There is ten minutes left in the County Final and Dermot Early edges Sarsfields a point ahead. They also have the aid of a strong breeze. No. 12 is bearing down on goal 21 yards out and slightly to the right. The ball breaks in front of him, he steadies himself and let’s fly. It rifles into the lower left hand comer of the net. A moment fixed forever in the folk memory of Johnstownbridge.
Newbridge erupts, cheering the hopeless underdog. We might do it yet. Ray Sullivan almost destroys us a minute later. Ricky Doran saves under the bar. They score a point. Phelim Farrell replies with a great score from thirty yards. Jack Reilly, Val Callanan and goal hero Barry O'Donoghue combine for Christy McNally to add another. They rally for a saving goal, only to see the ball skim the top of the cross bar. The kick-out brings the long whistle -- relief, joy, tears, disbelief, and unbounded happiness rarely experienced in one's lifetime.
It is the 11th September 1983, a day that will be fondly remembered by the people of Johnstownbridge. One senior Johnstownbridge player remembers shaking hands with Des Bergin, Sarsfields' centre back, and being told "We'll get you next year", the instant reply was "F*** next year, I don't care if I win or play another game". The joy of the players was matched by the happiness and sheer delight of our club officials and fairly small band of supporters. Some of the older ones who had followed Johnstownbridge since its foundation - and, indeed, had kept the club going in times of difficulty - never thought they would ever see such a day. Their joy made victory all the sweeter.
It was fitting that our captain was Phelim Farrell. He led by example in a fearless wholehearted fashion. His bravery in the final was exceptional, as he had suffered a broken jaw a few weeks earlier; despite this, no tackle was shirked and no effort was spared. The whole team responded to his leadership, playing out of their skins to achieve a shock victory.
Bridging The Years. Johnstownbridge Gaelic Football Club - A History.
©️ 2000 Johnstownbridge Gaelic Football Club
