A memorable evening was had by members of the first Cuala football team to win a Dublin Championship – the 1976 Under 21 Championship last Saturday in The Club Pub Dalkey.
Of the 13 surviving team members 10 were present. Sadly, we lost two stalwarts of the team, Colm Mullen RIP passed away in 1979 and Michael Holden RIP in 2007.
Kevin Mallen, Tom Johnson were otherwise committed but sent good wishes while Plunkett Mallon chatted to us via Zoom throughout the evening from Vancouver. Some travelled a distance: Michael Quigley from Cornamona, Gerry Quinn from Kildare, Larry Kennedy from Longwood and Johnny Browner from Fiji.
Paul Keogh, team mentor, ably represented fellow mentor Pat Sheanon RIP who passed away in 1982. Pat’s son Mikie Sheanon, in the generous spirit of his dad, bought us all drinks. The club was represented by John Sheanon, President
Our then trainer, Noel O’Donoghue could not attend on medical grounds but sent heartfelt apologies.
Vinny Holden gave motivational talks from the semi-final on, dropped in and continued the talks, as only he can!
Paddy Curran brought his coveted winners medal.
We were thrilled to see Willie Devlin, given that an RIP death notice for a Willie Devlin was circulated as we endeavoured to find Willie!
Some team members had not met in the half century since. Warm friendships were rekindled, old stories grew legs and performances improved significantly with the passage of time.
A link between this team and Dublin, Leinster and All Ireland Club Champions of 2024/25 is Pat Dolphin who played in 1976 and was Chairman of the Football Committee in 2024/2025.
Our thanks to David & staff The Club Pub for looking after us so well!
Back row L to R:
Eamonn Brennan captain, Maurice Johnson, Brian Murdock, Paddy Curran, Anto Hayes, Michael Quigley & Willie Devlin
Front row L to R:
Pat Dolphin, Gerry Quinn, Larry Kennedy, John Browner, Paul Keogh mentor, Shay Hayes and John Sheanon
