The last time Tipperary played in an All-Ireland football semi-final was in 1935
following their comprehensive victory over Cork in the Munster final. (Kerry didn’t
take part in the championship that year in protest at the treatment of Republican
prisoners in the Curragh.)
Tipperary’s opponents in the All-Ireland semi-final at Croke Park on the 18th August
were Cavan. The Munster champions were rank outsiders but they put up a
magnificent performance and, if the shooting of their forwards had been less aimless
in the first half, they would have won easily.
As it was they looked racing certainties leading 8 points to 6 with five minutes to go.
In the final minute Cavan forced and 50 yards free, which was kicked by their centre-back,
Jim Smith. As the ball came towards the goal it was fisted to the net by Cavan captain,
Hughie O’Reilly. Following the kick out the final whistle sounded, leaving Cavan victors
by 1-7 to 0-8. They went on to beat Kildare by 3-6 to 2-5 in the final.
The Tipperary team was as follows: J. Williams, M. Morrissey, R. McGann, G. Denny,
W. Purcell, L. Scott, J. Lonergan, T. O’Keeffe, T. McDonald, R. Lonergan, K. Holland, R. Power,
R. Allen, J. Noonan, W. Scott
Referee: P. McDonald (Dublin)
The attendance was 12,000 and the gate receipts were £720.
On the same day Tipperary won the All-Ireland minor hurling and minor football semi-finals
with victories over Antrim and Donegal respectively.
Lár na Páirce
Museum of the GAA and Gaelic Games
