Nurney GAA host 40th anniversary celebration of 1984 success

Nurney GAA players and officials from their 1984 Junior B and Jack Higgins Cup winning championship team held a 40th anniversary reunion in Martin's of Kildoon recently. A most enjoyable night was had by all and there was a lot of chat and reminiscing by those in attendance. Club Chairman, Seamus Deering welcomed all who attended and there was a special mention for the players and officials who were involved at the time, but unfortunately were no longer with them.

Kildare GAA Chairman, Mick Gorman was special guest on the night and he spoke of the importance of the victory for the club and community at the time, as it was the clubs first adult championship victory. He also thanked the club for their contribution to the County Board over the years. The County Chairman then presented momentos to those involved in the '84 victory to mark the occasion. 

The panel and mentors in 1984 were: Syl Merrins (Captain) Brendan Stynes (Vice-Captain), Brendan Higginbotham, Conleth Stynes, D.J. Lawless, Eddie Molloy, Jimmy Lawless, Jimmy Merrins, John Conway, John Deering, John Miller, Ger Molloy, Martin Conway, Noel Stynes, Ollie Burke, Paddy Conway, Pat Burke, Pat Deering, Pat Smullen, Pat Stynes, Paud Sexton, Seamus Deering, Tom Sexton Billy Whelan, Gerry Carroll, David Callan, Liam Gleeson (Manager), Tom Kelly (Selector), P.J. Byrne (Selector) and Aidan Sexton (Selector).

The success of 1984 did not happen overnight and the building blocks for success were laid in the previous years. Between the years 1978 and 1984, Nurney reached seven championship semi-finals in a row, and three finals. They defeated Straffan by 1-12 to 0-5 in the Championship and defeated Clougherinko 2-8 to 1-7 in the Jack Higgins replay in 1984.