Offaly & Kerry 1982 stars to attend Edenderry Festival

Post date: Jun 20, 2019 10:16:19 AM

Edenderry GAA & Festival to commemorate Darby's goal.

On a wet September evening in 1982, two teams were locked in a titanic struggle in Croke park. Kerry, arguably the greatest team ever to play the game were going for five All Irelands in a row. Their opponents and rank outsiders Offaly, were struggling to avoid coming out second best again. With only minutes left and Kerry four points up, it looked like job done for the Kingdom.Two points for Offaly left only two between them but the seconds were ticking away.

A long speculative ball was sent towards the the Kerry goal. Two men rose for it, Kerry's Tommy Doyle and Offaly's recently introduced sub' Seamus Darby. Darby caught it, turned and buried it in the roof of Charlie Nelligan's net and a legend was created. It was the greatest comeback since Lazarus. Kerry had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and the five in a row would have to wait for another team and another time.

The Festival committee and Edenderry GAA in association with PMB Construction have decided, as part of this years Festival, to relive that great moment from our sporting past. On Saturday night July 6th, we will very proudly present an evening with Seamus Darby and many of the men of 82. The event will take place in the GAA clubhouse.

The night will commence with a showing of the full game on a giant screen which will be followed by a discussion chaired by Offaly hurling legend and TV pundit, Michael Duignan. Michael will be joined on stage by Seamus Darby and members of both teams from that momentous game. Kerry legends Sean Walsh, Mikey Sheehy and Bomber Liston will join in what will be a fabulous evening of laughter and memories.

Festival committee chairperson Bryan Dunne said, "We are very proud to bring this special event to the town as part of Festival 2019."

David Farrell, Chairman of Edenderry GAA and nephew of Seamus Darby said, "We're delighted to be hosting this event and we're looking forward to welcoming the Kerry and Offaly players from '82 to our clubhouse. Some of the all time greats played in that final and it's often forgotten or overlooked just how good of a game it was. As for Seamus's goal, well, it'll be remembered forever more. It's the Cinderella story, the thing every child dreams of doing someday. It was the classic 'punchers chance' and he grabbed it with both hands. It'll be a wonderful celebration".

Mr. Pat McBride, M.D. of PMB Construction expressed his delight to be associated with this celebration of a time when Offaly hurlers and footballers were at the very peak in the world of Gaelic games. "I'd like to take this opportunity" Pat said, " to congratulate the Festival committee and Edenderry GAA for bringing this great event to our town".

Details are being finalized but be assured, it's going to be a sell out. Enquiries are already coming in from all over the country and from overseas. Put it in your diary and spread the word.

The men of '82. Edenderry GAA clubhouse. July 6th. '19