Farranferris hurlers reflect on great Harty Cup days from 40 years ago

IT was an evening to savour for the hurlers of St Finbarr’s Farranferris when they gathered at Flannery’s Bar recently to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their 1984 Dr Harty Cup success.

Former players came from far and near to attend the occasion with Martin Casey and Declan Kenneally travelling from Spain and Finbarr Daly crossing the Irish Sea from the UK.

The only player from the squad to miss the occasion was one of their stars DJ Kiely, who sadly passed away with cancer in 2018. It was fitting his wife Joan and family attended and the sight of the players and the family gathering in circle and singing Parting Glass was highly emotional.

Barry Harte of Argideen Rangers, Pat Bozynski from Mayfield and Tracton man Tom Kingston were the main organisers with many of the squad not meeting for over three decades.

Harte was a superb talent and he reflected on the great honour it was to be associated with such a great group of players.

“The Harty Cup started off when we played Cashel CBS at Clogheen in the first round and let me tell you it was a skin and hair belter with two men sent off in the opening five minutes, but a DJ Kiely sideline cut ensured us a draw.

“In the replay, it took a miraculous save by Tom Kingston in the dying seconds that denied Walter Carroll a certain goal that paved the way for us to move into the next round."

BUZZ

Back in the day when Farranferris played their neighbours up in the North Mon there was always a special buzz and Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosted this memorable game before a huge attendance.

The game was played on St Patrick’s Day and Harte scored a hat-trick that ensured Farranferris won 4-8 to 3-8 after a thrilling encounter.

We got a lucky decision from the referee that could have went the Mon’s way and in the end, it proved a huge call.” 

The final against Limerick CBS was always going to be a huge test as the Shannonsiders had eight of the Limerick minor side that eventually won the All-Ireland Minor title in that season.

“It was a draw season for us, and the first game finished even-stevens and with Mark Foley breaking his jaw in the replay but coincidentally nearly to this weekend we won the Harty Cup all of 40 years ago.” 

It was then on to Croke Park for a clash with St Kieran’s College Kilkenny for the All-Ireland final and Harte was pleasantly surprised with how they saw off their Leinster opponents.

Every game in Munster was tit for tat but to be honest we were seldom troubled in the All-Ireland final that completed a great season for us." 

Out of the team, Mark Foley progressed to All-Ireland glory with Cork and Harte went on to win a senior county medal with Carbery in 1994.

It was also a great year for Mayfield man Pat Bozynski who worked hard with fellow squad members to ensure this memorable evening would take place.

"It was a year I will never forget of course never forgetting my start in the first round that certainly wasn’t for the faint-hearted and I am very proud to be surrounded by men who gave their heart and souls in winning both Harty Cup and All-Ireland finals,” he said.

Team doctor Dr Con Murphy, Bishop Buckley and coach Seanie O’Riordan were all in attendance with Harte summing up the contribution of his coach.

“In the modern game you have strength and conditioning, sports psychologist and a few more titles but let me tell you Seanie O’Riordan was a man that did everything in one and I honestly don’t think we would have won any title without his brilliance at the helm.” 

Many stories were exchanged among the guys on the night but one name that kept popping up with the late DJ Kiely.

A few lyrics from the Parting Glass song sum up this wonderful gathering.

“So, fill to me the parting glass And a drink a health whatever befall, 

"And gently rise and softly call, Good night and joy be to you all.” 

DJ Kiely will never be forgotten by the 1984 Farranferris team.