Narrowly beaten by Brickey Rangers in the 1945 county final, Butlerstown were determined not to let another chance slip the following year. They overcame St Mollerans in the Eastern decider at Portlaw, and then saw off St Augustine’s of Abbeyside in the county final in the Gaelic Field, Waterford, on Sunday, 17th November.

The highlight of the game was the clash between Waterford seniors Mick Hayes and Johnny O’Connor at midfield. Tommy Daniels was “a tower of strength” at full-back, and Sean Foley also hurled up a storm against a gale in the first half.

Still, for all the considerable pressure they applied, Butlerstown found themselves behind by two points at the break, with just an early Declan Foley goal to show for their efforts.

In the second period they resumed all-out attack and took the lead thanks to a crucial goal from“Brasso” Gough. Remarkably, not a single free had been awarded by referee John (Jackie) Ormonde to either team in the opening half. But in the closing stages tempers became frayed and the pitch was invaded by spectators at one point before stewards restored order.

A further goal from Gerry Hartery sealed the outcome and with the backs holding the opposition scoreless after the change of ends, Butlerstown emerged 3-4 to 1-2 victors.

As was the practice at the time, they went directly into the senior ranks in ’47, running eventual champions Erin’s Own to a couple of points in the opening round of the premier knock-out competition.

Main image: another picture gratefully received from Pakie O’Brien’s collection — (back) Jim Keeffe, Jimmy Dunphy, Philly Reilly, Mikey Dunphy, Paddy Quinn; (second row) Jack Walsh, Maurice “Brasso” Gough, Tommy Hayes, Sean Nolan, Sean Foley, Gerry Hartery; (third row) Fr. John Power C.C., Mossy Crowley, Mick Hayes – captain, Ned Dunphy, Tommy Daniels, Dec Foley; (front) Noel Power, Pat “Boliver” Power.