League tie for New York?

CAVAN'S late, late survival in Division One of the National Football League has preserved the possibility of a unique fixture being staged later in the year.

Next October, the 50th anniversary of the 1947 All Ireland final, played between Cavan and Kerry in the Polo Grounds, New York, will be commemorated. Surviving players from both teams, along with the present Cavan and Kerry squads, will fly out to New York on Thursday, October 16th, for a weekend of celebrations.

A challenge match between the modern teams is planned as part of the festivities but Cavan's defeat of Tyrone last Sunday in the Division One relegation play off means that steps will now be taken to award league points to the winners in New York.

The proposal to confer league status on the fixture was first mooted at a meeting of Central Council last February by Cavan delegate Phil Brady. At that point, however, Cavan were rooted to the bottom of Division One and favourites for the drop. It was suggested to Brady, with more than a hint of humour, that the proposal might be a little premature.

But, in last ditch desperation, Cavan beat Tyrone by a single point in the final round of the league on March 2nd, and with Meath beaten the same day, a three way play off ensued. Cavan took full advantage of their opportunity and last Sunday completed an improbable escape.

Members of the organising committee in New York are keen that the game should have full league status and preliminary soundings in Kerry indicate a measure of support for the ideals. "It hasn't been discussed officially because no official request has been made," says Kerry county board chairman Tony O'Keeffe, "but we are aware for some time that the idea has been mooted. It's early days yet and a lot of things need to be decided."

Cavan, of course, won the All Ireland in 1947 and the players from that team have long entered local folklore. Brady says there is tremendous interest from GAA supporters throughout the county and many are planning to travel to New York for the celebrations.

"Personally, I'm hoping that will happen for many reasons," says Brady, "but especially for the people in New York who are doing so much for the game there. Many of them are from Cavan and Kerry and it would mean a lot to them. If league points were at stake the players would be playing for something and it would add more prestige to the occasion.

"If we were courageous enough to play an All Ireland final in the Polo Grounds 50 years ago I don't see why we couldn't stage a league game there."

Brady said the matter would have to be discussed by the county board and team management and if the proposal met with their approval they would then make a formal application to the Games Administration Committee.

There are 12 surviving members of the Cavan panel that travelled to New York. These include hallowed names such as Mick Riggins, Peter Donohue, Simon Deignan, Tony Tighe, John Wilson, Joe Stafford and Columba McDyer. Brian Rilly, the Cavan full back, is based in Australia.

Two substitutes, Brendan Kelly and Owen Roe McGovern, will also travel with the party. Two men who were precluded from travelling to New York in 1947, but who would have been in the squad otherwise - Fr Jim Duignan and Fr Dan Danaher are being invited to make the trip this time.