Extracts from Nenagh Guardian preview of the 1964 North Final between Roscrea and Nenagh Éire Óg

Outside of Roscrea and Nenagh, public support and sympathy will be sharply divided when these teams line up on Sunday at McDonagh Park, Nenagh, in the North Tipperary Senior Hurling Final, and although a majority of opinion favours Roscrea to retain their title, many are in a cloud as to the outcome of a game that should produce a great battle. Not only does form favour the reigning champions, but so also does tradition, for on the only two occasions that they have met in a final, Roscrea have come out on top.

In the Roscrea training camp matters have been ‘humming’ and as co-trainer John Joe Maher said: ‘the team is in great shape.’ In preparation for the big game the holders are being put through their paces by J. J. Maher and Martin Loughnane, both of whom played outstanding parts in Roscrea’s victories over Nenagh in 1939 and again in 1949 when the Nenagh team was known as St Mary’s.

The present Éire Óg team have the determination and ability to inscribe their name on the Frank McGrath Cup for the first time. They have an almost pathetic craving for this crowning victory.

Five of the present Nenagh side were on the 1957 title winning team, McGrath, Hennessy, Burns, and Paddy Kearns, while Christy Morgan, Phil Murray and Padraig Kennedy were subs. The remainder of the Éire Óg squad is made up of Connie Cleere, Eddie O’ Donnell, Adrian Ayres, Gerry Quinlan, Ml. Kearns, Terry Moloney and Oliver Tucker.