Archive - Last gasp point for Kilkenny 'will be remembered for many a long day'

From the Kilkenny People newspaper, dated September 20, 1974:

A last gasp point saw the Kilkenny senior camogie team draw level with Cork and earn themselves another crack at their first title in the replay at Croke Park on Sunday week.

How the last-gasp point came about will be remembered for many a long day, particularly by the number of Kilkenny supporters present.

A puck-out by Ann Carroll, who had moved into full-back for Kilkenny, came into the Cork territory and Kilkenny were awarded a free.

Helena O’Neill, with the coolness and self-assurance of Eddie Keher, nonchalantly lifted the ball and, shooting from a fairly difficult angle, sent it sailing between the posts.

It was a score that would do full justice to the best free-taker ever to grace the Croke Park sod.

Kilkenny were on a giantkilling mission, facing Cork who were looking for their fifth All-Ireland title in succession.

They showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion and are bound to be a little more confident when they line out for the replay at Croke Park on October 6.

Mayor appeals on behalf of board
An appeal for funds to help the Kilkenny senior camogie team was made by Mayor Tommy Martin when he welcomed the team to the city on Monday night.

Mayor Martin said the girls had given a magnificent display in Croke Park and although they had to come from behind to draw they were a bit unlucky not to have taken the honours. He believed the girls will take the title the next day in Croke Park.

Mr Martin said the girls had shown all the skill of Kilkenny hurling. He said they deserved support from the people of Kilkenny.

He called on businessmen, factory workers and others to contribute to a fund to help the girls in training and travelling expenses which, he pointed out, were enormous.

He set the fundraising ball rolling when he announced at a reception in the Metropole Hotel that he was making the first contribution to the kitty.

New Callan industry
A Callan man who has spent the 14 years in the US has returned and set up a light industry at his home in Kilbricken.

He is Liam Holden, who served his apprenticeship to the building trade in Callan before emigrating to New York, where he joined his brothers Tom, Seamus, Pat and Henry in business.

Mr Holden has already started manufacturing a new gutter system, the machinery having been imported from the US.

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