We were contacted by Nuala and Jack O'Connell ahead of this Sunday's All-Ireland U-21 Final between Kildare and Roscommon to obtain a copy of the newspaper report of the same clash some 43 years ago. On that occasion Kildare emerged victorious and the famous Dermot Earley Senior featured on the Roscommon side. The match was played in Newbridge. It followed on the All-Ireland Intermediate victory against Cork that same year.
THE LEINSTER LEADER
NOVEMBER 1st, 1969.
ANOTHER ALL-IRELAND TITLE IN HURLING FOR KILDARE
BY OFFCOR
KILDARE 8-5 ROSCOMMON 4-5
The U-21 hurlers ended a great season for the small ball players at Droichead Nua on Sunday when they scored a great win against Roscommon in the Final of the Special All-Ireland Competition. And so the impressive tally for the hurling teams reads, two outright wins (in Intermediate and Under-21) and the runners-up position for the Under-16's and Minors.
Four goals to spare would indicate a comfortable win, but it was only in the last quarter that the home side gained complete control.
After a bright opening, the Kildare side faded and with the defence making several mistakes, stoppable scores were conceded. It was a new Kildare side that reappeared after the change of ends, and showing wonderful spirit and playing more direct ground hurling, their all-round performance showed vast improvement. Roscommon were a hard determined fifteen but Kildare produced great reserves of courage to counter and eventually subdue the western challenge.
Jimmy Curran had an outstanding game in goal. Seamus Malone, captain, performed with distinction at fullback, while his two corner men, Leonard Cullen and Denis Dalton, at 17 the youngest member of the team, improved as the hour progressed and were really in top gear in the third quarter.
Dermot Early was on the 40 for the losers, and this well-known footballer was a worry to the Kildare defence. Still, Kildare's halfback line of Bobby Reide, sometimes at midfield, and flankers Richard Cullen and Mick O'Connell played some effective defensive work. It was unfortunate that O'Connell had to retire injured near the end.
Incidentally, O'Connell, a brother of Jack, becomes the third member of the family to win All-Ireland medals for Kildare.
Kevin O'Brien was the outstanding man of the side, and his forceful performance ensured midfield dominance. Jack O'Connell, not at home at centrehalf back, came into the game in the vital quarter and helped sway the issue.
All the forwards played their part, with sub Michael Johnson, who scored two goals, adding the necessary spirit. Paddy Campbell, Richie Hayden, John O'Brien, Tommy Lalor, and Sean Carey kept battling away for the hour.
Kildare scorers: Richie Hayden, 2-2. Michael Johnson, 2-0. Bobby Reide, 2-0. Paddy Campbell, 1-1. Tommy Lalor, 1-1. Jack O'Connell, 0-1.
Kildare: Jimmy Curran, St. Dermot's, Leonard Cullen, Ardclough, Seamus Malone, Coill Dubh, Capt., Denis Dalton, Sallins, Mick O'Connell, St. Brigid's, Bobby Reide, Suncroft, Richard Cullen, Ardclough, Kevin O'Brien, Kilcock, Jack O'Connell, St. Brigid's, John O'Brien, Eire Og, Richie Hayden, Coill Dubh, Dick Flanagan, Broadford, Tommy Lalor, St. Dermot's, Paddy Campbell, Eire Og, Sean Carey, Suncroft. Subs: Michael Johnson, Ardclough, Willie Noone, Naas, Ger Byrne, St. Dermot's.
Referee; J. Rankin, Laois.
In the absence of Mr. Jack Conroy, President of the Leinster Council, the trophy was presented to the Kildare captain, Seamus Malone, by Mr. Liam Geraghty, Chairman of Kildare County Board. Mr. Geraghty praised the two sides for their magnificent, sporting performance and said this win was ample compensation for the defeat of the minors and under-16's at the hands of the same county.
Typed by Chris Holzgräwe