From The Archive: FAI Cup Semifinal 1937

(first published in the July 2010 Longford Town match programme)

Wednesday March 10, 1937 – FAI Cup semi-final – Dalymount Park
Waterford FC    4 – 1    Longford Town
(report mostly from the Longford Leader)

The semi-final of the Free State Cup, postponed from the previous Sunday owing to the pitch being unplayable, took place on Wednesday at Dalymount Park when Longford Town, although beaten 4-1, put up a plucky fight against powerful Waterford, the greatest team in the Free State. The Town, having graduated from the junior ranks the previous season, made football history by reaching the semi-final of the National trophy at the first time of asking.

Waterford’s first goal arrived after eighteen minutes play when Timmy O’Keeffe scored direct from a free. Longford’s defenders erred in leaving goalkeeper Farrell uncovered, but the Town then infused great spirit into their play. Numerous thrilling incidents occured around the Waterford goal as the grim duel between the Waterford defence and the Longford attack waxed hot. Paddy Clarke had a glorious chance of scoring a quick equaliser but he shot wide.

But what a cheer rent the air when Clarke eventually put the Town back on level terms in the 37th minute – a great effort on his part. Three minutes before the interval, a pot-shot from Tom Arrigan restored Waterford’s lead, and Johnny Walsh extended their advantage when finding the net nine minutes into the second half. John Phelan scored the fourth and final goal for Waterford a few minutes later when hitting the target from a seemingly impossible angle. The gate receipts were £325, representing an attendance of approximately 6000.

Waterford: Alf Robinson, Jock McDonnell, Eugene Noonan, Waltie Walsh, Terry Fullerton, Tom Arrigan, John Phelan, George Gill, Johnny Walsh, Johnny McGourty, Timmy O’Keeffe
Longford: J Farrell, P Shine, P Walsh, C Shiels, J Malynn, J Miss, P Clarke, S McManus, F Giffen, W Clarke, P Moran