Ballina native unearths rare photo from 1951 All-Ireland Final
Pictured on the sideline in Croke Park on the day of the All-Ireland Senior Football Final in 1951 were, front row, from left: Cyril Keegan, Corcoran's Terrace, Ballina; Sean Ralph, Tyrawley Park, Ballina; Martin Halloran, The Brook, Ardnaree. Back row: Tommy Smith, Ardnaree and John McMonagle, Walsh Street, Ballina (with arm raised).
A Ballina native who now resides in Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim has unearthed a fascinating photograph from the All-Ireland Senior Football Final in 1951.
John McMonagle, who is aged 97, attended the final in Croke Park on September 23rd between Mayo and Meath - and has a photograph to prove it. John and some friends from Ballina posed on the sideline for this wonderful image, which he kindly sent on to the Western People. John and a group of work colleagues from White's Garage at Bachelor's Walk in Ballina had travelled to Dublin for the game.
In an era when photographs were few and far between, this image is truly special as it depicts the easy access to the pitch that was available in Croke Park back then.
"We were outside Croke Park before the gates opened and this enabled us to get seated on the sideline, which enabled us to take the picture on the pitch before the match," explained John.
John's father was a Garda in Ballina and the family lived in the local Garda Barracks on Walsh Street. His sister, a pharmacist, subsequently had her own business in the town.
John is the last surviving member of his family and he cried tears of joy to have lived to see Mayo win Sam again.
"What a day to have lived to see Mayo bring home Sam," he remarks.
Many thanks to John's friend Mary Queenan for sending on this photograph and story. Mary has been John's bridge partner for the past 10 years at the Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle bridge clubs.
