The team of the 1970s
EVERY decade in Gaelic games brings its winners, gallant, and not so gallant losers and personalities. I remember Sligo’s short-lived campaigns over the years and the agonising heartbreak of many decades in the wilderness, similar to many other ‘weaker’ counties.
Of course, Sligo’s challenges are compounded by the town, a breeding ground for many of the county’s younger generation, being the nerve centre for the league of Ireland soccer club, Sligo Rovers.
Consequently, the ‘pull’ of both sports reduces the pool of players and coaxes many promising Gaelic players away from the sport.
There had been a great resurgence in Sligo football in the mid-sixties which saw them push future All Ireland champions Galway to the limits in ’64 and ’65.
But the summer of ‘75 remains unique in the annuals of Sligo football.
They reached the promised land, and won their first provincial crown since 1928, and only the second ever in their history.
This year was a watershed one for ‘Yeats county’, having waited a lifetime for the sweetness of success.
Expectations were high within the county when Sligo were pitted in the All-Ireland semi-final against formidable opposition in Kerry.
This Kerry team were in the process of building for the future, and within their ranks were some of the greatest ever players to grace a football pitch, like Spillane, Sheehy, and Egan.
Sadly, the Kingdom outclassed Sligo, and won the game.
My own feeling is that the 1971, Sligo combination would have had a better opportunity to advance further in the championship than their ’75 counterparts had they just managed to beat Galway in the Connacht final replay.
Powered by some of the fabulous ’68 minor team, and the introduction of David Pugh and Gerry Mitchel from Sligo Rovers, who created more opportunities for the other forwards, this outfit had more steel in defence and a bit more bite and quality than any Sligo team before or after.
You see, Kerry and Dublin, the kingpins of the mid and later seventies were in the process of rebuilding and were there for the taking.
Donegal won Ulster titles in ’72 and ’74 which included some outstanding players from the 1960s St Joseph’s team from Ballyshannon and Bundoran.
During my teenage years I spent a lot of time in and around Bundoran, working at the Allingham Arms Hotel, dossing around, and in my spare time kicking a ball around the pitch there.
I didn’t quite realise it at the time, but many of the great Donegal team of the seventies practiced there.
Although money was scarce, life for me was a bed of roses; football, and joining the long queues to the Astoria Ballroom, where the air smelt of old spice and woodbine fags; Pioneers pins everywhere!
I suppose the late seventies was a period of unprecedented Kerry and Dublin dominance of the football scene. Between them they won seven All Ireland titles – Kerry four and Dublin three.
Offaly came in from exterior darkness to win in ’71 and ’72, with the evergreen stalwart Paddy McCormack still ‘ducking and diving’ after 12 years on the road. When the full-time whistle blew, the realisation of the outcome finally dawned on the supporters who had forgotten the many disappointments over the years.
The Lee-siders, Cork, after an absence of nearly 30 years, came out of Munster to beat Galway in the All-Ireland final in 1973.
Even more so than Sligo, competing for sporting honours in Cork is a challenge when you consider the competition they face from not only football and soccer, but also hurling, and rugby.
The seventies produced some wonderful footballers and it’s very difficult to choose a team.
The Kerry and Dublin team of the seventies were one of the greatest in history, using the same panel of players into the eighties, and for that reason, I will leave some of their key players out for another day.
The seventies, here we go!
GOALKEEPERS Martin Furlong, Offaly Martin won four All Ireland titles in ’71, ’72, ’81 and ’83. He was courageous under the dropping ball, accurate with his long clearances and above all a brilliant keeper.
Paddy Cullen, Dublin
An outstanding goal-keeper, standing well over 6-foot-tall, who was agile, tough and always in control. When Dublin emerged from the football doldrums in ’74, the county hadn’t won a senior title since 1963.
DEFENDERS Gay O’Driscoll, Dublin Gay was the corner-stone of the Dublin rear-guard during the glorious seventies of Dublin football, a master of the quick hand pass and accurate delivery up-field.
Johnny Carey, Mayo Carey was the pillar of the Mayo backline for many years and played in a number of positions for the team. He was noted for his intelligent distribution of the ball.
John O’Keefe, Kerry John was the typical Kerry footballer, with his high fielding and long kicking. A model footballer, sporting as he was skilful.
Pauric McShea, Donegal
A big man who was a gifted underage player at minor level for many years before graduating to the senior ranks of Donegal football. Good hands in the air, and an excellent kicker of the dead ball.
Brian Murphy, Cork
A member of one of the most elite clubs in history, he holds the unusual distinction of winning All Ireland senior medals in both football and hurling.
His hallmark was his consistency over many years, and also his sportsmanship.
Jimmy Deenihan, Kerry An up-holder of Kerry’s traditional catch and kick values, Jimmy was always very fit, naturally tough and a man who relished the physical confrontation.
Robbie Kelleher, Dublin Part of Dublin’s defensive wall, and a key player in Dublin’s dominance in the seventies, Robbie had the capacity to isolate attackers, denying them space and freedom to roam at will.
Brian McEniff, Donegal
The lyrics of Tina Turner’s chart topper, ‘Simply the Best’, would aptly describe Brian McEniff, a terrific ‘man marker’ who stuck like glue to his opponent.
He blended power with elegance and creativity.
Nick Clavin, Offaly Nick, more than any other member of the Offaly team that eventually scaled the summit in the seventies, won plaudits from even opposition players for his ability to subdue the greatest of attacking footballers.
Barnes Murphy, Sligo Barnes was not accustomed to wearing a welcoming face on the field of play; a man who never believed in going the roundabout way when there was a more direct route. A solid defender.
Tommy Joe Gilmore, Galway
Any footballer who leaves Croke Park on the receiving end of defeat on All Ireland final day must be crestfallen. Unfortunately for Tommy Joe, this ordeal happened three times for him in the seventies. A big-hearted player, who put on spectacular aerial displays in in each and every game.
Pat Reynolds, Meath
An agile, exceptionally fast player, with a flair for going forward, he had great intensity and balance, and his link up with the others in the half back line made Meath more or less impenetrable.
MIDFIELD Dermot Earley, Roscommon I would rate Dermot among the all-time greats of Gaelic football. The year 1966, he played minor and senior, wining an under- 21 All Ireland title with Roscommon. An all inspiring figure, with unlimited stamina, he was elegance personified.
Colm McAlarney, Down
A resourceful, whole hearted player whose commitment never waned.
His strengths were apparent in aerial battles, always first to the dropping ball. Colm’s excellent solo runs were capable of penetrating the tightest defensive barriers.
FORWARDS Frank McGuigan, Tyrone One of the most stylish footballers of his generation, Frank was endowed with natural ability, flair and dash.
A gifted player, who played with exuberance that is exciting to watch and tantalising for defenders.
Martin Carney, Donegal Martin holds the unique record of representing Ulster and Connacht in Railway Cup competitions.
He played for both Donegal and Mayo in his time. A delightful footballer.
Jimmy Duggan, Galway Jimmy won an All-Ireland senior medal in ’66 whilst not long out of college.
He was one of the most accomplished footballers of the seventies, tenacious, yet stylish.
Mattie Hoey, Sligo
An intelligent player with vision and balance. A fine all-round footballer with an instinctive attacking flair which helped him rattle up scores.
Tony McTague, Offaly There was much more in Tony’s repertoire of skills than his ability to slot the ball between the posts. When he cut loose with his solo runs, it was poetry in motion.
Tommy Carew, Kildare Not a name you would be that familiar with nowadays, but the Kildare man created many scoring records for the ‘Lily White’s’ during his career.
Paddy Moriarty, Armagh
A stalwart of Armagh football, but particularly so in their All Ireland final against Dublin in 1977. By then, he enjoyed a lot of success with his versatility and ability by playing in many different positions.