Hero of 1939 All-Ireland win is laid to rest The sporting hero which brought national glory to Kilkenny in 1939 has died. Jimmy Phelan, two goal hero when Kilkenny defeated Cork in the famous 1939 All-Ireland senior hurling final, died at Hillview Nursing Home, Carlow. He was 88. Mr Phelan, who lived at 21 Larkfield, Carlow was originally from Ballyragget, County Kilkenny. His wife, Anastasia died in 2002. He was the last surviving member of the team from that famous Thunder and Lightning final, which was played on the day World War II broke out. The score in the game was Kilkenny 2-7, Cork 3-3 and Mr Phelan shot 2-1 of the winners total. He played at top of the left alongside Deanie O'Brien and Jack Mulcahy on a strong full-forward line. He was 22-year-old when he played in that final. In an interview with the 'People' late last year, Mr Phelan said he didn't remember much about the first goal he scored, which came early and put Kilkenny in the driving seat. He shot a second before half-time, at which state Kilkenny led by 2-4 to 1-1. The 1939 decider became known as the "thunder and lightning final" because it was played during a violent thunderstorm and in lashing rain. Kilkenny, with exactly the same team, also contested the All-Ireland final the following year. They started well, but Limerick, used good tactics and gained the initiative during the second half before winning by 3-7 to 1-7. Jimmy Phelan played most of his senior club hurling with Tullaroan, but he never got to sample the joy of winning a senior hurling championship. He joined the Irish Sugar Company in Carlow in 1937, and not long afterwards he threw in his lot with the county. By the time he retired from the Sugar Company in 1982 he attained the position of chief accountant. From 1943 he transferred to Carlow, and he helped spark a big revival in hurling in his adopted home town. He helped make a lot of big things happen for the game in the county hurling the 'fifties and 'sixties. He coached the Carlow team that won the All-Ireland junior home championship final in 1960, and the All-Ireland intermediate final two years later. The team of that time was reckoned one of the best ever produced by the county. The team went on to attain even more success when scoring a shock win over Cork in the National League in 1962. That was Carlow's debut in the premier grade, and the team attained a result beyond their wildest dreams. The match was played in Dr Cullen Park. Carlow won a high scoring game by 1-17 to 1-12. Not only did Mr Phelan play with Carlow he also did trojan work with the under-age teams. He was a natural at passing on vital tips about the art of the game he loved, and he helped many a player reach his full potential. He sampled All-Ireland inter-county success in 1963 and again in 1964. He was a founding member of the now thriving Carlow Town hurling club, and he also had an association with The Pearses hurling club in town. He was educated in Waterford, and twice he tasted success the Harty Cup, the prize for the Munster colleges championship winners. Greyhounds was another passion for Mr Phelan. Dogs bearing the name Puffin were from the Phelan Kennels, and they reaped their sharer of honours at tracks all over the country. The remains were removed to the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow where they were received by Fr Ger Ahearn Adm, Carlow, assisted by Fr John Fingelton CC. Among the Kilkenny people who helped carry the coffin was President-elect of the GAA, Nickey Brennan. Kilkenny and Carlow flags were placed on the coffin. Burial was in St Mary's cemetery, Carlow. Among those who officiated at the funeral Mass was Fr Percy Grant of Ballyragget. Former GAA President, Paddy Biggy form Slieverue paid tribute to the former star. HE described Mr Phelan as a wonderful ambassador of his native county. He was fast, skillful and intelligent hurler who, no matter how difficult the task, always adopted a sporting approach to the game. He said Mr Phelan proved in the final o f1939 that he was a man of special talent. Meeting Jimmy Phelan was always a joy, he insisted. Chief mourners - Jim, Maynnooth (son); Mrs Margaret Byrne, Tralee, Mrs Carmel Drea, Arklow, Mrs Mary Slys, Bunclody, Mrs Bernadette Fitzsimons, Malahide, Mrs Eileen Roche, Dunlaoire and Mrs Una McCormack, Highfield, Carlow (daughters); Margaret (sister); and a host of other relatives and friends. Courtesy of Kilkenny People 13 January 2006 Tweet

Most Read Stories