Mayo 1951 All-Ireland winner Paddy Prendergast passes away

September 26, 2021

Padraig Murphy, Paddy Prendergast (centre) and Sean Murphy who played in the 1951 All Ireland SFC semi-final between Kerry and Mayo ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Paddy Prendergast, the last surviving member of Mayo’s 1951 All-Ireland SFC final winning team, has died at the age of 95.

Paddy lined out at full-back for his native county when they defeated Meath by 2-8 to 0-9 at Croke Park to claim the Sam Maguire Cup 70 years ago.

The previous year saw him line-out in defence as Mayo defeated Louth by 2-5 to 1-6 in the All-Ireland SFC final. He also played in the 1948 decider when the Westerners lost out to Cavan.

A native of Ballintubber, he was the only remaining living member of the starting team which claimed Mayo’s last All-Ireland success. 

Dr Mick Loftus is the last surviving member of the ‘51 Mayo squad but the former GAA president did not play in the final against Meath.

Paddy spent most of his adult life in Kerry having been stationed as a Garda in Tralee after being transferred in the 1960s.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.


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