First-time winners destined for All-Ireland

The Bulmers sponsored GUI Cup and Shield finals at Shannon will be recalled for the breakthrough by several clubs of long standing in the destination of the All-Ireland pennants.

An encouraging situation for others surely, as no fewer than four of the five successful finalists were winning for the first time and the fifth - Sutton - had waited 54 years to regain the Barton Shield, last won in the heyday of the legendary Joe Carr.

Joining the all-time winners’ roll of honour were Lucan (Irish Junior Cup), Ballinrobe (Pierce Purcell Shield), Dundalk (Jimmy Bruen Shield) and Ballyclare (Irish Senior Cup) and a few others, also chasing their first title, came very close indeed.