A Hurling First - 25 Years onsportlomo-userupload.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/galleries... · 2015-06-30 · colossus at midfield, the Leinster title was secured with a sweet victory

1989 - 2014

BUFFERS ALLEY

ALL-IR

ELAND CLUB CHAMPIO

NS 1

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A Hurling First - 25 Years on

All-Ireland Club Champions 1989

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Chairman’s AddressA Chairde,

Reaching back to the team of 1989, there is a remarkable bond ofrespect between Buffers Alley people and their hurling men. Weforever recall their skill, their manly sporting fame and that greatquality of theirs which defies description, and which we call ‘heart’.

We endow our hurlers with a dimension reserved exclusively for thoserelied on in moments of great sporting struggle to man the goal, defendthe line or drive that all important goal.

Photography and Press Reports are now central to recall so manyhappy sporting occasions and we owe our photographers and reportersa great debt. The power of the single picture has been remarked on bymany people. I hope that this souvenir booklet will bring joy to manyas they recall events from the great hurling season of 1988-’89, and Ihave no doubt, though the years will pass and times will change, thatno matter where life leads us, in these pages, the people of BuffersAlley and their hurling men will always be together.

The American World Champion boxer, Muhammad Ali, once said“champions are made from something they have deep inside them – adesire, a dream, and a vision”. To me this sums up the spirit of the1989 team that is being honoured today marking the 25th anniversaryof their Club All-Ireland win on St. Patrick’s Day 1989.

Micheál Ó MurchúCathaoirleach Buffers Alley GAA16ú Márta, 2014

The Road to the All-IrelandBuffers Alley.............2-16 Cloughbawn.....................................1-10

Buffers Alley.............2-14 Oulart-the Ballagh ...........................0-10

Buffers Alley.............1-20 Faythe Harriers ................................2-10

Buffers Alley.............5-13 The Rapparees..................................2-11

Buffers Alley.............3-11 Duffry Rovers...................................2-07

Buffers Alley.............1-15 Cloughbawn.....................................2-12 Semi-Final

Buffers Alley.............1-09 Cloughbawn.....................................1-04 Semi-Final Replay

Rathnure ...................3-11 Buffers Alley.....................................2-14 Co. Final

Buffers Alley.............2-10 Rathnure ...........................................1-05 Co. Final Replay

Buffers Alley.............5-08 Carlow Town (Carlow) ...................4-06 Leinster Q/F

Buffers Alley.............1-12 Seir Kieran (Offaly) .........................1-07 Leinster S/F

Buffers Alley.............1-12 Shamrocks (Kilkenny).....................1-09 Leinster Final

Buffers Alley.............2-19 Four Roads (Roscommon)..............0-09 All-Ireland Semi-Final

Buffers Alley.............2-12 O’Donovan Rossa (Antrim) ...........0-12 All-Ireland Final

Buffers Alley Senior Hurling

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Although a club with a long and proud tradition,the period from 1965 to 1992 must surely rank asthe golden era in the history of Buffers Alley.During this period the club created a trulyimposing record and, along with Rathnure,became the dominant force in Wexford hurling,claiming a dozen county senior championships.During this time, the club also won a number offootball titles, were involved at every level fromunder-12 upwards, exerted an incredible localand national influence on camogie, played theirpart in juvenile and adult Scór, won the All-Ireland 7-a-side title, and was one of the first clubsin Wexford to develop its own playing facilitiesand club complex. While all of this was achievedin a remote and predominantly rural heartland,with the resources drawn from a significantlysmall number of people, it was made possible bythe remarkable commitment, dedication andloyalty that Buffers Alley people show to theirclub. The same family names have been aninfluential part of ‘the Alley’ since its inception.

Although founded in 1900, it took all of sixtyeight years before the now famous club was toland its first senior hurling title. Prior to theintermediate win in 1965, the club had but threejunior hurling titles to its credit. However, thisthird incursion into the senior ranks turned out tobe the instigation of something great and thebeginning of a very special period in the club’shistory. From this launching pad, the subsequenttwenty-five year period saw the senior hurlersrecord another eleven championship victoriesand ensure that the Buffers Alley name becameone of the most famous and respected in thecountry.

Not content with local success, it wasn’t longbefore they also made their mark on the biggerstage. Following only their second county title,the club unsuccessfully contested the provincial

decider of the inaugural club championship in1971, where the challenge of St. Rynagh’s ofOffaly proved too strong. A similar fate befellthem when they again faced St. Rynagh’s in thefinal of 1982 and many began to wonder if thatprovincial breakthrough might be beyond them.But this was eventually put right at Nowlan Parkon a November Sunday in 1985 with victory overother Offaly side, Kinnity, on a scoreline of 3-9 to0-7.

The stage was now set for participation in the All-Ireland series and the first real possibility of goingall the way. Victory over Cushendall of Antrim inthe semi-final ensured a showdown withKilruane-McDonagh’s of Tipperary on St.Patrick’s Day 1986. The club had now finallyarrived on the biggest stage in club hurling.However, when they again came up short by justtwo points, with many of the stars in the twilightof their careers, it was deemed by most to havebeen the last hurrah for this team, and manybegan to wonder where another opportunitymight come from. And while the team resolved tostick together and promised themselves that theywould be back, few really believed it.

But back they came. Following a positive start tothe 1988 Wexford championship with comfortablevictories over Cloughbawn, Oulart/Ballagh,Faythe Harriers, Rapparees and Duffry Rovers inthe group games, people again began to realisethat this team wasn’t quite finished yet. The firstof a series of ‘frights’ came in the drawn semi-final against Cloughbawn which finished on ascoreline of 1-15 to 2-12, with victory coming theway of the Alley in a low scoring replay. All wasnow set for the ‘dream’ county final, and if onethought that things were scary in the drawn semi-final, it was nothing to what lay in store in the firsthalf of this final with Rathnure. Struggling tocome to terms with the early pace, and with


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Fitting Climax to a Golden Eraof a Truly Proud Club

(Fr. Jim Butler, Team Trainer)

everything the opposition touched turning togold, prospects didn’t look encouraging whentrailing by nine points at half time. However,things turned completely in the second half andwith more than a little help from that agelesswarrior, Tony Doran, few could believe it whenthe Alley went on to forge a dramatic draw – 3-11 to 2-14. Then, at rain sodden Wexford Park aweek later, they called on all their reserves ofcourage and stamina to comprehensively lowerthe colours of the reigning champions. Playersand supporters alike now genuinely began totake note that rumours of the demise of this teamwere indeed premature.

This victory provided the platform for whatmany believed they would never see – anothercrack at the provincial and All-Ireland series.Following a five point victory over Carlow TownHurling Club in a high-scoring opener of theLeinster championship, the first real test came inthe semi-final against Seir Kieran of Offaly, whenthe team had to again withstand some intenseearly pressure before eventually pulling throughin a nail-biting Seán Whelan driven epicencounter on a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-7. Then on asunny December Sunday at Dr. Cullen Park inCarlow, with Mick Butler scoring ten points andthe twenty-one year old Eamonn Sinnott acolossus at midfield, the Leinster title wassecured with a sweet victory over BallyhaleShamrocks of Kilkenny – 1-12 to 1-9.

Following a short break it was back to trainingon St. Stephen’s Day in preparation for the All-Ireland semi-final in which Four Roads ofRoscommon provided the opposition. This gametook place in mid-February and, on a scoreline of2-19 to 0-9, the Tom Dempsey inspired outfit hadlittle difficulty in disposing of the Westernchallenge. I can still see the smiles in the dressingroom in Wexford Park that afternoon when wordfiltered through that the Munster champions,Patrickswell of Limerick, had been beaten inKilmallock by O’Donovan Rossa of Antrim in theother semi-final. The scene was now set for anoccasion that many believed they would neveragain see – Buffers Alley back in Croke Park onSt. Patrick’s Day for the All-Ireland Club hurlingfinal.St. Patrick’s Day 1989 was a dry but windy day.

What turned out to be an historic victory lookedanything but safe in the early stages, though, asO’Donovan Rossa began the game like a teaminspired. Their crisp hurling, sure control andgreat stickwork sent shivers through the BuffersAlley supporters in the crowd. When theyjumped into a five point lead after just nineminutes, a period which also included a first-minute disallowed goal and a number of superbsaves by Henry Butler, it looked as if they wereon their way to victory. All-star Ciarán Barr wasrampant and causing havoc in the Alley defence,who were also struggling at midfield. But theAlley mentors and players refused to panic, andin a couple of shrewd positional switches whichsaw Matty Foley and Paul Gahan and later TomDempsey and Eamonn Sinnott swap places, theybegan to settle. Gahan plugged the gaps downthe middle and snuffed out Barr, whereasDempsey won much more midfield ball andensured a greater supply to the forwards. The all-important score came in the 14th minute whenMick Butler flicked on an Eamonn Sinnott centreand Séamus O’Leary burst his way through toplant the ball to the net. While the Alley werenow in control and should have availed of othergoal scoring chances before the break, they stillretired one point to the good – 1-5 to 0-7. Onemight have expected O’Donovan Rossa to returnwith all guns blazing and begin the second halfas they had the first, but that didn’t transpire. Infact, it was the Alley who set the tone of the newhalf. Tom Dempsey pointed a few early frees,while Paddy Donohoe’s disputed goal mid-waythrough the half put the game beyond doubt.While the dominance of the remaining perioddidn’t result in the scores that would havecompletely wiped out the Rossa challenge, theAlley still recorded a famous and historic victoryand brought the All-Ireland Club Championshipand the Tommy Moore Cup to Wexford for thefirst and only time, on a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-12.

This was a unique and special day for BuffersAlley players, mentors and supporters, andbrought to an end a long and arduous campaignstretching over fourteen games. Grown menstood on the Croke Park turf in tears as PatKenny received the Tommy Moore Cup. Thesight of a Wexford man receiving the cup ofvictory after achieving All-Ireland senior hurling


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success was something we hadn’t seen since1968. And while Tony Doran had been part ofthat great occasion, and Mick Butler and MartinCasey also had special links with that day, half ofthe Buffers Alley players were too young to evenremember it. In fact, a whole generation of youngWexford people had grown up without knowinga moment like this. Defeat had been Wexford’slot so often on the big days that we began tobelieve that it was all we deserved and that wewere destined to be forever second best. But themen from Buffers Alley would not accept that.The dream of All-Ireland glory seemed shatteredforever three years earlier when we lost that finalthat many believed we should have won. Anumber of key players were well into the veteranstage and a lesser body of men would have let adisappointment like that force them to accept theinevitable. Not so this bunch of players, whoalways believed in themselves and in their abilityto be the best. Those moments along the waywhen all seemed lost were now quicklyforgotten. They had hit back against Rathnure inthe county final and they had hit back again aftera poor start on this occasion.

On a personal note, it was a real joy to see PatKenny up there beside G.A.A. president, JohnDowling, almost bursting with pride and unableto contain his excitement as he snatched the cupand waved it aloft long before the president hadfinished his speech. “It is a proud occasion forBuffers Alley, for Wexford, and for hurling”,proclaimed the President. All present concurred.Pat’s own few words came from the heart. Theywere proud to win the title for Buffers Alley andWexford for the first time. It was a dream comethrough and he thanked everybody involved forall the hard work that now suddenly seemed soworthwhile. He thanked especially the teamtrainer, the selectors Jack Hall, Pierie Butler andJohn Doyle, and the medical people John O’Brienand Mick Gahan. He had words of gratitude, too,for all the club officers and supporters. It was ateam effort, indeed a united club effort that madethis dream finally come through.

And in the midst of all the excitement of victory,he didn’t forget one man who had given sterlingservice to Buffers Alley for many years. ColmDoran, who had been hospitalised a few days

earlier for a back operation, was not part of thepanel for this greatest day in the club’s history.But the fact that Colm actually defied doctors’orders to attend the game typified something elsethat is the hallmark of the Alley – a close knit andstrong unity, based on years of family traditionand dedicated community support in their ownrural stronghold. And speaking of the Dorans,this victory had one other special significance.For the club’s most famous son, it was thecrowning glory in an illustrious career, and it sawTony Doran, who had been such an inspirationto Buffers Alley teams for over a quarter of acentury, add that one elusive medal to hisalready tremendously impressive collection.

The All-Ireland Club Champions were feted witha civic reception the following evening, hosted byGorey Town Commissioners. There were jubilantscenes as over a thousand people cheered theBuffers Alley team, led by their cup-wavingcaptain Pat Kenny, as they paraded up the MainStreet headed by St. Michael’s Pipe Band. BuffersAlley had done the Gorey District proud in CrokePark and now the Gorey District did BuffersAlley proud in this ‘welcome home’. Othercelebrations continued for a number of weeks butyet didn’t hinder the preparations for the up-coming Wexford championship which the Alleywent on to win again in 1989. While they addedtwo more in 1991 and ’92, as well as the ‘92Leinster title, it continues to be a source ofdisappointment that the club has beencomparatively unsuccessful since.

Nevertheless, the historic winning of the first All-Ireland Club title for Wexford is an honour thatbelongs to Buffers Alley forever - the first Co.Wexford club to be acclaimed the best in theworld of hurling. While bonfires blazed as a long-cherished dream was fulfilled, surely nobodycould have imagined that twenty-five years laterit would remain unequalled. Meanwhile, wecontinue to relish the achievement – that piece ofhistory that was made in Croke Park on St.Patrick’s Day 1989. While everybody realised atthe time that it was a unique and special day forthe Buffers Alley Club in particular and Wexfordhurling in general, in hindsight, few could haverealised that it was as special as it has turned outto be.


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While Buffers Alley did not take the title andso continued the sequence of not topplingRathnure in six final meetings, they did provethemselves champion in side-linemanagement. Not only in the changes thatthey made to transform the team performance,but also in recognising the error of their ownways.

The first half gambit ofplacing seasoned MickButler at centre forward totake on the power-packedmight of Jim O’Connelltotally backfired. O’Connellwas everywhere, sweepingup breaks from midfield,meeting puck-outs. Hismobility left him almost anextra man because youngsterJohn Gahan was struggling atmidfield in his first finalappearance for the Alley anddown the right flank of theattack, inspired John Codd andmercurial John Murphy wereplaying havoc with the Alleydefence.

Rathnure were unstoppable in that openinghalf, with both midfielders and all forwardsexcept Pat Codd getting among the scores.

Although bringing off a fine double save justover halfway through the half, Alleygoalkeeper Henry Butler was uncertain andcaused missed heartbeats for his defence andAlley supporters throughout the hour. MickButler was switched away from the centreforward spot. Martin Casey replaced John

Gahan and the Alley wing backs switched topit Paul Gahan against danger man JohnCodd.

At half-time the Alley made further match-winning switches, sending Casey to centreforward where he eclipsed O’Connell and

snatched two points, bringingSeán Whelan to midfieldwhere he provided themuscle which talentedEamon Sinnott fed from, andputting Tony Doran out tocorner forward.

Slowly Buffers Alley battledtheir way back intocontention, and the sideswere at double scores 0-14to 0-7, when the oldwarhorse, Tony Doranstruck. All-Ireland winnerof 20 years ago whenHenry and Mick Butler andhis full back rival MartinQuigley were minor AllIreland winners, 42 year

old Tony poached an opportunist goal.

The Alley almost had a second within a minutewhen Mick Butler’s shot hit the bar, but after aserious of abortive scoring efforts, PaddyDonohoe snatched a second goal for the Alley.A minute later Paul Gahan pointed a long-range free and the sides were level.

Being over hurled at midfield, Jimmy Hoholanstamped his character on the game whenrousing himself in the exchanges and helpingout an over-worked defence.

Shrewd Alley Switches AlmostWreck Rathnure

COUNTY FINAL 1988 - Buffers Alley 2-14 Rathnure 3-11


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And he opened up the chance which MarksMorrissey accepted for a Rathnure goal.Holohan sent in a shoulder-high side-line puckfrom 40 yards which deceived the defence toleave the goalscoring ace with a simple chance.

Back came the Alley. An inspired Paul Gahanput over another free from half way, betweenpoints from Martin Casey and Seán Whelan,and the sides were level again.

But the wily Holohan was still conjuring upchances. His lofted centre behind the Alleydefence was snapped up by captain JohnMurphy who beat the lunging Henry Butlerand the retreating backs for goals. But the wiseold heads were still in there creating chancesand when Buffers Alley were awarded a 21yards free, Mick Butler sent a deceptivehopping ground shot to the corner of the net.

Level again; Butler had a shot saved by JohnConran before Dickie Murphy’s final whistleafter a redeeming second half which put a 30minute gloss back on Wexford hurling. By ourwatch the final whistle came a full minuteearly. For their second chance Buffers Alleyowe a lot to Matty Foley, who turned in asuperb second half performance at centre backand to Paul Gahan.

Alongside the heroic efforts of Doran andButler too, the young men of Buffers Alleyshowed their character, with sterling secondhalf performances from Eamonn Sinnott andTom Dempsey.

For Rathnure, elegant John Conran was “Mr.Reliable” with Martin Quigley outsmarting

Tony Doran and Jim O’Connell a first halfbastion. Jimmy Holohan showed too that hecan turn it on when the going gets tough andup front Morrissey and Murphy tormented theAlley defence.

Referee Dickie Murphy booked Pat Kenny inthe first half, but never had to impose himselfon a game which was a second half showpieceof free-flowing fast and furious hurling.

Buffers Alley: Henry Butler; Barry Murphy;Pat Kenny; John O’Leary, Paul Gahan (0-2frees), Matty Foley, Seán Whelan (0-1), JohnGahan, Eamonn Sinnott; Tom Dempsey (0-2, 1’65); Mick Butler (1-3, 1-0 from 21 free, 1 from’45 and 2 frees); Paddy Donohoe (1-0); Seamus

O’Leary; Tony Doran(1-0); Fintan O’Leary(0-1); Subs: MartinCasey (0-2) for JohnGahan; John Donohoefor Seamus O’Leary. Referee: DickieMurphy (Rapparees).

(Report: GuardianNewspaper)

Buffers Alley, the “old men” and “no hopers” ofthe 1988 Wexford hurling, won the countysenior hurling crown when they dethronedlong-time rivals, Rathnure, on double scores (2-10- to 1-5) in a replay at Wexford Park. Indeedtheir superiority was even more pronouncedthan the score line suggests.

Many circumstancescombined to assist theKilmuckridge men,however, Rathnure’s“superior than thou”attitude in the secondhalf of the drawn gameproved costly, andeventually the elementsfavoured the challengers.

A Wexford senior hurlingchampionship game hasnever been played inworse conditions – andBuffers Alley revel in theheavy going. Theincessant rain left themajority of the playingsurface under water and itwas a travesty that theauthorities firstly allowedthe game to go on andsecondly allowed it tocontinue.

That the contestants stuck so gamely to theirtask and the hour was completed withoutserious injury is a wonder. In addition topraising the durability of all the players onemust also commend the high standard ofsportsmanship in the most trying of conditions.

I was at all times aware that Rathnure, as

county champions, had the most talentedhurlers, but understood also that they neededgood ground and weather conditions toproduce their best. The tight marking, slower,and more physical Buffers Alley team made nosecret of the fact that they wanted a “heavysod”.

Everything went theirway. It had rainedpractically non-stop fortwo days. The mud andrainwater of WexfordPark was ankle deep.The ‘speedy’ were at aserious disadvantage.

The Gods continued tosmile on the men fromthe Macamores. Theyhad advantage of thewind in the openingperiod, and they madefull use of it! Theywhipped over fivepoints in the first eightminutes and manyspectators were stillonly arriving at theenclosure. In tenminutes they led 0-6to 0-1 and TonyDoran, Mick Butler

and company were tearing the Rathnurerearguard to shreds.

Buffers Alley quickly established what theyhad suspected – Rathnure did not relish theweather or ground conditions. They stormedin to attack with all forwards astonishinglyconfident in the mud. One might even say theywere “foot perfect”.


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Sweet Revenge for Buffers Alleyin ‘Gain’ County Final

RAthnuRe outclAssed in the mud

Rathnure goalie, Ted Morrissey had to come tohis team’s rescue three times under pressure,before he was beaten by Seamus O’Leary. Thecorner forward swooped in from the right,picked up the “dead” ball effortlessly and hewas travelling right across goal when heunleashed a low drive from about 25 yardsthat had “goal” written on it all the way.

Even at that early stage there was cause forconcern in the ranks of Rathnure supporters.Yes, they realized that they would be havingwind advantage later on. But the signs wereominous. Worse happened. The man to whomthey would have looked most of all in theseconditions (in any conditions) for assistance,Jimmy Holohan received a hand injury andhad to leave the field. Rathnure were “in thepits”.

The alley hammered home every advantage.As Rathnure searched frantically for a winningformula, and this certainly included a reliablemid-field partnership, in the absence ofHolohan, the challenger’s mid-field pair ofSeán Whelan and Eamonn Sinnott kept up theflow of play to their attack.

And then the man who has been the drivingforce behind Buffers Alley for two decades,and who twice this year rescued the team fromdefeat (v Cloughbawn and in the drawnmatch), Tony Doran, burst into the limelightonce more. He got in at the end of a movementthat had been initiated by two other veteransof the team, Mick Butler and Martin Casey,and the ball was again at the back of theRathnure net.

The Buffers Alley onslaught was ongoing andbefore half-time had built a lead of 2-8 to 0-2.

The new champions scored only two points inthe second half, as their opponents did in thefirst, but they defended in a way far superiorto what Rathnure had exhibited earlier. At nostage did the latter forwards look as if theymight score a goal from play.

Encouraged all the way by the tenacious PatKenny, there was sterling defensive workparticularly by Paul Gahan and John Donohoe.The Alley lost the services of their centre back,

Matty Foley, and it was a big blow –but it didnot inconvenience them to the extent thatRathnure suffered at the loss of their star.Full-blooded, tackling was the order, and themembers of the holders’ attack lost theirbearings. Even points were difficult to get andRathnure sorely missed the accurate free-taking of Holohan. Then despair set in… Theirsingle ‘major’ score came from a penalty byMarks Morrissey as injury time was beingplayed.

At the end of the day Buffers Alley weredelighted. They had “pulled one over” on theteam that had denied them for so long.

But there is another reason that will make thisvictory “famous” in Kilmuckridge andMonamolin. It is the first time that BuffersAlley beat Rathnure in a senior final.

The circumstances of the semi-final draw, andthe advantage of weather conditions, will allbe forgotten. All that counts is that in 1988Buffers Alley chalked up their eight seniorhurling success – this time at the expense ofthe club that did most to frustrate them in thepast.

They are the second winners of the ‘Gain’trophy. All the winners will be acknowledgedby their own faithful followers as heroes andthe question will, inevitably be posed (again)will the Butlers, Fr. Casey and Tony Doran beretiring. I doubt it.

They have shown (again) that they are as goodas any of the youthful hurlers of the county. Itdoes not augur well for our prospects at inter-county level, but it is a fact.

Henry Butler kept goal very well all year andhe was superb in this final. In front of himteam captain, Pat Kenny, was a tower ofstrength and was ably assisted by his corner-men Barry Murphy and John O’Leary. Asstated wing backs, Paul Gahan and JohnDonohoe, were outstanding and so was MattyFoley until his injury.

I have also already referred to the energeticplay of Seán Whelan and Eamonn Sinnott. Thelatter, after an exceedingly busy, but rather


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doubtful year, suddenly came good for hisclub.

Enough cannot be said in praise of the big-hearted men of the Buffers Alley attack.Fearless and prepared to accept defeat onlyafter the final whistle has blown, the trio ofDoran, Butler and Casey, hammered home thegreat approach work of the younger TomDempsey, Paddy Donohoe and SeamusO’Leary.

Casey, who was substituted in previous games,was ideal for this sort of test and his inclusionat centre-forward had a big bearing on theresult. Tom Dempsey is another inter-countyplayer who “got things together” for this gamewhile the foraging of Paddy Donohoe broughthim forward many points in the estimation ofneutral followers. Seamus O’Leary’s goal wasthe score that inspired his team – Doran’s wasthe one that crushed the champions.

Rathnure will have many excuses. There willbe many who will have sympathy with them.They will, one hopes, learn the lesson that no

opposition at this level of the game should betreated lightly.

They had few stars on this occasion. MartinQuigley had another great set-to with TonyDoran and perhaps it is the first time that hehas come off second best. Yet no one can darefault him for defeat.

David Sheehan, Jim O’Connell, John Conran,James Redmond and John Murphy triedeverything they knew and won honour indefeat.

team: Henry Butler, Pat Kenny (Capt.), JohnO’Leary, Paul Gahan, Matty Foley, JohnDonohoe, Seán Whelan (0-1), Eamonn Sinnott,Tom Dempsey (0-1), Martin Casey (0-1), PaddyDonohoe (0-1), Mick Butler (0-4), Tony Doran(1-2), Seamus O’Leary (1-0). Subs: ColinWhelan for Matty Foley (inj.), Ben Martin,Fintan O’Leary, John Gahan, Colm Doran,Matt Furlong, Marney Burke, Harry Lee,Michael Murphy, Ger Sweeney. Referee: Dickie Murphy.Man of the Match: Paul Gahan.


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Buffers Alley senior hurling champions v Rathnure 1988 (drawn co. Final)Back l to R: tony doran, Barry murphy, Pat Kenny (capt.), matty Foley, John Gahan, Paul Gahan, seánWhelan. Front: Fintan o’leary, seamus o’leary, tom dempsey, eamonn sinnott, henry Butler, Johno’leary, Paddy donohoe, mick Butler.


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countY FinAl dAY 1988


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Buffers Alley qualified to meet the Offalykingpins, Seir Kieran, in the semi-final of theLeinster hurling club championship on Sundayweek when they disposed of the surprisinglystrong challenge of Carlow Town at Carlow onSaturday by 5-8 to 4-6.

Everything appeared to be going according tothe script in the first half when the Alleycruised into a 3-6 to 1-2 interval lead with 2goals from Fintan O’Leary, the first after only25 seconds, and the third from Tom Dempsey.The Carlow goal came from a well-struck JoeHayden sideline ball.

The Alley were being helped by a slight secondhalf breeze and seemed to have it all wrappedup. But it did not work out quite like that.

A very eager and fit Carlow side, that boastedsome fine hurlers, hit back with 1-3. A TomDempsey goal put the Alley back in control itseemed, but Tadgh Doyle had Carlow’s fourthgoal from a penalty to leave only three pointsin it.

Brendan Hayden hit a Carlow point and withfive minutes to go the home side were doingall the pressing. However, they could not closethe gap further and in the last minute TonyDoran set up Mick Butler for the clinchinggoal.

The Alley backs were a trifle shaky and willnot be happy at conceding so many scores. Itcould have been worse but for some fine savesby Henry Butler. Seán Whelan and EamonnSinnott did pretty well at midfield, and theAlley forwards were quite sharp, Dempseyand O’Leary nabbing two goals each. TonyDoran was scoreless for the hour, butdistributed the ball to good effect.

The game was noteworthy for the return tocompetitive action of Colm Doran. He came onas a sub for John O’Leary when the Alley wereten points ahead, his first outing of the season.He did look at little rusty, but showed some ofthe old dash also.

Carlow were surprisingly good and Joe andBrendan Hayden, Brendan Doyle and TadghDoyle can be very happy with their displays. Itmust be remembered that for the past twoyears Rathnure only managed to overcome theCarlow champions by a single point on theirway to the Leinster titles double.

teAm: Henry Butler, Barry Murphy, PatKenny, John O’Leary, Paul Gahan, Matty Foley,John Donohoe, Seán Whelan (0-1), EamonnSinnott, Tom Dempsey (2-2), Martin Casey (0-1), Paddy Donohoe, Tony Doran, Mick Butler(1-4), Fintan O’Leary (2-0), Subs: Colm Doranfor J. O’Leary, John Gahan for J. Donohoe.

Carlow made the Alley Work HardBuffers Alley 5-8 Carlow Town (Carlow) 4-6

BuÍochAs – I would like to acknowledge my appreciation to the following whocontributed information for this souvenir booklet to commemorate the 25thAnniversary of the Club All-Ireland win 1989: Ger Hore Photography, Wexford, PaddyMurphy Photography, Enniscorthy, Alan Aherne, Fr. Jim Butler, Tony Doran, JohnO’Leary, Tom Dempsey, Echo & People Newspapers, Tommy Murphy, PRO Carlow,Jim O’Sullivan, Cork. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir - Mary Foley PRO.


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Buffers Alley Battle into Leinster FinalBuffers Alley 1-12 Seir Kieran 1-07

A GOAL direct from a sideline puck by Seán Whelanfive minutes from the end was the clincher for BuffersAlley as they earned a place in the Leinster hurlingclub final with a hard-earned win over Offalychampions, Seir Kieran, at Athy on Sunday.This score put the Alley four points clear in a

gripping encounter contested in bitterly coldconditions, and they were not going to be caught.Points from a Tom Dempsey free and by Martin Caseyfrom play put the icing on the cake.The Offaly men had fought back to level terms with

ten minutes left and were looking dangerous.Tom Dempsey sent in a free from over 70 yards out

on the right wing. It was signalled wide, but therewere vehement protests from the Alley forwards ledby Tony Doran, and the referee ordered the white flagto be raised, after consultation. Just a couple of minutes later came Whelan’s killer

goal, when the Offaly ‘keeper appeared to bedistracted by Tony Doran. It was no more than theAlley deserved, as they had fought with all their usualtenacity to overcome very stubborn resistance fromthe first time Offaly champions. The Alley was without Seamus O’Leary, who has a

back injury, and Colin Whelan came in at wing back.Tony Doran lined out at corner-forward with MickButler facing Eugene Coughlan in the full-forwardberth. This play worked well in the county final and it

worked here again. Doran caused consternation in thefirst half, shot two good points that could have beengoals, and his opponent was replaced after just 20minutes. Seir Kieran started the better and dominated the

first quarter but shot eight wides and the Alleyactually led by 0-3 to 0-1 after being on the rack. Thena long free into the Alley goal mouth seemed harmlessenough but Pat Kenny fouled Joe Dooley and Dooleyhimself exacted full revenge when he blasted to thenet to give his side the lead for the only time in thegame 1-1 to 0-3. The Alley then began to hurl in earnest and applied

steady pressure to the interval which yielded pointsfrom Doran, a great effort from Martin Casey after aflowing move and two from frees from Mick Butler,who was not finding the range. A Joe Dooley pointedfree was the only reply and the Alley led by 0-7 to 1-2at half-time. Points were swapped on the restart but then Seir

Kieran had one of their best spells and applied strong

pressure. There were a number of defensive scores butthe Alley did not yield, despite some desperategoalmouth scrambles.Seán Whelan, and Tom Dempsey switched and both

benefited. Dempsey and Eamonn Sinnott who wasbooked, won back midfield superiority while Whelanposed a serious threat from the half forward berth.John Gahan came on for a struggling Paddy Donohoeon the other wing of the attack.A Billy Dooley point after twenty minutes brought

the sides level, and the game see-sawed back andforth at a frantic pace until Dempsey’s disputed pointand Whelan’s sideline- puck goal swung it decisivelyto the Alley.It was essentially a team victory but Seán Whean,

Pat Kenny, Matty Foley, Martin Casey, Tom Dempseyin the second half and Paul Gahan played very well.Barry Murphy improved greatly after a shaky start,and Henry Butler made some good saves but causedsome heart-tremors by blocking down a number ofhigh balls in front of his goal. Tony Doran took hispoints well and was generally a threat to the Offalydefence.The Alley will now meet the Shamrocks of Kilkenny

in the Leinster final, and a win there would give thema great chance or clinching that elusive first All-Ireland club title for the county. The champions ofGalway, Tipperary and Cork all gone and the Leinsterwinners will probably be favourites to win out.This win by Buffers Alley did something to restore

flagging pride in the county and also redressed thebalance for two very disappointing defeats by Offalyearly in the year in the League semi-final and theLeinster final.

Buffers Alley: Henry Butler, Barry Murphy, PatKenny, John O’Leary, Paul Gahan, Matty Foley, ColinWhelan, Seán Whelan (1-2), Eamonn Sinnott, TomDempsey (0-5), Martin Casey (0-2), Paddy Donohoe,Mick Butler (0-1), Tony Doran (0-2), Fintan O’Leary.Sub: John Gahan for Donohoe.

seir Kieran: Liam Coughlan, Seán Coughlan,Eugene Coughlan, Paddy Connors, Paddy Mulrooney,Michael Coughlan, Ger Connors, Pat Mulrooney (0-1),Kieran Dooley, John Dooley, Jimmy Connors (0-2),Noel Bergin, Michael Mulrooney, Joe Dooley (1-3),Billy Dooley (0-1). Subs: Johnny Abbot for P. Connors,Joe Mooney for M. Mulrooney.Referee: Paddy Delaney (Laois).

(Gaelic Parade 24th Nov. 1988).


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Any club that can win nine countychampionships in an eleven year period, takeonly one provincial title in that period, andstill have the courage to fight again, deservesthe utmost respect.

That Buffers Alley finally came through to wintheir second title in Sunday’s Leinster Clubsenior hurling final at the expense of Kilkennychampions, Shamrocks, at Dr. Cullen Park,Carlow, is more than just reward for theirperseverance and makesup for the frustration andwait since their onlyprovincial success of1985’86.

For Buffers Alley, as in theircounty final games withRathnure, it was a victoryfor sheer courage andcommitment, which wasbacked up by no little skill,but it was the same courageand commitment that theKilkenny champions failedto overcome as they stagedtheir victory effort in thethird quarter.There was sheer jubilation inthe Alley camp on thesounding of the final whistle,and just how sweet thisvictory meant to the smallrural parish could be seen in the broad victorysmile of that great warrior Tony Doran. It wasa smile of a job well done, but also one whichshowed that Wexford hurling still has much tooffer.

While the heavy pitch did not lend itself tofluent hurling, it, nevertheless, provided quitean interesting struggle, although one couldterm it a game of two halves with the Alleyclearly the dominant force in the openingthirty minutes, while on the resumption it wasthe Shamrocks who took up the initiative withthe Wexford champions fighting a magnificentrearguard action.It turned out to be a rousing second-half withboth sides showing the will to win, which all

helped contribute to anentertaining game. BuffersAlley in their thirtyminutes supremacyplayed some delightfulhurling, while TheShamrock’s deft stickwork in the secondperiod was not enoughand they had to rely onthe superb free taking ofmidfielder, Ger Fennelly,to bring them withinsight of victory.

It was two magnificentBuffers Alley scoreswhich in the end provedthe real differencebetween what were twovery evenly matchedsides. The first arrived

in the tenth minute when the redhead of Tony Doran went hurling through theair. In one deft movement he fetched a TomDempsey lob from the air and in a startlingturn and strike he left Kevin Fennelly helplessfor a magnificent goal, which brought thecrowd to its feet.

Leinster Champions Alley takeSecond Provincial Title

Buffers Alley 1-12 Shamrocks (Kilkenny) 1-09


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Their second most decisive score arrived onthe stroke of full-time. Clinging desperately toa two point lead, it was another veteran MickButler who sailed over a magnificent pointfrom all of forty-five yards out on the sideline,which sent the cup on its way to the NorthWexford parish.

It was fitting that two such magnificent effortsshould play a vital part in this magnificentvictory and in the destination of the title. Thestandard of hurling all through was quite high,but it is those two mammoth efforts which willbe sung for many a long day downKilmuckridge way.

Both teams looked remarkably sharp aftersuch a long season, but it was the Alley whosettled much the quicker and in the processthey clearly unsettled the rhythm of theKilkenny champions, and never once over thehour were the Wexford champions headed,and they held an interval lead of 1-10-0-2.

Shamrocks pepped up their pace on theresumption and Ger Fennelly punished somereckless fouling in the Alley defence, and asthe game entered the final three minutes, theShamrocks were on the offensive with onlytwo points separating the sides 1-11 to 1-9.

But it was when matters looked like goingagainst them that the Alley showed thedetermination of the champions. They foughttheir way back into the Shamrocks territory forMick Butler to swing over that delightfulclinching point.

There is no denying but that Buffers Alleydeserved their victory in the end. This was avictory brought about by their ability to takescores at crucial times, and it was these scoreswhich decided the destination of the title, for ittook too much out of the Shamrocks in theirefforts to regain the initiative.

It was a victory not alone for Buffers Alley butalso for Wexford hurling. With the game goingthrough such demoralizing time in recentmonths, it was badly in need of a lift, and thisis what the men from the Alley really did.

They brought pride back into Wexfordfollowers with their courage, skill and it is thistype of commitment which could well seethem become the first Wexford club to lift theAll-Ireland title.

While it was the veterans who picked off thecrucial scores, one had to be impressed by theplay of Colin Whelan at left half-back, SeánWhelan and Eamonn Sinnott at mid-field, andthe non-stop effort of Paddy Donohoe at wing-forward. The coolness of the veterans whoseexperience inspired the younger playersaround them were crucial factors in what mustbe termed a team victory.

It will be difficult to defeat such courage andcommitment, which backed up by no littleskill, will see the Alley mount a mightychallenge for that elusive title. Let’s hope thistype of effort will spread right throughWexford hurling in the New Year.

team: Henry Butler, Barry Murphy, Pat Kenny,John O’Leary, Colin Whelan, Matty Foley, PaulGahan, Eamonn Sinnott, Seán Whelan, TomDempsey (0-1), Fr. Martin Casey (0-1), PaddyDonohoe, Mick Butler (0-10 – 8 frees, 1 ‘65),Tony Doran (1-0), Fintan O’Leary. Subs: JohnGahan for Fintan O’Leary, Matt Furlong forMatty Foley.

(Echo, 9th Dec. 1988)

PRoud moment! Pat Kenny holds the cup aloftafter receiving it from leinster chairman, JackBoothman, following the Alley’s victory in theleinster final against shamrocks of Kilkenny.


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Buffers Alley could not have had it easier.Without moving into top gear they had sixteenpoints (2-19-0-9) to spare over second-classFour Roads, Roscommon and Connaught title-holders, in the All-Ireland senior hurlingchampionship semi-final at Wexford park lastSunday.

Approximately 2,000 followers including 500from the west of the Shannon, basked in thebright Spring sunshine, but if it was hurlingthrills they came for they were disappointed. Itwould be ludicrous to suggest, however, thatfollowers of the Kilmuckridge team went awayunhappy.

The Wexford champions were ‘light years’ahead of this opposition in hurling skill andphysical fitness. They had the advantage of thebreeze and had the sun in their backs in theopening period. Determined defending wasexpected of the team that lowered the coloursof Galway champions, Abbeyknockmoy, but ata very early stage it was evident that they didnot possess what it takes to keep Tony Doran,Mick Butler and company in subjection for theduration.

That the Four Roads defenders were “hardy”goes without saying. Their play for the mostpart for keeping the opposition from scoringwas to place themselves physically in the way.Standing on the ball, taking the stroke of thehurley on any limb that might prevent contactwith the ball, and holding an opponent’shurley or jersey, were tactics that made lifemiserable for the Buffers Alley forwards in thefirst quarter.

But in that time referee John Long punishedseverely the Four Roads defense, Mick Butler

was at his best free-taking form and thanksmainly to his accuracy the Wexford men wereleading by five points without reply in thatspell.

Then, after Tony Doran had stretched the leadwith another very fine point, came the first ofthe game’s two goals. A ground clearance byRoscommon full-back Seamus Dowd wassnapped up by right half forward, TomDempsey. He raced on to the ball at full speed,tore through the centre of the defence and “letfly” from about twenty yards. Keeper AdrianTully had no chance as the ball whizzed wellwide of his despairing dive to the right.Even then it was a case of magnitude of theBuffers Alley victory margin.

Dempsey immediately added a point beforeSeamus O’Leary slammed home the second‘major’. Just three minutes after Dempsey’sgoal, the corner forward availed of a majorblunder in the Four Roads full back line tosend the ball first-time to the net. At that stagethe Alley were 2-7 to nil in front and they wenton to lead by 2-10 to 0-2 at the interval.

Quite honestly, there were few in attendance,even amongst the very vocal Four Roadssupporters, who anticipated a change in thetrend of play in the second-half. There was oneRoscommon mentor, however, who insistedthat the match was there for the winning byhis team. And he wasn’t joking. Following thegame he was still in the same frame of mind –which Four Roads should have taken controland won in the second half.In truth, they were not equipped to doanything of the kind. They strove gallantly butthe Buffers Alley men were content to containtheir challenge.

Buffers Alley on theT hreshold of Glory

All-Ireland Semi-Final: Buffers Alley 2-19 Four Roads 0-09

At the end of the third quarter the Wexfordchampions had tacked on another six points inreply to two from the opposition (2-16-0-4) andin the dreary last fifteen minutes, with thecrowd streaming towards the exits each teamhad a further three points.

The standard of play declined as the hourprogressed. It is not possible to produce goodhurling at half pace and the urgency was, mostcertainly, gone from the Kilmuckridge effort.Henry Butler in the winner’s goal has rarelyhad a quieter afternoon. But the game wasonly seven minutes in progress when he wasgiven a little moment by a wild-swinging TomFallon. The referee cautioned the Roscommoncorner forward when Butler, in catching a highball, was felled with a blow to the head.Thereafter he was called on to save five or sixshots from long range.

The opposition keeper, Adrian Tully, was also“in the wars”. Towards the end of the first half,

and having conceded two goals, he sustained ahand injury as he tussled with forwards wellaway from his goal and he was replaced byMichael Gately.

In the second half, Four Roads introduced TomFinnerton for George Coyle and MichaelDonnelly for Tom Fallon without the desiredresults. The strength of the winners was shownwith the introduction of John Gahan for PaddyDonohoe. It showed that no one can becomplacent about holding his place on thisBuffers Alley team and the younger brother ofPaul Gahan was quite efficient.

One could not let the occasion pass withoutreference to the standard of refereeing. It isperplexing how an official of the experience ofJohn Long would be so whistle happy to thedetriment of the enjoyment of the game.We would generally give vent to our feelingsagainst a referee when in a losing situation. Letit be said when the Wexford side came out on


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Action from the All-ireland semi-final v Four Roads with Barry murphy clearing the ball with Johno’leary & matty Foley keeping a close eye.


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top in easy fashion that he consistentlysacrificed continuous play for petty andobscure reasons.

His decision to disallow a Buffers Alley goal inthe fifth minute was mystifying and to hear hisreason and see the video of the game would bevery interesting.

The best feature of the Buffers Alley team istheir balance. They are a much better and morediscipline team now than they were whenwinning the Wexford title. Their defence ismost consistent, the midfield partnership ofSeán Whelan and Eamonn Sinnott is terrier-like and the scoring sextet possesses just aboutevery asset.

From a ‘county’ point of view the new-foundenthusiasm of Tom Dempsey is gratifying. OnSunday he had his best game for two years. Hewas incisive and accurate. It is a pity that PaulGahan will not be available to the countyselectors for the championship. But BarryMurphy, Pat Kenny and Matty Foley willdefinitely be on the short list. The latter isanother that has been improving rapidly and inthis encounter he was in direct opposition to thebest player (Paul Dolan) in the visiting team.

In attack, as always, Tony Doran and MickButler were the architects. The “agelesswonders” had some delightful points fromplay. In particular, Doran’s deft touches causedmuch pleasure but left many wondering aboutthe standing of hurling amongst the “youngergeneration”. What the visitors lacked in skillthey more than compensated for in “heart”.They tried all the way. The efforts of SeamusDowd and Frank Carty in defence were brave.They also had two good workers in their mid-fielders, Michael Cunniffe and Geroge Coylewhile Paul and Paddy Dolan never shirked inattack.

One must accept, however, that they may havebeen fortunate to overcome the Galwaychampions, and one expects higher classperformance at this level of competition.

BuFFeRs AlleY: Henry Butler, BarryMurphy, Pat Kenny (Capt.), John O’Leary, PaulGahan, Matty Foley, Colin Whelan, SeánWhelan, Eamonn Sinnott, Tom Dempsey (1-4),Fr. Martin Casey (0-2), Paddy Donohoe, MickButler (0-9). Tony Doran (0-3), Seamus O’Leary(1-1). Subs: John Gahan for Paddy Donohoe.

(Echo, Feb. 17th 1989)

Buffers Alley supporters who were in jubiliant form at the recent co. Final victory v Rathnure will nowhead to croke Park for the Final.

Buffers Alley step out on Croke Park thisFriday to take on O’Donovan Rossa of Belfastin the All-Ireland club hurling final, and theyare determined to take this title and theTommy Moore Cup back to Wexford for thefirst time.

They field exactly the same team thatclobbered Four Roads in the semi-final atWexford Park. Colm Doran is hospitalized andis out of the subs panel, but other than that theAlley report a clean bill of health.

It’s tough on Colm to miss out on his club’s“big day”. He was trainer of the Alley teamthat played Kilruane McDonagh’s in the 1986final, when they lost a game that was there forthe taking.

The following comment was recorded in adesperately disappointed Alley dressing roomafter the game “Nerves played a big part. Weshould have won, but no matter how hard wetried, we just couldn’t put it together. Now isthe time to stick together. We will be back”

Few outside the Alley really believed that.Their great chance was gone, especially for theolder members of the squad, was the generalfeeling. Three years later the Alley is stilltogether, and they most certainly are back.

This Friday’s final gives Buffers Alley a chanceto atone for that bitter disappointment of threeyears ago. It gives them a chance to put theicing on a most remarkable period in the club’slong history by being crowned champions ofIreland, and it is a chance to give hurlingmorale in Wexford a shot in the arm, livingproof that with hard work and commitment.Wexford hurlers are capable of being the bestin the country.

I think Buffers Alley can win it this time. Butonly if they come to terms with the mentalproblems posed by the big occasion, as well aswith the physical ones posed by O’DonovanRossa. This is where the cruel experiencegained three years ago should prove

invaluable. They are now battle hardened andshould be able for all the pressures of the bigday.

Buffers Alley have the experience and theability to win, and the players must believe inthemselves. But that is not the same thing ascomplacency or over-confidence. O’DonovanRossa are there on merit and will concedenothing easily.

Bro. Michael O’Grady, former Wexford seniorhurling coach, thinks the Alley can win if theyplay their natural game and are on top form.He saw O’Donovan Rossa shock his nativePatrickswell in the All-Ireland semi-final.

“They are a competent team, not a great team.Patrickswell missed some scores that couldhave won the game for them, and as the gamewent on O’Donovan Rossa improved as theybegan to believe they really could do it” hesays.

Therefore, it is very important that BuffersAlley take control of the game and imposetheir will on it from an early stage. Theyshould set the pace, and make sure it is playedthe way they want it. They are capable ofdoing that.

Fr. Jim Butler has put his charges through avery tough training regime since Christmasand they have played countless challengegames. They certainly looked sharp againstFour Roads, but the opposition was too weakto make a fair assessment.

Fr. Butler also believes the Alley can win, but isvery cautious about the unknown quantitythat is O’Donovan Rossa. “We can do it, butwill need to reproduce the form we showedagainst Rathnure in the county final replay andagainst the Shamrocks in the Leinster Final” hesays.

Experienced selectors, John Doyle, Jack Halland Pierie Butler, feel that they have come upwith the best blend and have left the team

Buffers Alley can do it this time!


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exactly as it started against Four Roads. Theyshould have the mix right by now; the finalwill be the Alley’s 14th game in this campaign.

henry Butler had some uncertain momentslast year, but was back to his best in the closingstages of the Leinster campaign. He is frontedby a very strong full-back line in Barrymurphy, Captain Pat Kenny and the soundJohn o’leary.

matty Foley has been a real “find” at centre-back, using his height well under the droppingball. He is flanked on the right by the elegantemigrant, Paul Gahan, who is now displayingbite as well as style, and the hard workingcolin Whelan on the left.

Dashing eamonn sinnott and the very reliableseán Whelan makes a strong midfield pairing.In the half-forwards, tom dempsey appears tobe back at his considerable best, while Fr.martin casey is very fit and hard to contain.Paddy donohoe sometimes struggles but hasgrabbed some vital goals.

tony doran may be making his lastappearance in Croke Park and he is still theman the Antrim defenders will fear. He hashad one of his best seasons, scoring a wholeseries of important goals. mick Butler is still ahandful for the best and a deadly free-taker,while seamus o’leary is an elusive runnerand a clean striker of the ball. He again keepsFintan O’Leary out of the side.

What of O’Donvoan Rossa? Belfast based, theywere very strong in hurling in the late sixtiesand goalie Paddy Quinn, Seán Collins and JimFagan have three Ulster club medals from thatera. They then became more noted asfootballers and this year was their first time to

win the Antrim championship since 1977,beating Cushendall in the final – the sidebeaten in the All-Ireland semi-final by BuffersAlley in 1986. They had a tough fight againstLavey of Derry in the Ulster Final and thenhad that sensational win over the Munsterchampions, Patrickswell.

Ciarán Barr, the first Ulster hurling All-Star, istheir best known player, figuring in theforwards; his brother Mark will be at corner-back and the three Murray brothers are alsovery influential, especially captain and full-back Damian.

In a recent National League game, Limerickwere leading Antrim by twelve points whenRossa’s Donal Armstrong and Ger Rogan wereintroduced and they inspired such a fight backthat they only lost by two points, and wereunlucky not to win. Armstrong is a player theAlley will have to curb.

According to Tony McGee of the Belfast IrishNews, O’Donovan Rossa plays a direct, fast-moving game, keeping the ball travelling.They went to Limerick confident of reachingthe final and were not surprised at their win.They are also quietly confident of beatingBuffers Alley.

While the Antrim champions deserve theutmost respect, I feel the overall ability, theexpertise and the never-say-die spirit ofBuffers Alley will triumph on this occasion. Ithink after a searching examination, they willbe crowned hurling kings of Ireland thisFriday, and a long cherished dream will befulfilled.

(Guardian 16th March, 1989)

henRY ButleR: One of the longest servinggoalkeepers in club hurling. Henry is now one ofthe veterans of the current side. He hasrepresented his county in all grades of hurling,but will be hoping to win his first All-Irelandsenior medal on St. Patrick’s Day.

BARRY muRPhY: A strong player in the Alley’slast line of defense. A player who came throughthe under-age ranks with much success, he hasrepresented his county in all grades of hurling,being a regular member of the senior side a fewseasons back. Had one of his best years for along time in 1988.

PAt KennY: Pat having forced his way backinto the Wexford senior side has recovered hisappetite for the game. A strong defender on theedge of the square, he is a player who could havea vital bearing on the outcome of this final.

John o’leARY: Possibly one of the mostunder-rated defenders in the side. Hiscontribution goes mostly un-noticed, but one willsee few scores come off this consistent defender.He has won numerous under-age medals withthe club as well as county senior medals.

PAul GAhAn: This could possibly be Paul’sfarewell game for some time for the club. Nowdomiciled in England where he emigrated twomonths back, it is not known if he will beavailable in the future. Winner of four seniormedals with the club, he is a top class defender.

mAttY FoleY: Matty has settled in well to theunaccustomed position for him of centre back.Another player who has collected underage titleswith the club, he was also a member of the Alleyside when they lost the last club final in ’86.

colin WhelAn: Younger brother of Seán, hewill be making his first appearance in the clubfinal scene. When brought in for the LeinsterClub Final he had an outstanding game and hewill prove a difficult opponent for any forward.

seÁn WhelAn: Seán has represented hiscounty at every level. A member of the BuffersAlley senior team since 1981, and winner of six

county senior medals, Seán will be hoping to winhis first All-Ireland club medal.eAmonn sinnott: Eamonn who won hisfirst senior club medal last year will be hoping toadd an All-Ireland medal to his collection. Astylish hurler who has won many under-agehonours with the club, he could have a vitalinfluence on the destination of the title.seAmus o’leARY: Winner of six countychampionship- medals as well as numerousunderage awards. He has represented Wexford inall grades of hurling, commencing his career as agoalkeeper in minor. He will be hoping to makeit a torrid afternoon for the O’Donovan Rossagoalkeeper.tom demPseY: One of the most stylishforwards in the team. Despite only being in hisearly twenties he is looked upon as one of themore experienced players in the team. He haswon Leinster minor and under-21 medals withWexford, while he also helped St. Peter’s Collegeto an All-Ireland College’s Final game. Tom is theholder of six senior championship medals.mARtin cAseY: A native of Causeway, Co.Kerry, Martin won his first senior hurling medalwith the club as a substitute in 1968, and now hasnine such awards. A one-time stalwart with thecounty senior team, he has also captured twoLeinster club and an Intermediate Footballaward, and won an all-Ireland Minor hurlingmedal with Wexford in 1968. He also managedthe Co. minor team in 1987 and has been a loyaland dedicated servant to Buffers Alley. Lookingto add to his collection of medals today. PAddY donohoe: Paddy only became aregular in the side during the 1988 championshipcampaign. He came up through the underageranks and had his finest hour in the final replaywith Rathnure.micK ButleR: Brother of goalie, Henry, Mickhas won nine county senior hurlingchampionships medals and holder of twoLeinster senior medals with Wexford as well asnumerous other awards at senior and under-agelevel. Mick, the side’s free taker, is the leadingscorer for his side.

Player Profiles


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tonY doRAn: Tony will be hoping to win theonly award that has eluded him in his illustriouscareer. One of the all-time greats of Wexfordhurling, he feels he will have achieved hisgreatest honour if he can inspire this small ruralparish to the All-Ireland club title.

Ben mARtin: Substitute goalkeeper. Ben hasbeen denied the opportunity to display hisexcellent net minding prowess at the highestlevel due to the excellence of Henry Butler.However, he is a competent cúlbaire with theclub’s Intermediate hurling team and holds ahost of Co. Senior medals.

FintAn o’leARY: Fintan captained theWexford U21 team that won the Provincial title in1987 and has represented Wexford and St. Peter’sCollege with distinction. He is in sharpshootingform and should make a huge impact if called uptoday.

John GAhAn: John made his first Co. Finalappearance this year in the drawn game and wasrewarded with his first Co. senior medal. He hasdonned the purple & gold jersey for Wexford andis a very reliable and skilful sub to have intoday’s panel.

mARneY BuRKe: Marney was a member of theWexford minor hurling panel that qualified for

the All-Ireland final in 1980 and scored the matchwinning goal in the Co. Senior final of 1983. Haswon five Co. Senior Hurling titles.

mAtt FuRlonG: Matt who originally playedwith Blackwater is a noted footballer but hasbeen involved with Buffers Alley hurling andfootball for a while now. Won his first Co. Seniorhurling medal last October. Matt came on as asub in the Leinster Final v The Shamrocks.

John donohoe: John holds two LeinsterClub and two Senior Co. medals and playing atcentre back is one of his best positions. He is avery competent and skillful player. His brotherPaddy is on the starting 15 today.

GeR sWeeneY: Ger has given many years ofsterling service to Buffers Alley, manning themid-field position on many occasions. He haswon 6 senior Co. Senior titles, 2 Leinster Cluband is hoping to finish it off today with the muchsought after All-Ireland club medal. Hasrepresented Wexford on many occasions winningu21 Leinster in 1979.

hAR lee: Har played for Wexford in U21Hurling in 1987, winning a Leinster medal. Wonhis first senior county medal last October and ishoping to add an All-Ireland Club medal to hissilverware today.

selectors: l to R: Jack hall, Pierie Butler, John doyle.


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tom lawless (2nd left) of the Alley Bar and Ger sweeney, sweeney sports, Gorey,presented tom dempsey and Barry murphy with a set of jumpers to commemoratethe occasion of the club reaching the All-ireland club hurling final, to be held incroke Park on st. Patrick’s day.

l to R: henry Butler, tony doran & seamus o’leary took a break from training topose for the photographer leading up to the All-ireland.

l to R: Also taking a break from training – tom dempsey, mick Butler, har lee, Ben martin.


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In underage hurling in Wexford over the pastfive years, Tom Dempsey was hailed as aforward with a tremendous future. He was theidol of under-age players and seemed set forwhat one could only describe as one with abright future in hurling.When Dempsey is on song, Buffers Alley is a

far different side and this was never moreevident than in the Leinster Final and the semi-final victory over Four Roads. Dempsey, in theFour Roads victory, possibly had his best gamefor over twelve months and his displaytransformed the Alley challenge.Following his successful under-age career,

Dempsey has had somewhat of a chequeredpassage at senior inter-county level, oftenfinding it difficult to command a permanentposition on the Wexford side.He did not have a great start to last year’s

championship campaign, but blossomed in thecounty final, and so far 1989 has been along thesame lines. Although a marked player, his clubwill be looking to him to guide their fortunesfrom the forty in this historic bid.It is a tribute to Dempsey’s ability that he can

still flourish in the positions which are largelyunsuitable while at the same time he can provean accurate free taker from a long range.Clearly in the eyes of the selectors he is theindividual best equipped to cope with newchallenges, and his talents can be seen toadvantage in any of the forward positions,while he is also a half-back of remarkabletalent.Dempsey’s adaptability is admirable and,

obviously stems from his positive attitude.While Tom is the hurling jewel in the Alleyattack, he still craves for that All-Ireland medal,which once achieved and hopefully on St.Patrick’s Day will prove a forerunner forWexford’s bid for provincial and All-Irelandhonours.Although still in his early twenties, Tom is

looked upon as a player with an abundance ofexperience having been part of an inter-countyscene since he was seventeen, while alsoassisting his club to many thrilling county titles.Tom, like his colleagues, respects the Antrim

champions, particularly following their shockvictory over Limerick champions, Patrickswell,in the All-Ireland semi-final.Tom Dempsey is an extremely influential

part of the Buffers Alley set-up and, thoughlately, his colleagues have proven they can winwith style even when their diminutive forwardis not at his best, his value to the Alley attackremains incalculable.Tom respects the challenge of the Antrim

side. While not knowing a lot about them, hesays for them to travel to Limerick and defeatthe home side in the semi-final, marks them outas a side to be given the utmost respect. While Buffers Alley followers talk openly

about the threat of Ciarán Barr, the first AntrimAll Star, their O’Donovan Rossa counterpartsfear Dempsey every bit as much. There is nodoubt either that whichever of the two playersmakes the greater contribution on Friday canswing the All-Ireland his team’s way.

(The Echo Fri. 17th March, 1989)

Tom Dempsey - the Man forBuffers Alley Emergencies

THANKS A LOTAll the Buffers Alley players, mentors and officials greatly appreciate the support they have seen from all parts of the

county during their Leinster and All-Ireland campaigns, indicated by the remarkable attendance of over 5,000 people atWexford Park semi-final win over Four Roads.

They also appreciate the consideration shown to them by Wexford Co. Board officers and the senior hurling selectors.They put in a request for players to be released from county duty in the run up to the All-Ireland final, and this request wasgranted without hassle, despite the importance of the games the Wexford team was involved in. The Alley will look theirbest at Croke Park on Friday – they have been presented with new jerseys by Co. Wexford Farmers Co-op. and withknicks and socks by Waterford Foods, through Matty Casey.

(Guardian, 16th March, 1989)


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Colm will miss out….COLM DORAN, one of the great Buffers Alley stalwarts and one of the best half-backsproduced by Wexford, will miss out on his club’s big day in the All-Ireland final thisFriday. Colm was hospitalized for an operation on his back last week and is unlikely toeven be in Croke Park for the final.

One of the most determined and tigerish defenders in the game, Colm graced Wexfordsenior teams for many years, winning an All-star Award at right half-back in 1973. He hasbeen a regular on Buffers Alley teams since their county final victory in 1968 when hejoined his brothers Bill, Joe and Tony on the victory rostrum.

Colm trained the Alley team that reached the All-Ireland club final in 1986, but has beenon the fringes of the present panel because of injury problems, coming on for a whileagainst Carlow Town. His heart will certainly be in Croke Park this Friday, and he is sureto figure too in the thoughts of his colleagues as they try to fulfil a cherished dream bywinning the All-Ireland title.

michael lyster (Rte) gets the views of colmdoran and former Wexford hurler daveBernie at half-time.


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....DAD’S ARMY… Fr. Martin Casey, Mick Butler, Tony Doran and Fr. Jim Butler

CEAD MILE FAILTE AND CONGRATULATIONS TO BUFFERS ALLEY

MENU

FRESH CREAM OF VEGETABLE SOUP***************

ROAST STUFFED LEG OF LAMB, MINT SAUCE********************

CHOCOLATE GATEAUX*****************TEA / COFFEE

‘Old Boys Union’

Buffers Alley look to...

BuFFeRs AlleY became Wexford’s first All-Ireland club hurling champions at sunnyCroke Park on St. Patrick’s Day when theyweathered a whirlwind start by Antrimchampions O’Donovan Rossa, imposed theirwill on the game and eventually werecomfortable winners 2-12 to 0-12.It was a keenly contested, entertaining

game, with the Antrim challenge stronger thanmany would have anticipated. The Alleyplayers deserve every credit for a verydetermined display and for refusing to panicunder the early onslaught. But credit must also go to the sideline team

who made some very shrewd moves, did notresort to panic measures either and made theminimum necessary number of switches,allowing the players to settle. The Alley lined

out as expected, with Tony Doran moving tothe corner in a switch with Mick Butler beforethe game started, a move that has become thenorm since the county final.In the first ten minutes it looked as if

Buffers Alley were going to be swept off theirfeet. It was 6 points to 1 after ten minutes andbut for the brilliance of Henry Butler in goal itwould have been much worse. Butler made ahalf dozen saves in that frenzied period, onean unbelievable reflex effort from a point blankshot in the fifth minute. The defence was indisarray in front of him, being outpaced andcaught out of position by the fleet-footedAntrim forwards. They were pouring throughgaping gaps in the middle and picking offsome lovely points led by all-Star Ciarán Barrwho slapped over three points from play. The


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Survived Early Blitz to ForgeFamous Victory

ALl-Ireland Final: Buffers Alley 2-12 O’Donovan Rossa 0-12

All-iRelAnd cluB chAmPions 1989Back l to R: tony doran, Barry murphy, marney Burke, matty Foley, Paul Gahan, henry Butler, Ben martin, mattFurlong, John Gahan, John donohoe, Ger sweeney, colin Whelan, seán Whelan. Front l to R: Fr. martin casey, mickButler, tom dempsey, Pat Kenny (captain), John o’leary, seamus o’leary, Paddy donohoe, eamon sinnott, har lee,Fintan o’leary.


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only Alley answer was a Mick Butler pointfrom a free and wides from long range by TomDempsey and Seán Whelan. The alley after tenminutes switched Paul Gahan to centre backfrom the wing, in a move with Matty Foley.Shortly after Tom Dempsey went to midfieldin a move with Eamonn Sinnott.And suddenly the Alley began to settle.

Gahan plugged the gaps down the middle andsnuffed out Barr who eventually had to moveto full forward, where he got little change fromPat Kenny. Dempsey won moremidfield ball and the Alley began tomake their strength tell and to takecontrol.O’Donovan Rossa were to get

only one more point in the lasttwenty minutes of the half, whilethe Alley notched another 1-4 andmissed a few more.The vital goalthat really settled their janglingnerves came in the 13th minute.Mick Butler flicked on a hardSinnott centre and Seamus O’Learyburst his way through to plant theball in the net. Tony Doran, whoseemed to have the measure of hisopponent, should have had anothergoal only three minutes later. Hetore in along the end line in typical

fashion, but he didn’t throw the ballup very well and his palmed effortwas somehow batted away for a ’65which Tom Dempsey pointed. Apointed Butler free had the sideslevel (1-3 to 0-6) after 18 minutes.There were just three more pointsto half-time, two of them for theAlley. One was a lovely effort fromDoran who leaped high and hadthe ball over the bar in a twinklingand the other came from SeánWhelan just on half time to give theAlley a 1-5 to 0-7 lead.The Alley now seemed in

control, but would O’DonovanRossa come out with all gunsblazing in the early minutes again?Instead, it was the Wexford champswho got in the decisive early blowsand the title was wrapped up with

five minutes of the re-start. Dempsey pointedtwo frees and sandwiched in between themwas the killer goal, Seamus O’Leary brokethrough again and the ball broke to PaddyDonohoe who slammed to the net through acrowded goalmouth, possibly helped by adeflection. The defenders protested thatO’Leary had travelled on into the square, butthe score stood after consultation and it was 2-7 to 0-8 and the Alley were clear.

They totally dominated the next fifteenminutes but did not get the scores that wouldhave wiped out the Rossa challenge. Pointsfrom Doran and Dempsey were all they had toshow from the 5th to the 24th minutes, but theAntrim men were now well held and neverlooked like getting back into it.Eamonn Sinnott did get a lovely goal in the

7th minute, palming to the net as he wasfouled and felled. The Refcalled back play for apenalty. Mick Butler wentlow and the ball was cleared.They should have had

another goal mid-waythrough when a shot fromSeamus O’Leary wasfumbled; Mick Butler hit therebound weakly and goalieQuinn somehow managedto recover and scrambleclear again. Points from subPaddy Rogan and CiaránBarr left only five points in itwith five minutes left whenthe Alley should have beenout of sight, and legs werenow getting a bit weary. Butthere was no way back for

the Antrim men now – victorywas not this time going to becruelly snatched away. TonyDoran, looking as lethal as atany time in the last twentyodd years, led again byinspiration and he bulled hisway through for a point.Paddy Donohoe got anotherand Matty Foley finished witha great score from midfield.The Antrim men fought to theend and Barr had the lastword with his fifth point, butit was Buffers Alley’s day.(Gaelic Parade, The Guardian23rd March, 1989)

team: Henry Butler, BarryMurphy, Pat Kenny (Capt.),John O’Leary, Paul Gahan,Matty Foley (0-1), ColinWhelan, Eamonn Sinnott ,

Seán Whelan (0-1), Tom Dempsey (0-4), Fr.Martin Casey, Paddy Donohoe (1-1), MickButler (0-2), Tony Doran (0-3), Seamus O’Leary(1-0). Subs: Ben Martin (sub-goalie), JohnDonohoe, John Gahan, Fintan O’Leary, MarneyBurke, Matt Furlong, Harry Lee, Ger Sweeney.trainer: Fr. Jim Butler; Selectors: John Doyle,Pierie Butler, Jack Hall.


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Photos: Ger Hore Archives


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Photos: Ger Hore Archives


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Photos courtesy Tony Doran.


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Photos courtesy Tony Doran.


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New Chairman LaudsBuffers Alley’s Victory

Buffers Alley’s historic win in the All-Ireland ClubChampionship on St. Patrick’s Day was a real tonicfor Wexford hurling, Wexford County BoardChairman Joe O’Shaughnessy told last Mondaynight’s mini-convention in Murphy Flood’s Hotel,Enniscorthy.In congratulating the victorious team and all

associated with the historic victory, Mr.O’Shaughnessy believed the win would prove to bea turning point in the fortunes of Wexford hurlingand that could only be good for the game ingeneral, he said. In winning the coveted All-Irelandcrown, Buffers Alley displayed all thecharacteristics associated with Wexford teams of the‘50s and ‘60s said the new Chairman and victorywas made all the sweeter by the Buffers Alley men,coming from behind, he added.Shortly after winning the crown on Friday

afternoon last, Mr. O’Shaughnessy surprised manyin the Buffers Alley dressing room at Croke Parkwhen he said the club’s win far surpassed anyleague win which the county could have achieved.He said the County Board had stood by the BuffersAlley players, and victory on Friday was “worthmore than any league victories Wexford could haveachieved”.The decision of the Buffers Alley club to

withdraw their players from the County Panelduring the build-up to their All-Ireland Club bidhas been a source of some controversy on the homefront and Mr. O’Shaughnessy’s remarks will notfind favour in every quarter.

Wexford’s newly appointed Vice-Chairman, Mr.Paddy Wickham also joined in the tributes to theBuffers Alley team at Monday night’s miniconvention. He said their win was a great one inevery sense of the word and could do nothing butgood for Wexford hurling.Mr. Ciarán O’Neill of the Leinster Council was of

the same opinion when he addressed convention.He spoke of his sheer delight at Buffers Alley’s winand said Friday last was one of his happiest ever inCroke Park. He was particularly happy for the teammembers in general but “for my old friend – the redfellow” in particular.The historic win was certainly the main talking

point at the mini-convention with Gaels throughoutthe county united as never before in their praise ofthe Kilmuckridge-Monamolin men. Many agreedwith the new Chairman when he said the win couldwell signal a turning point in Wexford hurling andif that be the case, then victory will prove all thesweeter with the passage of time.

We’Ve done it! . . . A delighted seamus o’leary,scorer of the vital first goal, gives a victory wave ashe walks off croke Park pitch.

TOMMY MOORE CUPThis cup is awarded to the winners of the All-Ireland Club Hurling Championship in memory ofthe late Tommy Moore, a native of Ballyragget,Co. Kilkenny. Tommy Moore was prominentlyassociated with the Faughs club in Dublin formost of his adult life. He was Chairman andTreasurer for 40 years until he stepped down in1969, but was immediately elected President.Following his death in May 1973 the clubPresident presented the trophy in his honour tothe Central Council of the GAA and is presentedeach year on St. Patrick’s Day to the winners ofthe Club All Ireland Final.

We had the Clash of the Ash, the lark in thepark, north met south (east), the Tony Doranlegend entered a new chapter and BuffersAlley came home with the Tommy Moore Cup,marking them as men apart, Club All-IrelandHurling champions.

For a brief spell on Friday afternoon, St.Patrick’s Day, Wexford sporting aspirationscentered on a rectangle of turf in the citadel ofIrish national sport as the men from the northof the county (Buffers Alley) took on the menfrom the north of the country (O’DonovanRossa) and earned their place in the annals ofIrish Hurling.

Eighty minutes later the tiny north Wexfordcommunity earned its rightful place in thehearts of Gaels everywhere where the teamcaptain Pat Kenny lifted the Tommy MooreCup. It took a full twelve months for thedistinctive green shirted hurlers to earn theirplace in Croke Park; it took two action packedperiods of thirty five minutes each to make itall worthwhile. But there had been heartstopping minutes in between; moments whenit looked as if the Alley were about to beousted from the ultimate achievement andmoments when it looked as if Wexfordsporting hopes would once again be dashed onthe jagged rocks of fate.

The entire event had taken on a carnival airfrom early morning when bright weatherprospects boded well for those who consideredan afternoon on the terraces of Croke Parkbetter value than the home entertainment of St.Patrick’s Day parade and the cosy comforts ofthe ‘match’ on TV.

The men from the Alley arrived early at CrokePark. Team trainer, Fr. Jim Butler and up andcoming starts Paul Gahan and Tom Dempseyled the charge to seats overlooking the tunnel

in the Railway end and corner from wherethey viewed much of the Football final. Later,the Alley’s ‘red headed’ hero Tony Doran andbrothers Henry and Pierie Butler arrived tojoin their colleagues. There was little sign ofnervousness but the odd change of stance, thenervous tapping of a foot, the hardened jawand betraying some signs of concern at thematch to come.

Shortly before the off, they were joined byincoming County Board Chairman, JoeO’Shaughnessy and Secretary Seán Ormonde.Both men wished the Wexford representativesall the best, reminding them that the hurlingsupporters of Wexford would be with them atevery stroke. Then, they retired quietly toallow the team and mentors to readythemselves for the match.

The Alley supporters were there in numberserupting en masse as Pat Kenny led his menon to the pitch. One’s heart quite literally sankafter than opening jubilation as the cheers ofthe Northerners grew louder and they swepthome a five point lead. Alley’s short rangemarksman Mick Butler found it hard to findhis rhythm in the opening exchanges and onlysome classic Tony Doran ‘catch’ and runs keptWexford’s hopes alive. The buzz tore throughthe assembled crowd on each occasion whenthe distinctive red head player collected theball and headed for goal with all the force of abison at full belt, but it was when Mick Butlerfinally found his range and Seamus O’Learysank that opening goal that the Alleysupporters knew that they were on track.

But there were many more unsettling momentsbefore the end as the men from Belfast earneddue respect from their Wexford hurlingmasters.

The talk at half-time was of a heroic Doran and


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To ‘Croker’ and back with theMen from the Alley

the efforts of the Alley’s younger players inrising to the occasion “it’s going to be close,but I think that we have them now” one Alleyfaithful confided to me. “They have quietenedBarr, but they could still take it” said another.Thirty five minutes later the Tommy MooreCupwas going home to a fitting resting placeat the club’s complex at Monamolin. TonyDoran was chaired from the field and even themost partisan observer rose to applaud theAlley effort. The ‘green and yellow’ wereswallowed up in a wave of shouting, cheeringsupporters and the kissing and hugging, theback slapping and the whoops of delight werestill going on as Pat Kenny finally acceptedwhat he later described as ‘the cup thatcheers’.

Back down in the Buffers Alley dressing room,Michael Sweeney was having difficultykeeping order on the numbers anxious tomake their way to begin the celebrations inearnest. The players made their way back intwos and threes, there were tears in the eyes ofsome of the club mentors and CountyCouncillor, Joe Murphy, the man who had ledthe club to its first ever senior title was literallytingling with excitement.

But where was Tony, the question was oneveryone’s lips “he is being interviewed byMichael Lyster’ said one, ‘he is still out on thepitch’ said another ‘they will pull him apart’ventured a third.

By the time he did arrive, having battled hisway through clapping, slapping, cheeringsupporters, all hailing the rebirth of the Doranlegend, most of his colleagues were already ontheir way to the Grand Hotel in Wicklowwhere the meal would take place. The Grandwas jammed; it seemed that more people hadmade their way to the fine Wicklow hostelrythan had even cheered in Croke Park on thatday. They jostled for position in the bar andeach had his own story of the day. Had not,Paul Gahan’s switch been vital, what aboutthat goal, what was all the complaint aboutPaddy Donohoe’s goal, and wait for it, whatdid you think of Tony?

Then it was back to Monamolin where the jointwas jumping until the early hours and thelegend has it that the last reveler left thecomplex at 10am on the following morningand went straight to a nearby shop to buy thepapers to see how the match had really gone.


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tony doran moves away from his marker and has his eyes set on goal in the All-ireland Final playedearlier in the day in croke Park.


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SCENES OF JUBILATION AS ALLEY RETURNThere were scenes of jubilation when the Buffers Alley team and mentors arrived back atthe club complex in Monamolin on Friday night. Undoubtedly the man they all wanted toget near was the veteran Tony Doran who was showered with back slaps and messages ofcongratulations on finally winning the only medal which up to St. Patrick’s Day had eludedhim.

It was fitting that a club of the stature of Buffers Alley should be the first to bring thecoveted All-Ireland club title back to the Model County. They have been to the forefront ofWexford hurling for many years, but on St. Patrick’s Day they finally reached the pinnacleand the All-Ireland title.

There were jubilant scenes in Monamolin. The Alley arrived in a cavalcade of cars carryingthe trophy which Wexford had longed to get for so many years. Inside the complex onecould hardly hear the words of welcome such was the cheering and noise. Such sceneshave not been seen in Wexford since the All-Ireland victories of 1968.

As one veteran said “Let’s hope this will prove an inspiration for Wexford hurling and wewill see the McCarthy Cup back in the Model County in September”.

(The Guardian 24th March, 1989)

celebrations in clubhouse - Joe murphy (captain of the first Buffers Alley senior winning team 1968)shares the cup with captain Pat Kenny.

(Photo: Paddy murphy, Photography, enniscorthy).


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Celebrations in the Clubhouseon St. Patrick’s Night 1989

(Photos: Paddy murphy, Photography, enniscorthy).


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ALL IRELAND Club Hurling champions,Buffers Alley, were feted in Gorey on Saturdaynight last following their historic Croke Parkvictory on St. Patrick’s Day. About a thousandpeople turned out to cheer the champions at acivic reception hosted by Gorey TownCommissioners on the town’s main street,outside the Market House. There were jubilantscenes as the Buffers Alley team led by theircup-waving captain Pat Kenny, paraded up theMain Street headed by the St. Michael’s PipeBand. There was further ear-splitting cheeringas the team mounted the platform.Town Commissioners Chairman, Joe Funge,

said it was a privilege to welcome Buffers Alleyto Gorey after their historic win overO’Donovan Rossa (Antrim) and he called for a“big Gorey welcome”. The crowd dulyresponded.Mr. Funge said that Pat Kenny and his men

did the Gorey District proud in bringing thefirst-ever All-Ireland Club Championship to Co.Wexford. In coming back after a disappointingstart, they showed what true champions weremade of. Mr. Funge singled out for specialmention the 43 year old Buffers Alley ‘veteran’Tony Doran and said he had ‘played a blinder’.He congratulated him on achieving hiscomplete collection of All-Ireland medals. SaidMr. Funge; “It is a long time since Wexford wonan All-Ireland. I hope the county team will takea leaf out of Buffers Alley’s book and put theBoys of Wexford on the march again.Cllr. Joe Murphy, who was a member of the

first Buffers Alley team to win a county seniorchampionship, introduced the team-membersto the crowd and there was an extra loud cheerfor Tony Doran.Cllr. Rory Murphy, Vice-Chairman of

Wexford Co. Council, paid tribute to what hedescribed as a “marvelous Buffers Alley teamwhich had brought great honour to the county”.Cllr. Murphy said he was deputizing for

Council Chairman Lorcan Allen who was in theUnited States. Cllr. Allen had spoken to him on

the ‘phone that morning and sent hiscongratulations to Buffers alley on a great win.Cllr. Allen’s message to them: “I am with you inspirit tonight”. Joe O’Shaughnessy, Chairman of Wexford

Co. Board of the GAA; Oliver Murray,Chairman of Gorey District Committee; andRev. Walter Forde, C.C., Gorey joined in thetributes.Buffers Alley Captain, Pat Kenny, thanked

Gorey Town Commissioners for the CivicReception and said it was more than they everexpected. He thanked everyone for their bigwelcome and for the support during thecampaign.Tony Doran, thanking everyone for the big

welcome said it made “victory all the sweeter”when you know your efforts are appreciated somuch. He also thanked all for their wonderfulsupport over the years.Team Trainer, Rev. Fr. Jim Butler, also

associated himself with the thanks on behalf ofthe officials.The attendance at the Civic Reception also

included Jim Mulhall, Vice-Chairman of theCommissioners, Cllr. Michael D’Arcy and JackO’Brien, Gorey District Secretary GAA.

Up the Alley! Civic Receptionfor All-Ireland Heroes

Buffers Alley captain, Pat Kenny, with his two sonsBarry and Bobby at the civic reception in Gorey forthe All-ireland champions.

(Photo courtesy People newspapers)


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A large gathering in Kilmuckridge at the welcome home ceremony.


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THE FINAL CHAPTER in the greatest year inthe history of Buffers Alley GAA club waswritten last Friday night when over 300people attended the club’s annual dinner-dance and victory celebrations at the Hydro inKilmuckridge.On display were the Wexford, Leinster and

All-Ireland club hurling championshiptrophies, and also some impressive camogiesilverware, as this was an occasion shared bythe GAA and camogie clubs.Chairman, Mick Butler, said that they had

fought back from the disappointment of threeyears ago when beaten in the All-Ireland andcounty finals to achieve their most cherishedgoal on St. Patrick’s Day when taking the All-Ireland club title to Wexford for the first time.‘Now we are not the first club in Co. Wexford,but the leading club in all Ireland”. It was justreward for all the dedication, commitment,and hard work, put in by everybody, Butlersaid with pride.And the future looked quite secure as the

club’s Bord na nÓg teams were doing well atU12 and U14 levels, he said. And he did notforget the footballers amid all the hurlingeuphoria – they had reached the countyIntermediate Final and put up a good show.And the Alley had reached another landmarkduring the year – all debts are now paid offtheir club grounds and complex and all whohelped to achieve this were warmly thanked.Fr. Connolly, PP, the Club President talked of

his pride in the club’s great achievements andsaid they had joined an elite band as the All-Ireland club title had been won by only sixcounties and thirteen clubs. He had a word forall those who had worked to keep thingsgoing in the old days when the rewards werefew.Dorothy Kenny, the Camogie Cub

Chairperson spoke in Irish and English andjoined in the congratulations. The women hadevery reason to be happy also – they won theWexford senior title for a remarkablefourteenth successive year in 1988.

Buffers Alley Celebrations

l. to R: county chairman Joe o’shaughnessy, tony doran, Johnny mcclean, mick Butler (chairman andPlayer) at the victory dance in the hydro, Kilmuckridge.


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Fr. martin casey (member of 1989 team) and Fr. laurieKehoe were among the large attendance at the victorydance in the hydro.

Peter o’Brien, a member of the Buffers Alley team thatwon the co. Junior championship in 1928, had a chatabout hurling with tony doran at the Buffers Alleyvictory celebrations in the hydro on Fri. night.

Ann Kenny, Joan sweeney, moira Kenny and BrigidKenny enjoying the celebrations

elsie cody (nee Walsh) Buffers Alley and Wexfordcamogie star, and her husband Brian (right) theKilkenny and James stephens hurler, with seamusKenny (centre) at the Buffers Alley victory dinner dance.

Jim Kenny, father of Pat (capt.) and Kathleen corcoranenjoying the victory dinner dance.

tommy & mary o’loughlin with Peter o’Brien at thevictory dance.



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County Chairman, Joe O’Shaughnessy, saidWexford’s fortunes had been sagging and alot of people were disillusioned, but BuffersAlley had given them all a tremendous boostto confidence and morale which he hopedwould lead to a Leinster title this year.Danny Lynch, the GAA National PRO

travelled from Croke Park to present the All-Ireland and provincial medals and said theAlley’s win had been the culmination ofmany years of dedicated effort which wouldbe savoured forever in their parish. Fr.Connolly presented the county medals.Pat Kenny, the most successful Alley

captain of them all, had one last duty toperform – he made presentations on behalf ofthe players to team trainer, Fr. Jim Butler andselectors John Doyle; Pierie Butler and JackHall. “The Three Wise Men”, as he calledthem.Pat will be succeeded as captain this year

by Tom Dempsey who was congratulated on

being selected as a replacement hurling All-Star. Tony Doran was also congratulated onbeing named B & I “Personality of theMonth”, the “Irish Independent”, “Sport Starof the Week” and the “Powers Sports Personof the past 25 Years”, while Elsie Cody got the“Powers Silver Jubilee Camogie Award”. It was a most enjoyable night as the Buffers

Alley club and its supporters basked in theglow of their achievements. But alreadythoughts are turning to this year, with muchtalk about the county championship drawbeing made this week.And Mick Butler rang out a warning to all –

Buffers alley will not be content to rest ontheir laurels, they will be all out to retain theWexford championship and take their tenthsenior title since 1968. Only one club – theJames Stephens of Kilkenny has managed toretain their County title the year afterwinning the All-Ireland; Buffers Alley aim tobe the second.

Buffers Alley Victory dance in the hydro - l to R: mick Butler (club chairman), danny lynch (PRo croke Park),oliver murray (Gorey district chairman) and Joe doran (secretary Buffers Alley).


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10th Anniversary CelebrationsMarch 1999

(Photos: mary Foley)


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(Photos: mary Foley)


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Tony Doran, the man from Boolavogue, wasjust three weeks short of his 43rd birthdaywhen he won his club All-Ireland medal.When I visited him at his farm in Monagrena,Monamolin, he recalled the time and what itmeant, ‘Winning the All-Ireland title withBuffers Alley was my greatest thrill’. You’dhave to go back to 30 years ago before the clubchampionships ever started; it was somethingwe didn’t even dream of as a struggling Juniorclub. To win the All-Ireland was the icing onthe cake.

Four of the team had been there from the start– goalkeeper Henry Butler, his brother Mick,Fr. Martin Casey and myself. Fr. Martin had agreat influence on the club and was very loyalto us, maintaining the link, no matter where hewas stationed as a priest. Buffers Alleyencompasses Kilmuckridge and Monamolin.The Butlers are from Kilmuckridge. Anotherperson involved from the start was my brotherColm but though he played in an earlier roundin our All-Ireland year, he was hospitalizedwith a back operation before the final. He stillgot out to see us win. In all we have won 12county Senior Hurling titles including our firstin 1968 and I was associated with 11 of thosewins, playing in 10 and coming on as asubstitute in the 11th. Fr. Martin Casey has all12 medals, missing just two finals.

‘We didn’t go out at the start with the intentionof winning the All-Ireland. We went out at firstto win the Wexford title and beat Rathnure atlast. To beat Rathnure eventually in a replaywas our biggest club achievement up to thatdate. At the time we thought nothing couldsurpass that achievement. After that we beatCarlow Town, none too impressively, then SeirKieran of Offaly in a very close shave. Anotherclose game with Ballyhale Shamrocks on awindy day and we had won Leinster.O’Donovan Rossa (Belfast) were a very goodteam. Early on they had the run of us and wewere very slow to settle’.

comPARison With 1968 To be quite honest I can hardly rememberanything about the All-Ireland win of 1968 butI’ll always remember 1988-1989. I never felt tooold with the younger lads but used to wondershould I make way in the team for youngerplayers.

There was great joy after we won. We dined enroute home with the Moore Cup in the GrandHotel in Wicklow Town and it seemed all theparish was there before us. Eventually wearrived back to our own Clubhouse inMonamolin where we all celebrated togetheruntil the small hours. We have our own barfacilities and it was the ideal place to celebrateour success. We had a great reception in Goreyon the following night and returned to ourlocal pub in Monamolin, Tom Lawless’s later.Before we got our own Headquarters,Lawless’s had always been our celebrationspot on nights after County Final successes. Inever drank alcohol in my life but still partookand enjoyed all the celebrations. We alsocelebrated after a few nights in RobbieHammels of Kilmuckridge and about a weekafter that another night out was had inBoggans of Kilmuckridge.

We bought our club grounds in 1971,developed in by degrees and opened itofficially in 1975. We opened our clubhouse in1978 and it has become the focal point of thewhole area. It is a second home for me and allmy family. I was honoured to be selected onthe AIB Jubilee team especially when I sawmany of the great names that were not luckyenough to be selected. At the time we won theAll-Ireland, Mick Butler was Chairman of theclub, I was vice-Chairman (both of us players)and Joe Doran, my brother , who was anotherplayer from the 1968 era. was Club Secretary.”

(Interview with Tony Doran for the book “For Loveof Town and Village” written by the late JackMahon).

Tony Doran Looks Back


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mAn oF the monthtony doran is awarded the B and i line/GAA Personality of the month trophy for march by donal o’meara,B and i line, in recognition of his performance for Buffers Alley in the All-ireland hurling Final. Back l toR: Bill doran, Jack hall, John doyle, Joe doran, henry Butler, Fr. Jim Butler, Bill nolan (co. treasurerWexford GAA), Pat Kenny (capt.), Pierie Butler. Front l to R: Fr. martin casey, donal o’meara, tony doran,colm doran.

Fr. Jim Butler (trainer) receives a presentation from Pat Kenny (capt.) on behalf of the team.


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Photo courtesy of Alan Aherne, People Newspapers

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A Hurling First - 25 Years onsportlomo-userupload.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/galleries... · 2015-06-30 · colossus at midfield, the Leinster title was secured with a sweet victory