1969 Intermediate Championship Final

Caulry Superior in Final

In the final of the Intermediate Championship at Mullingar on Sunday last, Caulry proved much superior to Ballynacargy to win by 6 pts, on the score of: Caulry 2-06, Ballynacargy 0-06.

In the first half, Caulry gave fine displays of football, dash and fitness, to which Ballynacargy had no answer. As well as that, they combined so effectively and played with such confidence that made the senior game that followed look poor in comparison.

This was Caulry at their best, playing with all the sprit and determination that has been so characteristic of Caulry in the past. Their second half display was equally as good as the first in so far as it gave Caulry backs a chance to show their mettle, and show they did.

Frank Conlon at right full back, played his best game ever. His high fielding and lengthy clearances were first class, and along with him, Jim McDonnell and the every reliable Packie Allen left goalkeeper Stephen Haniffy with only shot to deal with in the hour.

Caulry’s half backs were also to the fore and none better than the never say die Willie Allen, whose every move meant business. Never beaten in the hour, he gave a wonderful performance, with Padraig Malone playing the captain’s part in sealing off the centre and Tom Seery on the left clearing and opening up attacks they formed a barrier that Ballynacargy failed to breach.

At centre-field Caulry held complete control for most of the game. Pat Allen completely dominated this sector and with Tom Fitzgerald in fine form, they gave their forwards a plentiful supply of the ball. T.P. Hickey at right half forward, split open the opposing defence on many occasion and with James Fox doing useful work in the centre and the speedy Noel Nugent on the other wing, they gave the Ballynacargy defence a busy time. In the full-forward line, P.J. Cunningham had an outstanding game and his point ion the second half from 50 yards out had class written all over it. Georgie Hatton at full forward took his scores well, and with jack Allen also to the fore, they formed the full forward line that made use of every ball.

After the game, there was wild scenes of jubilation at the Caulry dressing room, as cheering Caulry supporters surrounded their heroes and one of the proudest men there was Mr. Frank Seery, patron of Caulry G.A.A. and one who is associated with the Caulry club since it’s foundation.

Caulry has a reputation for always having a team capable of playing the best and this they proved by winning many competitions in the past, but the team that won the final on Sunday must rank in the list as being one of the best teams they have ever.

1969 Intermediate Championship Winning Team: Stephen Haniffy, Frank Conlon, Jim McDonnell, Packie Allen, Willie Allen, Padraig Malone, Tom Seery, Pat Allen, Tom Fitzgerald, T.P. Hickey, James Fox, Noel nugent, P.J. Cunningham, Georgie Hatton, Jack Allen, Jimmy Fallon, Seamus Allen, Richie Allen.