Historic CASHEL KC double county minor champions of 1974 honoured
On Friday, 7th March, the Cashel King Cormac’s G.A.A. club hosted an evening in Bailey’s Hotel in honour of the successful minor teams that won County title’s in ‘A’ hurling & football back in 1974. This was an extra special evening, as the Cashel club were the first in the history of Tipperary GAA to accomplish the feat of winning both the minor hurling and football titles in the same year, a testament to the small but highly talented panel in Cashel at the time.
All the surviving panel members and selectors were present along with their wives/partners, apart from sadly Joe Regan (player) and Brother Malone (selector), who have passed to their eternal reward in recent years. Joe, a club man to the core his whole life, was represented by his brother Frank on the night, ensuring that he was fittingly remembered.
Sean O’Donoghue, the King Cormac’s club chairperson opened the night with a warm welcome to all and paid a fitting tribute to the achievements of those great players of 1974. Sean also spoke poignantly of the late Michael (Monto) Carrie who was a mentor to this team as they came through the different underage groups. Monto, who is a legend in GAA circles in Cashel, lost his life in a tragic accident on 22nd August 1973, while en route to a club Minor Football game in Seán Treacy Park, Tipperary Town.
There were also significant contributions from various team members on the night with some great memories rekindled. They spoke of the tough training regime. Of the wins against their local rivals in the West Tipperary division. And of some bruising encounters along the path to some great victories.
All spoke emotionally of the time and effort that Monto had given to this group of players over the previous ten years, bringing them up for the first time they entered Leahy Park with a hurly or a football, until they achieved the momentous success that they did.
The late Br. Noonan and Joe Regan were also fondly remembered throughout the night, as players recapped every kick of a ball and puck of a sliotar from that extraordinary season half a century ago.
It’s hard to believe that the memories would be so vivid.
Of the path way through the West in the hurling championship when the club faced off first against a Cappawhite/Solohead combination at the quarter final stage, before downing the Sean Treacy’s, who would have some titanic battles with the King Cormacs in the years that followed in the semi-finals The final was set for Sean Treacy Park in September, and after a low scoring start, the Cashel club kicked on to win comfortably by 4-8 to 0-2 points against a Clonoulty/Eire Og combination team.
The county semi final against Roscrea was played before the county senior final in Thurles between the Silvermines and the Sarsfields, and for three quarters of the game, the tie was in the balance. But John Grogan proved deadly on the day, scoring a hat-trick of goals from the penalty spot to give his side the win.
On 3rd November, 1974 a colossal battle ensued with Loughmore/Castleiney in the County Minor ‘A’ Hurling final. The King Cormacs were fully deserving of their 5-7 to 3-4 victory.
The wheels were in motion and two weeks later this Cashel KC panel of players completed the second leg of their remarkable double with victory over Inane Rovers in Semple Stadium. They had again won through the West, beating fierce local rivals Knockavilla Kickhams in the quarters before getting past a Golden/Rockwell in the semifinals to set up a second final of the year, this time against footballing kingpins Arravale Rovers.
But Cashel weren’t to be denied and won through to a semi-final against Loughmore Castleiney, weeks before they were due to play them in the hurling decider. They were to be the bane of the Mid Champions that year, and set up a second county final, this time against Inane Rovers of the North.
A dour low scoring game, played deep into November, in front of an expectant crowd, say the King Cormac’s youngsters win their way into Tipperary GAA history when they completed the double, winning 0-6 to 0-2.
The guest speaker on the night in Bailey’s, was Michael O’Grady who had been a Christian Brother in Cashel around this time. He later played on the same teams as many of the panel. Michael told some funny stories and it was great to have him there as he met some people he had not met in many years.
Frank Regan thanked the club for the invitation and the way in which they had rallied round the Regan family at the time of Joe’s passing. The ultimate praise on the night was reserved for the two selectors Aengus Ryan and John (Jack) Darmody who stepped up to the plate after the sad passing of Monto.
In 1974 both were young men Angus was secretary and John treasurer and both were Senior players. They were also grieving the loss of a great friend. Both went on to win West Senior Hurling titles in ‘75,’76 & ‘80 with many players from the ‘74 minor team. When they finished hurling the pair went into management and along with Brendan Bonnar & Justin McCarthy were part of one of the club’s greatest achievements when the Dan Breen Cup and Munster Club Titles were won.
Eight of the 1974 team played a major part in the successes of the ‘91 team. The club were blessed to have men of their calibre in the club during those periods of 1974 and 1991.
There was a great connection between both teams as it turned out. With speeches, presentations & photos out of the way, the group made its way downstairs to the bar where Ger Slattery and friends provided music and song. Some of the panel hadn’t met for 25 years since the last reunion and it was time to catch up with old friends.
The night was long and joyous, and worth the wait. The panel and club would like to thank the Committee for hosting the night, and Dermot and all the staff at Bailey’s restaurant for a wonderful meal.
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