Stephenites’ Junior Cup-Winning Team of 1914

Stephenites’ Junior Cup-Winning 

Team of 1914

The Stephenites’ Junior cup-winning team of 1914, members of which were: Billy Jordan, Barney Durkan, William Walshe, Martin Gallagher. Middle row: Jim Ruddy, Eddie McGuinness, Mick Culkin, Paul Judge, Thomas Walshe, ---------; George Jordan, Billy Murray, Marty Murray, P. Boyd, Brodie Hanley, Dan Kennedy, Tom Tighe.

__________________

In researching the songs and poems of James Wallace Melvin in the Ballina newspapers I came across this next  poem and as it deals with the Stephenites I have decided to include it. PJC.

In connection with an approaching match Mr. Mitchel O’Grady,

a well-known and enthusiastic follower of the Stephenites,

has composed the following poem:-

Forward! Stephenites to Victory

(AIR: “O’Donnell Abu”)

SWIFTLY the ball in the play ground is rolling,

Connacht’s famed veterans are practising now,

Gaily along are the Stephenites strolling,

Confidence stamped on each bold, manly brow.

Hope finds a home of rest,

Inside each manly breast,

All dreams of disaster to-day are unknown.

Onward! brave Stephenites,

Heroes of scores of fights,

Bring back the laurels from old Garryowen.

Think of the old days with glory attended,

When on your banners success brightly shone;

Show to your Gaelic friends your fame is not ended,

Let past bright remembrances still guide you on.

Enter the field anew,

Ready to dare and do,

Show that ONE title will suit you alone,

Up each brave Stephenite,

Onward, with all your might,

Bring back the laurels from old Garryowen.

Oh! the triumphant march from Sarsfield’s old city,

When Munster’s fair champions went down ’neath your blow,

Each hill a blaze of light, and stirring each ditty,

That sounded the fame you brought back to Mayo.

Onward!—the same to do;

For skill—there’s enough in you,

Oh! with that valour you ever have shown,

Forward! With might and main,

Now for the Cup again,

Bring back the laurels from old Garryowen.

Sons of a famous spot, by Humbert once taken,

Remember the glories that cling to your town,

Think of your gallant sires, arise! now awaken

And show you’re still ready for deeds of renown.

Conquerors bold, again

Prove yourselves now—and then

From Achill’s bold headlands to storied Athlone,

Proudly your praise we’ll sing,

Connacht’s old value will ring,

When you bring back the laurels from old Garryowen.

                                         Mitchel O’Grady