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190 info@fonsiemealy.ie 707 The 1916 Kilkenny Hurling Final - At Last!
[ G.A.A.,] Medal, Kilkenny 1916-18 [Mooncoin], a 9ct gold Medal, the obverse with pierced design crossed hurls on top above football, the center with shield coat of arms, surrounded by shamrocks, the base inscribed “Ye Faire Citie,” the reverse inscribed ‘Co. Kilkenny Championship 1916-17-18, won by Moondharrig (Mooncoin) S.H.C.,’ hallmarked J.M. (John Miller). Scarce (1) Note: 1916-17-18 Final & Replay. S.H.C.H. 1916 F. Mooncoin V. Tullaroan
At Knocktopher. The long awaited final of the 1916 S.H.C.H. and which, later in the wisdom of the Co. Board, was classed as incorporating the years 1917 and 1918 when championships failed to be completed. Dick Holohan and his Football Club were, as usual, meticulous and fastidious with the arrangements. Crowds came from all parts of the County and beyond the County, from Tipperary to Carlow and Wexford to Waterford, to see true class exponents of the highest skills and disciplines of Gaeldom’s Ancient Art and Craft. People, deprived and starved of games, came by every and any means of transport to be there, and many just to be there. Now the questions pondered, posed, analyzed, debated and argued for weeks were to be answered. The weather was ideal and the ground dry and both teams had a blend of experience and youth. The reappearance of the famous three Doyle brothers of Dournane and they worked their old combination game to good effect. The Walsh brothers Jim and Jack, very prominent, Jim right back, tower of strength who hustled and cleared repeatedly. Pat at full back using his strength and skills effectively and reliable for his long clearances. The two Ryans, Jim and old reliable fast and sure in the backs who did some hustling too and then Martin a speedy and elusive half forward. Bill Corcoran playing his usual hard uncompromising game and likewise E. Dunphy who got injured and replaced by Dick Carroll who played well. O’Keeffe at full forward had a tough assignment while John Poernever had a better hour in goal. Tullaroan were without their old stalwarts of other days, Tim Walton and Dan Kennedy. Tynan filled the place of Walton, Tom Dunne had a hard hitting game in front of Dick Grace, who never played a poor game. Frank and Willie Meagher, young, fast and sure, were outstanding. Frank on the right wing was most dangerous and responsible for practically all of the Tullaroan scores. Dick Grace, if not his usual brilliant self, in the first did some damage in the second half. Holohan, Dunne and Connors played sound in defense, while Kerwick kept a good goal. With a very strong wind blowing it beame a game of two halves. Mooncoin won the toss and played with the wind and sun. Mooncoin, from a scrimmage in the goalmouth, rushed to the net. This was followed by a point from Mick Doyle and then a goal. To finish the first quarter, Ned Doyle caught the ball on the rebound from Kerwick’s hurley and flashed to the net. Then Dick Grace pointed to put his team on the scoreboard and Frank Meagher sent to Phil Hogan who found the net with a low rasping shot. First time striking was the order of the moment and Mooncoin rallied to net once again before halftime. M. 4-1 T. 1-1. After resuming, Tullaroan set about overhauling Mooncoin with the assistance of the elements. Frank Meagher playing brilliantly and slipped through for a good goal, followed up a few minutes later with another. At the end of the quarter, Willie Meagher, from far out steadied and sent the equalizing score all the way to the net. With the sides level the ingredients were there for a thrilling last quarter and so it was to the final whistle. In a pulsating breath-taking finish Mooncoin without conceding a free, kept Tullaroan scoreless for the final fifteen minutes, a brilliant achievement in the circumstances and one which left everyone happy. After the contest Mr. Dick Holohan D.C. the famous “old captain” of the Knocktopher Football Club entertained the Teams. Aug. 24th. At Knocktopher. Replay S.H. (1916-17-18 F). Mooncoin 5-2 (3-1), Tularoan 2-3 (0-3)
It was back to Dick Holohan’s “big field” for the second chapter of this memorable final. The vast crowds wee even vaster than the 5,000 at the drawn game. The inner rows were seated while the outer rows stood, but there were no problem as the whole crowd was orderly and in good humour. They were there to see hurling par excellence by the best exponents in the County. Mooncoin underwent a rigorous training Programme in preparation for the replay - besides they had three changes, J. Delahunty, virtually coming out of retirement, R. Carroll and W. Dunphy replacing T. Morahan, E. Doyle and E. Dunphy. For Tullaroan, Pat Clohosey who had a strong game replaced “Nipper” Connors. From the start the pace was very fast and the combination excellent. Tullaroan possibly had slight weakness in the back division and Kerwick in goal was not up to his best, due possibly to his having received a knock on the head in the first few minutes. “Builder” Walsh gave Mooncoin the edge at centerfield and ensured a good supply of ball to the forwards. Mooncoin opened with a penalty goal, to which Tullaroan answered with a point. ‘Builder’ centres beautifully and the M. forwards, rush through another goal. Tullaroan and Mooncoin exchange points and Glorney Maher adds another point for Tullaroan. At this pint, Mick Doyle was injured but after treatment resumed and then just before half time Mooncoin went through for another goal. H.T. Mooncoin 3-1, Tullaroan 0-3. After the interval the pace quickened and Tullaroan fought desperately to retrieve their position. Relentless pressure gained them a “70” which Dick Grace centered - to