Second Sam secured with emphatic victory over Kerry
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Goalmouth action from the 1954 All-Ireland SFC final between Meath and Kerry.Image 2 of 2
The Meath players who took on Kerry in the 1954 All-Ireland SFC final (from left) were: back - P Brady, E Durnin, R Mee, J Farrell, B Smyth, K McConnell, M Grace, P Connell, Tom Moriarty, B Flanagan, F Byrne, G Smith, P O’Brien; front - P Ratty, J Reilly, K Lenehan, T O’Brien, M McDonnell, P McDermott, P Meegan, P McGearty, W Rattigan, L O’Brien, J Clarke, M O’Brien, ‘Twinny Byrne’ between Smith and O’Brien at the back. Photo COURTESY OF SEAN WALLChampionship meetings between Meath and Kerry are few and far between, but the first significant Royal victory came on 26th September 1954 when an ageing Meath team claimed a 1-13 to 1-7 victory and the Sam Maguire Cup following the All-Ireland SFC final in Croke Park.
The game was recalled in Dermot Reilly and Colm Keys' magnificent book 'Chasing Sam Maguire'.
Given the county's remarkable All-Ireland record, and that they were reigning champions, it's hardly surprising that Kerry were widely tipped to retain their title. As for Meath, they had been considered fortunate to survive in several of their earlier games and, with the exception of Mick Dunne of The Irish Press, neutral pundits doubted that luck could carry them through against the might of the Kingdom.
In what was widely regarded as one of the most disappointing finals in memory, Kerry were overwhelmed by a much fitter and more determined Meath 15. The restrictions on full-time collective training at the time were blamed for Kerry's sub-par performance as they had 10 players who lived outside the county.
right from the throw-in, Meath set the tone for the game. Even though he won the toss, their captain Peter McDermott elected to play against the elements. Kerry's confused defenders lined out at the wrong end of the ground. There was further confusion when the game finally got underway with a small dog invading the f[itch before being dismissed by referee Simon Deignan.
Meath proceeded to build up a solid lead, but John joe Sheehan scored a goal for Kerry just before the break, giving them a one-point advantage at half-time. It was largely one-way traffic in the second half as Meath, with their blend of youth and experience, pulled away for a comfortable victory. it was ironic that Meath's goal was scored by Kerry native Tom Moriarty.
The old guard of McDermott, Smyth, the O'Briens and Meegan led by example with the last mentioned having cut short his honeymoon to line out. Among the younger brigade, Kevin Lenehan and Ned Durnin were superb, but top billing went to Micheal Grace who, according to Padraig Puirseal in The Irish press, 'gave an exhibition that he may yet equal, but certainly can never surpass.'
Meath - Patsy McGearty; Micheal O'Brien, Paddy 'Hands' O'Brien, Kevin McConnell; Kevin Lenehan, Jim Reilly, Ned Durnin; Paddy Connell, Tom O'Brien; Micheal Grace, Brian Smyth (0-3), Mattie McDonnell (0-2); Paddy Meegan (0-5 four frees), Tom Moriarty (1-2), Peter McDermott (0-1). Subs - John Clarke, Billy Rattigan, Frankie Byrne, Gerald Smith, Bernard Flanagan, Larry O'Brien, Patsy Ratty, Dick Mee, Paddy Brady, James Farrell, Tom Duff.
Kerry - G O'Mahony; M Palmer, E Roche, D Murphy; S Murphy, J Cronin, G Kennelly; J Dowling, T Moriarty; R Buckley, JJ Sheehan (1-1), P Sheehy; J Brosnan (0-2), S Kelly, T Lyne (0-4 one free).
Referee - Simon Deignan (Cavan).