Seamus brings another All Ireland title to Mayo

CHAMPION Seamus Curley (left), Ballaghaderreen and Glenamoy, winner of 2016 All-Ireland PTAA Superbrain Quiz in Limerick on Saturday evening. James Shevlin, President of the PTAA, is pictured presenting the cup to Seamus.

Michael Commins

WHILE the Mayo players were engaged in a titanic struggle with Cork in the All Ireland U-21 football final in Ennis, another Mayo native was landing another national title on Munster soil. Seamus Curley took top spot in the 2016 All Ireland PTAA Superbrain Quiz in Pallasgreen, Limerick, on Saturday evening.
It was the latest in a long line of awards won by the Glenamoy man who has resided in Ballaghaderreen for many years. Seamus is a member of the teaching staff at St Nathy’s in the town.
There was a direct link between the two wins on Saturday. Seamus, who won nine All-Ireland Senior Community Games Quizzes representing Roscommon (a team event comprising of two adults and two U17s) along with Michael Gallagher from Main Street, Ballaghaderreen, were joined for their first win in 1999 by two students from St Nathy’s College, Michael Solan, the manager of the U21 All-Ireland winning Mayo team and Gerry Waldron.  
Seamus is now the holder of five PTAA All-Ireland PTAA Superbrain Quiz titles, ten Connacht PTAA Superbrain Quiz awards, 12 Connacht Senior PTAA and four All-Ireland Senior PTAA Quiz titles.
He has coached a number of All-Ireland winning quiz teams from St Nathy’s College in various competitions such as the PTAA and TCH quizzes.
Seamus and his wife Teresa caught up with the All Ireland U-21 champions as they crossed the county border just after 11pm on Saturday night and stopped in Ballindine where the team was given a hearty welcome by excited supporters.
Seventeen years after Seamus Curley and Michael Solan landed a national quiz title, both were All-Ireland champions again on this special occasion. It truly was a special way to celebrate Mayo Day!