portlaoise proved equal to the task once again and regained the lead despite some staunch defensive work from Scollard and Lucey. But we had by this stage come through too many tough campaigns, not to have learned to battle staunchly against adversity. Substitute Paudie McCarthy kicked the lead score and we were grimly holding on to our slender lead, when in the very last minute, up popped Timmy Sheehan to shoot our only goal of the game, and clinch a notable victory.
And so it was on to Croke Park on March 13th for the final against Ballerin from Derry, who paraded such stars as Sean O’Connell, Malachy McAfee and Peter Stevenson in their ranks. We were rocked right back on our heels during the opening quarter, when our opponents pounced for two decisive goals. A fisted goal from Paudie McCarthy at the other end brought us back into contention and we were further encouraged by a fine long range effort by Fionan Ryan. Trailing by four points at the half-time break, we looked to have it all to do if we were to land the premier crown in Club football.
We started the second half in the very same determined manner which had been a hallmark of our displays all season. McCarthy, Sheehy (twice) and team captain John O’Keeffe with a fisted effort levelled the scores. However, two crucial frees gave Ballerin a two point advantage with thirteen minutes remaining, and they were now playing with such dash and confidence that few in the attendance of 8,971 could at this stage see them being overhauled.
Fintan Lawlor continued to excel at wing-back while another youngster, Fionan Ryan had his second point at the other end, once again from long range. Mike Sheehy, impeccable from frees, levelled the scores, and with four minutes remaining, kicked us into the lead from underneath the Hogan Stand.
Ger Power surged forward in an attempt to put the game out of Ballerin’s reach, and a foul on him gave Mike Sheehy the chance to increase our advantage to two. The last score of the hour was knocked over from thirty yards out on the right wing by Timmy Sheehan, right on the stroke of full- time. The crowning glory had at last come for players, supporters and mentors alike, and it was a day in which the thousands or so Rock supporters present will treasure forever. We had come from behind to sink the ‘Barrs, Portlaoise and now Ballerin, and claim the greatest prize of all. It was a jubiliant John O’Keeffe who collected the All- Ireland trophy from the GAA President, Con Murphy.
Team: Teddy Brick; Gary Scollard, Noel Power, Paul Lucey; Fintan Lawlor, Tony O’Keeffe, Ger Power; John O’Keeffe (captain), Ger O’Keeffe; Timmy Sheehan, Denis Long, Fionan Ryan; Jackie Power, Paudie McCarthy, Billy Curtin. Sub.: Colm Mangan (for J. Power).