MacLarnon 1979
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Mc Larnon Cup 1978-79
As recalled by Paddy Tunney
At the beginning of the school year we had a fine nucleus from the previous years very good Herald Cup team as well as the towering Eamonn Blaney and John "Scotchie" O'Donnell, but the return of repeat Leaving Cert. students Charlie Mulgrew and Joe Blake added extra strength and quality.
Our first group game was against Monaghan C.B.S. and since the boys were required to attend a Pre-Marriage Course" on Saturday the game had to be played on Friday. At such late notice a venue could not be acquired so we forfeited a half way match and travelled to Scotstown, Monaghan. After two minutes in the pouring rain we were 1-2 in arrears, but gathering our forces we went on to comprehensively whack the opposition 4-13 to 1-2. Next up was Falcarragh in O'Donnell Park and a comfortable victory. On the first Saturday in December we travelled to Fr. Tierney Park to take on De La Salle, Ballyshannon. It had snowed and in very treacherous conditions we recorded our third win with 0-3 to 0-2 score line. Brian McEniff was the referee that day. We had qualified for the semi-finals and although we suffered defeat in our final group game to Carndonagh 5-2 to 0-15 there was a feeling that this team was destined for greater things.
After Christmas I travelled from Galway to Letterkenny on January 1st. The journey took 5½ hours with snow practically all the way. I expected a dismal turn out or perhaps nobody at our prearranged training session. To my delight almost all the panel were there togged out and waiting. In my heart I knew that the most important battle was won that day. We trained everyday that week and spirit and strong comradeship was forged.
Mid February saw us travel to St. Enda's Park Omagh, to take on the much fancied St. Michael's of Lurgan. St. Eunan's gave an authoritative performance to win comfortably 2-11 to 0-6. Charlie Mulgrew gave a scintillating display at left-half back and Tim Begley's conversion from net minder to full forward proved a great success. Old rivals De La Salle, Ballyshannon had battled through in the other semi-final to set up an all Donegal Mc Larnon Cup Final in Ballybofey. The Ballyshannonn side had outstanding players in Matt Gallagher, his brother Pauric (RIP), Tommy McDermott and Brian Touhy, but we were physically stronger and always in control. Eamonn Blaney lorded Midfield and Colm Mc Gonagle accounted for 8 points in a fine team performance, 0-11 to 0-7. Convoy's Kieran Patton joyously accepted the Mac Larnon Cup as team Captain.
We then defeated Roscommon C.B.S. in Breffni Park in the All-Ireland B semi-final 1-05 to 1-04. Jimmy Kennedy scored a terrific goal. In the All-Ireland Final in Tullamore hotly fancied St. Fintan's of Sutton, Dublin was also overcome in a nail biting 2-06 to 2-05 victory. This was Donegal's first All-Ireland Title in Gaelic Games.
Gaelic Football