Peter Harrington currently resides in St. Attractas Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, Co. Mayo. Peter was one of the 78, 201 people in attendance at the All Ireland Final replay in 1951 when Mayo last lifted the Sam Maguire. Seventy years later as we approach another All Ireland Final Peter recalls that memorable occasion.
On 23rd September 1951 Peter was working in Foyles Garage in Castlepollard in Co. Westmeath. At the time there were four or five hackney cars as part of the business and Peter drove them. On the day of the big match Peter drove five or six local shop boys who were working in the town to the match. On the way they drove through Westmeath where there was great support for Mayo as at the time there was a great rivalry between Meath and Westmeath. Peter and his passengers flew the Mayo flag high as they drove to Dublin.
The match was a replay as Mayo and Meath had drew on the first game. Peter has no tickets but he paid at the turn style and showed his hackney license badge. It was a great game and Mayo won the Sam Maguire with Mayo scoring 2-8 to Meath’s 9 points. Peter picked up the lads at midnight on O’Connell Bridge and they drove to Mullingar to a dance; when the dance was over they returned to Castlepollard. Peter never got to see the Sam Maguire cup in person. He knew Padraic Carney from Swinford at the time. Peter himself was 21 years of age at time of that memorable win.
It’s been 70 long years since Mayo last won the all-Ireland and Peter hopes to see Mayo lift the cup again next Saturday. He sends his good luck wishes to all the team.