TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 • THE MAYO NEWS 2001: A ODYSSEY 1

M Pic: Michael McMcLaughlin

CELEBRATING THE TH ANNIVERSARY OF CROSSMOLINA DEEL ROVERS’ ALLIRELAND CLUB FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS

APRIL 16, 2001 Crossmolina 0-16 Nemo Rangers 1-12

ISSUE SECTION SUB SECTION PAGE PDF MADE DESIGN SALES READ EDITOR PDF OK APR 20 SPORT 1 0 KL DAY DAY DAY DAY TIME TIME TIME TIME MODIFIED Mon, Apr 19, 19:56 OUTPUT Fri, Apr 23, 11:52 LOCATION Server:THIS WEEK:z OLD:20210420:SPORT:Supplement Page 1-12:SPORT Crossmolina 1-12.indd 2 2001: A CROSSMOLINA ODYSSEY THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 • THE MAYO NEWS 2001: A CROSSMOLINA ODYSSEY 3 Final words and magic memories RELIVING THE DREAM F**K THE their orange juice. We won and lads would start shouting ‘bring showed we had the resilience to HOODOO! nobody died, so that must be on Gardiner, bring him on before fi ght to the very end. Two Crossmolina team-mates the best way to do it.” it’s too late.’ It took us years to win our fi rst “We had a brilliant third quarter, JARLATH THOMAS JORDAN, 2021 county title, and here we are refl ect on the club’s fi nest hour but of course you can’t sustain CUNNINGHAM, 2021 now All-Ireland champions. that all the time. “It’s bewildering, but it’s a nice It’s not often Colin Corkery A DREAM bewilderment.” misses one like that and we SINGLE AND COME TRUE GREG BURKE, 2001 were just blessed that it went READY TO the other side of the post. MINGLE “When you have the self-belief, Thanks be to God the referee like this bunch of players have, FRIENDS blew the whistle when he did. “It hasn’t sunk in at all. It there’s no reason why you can’t FOR LIFE In the second half we played probably won’t for a couple of do it. I felt before the Corofi n much better and when you had weeks. game we could do this. We had “It was life-changing. We all the ball there was always I went straight for Enda Lavelle the pace and we had the became friends for life. When somebody coming off your at the end of the game — we forwards. It’s a long time since a Dad died all the lads were there. shoulder — it’s very easy play always seem to meet each Mayo team came to Croke Park I’m still a member of Crossmo- football like that. other at the fi nish! I couldn’t and stuck sixteen points. lina and still have every stitch of It’s absolutely a brilliant feeling believe it. At half-time I think To fi nally win one is a dream gear I ever got when I was with for us to win an All-Ireland title. Nemo probably had one hand come true. It’s only in time that them. I could call into any of Never in our wildest dreams on the cup, but we’ve worked we’ll appreciate it.” their houses for the tea at any could you believe that you very hard for this, all thirty of us. LIAM MOFFATT, 2001 time of the day or night and could do it. Everybody talks It is hard, not so much for the they could call into mine – that’s about the hoodoo on Mayo single lads, but for lads that are real friendship.” teams in Croke Park. Well. I can married like Johnny Leonard. MIRACLE CURES JARLATH personally say, ‘F**k the Thomas Loftus isn’t too bad, “There wasn’t a soft bone in CUNNINGHAM, 2021 hoodoo!’ he’s still available.” their body. Nothing could hold CIARAN MCDONALD, PAT MCANDREW, 2001 them back. They had the 2001 attitude that they were fi t to play THE FINEST unless they needed to go to OF PEOPLE MORE THAN WORDS A sign Lourdes for a cure.” NO PAIN, NO in the Crossmolina GAA club GREAT DIVINE GAIN, NO TEETH dressing-room at St Tiernan’s CHARACTERS JARLATH Winning has to be the aim all INSPIRATION Park. Pic: Michael McLaughlin CUNNINGHAM, 2021 the time and winning the “They were tough men – very, “We had the greatest of All-Ireland and all the cups was “Before the fi nal, Enda Lavelle’s very tough. I’ll never forget one characters with us every day. I’ll brilliant, but football is all about mother, Josie, gave me a bottle day at training when Pat always remember Mattie A NICE people. We had great days in To win that of holy water. She said it was McAndrew ran over and said, training fi nished. Heffernan and Josie Moffatt. BEWILDERMENT the ordinariest of matches from a holy well in Keenagh and ‘hold this for me.’ It was one of “Another day, in a county fi nal, The two of them would stand around North Mayo. Going to match was I had to bless the lads with it his teeth. He opened his mouth Gerard O’Malley ran over to me near the dugout during “I’m really stuck for words, I still places like Knockmore, a dream before the match. I was trying and there was another one and said, ‘mind this.’ It was his matches. Peadar Gardiner was really can’t believe it. With fi ve Ballycroy, Ardnaree, , to fi gure out how to do it, hanging out of his gum. He tooth too. He ran back on and just breaking into the team at minutes left, we’re four points or – they’d try to kill come true because the lads would have pulled it out and handed it to kept playing. That’s how tough that stage and the two lads had up and everyone was saying we you during the game, but as been looking funny at me if I me as well before going back those fellas were. Football was great time for him. If Peadar have it. But I was wondering soon as it was over they were started blessing them, so I went in. He wouldn’t come off and everything to them.” was on the bench any day – could disaster hit us. out and out gentlemen. one better and mixed it into agree to get seen to until THOMAS JORDAN, 2021 after about 20 minutes the two But despite Nemo’s goal, we KEVIN HEFFERNA INTERVIEW “Winning with Crossmolina was so laughs too, there was great times in it. HISTORY MADE Crossmolina “That’s me fi nished now, I think,” he special, it’s where you’re from,” offers When you got to the pitch, it was it captain Tom Nallen (centre) and his admitted last week. “The commitment Rochford, who needed a pain-killing serious. You weren’t there to pass the team-mates, including Stephen levels are too high. I always gave my MIKE Rochford (left) and Liam Moffatt injection before the game for cracked time or it wasn’t fat camp,” he smiles. best and tried to support the players I FINNERTY (right) celebrate after the 2001 Deel Rovers’ greatest day ribs in order to take his place at corner- “It didn’t happen by accident.” All-Ireland club fi nal at Croke was with. I was lucky to be part of the back. “Plus, we were competing against Park. Pic: Sportsfi le group that won the All-Ireland. “It’s like that quote from Sambo Ballina and Knockmore who were really “I gave my all, I can’t give anymore. REAT memories. Great McNaughton [former Antrim hurler], strong teams as well,” adds Gardiner, I’d love to keep playing but the body friendships. Great ‘The county lads are the people you’ll who is also married with three children. can’t take it. I will keep playing, I’ll try MIKE with Billy Fitzpatrick. times. invite to your wedding. But it’s the club “And Charlestown, who beat us a few and play, but it won’t be with the Inter- FINNERTY Thankfully, after years spent following Twenty years on from lads who will bring you to the grave.’ weeks after the All-Ireland fi nal in the mediate team. the Nallens, Ciaran McDonald, Enda their greatest day on a And it’s so true.” county championship. But in North explains. “Without getting cliched about “But I’ll always be involved with the Lavelle, Johnny ‘Rep’ and the rest all footballG fi eld with Crossmolina Deel The Deel Rovers were the fi rst Mayo Mayo, especially, there were three the journey, that group I would certainly club. across the county and beyond, the words Rovers, Peadar Gardiner and Stephen club to bring the Andy Merrigan Cup strong teams there and big games to say has had a massive infl uence on a “There were some tough days for me FLICKING through the archives in The came easy to us. Rochford couldn’t agree more about across the Shannon and their achieve- get up for. The County Finals against lot of things that I would see, in a foot- and my family but the club was always Mayo News last week brought it all All of us who were in Croke Park on what means the most. ment has only been matched by one Ballina and Knockmore those days were ball sense, my own values, things that there,” he adds. “It’s a real community back. that famous April Monday, 20 years ago, They have been friends for as long club from the county since — by their massive days.” I understand more about now, be it in and a family. It’s the friends and the Reading the thousands of words we will never forget it. The tears fl owed as they can remember, soldiered neighbours and great rivals, Ballina work management, in areas of respon- friendships.” dedicated to Crossmolina’s historic and freely in the Crossmolina dressing-room together with Crossmolina during the Stephenites, four years later. TEPHEN ROCHFORD sibility with work, family, and also in Nowadays, Peadar coaches the Cross- nail-biting All-Ireland club fi nal victory afterwards, and there is no doubt that club’s halcyon days, and were part of With the benefi t of hindsight, you retired from club football sport. About being accountable, respon- molina Under-6s and Under-9s while against Nemo Rangers back in 2001, you men, women and children from the par- a brilliant team that made history on wonder do two men who played inte- with Crossmolina in 2013 sible, a team player. . Stephen helps out with the ‘Robe Rock- couldn’t but feel the emotion and the ish made memories for life. Monday, April 16, 2001 by winning the gral parts in Crossmolina’s nine-game at the age of 33 due to a “And without knowing exactly what ets’ in , where he lives. signifi cance of their achievement. That Crossmolina team of 2001 were THE 2001 TEAM All-Ireland club championship title. run into the record books in 2001 know persistent calf injury. By they meant when you were back in In fact, two years ago, on the day that They had succeeded where great clubs a magnifi cent football team, but they CROSSMOLINA Fast forward two decades, and the now what made that group into All- thenS he’d won six Mayo SFC medals your early 20s, you were living the sort Crossmolina (with Gardiner their only like Garrymore, Mitchels, were also a group of the most ambitious, Barry Heffernan; Stephen Roch- duo have agreed to chat to The Mayo Ireland champions? and was beginning a coaching career of high life and, football was the only remaining playing link to the 2001 Knockmore and Ballina Stephenites had driven and hard-working men that ever ford, Tom Nallen, Colm Reilly; News via ‘Zoom’ about ‘a special day’ “There was a raw desire there,” says that would see him become the fi rst thing that that was on your radar. squad) were relegated from the senior failed in the past, and become the fi rst shared a dressing-room. Peadar Gardiner (0-1), Damien that ‘formed a lifelong bond’ between , who is married now man to win All-Ireland club titles as “A lot of the foundations for good, championship, the club’s Under-7 team club from Mayo to return from Croke They were also the fi nest fellas you Mulligan, Pat McAndrew (0-1); a group of footballers from the same with three sons of his own. “There was both a player and a manager (with personal, life-skills were laid within played the Robe Rockets in a challenge Park with the Andy Merrigan Cup. could wish to meet, and tremendous James Nallen, Michael Moyles corner of North Mayo. such a hunger, a hunger to achieve Corofi n in 2015). that group.” match. The photos leap from the pages too; ambassadors for a GAA club that always (0-1); Joe Keane (0-2), Ciaran “I just feel very, very grateful,” says something that hadn’t been achieved He went on to lead Mayo to two All- Peadar Gardiner, who won fi ve Mayo Paul Gardiner lined out for the Deel the late Tommy Eibrand doing what he welcomed visitors to St Tiernan’s Park McDonald (0-7, 3fs), Enda Gardiner, who played his fi rst ever before by Crossmolina or by any Mayo Ireland senior fi nals and is currently SFC medals, broke the record for most Rovers while Dara Rochford was wear- did best to capture moments of poster- like you were one of their own. Lavelle; Paul McGuinness (0-2), competitive game at wing-back in the club. coaching Donegal. championship appearances for Cross- ing a Ballinrobe jersey. Another era, a ity for all eternity. As the sign now says above the entrance Liam Moffatt (0-1), Johnny fi nal against Nemo Rangers. “I have a “And there was a hunger to do new So how much did winning a Celtic molina last season when he lined out different era, was beginning. This writer was double-jobbing that to the grounds, ‘Welcome to Crossmo- Leonard (0-1). lot of gratitude and just feel very lucky things, a hunger to go to a new com- Cross with Crossmolina in 2001 shape for the 103rd time at the age of 41 in the Neither of the youngsters know the day; on ‘post-match reaction’ and ‘player lina, home of the Deel Rovers, All-Ireland Subs used: Gerard O’Malley for that I was there and that was I part of mitment level, a hunger to win every the last 20 years of his life? County Intermediate championship. full story yet of what their dads achieved www.deelrovers.com ratings’ duty for The Mayo News as well club champions, 2001’. Leonard (53), Thomas Loftus for it. . . To win that match was a dream game, every league game. “It wasn’t just that one game, for me, But it sounds like he’s ready to a call it on one great day for Crossmolina in as commentary duty for Mid West Radio There for all eternity. Keane (59). come true.” “It was manic, but we had a lot of it was being part of that team,” he a day. 2001. All in its own good time.

ISSUE SECTION SUB SECTION PAGE PDF MADE DESIGN SALES READ EDITOR PDF OK ISSUE SECTION SUB SECTION PAGE PDF MADE DESIGN SALES READ EDITOR PDF OK APR 20 SPORT 2 0 KL DAY DAY DAY DAY APR 20 SPORT 3 0 KL DAY DAY DAY DAY TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME MODIFIED Mon, Apr 19, 19:56 OUTPUT Fri, Apr 23, 11:52 LOCATION Server:THIS WEEK:z OLD:20210420:SPORT:Supplement Page 1-12:SPORT Crossmolina 1-12.indd MODIFIED Mon, Apr 19, 19:56 OUTPUT Fri, Apr 23, 11:52 LOCATION Server:THIS WEEK:z OLD:20210420:SPORT:Supplement Page 1-12:SPORT Crossmolina 1-12.indd 4 2001: A CROSSMOLINA ODYSSEY THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 • THE MAYO NEWS 2001: A CROSSMOLINA ODYSSEY 5

ing the next ball, the hop-ball. Tom McNulty, who was club secretary at the time, I can only imagine how nerve-racking it must and passed away since. CLUB IS FAMILY Peadar Gardiner is pictured with his son have been for people on the sideline and support- Paddy Cawley was the treasurer. Men like Mat- Paul, daughter Zara at the Crossmolina GAA club dressing- ers. tie Heffernan and Josie Moffatt were great club- rooms last week. Also in the photo is the framed jersey he wore Being in those positions now as a coach or as a men and sold more lotto tickets. And they had in the 2001 All-Ireland club fi nal and his Mayo SFC, manager, Christ, I’d be pulling my hair out with great stories about their own days. Memories Club SFC and All-Ireland medals from that campaign. them. I look forward to restrictions being lifted and Pic: Michael McLaughlin getting down to a league game in Crossmolina, to PG: We were hanging on, we were watching the organise to meet the lads. And I know it won’t clock. take fi ve minutes before the craic is going. And it could be something you did 25 years ago that will MF: Did winning that club fi nal change the be thrown at you course of your life in some ways? But if you really needed something, it’s the guys to last a in that group that you’d probably turn to. PG: Defi nitely, no question about it. I was called into the Mayo squad, literally, the MF: What’s been the legacy of that win 20 night of the fi nal. I met Pat Holmes in the stand, years ago for Crossmolina GAA club? and he asked me would I get involved. I was doing a post-grad in NUI, at the time, I was way SR: The legacy there is that you can be from a behind, the Crossmolina thing was going so well, small club in the west of Ireland and you can lifetime so I said I wasn’t available for the next few weeks. believe to achieve the big things. He said that was ‘100% fi ne’ so basically, from then It doesn’t happen overnight either; there was a on I was involved in the Mayo squad. So I was really sustained period in Crossmolina, a lot of very fortunate, without the Crossmolina team I focus went on national schools and underage wouldn’t have been on anybody’s radar. There football that provided the foundation for that was a lot of luck involved. [2001] team to go away and achieve things. At adult level the club is not where you’d like it So when Michael O’Malley, who was the chair- SR: It wasn’t just that one game, for me, it was to be, but there’s a lot of good things happening Peadar Gardiner man of the club at the time, and a fair ox of a being part of that team. again at underage that’s hopefully going to put the man, caught me in a full bear hug that brought Tom Nallen was just a tremendous leader. He foundations in place for the team to get back to and Stephen me to my knees! It wasn’t the fi nal visit that was so clear. And so demanding of everybody senior level and compete again for a Moclair brought me to my knees! getting to a higher level and he provided a lot of Cup. Rochford explain That is what I can remember about the few clarity around what we should be doing and set- But for me it’s friendships, personally, that’s what how and why minutes after the fi nal whistle! ting a bar. He was always challenging people. it is. Like, before that word was being bandied around Crossmolina PG: I remember, there’s a picture of myself and sports teams and the corporate world about ‘chal- PG: It put Crossmolina on the map. Tommy Jordan actually after the game, and I was lenging’, Tom was doing that. But he was ably I think it’s important to say as well that the foun- made history crying on his shoulders, but, you know, to win assisted by the likes of Peadar, who might not have dations of the club are a lot stronger as a result of that match was a dream come true. been as vocal, but he was challenging people with that victory. There’s a plaque outside the club- You always feel that, particularly with the Mayo the performances he was putting in on the house that says, ‘This clubhouse is dedicated to team and all their years of bad luck in Croke pitch. the All-Ireland win in 2001’ because the All-Ireland Park, you never believe that you could actually Damien Mulligan was another good one, Tom Final appearances of 2001 and 2003 built four state EXCLUSIVE do it. Loftus obviously, Jimmy [Nallen] and Ciaran of the art dressing-rooms, an indoor hall, a gym, INTERVIEW As a 21 year old, there wasn’t as much nerves [McDonald] when they were back in the group squash court, snooker rooms, kitchens. . That was as you might expect. You’re just going out to play from Mayo. They challenged the group to go to built on a few great years, volunteers selling lotto MIKE football and I was very fi t at the time. I was play- another level by their performances on the fi eld tickets, corporate dinners. That’s part of the legacy FINNERTY ing with real, real serious footballers. My job was and other people took up that mantle when those too. to get the ball to Ciaran Mc [Donald] as quick We were fellas were away [with Mayo]. as possible; or get it to Jimmy [Nallen] or Michael To make sure that things didn’t go backwards; MF: Peadar, what’s it been like playing on as Moyles or Joe [Keane] or Moff’ [Liam Mof- hanging on, we like Moff’, Joe Keane, Moylesy, Johnny Leonard. Crossmolina dropped down to Intermediate MOST of the children in the Gardiner and Roch- fatt]. Honest to God, all these people brought different level? ford households were in bed last week when the There was so many good players around who were watching things to the group. conversation about Crossmolina’s victory in the wanted the ball. the clock Paddy Mc [Andrew], Gabriel [Walsh], Enda PG: It was diffi cult, it is diffi cult. It’s embarrass- 2001 All-Ireland club fi nal started. I was probably fortunate to be on the team as [Lavelle], Colm Reilly, I couldn’t speak highly ing, I was embarrassed. By the time it ended almost 90 minutes later, well as you know, for the fi nal. I got my place enough of all of them. We hold ourselves to high standards, and I found a lot of ground had been covered. due to an injury to Francis . We probably saw each other as team-mates at it tough. I’d love to have won an Intermediate last Most of the discussion — with the exception The All-Ireland Final was my fi rst ever com- that time, and I was going for a place against Colm year and fi nished up at that. of a few war stories about the Deel Rovers’ run petitive game at wing-back. or Peadar or Francie [Costello] or whoever, so But, unfortunately, that didn’t happen. to Croke Park that year — was ‘on the record’. there was that competitive element among us, but It’s not all about winning, I enjoyed all the dress- Truth be told, the main reason that the Zoom MF: Tell me about the build-up to the at the same time we had each other’s backs. ing-rooms I was in. I always gave my best and tried call with The Mayo News ended when it did was game? There was no way that we were ever letting each to support the players I was with. because one of the interviewees was needed to MF: What do you both remember about the SHARING THE MOMENT Stephen Rochford other down. And look, we lost games as well. But I was lucky to be part of the group that won an help with the bedtime routine! SR: We stayed in Maynooth and we were room- game itself? celebrates with Peadar Gardiner (5) after that whole season, from 2000 into 2001, it was just All-Ireland. Crossmolina won the 2002 Connacht Club SFC Both Peadar Gardiner and Stephen Rochford ing together. I remember, for some reason, ‘Geor- relentless, what people were willing to do. That Final. Pic: Sportsfi le couldn’t help but laugh at how things have changed gie’ O’Donnell stayed with us and slept on the PG: The big one for me was that Colin Corkery was 20 years ago and we were setting standards. MF: Stephen, how do you refl ect on your in the 20 years since they were young, free and fl oor. He wasn’t supposed to, but he did! towards the end had a great chance to level it People talk about doing that now, well I know Crossmolina career? single; when playing football for Crossmolina I remember there was a handpassing drill, a bit and we were out on our feet. We couldn’t have we were doing that 20 years ago. Yes, it’s probably and having enough stamina to fi nish off the night of a run-out on the front grass of the place in ran another yard. I was thinking, ‘If he hits this front weren’t clicking they just got a couple of gone up another notch or two now, but it’s just SR: I probably would wish I could have gone on of a match in ‘The Dolphin’ were among their Maynooth. We had footballs and medicine balls the show is over for us’. We were gone. scores. that the education wasn’t there to do that maybe a little bit longer than I did. biggest priorities. in it, and we would do that every second night If he’d levelled it the game would have gone to But in the second half then we just opened up. back then, but that group were willing to do any- I retired in 2013, I had a continuous issue with We started our 20th anniversary chat by going all through the year, but there would always be extra-time and we had nothing left. We weren’t sure if we were going to win coming thing to achieve on that day. my calf, which could have required surgery, I was back to the day itself. April 16, 2001. a ball dropped. We were hanging on. out after half-time but I think we made the com- 33 at that stage, married and living in Ballinrobe, There wasn’t a ball dropped once that evening I think that’s a really iconic image of Ciaran mitment that we weren’t going to leave ourselves MF: The bond between that group seems to Laura was pregnant. . MF: What are the fi rst things that come into in Maynooth and, I won’t say it was a defi ning Mc[Donald] when he catches that ball on the wondering. We had probably done that against still be very strong? I probably would have had to put in a good bit your head when I ask you about beating moment, but it was nearly like that, in every- fi nal whistle and he falls to his knees. We were Na Fianna [in 2000]. of rehab work to get back, and whatever bit of Nemo Rangers that day? body’s minds, everyone was saying, ‘Everyone very fortunate because Ciaran Mc was one of We were coming at Nemo from all angles and PG: We might not talk every day, or text, but I do pace I’d had was gone! I just wish that I could have is tuned in here’. the best footballers who ever played the game. we probably should have killed off the game; Ciaran think that group will always back each other up gone on a year or two, because there was probably SR: The fi rst thing for me was, I had cracked a I know the club means so much to him and he Mc was very very good, he was super. Some of and, when a time comes when we need some help just a bunch of players that went over a two or couple of ribs about two or three weeks before PG: I remember there were no televisions in any really grafted hard for us. I think it was just so the points he kicked. . or support, we’ll be there as well. three year period that probably didn’t help. But the game. We played Mayo Gaels in a league of the rooms so there was nothing to do! symbolic when he won that ball and fell to his And Paddy Mc[Andrew] kicked one from nearly They were great days, and I just can’t emphasise that was just the way it was. game up in Mayo Abbey, and I got one of Aidan But before we got on the team bus to go into knees. It was his dream, you know. And it was a standing position! enough that there were great men in that team, I’m involved with Ballinrobe now, with my own Jennings’ fi nest hits coming down along the Croke Park for the match we had a massive game our dream too. But, as Peadar said about Colin Corkery, he great leaders. And as a young fellow coming into kids playing, but I’d certainly endeavour to give wing. of soccer in front of the bus. We were just kick- But Ciaran Mc pushed us so much to be excel- shanked that shot and dragged it across the it, they were like fatherly fi gures. something back to Crossmolina at some stage in So I had to get an injection the morning of the ing a soccer ball over and back but I remember lent in every thing we did. goal. Tommy Jordan was like a fatherly fi gure really the future. I don’t know what that means, it may game, just to numb the pain. getting back into the bus covered in sweat! You Jesus, 99 times out of 100 Colin Corkery is going to a lot of us. He was very calm, had a lot of empa- not be at adult level, but I’d like to bring it full In fairness to [Dr] Declan Clinton he gave me wouldn’t do it now, but it was just the normal SR: I’m not sure if it was the game being delayed to put that straight between the posts. thy and wouldn’t see you go wrong. Even today circle at some stage. enough to get me through, but the hurling game thing to do then. or what, but we were nervous and we didn’t get And then they put a press on our short kick-outs he’s obviously still a massive fi gurehead for the Because Crossmolina does mean that much to beforehand went to extra time, and the pain-killer We had the Garda escort to Croke Park too, going in the fi rst 20 minutes and Barry Heffernan and there was a hop-ball but we won the break. club. me. And the club is bigger than anyone, including probably wore off, just around the fi nal whis- which we weren’t used to, so we thought we was really super in the fi rst half. He made two So it could have been different. SR: I think it’d be remiss as well not to mention the 2001 team. There were people who came before tle. were the bee’s knees! or three really good saves. And while the boys up But when you’re in the moment you’re just play- some people who were close to that group, like us and there will be people who come after us.

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MAYO SFC ROUND 1 CROSSMOLINA 115 WEST MAYO 28

QUARTERFINAL CROSSMOLINA 19 MOY DAVITTS 15

SEMIFINAL CROSSMOLINA 014 05

FINAL CROSSMOLINA 014 011

CONNACHT SFC QUARTERFINAL CROSSMOLINA 214 KILBRIDE 09

SEMIFINAL CROSSMOLINA 112 BUNNINADDEN 16

FINAL CROSSMOLINA 110 COROFIN 05

ALLIRELAND SFC SEMIFINAL CROSSMOLINA 18 BELLAGHY 07

FINAL CROSSMOLINA 016 ALLIRELAND CLUB CHAMPIONS 2001 NEMO RANGERS 112

ISSUE SECTION SUB SECTION PAGE PDF MADE DESIGN SALES READ EDITOR PDF OK ISSUE SECTION SUB SECTION PAGE PDF MADE DESIGN SALES READ EDITOR PDF OK APR 20 SPORT 6 0 KL DAY DAY DAY DAY APR 20 SPORT 7 0 KL DAY DAY DAY DAY TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME MODIFIED Mon, Apr 19, 19:56 OUTPUT Fri, Apr 23, 11:52 LOCATION Server:THIS WEEK:z OLD:20210420:SPORT:Supplement Page 1-12:SPORT Crossmolina 1-12.indd MODIFIED Mon, Apr 19, 19:56 OUTPUT Fri, Apr 23, 11:52 LOCATION Server:THIS WEEK:z OLD:20210420:SPORT:Supplement Page 1-12:SPORT Crossmolina 1-12.indd 8 2001: A CROSSMOLINA ODYSSEY THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 • THE MAYO NEWS 2001: A CROSSMOLINA ODYSSEY 9 No doubting this Thomas Nothing Thomas Jordan was the manager quite like who led the way

INTERVIEW MICHAEL McDonald

VER in the stand, Willie McNeely could hardly contain himself. The symphonic commentator known as ‘The Shoe’ was paint- Crossmolina’s talisman ing vivid pictures for radio listen- was always a class apart ersO as chaos reigned all around him. On that famous Friday evening in June 2000, Pairc Naomh Aodhan in was bounc- ing. The footballers of West Mayo were within league match, the fi rst of the season. touching distance of the greatest shock in club FEATURE Word on the street was McDonald had football and the noise was echoing back off the COLIN SHERIDAN transferred to the south Mayo club after clouds. a falling out with his home club. With Crossmolina voices were pleading with God no Twitter to confi rm or deny, word to let the reigning Connacht champions fi nd a spread like gorse fi re that McDanger miracle to stay in the championship while West OFTEN wished would tog in Balla. As I remember, they Mayo throats were roaring encouragement as was just a game of kicking. Self- came from all over, the golf course hill the mighty men from Achill, Islandeady and ishly, it was always when I was lined with spectators who’d left mass enjoyed a three-point lead with time happiest. A wide open fi eld and straight after communion, keen to catch almost up. some lads spread out, spraying all a glimpse of a footballing messiah. On the far sideline, in front of the dugout, Pad- mannerI of passes in a variety of veloci- Even as opposition players, we waited raic Syron turned to Thomas Jordan and Michael ties and trajectories. The dozen or so and watched as emerged from Moore. “We can do no more. It’s up to them now,” HOME SWEET HOME Crossing back into Crossmolina with the Andy Merrigan Cup after the 2001 All-Ireland club fi nal win were, left to right: team manager ways to spin a ball off your foot. the dressing room. Alas, there was no he said as the seconds ticked away. Thomas Jordan, captain Tom Nallen and Damien Mulligan. Also in the photo were Shane Kearns, Ronan Judge and David Kearns (partly hidden). Pic: PJ Hughes The split-second knowledge as it leaves McDonald. In true Gatsby fashion, he Then a high ball into the West Mayo goalmouth the boot leather, whether it’s either on hadn’t shown up for his own party. defl ected off a defending hand and history changed the money or slightly off. The waiting, The legend grew. forever. In a split second, Paul McGuinness as the ball zips through the air toward arrived on the scene and fl ashed the ball to the THOMAS JORDAN ON HIS the country. The day we were playing Bellaghy psychologist and everything in between. you from a team-mate, coming in so hot HATEVER the back of the net to unleash a guttural sigh of relief MANAGEMENT TEAM there was a lad warming up on the sideline and I was on holidays once and saw the German you have to time your jump and hang, spark for that false from every Crossmolina throat. Padraic said to me, ‘He was a Derry minor four soccer team training. They were doing a lot of before plucking it down. rumour that Four points followed immediately and the great- MICHAEL MOORE or fi ve years ago. He’s a handy forward and will the things Jarlath had our lads at. I’d even say, No anxiety over the brutal fi st of a almost flamed, est adventure of all was off and running. SELECTOR take a bit of watching.’ I never knew anyone Jarlath’s sessions were better.” Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin/Bosnia Herze- McDonald “I’ll never forget that evening. That changed “HE was steady as a rock. He had won an Al- with as much knowledge about players.” govina corner-back coming smashing Wseemed, to an outsider at least, to be a everything. The tide turned immediately and we Ireland medal with Galway in the sixties and JOE DONNELLY into your ear. brilliant and formidable club man. took more lessons from that game than any other,” brought great experience to any team he ever JARLATH CUNNINGHAM PHYSIO No fear of the shepherd’s hook for If a debate raged over where he best Thomas Jordan tells The Mayo News two dec- dealt with. He had a great football brain and TRAINER “HE knew the lads and they trusted him. He going to ground once too often. fi t into Mayo’s plans, there was no such ades after his Deel Rovers team won the All- was always very shrewd on the sideline.” “HE told me he knew nothing about football but knew how they operated and how badly they No, I just wanted blue skies and the confl ict in Cross’. Ireland club title. he’d get the lads fi tter than any team in Ireland. always wanted to play. Joe played a big role art of kicking. In-steppers, sliders, stiff- He was the fulcrum, and far from mind “There were moments near the end of that PADRAIC SYRON He was true to his word. In fairness to Jarlath, behind the scenes.” legged front-on drives, there was poetry himself as “the talent”, he wore the weight match when I honestly thought we were gone, SELECTOR he was much more than a trainer. These days, in the process, the appreciation of which of that heavy crown with aplomb. Play- but we survived and came through. It was bon- “HE had massive football knowledge. He was the roles he covered would take 10 or 15 men. I can defi nitely thank my brother for. ing against him it was apparent nothing fi re night and when I got home I went down the like an encyclopedia and knew every player in He was everything from a trainer to a sports Michael Gallagher There was another obvious infl uence was beneath him when it came to being village to enjoy the craic. The people around the however, maybe the greatest spinner of a team player. His presence on the fi eld bonfi re who hadn’t gone to the game couldn’t them all, Ciaran McDonald. To watch was as immense as his talent, and,as believe what they were hearing.” him kicking was like watching a Terence otherworldly as his skillset was, he was THE MAIN MAN Crossmolina’s Ciaran McDonald is pictured with the match ball and the man of the match Thomas Jordan was a Deel Rovers man since Malik movie. Long, breathless, luxurious a hard, hard bastard. He took some pun- award after the 2001 All-Ireland club fi nal at Croke Park. Pic: PJ Hughes birth and had joined the senior management every game with Charlestown, Knockmore and game in April, while others thrive on the biggest women who had kept the club alive in the tough- dream sequences of an O’Neills football ishment, and he could dish it too. team for the 1998 season. John Joe McLoughlin Ballina were absolute thrillers. We all pushed of challenges. Most of our lads couldn’t wait to est of times had tears rolling down their faces. being pinged across an open fi eld. McDon- In previewing Balla’s intermediate was the boss at the time and asked Jordan to get each other in those years and some of those get out onto Croke Park. It was brilliant. ald was a poet alright, and his left leg championship triumph last autumn, I and made his way to the ‘fi fty’, where a involved even though he was living in Limerick games were savage battles,” he says before “We didn’t get to the tempo of the game in the “The following day was defi nitely the longest was a quill dipped in magic ink. wrote about a sliding doors moment for For the fi rst scatter of footballs lay idle. at the time. describing the biggest challenge of all, the All fi rst half and Barry Heffernan kept us in it. He and best trip home ever. We left Maynooth around As with all great poets, there was tor- both clubs, when we played Crossmolina One by one, he fl icked them up, as if “They were a special bunch and we were lucky Ireland fi nal against the famous Nemo Rang- was as good a goalie as I ever saw and that day, mid-day and it probably took us 12 hours to get ture and there was mystery. the week after Balla lost a county fi nal half he was unable to help himself, he spun them to work with them. “John Joe stepped away the ers. he was brilliant. home. That journey will live with me forever. His mercurial personality neatly aligned to Castlebar Mitchels in 1993. Cross’ this way and that, dissecting the posts following year and somehow I ended up as the “At half-time, we knew we had to fi nd another Crossing the Shannon was special; in Ballinagare with the more innocent, pre-social media were in relegation trouble, and needing simply each time. In that moment, I was reminded manager,” he says. half yard if we were going to win it. Just before there was a band waiting for us and a massive days of the late nineties and early 2000’s. the points, they met little opposition in untouchable of the closing pars of Gay Talese’s mas- “There was something about them. They were NEMO were a class act. They had excel- we went back out, James Nallen stood up and crowd in Ballaghaderreen. The quieter he was, literally and fi gura- a tired Balla team, who at that time didn’t’ terpiece, The Silent Season of a Hero, a bit above the average. They were prepared to lent players everywhere and on top of said, ‘This is our chance; we’ve waited for this “It was the same all the way through Mayo and tively, the more he fed the myth, whether lose many league games. The six county where he describes an ageing and retired work hard for what they wanted. “Like all teams, that they had Colm Corkery, Stephen for so long and now it’s here.’ when we came in the Ballina Road and saw the by accident or incident. He was a walk- titles they went on to win from 1995 to Joe DiMaggio reluctantly entering the there was a fair diversity of characters among O’Brien and a few more who were a step “We played pretty well in the second half and crowds waiting for us at home it was almost ing contradiction; the man who shunned 2006 ran in perfect parallel to McDonald batter’s cage at Yankees’ spring training, them, but every one of them was mad on football higher again. the time fl ew by until we were in front in the beyond belief. I’ll never forget it,” Thomas con- the limelight, but with white boots, surfer in his pomp. His was a prodigious talent, sition two years later was even better to take a few swings to please expectant and believed in themselves. They believed they ““We had no particular plan to deal with Cork- dying minutes. Then each minute seemed like cludes. dude hair and a talent touched by God, and though it’s arguable Mayo never — for the fi rst half he was simply untouch- fans and supporters. could compete with anyone and they could back ery. Everyone had their own tasks and Tom Nal- a day,” he adds as a smile stretches across his Thomas Jordan and his team created memories he was always the centre of attention. fully optimised his gifts, I doubt anyone able. Initially angry at himself for being so it up,” Thomas adds as thoughts turn to the teams len said he’d take responsibility for Colin. We face. which will forever decorate Mayo sporting his- Often, it was not clear what part of the in Crossmolina would argue they didn’t I was lucky enough to be in Pearse obliging, DiMaggio makes about four who gave them their hardest days. had no fear of Nemo. We wanted to be tested by Thoughts of the celebration, the utter elation tory. That famous championship journey is now world McDonald was actually in (again, get the best out of him, and he out of Stadium last November for the Mayo- solid hits, before swinging purely, knock- “Of course we had massive challenges when the best and show what we could do. and the trip back to the Deel are deeply embed- engraved in the hearts and minds of all fortunate both literally and fi guratively). Arguably them. His man of the match perform- Galway Connacht fi nal. Sitting there, ing one out of the park. “The reporters we got out of Mayo, but I always thought the “We had prepared well and were totally ready ded in Jordan’s treasured memories. enough to have witnessed it, but the bounce of the biggest crowd I ever played in front ance in that 2001 All Ireland club triumph freezing in advance of a spectacle that just watched. Nobody said anything”. toughest days were here at home. to give it our best shot. Like all teams there are “I’ll never forget the joy it brought to everyone, a ball on a Friday evening in Islandeady could of in Balla was one Sunday morning circa was a fi tting rebuke to any critic who did little to warm my heart or my toes, Nobody who has ever watched Ciaran “We’d go over to and have to fi ght to lads who approach things differently. Some lads especially the older generation who never dreamt have changed everything. spring 2000, when we up against Shrule/ ever contended he didn’t have it in him. the unmistakable fi gure of McDonald McDonald kick has ever needed to say the death. They had a fi ne side that time and get sick before games even if it’s just a league of seeing Crossmolina in Croke Park. Men and On such runways, fairytales take fl ight. Glencorrib, not Crossmolina, in a senior His performance against the same oppo- concluded his part of the Mayo warm-up, anything. Seeing was always believing.

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DID YOU KNOW? How the West nearly won When Clonbur won the All-Ireland Junior club Thinking championship title in 2012, they were also trained by Jarlath Cunningham. A West Mayo amalgamation gave Crossmolina an almighty fright at outside the very start of their road to Croker FEATURE “That year it all fell right. Frank McHale EDWIN was our manager and he was pumped MCGREAL for it. He had us all believing we could do it. In GAA as well, when everyone is writing you off, it can help. We had noth- ing to lose.” the box THEY would go on to become champi- West Mayo led by two points at the ons of the land in 2001 but Crossmolina’s interval and by four inside the fi nal ten famous season was almost ended before minutes, but Cafferkey recalls the expe- it began. rience and know-how of Crossmolina The Deel Rovers were the defending slowly but surely getting them on top. Connacht club champions at the start “We fl ew from the traps and really had Jarlath Cunningham brought a different of the 2000 season, but they were nearly them on the run in the fi rst half but they dumped out of the Mayo senior cham- turned the screw gradually in the second approach as Crossmolina’s trainer pionship that summer in dramatic fash- half. ion by the junior footballers of West “They were coming into it more and Mayo. more and we were just holding on. Our INTERVIEW of silage. The men from Achill, Islandeady and errors probably came from their pres- MICHAEL “I wanted to get advice from outside the group Kilmeena had Crossmolina on the ropes sure. GALLAGHER and Pat Spillane was always talking about how and were on the brink of a seismic “I made a mistake myself in the clos- Mayo fellas couldn’t win All Irelands,” he con- shock. ing stages which led to Paul McGuin- tinued. In fact, the West Mayo amalgamation ness’s goal. That was on my mind for a “I wanted to talk to him and pick his brains, so were three points up with less than fi ve good while afterwards. THE Dome Suite in The Castlecourt Hotel was I kept ringing the pub in Templenoe for six weeks minutes to go when Crossmolina’s clever “They were there for the taking but rocking as happy wedding guests trotted and until I got him. He was brilliant. We talked for forward, Paul McGuinness, snuck in for their experience pulled out the result trampled their way through The Siege of Ennis. ages and his major advice was don’t complicate a decisive goal. for them in the last ten minutes. Fitness The bride, Fiona Giblin from Fairymount was in it, play to your strengths, which was accurate Unburdened, Thomas Jordan’s men was a help to them too. “We were fi t but the midst of the mayhem, but there was no sign kick-passing.” clicked remorselessly into top gear, hit- we wouldn’t be used to going at it ham- of the groom, Kevin Heffernan. The well-known karate expert became a crucial ting four points subsequently to run out mer and tongs for 65 minutes, both from At that very moment, he was in the front bar part of the management team alongside Thomas 1-15 to 2-8 winners. However, that fi nal a physical and mental point of view. They having a quiet pint with his friend and Crossmo- Jordan, Padraic Syron and Michael Moore. And scoreline only scratched at the surface had been down that road so many times lina team-mate Johnny Leonard. Then, a Castle- the man who supposedly knew nothing about of a remarkable Friday evening’s action over the years. bar man, Jarlath Cunningham arrived. He takes football was suddenly immersed in late night in Islandeady on June 23, 2000. “I was marking Johnny Leonard and I up the tale. “It was January 3, 1998. I was good team selection meetings. It had been a big week for Colm Caf- felt I did very well, beat him to a good friends with Kevin and was coming into the “We’d head up to Tommy’s house after training ferkey from Achill. few balls but he still ended up sneaking evening celebration of the wedding when I saw to pick the team and we’d be there for hours. The He was 18 at the time and and was sit- three points off me, coming on the loop, himself and Johnny ‘Rep’ in the bar. I went in to white board would be out and Mary would keep ting his Leaving Cert French and Geog- showing his experience and smarts,” congratulate him and he grabbed me around the us fuelled up on tea and sandwiches. It might be raphy exams, but he was more consumed added Cafferkey, who went on to play shoulders. ‘Leonard, if ye get this fella in with three in the morning and we’d just have every- with the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of Ciarán McDon- for Mayo at all levels. Crossmolina ye’ll win the All-Ireland! He hasn’t thing sorted when Padraic would say, ‘Hold on ald than any exams that week. “How they performed in those last ten a clue about football, but he’ll make the differ- a minute, maybe we should think about this.’ In Cafferkey is the only player who played minutes was the sign of champions. Eve- ence,’ Kevin said. And as the night progressed fairness he was always right,” Jarlath says with that day (on either side) still playing rything was slicker, they upped a gear the story took on legs. a smile. club football in 2021. He recalls the match and showed real quality. There was no “Long story short – a few weeks later I was vividly. doubt about their calibre in those last down in Crossmolina doing a few sessions and RAINING the team was just one of “It was my fi rst big game. It was a big ten minutes. it developed into an amazing experience,” Jarlath, the tasks undertaken by Cunningham. thing seeing the game being previewed “We were a bit like a team in a Disney FLASHBACK Colm TEAMS who is employed as a social care worker at Car- He was also seen as the man who could and the hype that went with it,” Caffer- movie, a bunch of loveable misfi ts with Cafferkey is pictured in CROSSMOLINA rowbeg Enterprises in Westport tells The Mayo deal with any worries the players key told The Mayo News. nothing to lose up against a super slick his Achill jersey. Below, Barry Heffernan; Francis Costello, Tom the West Mayo team that News. had. “I had the Leaving Cert that week but machine of a team, except if it was a started against Nallen, Colm Reilly; Pat McAndrew, Cunningham’s fi rst season with the Deel Rov- T“If a player had something on his mind and he I was thinking more about tackling Ciarán movie we would have won. Maybe the Crossmolina in the fi rst Damien Mulligan, Gerry O’Malley (0-4); ers ended with an All-Ireland semi-fi nal defeat didn’t want to tell Tommy he’d tell me instead McDonald during my exams than what Crossmolina lads just weren’t into Dis- round of the 2000 Mayo Thomas Loftus, Gabriel Walsh; Ciarán at the hands of St Vincent’s, but the job wasn’t and if Tommy wanted to get any quiet message was on the paper! ney sports movies!” SFC. Pics: Michael McLaughlin/ McDonald (0-5), Joe Keane, Noel fi nished. to one of the players, he’d ask me to have a word. “I remember tackling him during the But they were into creating fairytales Tommy Eibrand Convey; Paul McGuinness (1-0), Michael “We sat in the dressing-room that evening and I also had to come up with a few things of my game and, after the ball went away, I was of their own; less than a year later they We were a Moyles (0-3), Johnny Leonard (0-3). knew there was more in the group. “We honestly own. “Liam Moffatt and one or two more had AHEAD OF HIS TIME Former Crossmolina trainer Jarlath Cunningham. kind of in awe. I was a young fella and became Mayo’s fi rst All-Ireland senior bit like a team Subs used: Stephen Rochford for knew we could win it, but we never set out to tight hamstrings, so I gave them all a bottle of a Mayo supporter and here I was tack- club champions. Costello; Enda Lavelle for Keane; do so, if that’s not too confusing. We just went special mixture from a blessed healer. In truth ling McDonald!” in a Disney Padraig Whittaker for Convey. out to be better every day and we loved every it was just olive oil from Dunnes in Castlebar, word came through that the hurling fi nal had Cafferkey says the game sat up game and the challenges it brought. but it did the trick!” ended in a draw. Things like that can throw off perfectly for West Mayo that movie, a WEST MAYO “I learned a lot about football and people that Soon thoughts turn to Croke Park and the big- the whole day but we soon had it sorted. year. Colin Moylette (Islandeady); Colm year. We went back to Kiltane for a league match gest day of all. “We sat the lads down, told them take off their The tribal West Mayo Junior bunch of Cafferkey (Achill), Tony Collins (Island- and I thought we’d win easy. The lads told me “We had completely role-played the arrange- boots and get the whole togging-out, warming Championship – the county junior loveable eady), Des Ryan (Islandeady); Declan it’d be a battle. ments and got into Croke Park the week before. up sequence going again. That settled things and championship was still being run O’Malley (Achill), Ray McNamara (Achill, “I thought they were mad, but we were very We even put ‘P’ Howley and Peadar Flynn in the later when the signal came to go out and play, on a divisional basis until 2004 – misfi ts with 0-1), Pat Mulchrone (Kilmeena); Darren glad to come out of there with a draw in the end,” stand to throw insults at the lads and try to put we were ready. was not on until later in the sum- nothing Madden (Kilmeena, 0-1), James Ryan Cunningham explains before describing some them off. We also talked to Knockmore and any- Those guys were He saves his fi nal thoughts for the leader of the mer. (Kilmeena, 0-1); Fergal Kilbane (Achill, of his innovative training methods. one we thought would help us. band. So for six weeks, they could focus to lose up 1-1), Adrian McLoughlin (Achill), Davy “Those guys were great footballers so they “We wanted the lads just to think about foot- thoroughbred “Tommy Jordan was the best manager I ever on the visit of the big dogs. Feehan (Kilmeena, 0-2); Brendan Horan were looking for something different. No session ball, absolutely nothing else. One of the things worked with and I can never understand why “We could build a squad and a against a (Islandeady), Joe Ryan (Kilmeena, 1-0), was the same. I had them doing retro sessions we learned was there was nowhere in the dress- horses and all I did he hasn’t been involved in Mayo inter-county sense of togetherness. We weren’t Ciarán Gallagher (Achill, 0-1). where they had to do everything backwards, or ing-room to lock your wallets during matches, teams. He isn’t the most vocal or the most vis- tearing strips off each other one super-slick Sub used: Michael Horan (Islandeady, I had them doing everything on one leg or mad so we looked after all the little things like that. was feed them hay ible, but he’s the most successful. He’s a brilliant week and then expected to play 0-1) for McLoughlin. stuff like that. Those guys were thoroughbred “Then, on the day itself, we were in the dress- leader and a fantastic man-manager. I was blessed together the next. That happened a machine horses and all I did was feed them hay instead ing-room, all ready to go out into the tunnel when instead of silage to work with him.” lot in other years. of a team Referee: P Geraghty (Swinford)

ISSUE SECTION SUB SECTION PAGE PDF MADE DESIGN SALES READ EDITOR PDF OK ISSUE SECTION SUB SECTION PAGE PDF MADE DESIGN SALES READ EDITOR PDF OK APR 20 SPORT 10 0 KL DAY DAY DAY DAY APR 20 SPORT 11 0 KL DAY DAY DAY DAY TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME MODIFIED Mon, Apr 19, 19:56 OUTPUT Fri, Apr 23, 11:52 LOCATION Server:THIS WEEK:z OLD:20210420:SPORT:Supplement Page 1-12:SPORT Crossmolina 1-12.indd MODIFIED Mon, Apr 19, 19:56 OUTPUT Fri, Apr 23, 11:52 LOCATION Server:THIS WEEK:z OLD:20210420:SPORT:Supplement Page 1-12:SPORT Crossmolina 1-12.indd 12 2001: A CROSSMOLINA ODYSSEY THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 A club for a community Kevin Heffernan on how his family savoured Crossmolina’s success

FEATURE However, Heffernan’s heart is Dad and MICHAEL forever maroon. His parents GALLAGHER Mattie and Noreen and siblings Josie Moffatt Michael, Brian, Dymphna, Aidan, Barry and Dessie have always would carried the Deel Rovers in their HE may have lived in Aberdeen daily luggage. spend hours for more than a quarter of a cen- “We’re very proud of where tury, but Kevin Heffernan’s heart we’re from and the people around discussing is forever in Rakestreet. Speak us. My father was always involved players and with him any day of the year and with sport and just loved it. His the former full-back will unleash heart and soul was in it. Winning games. The a stream of sentences about Deel the All-Ireland and Barry play- Rovers’ past, present and ing such a massive part in the two of them future. fi nal was defi nitely his greatest Kevin wasn’t just a footballer, day. were bucks! he famously won a senior hurl- “We were coming down the ing title with North Mayo in 1988 road that evening and I had Dad A MOMENT IN TIME — the same day as he togged out and Mam in the car. He turned Pictured on the pitch at for Crossmolina when they drew to me and said, ’50 years ago we Croke Park with the Andy with Castlebar Mitchels in the were coming out the road with Merrigan Cup after the 2001 football fi nal. Later in life, he fl ew Sam Maguire, but I never thought All-Ireland club fi nal were from Scotland to London every I’d ever see a day like this.’ Noel Convey and his weekend to swing the ash with “It took us a long time to get daughter Jessica; and Peadar Flynn and his son Robert Emmets before spending home that night. He got me to Jordan (who now plays with 17 seasons with the Aberdeen stop in every town along the way Crossmolina and Mayo). University GAA Club. and he’d walk the town, just soak- Pics: PJ Hughres

ing it up, and we had a pint or devotion has powered Kevin Happy 20th Anniversary to Crossmolina GAA Club two as well,” Kevin explains as he played with and man- with a smile as thoughts turn aged Aberdeen, Scotland and and best wishes for the future to the adventures enjoyed the British All-Stars, but his watching the men in maroon admiration for the men who take on the best teams in the came through the ranks to land. win the biggest prize of all “We had the greatest of days. in 2001 will never diminish. A G S I’d fl y home from Scotland and “I had success coming up, we’d get into the car and head winning a Minor ‘A’ title in 1984 off all over Ireland after the lads. when we beat Castlebar in the G SCAFFOLDING SERVICES We had some craic and met the fi nal. I pulled away from the greatest of people. I’ll never for- LEGEND Mattie Heffernan senior team after the 1988 get the day we were in Enniskil- replayed fi nal when I thought Think Safety! Think AGS! len and the stories from that at that time but Dad and his I got a raw deal from the selec- S evening will never leave me.” friends always felt the talent was tors. After that I concentrated Mattie Heffernan is undoubt- there to compete with the very on hurling and also helped coach edly a legendary fi gure in the best.” all those lads when they were We specialise in the following services: history of Crossmolina Deel That sense of possibility never coming through the ranks with Rovers – a tough, talented man left Mattie and, as the years the underage football teams. • Industrial Tube & Fit Design Scaffold on the pitch, a passionate gentle- passed, it became somewhat of “There were a number of really • Hire of Shuttering Pans man off it. The Rakestreet native an obsession. good groups coming through at experienced days when the Deel “He had a great eye for a player the same time and they won • Cuplock Scaffold • Decking Rovers were an average junior and himself and Josie Moffatt everything. I knew them all and • Kwik-stage Scaffold • Shrink Wrapping outfi t, but never stopped dream- would spend hours discussing knew the way they thought. If ing of brighter days. players and games. The two of you showed them respect they’d • Hire of Acro Props • Total Encapsulation “Dad was a country lad and them were bucks. They’d be in do anything for you. They had • Edge protection • Rubbish chutes sometimes mightn’t have got a our house out in the back kitchen no fear and they’d fi ght for their fair shout from selectors, but and Josie would be rubbing his lives. We also provide labour to erect scaffold if you have your own whenever they needed someone jaw saying, ‘what do you think “They brought us the best of to look after fellas like Nipper Mattie?’ days. They gave so many so much O’Boyle or Terry Casey they’d The Heffernan clan will forever happiness and I’m very thankful call on Mattie. Crossmolina be associated with all that’s good for the joy they brought very For all your scaffolding needs call Anthony on: weren’t tearing down any walls in sport along the Deel. That good people like our parents.” 087 9113669 for your free quotation. HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY TO CROSSMOLINA DEEL ROVERS GAA New Business Park, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo. CLUB FROM THE MAYO NEWS. Tel: 096 30330 Mob: 087 9113669 Fax: 096 30331 The contributors to our All-Ireland Club Final supplement were: Mike Finnerty (Editor), Michael Gallagher, Edwin McGreal and Colin Sheridan. Photos: E: [email protected] W: www.agscaffolding.com Michael McLaughlin, Sportsfi le and PJ Hughes. Design: Kevin Loftus

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