Did you know that a Dungarvan greyhound breeder helped secure Waterford’s hurling victory in 1948?

Johnny O’ Connor (1928-2010), born in Abbeyside, Dungarvan, was a mid-fielder on the Waterford team when they won the All-Ireland senior hurling title in 1948. Not only was he a great hurler, but he was also one of Ireland’s most successful greyhound breeders and a very forward-thinking teacher at Scoil na Leanbh, in Ring, Co. Waterford.

Hurling legend

The late Johnny O’Connor (second from the left, back row). He was 19 years old when they beat Dublin in the 1948 All-Ireland Hurling final.

Another great hurler who helped lead Waterford to victory that year was Jim Ware, Captain of the Waterford senior hurling team that won the 1948 All-Ireland Championship. He was one of Erin’s Own club’s all-time greats and had a hurling career that spanned over twenty years.

Victory is ours!

Back in 1948, sending telegrams was the only way to communicate. When Waterford won, immigrants living all over the world sent letters to Jim Ware and his wife, wanting to hear all about Waterford’s historic victory. To share in the celebrations, Jim Ware used to put The McCarthy Cup on his bike after work and bring the cup around for all to see.

Watch Jim Ware’s daughter talk about Waterford’s win

Will 2020 be that year when history repeats itself?

The team has gotten so close each year and has played in many finals. Who knows, 2020 may just be that year!