Magical moment for Mayo man whose brother was an All-Ireland champion
Noel Acton, a patient at St Augustine’s Community Nursing Unit, Ballina was reunited with Sam Maguire for the first time since his brother Tom won the famous cup with Mayo in 1950
Ballina man Noel Acton savoured a moment he never thought would happen again when he got his hands on Sam Maguire for the first time in 75 years.
The 96-year old is the brother of the late Ballina Stephenites legend Tom Acton who won an All-Ireland with Mayo in 1950.
Noel is a patient at St Augustine’s Community Nursing Unit in Ballina and was thrilled when Sam Maguire came through the doors.
Noel has fond memories of his brother’s playing days and recalls Sam Maguire being in his house for a full week following Tom’s triumph!
“My best memory is the 1948 All-Ireland Final against Cavan. Mayo may have lost that day, but it remains one of my proudest memories because my brother Tom scored two goals in the final. Mayo were only a point behind when the referee called time, just as Padraic Carney was taking a free-kick. As he took what would be the last kick of the game, one of the Cavan backs knocked him down, but the final whistle had gone, and Cavan won by a single point. Despite the defeat, watching my brother score two goals in an All-Ireland Final is a memory I will always treasure,” said Noel.
He said Sam Maguire became something of a fixture in the family home.
“In 1950, I remember the Sam Maguire Cup being in our house for a full week, and I still have the photographs to prove it! Our home was full of friends and neighbours coming to see the cup and celebrate. One memory that has always stayed with me is of a small child named David Marsh sitting inside the Sam Maguire Cup. They were wonderful times, filled with excitement and great pride in Mayo,” said Noel.
“My brother Tom has his arm in plaster for almost a year after the 1948 final. Sadly, because of his injury, he eventually gave up playing football. His All-Ireland medal, with its beautiful Celtic Cross, meant so much to him and he loved showing it to everyone. Today, his daughter Majella keeps that previous medal safe,” he added.
An avid Mayo supporter Noel had almost given up hope of ever holding Sam Maguire again.
“After all those years of travelling up and down to Dublin and following Mayo, I never thought I would have the opportunity to hold the Sam Maguire Cup again. To be able to hold it once after so many years brings back a lifetime of memories of my brother, my family, and Mayo football. It is a very special and emotional moment for me, and one I will treasure,” said Noel.
