South Junior Hurling Champions 1963

St. Patrick’s won their first ever hurling title in 1963 when they beat Moyle Rovers 3-3 to 2-3 to win the south junior hurling final. Having defeated St. Lukes in the opening round by 6-4 to 4-3 St.Pat’s when on to play Killenaule in the south semi-final. Ned Barnable recalls the team togging out in a derelict building on main street Fethard with ash and alder growing up through the roof. Despite the primitive dressing room conditions St. Patrick’s defeated Killenaule by 1-5 to 1-2 to book their place in the final against Moyle Rovers.

The final was a hard fought game with little between the sides. At half-time the score was level at 2-3 a piece but St. Pat’s had played with a gale force wind at their backs which was now going to advantage Moyle Rovers in the second half. However the St.Pat’s defence stood up to the challenge in the second half and kept Moyle Rovers scoreless and when John Duggan goaled  for St. Pat’s it was to prove to be the winning score.

In a “Nationalist report” on the game Billy Brennan is credited with making some excellent saves and was well protected by the full back line of Paddy Clancy, Eamy O’Connor, and Billy O’Dwyer while the half back line of Paddy Brett, Eddie Hayden and Tommy Hennessy was very sound. John Duggan was very good in mid field while Paddy Gleeson and Ned Barnable were the pick of the forwards.

This was the first ever hurling title for St. Patrick’s and a feat which would not be repeated again until 1991.

Piery Cummins trained the team while Michael Lahert, John Duggan and Ned Barnable were the selectors.

Team: Billy Brennan, Paddy Clancy, Eamy O’Connor, Billy O’Dwyer, Paddy Brett, Eddie Hayden, Tommy Hennessy, John Duggan, Lory Clancy, Jimmy O’Connell, Paddy Gleeson, Michael Power, Joe Brennan, Ned Barnable (capt), John Egan, Michael McCormack, John McCormack, John Slattery, Michael Slattery, and Pat O’Connor.