Before a big attendandce, Glenealy retained the County Wicklow Senior Hurling title for the third year in succession, when they defeated Barndarrig, at Aughrim, in a keenly contested game.

The game was played at a fast pace. There were well taken scores, not too many frees and the close, hard hurling was a treat to watch.

Any extra speed the Glenealy possessed, was nullified by the superb tackling by the Barndarrig defenders. Defence was turned into attack at a speed that was at times, bewildering.

Aided by a strong wind in the opening half, Glenealy opened in promising fashion, and Séan Kennedy was on the mark with a goal and two points before Barndarrig settled down. When Barndarrig got going, the game came to life and the ball sped from end to end.

The Glenealy defense had some anxious moments when Barndarrig put on the pressure during the second half, but no praise is too high for the champions for they fought splendidly to retain their title.

No one enhanced his reputation more than Séan kennedy, whose play was an inspiration to his teammates. He was closely followed by Noel Quinn and Bob Douglas, who always seemed to be in the right place at the right moment.

Every member played his part in his team’s triumph. Seldom has goalkeeper Larry Staines given such an outstanding display. He cleared his lines time and again when danger threatened.

Mick Kelly, at full back, was very reliable and his duels with Mick Bouchier, were highlights of the game. Corner backs O’Neill and Murphy enhanced their growing reputations as defenders.

In a great half-time of defence, Quinn was outstanding. Kearns and Douglas were a great midfield pair and in a fast-moving attack, Kennedy and J and P Kavanagh were best.

By their victory, Glenealy won the O’Farrell Cup outright.

First Half

Glenealy began with speed and skill. They swept into the attack and in three successive raids had two points per S Kennedy (one from a free and one from play) Shortly afterwards, J Kavanagh crossed to S Kennedy, who smashed an unstoppable shot to the net. A free by Carthy put Barndarrig on the attack. Kehoe was held going through and Bouchier, from the free, sent over a point. Two minutes later, O’Reilly soloed through the defence for a point. Staines saved twice from Kehoe and D Carney. A long clearance from Burke reached P Kavanagh, who outwitted the defence for a Glenealy goal. Mc Donald, carthy and O’Shea did Trojan work in stemming Glenealy attacks, and just at half time, Cooney scored a Glenealy point leaving the score: Glenealy 2-3 Barndarrig 0-2.

Second Half

On resumption, Barndarrig forced the issue, Bouchier was fouled, and from the free sent it to the net. This score gave the challengers new life, but poor finishing lost likely scores. O’Neill made a timely clearance from O Reilly and a free to Glenealy brought them into the attack. Staines, in the Glenealy goal saved shots from all angles, before D. Cooney finished a Galvin centre to the net. Glenealy replied with a point from a free by Douglas. In a Barndarrig raid, Bouchier, from a free added a point. Glenealy defence conceded a seventy, which Galvin dropped on the square. P Burke sent clear and Cooney beat the advancing Breen for a Glenealy goal. A Glenealy seventy was cleared by O’Shea and Kehoe sent in a stinging drive which Bouchier finished to the Net. Glenealy were on the attack at the full time whistle.

GLENEALY 4 – 4 BARNDARRIG 3 – 3

Glenealy: L Staines; J O’Neill; M.Kelly; W Murphy; N Quinn; P J Burke; L Cullen; J Kearns; R Douglas; P Kavanagh; C Byrne; J Kavanagh; T Cooney; S Kennedy; P Byrne

Presentation of the Cup

After the game, Mr H Byrne, Chairman of the County Board, presented the cup to the Glenealy Captain. He congratulated Glenealy on their victory and their achievement in winning the cup outright. He also congratulated Barndarrig on the sporting manner in which they accepted defeat.

Mr Sean O’Farrell, Chairman of the County Hurling Board, congratulated Glenealy on their victory. They had played the game as sportsmen and were worthy champions. Barndarrig did their best, but were beaten by a better team.

Mr Bob Douglas, Captain of the Glenealy team, said it was a proud moment for him to have the honour of receiving the cup. He congratulated Barndarrig on the grand sporting game they had played. The fine spirit in which they took their defeat stamped them as great sportsmen. He was proud that Glenealy had won the cup outright and he felt that Barndarrig would sooner or later regain the title.

Very Rev. W Lillis PP congratulated both teams on the fine sporting spirit in which they played the game. It was always a pleasure to watch a good clean, manly game. He wished both victors and vanquished every success in the times to come.