The first ever venture into'Leinster and All-Ireland Club hurling for the James Stephens' Hurling Club started on Sunday, the 14th December, 1975, at Wexford Park. The result of this historic game: James Stephens 3-1 1, Buffer's Alley of Wexford 1-1 5. Going out onto the field, the Village seemed to be in trouble. Fan Larkin had not arrived. It transpired later that due to a mix-up he missed his lift. However, just before the throw-in the great-hearted Fan arrived and togged out just in time for the start. In a very dour game played on a very heavy pitch, commitment, just as much as hurling skill, was very necessary. The course of the game ebbed and flowed until with just seconds remaining, and the Village holding a precarious two point lead, the Wexford men were awarded a '70'. Our centre half-back Brian Cody was lying injured in the middle of the field. This meant that the Buffer's Alley man, Tony Doran, would be unmarked at the edge of the square as the ball dropped in from the '70'. As the ball dropped in towards the sqaure, Village hearts were pounding as Doran put up his right hand to grab the ball. But just when it appeared that all was lost, whose hand should go up and grab the ball but our centre half forward, Mick Crotty. The ball was cleared and the final whistle blew to the immense relief of the Village players and bus load of supporters who had travelled to Wexford. A feature of the game was the great tussles between Brian Cody and the lion-hearted and very sporting Tony Doran, which thrilled the big crowd. Our scores came from Mick Leahy 2-0, Liam O'Brien 0-5, John McCorinack 0-4, Ger Tyrrell 1 -0, Mick Grotty and Brian Cody 0- 1 each. The tearn: Mick Moore, Tom McCormack, Dan Larkin, Niall Morrissey, Joe Hennessy, Brian Cody, Jimmy O'Brien,Dinny McCorinack, Mick Taylor, Liam O'Brien, Mick Grotty, John McCormack, Scan Brennan, Mick Leahy, Ger Tyrrell.
    This great win qualified James Stephens for the Leinster semifinal at Croke Park against the Dublin champions, the famous St. Vincent's. This game was played on Sunday, 1 1 th January, 1976, and resulted in the score: James Stephens 1-9, St. Vincent's 1-2. Playing against a strong breeze in the first period, the Village started off badly but still managed to be in the game in the second half when St. Vincent's were awarded a penalty. If the Dubs had scored a goal from this they would probably have won. As it was, they failed and we added on six points without reply to clinch our place in the provincial final. Brian Cody, who was injured, did not play in Croke Park. The scores came from: Mick Leahy 1 -0, Liam O'Brien 0-2. John McCormack 0-2 and Dinny McCormack 0- 1. Tony Hanahoe and Jimmy Keavency, household names in Gaelic Football circles at that time, played well for St. Vincent's.
     The Leinster f inal was played on a sunny January Sunday, the 25th, at Carlow. St. Rynagh's of Offaly were the opponents. In the third minute a penalty from Liam O'Brien was deflected over the bar for our first score, and we never looked back, leading at the break 0- 1 1 to 1 - 1. It was a good all-round team effort but the performances of three men stood out - Mick Moore in goal, who brought off some great saves; John McCormack, who scored some great points, and the one and only 'Chunky' O'Brien, who dominated the play. Liam was then Hurler of the Year for 1975, having ust received the coveted Texaco Award. Our scores came from: Liam O'Brien 0-8, John McCormack 0-4, Mick Leahy 1 - 1, and Mick Crotty 0- 1. Final score: I- 1 4 to 2-4.
     Four weeks later at Nowlan Park, James Stephens qualified for their first All-Ireland Club Final by easily beating the Down champions, Ballygaiget, 4-15 to 1-7. We started off badly but were soon in command. Liam O'Brien 2-2, John McCormack 0-2, Joe Hennessy 0-2 and Brian Cody, Dinny McCorinack and Mick Taylor one point each. So for the first time ever James Stephens qualified for the All-Ireland Club hurling final. But the Down champions started offas if they might spring a surprise, leading in the first and 14th minutes. But then we took control and ran out convincing winners.

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