The Might of the Oak: St. Columb’s College honours its All-Ireland legends 60 years on

PICTURED ABOVE: Front row, left to right, Chris Brown, Matt Trolan, Brendan (Barney) Mullan, Pat McGonagle, Tony O’Doherty. Back row, left to right, Br Monsignor Andy Dolan, Harry McGill, Michael Trolan, Phil Friel, Anthony Furey. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

St. Columb’s College opened its doors on Thursday to welcome back members of the history-making 1965 Hogan Cup (All-Ireland Schools’ Gaelic Football Championship) team and every ball was kicked, every point measured and every player valued of that epic final against Dublin’s Belcamp College.

Players from the side managed by Fr. Iggy McQuillan included Harry McGill, Michael Trolan, Phil Friel, Anthony Furey, Chris Brown, Matt Trolan, Brendan (Barney) Mullan, Pat McGonagle and Tony O’Doherty, were treated to refreshments as the large screen showed black and white images of days gone by, but days fondly remembered as the college’s Gaelic players were captured in training, playing matches and even some footage from the Hogan Cup final itself.

Welcoming the heroes back to St. Columb’s, Principal Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin said it was a great honour to see so many of the squad looking so fit and healthy and also mentioned that the core of the team set the stage for the Derry Minors to gain success in the All-Ireland later that year.

‘It’s an honour to be among you today. What you achieved is in folklore, not just within St. Columb’s but right across the county. The 1965 success was a momentous achievement that began a golden era for St. Columb’s and Derry football. What adorns our walls is a key point in the sporting history of St. Columb’s College.

IN PICTURES: St. Columb's College welcomes back the history-makers of 1965 Hogan Cup

The reunion honored the Hogan Cup squad that defeated Dublin’s Belcamp College in 1965

Tony O’Doherty recalls the sensational St Columb’s College Hogan Cup victory 60 years on

‘I imagine it was close to being the most alive time I have ever had in my life. It was absolutely incredible'

‘We are delighted to host you here this afternoon and you are all so very welcome. We were delighted to join you on this trip down memory lane and hear the many stories of your time here at the college. You are still all a credit to us and part of the St. Columb’s College family history.’

The returning footballers spent over two hours in the school, looking over old photos, match reports from the time, retelling stories of the path to the final and what expectations were as they took to the pitch in that history-making victory.

Midway through the event, Monsignor Andy Dolan asked for a few minutes silence and led the prayers for those squad members now deceased. They included Brendan Dolan (the Monsignor’s brother), Colm P. Mullan, Eamon Small, Tom Quinn, Seamus Lagan and Sean Mellon. 

This was followed by a Q&A with host Eamonn Burns fielding a number of questions from students on the team’s exploits. A number of questions centred on the manager, the late Fr. Iggy McQuillan, who passed away in recent years.

Also speaking after the event, organiser, Mr. Eamonn Burns said it was good to see so many old, and famous faces back at St. Columb’s.

‘Present today we also had Anthony Furey and Matt Trolan from the successful MacRory Cup squad in 1966. The two gentlemen explained to our students how they were ‘too young’ to play in the Hogan Cup but played the following year1966, winning the MacRory!’

Principal Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin pictured with the official ball used in the history-making Hogan Cup final.

Mrs. McLaughlin concluded by thanking Mr. Eamonn Burns and Mrs. Patrice McConnell for the organising of the event, and added, on behalf of everyone associated with St. Columb’s College, she thanked the team for giving of their time in what was a momentous afternoon for everyone.