To win a county final
by Declan Fitzpatrick

Whenever GAA followers look back on a club history they will remember the "Winning of a County" as a special occasion no matter what grade, code or county you compete in. When that "County" is a first, then it becomes extra special. Such was the case for St. Mary's in 1978, as on the 19th November that year, we lifted the County Junior Hurling title at the famed Fraher field.

As a player I was lucky enough to be part of that team and I can still vividly recall that day and the week that followed. There was tremendous interest in the game in the weeks leading up to the final and the general 'buzz' about the place was magnificent. After years of disappointments we just simply had to win this one and there was a record attendance present that day for a game of its stature. I'm not sure if it has been surpassed since, we really had tremendous supporters, every man, woman and child travelled.

The early part of the day was normal enough but on my way to mass I noticed that Bob had the flags out and no doubt Joan had the jerseys ironed and packed neatly at that stage. With respect, there was only one topic of conversation at mass that day and that was the match. Are you fit? Will we win? Keep the head etc. After mass, it was home for a light snack, check the gear and hurleys, a few pucks and away we went. There was a constant stream of traffic on the road into town even though it was early and it was obvious that this was no ordinary Sunday drive. Bob was leading the 'posse' going down Colligan doing a steady 30 m.p.h.

All the players were arriving at the dressing rooms now and even Paddy was on time today. The players were definitely a bit more tense but Theo English would calm them down later on. One great memory I have of that era is the smell of 'deep heat' being applied in abundance by the 'Rock'. Today was no different and when the dressing room was packed and the door closed, everyones nostrils were cleared. You could say the 'rock' introduced 'Deep heat' to us. Anyway it was time to 'Rev' up and get going. Once more we reminded ourselves that today was 'the day', there could be no defeat, passions were high.

At last it was on, the first few minutes were tense enough but, after landing a few points, we settled down, as did Rathgormack and at half-time, we led by only one point, both teams had it all to play for. Rathgormack levelled shortly after half-time and now we had a game. We were having much the better of the outfield exchanges but the issue still hung in the balance. Eventually, we composed ourselves and shot the winning scores. The excitement on the line in the second half was high to say the least, I remember going out to the line with about ten minutes remaining for a hurley but it couldn't be found. Minutes later, I broke my nose. Where was the first aid? The magic bottle? A quick wipe and we were away again. The last few minutes were 'a sort of blur', but I will always remember the scene when the final whistle blew. Top coats, caps, hats, the lot, flew in to the air, at long last we had won a 'County'. It must have been particularly enjoyable for the older followers, I think it was for them we really did it. All the training etc., was now well worth while. By the way, lights for the training were supplied by tractors from Ned Power, Micheal Quinlan, Seanie Hickey, and many others. A fleet of them would arrive in the field at about 7:30 pm and Theo English would take charge from there.

When we eventually got back to the dressing room, I honestly think we lifted the roof a little. The celebrations were about to start in earnest, the cup was filled there and then Lar Whelan had a job to keep it intact. By the time we got to Lawlor's, the place was packed and celebrations were in full swing. Some would have started celebrating before the match itself and a few would have brought a little drop with them. The turkey and ham was dealt with, speaches flowed and we were on our way. Some would stop at Ned Quills just to break the journey, others went to Tommy Powers to start the journey.

The bonfires were blazing at Beary's and it was the same story when we arrived in the village. We were like sardines in John Dunford's but nobody complained. Lar Whelan squeezed in with the cup and Theresa Butler arrived with the box, herself and Micheal gave us 'We're on the One Road', 'Old King Cole' and would you believe 'Jingle Bells'. It was like Christmas - about twenty of them put together. How could you sing with the noise? But sing we did. Ned sucked in some extra oxygen and blasted out 'Are you right' there Michael, are you right?' and Paddy Whelan backed him up on the spoons. John Gleeson was singing in the porch and a half set was being organised in the kitchen. Tom Condon and some more were heading for Lawlor's, this was standard procedures on Sunday night. They said they would call again on the way home, and sure they did. The night was long and there was no rush home.

Some few hours sleep were required at this stage as Monday was going to be a long day. I had to get the nose fixed up in Waterford and be back for the celebrations. There was big turnout for the mart that Monday from Touraneena. Of course, it was only an excuse to get to town for some, others gave the mart a skip and headed straight for the village after delivering the churns of milk. I remember one of those churns being carried in to Tom Dunne's on Monday night by Ned Butler when the cup was briefly missing. It was more of the same for the rest of the night and indeed, for the remainder of the week.

The GAA was founded in 1884, Sliabh gCua won a County Junior Football title in 1936, this was 1978 - a long time to wait to win a 'County'. No wonder we celebrated and enjoyed ourselves like we did, hopefully there will be many more. By the way, I first heard the phrase 'To Win a County' from Ned Burke who was there in 1936. For the record, the score that day was St. Mary's 0-16 Rathgormack 1-6.