Birthday joy as Mayo native flies from New York for historic win
The Kilmeena native flew home for the memorable occasion while he celebrates his 85th birthday.
Last Sunday, July 26 was a day, Mayo people will never forget as Andy Moran’s side defeated Kerry in Croke Park as Sam Maguire returned to Mayo after a 75 year wait.
A New York resident flew home for the big game and saw Mayo win the All Ireland on the day of his 85th birthday. Vince Garrity originally from Kilmeena remembers Mayo’s All Ireland win in 1951. At ten years of age, Vince remembers listening to the final in Kelly’s pub in Castlebar while he was with his father.
Back in 1951, it was mandatory for all pubs to close between 2-4 pm and as a result the Gardai fined each family who were in the pub watching the game five shillings which was a lot back in those days.
Born and raised in Kilmeena, Vince was delighted as he met Kilmeena and Mayo star Jack Carney at the after-party that night when Mayo had the Sam Maguire Cup. Vince was joined by six of his children Kevin, Caroline, Gail, Pauline, Regina and Brendan who were all raised in Bekan.
It was a special weekend for many Mayo people and for Vince, it was a fantastic birthday present and a day he will never forget.