The 70’s

Flared jeans and long hair.

 

The previous decade ended with another Benburb Cup success for the Club.

Unfortunately the Troubles had also broken out in full force in 1969.

The majority population of Dungannon was to the fore in attempts to demonstrate our desire for equal rights and opportunities. Simple things that we were denied for far too long.

Thankfully we had hurling to help the youth of the town in these darkest days.

 

 

 

 

A big emphasis had been placed on our youth development.

A coaching course had been organised in Gormanstown in 1973.

Members of our Youth Coaches, a first for our Club were invited to this.

Great knowledge, new tactics and ideas were then brought home to revolutionise our coaching methods.

For our seniors, the only success in 1973 was winning the Tyrone Hurling League.

Unfortunately 1974 was a particularly uneventful year.

 

1975 – What a year!

 

The 1975 AGM took place on February 9th with the following individuals selected.

President – H McBride

Chairman – Peter McCaughey

Vice Chairman – Tommy Cushley

Secretary – M McKay

Treasurer – Donagh Begley

Committee – M Fahy, M Kennedy, C McHugh, D Morgan, J Harte, P Ross, N Devlin, M Morgan.

The main priority of 1975 was regaining the Benburb Cup, it was 5 years since it last returned to Dungannon.

However, it was agreed that our youth policy must continue making progress, as this will be were future success will derive. A youth committee was set up under the guidance of Peter McCaughey and included M Fahy, C McHugh, M Kennedy and M McKay.

This year was exceptionally special.

Our three teams – underage, minors and seniors all reached the Finals in their respective Championships.

However, the Finals were played over the course of the same weekend and as a result we had three players eligible to play in all 3 finals. Despite an unsuccessful request to the County board to change the Final dates, Eoghan Ruadh ran out comfortable winners in all 3 Finals to achieve the treble.

What an achievement by all concerned.

 

 

 

 

Ulster Club Championship 1975.

 

As Tyrone Champions, we entered the first round of the Ulster Championship were we faced a much fancied Carrickmacross team from Monaghan.

At O’Neill Park in Dungannon, the favourites Carrickmacross where not expecting the battle that would ensue.

An outstanding midfield pairing of Gerry Goodwin and Benny Corrigan coupled with fine defensive work from Dan Morgan, Noel Devlin and especially Martin Fahy ( the youngest player on the field ) set up a grand stand finish to win by 2 points.

We had now qualified for the semi final of the Ulster Championship for the first time only to be beaten by Armagh champions Keady.

With only league success to come in 76 and 77, we had to wait until 1978 for the Benburb Cup to return to Dungannon.

 

 

 

1978.

 

The 1978 final pairing was once again Eoghan Ruadh and Carrickmore played at Plunkett Park Pomeroy.

The game began in such bizzare circumstances. The referee turned up late but both teams had agreed for Teddy Devlin to officiate to get the game underway.

The standard of hurling was good throughout with fine hurlers on both sides.

However, Dungannon was much the better team in the first half and playing with the breeze had built up a half time lead of 9 points thanks to goals from Noel Devlin and Gerry Goodwin.

Eoghan Ruadh 2:5

Carrickmore 0:2

Carrickmore threw the kitchen sink at it in the second half. With Gerry Goodwin dominating the game from midfield and Noel Devlin playing well up front, Eoghan Ruadh ran out winners by 3 points.

The Benburb cup was back in Dungannon hands for the first time since 1975 as Peter Mc Caughey lifted the cup.

Eoghan Ruadh 2:10

Carrickmore 2:7

 

 

The decade ended on a positive note with our first U14 Tyrone Feile Championship final win.

The U14s were Managed by Mickey Devlin & Gerry Herron and the lads travelled to Kilkenny to hurl with the best of Ireland’s underage county winners.

A great experience for all concerned,