Club History

 

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1902 saw one of the first mentions of Walterstown GAA Club when they entered a Dunshaughlin tournament in aid of the parochial house. Walterstown won the first round on a scoreline of 1-6 to 0-1 against Kilcock but suffered a 0-4 to 0-2 loss to Ardcath.

In 1903 the club competed in the Junior Football Championship and took on Dunshaughlin in the first round, a game that went to a replay after an appeal from Walterstown. Dunshaughlin went on to win the replay on a scoreline of 1-6 to 0-2. 

The club subsequently went off the scene and didn’t emerge again until 1909, a year in which the first club committee was formed. They were: 

Captain: Richard Collins

Vice-Captain: James Reynolds

Treasurer: Patrick Darby

Secretary: James Kelly

County Board Delegate: Joseph Collins

Committee: W Barry, Pat Flood, E Kelly, Jas Bird, M McCabe and M Bird

However, the reemergence was shortlived and it wasn’t until 1920 until Walterstown GAA club formed again and took their place in the championship once more. 

The first round saw Walterstown awarded a walkover against Oldcastle, while in the second round against Kilberry nthey won 2-1 to 0-1. However, they lost out to Kells (2-6 to 0-1) in their next fixture. 

By 1923, Walterstown’s fortunes had greatly improved. They overcame Bellewstown, Duleek, Curraha and Oberstown to reach their first ever championship semi-final.

Their opponents in the penultimate round were Navan Harps, Walterstown lost the semi-final, but the Blacks lodged an appeal, won it and took their place in the final against Dulane. 

The first game ended all square after Walterstown equalised late on, the resulting replay also ended in a draw before a third match went to extra time. In the end Dulane ran out 2-4 to 1-2 winners.

It is not known what the full team was for these games but certain players took part, they were Larry Drumm, Tommy Finnegan, Christy Reilly, Peter Finnegan, Jack Navagh, Jimmy Gray, Paddy Maguire (captain) and Jimmy Bowens.

Their campaign in 1924 was not so successful, which resulted in a very low interest and Walterstown once again disappeared from the football scene before re-appearing in 1940.

 

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1961 – Walterstown secure Junior A Title

Walterstown started off the ‘61 campaign with a convincing 2-17 to 0-0 win over St Patrick’s, then Fourknocks conceded the points in the second round.

They went on to play old rivals Rossin in order to win their division. Walterstown won 2-9 to 3-4, however this was not a good display havingactually lead by five points at the break. Rossin made an unsuccessful attempt to pull the game out of the bag but ultimately fell short. Best for Walterstown were Richie Barry, Michael Gordan and Pat Reynolds. Scorers: R Barry 1-3, M Gordon 0-2, T Keating 0-3, C McCabe 1-0, M O’Brien 0-1.

 

This victory meant Walterstown were into the quarter-finals of the championship. The Blacks faced Trim and came out on top in a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-7.

 

In the semi final opponents Curraha were favourites to advance to the decider and the Blacks suffered a setback when leading scorer Richie Barry was unable to play due to illness. There was little or nothing between the sides at any stage. With time running out Jack Quinn gained possession with his back to the Curraha goal he fed the in-running Tommy Kavanagh who scored the winning point to ensure a dramatic Walterstown win, 1-7 to 2-3.

Walterstown: C Browne, P Carroll, T McMahon, B McCluskey, C Gordon, P Barry, P Reynolds, T Keating, A Carroll, F Carroll, M O’Brien, M Gordon, E Keating, C McCabe, A Bowens. Subs: R Barry, J Quinn.

 

Junior B Final -v- Dunboyne

At the break the scores were level at the interval but in the second half Walterstown notched up five points to gain control. However, Dunboyne scored a goal in the 43rd minute, but Walterstown held out to win 0-10 to 1-4. Celebrations were kept to a minimum as the club’s aim was to win the Junior Championship proper.

 

Junior Final -v- Ratoath, Pairc Tailteann, November 26, 1961

This was Walterstown’s third appearance in the final after 1923 and 1944. Ratoath once again were hot favourites having come out of the harder section. Walterstown’s average age was also 21 and they were considered a very young side.

The Blacks were four points to the good ar half time and soon it was just a matter of how much they would win by, such was their performace. Walterstown emerged convincing winners on a scoreline of 0-10 to 0-1.

Amazing scenes of jubilation and enthusiasm greeted the final whistle. Chairman of Meath County Board Fr Tully presented the winning captain Paddy Barry with the cup.

 

Walterstown: C Browne, P Carroll, T McMahon, B McCluskey, C Gordon, P Barry, P Reynolds, T Keating, A Carroll, F Carroll, R Barry, M Gordon, C Powderley, C McCabe, J Quinn Subs: M O’Brien, for J Quinn, M Fitzpatrick, A ’O’Brien, S McGrath, E Keating, A Bowens, M Kelly, J McGuinness, W Bourke.

 

1962 – Walterstown reach Intermediate Final

Walterstown then found themselves in the Intermediate Football Championship following their Junior Championship victory the previous year. They started the competition with a 2-8 to 1-8 win over Salesian College. They followed this with a 2-7 to 0-3 victory over St Mary’s with Richie Barry scoring a goal in the first half. A Bowens, T Keating, T Gordon and M O’Brien all split the posts in the opening half also.

The second half saw Mick O’Brien score a goal with further points from T Gordon and J O’Brien to seal the win.

Walterstown’s confidence was growing and they followed up with wins against Slane and a convincing 5-10 to 0-3 victory over Newtown Blues. Meanwhile, a 1-7 to 1-4 victory over Kells Harps meant that Walterstown had booked their place in the final. 

The Blacks’ opponents in the final were Kilbride who had two years experience behind them in the Intermediate Championship. That experience showed when Kilbride raced into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead after 20 minutes . A Richie Barry goal and a point however brought the Blacks back into it, leaving them just two points behind at half time. The second half saw Kilbride up the pressure and two key goals saw them run out 3-8 to 1-03 winners.

 

Walterstown: C Browne, P Carroll, L Kinsella, B McClusky, C Gordon, P Barry, P Reynolds, T Gordon, H Dowling, R Barry, M O’Brien, M Gordon, F Carroll, A Carroll, T Keating. Sub: C McCabe for C Browne.

1964 – 1967 Walterstown secure Intermediate & U21 Titles

1964 saw the Blacks reach the Intermediate Football Championship Final for the second time in three years. Walterstown started off the campaign with a 3-8 to 1-5 victory over O’Mahony’s, followed by wins over Ballinabrackey and Donaghmore. Walterstown’s bogey team in these years were St Peter’s, Dunboyne and this continued to be the case when the Blacks lost this particular encounter 5-5 to 0-6.

Walterstown recovered from this loss and in the next round they beat Ballivor 2-4 to 1-4 to reach the divisional final. The Blacks opponents were Ballinabrackey and they ran out 4-3 to 1-3 victors.

Walterstown went on to reach the Intermediate final where they faced Killmainhamwood. This game was played in very poor conditions with drenching rain the whole way throughout. The sides were level with five minutes left to play before Walterstown launched an attack which resulted in a L Kinsella goal to see the Blacks run out winners and gain the Intermediate title.

Walterstown: C Browne, P Carroll, H Dowling, S McGrath, C Gordon, P Barry, P Reynolds, T McDonagh, A Carroll, F Carroll, R Barry, J McGuinness, T Holton, L Kinsella, L Drumm.

1964 also saw the Blacks fielding an Under 14 and an Under 16 team in the championships.

1967

1967 Walterstown win an Under 21 Football Championship for the first time when they defeated Summerhill in the final (3-8 to 1-3). Captain of this winning team was that day was the current Simonstown Gaels President Dermot O‘Brien.

 

1968 – Walterstown reach Senior Final, U14’s win Championship

Walterstown began 1968 with a 1-8 to 1-6 victory over Colmcille Gaels in the Feis Cup.

They were drawn against neighbours Seneschalstown in the first round of the championship. This game proved to be one of the best games witnessed in many years with two very young and talented teams on show. The game ended all square.

Walterstown: C Browne, T McGuinness, A O’Brien, S McGrath, M McGuinness, P Reynolds, F Carroll, M O’Brien, F Burke, R Barry, M Gordon, S McCabe, P McCabe, E Maguire, L Drumm.

 

Colmcille Gaels were the next opponent and again the Blacks produced another superb performance to show that they are now a force to be reckoned with in the Senior Championship. Walterstown were given a walkover in the following match. 

Walterstown played Duleek in the next round and emerged 2-9 to 0-11 victors and many people began tipping the Blacks to go on and win the title. 

In the final game in the Division Walterstown played Oldcastle and played below par. Oldcastle were winning by a point with half a minute left when Dermot O’Brien scored the important goal after a goal mouth scramble to dramatically book their place in the semi final. 

 Their semi final opponents were Navan O’Mahony’s but this game came to an abrupt end mid way through the second half when tempers exploded and fights broke out. The referee decided to call an end to the game with O’Mahony’s leading 1-8 to 0-8.

The Meath County Board ordered a replay and that ended a draw match, Walterstown 4-6, O’Mahony’s 2-12.

On the third meeting of these two sides the Blacks came out on top with a narrow 2-8 to 2-6 victory. Walterstown had made it to their first senior final and the hundreds of fans who attended the match were ecstatic.

Walterstown’s opponents in the final were Colmcille Gaels. The game was the played in February 1969 as the Kells team refused to play the match in December of 1968. The Walterstown team went into the final full of confidence as the Blacks had already defeated the opponents in the divisional game in ‘68. 

Walterstown, however suffered a heavy defeat in the decider, losing out on a scoreline of 3-17 to 1-4. The Blacks did not play anywhere near their best on the day and were simply outplayed  by their experienced opponents.

Walterstown: C Browne, T McGuinness, T Holten, S McGrath, M McGuinness, A O’Brien, M Gorodn, P Reynolds, F Burke, M O’Brien, R Barry, S McCabe, R Reynolds, E Maguire, O O’Brien, Subs: P Smith, D O’Brien.

 

The same year the Walterstown also reached the Junior B Football Championshio final, however they tasted defeat at the hands Gibbstown (0-8 to 0-4).

The Under 14s, under the name of Johnstown, won their first and only championship in the same year to bring success to the club, this team looked like they would bring a bright future to the club.

 

1969 – Walterstown secure u21 & Feis Cup Titles

1969 proved a difficult year for the Blacks following their final defeats in the Senior and Junior B Championship the previous season. Walterstown didn’t win a single game in the championship and on one occasion could not even field a team.

The U21s however kept interest alive in the club as they were crowned champions overcoming Navan O.Mahonys, Gibbstown, and Trim on the way to the final. Their final opponents were rivals Skryne. Walterstown were tremendously determined and were much more forceful than the Skryne men. The Backs ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 1-11 to 1-2. 

Walterstown: R Quinn; J Carroll, C Bowens, M McGuinness; P Burke, P Smith, P McCabe; V Bowens, F Burke; F Barry, R Reynolds, P Reynolds; E O’Brien, O O’Brien, J Powell.

 

Walterstown struggled in the Senior Football Championship over the next two years, however, the Blacks still claimed some silverware capturing the Feis Cup in 1969.

Walterstown defeated Dunderry and Skryne on the way to the semi-final and secured a five point win over Bohermeen in the semi-final. Their opponents in the final were none other than Colmcille Gaels and it was a chance to gain revenge for their 19 point defeat in the 1968 Senior Championship final .

The Blacks led 1-5 to 0-4 at the interval and got more on top in the second half to gain the victory on a scoreline of 1-11 to Colmcille Gaels 0-7.

Walterstown: C Browne; M McGuinness, C Bowens, S McGrath; Paul Reynolds, P Smith, R Reynolds; O O’Brien, Pat Reynolds; P Burke, R Barry, S McCabe; E O’Brien, L Drumm, M O’Brien. Subs: A O’Brien for S McGrath, B McGuinness for P Burke.

 
u21-1969

 

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1971 – 1976 – Walterstown secure league double, Minor & u17 Titles

1971 saw the Delaney Cup arrive to Walterstown for the first time. The minor team, which was a Walterstown/Seneschalstown combination, won their division without much difficulty and defeated Dunshaughlin to reach the minor final decider. Their opponents in the final were Moynalty and the Blacks put on a brilliant performance, beating Moynalty 6-12 to 0-2.

Walterstown: F McGinn; O Clynch, T Finegan, H McMahon; C Darby, P Burke, U Carey; E O’Brien, B Crinion; P Cromwell, B McGuinness, J Clarke; S McCabe, F Sheridan, D Byrne.

 

1972

1972 got off to a great start when the blacks captured the senior league title of 1970 this competition had fallen behind and the final was only played in 1972. Walterstown beat Kilbride on a scoreline of 2-11 to 2-04.

Scorers for Walterstown were: L.Drumm 0-4, A.O’Brien 0-3, M.0’Brien 1-0, E.Maguire 1-0, R.Barry & O.O’Brien 0-2.

Walterstown Team: C.Browne, P.Smith, C.Bowens, S.McGrath, Paul Reynolds, Pat Reynolds, R.Reynolds, E.Maguire, O.O’Brien, R.Barry, A.O’Brien, S.McCabe, E.O’Brien, L.Drumm, M.O’Brien. Subs: P.Burke for E.O’Brien.

 

1973 saw Walterstown win their second Senior League title. In the semi-final Walterstown defeated St Vincent’s and qualified to meet O’Mahony’s in the decider. 

O’Mahony’s were red hot favourites having won the championship that year. After ten minutes it looked like O’Mahony’s were cruising to victory with a 3-1 to 1-0 lead and many people were already heading for the exits. Walterstown never gave up though and the half time score was 3-4 to 1-4 in favour of O’Mahony’s.

In the second half Walterstown threw everything at O’Mahony’s and with just six minutes remaining the Blacks were just a point behind. Ollie O’Brien scored the equalising point in the final minute to force the game to a replay.

The replay was a low scoring game where Walterstown ran out 0-7 to 0-4 winners.

 

1975

1975 saw great disappointment amongst our senior teams, however our minor team captured the Delaney Cup once again. In the semi-final Walterstown emerged victorious on the score of 0-16 to 1-5 against Summerhill. 

Duleek were Walterstown’s opponents in the final which was played at Pairc Tailteann before a Meath versus Mayo National Football League game. The Blacks took the title on a scoreline of 3-6 to 0-7.

1976

1976 saw Walterstown reach the Senior Football Championship final for a second time. The Blacks started the campaign with a 2-12 to 2-5 win over Kilbride. Next up for Walterstown were Skryne who were a bogey team for the Blacks over the previous years. The Blacks however ran out 2-2 to 1-4 winners in very poor weather conditions. 

Their next round opposition were Summerhill, who had won the two previous championships. Walterstown had brought their confidence from beating Skyrne into this game and beat Summerhill 1-11 to 2-7.

Two penalties proved to be the decisive moment in this game. Summerhill were leading by two points when they were awarded a penalty which was saved by goalkeeper Sean Reilly. The Blacks quickly worked the ball upfield and were also awarded a penalty which Summerhill ‘keeper Bobby White saved, however from the rebound Ollie O’Brien drove the ball into the net to give the Blacks a one point win. 

The Blacks followed up with two wins over Colmcille Gaels and Dunderry before a draw against Seneschalstown, which secured a semi final place. 

Navan O’Mahony’s were their opposition in the semi-final, a game which the Blacks won 0-12 to 0-5 to reach their first final since 1968. 

Summerhill were their opponents, Walterstown had already beat them in the championship in a very close match so it was a surprise when the match was all but over at half time with Summerhill winning 2-6 to 0-2. 

The second half continued in the same way as the first with Summerhill running out convincing winners on a scoreline of 3-9 to 0-2. Walterstown again left disappointed in the senior final.

Our U17 team however gave some hope for the future of Walterstown when they won the Championship. Walterstown recorded wins over  Duleek, Seneschalstown, Colmcille Gaels and St Colmcilles to reach the final. Wolfe Tones were their opponents in the final and the Blacks ran out convincing winners (1-11 to 0-2).

 
minor-1975
 
 
 

1978 – Walterstown win Senior, u21 & Junior Championships

The Blacks got off to an unimpressive start in the championship with a 0-8 to 0-5 win over Colmcille Gaels. The second round saw St Patrick’s beat Walterstown 2-8 to 1-5. 

Walterstown got back to winning ways with a 2-8 to 0-4 victory over Dunderry. The Blacks faced an unbeaten Trim in the next round, however they ended this winning streak of Trim’s beating them very convincingly (1-12 to 0-4). 

A 3-11 to 0-1 win over Syddan and a 4-8 to 1-4 victory over Harps gave the Blacks great confindence for the year ahead. Skryne were the next opponents for Walterstown and the two had met a month earlier in the league final which Skryne won impressively on a 4-10 to 2-6 scoreline.

Walterstown were determined to get revenge for the league final and caused a shock by beating their neighbours 1-7 to 0-5.

Navan O’Mahony’s were Walterstown opponents in the semi-final, the Blacks won on a scoreline of 3-9 to 1-07 to once again reach the Senior Championship Final.

Summerhill also qualified for the final and were going for the five in a row. The first half was a close affair and the sides were level on three occasions before Waltertsown got on top in the last ten minutes of the half to build up a 0-6 to 0-3 lead. 

Walterstown scored just once in the second half and their defence was constantly under pressure as Summerhill tried to get back in the lead. However on this occasion Walterstown held on and successfully captured the Keegan Cup for the very first team in their history.

Walterstown: S Reilly; P Smith, W Clarke, N O’Sullivan; Paul Reynolds, Christy Bowens, M Shiels; Pat Reynolds, C Reynolds; E Barry,  E O’Brien, G McLoughlin; P Davis, F O’Sullivan, O O’Brien. 

The rest of the panel were K McLoughlin, J Lynch, G Cooney, H Cooney, S McGrath, E Ward, D O’Brien, Michael Davis and N McLoughlin.

Christy Bowens who was captain on the day was presented with the Keegan Cup to the delight of the supporters in attendance.

The following Sunday saw the blacks return to Pairc Tailteann this time seeking the Under 21 Title. The Blacks reached the final defeating Summerhill in the quarter final and Navan O’Mahony.s in the semi-final. 

Walterstown’s final opponents were Skryne who were powered by Colm O’Rourke. This was a hard hitting uncompromising clash in which Walterstown ran out winners on a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-09.

The match was a relatively close affair where Skryne were two points ahead early in the second half, however Eamonn Barry struck twice in five minutes getting a goal and a point and Walterstown kept on the pressure to capture the clubs second silverware in a week.

 Walterstown continued to earn more silverware this year, this time in the form of the Junior team. Walterstown beat St Brigid’s, St.Patrick’s, Boardsmill and St Colmcilles in the early rounds of this competition. 

A 2-7 to 0-6 victory over Baconstown put the Blacks in the semi-final. Eamonn Barry was a key figure for the Blacks in these early games, however he had since been promoted to the senior team and many thought losing Barry in the Junior team would hamper their chances, however the Blacks also welcomed back Gerry Reynolds who had suffered an injury earlier in the year. 

The semi-final was a very low scoring affair where Walterstown managed a 0-9 to 1-4 victory and were now through to their third championship final in a year.

Their final opponents were St Mary’s. Walterstown were trailing by five points with three minutes left to play before they snatched a goal and two points to force a replay.

The replay was not so close with Walterstown running out 3-8 to 0-6 winners to gain their third trophy of the year. The junior side also recorded the double this year by capturing the Junior league title by beating Moynalvey in the final on the score of 3-9 to 2-8.

No club had ever reached so many adult finals in the one year and Walterstown’s achievement was recognised when they were awarded the Meath Club of the Year in 1978.

senioe-1978
junior-19781978-u21

1979

The Blacks first match in their defence of the Keegan cup was against Castletown, Walterstown got off to a difficult start losing 2-4 to 1-4 against Castletown. Walterstown were in danger of being eliminated and faced a difficult opponent Skryne in their next match. Walterstown rose to the challenge and emerged victorious beating Skyrne 3-5 to 1-5. 

A convincing 0-10 to 0-1 victory over Trim followed but they tasted defeat again in the next round losing by just one point to Summerhill.

This result meant Walterstown had to beat Moylough and Syddan and they needed Summerhill to beat Skryne in order for the Blacks to gain a semi-final spot.

Walterstown registered a 1-10 to 0-1 victory over Moylough followed by a convincing 4-10 to 0-5 victory over Syddan.  

Summerhill had also beaten Skryne so Walterstown had reached the semi-final stage for the fourth year in succession. Navan O’Mahony’s were the opponents in the semi-final. The Blacks had to rely on a late equaliser from Ollie O’Brien to force the match into a replay.

Walterstown however lost the replay on a scoreline of 1-6 to 1-5. 

Walterstown felt that they should have had a point with ten minutes left when Eamonn Barry took a 14 yard free however the umpires had signaled it as a wide. Walterstown protested to the County Board and Leinster Council that a replay should be awarded however they were not successful in their appeal and so ended the Blacks’ hope of regaining the title.

The U21’s however managed to do what the senior side failed and regained their championship. The final against St.Mary’s went to a replay when Martin Barry scored a last minute point to force it to a replay. The replay didn’t take place until the Spring of 1980. The replay saw Walterstown play in a more convincing way than the drawn match and they recorded a 3-6 to 2-2 victory.

St Mary’s were only ahead in one stage of the match early on when they scored the opening point of the match, the Blacks went in at half time leading 2-4 to 0-2. They continued in dominant form in the second half with St Mary’s only scoring their two goals in the last three minutes of the game.

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1980 – Walterstown win Meath and Leinster Championship

Walterstown’s Senior Football Championship campaign of 1980 got off to a more successful start than that of 1979 where they had a convincing  4-12 to 3-2 victory over Duleek. Walterstown followed this convincing win with a 4-9 to 0-6 win over Syddan. Eamonn Barry was the star man in these two games scoring a combined 4-9 in the two games. Walterstown then had a convincing 3-10 to 0-5 victory over Martinstown Abbey before they were stunned by Trim, losing out 1-7 to 0-9 in a close contest.

Walterstown did not let this defeat affect them and recorded a 1-11 to 1-7 win over Castletown to reach the semi final of the championship once again.

Navan O’Mahony’s were the opponents and it was a chance for the Blacks to gain revenge after their controversial loss in the same fixture the previous year. O’Mahony’s were also title holders so it was a tough ask for Walterstown, however they entered the game in a most determined state of mind and beat O’Mahonys 3-12 to 2-09. Eamonn Barry was again the star man for Walterstown scoring 1-8  of the final score and O’Mahonys struggled so much with his devastating form that they tried three different defenders on him throughout the match

Walterstown faced surprised finalists Syddan in the final in what many felt would be a very mismatched competition, this proved to be the case when Walterstown ran out 4-9 to 0-6 winners to reclaim the Keegan Cup. Ollie O’Brien was the star man scoring twp important goals in the process.

Walterstown scorers: O O’Brien 2-0, G Cooney 1-2, E Barry 0-4, N O’Sullivan, E O’Brien, G McLoughlin and F O’Sullivan 0-1 each.

Walterstown: S Reilly; P Smith, W Clarke, M Shiels; K McLoughlin, C Bowens, G Reynolds; C Reynolds, N O’Sullivan; E O’Brien, E Barry, G McLoughlin;  G Cooney, O O’Brien, F O’Sullivan. Subs: D Giles for G McLoughlin, M Barry for G Cooney, Paul Reynolds for K McLoughlin.

Neil O’Sullivan was presented with the Keegan Cup, Eamonn Barry finished the campaign top scorer, scoring an incredible 8-34.

 

Leinster Campaign 1980-1981

Walterstown were knocked out in the first round in their previous Leinster campaign, however this time Walterstown fared better. Walterstown’s first round opponents were the Dublin Champions Civil Services. Walterstown needed a replay to defeat the Civil Services having secured a 0-8 draw first time around, the preplay however was not such a close affair with Walterstown running out 3-9 to 0-6 winners.

Walterstown faced the Wicklow champions in the semi-final and again they needed a replay to win this game. The first game saw Walterstown allow a lead slip to allow the Wicklow champions score two late goals to force a replay.

The replay saw Walterstown reduced to 14 men in the first half however the Blacks showed great determination to run out 4-8 to 1-4 winners and Walterstown had qualified for their first ever provincial final.

The final was against Carlow champions Eire Og, after the first 13 minutes it looked like it was all over when the Blacks raced into an eight point lead, however the Carlow side produced a great fightback to go in at the break just two points down at half time (2-3 to 1-4).

The Blacks started the second half again the stronger by going into a 2-6 to 1-5 lead, however Eire Og again fought back leveling the game. Walterstown however kept their heads and outscored their opponents 0-3 to 0-2 in the final eleven minutes to gain the Leinster title.

Eamonn Barry was again the leading scorer, scoring 2-5.

Winning the Leinster title meant that the Blacks had also qualified into the semi-finals of the All-Ireland Club Championship. Their opponents in the semi-final were St Mary’s, champions of Sligo. Eamonn Barry again made the headlines by scoring 1-10 and Waltersown ran out 2-12 to 1-5 winners.

Walterstown had reached the All-Ireland Final and nobody could have predicted that the Blacks would get this far having been a Junior side in 1960. Walterstown’s pponents in the final were Cork champs St Finbarr’s, this proved a match to far for the Blacks as they lost out in the final on a scoreline of 1-8 to 0-6.

1980 also saw our U21 side successfully complete a three-in-a-row by winning the championship. Walterstown qualified for the final by overcoming Colmcille Gaels and Navan O’Mahony’s in the later rounds. 

The final was played in Pairc Tailteann in 1981. Walterstown ran out convincing winners beating Syddan 3-12 to 2-2. Eamonn Barry was joined by his brothers John and Martin on the scorersheet and between them they notched up a tally of 2-6. Other scorers on the day for Walterstown were G Cooney 0-4, F O’Sullivan and M Kelly 0-1 each and an E Duff goal which was an own goal.

1981

The Blacks had failed to defend their title in 1979 and 1981 proved to have the same outcome, Walterstown had got through to the semi-final stage once again against O’Mahony’s, this time it was the Navan side who came out on top (0-13 to 2-4). The Navan O’Mahony’s side went on to win the Keegan Cup that year.
1980-seniorteam

Walterstown, Meath SFC winners in 1980

 

1982 – 1984 – Walterstown secure three-in-a-row

 Walterstown started the 1982 campaign in less than impressive form losing out to Nobber in the first round, however they reached their impressive form in the next match beating Trim 2-9 to 1-2. 
Gerry Cooney inspired the Blacks to a win against Martinstown-Abbey scoring eight of the ten points that Walterstown scored that day when they ran out 0-10 to 1-3 winners. An easy 3-13 to 0-7 win over Colmcille Gaels followed.Walterstown went into the last game against Summerhill knowing that they needed to win to at least get into a play-off to get through to the next round. Walterstown ran out winners and in the draw for the play-off were again drawn against Summerhill. The first play-off ended in a draw and in the replay Summerhill ran out winners on a scoreline of 1-9 to 1-6. Summerhill made it through to the semi-final of the championship.

Walterstown had a second chance to make it through to the semi-final by playing Nobber in the next play-off. The first match again went to a replay with the Blacks living to fight another day. The replay resulted in a Blacks win after extra time to make the semi-finals where once again they would be playing Navan O’Mahony’s for a final spot.

Walterstown once again drew a match to force a replay with the score 1-7 to 0-10 in the first match. The second match saw Sean Reilly save the day for the Blacks where he had a vital save in the match to deny O’Mahony’s what looked like a certain goal. Walerstown ran out winners and their opponents in the final were Summerhill who the Blacks had met on three previous occasions in this championship. In this the most important match of the year Walterstown beat their opponents 1-7 to 0-5 to capture the Keegan Cup for the third time. This was one of the toughest championship campaigns for any club to win in the Meath Championship with the Blacks needing twelve games plus extra time against Nobber to gain the Championship win.

1983

Walterstown’s main aim for this championship campaign was to retain the Keegan Cup which they didn’t manage on previous occasions. Walterstown started the campaign with two wins over Trim and Syddan. These two wins however were not convincing and the Blacks needed a lot of luck to overcome these two sides. 

Their next opponents were Castletown and the Blacks put in a more impressive performance winning 1-9 to 0-4 and followed it up with a 1-12 to 2-4 win over Ballivor. 

Walterstown qualified for a semi-final spot with a 1-16 to 0-9 win over St Patrick’s before finishing the round with a 0-12 to 0-6 win over Colmcille Gaels.

Nobber were the opponents in the semi-final and the Blacks ran out 0-9 to 0-6 winners, it was the experience of Walterstown that won them this game as Nobber had plenty of chances but just didn’t have the confidence or experience to put these chances away.

Walterstown made it to the final and had a chance to retain their title, their opponents were Navan O’Mahony’s on the previous occasions where the Blacks looked to retain the title it was the Navan O’Mahony’s team who had gone on to win it in those years. On this occasion the Blacks ended this trend and beat O’Mahony’s 0-10 to 1-3 to retain the Keegan Cup.

Walterstown again qualified for the Leinster Club Championship final, overcoming Kilkenny side James Stephens, Kildare side Johnstownbridge and Dublin side Scoil Ui Conaill along the way. 

The final was against Offaly champions Walsh Island. Walterstown looked like they were cruising when they were 14 points ahead three minutes into the second half, however Walsh Island staged a remarkable comeback when they came just within a point of Walterstown, however time ran out for the Offaly side and the Blacks were crowned Leinster Champions for the second time beating Walsh Island 3-9 to 2-11.

Walterstown went onto beat Down Champions Burren in the All Ireland Club semi-final to reach the All Ireland Final for a second time. Walterstown faced Cork champions again this time in the form of Nemo Rangers, the final was a disappointing affair for the Blacks as they were taught a footballing lesson by the Cork side losing 2-10 to 0-5.

 

1984

Walterstown were aiming for the three-in-a-row in 1984 and started off the championship in good form beating Kilmainhamwood 2-9 to 0-6 in the first round. Newly signed Tom Kinsella was the star in this match scoring the two goals for Walterstown. 

Walterstown followed this win with a 3-8 to 1-8 victory over St Patrick’s and a very convincing 4-10 to 0-7 win over Summerhill, Gerry Cooney being the man in form in this game scoring 2-6 of the sides total. 

Walterstown once again qualified to the semi-finals of the championship this time their opponents were near neighbours Seneschalstown. Seneschalstown were a young and promising side but it was the Blacks’ experience that shone through beating their neighbours 2-9 to 0-13 to reach the Meath Championship final once again.

Their opponents in the final were Skryne who had beaten Navan O’Mahony’s in the other semi-final.

Walterstown got off to a flying start in this final with two early goals from Martin Barry and Frank O’Sullivan and this proved to be the vital moment in the game as Skryne never recovered from these early blows and the Blacks ran out 2-9 to 1-07 winners to claim the three in a row. 

Walterstown’s panel on this occasion included six set of brothers: the Barrys – Eamonn, Martin and John; the Cooneys – Gerry and Stan; the O’Briens – Oliver and Eamonn; the O’Sullivan’s – Neil and Frank; The Reynolds – Christy and Gerry and the McLoughlin brothers – Gerry, Kevin, Joe and Noel.

Walterstown were not successful in the following Leinster Club Championship campaign losing out in the first round to Athlone.

 
1982-champs

Walterstown: Meath SFC Champions of 1982

 
 
 

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