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We will be featuring some special games and occasions from our colourful past on the website. Many thanks to Tony Whelan for compiling this report on out Fitzgerald Cup Youth winning team of 1977.
Fitzgerald Cup Final – June 3rd 1977
VILLA TEAM (see picture opposite) v Bolton:
Back Row L to R: Tommy Griffin, Derek McBride, Peter Jacob, Tony Whelan, John Hennessy (RIP), Frank Power, Michael Heffernan, Tony Kennedy.
Front Row L to R: Matt Keating, Jim Sutton, Karl Phelan, Eugene Connors (Captain) (RIP), Pat Murphy, and Jackie Hurley.
The 1976/1977 season was certainly a memorable one for the Villa FC. Around that time, Villa had acquired the bank of wasteland next to Ozier Park, which was eventually developed to become what is now Connors Park – the home of Villa F.C. With no home of their own, Villa played their matches in Ozier or Prospect Park – a pitch opposite Johns Park on the site of the now Butler Community Center.
The Villa minor team also had a year to remember. An account of their cup run is as follows.
In the Minor league at that time Bohs, Southend and Bolton were the kingpins. Southend were in the era of Brendan Carey and Eddie Nolan among others. Bohs were also a top team (Eamonn Coady an up and coming star) and Bolton were a great footballing team with Davie Wooton in their ranks. When the first round draw was made, it was somewhat disappointing for Villa to have got Bohs in Poleberry Park (now Ben Wadding Park) – particularly as they had comfortably beaten us 4-1 in a league match two weeks previous.
The Bohs match began brilliantly for the Villa with a goal in the first five minutes and followed with a second ten minutes later. This was reinforced when against the run of play we went three up just before half time – Bohs were stunned – we were in dreamland. Bohs scored early in the second half and must have felt ‘normal service resumed’ but almost straight from the kick off Villa went up the pitch to score again to make it 4-1 which effectively broke their heart. The game ended a remarkable 5-2 to the Villa. In the quarter final, Carrick were the opponents and Villa ran out easy winners.
The semi final paired Villa against Southend who were top of the league at the time. This was a very tight tense game where we played above ourselves and matched them all the way. The first half finished 0-0. About ten minutes into the second half Villa took a one goal lead. We held out until about five minutes from the end when Southend were awarded a penalty. The ‘Southend penalty taker’ slotted the ball to the right to score the equalizer. The game went to extra time but the score remained the same so it was into a penalty shoot out. Villa struck first and when the ‘Southend penalty taker’ (who scored the equalizer) stepped up the Villa goalie went early to the right forcing the taker to drag his shot wider and rebound of the post. Ville went on to win the shoot out and earn their place in the Final.
The final was held in Ozier Park on the Friday evening of the June bank holiday weekend (June 3rd 1977) with a very strong and fancied Bolton team taking on the Villa. A packed Ozier saw a very entertaining game. Villa came out on top with a score of 3-1 to lift the Fitzgerald Cup amongst joyous scenes.
This was indeed a very proud day for Eugene Connors to lift that trophy for his beloved Villa. Eugene was an inspirational captain and friend to all in the Villa club. His untimely death, just a few years later, was a tragedy beyond belief for all. Another player who played with such grace and flair on that team was John Hennessy – John sadly lost his live after a very short illness, aged just 36 in 1997. This piece is dedicated in memory of you both – rest in peace.
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