Recalling 'Mines triumph 30 years on
December 18 2004 12:11 AM

This year is the 30th anniversary of Silvermines first and only North Tipperary senior hurling championship triumph. On September 8, 1974, the 'Mines, led by Jim O'Brien, defeated Roscrea the final in Nenagh.
Along with his report of the game in the following 'Guardian' issue, there was a ballad composed by Gerry Slevin entitled 'The Heroes of Silvermines'.
There have been several requests to reprint that ballad and we are happy to do so.

THE HEROES OF SILVERMINES

On the 8th day of September nineteen seventy four
History was made in Nenagh town to a devastating roar.
The chips were down, the fight was on, two sides would not give up.
And Silvermines it was, who won the title and the Cup.

No sweeter victory than this one, could any team achieve.
To beat Roscrea on a final day was difficult to believe.
But spirit, strength and a will to win, and flair with these combined
To make the day a signal one for the heroes from the 'Mines.

Just two years old as seniors, their task was great indeed.
They weathered setbacks, braced themselves and to mentors gave their heed.
Borris, Burgess, Newport and the men from Moneygall
Bowed the knee to these great lads and like sportsmen true did fall.

In lining out against Roscrea, those hurling giants to fear
They knew it would be difficult but of defeat they would not hear.
All flags and banners swayed around to the crowd's exultant roars.
The men from the 'Mines were doing their stuff and notching up the scores.

The blue and white was everywhere, the children came and cheered.
And women also, young and old, as those longed for moments neared.
And when the clock had just passed five and the scoreboard told its tale
The victory was proclaimed throughout, in every hill and dale,

Tom Kennedy between the posts, as brave as any man
With Michael Maher and Jim Keogh - nephew of the famous Dan
And in the corner, Jim O'Brien, the captain of the team.
He led his men to victory and achieved a life long dream.

Also Mike Fitzgibbon - yes, heroes that great day
Not to mention Pat and Jack with the surname of Dunlea.
John Sherlock and Mick Hanley, like greyhounds at mid field
As to an awe-struck gathering, their prowess they revealed.

The Ros defence was thought to be as sturdy as a board.
But even it could not contain the wiles of Johnny Forde.
Also Eamonn Dillon, John Kennedy and Jim Ryan,
Pat Quinlan, Maurice Daffy -- each one always tryin'

A team's as good as all its subs, and togged out on the line
Were men of equal standing led by Mike O'Brien.
The brothers John and Denis Quirke, all fit to last the pace
As well as Eddie Kennedy, John and Danny Grace.

Paddy Collins guides the club and helps to pick the team
Rody Kennedy, Paddy Quinlan, those knowing men supreme.
Not to mention proud Tom Gleeson, the pride of Ballinaclough.
Four shrewd men of knowledge, that none would dare to mock.

But players need more than hurling, they too need craft and style.
And who better to supply it than the legendry John Doyle.
Presiding over all of them, the Canon staunch and true.
How proud he was to see the feats of the boys in white and blue.

They're celebrating in the Village, in Dolla and Shallee.
In Lissenhall and Ballinaclough, it's such a sight to see.
And in future years when they recall the feats of days of yore
They'll speak in awe and wonder of the 'Mines of seventy four.

REF: (2004) Recalling 'Mines triumph 30 years on. Independent Newspaper, December 18 2004.