Famous Tipperary football club honours its heroes of the past

St. Michael’s AFC of Tipperary Town hosted a celebratory evening at the Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel to honour the legendary team that first brought home the coveted FAI Junior Cup 50 years ago by defeating Tolka Rovers of Dublin at Tolka Park in Dublin on 12 May 1974.

It was a night of triple joy as the club also honoured the team that repeated the feat 40 years later in 2014 by winning again in Dublin, this time at the Aviva Stadium with a memorable victory over Ballynanty Rovers from Limerick.

The third Saints team to be honoured on the night was the 1994 FAI Youths Cup winning side, who triumphed in the final against Salthill Devon of Galway at Jackman Park in Limerick.

Above: The 1974 St Michael’s FAI Junior Cup winning team and their representatives. Back: Jimmy Tobin, President; Gay Lowry, Liam Maguire, Tommy Flynn, Kelvin Flanagan (representing Micky McDonnell), Billy Lonergan (captain), John Joe O’Dwyer, Mikey Morey, Marty Hogan, Noel Powell, Des Drumm, Neil Kelly. Seated: Alice O’Reilly (representing Peter O’Reilly), Rita Flynn (representing Mick Flynn), Sandra and Mary Egan (representing Christy Egan), Kitty Cremins (representing DD Cremins), Carol Ryan (representing Johnny Ryan), Eddie “Hawk” O’Dwyer, Breda Gallagher (representing Jess Gallagher)

It was a wonderful occasion where the teams came together again and fondly remembered the other great players and club officials who had since left the club and paved the way for all the successes that followed.

The club was also delighted to have the attendance of Father Eugene Everard, members of the MFA (Munster Football Association) and TSDL (Tipperary Southern and District League) and guest speaker John Delaney, Honorary Life President of St Michael’s.

Stevie O’Donnell was an excellent master of ceremonies.

Music was provided by the wonderful Sylvia Cregan and also on display were the three major trophies won by the current St Michael’s team this year, continuing the proud tradition of those unforgettable heroes of 1974.