First All Ireland Memories

[onlykerry]

OK Kerry Fans - this is the first time Kerry Meet Donegal in a Final. Let's hear your memories of your first all-Ireland. 

[Die Hard Kerry Fan]

The first one I properly remember was 1986, I was 5 at the time and we completed a three in a row if I remember correctly

[Seoirse Ui Duic]

Having grown up abroad the first All Ireland final I attended wasn't a kerry one but the 2001 final between Galway and Meath.
There was no season ticket scheme in 2002 yet and I didn't make the 2002 final.
The first Kerry final I attended was in 2004 and it was some experience.
Though 2001 was a big experience, 2004 was mad. Expectations were high. Kerry did not disappoint.
Though Mayo were very stylish and played with a real swagger and got some lovely scores Kerry never looked like losing it, not even when Mayo got a goal, not even when they got another one.

[Ard Mhacha]

2002 - but I'm not sure you want me to say too much about that particular final

[ardfertnarrie]

I can just about remember 1986 but I was very young. First final was in 1997 . How spoiled we have been since then. Was there in 2000 for both games, 2002, 2004, 2005, missed 2006 because the Mrs was expecting, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. Lots of joy and lots of heartache there!

[jackiel]

My All Ireland memories are of my Dad going to the matches when we were kids, myself, Mam and 2 brothers would watch on TV and he'd come home and I'd devour the programme.
Dad went to every final from 1965 to 2010 regardless of who was playing and the fact that he was living in London for a couple of years.The quarter final defeat to Down was his last day in Croke Park unfortunatley as he passed away in Feb 2011. I accompanied him to matches from 03 onwards and cherish the memories of our special times together and shared love of Kerry football. I'm lucky enough to be a steward in Croke Park now and get to see all the matches, no worries about getting a ticket for me thankfully.

[tyroneperson]

The 1997 final was the first I attended actually - Tyrone were in the minor final that day. Don't really remember any of the minor match but remember the Kerry player breaking his leg and vaguely remember a few of Maurice Fitz's scores (I was in the canal end). I've also been at the 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2010 finals. The 1996 Meath v Tyrone semi was the first time I attended Croke Park, I have a distinct memory of a Meath man shaking his fist at me which was a bit harsh, way to rub it in. I was at the 1997 Cavan v Kerry semi as well come to think of it (Tyrone v Kerry in the minor match), and one of the Armagh v Kerry matches around 1999/2000. No wonder I post on a Kerry message board. Since then I've only gone to Tyrone senior matches in Croker apart from the 2010 final.

[kot]

Sept 2, 2014 8:21:11 GMT onlykerry said:

OK Kerry Fans - this is the first time Kerry Meet Donegal in a Final. Let's hear your memories of your first all-Ireland. 

Kerry Vs. Mayo, Canal End. Was just too young to attend '86 at only 6 years old.

Mayo get the penalty and are right back in it. Then we tag on a few. Maurice lines up a shot from near the sideline, a Mayo fan "Ahhh who the f&^k does he think he is going for that". Queue Maurice landing it over the black spot. Queue the Mayo fan looking very sheepish while a few Kerry lads near him give him a wink.

[Ballyfireside]

Wouldn't you just love to get Veteran to open his heart on this topic, he'd have some stuff to share, is he personal friends with any of us, over and above forum camaraderie?

My own story wouldn't be so newsworthy as I kept the home fires burning when Da and the older brother travelled, when I came of age I inherited his sacred ticket 'till his passing.

[Ballyfireside]

Sept 2, 2014 16:11:16 GMT kot said:

Sept 2, 2014 8:21:11 GMT onlykerry said:

OK Kerry Fans - this is the first time Kerry Meet Donegal in a Final. Let's hear your memories of your first all-Ireland. 

Kerry Vs. Mayo, Canal End. Was just too young to attend '86 at only 6 years old.

Mayo get the penalty and are right back in it. Then we tag on a few. Maurice lines up a shot from near the sideline, a Mayo fan "Ahhh who the f&^k does he think he is going for that". Queue Maurice landing it over the black spot. Queue the Mayo fan looking very sheepish while a few Kerry lads near him give him a wink.

That's what memories are made of, witnessed it as described and your evidence would stand up to scrutiny in any court of law.

[onlykerry]

Ye are making me feel old - first final attended was 1970 against Meath and again in 72 when we lost to Offaly (Tony Mc Tague was their scorer in chief I think). Very few memories of the game (too young) but can remember the train journey and being jumped over the turnstyle into the Hogan stand. 1975 is the first final I can actually remember (saw it on TV) and Mickey Ned's run through the Dubs until they creamed him. Been to most of the Kerry finals since 1979.

[veteran]

My first final would be 1959. Sadly, the older you get, the more likely one final merges into another and therefore the recall is hazy, not to mention inaccurate. Kerry were playing Galway, having already beaten Derry in the NFL final. Mick O'Connell was the captain but to the consternation of everybody he went off injured, not sure if it was the first or second half. Fear not as they say, the incomparable Tom Long was switched from the forty to midfield and was masterful. I should mention Kerry won of course.The 1959 final has forever been known as the Sean Murphy final because of the breathtaking grandeur of his display at right half back. Sean's brother, Seamus, was at midfield, another wonderful footballer. Seamus was probably more consistent than Sean who could be indifferent at times but when the big day came he simply took over the Broadway stage.

Strangely enough, I have a clearer memory of that year's semifinal, Kerry V Dublin. You often hear a match described as great , carelessly at times, but the word great scarcely describes that match. Kerry won by a point or two but Dublin, who were champions in 1958, hit the post about three times. Lucky Kerry. The likes of Sean Murphy and Tom Long were superb again but unfair as it may seem, considering all the great individual performances on both sides note least from Kevin Hefferan, it was one name who dominated the reviews afterwards. Yes, you guessed it, Mick O'Connell. I am unable to do justice to the deeds of that athlete on that day. Now of course he was acclaimed for a few years prior to that match but if he never kicked a football again after that semifinal, and remember he played to 1974, he would still be rated among a handful of the least forgettable of all footballers. Nonpareil.

[watchdebreakswillye]

September 21st 1980 – Kerry v Roscommon.

Terrible wet day. Got drowned up in the Canal End. I had ‘won’ the coveted ticket in the local club draw. I was the last name out of the hat. Don’t think I’d have gone without the ticket.

I drove up on the Saturday evening in my trusty mini minor 850. The number plate on it was MZX something or other. ‘Twould be vintage now. The back box of the exhaust fell off around dinnertime on the Saturday below in potholey Kerry before I left. The local mechanic had it welded back on and tied with wire, to be sure, to be sure, an hour later. It started growling as I ‘sped’ through the Curragh and was roaring by the time I hit the bright lights of the Big Smoke. I throttled back to minimize the noise pollution while I drove around looking for the B&B I had pre-booked. No flies on me. I rose at cock-crow on the Sunday morning & parked Betsy in one of those leafy suburbs. A young fella was going up and down the road ‘advising’ everyone that he’d ‘police’ our cars while we were at the match for the princely sum of one pound. We handed it over.

The one memory that floods back to me is the late legend Tim Kennelly coming out of defense and the mist time after time to clear the Kingdom’s lines. The harder they hit him, the greater he defied them. I also remember a lot of pre-match hype about Roscommon’s John O’ Connor and what he wouldn’t do to us.

Kerry won by 1-9 to 1-6. By all accounts, Mickey Sheehy scored 1-6. Kerry had played Offaly in the semi-final and had beaten them by 4-15 to 4-10. We all know that Offaly got their revenge in 1982.

The Kerry team was Charlie Nelligan, Jimmy Deenihan, John O’ Keeffe, Paudie, Lynch, Páidí Ó'Sé, Tim Kennelly, Jack O’ Shea, Sean Walsh, Ger Power, Ogie Moran, Pat Spillane, Mikey Sheehy, Tommy Doyle, John Egan.

How I got out of Dublin and back onto the road for the Kingdom is a miracle as my sense of direction ain’t great. The exhaust gave up the ghost altogether somewhere within the County Tipperary and flew in over a ditch after rising sparks on the dark road behind me. With my load lightened and my ears ringing, I made it into the yard eventually.

Interesting to note the connections between the 1980 Kerry team and the present Kerry team. To the best of my knowledge they are as follows: Jimmy Deenihan is married to BJK’s aunt. Marc O’ Shea is Páidí Ó'Sé’s nephew. David Moran is Ogie’s son. Jonathan Lyne is related to the Spillane’s, Diarmuid O’ Donoghue, James’ father, was on the Kerry panel in 1980 & of course the great Mickey Sheehy is a selector.

Black cat, black kitten. kicky mare, kicky foal, cad a dheineann mac an cait ach luach a mharú and the ould breedin’ bates feedin’ sayings come to mind.

[Mickmack]

My father wasn't a great man "to travel out" but he did make it to the 1955 final. He used to regale us as kids with his memories of that famous day when Kerry beat Dublins "perfect machine"......the train leaving Tralee in the dark, the journey , seeing Dublin for the first time, the Dublin flag in Daniels OConnells hand in O'Connell Street, paying into Hill 16 and the displays of Sean Murphy and Taghie Lyne. By all accounts Taghie Lyne was sensational.

It was my fathers only All Ireland Final and such as the vivid memories that he painted that I feel that I was there myself. I thought of this when Jonathan Lyne kicked that last point on Saturday and raised his fist in the air. The Lyne dynasty of Cleeney continues to deliver for Kerry.

[Annascaultilidie]

Sept 3, 2014 21:43:46 GMT Mickmack said:

... the Dublin flag in Daniels OConnells hand in O'Connell Street...

That was a bit cheeky!

[number14]

Early morning mass - the train to Dublin - adults jumping off in Mallow to get the morning papers - card games - excitement building - the train going into the tunnel under the Phoenix Park - walking to Croke PArk and hearing story after story after story of yesteryear and matches in Dublin, Cork and Thurles - getting in over the turnstyle - the match is a blur funnily enough - memories of All Ireland Day with my Dad that will go with me to the grave. Is this the true essence of the GAA???

[sullyschoice]

Sept 3, 2014 21:46:16 GMT Annascaultilidie said:

Sept 3, 2014 21:43:46 GMT Mickmack said:

... the Dublin flag in Daniels OConnells hand in O'Connell Street...

That was a bit cheeky!

Not as bad as when some latchekos put Dubs jerseys on the lads in the middle of the roundabout at Manor West.

[sullyschoice]

1975 is my earliest.

[Seoirse Ui Duic]

Sept 19, 2014 20:20:13 GMT sullyschoice said:

1975 is my earliest.

I did something else that year.

[Annascaultilidie]

Born in Tralee to Cork parents in '85. Moved to Annascaul to see the end of the famine. Happy Days.

Darragh O'Se my favourite player at that time.

[Annascaultilidie]

Sept 19, 2014 23:26:26 GMT Annascaultilidie said:

Born in Tralee to Cork parents in '85. Moved to Annascaul to see the end of the famine. Happy Days.

Darragh O'Se my favourite player at that time.

Didn't sniff Croke Park until '03 when I saw Caltra beat Back West.

[greengold35]

Kerry /Offaly in 1971! A neighbour called to my parents on the Sat of the game and persuaded them to allow me go to the game- was told on Sat night- could not believe it. Left home that Sunday morning around 7 for the long drive to the capital- no traffic until we hit Naas but nothing to worry about. All I recall from the game are the two goals- Offaly got theirs first into the Hill 16 end with about 10 mins to go- thought we were doomed- Kerry's response was swift, a brilliant left legged effort from Brendan Lynch- can still see it in my mind- a draw in the end, probably a fair result. I was not so lucky for the replay, no ticket but it whetted the appetite for more and tomorrow will be my 22nd final- all but 1989 have involved Kerry- how lucky we are!! Ciarrai Abu

[Chinatown]

'97, while I was in my 20s was not my 1st is certainly my most memorable. Was down in Kerry from Dublin as one of the lads was getting married on Saturday. His 1st words at speech was that apologies for clash but when he was organising the wedding that all Ireland was in 4th Sunday but was switched to 3rd. Against a famine of 11 years, Maurice Fitz was not favourite for mom, Sheridan was. I put a fiver on at 14-1, Maurice creamed billy early on game and still went on to give total masterclass. We have been on a great ride ever since, thank you Kerry team.

www.terracetalk.com/photos/classic-kerry-gaa-photos/1991-to-2010/98-billy-o-shea-stretcher.jpg/view

[kerrygold]

Getting splattered into the back door frame of the house in a failed attempt to make a last ditch effort to make off the car as the assembled adults attempted to leave me behind for the '69 final.

It gave me a real appreciation for how insects feels on hitting the windscreen of a quickly moving car on the motorway!

[glengael]

Sept 3, 2014 21:43:46 GMT Mickmack said:

My father wasn't a great man "to travel out" but he did make it to the 1955 final. He used to regale us as kids with his memories of that famous day when Kerry beat Dublins "perfect machine"......the train leaving Tralee in the dark, the journey , seeing Dublin for the first time, the Dublin flag in Daniels OConnells hand in O'Connell Street, paying into Hill 16 and the displays of Sean Murphy and Taghie Lyne. By all accounts Taghie Lyne was sensational.

It was my fathers only All Ireland Final and such as the vivid memories that he painted that I feel that I was there myself. I thought of this when Jonathan Lyne kicked that last point on Saturday and raised his fist in the air. The Lyne dynasty of Cleeney continues to deliver for Kerry.

I could have written that post myself Mick. Growing up, I used to hear so much about 1955. My dad made it to other finals but that was the one he spoke most about.

Everytime I go to Croke Park,especially on Final Day, I think of him and all those who have made that journey before me. I'm sad that he isn't there to share it with anymore.

[stevieq]

Not a very happy one. My earliest memory, and one of the most vivid memories I have from my childhood, was the 5 in a row game in 1982. I was watching the game with my dad in our Cork home. Dad a proud North Kerry man and me an 11 year old, Cork born, wannabe Kerryman and life long supporter. When THAT goal went in it was like all the air getting sucked out of the room. Dad was desolate. I was inconsolable. I remember leaving the room to have a quick cry as I didn't want him to see me so upset.

Since then I have had the privilege and honour to have gone to see many fantastic Kerry performances. I have been lucky enough to have experienced the spectacle of many an All Ireland final, sadly without my father who died a young man. My partner in crime tomorrow will be my 14 year old daughter, who will even be sporting a Kerry jersey for the first time. There is nothing like watching Kerry play in front of 82,000 people like as if they have a God given right to be there - which they have. All this talk of systems, stragies and spys!!!!! I have a great feeling about tomorrow, that skill, style and Star will win the day.

[Ballyfireside]

Sept 2, 2014 18:03:44 GMT veteran said:

My first final would be 1959. Sadly, the older you get, the more likely one final merges into another and therefore the recall is hazy, not to mention inaccurate. Kerry were playing Galway, having already beaten Derry in the NFL final. Mick O'Connell was the captain but to the consternation of everybody he went off injured, not sure if it was the first or second half. Fear not as they say, the incomparable Tom Long was switched from the forty to midfield and was masterful. I should mention Kerry won of course.The 1959 final has forever been known as the Sean Murphy final because of the breathtaking grandeur of his display at right half back. Sean's brother, Seamus, was at midfield, another wonderful footballer. Seamus was probably more consistent than Sean who could be indifferent at times but when the big day came he simply took over the Broadway stage.

Strangely enough, I have a clearer memory of that year's semifinal, Kerry V Dublin. You often hear a match described as great , carelessly at times, but the word great scarcely describes that match. Kerry won by a point or two but Dublin, who were champions in 1958, hit the post about three times. Lucky Kerry. The likes of Sean Murphy and Tom Long were superb again but unfair as it may seem, considering all the great individual performances on both sides note least from Kevin Hefferan, it was one name who dominated the reviews afterwards. Yes, you guessed it, Mick O'Connell. I am unable to do justice to the deeds of that athlete on that day. Now of course he was acclaimed for a few years prior to that match but if he never kicked a football again after that semifinal, and remember he played to 1974, he would still be rated among a handful of the least forgettable of all footballers. Nonpareil.

Ah man I knew you'd throw up a gem. Many in Donegal would have Tom Long down as an all time Kerry greatEST, but it was before my time, a '61 baby I am.

Weeshie on Up For The Match said '55 was his first, Ned Roche from Knocknagoshel at FB kept Heffo quiet and who was a roving FF on the day, a rare arrangement at the time of the day. Cornering him in Walsh's pub of an evening Weeshie was wanting to know how he did it; the reply was that the secret he would take to the grave, and for whatever reason? Oh those crazy catch and kick days!

I recall Ollie Freaney of that same Dublin team and Albert Reynolds giving us a tip at Listowel in the early '80's that obliged @ 8/1. Reynolds told us that if the horse lost he'd give us students back our money. It led to A Spinning Wheel joke that was oft regaled back to Albert; on exiting the course we were pushing a few auld ladies out of the puddle in their Ford Anglia, only for Reynolds to get sprayed from head to toe with muck, having stood behind 'the spinning wheel'. Oh those crazy days when racing was as straight as The Ring of Kerry, and women were hard to shift!