Inside Track: Curiosity Corner

KNOW YOUR INITIALS

1: TDF – It lasts for three weeks and has contestants going up and down big hills.....

2: PTN – .......this event doesn’t last as long

3: IOM – Bikers go very fast over its streets

4: LMS – A popular fundraiser for clubs, but don’t expect find a feminist to buy a ticket

5: SMO – Where a stupid batsmen can get caught

6: SAG – A good catch in Gaelic football is often followed by this

7: PGM – He’s been prominent in a red jersey in recent months, taking a hyphen along with him

8: MVP – A huge asset on court

9: FRC – They can take credit for Gaelic football scorelines rising significantly

10: SOL – Black Cats are now playing there

THE PAT JENNINGS FACTFILE

One of the greatest international goalkeepers ever, up there with Russia’s Lev Yashin, the England pair, Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton, and German World Cup winner, Sepp Maier? No doubt, Pat Jennings is not out of place among that lot.

Newry-born Jennings celebrated his 80th birthday a few weeks ago. He played international football until he was 41, with Tottenham Hotspurs in brackets after his name for 13 seasons, and then Arsenal, where he spent eight seasons. Both he and George Best made their debut for Northern Ireland on the same day.

He took part in six World Cup campaigns, twice playing in the finals, in 1982 and four years later. His trophy haul includes two FA Cups, one each with Spurs and Arsenal, and a UEFA Cup and two League Cups, with Spurs. He was recognised by his peers in 1976, being named PFA Player of the Year.

While still a teenager, his fellow townsman and a great Oriel Park favourite, Ted Harte, recommended him to the Dundalk management; but, seemingly, he didn’t impress in a trial. One that got away. He was later played for Newry Town before being transferred to Watford, and then moving on to world-wide acclaim.

JIM’S QUERY

Long-time O’Connell’s football club stalwart, Jim Byrne, has come across a medal and is keen to know who might own it, or, indeed, what competition it might be associated with.

Its inscribed “Corn MacConnait” and was presented in 1971. Anyone with information can come through to here, or contact Jim.

GREATS ON SHOW AT THE GROVE

Staying around the Castlebellingham area, as it were: A tournament match took place at The Grove in 1947. It was between a Louth selection and the Sean McDermott’s club in Dublin. Involved were two players vied for the title of the country’s best-ever full-backs.

Eddie Boyle was in the No 3 jersey for McDermott’s, and at midfield was Meath’s Paddy O’Brien. When it came to naming the Team of the Century in the mid-1980s, O’Brien got the nod, beating Boyle in a photo-finish.

Compensation came the Louthman’s way a number of years later, when he was named the greatest full-back never to win an All-Ireland.

Boyle could sing as well as play football. In his book, marking the O’Connell’s Golden Jubilee, in 1979, one-time Democrat correspondent, George Connolly, said that at the Céilí after the game in St Mary’s Hall, Kilsaran, Greenore-born Boyle got the “biggest cheer of the night” for his rendition of “My Little Grey Home In The West.”

It’s not recorded who won the game, but George tells us that it marked the debut of Jimmy McDonnell. Tom Langan (Mayo) and Meath’s Christo Hand were others on the McDermott’s side.

THE NAME’S THE SAME

One plays senior inter-county football with Meath and the other with Galway.

ANSWERS

Know Your Initials: 1 Tour De France, 2 Paris To Nice; 3 Isle Of Man, 4 Last Man Standing; 5 Silly Mid Off; 6 Solo And Go, 7 Pearse Grimes-Murphy, 8 Most Valuable Player, 9 Football Review Committee, 10 Stadium Of Light. The Name’s the Same: Shane Walsh.