Leinster Leader 27 February 1988
Recalling Kildare’s hopes for 1935 All-Ireland
The last appearance of Kildare senior football team in the All-Ireland championship final was in 1935 – having defeated Laois 1-9 to 0-3, Louth in the Leinster final by 0-8 to 0-6, Mayo in the All-Ireland semi-final by 2-6 to 0-7, Kildare were through to the final and a meeting against Cavan. For a fortnight before the final Kildare players were housed at Oakley Park, Celbridge and during that time each and every player showed that he was determined to win at all costs and none were found who neglected the opportunities afforded him of training. So perfect was the training that those who attended at Croke Park saw the old Kildare form reproduced.
The team:
James Maguire: has been selected for the onerous position of goalman. Played many matches for Kildare over the years. A steady player who will not be affected by nerves.
William Mangan: Played with Kildare in the 1927 and 1928 All-Ireland finals and was a tower of strength in those years to the all-whites in the forward lines. Played in America for some years and returned to play in defence with success. He played on the Garda team.
Matt Goff: The Stewart Army man played at centre half-back since 1925. Possessed two All-Ireland medals, three Railway Cup medals, two Tailteann medals and seven Leinster Championship.
James Byrne: An Army Metro man, was taught his football in Westmeath with which county he won the All-Ireland junior football title of 1929. His displays against Louth and Mayo have marked him as a most reliable back.
Peter Waters: The most stylish player on the team, was 24 years of age and was set to equal the high standards set by Jack Higgins and Paul Doyle. His display against Mayo will always live in the memory of those who witnessed the game.
Jack Higgins: The most reliable man on the team. Kildare without Jack would be a poor selection. Like Goff he won numerous medals – two All-Irelands, two Tailteann, five Railway Cup, seven Leinster Championship and captained the team on many occasions.
Frank Dowling: Hailed from Robertstown where from his childhood was interested in the game. At Knockbeg College they taught him the finer points of the game and it was whilst a student there that Kildare came to know of his worth. He developed into a fine sturdy footballer and his height was a great asset to the team.
Paul Matthews: A Louth man domiciled in Athy, he could never play the game until he arrived in Kildare. He showed an interest in the game from the beginning and was considered advanced enough to be included on the 1927 junior inter-county team. He again played on the 1931 junior team and it was he who was responsible for the winning of the Leinster final.
Christopher Higgins: For a long time this player was tested in many positions and many thought he would not make good. He found his position at full-back or centerfield. At right full-back he could not be faulted but he fills the centerfield position with Matthew’s admirably. In the semi-final with Mayo he rendered a fine account of himself and the point scored by him against Louth was one of the deciding factors in Kildare’s fight for the Leinster final.
Tommy Mulhall: From Athy – the brainiest player on the team and one of the fastest wingmen. Improved consistently over a few seasons and has found his position on the right wing.
Patrick Martin: The doyen of the team and the most popular. Paddy has many honours to his credit equalling those of Goff and Higgins. He comes from the home of football, Ellistown, where three of his brothers play with the local team.
Patrick Byrne: The most accurate forward in Ireland. Playing in conjunction with Martin these pair are deadly to the ambitions of many teams. Byrne has many honours to his credit but has yet to win an All-Ireland medal.
James Dowling: A brother of Frank and one of the finds of the season. Is fast and cunning and has fitted into position perfectly.
Michael Geraghty: Nephew of the famous Jack Murray, captain of the 1905 team. He learned the fine points of the game with the Roseberry team of which he is a member.
Thomas Keogh: Comes from St. Brigid’s town and has been associated with the all-whites since 1927. Played for his county in the All-Ireland of 1927 and 1928. A member of the Garda team he has a deadly accurate shot as the Mayo goalkeeper will admit.
Subs: Patrick Chanders, James Fox, James Dalton, Bernard Dunne, John Crofton.
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