Mayo Alive - 10 September 1996

 

Mayo's First All Ireland Win
The Mayo Abbey Connection.

by Joe Brett
Mayo Abbey

This week sees the final preparations being made for next Sunday's All Ireland Final between Mayo and Meath. Throughout the county houses, pubs, cars, even the very dogs on the streets, are bedecked with the Green and Red of Mayo. When friends meet the greeting isn't "Hello" but "Have you got your ticket yet?". Unfortunately the usual reply is "No" - some are comparing the search for the elusive piece of paper carrying the gold embrossed crest of the G.A.A. with the search presently going on in Achill for the lost two million pound Lotto ticket - but that's another story.

On Saturday evening last, September 7th, past and present pupils and teachers of Mayo Abbey National School gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the school. A special mass was celebrated in Mayo Abbey church by the parish priest, Fr. Austin Fergus. Many gifts were brought to the alter in the offatory procession - memorabilia of bygone era of education in Ireland. Included were the original role book and bell from the school, a penny catechism, a sod of turf, and a sally rod - a reminder of the bad old days of corporal punishment. The final item was carried to the alter by Hubie Mc Nicholas from Knockrickard, the 80 year old President of Mayo Gaels G.A.A. club. It was a Mayo jersey - a reminder that Mayo Abbey gave it's name to the great County Mayo.

It also brought back memories of Mayo's first All Ireland victory sixty years ago in 1936 and Mayo Abbey's connection with that team. Paddy Brett from Shinganagh lined out for his beloved Mayo on that September morning in Croke Park. Full back on the team was Paddy Quinn, a native of Crimlin, Castlebar. Paddy was a member of the teaching staff of Mayo Abbey National school at that time. Following their great victory the team returned to Mayo by motor car. The team Captain, Seamus O'Malley, (still living) and his driver, the late John Smith, returned to their native Claremorris in the early hours of Monday morning bearing the Sam Maguire Cup. They were greeted by hundreds of cattle and sheep - it was Fair Day in the south Mayo Market town!

Later that year Paddy Quinn brought the Sam Maguire to Mayo Abbey school to show it to his young pupils. A prayer was expressed during the Mass on Saturday evening last that "SAM" would make a return visit to the school during the centenary celebrations over the coming year!

 

The very best of luck to Manager John Maughan, the Mayo players and officials on Sunday next from the village which named our county - Mayo Abbey.

Calling all Mayo Exiles

The Gaelic Footballers of County Mayo have reached the All Ireland Finals for the second time in forty five years. Why not join in with the excitement back home? Send greetings and good wishes to the team via ""Mayo on the Move's"" All-Ireland Final Page
Mayo for Sam!!!
Joe Brett

The Nallys of Rockstown in County Mayo, Ireland