Ballyspallen’s missing Irish Junior Cup win!

However, as fate would have it, while conducting research on another project, I came across a photograph of Ballyspallen which was captioned Irish Junior Cup winners mid-60's.

In the photograph were two unmistakable figures - Sam McGregor - father of North West Warriors coach Ian and Brian Martin, who haven’t changed much in 55 years and thanks primarily to their efforts I was able to start fill in the pieces of the missing jigsaw.

“We did indeed win the competition in 1965,” confirmed McGregor, who was captain of the team..

“I remember the semi-final where we beat Crossgar convincingly to reach the final in Dublin.”

Ballyspallen scored 152 in the semi-final, thanks to a 8th wicket partnership of 79 between John Crown (46) and Victor Townley (37), while Roy Wilson chipped in with 36.

That proved more than enough as Brian Martin (who would later play for Limavady in an Irish Cup final) ripped through the Crossgar innings taking 7 for 11 as they were skittled for just 34 – John Crown taking the other three wickets.

Their opponents in the final were CYM II, who are now known as Terenure. The final was a big event for the little club, based on the outskirts of Limavady.

“Such was the interest in the game we took a double-decker bus to Dublin with the team and our supporters,” said McGregor.

“The most memorable part of the match was when off the first ball of CYM innings I caught their opening batsman at first slip off the bowling of Brian Martin.”

CYM struggled for runs against the Ballyspallen attack who didn’t let them settle throughout.

The Dubliners were weakened by the absence of their influential captain David Kennedy, who was in London on business – he later became Chief Executive of Aer Lingus.

CYM, clearly unnerved by their fired-up opponents who weren’t afraid to appeal throughout, limped to what looked a well-below total of 59.

However, when it came to the NW sides turn to bat, they found the going equally tough as they collapsed to 15 for 5, and their chances of bringing the trophy northwards looked remote.

However in a tense, attritional contest they held their nerve as a combination of good running and less than athletic fielding saw them prevail by two wickets.

McGregor has fond memories of the trophy itself and the post-match celebrations.

“The trophy was a beautiful rose bowl, which I have never seen the like of since. We had a few refreshment breaks on our return home, the first of which was in Slane!”

Seven of the Ballypallen team are still living; Brian Martin, Robin Martin, Gilbert Townley, Jack Nicholl, Keith Wallace, Billy Rodgers, and Sam McGregor. Alas, only two CYM players from the game survive, Mat Vaughan and Andy Cullen.

Other winners from the North West of the competition included Ardmore, Strabane, Limavady and Donemana before the competition ceased in 1980. The Irish Senior Cup began in 1982, followed then in 2012 by the National Cup.