1971
Clare Champion, 6th March 1971
Sports Award for Kilmihil Man
“St. Patrick’s G.A.A. Club, Limerick, for the first time ever, presented a “Clubman of the Year” award and the first person to receive this award is Sean Quinlivan, who hails from Kilmihil. Sean was a valued member of the Clare Senior Hurling team in the early 1960’s and he is the only West Clare man to captain U.C.D. to victory, in the Fitzgibbon Championship. He also holds the distinction of winning three Dublin Hurling Championship medals. Sean has also distinguished himself in the Cross Country field, being a valued member of the Kilmihil N.A.C.A. team in the 60’s. Sean’s father, Mick, is one of the shining lights in N.A.C.A. circles in the county at the moment.”
On 21st March 1971, Kilmihil were beaten by Miltown Malbay in the first round of the Cusack Cup on the score of : Kilmihil 1-4 Miltown Malbay 1-6.
Their next opponents were Kilmurry Ibrickane and this game ended in a draw,
Kilmihil 0-9 Kilmurry Ibrickane 1-6
In the Semi Final Kilmihil were beaten by Doonbeg, 0-9 to 0-4. Kilmihil squandered numerous scoring opportunities when they had the wind advantage in the first half and were in arrears at half time by 2 points to 4. This proved costly in the second half when Doonbeg scored 5 while Kilmihil could only add 2 further points to their tally.
Senior Championship
On 21st June 1971, Kilmihil beat Cooraclare in the first round of the Championship at Doonbeg.
“There was never really much between the sides, with the lead switching hands a couple of times throughout the hour. Kilmihil laid the foundation for this victory at mid-field, where Batt Crowley and Sean Murphy reigned supreme, putting on one of their best displays in a long time. On Sunday’s performance, Crowley must be well in line for a place in the Clare Senior Football Team, which could well do with his services. After 10 minutes of play Andy Mc Evoy, well known League of Ireland Soccer player who was playing for Kilmihil, scored a goal, and this proved to be the decisive score for Kilmihil.
Final Score: Kilmihil 2-6 Cooraclare 0-9
Team: Joe Kelly, Liam O’Halloran, Sean Keogh, Joe Mc Namara, James Mc Mahon, Kevin O’Halloran, Thomas Mc Mahon, Sean Murphy (Capt.), Batt Crowley, Francis Cussen, Teddy Murphy, Martin Murphy, Andy Mc Evoy, P.J. Keogh & Cyril Considine.
Sub. Tom Downes for Cyril Considine
In July Kilmihil met Kilkee in the Senior Championship.
“Kilmihil advanced to the semi-final of the Senior Football Championship when they defeated Kilkee at Doonbeg on Sunday, but the winners must be regarded as extremely lucky to come out on top, against a young and very determined Kilkee side”
Final Score: Kilmihil 2-5 Kilkee 2-4
Team: Joe Kelly, Liam O’Halloran, Sean Keogh, Joe Mc Namara, James Mc Mahon, Kevin O’Halloran, Thomas Mc Mahon, Sean Murphy (Capt.), Batt Crowley, Francis Cussen, Teddy Murphy, Martin Murphy, Cyril Considine, Henry Sheehan & Larry Curtin.
Subs. Noel Lorigan for Larry Curtin, Martin Mangan for Francis Cussen and P.J. Keogh for Noel Lorigan.
The Semi-Final of the Senior Football Championship was played on 25th July 1971 against Shannon Gaels and the game ended in a draw.
Final Score: Shannon Gaels 1-9 Kilmihil 3-3
“Joe Kelly had a very good game in goal for Kilmihil, and could not be blamed for the shot that beat him. Teddy Murphy when he switched to centre-back after 5 minutes, was outstanding, and he received good support from James & Thomas Mc Mahon. Sean Murphy was, undoubtedly the man-of-the match at mid-field, and turned in his best display to date. At times when Shannon Gaels looked all set to take over, Murphy stepped in, and proved to be a great inspiration to his side, when roaming all over the field, helping out both defence and attack. Francis Cussen was the star of the attack, and will surely pose many problems for the Gaels’ defence in the replay. He received most support from P.J. Keogh and Andy Mc Evoy.”
Scorers: Francis Cussen 2-1, Martin Murphy 1-1, Sean Murphy 0-1,
Team: Joe Kelly, Liam O’Halloran, Sean Keogh, Joe Mc Namara, James Mc Mahon, Kevin O’Halloran, Thomas Mc Mahon, Sean Murphy (Capt.), Batt Crowley, Henry Sheehan, Teddy Murphy, Francis Cussen, Andy Mc Evoy, P.J. Keogh & Martin Murphy.
Sub. Martin Mangan for Henry Sheehan
The replay took place on 1st August at Doonbeg and the game had a dramatic finish. In the final minute of the game and one point in arrears Shannon Gaels were awarded a free in front of goal. Michael Moloney’s shot looked to be going harmlessly wide but P.J. Murphy popped up to punch the ball to the net. As the puck out was taken the referee blew the final whistle and Kilmihil were left stunned. Shannon Gaels went on to win the final for the second year in succession.
Final Score: Shannon Gaels 2-6 Kilmihil 1-7
Scorers: Martin Murphy 0-5, Francis Cussen 1-0 and Kevin O’Halloran 0-2,
Team: Joe Kelly, Liam O’Halloran, Sean Keogh, Joe Mc Namara, Thomas Mc Mahon, Teddy Murphy, James Mc Mahon, Batt Crowley, Sean Murphy (Capt.), Paudie Halpin, Kevin O’Halloran, Francis Cussen, Andy Mc Evoy, P.J. Keogh & Martin Murphy.