GOLDEN JUBILEE – FERMANAGH REMEMBERS
ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 1959
SLIEVE RUSSELL HOTEL - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14TH 2009
Dear Fermanagh Gael,
The year 2009 is hugely significant for the history of Cumann Lutchleas Gael in the County. As the 125th Anniversary of the foundation of the GAA is reached, a momentous date in the history of Fermanagh GAA is also marked. Fifty years ago on Sunday 11th October 1959, in New Etham Stadium in London, an historic group of Fermanagh men created history for the Erne County by winning the All Ireland Junior Football title for the first and only time. Fermanagh have won All-Ireland titles since 1959 (All-Ireland Junior Hurling Champions 1994, All-Ireland B Football Champions 1996, 1999) but it was the historic team of 1959 that led the way. It is always important to remember the first, because these men broke the mould and moved Fermanagh Football onto a new level at that time. It is only fitting that 125 years after the formation of the GAA and fifty years after this remarkable achievement, that this particular triumph be honoured.
Fermanagh played and defeated Kerry in the home final on September 20th 1959 in Croke Park. An early Maguire point a goal by McGurn give Fermanagh a 1-5 to 0-0 lead after 20 minutes. John O’Neill was in top form in goals, saving a certain goal to leave Fermanagh leading at half-time by 1-7 to Kerry’s 0-1. The Kingdom made a strong comeback in the second half but the Fermanagh team dug in and won on a score line of 1-13 to 2-3. As a result of winning this home final, Fermanagh then progressed onto what was then known as the “The Final”. “The ‘Final” was played in New Etham Stadium in London on Sunday 11th October 1959 and the opposition was the British Senior Champions London. The opening half was very close with the teams level at half time, Fermanagh 0-5, London 1-2, with Brewster, McGurn, Clerkin and Sreenan (2) hitting points for Fermanagh and London scoring a goal from a penalty by Harrison. Fermanagh dominated the early part of the second half with Maguire finding the back of the London net. Although London scored a late goal Fermanagh were not to be denied their moment of history, Fermanagh 1-11, London 2-4. Roslea’s finest Owen Clerkin had the honour of lifting the Independent Cup on that memorable day.
The Fermanagh team returned home the following Tuesday and they were met on the Monaghan/ Fermanagh border at Clontivrin. They paraded through Newtownbutler and Lisnaskea and then in Enniskillen over 10,000 people met them.
The Fermanagh panel on that historic day in New Etham Stadium was:J. O’Neill Lisnaskea, O. Callaghan Roslea, Fr. I. McQuillan (Capt) Newtownbutler, J. Collins Lisnaskea, J.J. Treacy Devenish, J. Cassidy Teemore, L. McMahon Aghadrumsee, J. Maguire Belcoo, M. Brewster Enniskillen, D. O’Rourke Roslea, P.T. Treacy Devenish, K. Sreenan Lisnaskea, F. McGurn Bellanaleck, O. Clerkin Roslea and D. Devanney Irvinestown, H. Murphy Derrylin, J. Bartley Bellanaleck, J.P. Prunty Roslea, P. Breen Tempo, E. Courtney Lisnaskea and J. Goodwin Roslea, P. O’Loughlin Devenish, H. Flanagan Derrygonnelly, J. O’Keefe Newtownbutler.
Fifty years on, the County Management Committee in conjunction with Club Éirne, have joined forces to salute the men of 1959 on their moment of history by organising a Commemorative Dinner, FIFTY YEARS ON – FERMANAGH REMEMBERS in the Slieve Russell Hotel on November 14th 2009. It is hoped that all the Clubs in the County will sell/take at least 2 tables at the event (Tables of 10) and in particular, we would appreciate extra support from Clubs who had members on the panel of 1959. The Dinner is not being targeted as a fundraising event and as such, the cost of the Tables shall be charged at a nominal fee of £65/ €75 per person to cover costs only. The event will only be a success if there is the necessary support from you the clubs. Please help us to pay a fitting tribute to the men of 1959 by supporting this event. A member of either the County Management Committee or Club Éirne shall be in contact with you in the immediate future and we would hope to have feedback on the response from the Clubs by the September County Board meeting.
Please direct any queries on this event to any of the following:
Tom Boyle 028 663 20500 secretary.fermanagh@gaa.ieBrian McMahon +353 87 418 2014 info@cairnhillnursinghome.comPhil Sheridan +44 78 016 90444 Is Míse, Tomás Ó Báoighill, An Rúnái & Brian McMahon, Club Éirne
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