Nice piece by Michael Foley. What Martin Ăg Morrissey said about how that great Waterford team and himself were regarded, while not the acme of modesty, is true.
On 1963⌠Fr Tommy Maher made an unusual choice of placing Johnny McGovern, formerly a star wing back and now in his thirties, at centre forward, so as to negate Morrissey. Johnny himself told me a few years ago that the plan devised involved him striking first time every chance he could, moving the ball out of centre forward territory, so as to deny his marker influence.
The plan worked terrifically well during the first half, with Kilkenny leading by 3-6 to 1-5 at halftime. Back then, seven points was a serious gap.
But Morrissey and/or Waterfordâs management figured out the dilemma at halftime. Morrissey started coming out to ball with McGovern and striking far more deliveries. Then Oliver Gough, a more imposing player in physical terms but also a great ballplayer, came on at centre forward for Johnny â and Kilkenny just about won, by three points, having led by 11 points midway through the second half.
Placing SeĂĄn Clohosey at midfield was another key decision. He hurled excellent.
There is a general acceptance that Killkennyâs 1963 full back line remains the worst ever one with which the county won a Senior All Ireland. So Martin Ăg is entitled to his bit of a cut in that regard. Those full back problems came home to roost against Tipperary in the 1964 All Ireland.
Itâs written by the late Dickie Roche. Dickie was on the goal (cc @binkybarnes) in the 1957 All Ireland final. Dickie left a ball through his legs in the last few minutes and Waterford lost by a point. Philly Grimes never spoke to him again.
