To say GAA is a religion is probably an understatement with respect Father but All-Irelands are few and when achieved are well deserved and remembered and tonight we honour one of the greatest achievements of Monaghan Football and its greatest player Seamus Mc Elroy and the 1956 All Ireland Junior Football Championship win .
On this the 60th anniversary of Seamus Mc Elroy’s first game for Latton against Drumhowan in 1954 at left- half forward in the first three years Seamus had won a Dr. Ward Cup in 54, a Hackett Cup in 55 and an Ulster and All-Ireland Junior Football Championship in 1956.
Looking at that historic win of 1956, Monaghan beat Down by 2-5 to 0-10 in Newry in the opening round, beating Antrim by 0-10 to 1-5 in the Semi-Final in Ballybay and Cavan in the Final in Clones on a “holiday fair evening”. A draw against Kerry in Clones at 3-7 each in a controversial finish.
Victory was Monaghan’s in Newbridge as Monaghan and Ireland were in the grip of a swine fever epidemic, the Home final victory over Kildare in Navan with Monaghan’s first All-Ireland secured in Carrickmacross in the Junior Final proper over London with Seamus Mc Elroy bringing All-Ireland Gold to Latton.
Dr Ward Cup Medals in 59 and 62 are among Seamus’s honours with Latton his brilliance and excellence acknowledged throughout Ulster and Ireland outclassing greats like Jim McKeever of Derry, Jarlath Carey of Down and Mick O’Dwyer of Kerry, brilliance like he exhibited in the 1958 Ulster Championship Marathon in Belfast against Cavan until his injury in the 3rd game.
Tonight some might say its about time the Mc Elroys Bernard, the Hall of Fame, Seamus in the recognition of his 1956 achievements, perhaps Bernard might think his career slightly overshadowed by his big brother but they are loyalty to Latton equally through encouragement and participation in games and as supporters is probably equal too.
Tonight to 2000 Monaghan GAA Hall of Fame winner and Latton Hall of Fame winner Seamus Mc Elroy we honour your achievement of 60 years ago.
