1970 Dóchas Éireann Hurling Team Reunites After 54 Years

1970 was a unique year in the annals of the GAA in St. Patrick’s Training College when Dóchas Éireann became the first club to win the U21 Dublin Championship double.

Hurling was very much a minority sport in the College at the time with about 25-30 playing the game with any regularity. Standards varied from inter-county to junior club players and in 1970 the Hopes were privileged to include quite a few who had represented their county at minor level and indeed players like Mick Deely (Galway/Kildare), Mattie Murphy (Galway), Denis Burns (Cork) and Seanie Kinsella (Wexford) subsequently played senior inter-county hurling. After a highly successful season in the Higher Education League (Ryan Cup), the hurlers finished the year by defeating a Cuala Casements side, which included the Holden brothers, in the U21 championship final.

Recently, surviving members of this team (except for two who were unable to attend) assembled at the Anner Hotel, Thurles for the first time in 54 years where old friendships were renewed and fond memories recalled. A great night was had by all and the three panel members who have passed to their eternal reward were suitably remembered as was our fellow student, Tom Fitzpatrick, who contributed so much to the hurling club. Tom subsequently became Rúnaí of Dublin Cumann na mBunscol and spent eighteen years as Gaelic Games Manager at St. Patricks/DCU.

Míle buíochas to Ross Munnelly and the DCU Alumni Office for their assistance in making this occasion possible.