Galway's Glory at Croke Park

The Connacht Tribune Saturday, October 13, 1956

Three Tuam Stars the Heroes of Magnificent Victory Over Fighting Cork

"And still the less they understand The more they admire his sleight of hand"

That might well be the thought of the 70,000 spectators who saw the Tuam Star, Frankie Stockwell, blaze a trail of glory at Croke Park on Sunday when Galway won its first All—Ireland senior football title since 1938.

In the honours list with Galway's brilliant full forward go two other Tuam heroes, goalkeeper and captain, Jack Mangan and Sean Purcell, the master tactician of the attack. Long after the game has become just another score in GAA history the performance of those three brilliant footballers will be the topic of discussion round many a Western fireside. It was a rousing final, packed with thrills, and Cork's magnificent recovery in the second half when they narrowed the issue to a point, heightened the almost unbearable tension. Heartiest congratulations to the men of Galway for a splendid victory, and congratulations, too, to Cork for their very sporting display.

For its brilliant football, grant sportsmanship and exciting finish, the 1956 final will go down in history as one of the all—time "greats". Even during the tense last quarter, when hard knocks were taken and given, the conduct of the players was praiseworthy. They were indeed a credit to their respective counties and to the GAA. Galway 2—13 (19)
Cork 3—7 (16)

Following an early morning drizzle, the pitch was treacherous but the players made light of this handicap. Cork won the toss and captain Donal O'Sullivan elected to play against a light breeze. His Grace Most Rev Dr. Walsh, Archbishop of Tuam, who was introduced to the captains and the referee, threw in the ball and Cork were first to attack. Jack Mangan safely cleared and following a Galway wide, Gerry Kirwin snatched a pass from Sean Purcell and pointed to open the scoring. Two points in a row followed from Frank Stockwell before T. Furlong and Ryan replied with points for Cork.

Shortly after entering the second quarter, a side—line free was sent lobbing into the square by Purcell and club—mate Stockwell was on hand to fist it to the net. Galway now had a four—point lead and points followed on both sides until shortly before half—time when the agile Tuam man again found the net, and Galway had a safe 2—6 to 0—6 interval lead.

The winners asserted their superiority after the re—start and had two points. Then Cork really came to life, they fought back like tigers, tore into the Galway defence and were rewarded when Creedon slammed the leather to the net. Two more goals were to follow within 15 minutes. In the meantime, the men in white had added three points.

With excitement mounting, Cork kept up the pressure and Eric Ryan's point from a free narrowed the gap to the barest minimum. With their backs to the wall, Galway showed of what stuff champions are made. Although severely shaken by the do—or—die Cork assault, they rallied their forces and a point from a Purcell free sparked a resurgence. They outplayed the Southerners in the last five minutes and won "pulling up" with Stockwell clinching the issue with a "picture" point.

Galway deserved their hard—won victory. They were the better and fitter team although their opponents did not lack ability.

Tactics played a big part in their win. It was obvious that Frank Stockwell would not be able to beat his towering opponent in a jump for possession, so he ignored him almost completely. Roaming outfield, he was always ready to snatch a pass from Purcell or O'Neill. His fast solo runs spread—eagled the Cork defence on numerous occasions and had full—back Donal O'Sullivan completely bamboozled. The understanding between Purcell and Stockwell was excellent and as a result, very few passes went astray.

Galway held the upper hand at midfield in the opening exchanges, but for the most of the half, Ryan and Moore, particularly the latter, had a slight edge. It is significant that when the Cork pair lost their grip, Galway registered two goals. In the second half, Neilly Duggan, who switched with Ryan, was not impressive in the middle of the field. Towards the end the Galway men came out on top with Mattie McDonough towering over all.

The Galway defence was shaky at the start but settled down as the game progressed.

The following is a detailed comment on the individual performances:—

Jack Mangan — Goalkeeper and captain, Jack gave one of his best performances. Although beaten on three occasions, he could not be blamed for the shots that passed him. His solid catching and uncanny anticipation saved Galway on many a dangerous occasion. One of his clearances from a bullet—like drive by Duggan was a treat to watch. Although often hard pressed by the Cork forwards, he still retained possession.

Jack Keely — The Ballinasloe right—full back turned in a grand performance. He kept wily forward J. Creedon scoreless in the first half, but was caught napping after the interval when "given the slip" that led to Cork's opening goal. Apart form that one lapse, he kept a tight rein on the Southern forward.

Gerry Daly — The tall Garda appeared to be ill at ease at full—back in the opening exchanges. But he found his feet quickly and after that gave a capital display. He successfully "bottled" Niall Fitzgerald and gave good cover to Jack Mangan. His high fielding and lengthy kicking brought sighs of relief from the big Galway following.

Tom Dillon — One of the outstanding defenders on view, the burly Ahascragh man gave his soundest display to date. Early in the game his opponent, T. Furlong, who incidentally was regarded as the "danger man" on the Cork team, evaded his attentions and notched a nice point, but after that he was completely blotted out. Not in the least over—awed by the occasion. Tom bulldozed his way through bunches of attackers to effect well placed clearances.

Jack Kissane — Although he did not catch the eye as much as others, the tireless Army right—half—back was seldom beaten to a ball. He outclassed Murphy in the opening half and E. Goulding, who replaced him, in the second. He was worth his weight in gold in the closing stages when Galway had to call on all their reserves to snub the Cork rally.

Jack Mahon — It was not until the second half that the Dunmore centre—half back struck his true form. He found it difficult to cope with Neilly Duggan but when the latter moved to midfield he had the better of matters with Eric Ryan. His coolness and solid stopping when Cork were on the rampage were decisive factors.

Michael Greally — The Ballygar left full back had about an even break with the speedy "Toots" Kelleher. He was caught napping in the second half, however, when Kelleher slammed home two goals, but towards the end was a tower of strength when strength was most needed.

Mattie McDonough — The fair—haired Ballygar midfielder lorded it over all in the middle of the field. He was always well over the bunch in a jump for possession. He had a brief off—form spell in the first half, but once he got into his stride he was a dominating figure. Fit as the proverbial fiddle, he outpaced his opponent in most races for possession.

Frank Eivers — The tall Garda met his match in Sean Moore. Although he had to give second best for most of the game he did, however, do much useful work.

Jackie Coyle — The third Ballygar man on the team was very impressive. He out manoeuvred Gould and his two points in the second half came at the right psychological time. Cork had taken over the initiative but they were stopped for a period when Jackie sent over his two beautiful minors.

Sean Purcell — The kingpin of the attack, the Tuam star can claim a major share of the credit of victory. He humbled Dennis Bernard and gave all the forwards a steady service. His short, accurate passes to the ever—vigilant Stock—"made" most of the latter's scores. Never selfish, he was ever on the look—out for a loose attacker. He gave an impeccable display of high fielding and was a resourceful and brilliant leader.

Billy O'Neill — Playing at left—half forward the Army man was not among the scorers but his well—timed passes led to many. A tireless worker, he put every ounce of energy and effort into the game. He outshone Harrington and was in very hard luck when his terrific drive was just cleared by goalkeeper Tyers.

Joe Young — A tough and constant attacker, he was very unlucky with a number of shots. Although not among the scorers, he did a tremendous amount of work at right—full—forward before he had to retire with a shoulder injury.

Aidan Swords — The Fr. Griffins man who came on for Young, was also unlucky as the ball seldom came his way in the second half. When he did get an opportunity, however, he made good use of it.

Frank Stockwell — The hero of the side, with a personal tally of 2—5. Frankie never put a foot wrong all through the game. Every time he got the ball the Cork goal was in imminent danger. His jinking solo runs and unerring accuracy mesmerized the Cork backs. He outwitted full—back Donal O'Sullivan, the Southern captain. His two goals were brilliant efforts while his point just before the full—time whistle brought thunderous applause from the big attendance.

Gerry Kirwin — Left full—forward Gerry played a big part in Galway's victory. The Ballinasloe Lieutenant had Galway's first point, a well—taken score from a pass by Purcell and also scored another shortly before the interval. When "cornered" by O'Driscoll, his neat, accurate passes always found a loose attacker.

Taken all round it was a glorious day for Galway football. Three years ago the team were unlucky when beaten by Kerry in the semi—final and when they flopped badly the following year against Roscommon, followers were getting pessimistic, But the footballers, themselves, were optimists. They started this year's Connacht championship with a bang and cut through the rest of Connacht like a hungry reaper.

Then came the All—Ireland semi—final. Again they stood the test—a real trail of strength with Tyrone. Some people fancied them for the final—many did not. The players were confident. They took the lead from the throw—in and never looked back.

With their backs to the wall in the second half, they still looked like winners. And how they thrilled their many cheering fans in those closing minutes! When it looked as if Cork must, at least, force a draw, they kept their heads, fought back with determination and eventually sent the Southerners reeling with a copy—book attack. The fair head of Mattie McDonough was seen high above the group at midfield as he fielded a dropping ball. He was fouled going through and as Purcell's free struck the upright, there was a groan of disappointment from the crowd. Stockwell, however, was on the spot and when he was fouled, Purcell made no mistake with the free.

It was all Galway now! Purcell's pass was snapped up by Frank Stockwell but the will—o'—the—wisp attacker was hemmed in by three backs. He was beaten by O'Sullivan, but succeeded in regaining possession of the ball. Amidst tremendous excitement and cheering, he coolly tapped the leather over the bar for the closing score.

Stockwell's Big Scoring Spree I Hi His

First Half

	Gls.	Pts.	Frees	50s	Wides
Galway	2	6	5	0	3
Cork	0	6	5	1	4

Second Half

	Gls.	Pts.	Frees	50s	Wides
Galway	0	7	13	0	7
Cork	3	1	6	1	4

Totals

	Gls.	Pts.	Frees	50s	Wides
Galway	2	13	18	0	10
Cork	3	7	11	2	8

Following the throw—in by the Archbishop of Tuam, Cork were away, but Mangan cleared.

The Galway captain's clearance was fielded by Mattie McDonagh who sent to Sean Purcell, but the Tuam man sent wide.

The kick—out was "broken down" at mid—field but Purcell gained possession and placed Gerry Kirwan who sent the ball sailing over the bar for the opening point.

Galway went further ahead when Coyle sent to Frank Stockwell. The full—forward went on a hand—to—toe run before sending the ball over the bar for the Westerners' second point. Kelleher, from a line—ball, placed Neilly Duggan, but the centre — forward's shot was helped over the back line by a Galway defender for a "50". Eric Ryan took the kick and sent it into the Galway goal—mouth but Tom Dillon cleared and the ball traveled upfield per McDonagh and O'Neill to the deep—lying Stockwell, who tacked on another point after seven minutes.

Cork came back and Duggan and Creedon were wide before Fitzgerald fielded Sean Moore's well—placed lob, sent to Creedon who, in turn, placed Furlong, and the right corner man opened the Southerners' account with a point in the 10th minute.

Another long kick from Moore was superbly fielded by Mick Greally but the Ballygar man was adjudged to have held on too long and the free, taken by Eric Ryan, was sent over the bar for Cork's second point.

Great Goal

Two minutes later, a lineball, taken by Sean Purcell, was angling across goal when Stockwell ran in to guide it well wide of Tyers for a Galway goal.

The kick—out was fielded by Eric Ryan and the Kerry born midfielder went through the Galway defence before being grounded. Taking the free himself, he sent the ball over the bar for a Cork point.

Niall Fitzgerald from a Gould clearance tacked on another Cork point in the 19th minute. Galway were quick to reply for when Stockwell was fouled going through. Sean Purcell pointed from the "21" to again leave a goal between the sides.

Cork were next to score, when Fitzgerald, receiving from Duggan, was penned in, but succeeded in sending a lovely overhead kick over the bar for another point, while two minutes later the full—forward placed Kelleher for another point to reduce the deficit to a point.

Back came Galway and when Purcell was tackled he punched the ball to the eager—beaver Stockwell who rounded O'Sullivan and gave Tyers no chance for a great goal.

Again the Westerners came back and the Cork defence, showing definite signs of panic, allowed the ball to go through to the unmarked Kirwan who lofted the ball over the bar to put his side further ahead. Then followed a spectacular clearance by Mangan from Creedon's lobbing ball, and McDonagh sent his side into the attack with a well—placed pass which was fielded by Purcell who added a further point, to leave the half—time score.

Second Half

Galway 2—6 : Cork 0—6
Stockwell again raised the white flag when he secured from Kirwan, and two minutes later, the full—forward put eight points between the sides when he coolly collected from Coyle and sent the leather high over the bar.

The fighting spirit of Cork was now thrown into the game with all its fury and when Neilly Duggan's lob was fisted out from the Galway goal — mouth, Creedon was in like a flash to send the ball past Mangan for a capital goal.

Galway had two further points by Coyle and Every, but Cork came back, and when Harrington placed Duggan, the centre—forward parted to the in—rushing Kelleher whose tremendous drive hit the underside of the crossbar before beating Mangan for a goal. Galway replied with a point from Coyle to the great relief of the big Western contingent.

Kelleher, who had been moved to the left corner, with Creedon on the right and Furlong on the half—forward line, was beautifully placed when the Galway defence made one of their very few mistakes. Jack Mangan made a great dive to smother his shot, but could not prevent it from crossing the line, and after a few seconds, during which Referee Peter McDermott conferred with the umpires, the green flag was raised to make the atmosphere even more electrifying.

One Point

Cork were now putting every last ounce into their efforts and when Eric Ryan was grounded going through, he pointed the free to leave but a point between the sides.

Galway came back to storm the Cork posts. McDonagh placed Purcell and the centre—forward was fouled, but the Tuam man's free hit the crossbar and was cleared.

The clearance, however, was too short to be comfortable for the ball was expertly fielded by Stockwell, who was grounded. This time Purcell made no mistake and Galway enthusiasm knew no bounds as the ball sailed over the bar.

A minute to play and two points ahead, the Connacht champions proved their worth. Frank Stockwell sealed Cork's fate with a final point.

Galway: J. Mangan (Capt); J. Keely, G. Daly, T. Dillon, J. Kissane, J. Mahon, M. Greally, F. Evers, M. McDonagh, J. Coyle, S. Purcell, W. O'Neill, J. Young, F. Stockwell, G. Kirwan, Sub: A. Swords for Young.
Cork: P. Tyers, P. Driscoll, D. O'Sullivan (Capt), . Murray, P. Harrington, D. Bernard, M. Gould, S. Moore, P. E. Ryan, D. Kelleher, C. Duggan, P. Murphy, T. Furlong, N. Fitzgerald, J. Creedon. Sub: E. Goulding for Murphy.
Referee: Peter McDermott (Meath).

As Others Saw the Final

The following were the comments of the daily papers on Galway's success in the All—Ireland Football Final:—
Cork Examiner: "Cork had no answer to Stockwell—Purcell Combination", "Galway Forwards" "Tactics paved way for All—Ireland Victory". History has many instances of battles won and lost through strategy; to determine the weakness of an opposing force and exploit that weakness to the full is an art of war. But in the All—Ireland Football Final we learned the full scope and meaning of the word. We witnessed a peaceful but masterly display of good tactics. For the entire game the champions were without a full forward. It was opposed to the fundamentals of Gaelic football, but the Cork defence crumbled before genius of the moves as executed by Frank Stockwell and Sean Purcell.

Daily Mail: "Stockwell is Galway's Victory Hero".this roving forward, with perfect timing and shrewd judgment, converted the slick passes of Sean Purcell, Jackie Coyle and Gerry Kirwin into important scores.

Irish Independent: "Cork's Gallant Rally Proved in Vain". The splendour of the football was inspiring if not awesome; the tenseness of the closing stages simply beggar description. There were individual displays to rank with the very greatest and yet, despite the supercharged atmosphere of the combat, the conduct of every one of the contestants was a model of good sportsmanship.

Evening Press: "The Sam Maguire Cup Returns to Galway" and never has any team more deserved it than this grand Western side. The scoreboard does not reflect the winners' superiority throughout the game.

Daily Express: "Stockwell Sparks Galway Triumph". Where Cork were beaten was at half back. The line, rated second to none in the country, usually came off second best in its tussles with the Galway forwards. Cork had no player with such menacing thrust as full forward Frank Stockwell. Donal O'Sullivan just couldn't tie him down.