This was a skilful and hard-fought game. With just a minute to go the scores were tied: Heaven A 1-14 : Heaven B 2-11.
My mentors were pleased with my performance. I had saved three penalties. I felt very proud.
Suddenly Breen Morgan dashed up the field on the left, like a young deer. In the last minute he scored a winning point.
When Eddie blew the final whistle, it sounded like the finest of symphonies.
The crowd surged on to the pitch, congratulating the B men. I was lifted shoulder-high by T P Murphy and Bobby Langan.
We walked forward to the rostrum to lift the Cup.
Our finest supporters were gathered round: Gerry Brown of the Mitchels: Danny Torley of Saval: Alfie Lavery of Kilwarlin: Paddles Barry of Mayobridge: Paddy Lynch of Carrickcruppin: Tommy McKay of Shamrocks: Frank McNally of Rostrevor: Dessie Heatley of Warrenpoint: Dick Murphy with his bicycle ; Jimmy Hooks: Larry Beattie: Eamon Fitzpatrick : Billy Howlett ; Tom McVeigh, and many more.
As, above all the din of celebrations, I reached out to lift the Cup, I heard a stirring voiceover:
‘Daddy! Are you getting up?’
It was my daughter, Anne-Marie.
‘Your breakfast is getting cold. You’ll need to get up right now!
You’ve got a U3A Art class this morning!’
… end …