Hurling Chat Special - How The 1975 League Was Won

It is 50 years since Galway won the 1975 National Hurling League, and a special edition of Hurling Chat is marking the anniversary of what was a pivotal win in the history of Galway hurling.

1975 Captain John Connolly, PJ Molloy and Sean Silke joined Niall and Sean to look back at the campaign, where the game was at in Galway at that time and chat on some of the moments that made the win so memorable, particularly beating Cork, Kilkenny and Tipperary in the knockout stages.

First broadcast on Over The Line on Monday August 18th.

How Galway won the league - Compiled by Niall Canavan

Sunday 25^th May 1975 was a pivotal date in the annals of Galway hurling. It was the day that Galway won their third National Hurling League Title and it laid the foundation for the most successful period in Galway’s hurling history.

Galway found themselves in Division 1 B of the league of that year, playing five  group games and winning four of these against Kildare, Wicklow, Antrim and Laois with their only defeat being a three point loss to Offaly. As a result of their four victories, Galway were promoted to Division 1 A for the 1975/1976 League Season- and no doubt that was the initial goal and incentive for the Inky Flaherty managed team. However, by finishing as group winners they progressed to the knockout stages of the league.

Winning the league outright seemed a pipe dream as Galway had only twice previously won the competition- in the 1930-31 season when they were captained by Ignatius Harney from Tynagh- they beat Tipperary in the final by 4-5 to 4-4 in a final played at Portumna while in 1950/51 the aforementioned M.J. “Inky” Flaherty captained the Tribesmen to success over Wexford in the home final and then over New York in the final proper.

Galway buoyed up by being promoted entered the quarter final in a positive frame of mind- they were drawn to play Cork and after claiming a two point victory they progressed to play Kilkenny in their penultimate game- this resulted in a 1-9 to 1-6 victory and now Galway were within touching distance of claiming ultimate honours. What transpired at Limerick, on the glorious May Sunday that followed, secured the Galway team of 1975, a special place in the hearts and minds of all Galway followers. A late P.J.Qualter goal ensured Galway a 4-9 to 4-6 victory amid scenes of jubilation for the success starved Galway players and supporters.

By 1975 though, Galway were making serious strides- the county had reached All-Ireland minor finals in 1970 and 1972 respectively while five of the starting league final winning team had been part of the historic and maiden under 21 All-Ireland success of 1972- they being Joe McDonagh, Iggy Clarke, who captained Galway to that under 21 title, Frank Burke, P.J.Molloy and Marty Barrett while Gerry Holland, a substitute in the league final, scored 1-4 in the under 21 final against Dublin.

Galway’s 1974/1975 league campaign began on 29^th September 1974 when Kildare visited Pearse Stadium. Galway won the game by 1-13 to 3-4, a win that was hard earned. A Kildare goal by John Walsh had them in front five minutes into the second half. Eventually Galway awoke from their slumber and a goal by Gerry Coone coupled to points from P.J.Molloy, Padraic Fahy, Marty Barrett, John Connolly and P.J.Qualter ultimately say Galway record a narrow victory on a day when Michael Conneely impressed in the goalkeeping position- he made a number of notable saves. In defence, John Fawl, Larry Bohan and Niall McInerney were Galway’s top performers, John Connolly and Peadar Ryan held their own at midfield while the aforementioned Molloy, Fahy and Barrett did well in attack.

Galway travelled to Baltinglass to take on Wicklow in their second round game. This resulted in a routine 1-12 to 0-2 victory. Galway were wind aided in the opening half and they led by 0-8 to no score at the interval with Marty Barrett their goalscorer in the second half. Galway’s main players on the day were John Fawl, Sean Silke, John Connolly and P.J.Molloy with Molloy top scoring when shooting 0-5 and aside from these points and Barrett’s goal, Galway’s additional points were credited to P.J.Qualter, Larry Bohan, Padraic Fahy, Joe McDonagh, Gerry Coone and John Connolly, who pointed on two occasions.

Galway’s only reversal and defeat of the group phase was against Offaly in their third round game. It was a low scoring affair with Galway registering a paltry 0-6. Their opponents only scored three points of their own but significantly the Faithful hit two goals when assisted by the elements in the second half through Kevin Mooney and late on through Paudie Mulhare. This was a wake-up call for Galway who were 0-5 to 0-1 in front at half time. Their first half points came from P.J.Molloy with four and John Connolly while Molloy also pointed a free in the second half, his sides only score in the second period.

Galway’s penultimate group game saw them make the long trip to Corrigan Park to play Antrim- a win was imperative for Galway if the first aim was to be achieved- that of promotion. This proved to be an excellent Galway performance. They took the game to Antrim from the first minute and with Gerry Coone and Sean Murphy scoring goals they were 2-5 to 101 in front by half time. They eventually won by 2-12 to 3-4 with Carnmore’s Sean Murphy impressing when scoring 1-3. Iggy Clarke, Niall McInerney, John Connolly and Padraic Faly also all had fine moments. Gerry Coone finished the game with 1-2 to his name with Frank Burke, Padraic Fahy, John Connolly and Gerry Holland contributing vital points in the win.

Galway’s final group game was against Laois- the venue was Duggan Park- and the win that followed on a 4-8 to 1-5 scoreline ensured Galway promotion to Division 1 A. Team captain John Connolly was outstanding in this game. He scored 2-1 in a masterful performance. Gerry Holland also impressed and like Connolly his scoring return was also 2-1. Galway’s other scorers were Gerry Coone, Frank Burke and Sean Murphy. Aside from John Connolly other stellar performances came from Michael Conneely, Niall McInerney, Sean Silke, the Clarke brothers Joe and Iggy as well as Gerry Coone, Gerry Holland and Marty Barrett.

With the initial aim of promotion now secured, Galway entered the knockout phase of the league with confidence and renewed purpose. Galway travelled to play Cork in Limerick for their last eight clash. Galway were outsiders but got off the a blistering start with Marty Barrett shooting an early goal and with points following from Gerry Coone and John Connolly Galway lead by 1-2 to 0-1. Prior to half time and boosted by the wind advantage, Galway were 2-4 to -0-1 in front. A foul on Marty Barrett resulted in a penalty- John Connolly blasted to the net and when Iggy Clarke landed a delightful score coupled to a Frank Burke effort Galway were nine points in front. Cork came thundering into the game with Gerald McCarthy and Willie Walsh scoring goals but Galway were resolute in defence where at centre back Sean Silke delivered a man of the match performance. In the second half, Galway landed only three points, two from P.J.Molloy and Marty Barrett as they secured a huge victory over the Cork men.

Galway’s semi-final opponents were Kilkenny. The game was played on the 4^th May in Thurles with a crowd of over 9,000 in attendance. The Galway defensive unit excelled all day with the half back line of Joe McDonagh, Sean Silke and Iggy Clarke outstanding on their immediate opponents Mick Crotty, Pat Delaney and Willie Fitzpatrick respectively. Another crucial aspect in Galway’s 1-9 to 1-6 victory was Niall McInerney’s performance- he was tasked with marking Kilkenny’s danger man Eddie Keher and on the day he proved up to the task and the Liam Mellows man was masterful in the corner back position. Further afield Sean Murphy, Marty Barrett as well as Coone, Fahy and Molloy led the Galway charge.

Kilkenny held a slender 1-3 to 0-4 lead at half time following a Keher goal but by the end of the third quarter the sides were level. Galway’s crucial goal was scored by Frank Burke. A long Iggy Clarke delivery resulted in Burke, now at full forward, spinning before shooting a ground shot past Noel Skehan amid much celebration from the Galway supporters. Scores were hard to come by and hard earned but Burke’s major as well as point scoring contributions from Gerry Coone, who scored on 5 occasions, P.J.Molloy with two and single points from P.J.Qualter and Padriac Fahy ensured Galway the victory and thus the men in maroon had progressed to the National League final for the first in 24 years where Tipperary would be their opponents and what once had seemed a distant dream was now becoming a tangible possibility.

The venue for the final was the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick – the date 25^th May 1975- Galway people travelled in their thousands to the Munster venue filled with hope and anticipation- prior to the game the tea was drank, the sandwiches eaten, the match discussed, the prayers said .

The result was in doubt right to the end- Galway started well, Tipperary stormed back into the game and with time ticking away Tipperary led by 4-6 to 3-5 but with the benefit of tight matches previously Galway battled bravely away and late on they outscored their opponents by 1-4 to no score. P.J.Molloy and Frank Burke scored points before Galway’s fourth goal arrived- Galway were awarded a free- John Connolly’s effort was saved but the alert P.J.Qualter was on hand to strike to the net- this score saw Galway into the lead and in injury time the insurance points followed through Iggy Clarke and Padriac Fahy, scores that resulted in Galway becoming National Hurling League Champions for the third time in their history.

The game has followers of both sides enthralled- Galway started well and on nine minutes P.J.Qualter crossed to Marty Barrett with the sliotar breaking to John Connolly whose ground stroke flashed into the net. Tipperary responded and a goal by Pat Quinlan brought them back into the game but two P.J.Molloy points and a Marty Barrett goal, after he latched onto a Frank Burke delivery, saw Galway into a 2-2 to 1-1 lead. However, in the final ten minutes of the half Galway only scored once more, a point from Padraic Fahy- Tipperary seized the initiative and helped by goals from Roger Ryan and John Flanagan from a penalty, they led at half time by 3-4 to 2-3.

Galway had the wind behind them in the second half- a John Flanagan point extended the Tipperary lead before Galway struck for a great goal. John Connolly cleared long into the Tipperary defence, Frank Burke knocked the ball into space for Marty Barrett who crashed the ball into the net. It was now 3-5 to 3-3 and by the 42^nd minute Galway were level- firstly Frank Burke notched a point before Sean Silke pointed from 65 yards out and the excitement was now at fever pitch with the scoreboard reading 3-5 apiece.

Galway were then rocked by a Tommy Butler goal for Tipperary and when Quinlan pointed they had opened up a 4-6 to 3-5 lead. Another Galway defeat looked inevitable but the men of 1975 had built an inner resolve added to an insatiable workrate- they never gave up- Frank Burke landed his second point on 54 minutes before P.J.Molloy scored another. Moments later the game defining score arrived- Iggy Clarke launched a long delivery, a free in is awarded to Galway, John Connolly’s effort is saved but the rebound is dispatched to the net by P.J.Qualter. The confidence soared through Galway- they were not to be denied- on 58 minutes Iggy Clarke extended the lead- on 59 minutes Padraic Fahy pointed again- soon after the final whistle went- Galway were national hurling league champions- a seismic moment in the history of Galway hurling that sparked immense scenes of jubilation.

Galway had heroes all over the pitch- once more Iggy Clarke excelled in defence where he held Tipperary sharpshooter Francis Loughnane to a solitary score. Clarke also scored a crucial late point while his half back colleagues Joe McDonagh and Sean Silke were also not found wanting on the day. Niall McInerney, Joe Clarke and Paddy Lally were resolute in the full back line in front of big Mike Connelly who was alert and sharp all through. At midfield Sean Murphy, injured in training in the lead up to the game, was in top form in an area where John Connolly played a captains part while Frank Burke got through an amount of work when relocated to this sector late in the game. Up front Gerry Coone, P.J.Molloy and Padraic Fahy had games to remember while the goalscoring contributions of Marty Barrett, also an injury concern ahead of the game, and P.J.Qualter are rightly lauded when the game is discussed.

Galway’s victory in 1975 was more than just a league title- it was the spark that ignited a golden era. With under-21 and minor teams already making strides the county’s hurling fortunes were on an upward trajectory. The men of 1975 carved out a special place in Galway’s hurling history, inspiring future generations and proving that success at the highest level was within reach. In the decade that followed, Galway claimed All-Ireland titles at minor, under 21, and senior inter-county level while Castlegar were to win the All-Ireland Club title. We salute the National Hurling League Winners of 1975- the team that laid the foundations for the subsequent successes that followed.

The Galway Team that lined out against Tipperary in the 1975 National Hurling League Final was:

1. Michael Conneely (Sarsfields)
2. Niall McInerney (Liam Mellows)
3. Joe Clarke (Mullagh)
4. Paddy Lally (Ballinasloe)
5. Joe McDonagh (Ballinderreen)
6. Sean Silke (Meelick Eyrecourt)
7. Iggy Clarke (Mullagh)
8. Sean Murphy (Carnmore)
9. John Connolly (Castlegar)- captain
10. Gerry Coone (Ballinasloe)
11. Frank Burke (Turloughmore)
12. PJ.Molloy (Athenry)
13. Marty Barrett (Padraig Pearses)
14. PJ.Qualter (Turloughmore)
15. Padraic Fahy (Carnmore)

Galway substitutes on the day were:

16. Noel O’Donoghue (Turloughmore)
17. John Fawl (Ballinderreen)
18. Peadar Ryan (Ballinasloe)
19. Gerry Holland (Turloughmore)
20. Larry Bohan (Moycullen)
21. Ted Murphy (Castlegar)
22. Michael Connolly (Castlegar)

Others to play during the 1974/1975 league season were:

23. Gerry Kelly (Athenry)
24. Luke Glynn (Athenry)
25. Seamus Grealish (Carnmore)
26. Michael Bond (Ardrahan)

Galway’s Scorers in the 1974/1975 National Hurling League were:

P.J.Molloy (0-23)

John Connolly (4-8)

Gerry Coone (2-13)

Marty Barrett (4-2)

Frank Burke (1-7)

Padraic Fahy (0-8)

Gerry Holland (2-2)

Sean Murphy (1-4)

P.J.Qualter (1-3)

Iggy Clarke (0-2)

Seamus Grealish (0-1)

Larry Bohan (0-1)

Joe McDonagh (0-1)

Sean Silke (0-1)

Galway’s Path to the League Title in 1975:

Round 1: 29^th September 1974 @ Pearse Stadium: Galway 1-13 Kildare 3-4

Round 2: 20^th October 1974 @ Baltinglass: Galway 1-12 Wicklow 0-2

Round 3: 27^th October 1974 @ Duggan Park: Galway 0-6 Offaly 2-3

Round 4: 9^th February 1975 @ Corrigan Park: Galway 2-12 Antrim 3-4

Round 5: 9^th March 1975 @ Duggan Park: Galway 4-8 Laois 1-5

Quarter Final: 23^rd March 1975 @ Limerick: Galway 2-7 Cork 2-5

Semi-Final: 4^th May 1975 @ Thurles: Galway 1-9 Kilkenny 1-6

Final: 25^th May 1975 @ Limerick: Galway 4-9 Tipperary 4-6