1975

Kilmihil underage teams were more prominent in 1975 starting with the U12 team who recorded victories over Cooraclare, Kilmurry Ibrickane, Shannon Gaels and Clarecastle. Their next opponents were Kilrush in the Semi-Final and the following is the report per the Clare Champion of 27th June 1975.

“Even the outstanding success of the Co. Fleadh Ceoil in the village, and the excitement being generated by the opening of the Annual Dance Festival last week-end, did not detract from the tremendous victory of the U12 Football Team. Pitted against a very accomplished Kilrush Team in the Semi-Final of the Co. Championship at Doonbeg, on Saturday night, the youngsters emerged victorious, to the tune of 3-11 to 2-3. It was a personal triumph for team manager and trainer, energetic Michael Griffin, who in addition to his duties as Secretary of the local Club, is also Manager of the young team. He has succeeded in instilling team spirit and a will to win into his young charges. The game was a splendid exhibition of all that is best in Gaelic Football, and it prompts the suggestion, that these matches should be played prior to our Senior Ties, so that the spectators could have an opportunity of witnessing the dauntless spirit and unfailing courage of these youngsters. This evenly balanced Kilmihil team was a revelation. The teamwork was a sheer joy, while the sense of position, timing and intelligent football display, would have done credit to a top Senior Team. Indeed many of our present crop of Seniors could have benefited greatly, by watching the youngsters in action. The victory was a deserved reward for the dedication of the lads.

The team comprises of Pat Lineen, Pat Moran, Flan O’Halloran, Sean Finucane, Pat Considine, Kieran Normoyle, Martin Talty, John Hayes, Pat Pender, Andrew Johnston, Padraic Cotter (Capt.), Leonard Mc Namara, James Pender, Kevin Callinan and John Browne.”

The Final was played in Miltown on 5th July but Kilmihil were beaten by a much stronger Eire Og team.

The U14 team also had a good run, beating Cooraclare, Shannon Gaels, Kilmurry Ibrickane, Coolmeen and St. Bridget’s on their way to the Final. Again their opponents were Eire Og and the Clare Champion pf 29th August carried the following report.

“A tremendous scoring burst in the final quarter, saw Eire Og score a big win, in the U14 Final, at Lahinch, on Friday evening. However it is only fair to point out that the sides were more evenly matched than the score board suggests. It was only in the last 15 minutes that Eire Og scored all of its 6 goals. At the interval the winners were in a 1 point lead, and at the turn of the final quarter they gad gone 5 points ahead. Suddenly their forward line really clicked, and with a vintage performance, they shot six goals.” 

U16

Following on their success in 1973 at U14 this team were fancied to win the U16 Championship and as expected they defeated Cooraclare in the first round and followed this with a win over Coolmeen. They received a walk over from Shannon Gaels in the Semi Final but were beaten in the Final by Kilkee. 

Kilmihil had 5 representatives on the Clare Senior Football Team in 1975, Teddy, Sean & Martin Murphy, Batt Crowley and Declan Mc Namara.

In the Clare Champion of 7th November 1975, there is a report of yet another honour for Teddy Murphy.

Kilmihil’s staunch defender, Teddy Murphy, who had brought many honours to his Club and County, down through the years, has become the first ever Clareman, to be nominated for an All-Star Football team. Murphy, who has also made a name for himself in hurling, is nominated for the full-back position, alongside players of the calibre of John O’Keeffe, Jack Quinn, Meath, J. Brennan, Sligo, Leslie Tone of Louth. Indeed this is a tremendous achievement for the Kilmihil man, who was a member of the Munster panel last year, and actually played at corner back in the Semi-Final. Murphy was Captain of the Clare team during their tremendous run in the National League, and during that campaign, he gave many first-class displays at full-back.”