The Glorious Fifties
[HISTORY]
KILKENNY - JUNIOR ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS 1951
There was no minor hurling team in Callan during the early forties, however a number of young players from the parish won minor championship medals with Bennettsbride and Graigue before a number of Gaels from Callan decided it was time to call a halt and establish a minor team themselves. This eventually transpired in 1948 when acommittee was formed under the Chairmanship of Rev. brother Redmond, C.B.S. This incidentially was the first time that a member of this religious community took an active part in promoting games outside of school affairs. This new minor team was called the Eoghan Ruadh's and they contested the County Minor Final in their first year in existence.
In 1949 the John Lockes Junior Club was re-organised having been somewhat revitalised by the success of the minor team. The Chairman of Bergin, Bill Burke and Paddy Butler. Looking through the record books, John Lockes made a big impression in their first year under new management. In 1949 although beaten by Mooncoin early in the year they arranged a series of challenge games in which they tried out new talent for the future. In 1950, they reached the South Final but were beaten by Slieverue. The same year Eoghan Ruadhs won the minor title for Callan by defeating Graigue. In 1951 John Lockes won the South Championship and went on to meet Bennettsbridge in the County Final. It seemed humiliating at the time to be beaten by 7-2 to 5-2 but when we remember that the ‘Bridge won Senior laurels in 1952, defeat was not all that bad.
John Lockes were back on the winning trail again in 1952 and after a 4-5 to 4-1 win over Glenmore in the Southern Final they went on to capture their first Junior crown since 1911 by defeating Urlingford/Galmoy. During those years striving for Junior honours their capable and efficient trainer was Mr. Davy Maher, N.T. The winning team was; S. Power, P. Stapleton, J. Lynch, J. brophy, M.Lynch: L.Egan, J.Egan, M.Brophy, J. Morris, M.Gardiner, J.Wall, P. Hogan, M.Carey, R. Burke, P.Clancy the new look John Lockes was Paddy Teehan. Phi Leahy was vice-chairman, Paddy Kilroy was treasurer and the writer, secretary. The Committee consisted of Joe Morris, Sean Holden, Paddy Stapleton, James Donovan, Danny Roche, Paddy
JOHN LOCKES - JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONS 1952
JOHN LOCKES - KILKENNY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONS 1957