30 years ago: Murphy's Law even at an early stage

Ollie Murphy 1st left back row on the 1991 successful Carnaross Under 16 team.

1991 was a memorable year for Carnaross. The North Meath club captained by John Reilly defeated Drumree to claim the Meath JFC. The club had another reason to celebrate that year when their Under 16’s defeated Moynalvey to claim the county title. Many of this very talented squad went on to represent the club as they climbed to senior level.

There was one man making a name for himself even at a very early stage.

The headline read Oliver Murphy scored an amazing total of 7-17. Could there be another Brian Stafford in the making

36 teams entered the league with four divisions producing the following quarter finalists: from Division A Carnaross and Ballinlough, from Division B Seneschalstown and Kilmainhamwood, from Division C St. Martins and Duleek and from Division D Moynalvey and Ballinabrackey. The finalists were Carnaross and Moynalvey and they produced an entertaining and closely contested hours football at Kilberry with the North Meath boys triumphing by 1-9 to 0-11.

Carnaross U16B winners 1991. Front l-r: A. Carpenter, S. Yore, D. Griffin, A. Farrelly, F. Cumiskey, D. McDermott, P. Nugent, D. Farrelly, P. Yore, P. Brady. Back l-r: O. Murphy, B. Dunne, M. Connell, J. Reilly, D. Martin, C. Woods, O. Flood, B. Cumiskey, I. Kerins, T. Olwell, T. Fox

Oliver Murphy’s scoring exploits were a feature of the Carnaross performances. He notched 2-7 in the quarter final versus Duleek, 4-6 in the semi final versus Seneschalstown and 1-4 in the final. This 1-4 included a penalty scored against Barry Sheridan and later a penalty save from, believe it or not Barry Sheridan. 

Carnaross’ victory made have been built around Murphy but it was by no means a one man show. Conor Woods, Brian Comiskey, Alan Carpenter and Oliver Flood all excelled for the winners.

Murphy went on to win 2 All Irelands, 2 All Stars and 3 Leinster SFC medals.