WEXFORD’S MINOR HEROES FROM 1966 ARE REUNITED
Hurling creates friends for life, that was most evident at the reunion of the Wexford All Ireland winning Minor hurling team of 1966 when they renewed old friendships at the Riverside Park Hotel recently.
The event organised by members of the team, most notably Thos Kavanagh, John Quigley and captain Paddy Bernie along with selector Michael Murphy was a wonderful trip down memory lane for all present with tall tales and devilish deeds recounted in mirth throughout the evening.
Thos Kavanagh thanked everyone for coming, saying that they had almost a full squad apart from four players who couldn’t make it. He called for a minute’s silence in memory of those who had passed – player Pat Urney Byrne, described as one of the stars of the drawn game and replay; trainer of the team Ned Power, selectors Pat Murphy, Martin Doyle and Rev. Brendan Redmond.
He paid tribute to the many wives and partners present and the two surviving selectors Michael Murphy and Dominic Murphy. He said it was great to be back together 50 years on almost to the day and read an extract from the Guardian newspaper of October 21, 1966 which was lavish in its praise of the encounter saying that ‘games were seldom won more honorably’. He signaled out All Star Ned Buggy and Mick Butler who went on to play senior for the county and paid tribute to Paddy Bernie whom he described as a great captain and leader.
John Quigley said that whilst there were many stars in both games, Tom Furlong from Enniscorthy was the most skilful hurler on the pitch and had two fantastic days in Croke Park and captain Paddy Bernie said that he was delighted to be there and would be proud to lead them out once again in Wexford Park before the County Senior Hurling Final.
Thos Kavanagh reminded them all that they won something very special that day in 1966 as the medals they received were specially com- missioned to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1916 Rising but more than that he said they made friends for life with those who hurled with them on that memorable day.