Back to History page

The GAA, which was founded in 1884 to cultivate Irish games pastimes, had taken root in Edgeworthstown in 1891. The first authentic reference to Gaelic football in Edgeworthstown was recorded in the Roscommon Herald as follows: "Rathowen Leaguers v. Mostrim Volunteers - Mostrim met Rathowen on the 8th February 1891 in a field kindly given by Thomas Greene of Rathaspic. The Volunteers won the toss and had the advantage of wind and the fall of the field, but they objected to playing with the Leaguers' ball, claiming it was not full size. P. McCadden, referee, anxious for peace and harmony, sportingly allowed the visitors to play with their own ball. The contest began fiercely and the Volunteers were constantly harassed by the stronger and more determined Leaguers. However, after twenty minutes the crafty Mostrim forwards scored a point and by half time, despite the determined work of the Rathowen backs, had three points. The game resumed with renewed vigour and the ball was belted from end to end with men limping and shouting until throats were dry urging their men to victory. Another point was recorded by the Volunteers through the accurate kicking of one Grimes, who was chief marksman for Mostrim. The final result was Mostrim Volunteers 0-04 Rathowen Leaguers 0-00. During the 1890s, the knowledge of the activities of the GAA is rather scant. The death of Charles Stuart Parnell caused a division in the Association which lasted for some years. The U.I. League did much to heal the wounds and finally it presented a united front. In 1898 the centenary celebrations of the Battle of Ballinamuck also helped in cementing the opposing factions together. A bye-law was made by the Co. Longford Board that only members of the U.I. League were welcome to participate in the game. This rule also applied to the parish of Rathowen. Of course there were no playing fields as we know them today. Practice took place often clandestinely in fields owned by local farmers. A game was often interrupted and the contestants had to move to another venue. Most of the inter-parish games appear to have been played in the winter periods when fields were readily available. The following notice appeared in The Longford Leader of January 1st 1898. "The captain of the Edgeworthstown Volunteers desires me to acknowledge receipt of a very courteous letter from the Secretary of the Longford Wanderers containing a challenge to a friendly game on a Sunday to be named. Owing to the fact that Edgeworthstown had only one day's practice under Association Rules, the members desire that the match be postponed until they become more proficient." Prior to this period there were twenty men on each team and there were two crossbars on each goalposts. The number in a team was gradually reduced and in the twenties it was reduced to thirteen. However, by the end of that decade it had become officially fifteen. On January 15th 1898, Longford Wanderers issued a challenge to any club in the county, which was taken up by Edgeworthstown Volunteers. On the following Sunday, Edgeworthstown's braves proceeded to Longford in a long car, drawn by two horses. Most of the team wore strong boots but a few had special boots for the occasion made by the local cobbler. These were specially suited for football. This game was played under the new Association rules, rather than the old Gaelic rules. A short description of the game appeared in The Longford Leader which spoke of the "field of battle" and other adjectives which indicated quite an encounter, fierce and furious. Such games required men of courage and determination, no place for feint hearts.
Players listed on the Volunteers team were
P.J. Lee, M. Greene, E. Grimes, J. Greene, Js. Greene, J. Grimes, M. Foxe, Brennan, Dempsey, Wm. Dorris, Flynn and Gilchrist F.
The account goes on to state that the Volunteers were entertained with great hospitality in Great Water St., and were vociferously cheered and got a right hearty send off by the townspeople. The final result was Longford Wanderers 1-00 Edgeworthstown Volunteers 0-00. The dawning years of the 20th century sees the GAA go from strength to strength in Longford. By 1909 the GAA was fairly well organised in the county and Mostrim contributed its due part to the organisation in both the boardroom and the playing field. During the early years of the century there were no formal club meetings. The club captain bore mostly all the responsibility of running the team and was the medium of communicating with the County Board and other clubs. His vice-captain gave him all the necessary assistance and the more able members of the team aided those men. Former important players were generous with their advice but no formal notes were kept. Those get-togethers were often held after a bout of kicking, after a day's work on the bog or in the captain's home. However, the captain being a man of stern character and proven ability, was respected by all the players. The team was announced immediately before the game and included men of dedication and proven ability. Goalposts were erected the morning of the match in fields given by local farmers. Togs and jerseys were made locally by the dressmaker and cost 1/- per unit. The visiting team supplied the referee. If players had to travel long distances they were carried by long car and supporters went on foot, by side car, and intrepid supporters by ass and cart. The fervour and enthusiasm of the sideline had to be seen to be believed. It was not unusual for a few men from opposing sides to try and settle the score on the sideline. Mostrim never lacked genuine supporters, both male and female. Mothers, sisters and sweethearts of the players were there to encourage the town to victory or to console them in defeat. By 1909 there is a reference to a Mostrim team which made quite an impact throughout the county. The king-pins of the period were the enigmatic Hughie Devine, Thomas McLoughlin and Paddy Murphy - the local tailor. The trio also organised the club and generally improved the state of the organisation. Hughie became secretary of the club, a position he held for over fifty years. In a game against Clonguish in the late twenties, Hughie or the 'Cribbin' as he was called, was described as "a scheming forward with well directed shots". Prior to the Great War of 1914-1918 the GAA was in a healthy state in the parish but then Home Rule began to absorb the energy of young men, and they were diverted into other activities. The Redmond and McNeill Volunteers attracted their attention and the Gaelic association in general became involved in the National struggle. The Rising of 1916 and the subsequent War of Independence and Civil War cut deep into Irish life and the Association languished until the early twenties. In 1917, John Nolan, the Dalton brothers and many others joined the Volunteers and that put paid to their football activities and indeed to their appearance in public places. Many others were restricted in their movements, particularly in the Black and Tan days. A depressing period followed the signing of the Treaty in 1921 and on October 6th 1923 the following item appeared in The Longford Leader "Anent our remarks on last week's notes re. the backward state of Gaelic football in Co. Longford it is imperative that some life be injected into our favourite old pastime." By the late twenties the club became a cohesive and comprehensive unit under the captaincy of Patrick Turner, and they won the Junior Championship in 1929 by defeating Ardagh.
The team was comprised of the following players.
P. Tallon, Doherty brothers, P. Murphy, Joe Greene, Ted Morgan, J. Nolan (the rubber man), T. Kenny, T. McLoughlin, P. Turner, Bill Devine, B. Langan, N. Mallon and Harry Greene.
The game was not played until February 1930. It was played in the big field in Lacken. The preparation of the game had much to recommend it. The individuals of the Ardagh were thoroughly analysed. Jim Bannon was then in his prime and it was decided that two Mostrim players would concentrate on him. Otherwise it was a man to man encounter. The decision to go for a flying start paid dividends. A goal and a point by Harry Greene inside five minutes left the Ardagh team flabbergasted. There was no let up form the town. T. Kenny and Thomas McLoughlin made hay at midfield; the backs stood firm against a few piercing Ardagh attacks. John Nolan of Lacken was not called the rubber man for nothing. The thirties opened with the new senior team and a new era began for Gaelic football in the parish. The greats from the romantic past began to drop out and fresh young men filled their places. After entering the senior ranks they reached the senior final for the first time ever but were well beaten by the great St. Mary's team of that era. On the way to the final they defeated the Longford Wanderers team that had ten members of the county team. Bill Devine and T. Kenny received injuries in a 7-a-side game in Streete the Sunday before the senior final and were unable to play. The following players were listed to play Mullinalaghta in the Senior League in May 1933: Tallon, Greene (5), Flood (2), Coffey (2), Langan, McLoughlin, Morgan, Dolan, Forde, Reilly, Donlon and Gogan. There was two separate clubs in the parish in 1932. Some differences arose which caused the split. Young Ireland's entered the Intermediate championship and defeated Mullinalaghta in the final which was played in Granard. Many lean years followed and the mid-thirties were a barren period. The mass emigration of the thirties and war years drained away the young men of the parish leaving it extremely difficult to even keep the game alive. However, through the determined efforts of Hughie Devine provision was made to accommodate the players of the parish. In 1945 Mostrim and Sean Connolly's joined forces and the following impressive list of players was chosen to play Legan in the Senior League:
J. Fagan, G. Hennessy, W. Judge, S. Clancy, W. Donoghue, S. Murtagh, P. Greene, F. Greene, J. Greene, J. Callaghan, T. Dolan, R. Tuite, J. Cullen, J. McDonald, P. Fullam, A. Cullen, P. Flood, J. Gilchrist and J. McEnerney.
Mullinalaghta defeated the combination in the final on a score of 2-05 to 1-02. They were also defeated by Longford Wanderers in the Championship. By 1948 Mostrim's players assisting other parishes. B. McGuinness and 'Slim' Cullen won Junior League medals with the Connollys. No trophies were won by Paddy Flood and others who played for Longford. Again the Mostrim club was organised and a junior team was entered for the Championship in 1949. In 1950 they qualified for the final against the Connollys. An all out effort was made to win this game. Paddy Donegan was brought home from England - the County Greene was recalled from retirement as full-back but disaster struck when Slim Cullen received an eye injury and was unable to play. Connollys ran out winners after a hectic game on the score 1-10 to 1-04. The team played that day was:
W. Greene, P. Flood, F. Greene, J. Callaghan, J. Reilly, M. Greene, E. McGirr, A. Devine, B. McGuinness, P. Donegan, H. McGuinness, E. Tuite, L. Diamond, J. Greene, C. Greene. Subs: P. McGrath, F. Golden, J. Coyle, J.J. McCormack, P. Diffley and J. McGirr.
By 1954 a plethora of players had arrived in the town and the club entered the senior ranks voluntarily. They were drawn against Drumlish, the County Champions, in the first round and were well beaten. In 1955 Mostrim were drawn against Longford Slashers, who were then the County champions. Owen Corcoran had joined the club and C. Greene was brought from England. A. McCabe and Brian McBride, two college players of high quality, added strength to the team. Mostrim raised their game to unexpected heights. With only minutes to go, C. Greene appeared set to score a goal and win the match for Mostrim. However he shot over the point for a point to draw the match. The replay was won by Slashers but Mostrim were awarded the game on an objection. The semi-final was against Drumlish but defeat was the order of the day as only eight players from the previous match played. Emigration again struck and the senior team was decimated and were regraded to Junior ranks in 1957. However, they reached the junior final in 1958 against St. Mary's - who had also been regraded. In the absence of J. Kane and L. Greene, two key players, Mostrim gave as good as they got and only for a defensive error in the second half victory could easily have gone to Mostrim. Final score St. Mary's 1-07 Mostrim 1-03. The team was:
T. Hanly, W. Morgan, J. Greene, C. Duffy, P. Toole, J. McGirr, P. McQuaid, Brannan, P. Nolan, J. Devine, P. Sweeney, S. Hagan, M. Reynolds, D. Duffy, B. McGuinness.
In the early sixties the good work done at schoolboy level began to bear fruit and in 1966 the junior title was won with the assistance of a number of Minors. This was a lively encounter against Abbeylara. The team was: P. Kearney Paddy Casey J. Greene S. Treacy Brian Smith Tom McLoughlin Seamus Smith Sean Hagan J. Greene John Hughes Mickey Smith Eddie Doherty E. Duffy B. Morgan John Smith Sub: P. Sweeney, H. Devine
In 1967 the club was promoted to Intermediate ranks. In the championship semi-final against Ardagh Eddie Doherty was badly injured and was hospitalised for some time. However, we qualified to meet Cashel in the final. This was a memorable game. Mostrim led by seven points at half-time with the aid of a strong breeze. Cashel came back with a bang in the second half and with only minutes to go Cashel scored a goal that put them in front - but in rapid succession Paddy Noonan and Seamus Smith scored points to guarantee victory for Mostrim. The team on that occasion was:
P. Kearney Ciaran Tuite Sean Logan Paddy Casey Brian Smith Tom McLoughlin John Smith Sean Hagan John Hughes John Greene Mickey Smith Eddie Doherty Paddy Noonan Seamus Smith Phil Donoghue Sub: P. J. Quinn
In 1967 the Minor championship was won for the first time. The following account featured in The Longford Leader: "Wolfe Tones captured the Minor title on Sunday last with a well deserved victory over Granard. The conditions were very bad but the Mostrim lads adapted themselves better to the conditions and relied on first-time football. This latest Wolfe Tone's victory is just rewards for Paddy Flood's great interest in under-age teams in the parish. Paddy has been chairman of the minor club for several years. And under his guidance they won the Minor League in 1966. The team was:
M. Murphy Joe Whitney Pat Kearney Peter Kenny John Smith Ciaran Tuite S. McLoughlin P. Tuite J. Greene Philip Kenny Paddy Noonan P. Tuite Pat Hughes P. Jones M. Mitchell Liam Mitchell, Peter Mitchell, Billy McLoughlin, Mickey Clarke
The club's first years in Senior ranks after winning the Intermediate championship were very frustrating. The team could hold its own against most of the senior teams in the county. Both Granard and Clonguish were strong at the time and it was difficult to match them - although Clonguish were given a rare fright in 1969 in the first round of the championship when only a late goal from famous county player, Mick Hopkins, saw Clonguish through. In 1969 Mostrim won a senior losers championship by defeating Kenagh in the final at Newtowncashel. In 1970 the club got off to a great start in The Leader Cup. Granard were defeated for the first time ever and the good league run saw Mostrim qualify for the final against Ballymahon, who Mostrim had beaten earlier. The original fixture had to be postponed due to the death of Neddy Greene, former club great. When the game did take place it was very evenly contested. A goal from Paddy Noonan late in the second half was the turning point of the game and for the first time ever a Senior title was taken back to Edgeworthstown. The winning team was:
Mickey Smith John Greene M. Coleman T. McLoughlin Brian Smith Ciaran Tuite Seamus Smith P. Kearney P. Tuite Pat Hughes John Hughes Eddie Doherty Paddy Noonan C. Grogan John Smith
Neither 1971 nor 1972 were very successful. However 1973 saw an all-round improvement. Some young blood was introduced and it took county champions Clonguish three games to beat Mostrim. The two drawn games left a big impression on those who saw them. The third game did not match the previous two and Clonguish went on to retain their title. The u-21s reached the county final that year against Rathcline. The first match finished in a draw. For the replay Mostrim changed their team around and even though short Mel Noonan and Gerry Madden, the club finally captured the title after two previous failures. The winning team was:
Tomas Kearney Tom Madden Declan Dockery Aidan Dockery Nicholas Mallon Pat Grimes J. Tuite John Victory Liam Tierney P. Kenny Seamus Kearney Gerry Reynolds T. Kelly Seamus 'Wally' Flood Gerry Madden
As the 1974 season arrived it was generally felt that this was finally the year that t he club could win the senior championship. The first round saw Mostrim play Northern Gaels, who had beaten Cashel in the previous round. Serious training got under way early in the New Year under the guidance of two Gardai - Noel Walsh and Mick McAuley. A number of challenge games were played with teams from outside the county. The Dublin based players came down twice a week for training. At a special meeting in June 1974, which was the last meeting attended by Secretary, Hughie Devine, he urged all players to give their best and to remember that the club was more important than anyone. Little did he know that that was his last meeting. He passed away about a month later, but it is generally felt that his words spoken at his last meeting got through to all the players. They all buckled down to some serious training and in the semi-final Rathcline were held to a draw. However the replay left no doubt as to who was the better team. Mostrim got off to a whirlwind start and had 3-01 scored before Rathcline knew the game had started. Mostrim were now in the first county final in over 40 years and when old rivals and neighbours, Ardagh, also qualified for the final the determination of the players and the mentors increased. This had to be the year. However, when it was learned that the club captain, Ciaran Tuite, would not be available to play in the final due to the fact that he would be on honeymoon in Spain, efforts to have the game put back one week were made. Ardagh would not agree to this so Mostrim had to face into the county final without the club captain. Declan Dockery took over as the captain for the day and John Greene was drafted in to fill the full back position. As the final drew closer excitement was at fever pitch in both parishes. It was alleged that large amounts of money were changing hands! The game itself was very sportingly contested. Mostrim held a slender lead coming into the last quarter but then Paddy Noonan was introduced and within five minutes had scored a goal and a point. It was obvious then the Connolly cup was on its way to Edgeworthstown for the first time ever. The scenes that awaited the victorious team in the town that day were unforgettable. The traffic was backed up the whole way to Longford as the victorious captain was led by a torch lit parade into the town. The celebrations went on for a long time. Sadly no preparation was put into the Leinster Club championship first round match against Ferbane of Offaly and Mostrim were easily beaten. The team that won the historic first Senior County championship was:
John O'Hara Pearse Tuite John Greene Mel Hughes Brian Smith John Smith Seamus Smith John Hughes Pat Kearney Liam Tierney Declan Dockery Gerry Madden Mel Noonan Declan Tuite Gerry Reynolds Sub: Paddy Noonan for Declan Tuite
The following year saw a mediocre campaign in the Leader Cup. However, Pearse and Ciaran Tuite and Gerry Reynolds had emigrated and the loss of those three players was too much. In the 1975 championship Mostrim beat Ballymahon after a replay and were very lucky to get over Killashee in the next round. The semi-final was against the amalgamated forces of Colmcille, Dromard and Drumlish. Mostrim played superb football and reached the final for the second year in a row. The smart money was on Mostrim to retain their title. The final against Longford Slashers proved a disappointment. A very early goal from then veteran, Sean Donnelly, knocked the heart out of the team and Slashers ended up easy winners. Lean times followed this defeat in 1975. More players emigrated and the next generation had yet to make an impact. Division 1 status was lost in 1978 - however a quick return to Division 1 followed the next year. The senior team lost out in the 1980 championship to St. Mary's of Granard. However the U-21 team was a strong outfit - being trained by former Mostrim, St. Mary's of London and Longford great Jackie Devine. The previous year the final was lost to Killoe - however the team made no mistake in 1980 in a final that was spoken about for many years. Again the Slashers were the opposition and, despite giving away two soft goals Mostrim took the honours. Indeed there was a performance that day by Christy Kennedy in mid-field that, even eighteen years later, is still fondly remembered. The team that day was:
Seamus Gill John Grimes Mel Greene Micheal Reynolds Thomas Victory Joe McEnroe Micheal Doyle Christy Kennedy Tommy McGuinness Stephen Tierney Mickey O'Hara Tony Garvey Eamon Reilly Gerry Scott Willie Kennedy Sub: Paul Reynolds for Tony Garvey
The 1980s were the best of times and the worst of times. Senior champions once, in 1985 after a titanic struggle against Ardagh, league champions once, in 1984 and losing senior county finalists on four separate occasions - 1984, 1986, 1988 and 1989. Little was achieved immediately after the great U21 win in 1980. The senior team struggled a bit and it was not until 1984, in which the senior county final was reached for the first time since 1975, and the Leader Cup victory, did this team begin to reach its potential. The senior campaign of 1984 started in July with a quarter final match against Longford Slashers. After a memorable game this match ended in a draw. The replay on the 22nd of July was another titanic affair with Mostrim coming out on top 3-10 to 2-10. The semi final, played on 12th August saw Mostrim play Killoe. Mostrim showed true championship grit by coming back from four points down in the final six minutes to snatch a draw. The replay, played on a Saturday saw Mostrim overcome Killoe in a highly exciting match 3-06 to 2-08 to qualify for their first county final in nine years - where reigning champions Cashel were the opponents. Mostrim were installed as favourites going into this final - however it was the champions who prevailed on the day by a scoreline of 0-09 to 0-05. The team on that occasion was: Tommy Gallagher Pat Hughes Kevin Hughes Colm McGirr Tommy McGuinness Gerry Lynn Liam Tierney Christy Kennedy John Victory Mel Noonan Willie Kennedy Mickey O'Hara Stephen Tierney Tom Madden Paul Reynolds While 1984 brought defeat for the senior, it brought success for the minors - winning the championship for the second time. They defeated the Killashee region on a scoreline of 2-06 to 1-04 with Michael Logan scoring the important two goals. The team that day was: Christopher Monaghan Eugene McGirr Dermot Farrell Damian Doherty James Mitchell Bernie Connell Liam Doyle Gerry Lynn John Brady Mark McNamara Brendan Doherty Peter Donoghue Thomas Harper Mattie McLoughlin Michael Logan
However there was a small measure of revenge for Mostrim in the Leader cup final which was played later in the year. This final had to go to a replay as the first match, played on 7th October ended all square - Mostrim 1-05 Cashel 0-08. It was Mel Noonan's goal, with three minutes remaining that gave Mostrim a second chance. In the replay, played on the 9th December it was a different story for Mostrim as they were worthy winners 2-03 to 0-05 - the two goals coming within four minutes of each other in the first half, one scored by Mickey O' Hara and the other scored by John Victory. This was Mostrim's first Leader cup win since 1971 and it gave the team the impetus to make 1985 its year. The team that won the Leader Cup that day was: Tommy Gallagher Pat Hughes John Smith Colm McGirr Gerry Lynn Kevin Hughes Tommy McGuinness Christy Kennedy John Victory Mel Noonan Liam Tierney Tony Garvey Sean Logan Tom Madden Mickey O' Hara Sub: Stephen Tierney for Mel Noonan
1985 will long be remembered for the senior county final between Mostrim and old rivals St. Patrick's of Ardagh. For the first time in the history of the competition the final went to three matches. Mostrim started off their 1985 campaign with a 2-10 to 1-06 win over Longford Slashers in the quarter final. The semi-final saw them pitched against the champions, Cashel. It proved to be Mostrim's day when they totally outclassed a Cashel team that had passed its peak. The score here was 1-08 to 0-04. Meanwhile Ardagh had a more difficult campaign - having to play six matches (including two draws). The first match on 15th September was a dire affair - littered with frees and missed scores. In fact Mostrim were lucky to get the draw as Ardagh were in control for most of the match. The final score was Ardagh 0-08 Mostrim 1-05 - Stephen Tierney getting Mostrim's goal - although there is many an Ardagh person who will still say "Rocky" was in the square when he touched the ball. The replay was two weeks later and it too ended dramatically in a draw after extra time 2-05 apiece. With just 13 minutes to go Mostrim were dead and buried - but Mel Noonan scored two goals in the last quarter to resurrect Mostrim and bring the final into October. The second replay was even more dramatic. It gave Mostrim their deserved second county title, but had Ardagh not missed a last minute penalty it would have all been very different. The final score was Mostrim 0-00 St. Patrick's 0-00. Unfortunately, due to the second replay, Longford county board had to nominate a team to play in the Leinster championship. Therefore Mostrim missed out on testing other county champions in 1985.
1986 saw Mostrim again reach the county final. Father Manning Gaels forced a draw in the quarter final before Mostrim disposed of them in the replay 1-09 to 0-10. Again Longford Slashers were the opponents in the semi-final and again it was Mostrim who came out on top on a scoreline of 1-07 to 0-07. Cashel, the victors of 1986, were the opponents whose previous matches in the quarter and semi-finals went to replays. Mostrim, the current title holders, were installed as firm favourites to beat Cashel and retain the Connolly cup for the first time ever. However it was not to be. Again Mostrim fell at the final hurdle on a score of 0-00 to 0-00. The team in the 1986 final was: Tommy Gallagher Pat Hughes John Victory Colm McGirr Tommy McGuinness Joe McEnroe Tony Garvey Christy Kennedy Willie Kennedy Fintan Tuite Mickey O' Hara Liam Tierney Stephen Tierney Mel Noonan Sean Logan
1988 saw Mostrim reach yet another county final and yet another defeat - this time at the hands of Killoe. Again it took just two games for Mostrim to reach the final. Fr. Manning Gaels were defeated 1-15 to 1-04 and Colmcille were defeated 0-12 to 2-04. The final itself was a disaster from the word go for Mostrim. Mostrim lost the match 3-07 to 1-07. The three goals conceded were absolute gifts and Christy Kennedy missed a penalty in the second half. This defeat was the toughest to take because very few of the players performed on the day and, in reality, they gave away the title to Killoe. The team that day was: Tommy Gallagher Liam Doyle Colm McGirr John Smith Damian Doherty Joe McEnroe Bernie Connell Christy Kennedy Mark McNamara Gerry Lynn Mickey O' Hara Liam Tierney Tony Garvey Mel Noonan Stephen Tierney Subs: Fintan Tuite for S. Tierney, Brendan Doherty for Noonan
1989 and yet another county final defeat, this time to Longford Slashers. Very few people fancied Mostrim in 1989 after the previous year's traumatic defeat yet they managed to put 1988 behind them in a solid campaign to reach the decider yet again. Kenagh and St. Patrick's (after a draw) were Mostrim's opponents whereas Slashers defeated Granard, and Colmcille. Again on the day Mostrim were the bridesmaids as Slashers won by six points 2-10 to 1-07. Mostrim could not control Dessie Barry of the Slashers (he scored both goals) and again there were a lot of wasted chances. Mostrim again left Pearse Park with nothing. The team in 1989 was: Seamus Gill Eric Brady Colm McGirr Michael Doyle Joe McEnroe Damian Doherty Bernie Connell Christy Kennedy Mark McNamara Tony Garvey Mickey O' Hara Padraig Connell Sean Logan Gerry Lynn Brendan Doherty Subs: Liam Tierney for Doyle, Stephen Tierney for B. Connell
The 1990s picked up where the 1980s left off - defeats in the county finals of 1990 and 1991, both to Longford Slashers. No Details on these two matches John - maybe we didn't lose three in a row to Slashers. What year was the bizarre match where Mostrim scored three goals in the final minute? You will have to fill in this small bit here. 1992 finally saw Mostrim win their third ever county title when they defeated Sean Connolly's in an exciting final 3-09 to 1-07. Mostrim fancied their chances after the Connolly's defeated the Slashers by one point in the quarter finals - thereby getting rid of Mostrim's bogey team. Mostrim needed two games to defeat Ardagh in the quarter-final and also two games to beat Killoe in the semi. The Connolly's were in their first final since 1954 and attracted a large following. However on the day Mostrim put the nightmare of the previous four years behind them when they outclassed a gallant Connollys. The Connolly cup was back to Mostrim for just the third time ever. The Mostrim team on that day, 13th September 1992 was: Tommy Gallagher Colm McGirr Joe McEnroe Michael Doyle Jack Lynn Seamus Duffy Tony Garvey Christy Kennedy Bernie Connell Philip Donoghue Brendan Doherty Padraig Connell Mark Monaghan Gerry Lynn Mickey O'Hara Subs: Mostrim completed the double later on in 1992 when they captured the Leader Cup for the third time. In 1992 Mostrim were the kingpins of Longford football. For the past six years the form of the team has been erratic. Most of the team of 1992 have retired and there has been no success of note in the underage. However 1999 brings promise of good things to come and, with Father Manning Gaels, the winners of the senior championship for three years in a row perhaps tired of the effort, maybe it is time for Mostrim to shine again. Brendan McLoughlin.