Members of the St Mary's Secondary School team of 1973 pictured at the reunion event in Byrne's, Edenderry recently.

St Mary's, Edenderry team enjoys reunion after 50 years

St Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry has produced a number of high quality football teams over the years, enjoying success at both provincial and All-Ireland level.

It was fifty years ago in 1973 that the school enjoyed its first ever success when the then senior football team won the Midland League and the Leinster Colleges 'B' Championship.

That team was managed and coached by Fr PJ McEvoy and teacher Pat Bradley and contained several players who would later represent their counties at senior level. The team captain was Rhode’s Stephen Darby who would, of course, go on to All Ireland glory with Offaly in 1982.

On May 12th last, the team enjoyed a fifty-year reunion in Byrne's Bar in Edenderry. A great night ensued with many tall tales being told of football exploits over the years.

A lot of the lads hadn’t met in many years and it was great to take a trip down memory lane to recall the glories of youth. The organisers of the reunion are thankful to Eoghan and his staff Byrne's Bar for hosting the group on the night.