50 YEARS AGO TODAY
A day that will never be forgotten all of 50 years ago is recalled from the 23rd September in 1973 when Cork bridged a 28 year gap to win the All Ireland Senior Football Championship when overcoming Galway 3-17 to 2-13 in Croke Park
A proud day for Millstreet GAA Club with four players on the starting team through the involvement of Denny Long, John Coleman and the late Connie Hartnett and Humphrey Kelleher. During that season’s Championship campaign, the late Tommy Kelleher was a substitute in the Munster Final while Fr. Jim Kennelly was selected as a substitute on two occasions.
The scenes at the final whistle, the journey home to Leeside, the reception in Millstreet to greet a remarkable team will always remain as fond memories. Approximately 5,000 people thronged Millstreet on the following Wednesday night, when the Cork team were guests of Millstreet GAA.
The occasion sparked massive celebrations, red and white flags along with buntings decorated the streets. After a meal in the Wallis Arms Hotel, the team boarded a truck at Church Street for the parade fronted by Millstreet and Newmarket Pipe Bands.
Members of the club’s Under 12 and Under 14 teams formed a guard of honour and a party with blazing torches flanked the truck. Speeches were made in the Town Square and festivities continued into the small hours.
To mark the 50th anniversary, the surviving members of the panel and family representatives of the deceased members have attended functions in both Pairc Ui Chaoimh and Croke Park over recent months.
We wish continued good health to all the team members and remember those who are no longer with us.
Thanks for the memories that will always be savoured by all involved in Millstreet GAA.
Original Ticket from 1973 All Ireland Football Final
1973 Team being honoured at Croke Park in July 2023
Members of the 1973 team participating in Millstreet Golf Classic in 2021
Just a thought, the 1973 Cork v Galway match is available on You Tube. It is well worth watching and still a pleasure to see the Millstreet players do so well. Very different to the modern game but just as entertaining.