GOLDEN YEARS LIT IN THE SIXTIES
UNTIL the early sixties, Tourlestrane did not compete in minor Championships.
Players played with neighbouring clubs; Eamon O’Hara and Ollie Kirrane won medals with Tubbercurry in 55 while in 57 Mickey Durkin and Padraig Maye did likewise with Mullinabreena. In 1964 Tourlestrane contested their first final losing to Coolera.
Prominent players were Brendan Molloy, The Henry families, Matt Marren, Peter Molloy, Mattie Brennan and P.J.Walsh.
1967 saw the start of a golden period of five consecutive final appearances.
This final against Keash was a thriller with scores level on three occasions.
A Martin O’Grady Point sealed the issue in the 27th minute of the second half.
M.Brennan and A.Richardson were strong midfielders with excellent support from H.Quinn, M.O. Henry , Jackie Walsh. Team: J. Feely, M.O.Henry, B.Henry, M.O’Grady, N. Quinn, D. Cunnane, D.Brett, M. Brennan, A. Richardson, H. Quinn, J. Walsh, S. Lundy, J.Henry, M.Maye, F.Walsh.
The 68 decider was played in December against Collooney/ Ballisodare with Tourlestrane winning 1-6 to 1-0. Stars of the county team, Richardson and Quinn were in excellent form, as were D.Molloy, D. Brett, and Jarlath Cunnane. Conditions were deplorable for this match, postponed because of Sligo reaching the minor All-Ireland. The next two final appearances were losing ones to arch-rivals Muire Naofa. The 1970 final first ended in a draw, with many of the opinion that Tourlestrane had won by a single point.
Tourlestrane had lost their Captain Dermot Molloy early in the year. Dermot was tragically killed in a traffic accident and his death was a sad loss to his family, club and county.
Tourlestrane regained the title in 1971. After a cracking divisional final against Curry, they hammered Coolera in the final 6-7 to 2-1, with what the Sligo Champion described as “a tremendous display of all round power”. Team: N.Brett, J.Neary, J.Kennedy, N. Egan, M.Neary, J. Cunnane, T. Curran.
In 1973, the final against Shamrock Gaels was a trilling draw, with O. Feeley levelling in the last minute. However the replay was lost in another cliffhanger.
For the next eight years, the South division was dominated by Tubbercurry. Few followers will forget their epic matches with Tourlestrane in the era, when the quality of football was exceptionally high, and the rivalry intense.
In 1981 Tourlestrane were back on the glory trail, defeating Coolera 0-4 to 0-3 after being held scoreless in the first half.
Patrick Normally was outstanding in defence. With most of the team eligible again in ‘82 hopes were high for a repeat success, it duly arrived in fine style, with a 2-9 to 0-2 win over St. Farnan’s.
Captain Gerry Walsh turned in a magnificent performance at centre back, ably assisted by P. Normanly, L. Gaughan, and N.McVeigh.
Team: C.Leonard, D.Walsh, E.Durkin, D. Gavaghan, P. Normanly, G. Walsh, D. Sheeran, L. Gaughan, B. Walsh, J. Haran, T. Goldrick, J.J.Fleming, M. Walsh, R.Kennedy, N.McVeigh.
A valiant effort to complete the 3-in-a-row failed in extra time of a replay , St Mary’s being the victors.
These games featured some of the best football seen at minor level for many years.
Excellent scores by T. Goldrick, R. Kennedy, N.McVeigh and P. Tobin, the great determination of J.J.Fleming and E. Durkin, and sound defence by D. Walsh, D. Sheeran and B.Fallon gave much pleasure to our supporters.
Our final appearance was in ‘85 losing again to St. Mary’s who had a powerful squad. Personnel in Charge: Through the years many people have devoted time and energy to nourishing minor grade football.
They will be the first to admit that they were amply rewarded by many hours of enjoyment - sharing the joys of winning and the pains of losing - often by the smallest of margins. In the 60s and 70s people like Eneas Lundy , Joe Storey, Nace Feely and Mickey Gallagher guided their charges to many triumphs.
In the 80s Mickey Gallagher Johnny Durkin and Sean Clarke gave their time to the under-age football players.
Again their rewards were in the triumph of their teams.
One hopes this attention to the youngsters of the club will always be a mark of Tourlestrane GAA Club.