Charlie Nelligan
Encyclopedia
Charlie Nelligan is a retired Irish
sportsperson. He played Gaelic football
with his local club Castleisland Desmonds
and was a member of the Kerry
senior inter-county team from 1976 until 1991.
club and enjoyed much success. He won a number of county club championship
titles with Castleisland throughout the 1980s and 1990s. These victories allowed the club to represent the county in the provincial club championship. A 2-6 to 0-9 defeat of the famous St. Finbarr's
club gave Nelligan a coveted Munster
club winners' medal. He later lined out in Croke Park
for the All-Ireland final against St. Vincents
of Dublin. In one of the most dramatic endings ever a fifty-eighth minute goal gave Castleisland a 2-2 to 0-7 victory. The win gave Nelligan a coveted All-Ireland
club winners' medal.
Nelligan collected a second consecutive Munster club winners' medal in 1985 as the mighty 'Barr's' were defeated for the second consecutive year. Castleisland later qualified for another All-Ireland final. This time Burren provided the opposition and the game was another close affair. A second-half goal secured the title for Burran as Nelligan's side were defeated by 1-10 to 1-6.
He also played hurling with St Pats and won a Kerry Intermediate Hurling Championship
with them in 1983
minor football team. He won a Munster
title at this level in 1975 following a 3-7 to 1-11 defeat pf Cork. Kerry later qualified for the All-Ireland final, with Tyrone
providing the opposition. Kerry ahd an easy 1-10 to 0-4 win on that occasion, giving Nelligan a coveted All-Ireland
winners' medal.
That same year Nelligan was also the goalkeeper on the Kerry under-21 football team. He captured a Munster
title in that grade that same year following a nine-point trouncing of Waterford
. Nelligan's side later qualified for the All-Ireland final with Dublin
providing the opposition. A 1-15 to 0-10 score line gave Kerry the victory and gave Nelligan a coveted All-Ireland
under-21 winners' medal.
In 1976 Nelligan made it two Munster under-21 titles in-a-row as Kerry retained their provincial crown at the expense of Cork. He later lined out in a second All-Ireland final. Kildare
provided the oppsoution on that occasion, however, they were no match for Kerry. Nelligan collected a second All-Ireland winners' medal following a 0-14 to 1-3 victory.
Nelligan captured a third provincial under-21 title in 1977 following a two-goal defeat of Cork. Kerry later qualified for a third consecutive All-Ireland final with Down
providing the opposition. A 1-11 to 1-5 score line gave Kerry the victory and gave Nelligan a third All-Ireland under-21 winners' medal.
In 1978 Nelligan made it four-in-a-row in Munster as Kerry retained their under-21 provincial crown at the expense of Cork again. He later lined out in a fourth consecutive All-Ireland final. Roscommon
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, a close game developed. At the final whistle Kerry were defeated narrowly by 1-9 to 1-8.
converted a penalty to help Dublin to a 3-8 to 0-10 victory and defeat for Kerry.
Two years later in 1978 Nelligan became the first-choice goalkeeper as Kerry faced little competition in the provincial championship once again. A defeat of Cork gave Liston a coveted Munster
winners'. Kerry later qualified for a third All-Ireland final in four years, with Nelligan playing in his second championship decider. Old rivals Dublin provided the opposition, however, the game turned into a rout. The game is chiefly remembered for Mikey Sheehy
's sensational goal. The Kerry forward lobbed over the ball over the head of Paddy Cullen
, who was caught off his line arguing with the referee. Eoin Liston
announced his arrival on the inter-county scene and scored a hat-trick of goals. Pat Spillane
played all over the field, including goalkeeper after Nelligan was sent off. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the winners by 5-11 to 0-9.
In 1979 Kerry made it five-in-a-row in Munster as Cork fell by ten points in the provincial final. It was Nelligan's second Munster title. He later went in search of a second consecutive All-Ireland medal. Dublin provided the opposition for the fifth consecutive occasion. Kerry were handicapped throughout the game. Ger Power
did not start the game, while John O'Keeffe got injured and Páidí Ó Sé
was sent off during the encounter. Two goals by Mikey Sheehy and a third by John Egan
helped 'the Kingdom' to a 3-13 to 1-8 victory. It was Nelligan's second All-Ireland winners' medal.
Kerry's dominance continued in 1980. Another defeat of Cork in the provincial final gave Nelligan a third Munster winners' medal in succession. Another All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, this time with Roscommon providing the opposition. The Connacht champions shocked Kerry and took a five-point lead inside the first twelve minutes. Mikey Sheehy popped up again to score the decisive goal, as Kerry went on to claim a 1-9 to 1-6 victory in a game that contained sixty-four frees. The victory gave Kerry and Nelligan a third All-Ireland title in succession.
In 1981 Nelligan won his fourth consecutive Munster title, before lining out in the All-Ireland final against Offaly
. Kerry had an easy win with seven players combing for a great goal. He captured his fourth All-Ireland winners' medal that day as Kerry won by 1-12 to 0-8.
In 1982 Nelligan won his second National League medal before Kerry secured an eighth consecutive Munster final victory over Cork, giving him a fifth provincial winners' medal. The All-Ireland final pitted 'the Kingdom' against Offaly for the second year in-a-row. Kerry had the upper hand for much of the game and were leading by two points with two minutes left to be played. The game, however, was not over as Offaly substitute Séamus Darby
, who had entered the game almost unnoticed, produced the most spectacular of finishes by scoring a late goal. Kerry failed to score again to level the match and Offaly went on to win their third All-Ireland title ever. Kerry's five-in-a-row dream was shattered.
Kerry missed out on an historic nine-in-a-row in Munster in 1983, as Cork finally triumphed. 'The Kingdom' bounced back the following year with Nelligan winning his third National League medal and his sixth Munster title. The centenary-year All-Ireland final pitted Kerry against old rivals and reigning champions Dublin. 'The Kingdon' dominated the game from start to finish. Only two Dublin forwards scored as Kerry ran out easy winners by 0-14 to 1-6. It was Nelligan's fifth All-Ireland winners' medal.
Kerry made no mistake again in 1985. A two-goal victory over Cork gave Nelligan a seventh Munster winners' medal. Another All-Ireland final beckoned, with Dublin providing the opposition for a second consecutive year. Jack O'Shea
scored a key goal after eleven minutes and Kerry stormed to a nine-point lead at half-time. 'The Dubs' came storming back with Joe McNally
scoring two goals. The gap could not be bridged and Kerry won by 2-1 to 2-8. The victory gave Nelligan an impressive sixth All-Ireland winners' medal.
In 1986 Kerry's dominance showed no sign of disappearing. Cork fell again in the provincial final, giving Nelligan an eighth Munster title. An eighth All-Ireand final appearance quickly followed and it turned out to be an historic occasion. Tyrone provided the opposition in their first-ever championship decider. A Peter Quinn goal gave the Ulster men a six-point lead in the second-half, however, the game was far from over. Pat Spillane ran fifty yards up the field for a hand-passed goal to get Kerry back on track. Mikey Sheehy scored a second goal to give 'the Kingdom' a 2-15 to 1-10 victory. It was Nelligan's seventh All-Ireland winners' medal.
The glory days were now over for Kerry as Cork captured the next four Munster titles. Nelligan continued to play with Kerry, winning his ninth Munster title in 1991. Kerry were subsequently defeated by eventual champions Down
in the All-Ireland semi-final and Nelligan decided to retite from inter-county football.
in the inter-provincial football competition and enjoyed much success. He first lined out with his province in 1979, however, Munster were defeated on that occasion. Nelligan's side lost out again in 1980, however, in 1981 he won his first Railway Cup winners' medal as Connacht
were accounted for. It was the first of two title sin-a-row for Munster and for Liston. He lined out in the next three inter-provincial campaigns also, however, Munster were defeated on all three occasions. Nelligan line dout for Munster again in 1989, however, defeat was his lot
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He played Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with his local club Castleisland Desmonds
Castleisland Desmonds
Castleisland Desmonds are a Gaelic Athletic Association club in Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland. The club won its first County Championship in 1950. They won others in 1981 , 1982 and 1984...
and was a member of the Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
senior inter-county team from 1976 until 1991.
Club
Nelligan played his club football with his local Castleisland DesmondsCastleisland Desmonds
Castleisland Desmonds are a Gaelic Athletic Association club in Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland. The club won its first County Championship in 1950. They won others in 1981 , 1982 and 1984...
club and enjoyed much success. He won a number of county club championship
Kerry County Club Championship
The kerry club championship was a football championship played between senior clubs in kerry. The last final was played in 2005 were An Ghaeltachtbeat Kerins O'Rahilly's. The competition was restarted in 2009.-2009 Championship:-Roll of honour:...
titles with Castleisland throughout the 1980s and 1990s. These victories allowed the club to represent the county in the provincial club championship. A 2-6 to 0-9 defeat of the famous St. Finbarr's
St. Finbarr's GAA
St. Finbarr's National Hurling and Football Club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Togher area of Cork city, County Cork, Ireland....
club gave Nelligan a coveted Munster
Munster Senior Club Football Championship
The Munster Senior Club Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football tournament played between the hundreds of senior football clubs in Munster. The winners will represent Munster in the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship. East Kerry were the first winners of the Munster senior...
club winners' medal. He later lined out in Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
for the All-Ireland final against St. Vincents
St Vincents GAA
St Vincents is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Marino, on the northside of Dublin, Ireland. The club was founded in 1931, originally in Raheny, but it moved to its home in Marino in 1987. St Vincents merged with Marino Camogie Club in 1997 to form the St Vincents Hurling, Football and...
of Dublin. In one of the most dramatic endings ever a fifty-eighth minute goal gave Castleisland a 2-2 to 0-7 victory. The win gave Nelligan a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football tournament run since 1971, played between the thousands of senior football clubs in Ireland. The current champions are Crossmaglen Rangers of Armagh, who defeated St. Brigid's of Roscommon on March 17, 2011 to win their...
club winners' medal.
Nelligan collected a second consecutive Munster club winners' medal in 1985 as the mighty 'Barr's' were defeated for the second consecutive year. Castleisland later qualified for another All-Ireland final. This time Burren provided the opposition and the game was another close affair. A second-half goal secured the title for Burran as Nelligan's side were defeated by 1-10 to 1-6.
He also played hurling with St Pats and won a Kerry Intermediate Hurling Championship
Kerry Intermediate Hurling Championship
The Kerry Intermediate Hurling Championship is a Hurling Championship played in Co Kerry. Many of the Senior teams in the county second teams play in the championship. The winners play in the Munster Junior Club Hurling Championship and All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship. -Roll of honour:...
with them in 1983
Minor & under-21
Nelligan first came to prominence on the inter-county scene in the 1970s as goalkeeper on the KerryKerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
minor football team. He won a Munster
Munster Minor Football Championship
The Munster Minor Football Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council. The current Munster Minor football champions are Tipperary. Clare won the inaugural...
title at this level in 1975 following a 3-7 to 1-11 defeat pf Cork. Kerry later qualified for the All-Ireland final, with Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
providing the opposition. Kerry ahd an easy 1-10 to 0-4 win on that occasion, giving Nelligan a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
The All-Ireland Minor Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for under-18 competitors of the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland...
winners' medal.
That same year Nelligan was also the goalkeeper on the Kerry under-21 football team. He captured a Munster
Munster Under-21 Football Championship
The Munster Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster, in Ireland....
title in that grade that same year following a nine-point trouncing of Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
. Nelligan's side later qualified for the All-Ireland final with Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
providing the opposition. A 1-15 to 0-10 score line gave Kerry the victory and gave Nelligan a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship
The All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months...
under-21 winners' medal.
In 1976 Nelligan made it two Munster under-21 titles in-a-row as Kerry retained their provincial crown at the expense of Cork. He later lined out in a second All-Ireland final. Kildare
Kildare GAA
For more information see Kildare Senior Club Football Championship or Kildare Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Kildare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Kildare GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kildare...
provided the oppsoution on that occasion, however, they were no match for Kerry. Nelligan collected a second All-Ireland winners' medal following a 0-14 to 1-3 victory.
Nelligan captured a third provincial under-21 title in 1977 following a two-goal defeat of Cork. Kerry later qualified for a third consecutive All-Ireland final with Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
providing the opposition. A 1-11 to 1-5 score line gave Kerry the victory and gave Nelligan a third All-Ireland under-21 winners' medal.
In 1978 Nelligan made it four-in-a-row in Munster as Kerry retained their under-21 provincial crown at the expense of Cork again. He later lined out in a fourth consecutive All-Ireland final. Roscommon
Roscommon GAA
For more details of Roscommon GAA see Roscommon Senior Club Football Championship or Roscommon Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Roscommon County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Roscommon GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games...
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, a close game developed. At the final whistle Kerry were defeated narrowly by 1-9 to 1-8.
Senior
Liston made his senior inter-county debut with Kerry in the 1976 All-Ireland final. He came on as a substitute as both sides were hoping for success, however, new 'Dub' Kevin Moran was causing havoc with the Kerry defence. Jimmy KeaveneyJimmy Keaveney
James "Jimmy" Keaveney is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club St. Vincents and was a member of the Dublin senior inter-county team from 1965 until 1978. Keaveney is regarded as one of Dublin's greatest-ever players.-Club:Keaveney played his club football...
converted a penalty to help Dublin to a 3-8 to 0-10 victory and defeat for Kerry.
Two years later in 1978 Nelligan became the first-choice goalkeeper as Kerry faced little competition in the provincial championship once again. A defeat of Cork gave Liston a coveted Munster
Munster Senior Football Championship
The Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
winners'. Kerry later qualified for a third All-Ireland final in four years, with Nelligan playing in his second championship decider. Old rivals Dublin provided the opposition, however, the game turned into a rout. The game is chiefly remembered for Mikey Sheehy
Mikey Sheehy
Mikey Sheehy is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Austin Stacks and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1974 until 1987. Sheehy is regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time.-Club:Sheehy played his club football with the...
's sensational goal. The Kerry forward lobbed over the ball over the head of Paddy Cullen
Paddy Cullen
Paddy Cullen is a former inter-county goalkeeper and manager with the Dublin GAA senior football team. During his player career Cullen won three All-Irelands and four all-stars awards....
, who was caught off his line arguing with the referee. Eoin Liston
Eoin Liston
Eoin 'Bomber' Liston is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Beale, his divisional side Shannon Rangers and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1978 until 1993...
announced his arrival on the inter-county scene and scored a hat-trick of goals. Pat Spillane
Pat Spillane
Patrick Gerard Spillane , better known as Pat Spillane, is a retired Gaelic footballer and well known Irish sports pundit. He played Gaelic football with his local club Templenoe and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1991...
played all over the field, including goalkeeper after Nelligan was sent off. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the winners by 5-11 to 0-9.
In 1979 Kerry made it five-in-a-row in Munster as Cork fell by ten points in the provincial final. It was Nelligan's second Munster title. He later went in search of a second consecutive All-Ireland medal. Dublin provided the opposition for the fifth consecutive occasion. Kerry were handicapped throughout the game. Ger Power
Ger Power
Ger Power is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Austin Stack's and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1973 until 1988. Power captained Kerry to the All-Ireland title in 1980.-Early life:Ger Power was born in Annacotty, County...
did not start the game, while John O'Keeffe got injured and Páidí Ó Sé
Páidí Ó Sé
Páidí Ó Sé is a retired Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football with his local club An Ghaeltacht and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1987...
was sent off during the encounter. Two goals by Mikey Sheehy and a third by John Egan
John Egan (footballer)
John Egan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Sneem, his divisional side South Kerry and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1984.He also played hurling with neighbouring club Kenmare.Born in Tahilla , County Kerry, Egan...
helped 'the Kingdom' to a 3-13 to 1-8 victory. It was Nelligan's second All-Ireland winners' medal.
Kerry's dominance continued in 1980. Another defeat of Cork in the provincial final gave Nelligan a third Munster winners' medal in succession. Another All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, this time with Roscommon providing the opposition. The Connacht champions shocked Kerry and took a five-point lead inside the first twelve minutes. Mikey Sheehy popped up again to score the decisive goal, as Kerry went on to claim a 1-9 to 1-6 victory in a game that contained sixty-four frees. The victory gave Kerry and Nelligan a third All-Ireland title in succession.
In 1981 Nelligan won his fourth consecutive Munster title, before lining out in the All-Ireland final against Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
. Kerry had an easy win with seven players combing for a great goal. He captured his fourth All-Ireland winners' medal that day as Kerry won by 1-12 to 0-8.
In 1982 Nelligan won his second National League medal before Kerry secured an eighth consecutive Munster final victory over Cork, giving him a fifth provincial winners' medal. The All-Ireland final pitted 'the Kingdom' against Offaly for the second year in-a-row. Kerry had the upper hand for much of the game and were leading by two points with two minutes left to be played. The game, however, was not over as Offaly substitute Séamus Darby
Séamus Darby
Séamus Darby is an Irish former sportsperson who played Gaelic football for County Offaly in the 1970s and 1980s...
, who had entered the game almost unnoticed, produced the most spectacular of finishes by scoring a late goal. Kerry failed to score again to level the match and Offaly went on to win their third All-Ireland title ever. Kerry's five-in-a-row dream was shattered.
Kerry missed out on an historic nine-in-a-row in Munster in 1983, as Cork finally triumphed. 'The Kingdom' bounced back the following year with Nelligan winning his third National League medal and his sixth Munster title. The centenary-year All-Ireland final pitted Kerry against old rivals and reigning champions Dublin. 'The Kingdon' dominated the game from start to finish. Only two Dublin forwards scored as Kerry ran out easy winners by 0-14 to 1-6. It was Nelligan's fifth All-Ireland winners' medal.
Kerry made no mistake again in 1985. A two-goal victory over Cork gave Nelligan a seventh Munster winners' medal. Another All-Ireland final beckoned, with Dublin providing the opposition for a second consecutive year. Jack O'Shea
Jack O'Shea
Jack O’Shea is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played football at various times with his local clubs St. Mary’s in Kerry and Leixlip in Kildare. He was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1976 until 1992...
scored a key goal after eleven minutes and Kerry stormed to a nine-point lead at half-time. 'The Dubs' came storming back with Joe McNally
Joe McNally
Joe McNally is an American photographer who has been shooting for the National Geographic Society since 1987.McNally was born in Montclair, New Jersey. He received his bachelor's and graduate degrees from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University...
scoring two goals. The gap could not be bridged and Kerry won by 2-1 to 2-8. The victory gave Nelligan an impressive sixth All-Ireland winners' medal.
In 1986 Kerry's dominance showed no sign of disappearing. Cork fell again in the provincial final, giving Nelligan an eighth Munster title. An eighth All-Ireand final appearance quickly followed and it turned out to be an historic occasion. Tyrone provided the opposition in their first-ever championship decider. A Peter Quinn goal gave the Ulster men a six-point lead in the second-half, however, the game was far from over. Pat Spillane ran fifty yards up the field for a hand-passed goal to get Kerry back on track. Mikey Sheehy scored a second goal to give 'the Kingdom' a 2-15 to 1-10 victory. It was Nelligan's seventh All-Ireland winners' medal.
The glory days were now over for Kerry as Cork captured the next four Munster titles. Nelligan continued to play with Kerry, winning his ninth Munster title in 1991. Kerry were subsequently defeated by eventual champions Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
in the All-Ireland semi-final and Nelligan decided to retite from inter-county football.
Inter-provincial
Nelligan also lined out with MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
in the inter-provincial football competition and enjoyed much success. He first lined out with his province in 1979, however, Munster were defeated on that occasion. Nelligan's side lost out again in 1980, however, in 1981 he won his first Railway Cup winners' medal as Connacht
Connacht GAA
The Connacht Council are a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Connacht.-Constituent counties:*Galway*Leitrim*Mayo*Roscommon*Sligo-Special counties:...
were accounted for. It was the first of two title sin-a-row for Munster and for Liston. He lined out in the next three inter-provincial campaigns also, however, Munster were defeated on all three occasions. Nelligan line dout for Munster again in 1989, however, defeat was his lot