All-Ireland winning Carmelite College teams set for reunion this Saturday night

The Carmelite College, Moate, teams which won back to back All-Ireland Colleges titles in 1980 and 1981 are having a reunion at the Grand Hotel in Moate this Saturday night, September 25. In 1980, the Carmelite College defeated St Patrick's College, Maghera, in the final, and the Moate school retained the Hogan Cup the following year when they overcame St Colman's College, Claremorris in the decider. The 1980 team was captained by Jimmy Bradley from Moate, while the 1981 team was skippered by Pat Fleming from Clara. Legendary coach Fr Michael Cremin led the Carmelite to the Hogan Cup in 1980 and 1981, having also guided the Carmelite to All-Ireland success in 1976. "Fr Cremin was an amazing man, he was ahead of his time with his training methods," said Jimmy Bradley. "It was a great period for us to go to school in the Carmelite." During a truly glorious period of success, the Carmelite won six Leinster titles. The Carmelite were defeated in Hogan Cup finals in 1975 (by St Colman's, Newry) and 1977 (St Colman's, Claremorris), and in the 1978 All-Ireland semi-final. While the teams in 1980 and 1981 were mainly made up of local players, a number of boarders complemented the local talent. The 1980 team contained future inter-county stars Val Daly (Galway) and John Maughan (Mayo). While Saturday's night reunion will kick off with a sit down meal for the players at about 8pm, all past-pupils and supporters are welcome to join what is sure to be a night of happy memories and reminiscences afterwards. A number of the St Colman's Claremorris, players are expected to travel to Moate for the reunion. For further information about the reunion, please contact Jimmy at 085 1742051.