THE SWINGING SIXTIES

Hurling was doing well in Wicklow in the early sixties. We felt if we had a proper Junior competition we’d win an All-Ireland. There was a motion at the 1960 congress put forward by Captain T. N. Leyne, Kildare, a great lover of the small ball game, and it called for a Junior competition between the 20 counties who didn’t have Senior teams. The motion was accepted and we felt there and then that we could win it.

We had no doubts that 1961 was out year. We were as far out as the mountain road in Aughavannagh! We fell in the Leinster final at Croke Park, and we knew then what winning an All-Ireland in any grade was all about. But we were back in the Leinster final again in 1962. Meath had beaten us in the 1961 final. In 1962 we faced Kildare and we felt we were going to win, but we didn’t. In fact, we were well beaten, 4-10 to 2-8.

We were back in Croke Park for another final in 1963. Our confidence was cracked by this time and we just hoped we’d get through; but again, we failed. Westmeath won that one, 4-10 to 4-7. “Get to hell out of Croke Park”, said the lads after that defeat. We reached the final again in 1964 and this time it was in Bellefield, Enniscorthy, and believe it or not, we won. Hip hip hooray!

THE RISE OF WICKLOW HURLING

Now we were on our way for an All-Ireland Junior title! The dream ended quickly where the pale moon was shining. Kerry beat us in Tralee and we had to be content with Leinster honours. But hurling was making progress ‘neath the shades of Lugnaquilla. In 1965, we had to find a new team for the Junior grade and we shocked Leinster when we beat Kildare after a replay in the Leinster final.

We were hot favourites when we made the long journey to Armagh for the All-Ireland semi-final. A cake-walk said the papers – lowly Armagh didn’t have the power. We sneaked out of Armagh that night, well beaten by the Ulster champions. We didn’t surface for a week – it was a bitter pill to swallow and we didn’t get over it for a long time.

Time is a great healer and within a year we were back in our sixth successive Leinster Junior final. Not surprisingly, we were beaten by Kildare who went on to win the All-Ireland.

In 1967, we didn’t talk too much about the Leinster of All-Ireland finals, after years of failure as far as the national crown was concerned. We started that year well with a double over Kildare at under-21 and under-16 level.

The Juniors, now calling on a mixture of old and new players, beat Meath in the Leinster final at Croke Park and hopes began to rise again.

We met Mayo in Ashford in the All-Ireland semi-final. The ‘Boss’ rubbed it in before the start when he reminded the boys of the Armagh defeat. The great Munster hurler Donie Nealon was the referee and this time we made no mistake. We did lose a valuable player who was sent off, but at least we were in our first home final.

Kerry had defeated Down in the other semi-final and the final was fixed for Croke Park. Jimmy Duggan of Galway was the referee and Wicklow turned in a a good hour to beat the Kingdom 3-7 to 1-5.

But this wasn’t an All-Ireland title. Now we had to face London in the All-Ireland proper and this was going to be a tough one. London had already won an Intermediate title that year.

The final was fixed for Aughrim and Wicklow started as favourites. Paddy Johnston of Kilkenny was the referee and the world and his wife were expected at the county grounds.

Not since the county had won the 1936 Junior football title was enthusiasm at a higher pitch. Hurling was at a peak in the county because the under-16, Minor, and under-21 teams were also in special All-Ireland finals.

Suddenly, there was bad news. The full-back was a doubtful starter as he had to undergo an operation. That meant we would be short two defenders. But the full-back was determined to make it for the big day and he did. Opinions were divided about playing him, but it was eventually agreed that he should play.

London arrived on Saturday evening and the Michael Dwyer pipe band played them through the Aughrim streets. The ‘Boss’ was there to meet them. He knew many of them from his stay across the water. The wags said the ‘Boss’ had sold a good cow in order that he could give them a nice reception and get them into good humour on Saturday night.

A cow was a fair few pounds at that time, but then, he could get another cow! He might never get a chance to win an All-Ireland.

Perhaps London might be slowed down because of the celebrations, but the exiles were no daws. They enjoyed themselves but they were taking no chances, this was an All-Ireland final.

To cut a long story short, the big moment arrived. London wore green jerseys. The Wicklow trainer reveals a secret – his brother was playing at corner-back for London - “They can’t be great,” says he, “you’d better beat them,” he continued, “or I’ll get a terrible ribbing”.

All eyes are on the full-back and we wonder will he make it. The ‘Boss’ orders everyone out of the dressing room except players and officials. He reminded them again about Armagh and he spoke loudly!

We’re on the field and we note a fellow from Avoca advising the London boys. Traitor! The ref shakes hands with the Kilkenny man from Barndarrig. Maybe he’ll give us a chance. The ball is in and the game is on and we’re firing on all cylinders. It’s another cake walk and we feel a little sorry for the exiles but then God knows it’s time we won an All-Ireland.

We’re 12 points to the good at halftime. The ‘Boss’ takes nothing for granted and he talks about attack being the best method of defence. Whatever the Avoca fellow said to the London boys at halftime they came out a new team. One goal, two goals, three goals! The full-back is in trouble and iff he comes. The ‘Boss’ invokes the man above and would rather that he take him, there and then, than lose this All-Ireland.

London have the boys in their pockets and they go six points clear. All-Irland how are ye! The trainer and ‘Boss’ have a small difference of opinion. A small fellow from the Goosebank has gone in and the trainer suggests he act as a sweeper. We get a goal back.

For God’s sake don’t let the whistle go for another minute! We’re on the attack and the London goalie makes a wonder save, but the ball is hanging around and someone sticks it in the net and a fellow from Barndarrig falls to his knees. It’s a draw – the whistle has gone. Wicklow had a hairbreadth escape.

Will we have to go to London for the replay? If we do our goose is cooked. The ‘Boss’ and the Kilkenny man from Barndarrig say no way will we go to London. The London man declared for New Eltham. The ‘Boss’ starts quoting rules – a great man for the book when things are a bit confused. The GAA President was there to throw in the ball. Now he had to settle the argument. A sound man to make a decision.

“Kilkenny is the place for the replay,” he said.

As we leave Aughrim, the fans are saying: “Wicklow were a lucky team to survive”. A pessimist, from Aughrim, declared: They wouldn’t bate snow off a rope”.

Back to the drawing board and back to Ashford for training. Will it all be for nothing?

The trainer said we were fit enough. No running or hurling – just walk to Glenealy. If the rain comes down – we’ll be in a right mess.

We heard the full-back would be ok for the replay and the fellow doing ‘time’ would be qualified to come back.

The trainer got it right. We turned on the power at Kilkenny and won 3-14 to 4-7. The celebrations started straigth away. The Metropole in Kilkenny and Ned Langton’s in John Street weren’t right for a week after it. We wouldn’t be home until late, but the bonfires were ready round Arklow Rock, Kilcavan Gap, Shelton, Rathdrum, Rathnew, Aughrim and Kilcoole.

Some of the celebrations we can’t remember, but we know they went on for a long time. As of course they should. You only win All-Irelands now and then. We had broken the duck. We didn’t know then that there were more big days ahead and that hurling would hold the fort in the Garden County for another decade and a half, at least!