From Athenry Journal 1995

The Teams

Rovers:

Jack Brennan, Captain – This stalwart from South Galway needs no introduction to football fans. Excels in high fielding and long kicking.

P. Kilkelly – By his brilliant saves on Sunday last, this custodian must be a serious contender for the position lately vacated by J. McGauran.

B Higgins – Once this astute player gets the ball in his hands, he can jockey his way through all obstacles.

Joe Whyte – Has made goal getting a Racket in the Game; can needle his way through anything.

Joe Egan – This stalwart defender hails from a camp bristling with the a galaxy of stars; gives a sound display in victory or defeat.

Denis Madden – An ex-Dublin Co. forward. When Dinny sounds the Clarion call, skin and hair flies. Opponents’ goal will have many a narrow shave.

John Joe Whyte – ‘Kneads’ no introduction to first class football. Can give spectators a plain or fancy exhibition.

Rangers

Willie Corbett (Captain) – Formerly played with Newcastle dreadnoughts. This six-footer has an advantage even over the Kerry Captain as Willie need not spring.

Peter Curran – This custodian is well known for his cagey playing. Forwards will often find themselves snookered with Peter between the sticks.

Stephen Jordan – This De Wett, who never took a wet, is always in the peak of form. Advocates the use of nothing but ‘Parliamentary’ language on the pitch.

Jimmy Burke – This nippy forward is adept at swerving. Can drive his way through anything.

Martin Glynn – This robust player hails from Cappatagle. Never caught out of position A master of timing and control.

John Doherty – This sound defender, possesses a rare turn of speed. “Fears” nothing. Gives the opposition a “suck” in.

John Cunniffe. A versatile and talented player from G.S.R. Club. When Jap accelerates, his solo runs down the line are a treat to watch.

The above will be at The Back Lawn on Sunday, 30th July, 1944, at 5pm. Referee: F. Kilkelly, Athenry.

Parade of teams takes place prior to the match, led by Brennan’s Accordion Band.

Editor’s note:

Brendan Higgins, Davis Street, was a keen horseman and follower of hounds.

Joe (Racket) White, Cross Street, also played handball.

Denis (Dinny, The Barber) Madden, Davis Street, was once told by a high ranking American General to stop pointing his gun at him because it might go off. A close ‘shave’ , for the American no matter which way he turned! I’d say Dinny could ‘blow his trumpet’ also.

John Joe Whyte, Old ( Church Street) was a baker of renown  hence ‘kneads’.

Peter Curran was a snooker player of note in a time when people thought that being good at snooker was “the sign of a miss-spent youth”.

Stephen Jordan T.D., Davis Street, played with The Athenry de Wetts (ref. Boer War) who were the County Football Champions in 1902, ’03, ’04, ’06, ’07, ’09. The ‘Kerry spring’ may well refer to “The Kerry Spring’s” ancestor.

Jimmy Burke was some  driver and  probably the ‘Schumacher’ of Athenry in the Forties. The ‘Japs’ and the ‘Germans’ found ‘ favour with many Irish people during the  War years.

The venue was The Back Lawn. Now, where was the Back Lawn? Well I’m too young to remember. I’m sure the referee of the day, Frank Kilkelly, could tell us all about it.