GAA President Sean Kelly unveiled a plaque on a site at Clonskeagh in Donnybrook on Wednesday 12th April last where the first All-Ireland Football final was held almost 120 years ago between Limerick Commercials and Dundalk Young Irelands. Formerly the grounds of Benburb GFC - who have been amalgamated with Kilmacud Crokes GFC since the early 1970`s - the plaque was erected just past the main gates of Donnybrook Bus Garage. Noted historian Marcus de Burca and Dermot Lacey, a former Lord Mayor of Dublin, were the prime movers who arranged the design, provision and erection of the plaque and made all the arrangements for the successful launch. Limerick was represented by the Seanad Eireann Chairman Rory Kiely and Dundalk Young Irelands were represented by their President Fr. John Mulligan S.M , Hon. President Michael Flood and their former Chairman and current Louth Central Council delegate Pat Hamilton. Former members of Benburb GFC and current members of Kilmacud Crokes GFC were also present on the occasion. GAA President Sean Kelly, at a reception following the event, noted that the first All-Ireland final was a completely different event to the modern finals. Expressing satisfaction that the commemoration ceremony had finally taken place he noted that Dundalk Young Irelands were a proud and noble club with a track record second to none. The first of anything was special and to be treasured and so be it with the All-Ireland final. He wondered would the semi-final of the NFL Division 2 (which was to be played that weekend) between both counties the following Sunday have a different result? Marcus de Burca outlined the planning that went into the event and felt it was a worthy occasion. He thanked the people responsible for their efforts and hoped the local community were proud of their part in local G.A.A history. Dermot Lacey was delighted that the Benburb GFC were recognised in a tangible way with the plaque. Luke O`Toole, the only person to serve as a President and General Secretary to the GAA, was the Benburb GFC member who brought the first final to his own pitch. Pat Hamilton stated that his club, despite the ups and downs sustained during their 122 year history, were still a vibrant unit of the GAA and were looking forward to continuing their proud heritage for many more generations to come. As a former club chairman he was aware of the ongoing heritage of his historic club and noted that Fr. Mulligan had recorded the club's history in a diligent and comprehensive fashion. He introduced Michael Flood of the 1957 All-Ireland winning team, and Fr. Mulligan and pointed out that both had served Young Irelands diligently as officers over the years. Fr. John Mulligan S.M presented copies of his book 'A Historical Record of the Green and Blacks' to President Sean Kelly, Marcus de Burca and Dermot Lacey prior to the conclusion of the reception . Tweet

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