Phil Grimes’ famous Pubs League side which won the competition several times in the late sixties and early seventies. This was when The Ban was in place, debarring GAA members from engaging in soccer activities, including social events. Not before time, it was abolished in 1971.

The Johnstown publican, who was one of Waterford’s and Ireland’s greatest post-war hurlers, married Kitty O’Keeffe from the Lower Yellow Road and they lived over the licensed premises which still bears his legendary name.

Speaking of bizarre bans, in 1970 (when Grimes beat The Munster Bar 2-1 in a final played in brutal conditions in Ozier) a rule barring teetotallers from playing for pubs teams was lifted.

Back row, left to right: Noel Jacob, Pat O’Meara, Paddy Kiely, Teddy O’Regan, Tom Drohan, Paddy Hearne, Seanie Elliott. Front: Joe Blay, Mick Daly, John Croke, Philly Grimes, Johnny Corcoran, Paddy ‘Blackie’ Murphy, Sean Bergin.

• Photo by the late Joe McGrath