Last experience of a decider
least 50 yards from the Ballymote goal. “Anthony Brennan was taking it – referee John Lee told him it was the last kick of the game – and I said to Anthony that he’d have to go for it [the equaliser].
“Anthony took it and it sailed over – it was a great point. It kept us in the championship and we won the replay. It took off from there for us – we beat St Mary’s in the county semi-final.” Could Tourlestrane have built on that year? “It was tough – there was no backdoor in those days or group games. It was all knockout. St Mary’s were a very, very strong team back then – we were beaten by them on a few occasions.
“Shane Durkin headed to America – he was a loss to us and Sligo. That county final in 1982 was a great day for the club because we won both senior and minor titles.”
When talking about those games, Paddy can’t believe that all this was 40 years ago. that we haven’t pushed on from winning county titles but we’ve gone close to getting big wins in recent years, against Ballintubber and Knockmore. “Any team that you meet in Connacht will be hard beaten because they are county champions.” He added: “We’ll be outsiders for the final against Moycullen – Galway football is on the up again, they were All-Ireland finalists this year – but we won’t be fearful either. We will give it our best shot.”
Stephen emphasised that because Tourlestrane have endured barren spells, they never take any trophy for granted. “Like every club we know what it is like to go years without winning county titles – so that is why we are absolutely delighted to see the team do so well right now.
“Of course things change over the years – for example back in the 1980s and 1990s we had four national schools in the area, now there are just three – Drimina, Castlerock and Banada. Kilmactigue is closed.
“We’re relying on the dedication of the players to stay involved with the club, even if they have work or study commitments.
Stephen added: “The years have flown by since then but we have very fond memories of those days, even if we didn’t win the Connacht title.
“I’d like to think the current squad know how precious these times are for them and how fortunate that such a good, committed group has been there at the same time and has been so consistent.
“They are an exceptional bunch of players and I would love to see them win on Sunday.
“Moycullen will be strong but I hope that the lads turn up and play to their potential.”
“This is the biggest game of all for them and the standard will be high.” There are several links from the 1982 heroes to the panel for this Sunday’s final at Salthill’s Pearse Stadium. Paddy’s two nephews, Stephen Jnr (‘Blondie’, who is Stephen’s son) and Cathal (Michael’s son), are on the team, and former Sligo GAA chairman Brendan Leonard, who was also part of the 1982 team, has a son, Darren, and a nephew, James, in the current squad.