Enniskerry, from the Wicklow League, came to town to do battle with Pioneers, one of the oldest clubs in the country – in the Leinster Junior Shield. There was little between the two sides and after half an hour’s play it was pretty obvious that whoever managed to score in the heavy conditions would survive to the last 16 and so it proved.

Sixteen minutes into the second half the goal which spelled success for Pioneers came as a result of great work by young Tony Kavanagh who, after receiving the ball from his own ‘keeper, ran the full length of the field, evading tackle after tackle, before passing to Ray Dempsey who made no mistake from close range.

Earlier there had been some spirited exchanges. In the opening fifteen minutes Enniskerry were decidedly on top and forced half a dozen fruitless corners, their 6ft. 4 ins. Centre forward, Peter Crosbie, being just off target twice.

Jimmy Boyle, Pioneers’ longest serving player was prominent at the back of the home defence and had the answer to anything Enniskerry were sending in. As the half developed Pioneers had their turn of attack and only some great saves by the visitors keeper prevented certain scores.

And the great spirit with which both teams were playing provided entertainment for the supporters and perhaps not unnaturally resulted in the Yellow Card appearing on more than one occasion.

Both goalkeepers, Willie Higgins (Pioneers) and Tome Dowling (Enniskerry) must take a lot of credit for, covered in mud, they advanced, dived and did all sorts of acrobatics. Indeed, as the first half came to a close, we had the remarkable sight of both goalkeepers down injured and receiving attention.

If the first quarter of the game belonged to Enniskerry, so did the final fifteen minutes, which they completely dominated. Shots by Ger Hollingsworth, Martin Harvey and Crosbie were just wide of the target but with their backs to the wall, Pioneers pulled out all the stops and, very well marshalled by Boyle, their defence just managed to hold out to the final whistle.

PIONEERS: Willie Higgins, Vincent Robinson, John Hodgson, Vincent Foley, Peter Smyth, Jimmy Boyle, Peter Smith, Ray Dempsey, Anthony Martin, Tony Kavanagh, Dominic Cashin.

Reserves – Seam McCormack, Joe McNamara.

Manager – Pascal Coleman.

ENNISKERRY: Tom Dowling, Pat Caulfield, Mick Collins, Joe Roe, Joe Whelan, Richard Beatty, Jimmy Hayden, Martin Harvey, Peter Crosbie, Tom Cronin, Ger Hollingsworth.

Reserves – Jim Hackett.

Manager: Ben Melia

A few ‘bangers’ obviously played in the team – because ‘Dave McCreedy’, ‘Tommy Leonard’ and ‘Mick Crosbie’ actually played. Andy Reid features in the photo.

Joe Whelan did not play, nor did Jimmy Hayden.