The day Colman’s wrote their names in gold

On Monday next the young men of St Colman's will look to etch their names in history. They will seek to join an illustrious band of teenagers from 1977 who broke the mould and brought Hogan Cup back to the plains of Mayo.

On an April Sunday in 1977, the young men of St Colman’s defeated Carmelite College, Moate in the decider in Hyde Park.

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In a rip roaring encounter which equalled if not surpassed the very high standard of play seen in this competition over the years the St Colman's boys displayed their many wares to maximum effect and were worthy winners of the title.

Their history-making win was a double, first. It was the first time in the history of the competition that a boarding school hadn't taken the blue ribband of Colleges football and it was the first time a Mayo school had won the cup.

It was fitting that when history was being made that it should be made in classic style, for this was a classic encounter that displayed the best that Gaelic football has to offer.

The play was fast and open, there was plenty of high fielding, individual heroics, and combined movements that held the captive attendance in thrall for the duration of the encounter.

And if there was any flaw, it was one that reflects no discredit on the winners. They could have won by more, but over-elaboration around midfield and at half-forward deprived them of scores that would have left them much more convincing winners on the scoreboard.

However, that is a complaint that few will take any note of in the Claremorris camp. And while it may have upset the nerves of their supporters, the fighting spirit that has been a hallmark of the campaign saw them on top at the finish of an epic and exciting clash.

In a game of changing fortunes, St. Colman's set the early pace and appeared capable of swamping the All-Ireland title holders.

But the champions from Moate were not about to relinquish their title without a battle. They recovered well from the shock of a Joe Cuddy goal after ten minutes, and while St Colman's controlled, Moate were gradually getting into the game, and before the break, they were to signal a warning to the Colman's team.

Behind 1-6 to 0-2 going into the break, Moate struck back dramatically with a goal and two points to leave the issue precariously balanced. Eight minutes into the second half, the sides were on level terms at 1-7 each. and after their best period of the game. Moate went into a two-point lead going into the final quarter.

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It was no place for weak hearts, either on the field or on the sideline. And certainly, there was no sign of weakness among the Colman's players as they staged their final effort in a bid for victory.

John Boyle, with two points, had the teams on level terms before Colman's relentlessly forged ahead with further points from Gabriel Cuddy and Declan Lambe.

These were the scores that sealed victory, and as Moate struggled valiantly to retrieve the situation, they turned out to be much-needed scores, with Moate hitting back for a point to leave but a single point between the teams at the finish.

It was close, but there was no disputing the merits of St. Colman's win. Big and strong, fast, fit, and determined, they fashioned their win in the best traditions of Colleges football. They had earned the right to hold their heads high in college football circles.

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There were, of course, some who appeared to contribute more than others to the Colman's win, but on this historic occasion, it would be invidious to single out any for special mention. Suffice to say that each man played his part.

St Colman's, Claremorris: C Hyland; C Gilmartin, P Doyle, M Walsh; A Varley, E McLoughlin, P Monaghan; J Boyle (0-2), A Garvey (0-2); E Macken, J Kean (0-2), A McNicholas (0-1); G Cuddy (1-3), P McGuinness, D Lambe(0-1).