Liam Sammon
Encyclopedia
Liam Sammon is retired Irish
Gaelic football
manager
and former player. He played football with his local clubs Father Griffins
and Salthill-Knocknacarra
and was a member of the Galway
senior inter-county team from 1966 until 1979. Sammon later served as manager of the Galway senior inter-county team from 2007 until 2009.
minor football team in the early 1960s. It was an unsuccessful period for 'the Tribesmen' as arch-rivals Mayo
dominated the provincial series of games.
Sammon later progressed onto the Galway under-21 football team where success was also a rarity. In 1965 he lined out in the provincial under-21 decider with Mayo providing the opposition. An exciting game developed over the cours eof the hour. At the final whistle Galway recorded a narrow 3-9 to 1-13 victory and Sammon collected a Connacht
under-21 title. His side were defeated in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final.
senior winners' medal. The westerners only had two points to spare over Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final, reaching their fourth consecutive championship final, this time with Meath
providing the opposition. It was Sammon's first championship decider as the fortunes of the two counties contrasted greatly. Galway were looking for a third All-Ireland title in-a-row, while Meath were looking for their third All-Ireland title ever. In a disappointing game Galway’s Mattie McDonagh
scored the only goal when a long clearance found him unmarked at the edge of the Meath square. At half-time Meath trailed by 1-6 to 0-1. They fought back after the interval; however, Galway won their three-in-a-row by 1-10 to 0-7. It was Sammon's first All-Ireland
winners’ medal.
Galway failed to achieve four-in-a-row as Sammon's side were defeated in the early stages of the provincial championship in 1967. The team regrouped and qualified for the provincial decider again in 1968. Reigning champions Mayo were the opponents and a tough game developed between the closest of neighbours and the greatest of rivals. At the full-time whistle Galway were the champions by 2-10 to 2-9 and Sammons added a second provincial winners’ medal to his collection. There would be no subsequent All-Ireland final appearance as soon-to-be champions Down
narrowly defeated Galway in the semi-final.
In 1969 Galway exited the championship at the hands of Mayo in the Connacht final after a draw and a replay. Sammon's side was back in the provincial final again in 1970, this time with Roscommon
providing the opposition in the first eighty-minute decider. ‘The Rossies’ were no match for Sammon's side as Galway won comfortably by 2-15 to 1-8. There was little joy in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final as Meath put Galway to the sword by 0-15 to 0-11.
In 1971 Sammon was honoured by being appointed captain of the Galway team. The westerners retained their Connacht title that year but not without some difficulty. Sligo
were the opponents and held Sammon's side to a 2-15 apiece draw. The replay was a more conclusive affair but only just. The game looked to be heading for another replay, however, Galway pulled it out of the fire and secured a narrow1-17 to 3-10 victory. It was Sammon's fourth Connacht winners’ medal. A second All-Ireland final appearance beckoned with Offaly
lining out in opposition. An exciting and close game developed over the course of the eighty minutes. A Murt Connor goal gave Offaly a lead; however, Galway’s Séamus Leyden scored an equalizing goal almost immediately. Offaly tacked on three more points to secure a 1-14 to 2-8 win and a famous first All-Ireland title. In spite of this defeat Sammon was later included on the very first GAA All-Star team.
Galway surrendered their provincial title at an early stage in 1972, however, Sammon was appointed captain again in 1973. That year his side faced Mayo in the Connacht decider. A high-scoring 1-17 to 2-12 score line gave Galway the win and gave Sammon a fifth Connacht title. After an absence of seven years the westerners were back in the All-Ireland final. Cork provided the opposition and a classic game of football developed. Jimmy Barry-Murphy
scored the first of his two goals after just two minutes to give Cork the initiative. Jimmy Barrett
scored the third of Cork's goals as a tally of 2-13 was not enough to save Sammon's side. A seven-point deficit resulted in another All-Ireland final defeat for Sammon. A second All-Star award quickly followed.
In 1974 Galway retained their Connacht title. A 2-14 to 0-8 trouncing of Roscommon gave Sammon his sixth provincial winners' medal. For the second year in succession and for the third time in four years, Galway lined out in the All-Ireland championship decider. Dublin
were the opponents on that occasion. The men fom the west took a 1-4 to 0-5 lead at half-time, however, the real turning point of the game came in the 52nd minute. Galway were awarded a penalty which Sammon stepped up to take. Goalkeeper Paddy Cullen
made no mistake and saved the shot. 'The Dub's' later went on to take the lead as Galway collapsed. A 0-14 to 1-6 score line resulted in a demoralising third All-Ireland defeat for Sammon.
An early exit from the championship was Galway's lot in 1975, however, the team bounced back in 1976. A 1-8 apiece draw was the result of the Connacht final against Roscommon. The replay was far more conclusive with Sammon collecting a seventh provincial winners' medal after a 1-14 to 0-9 victory. The Galway revival was short-lived as Sammon's side were subsequently defeated by Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final.
The end of the 1970s belonged to Roscommon in the provincial championship. Back-to-back Connacht final defeats in 1977 and 1978 were followed by an early exit from the championship in 1979. This defeat brought Sammon's inter-county career to an end.
In September 2007, Sammon was confirmed as the new Galway senior football boss, receiving a three year term and succeeding Peter Ford in the hot seat. His appointment meant that Galway had a native in charge of their premier football team for the first time in almost 10 years. Sammon is the second oldest inter-county manager on the scene at the moment after Mick O'Dwyer
. Sammon’s backroom team includes former Galway defender Richie Fahey, Dunmore McHales
Tom Ryder and another former county player, Jimmy O’Dea, of Tuam Stars
.
On 19 May 2008, Galway won Connacht Senior Football Championship
first round clash against Roscommon
at Pearse Stadium by a comfortable 2-16 to 0-06 scoreline. Sammon said "I didn’t think we would win by so much. I would have settled for one or two points, I thought that’s how close it would be." after the match. Their semi-final clash against Leitrim
also at Pearse Stadium , saw Galway win by 2-14 to 1-13. Sammon wasn’t entirely satisfied with Galway's performance and felt there was plenty of room for improvement ahead of the Connacht final against Mayo
. "Goals are so important and they win games. We were fortunate when we got two and were disappointed that we gave one away. We were giving away goals in the early away goals in the early rounds of the league and we worked on stopping that, so we’re not happy."
On 13 July 2008, Galway won their 44th Connacht SFC after beating Mayo by 2-12 to 1-14 in a provincial decider at McHale Park. Sammon warmly greeted the victory after the final. "Any time you can win, it certainly stands to you, particularly down here in Castlebar. It is a very difficult places to win in," he said.
In the quarter-finals, Galway played reigning All-Ireland Champions Kerry
. A spirited performance from the Tribesmen was not enough as Kerry won by 5 points, 1-21 to 1-16. Sammon said after the match, "Kerry were brilliant today. They just proved what a great team they are. Any team that is going for three-in-a-row deserves the respect and plaudits that they get. Looking back, I think that it has been a successful year for Galway as we brought on a number of young players. I felt at one stage when we got the goal that if we had pressed forward and gotten a point or two more, we might have gone ahead. But that is the sign of a great team — any time they are under pressure that they are able to come back and score". In his assessment of Galways season, he added "Looking back, I think that it has been a successful year for Galway as we brought on a number of young players."
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...
Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
manager
Manager (Gaelic games)
In Gaelic games, a manager or coach is an individual involved in the direction and instruction of the on-field operations of a team. Managing, or coaching, entails the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game itself, and usually entails substitution of players and other such...
and former player. He played football with his local clubs Father Griffins
Father Griffins
Father Griffins is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Galway, Ireland. The club is a member of the Galway GAA. Father Griffins are a Gaelic football club....
and Salthill-Knocknacarra
Salthill-Knocknacarra
Salthill-Knocknacarra is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Salthill and Knocknacarra areas in Galway City, Ireland. The club is a member of the Galway GAA...
and was a member of the Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
senior inter-county team from 1966 until 1979. Sammon later served as manager of the Galway senior inter-county team from 2007 until 2009.
Minor & under-21
Sammon first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the GalwayGalway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
minor football team in the early 1960s. It was an unsuccessful period for 'the Tribesmen' as arch-rivals Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
dominated the provincial series of games.
Sammon later progressed onto the Galway under-21 football team where success was also a rarity. In 1965 he lined out in the provincial under-21 decider with Mayo providing the opposition. An exciting game developed over the cours eof the hour. At the final whistle Galway recorded a narrow 3-9 to 1-13 victory and Sammon collected a Connacht
Connacht Under-21 Football Championship
The Connacht 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 Connacht, in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Connacht council of the Gaelic Athletic Association and are...
under-21 title. His side were defeated in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final.
Senior
Sammon joined the Galway senior inter-county team as a nineteen year-old in 1966. That year the team set out to make history by winning a third consecutive All-Ireland title in succession. After booking their place in the Connacht decider, Mayo gave them a scare. In a tight match Galway secured a 0-12 to 1-8 victory and a first ConnachtConnacht Senior Football Championship
The Bank of Ireland Connacht Senior Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football competition for the senior county teams of Connacht GAA. A series of games are played during the summer months and the final is played in July....
senior winners' medal. The westerners only had two points to spare over Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final, reaching their fourth consecutive championship final, this time with Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
providing the opposition. It was Sammon's first championship decider as the fortunes of the two counties contrasted greatly. Galway were looking for a third All-Ireland title in-a-row, while Meath were looking for their third All-Ireland title ever. In a disappointing game Galway’s Mattie McDonagh
Mattie McDonagh
Matthew 'Mattie' McDonagh was an Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Ballygar and was a member of the Galway senior inter-county team from 1956 until 1968. McDonagh later served as manager of the Galway team...
scored the only goal when a long clearance found him unmarked at the edge of the Meath square. At half-time Meath trailed by 1-6 to 0-1. They fought back after the interval; however, Galway won their three-in-a-row by 1-10 to 0-7. It was Sammon's first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
winners’ medal.
Galway failed to achieve four-in-a-row as Sammon's side were defeated in the early stages of the provincial championship in 1967. The team regrouped and qualified for the provincial decider again in 1968. Reigning champions Mayo were the opponents and a tough game developed between the closest of neighbours and the greatest of rivals. At the full-time whistle Galway were the champions by 2-10 to 2-9 and Sammons added a second provincial winners’ medal to his collection. There would be no subsequent All-Ireland final appearance as soon-to-be 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...
narrowly defeated Galway in the semi-final.
In 1969 Galway exited the championship at the hands of Mayo in the Connacht final after a draw and a replay. Sammon's side was back in the provincial final again in 1970, this time with 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...
providing the opposition in the first eighty-minute decider. ‘The Rossies’ were no match for Sammon's side as Galway won comfortably by 2-15 to 1-8. There was little joy in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final as Meath put Galway to the sword by 0-15 to 0-11.
In 1971 Sammon was honoured by being appointed captain of the Galway team. The westerners retained their Connacht title that year but not without some difficulty. Sligo
Sligo GAA
The Sligo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Sligo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Sligo...
were the opponents and held Sammon's side to a 2-15 apiece draw. The replay was a more conclusive affair but only just. The game looked to be heading for another replay, however, Galway pulled it out of the fire and secured a narrow1-17 to 3-10 victory. It was Sammon's fourth Connacht winners’ medal. A second All-Ireland final appearance beckoned with 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...
lining out in opposition. An exciting and close game developed over the course of the eighty minutes. A Murt Connor goal gave Offaly a lead; however, Galway’s Séamus Leyden scored an equalizing goal almost immediately. Offaly tacked on three more points to secure a 1-14 to 2-8 win and a famous first All-Ireland title. In spite of this defeat Sammon was later included on the very first GAA All-Star team.
Galway surrendered their provincial title at an early stage in 1972, however, Sammon was appointed captain again in 1973. That year his side faced Mayo in the Connacht decider. A high-scoring 1-17 to 2-12 score line gave Galway the win and gave Sammon a fifth Connacht title. After an absence of seven years the westerners were back in the All-Ireland final. Cork provided the opposition and a classic game of football developed. Jimmy Barry-Murphy
Jimmy Barry-Murphy
James "Jimmy" Barry-Murphy is a former Irish hurler, Gaelic footballer and association footballer and is the current manager of the Cork senior hurling team...
scored the first of his two goals after just two minutes to give Cork the initiative. Jimmy Barrett
Jimmy Barrett
James Erigena Barrett was a Major League Baseball center fielder. A native of Athol, Massachusetts, he batted left-handed and threw right-handed. Barrett played 10 seasons in the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds , Detroit Tigers , and Boston Red Sox...
scored the third of Cork's goals as a tally of 2-13 was not enough to save Sammon's side. A seven-point deficit resulted in another All-Ireland final defeat for Sammon. A second All-Star award quickly followed.
In 1974 Galway retained their Connacht title. A 2-14 to 0-8 trouncing of Roscommon gave Sammon his sixth provincial winners' medal. For the second year in succession and for the third time in four years, Galway lined out in the All-Ireland championship decider. 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...
were the opponents on that occasion. The men fom the west took a 1-4 to 0-5 lead at half-time, however, the real turning point of the game came in the 52nd minute. Galway were awarded a penalty which Sammon stepped up to take. Goalkeeper 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....
made no mistake and saved the shot. 'The Dub's' later went on to take the lead as Galway collapsed. A 0-14 to 1-6 score line resulted in a demoralising third All-Ireland defeat for Sammon.
An early exit from the championship was Galway's lot in 1975, however, the team bounced back in 1976. A 1-8 apiece draw was the result of the Connacht final against Roscommon. The replay was far more conclusive with Sammon collecting a seventh provincial winners' medal after a 1-14 to 0-9 victory. The Galway revival was short-lived as Sammon's side were subsequently defeated by Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final.
The end of the 1970s belonged to Roscommon in the provincial championship. Back-to-back Connacht final defeats in 1977 and 1978 were followed by an early exit from the championship in 1979. This defeat brought Sammon's inter-county career to an end.
2008 Championship
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2008All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2008
The 2008 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship was that year's Gaelic football championship, having kicked off on May 11 and ended with the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park on September 21...
In September 2007, Sammon was confirmed as the new Galway senior football boss, receiving a three year term and succeeding Peter Ford in the hot seat. His appointment meant that Galway had a native in charge of their premier football team for the first time in almost 10 years. Sammon is the second oldest inter-county manager on the scene at the moment after Mick O'Dwyer
Mick O'Dwyer
Mick O'Dwyer , is an Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played Gaelic football with his local club Waterville and was a member of the Kerry senior team from 1956 until 1974...
. Sammon’s backroom team includes former Galway defender Richie Fahey, Dunmore McHales
Dunmore McHales
Dunmore MacHales is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Dunmore, County Galway, Ireland. The club is a member of Galway GAA. Teams at underage level and Senior play in the Galway League and Championships....
Tom Ryder and another former county player, Jimmy O’Dea, of Tuam Stars
Tuam Stars
Tuam Stars is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Tuam area in County Galway, Ireland. The club is a member of the Galway GAA. Underage teams up to U-16's play in the Galway league and championships while Minor, Junior, and Senior compete in their respective competitions in the North...
.
On 19 May 2008, Galway won Connacht Senior Football Championship
Connacht Senior Football Championship
The Bank of Ireland Connacht Senior Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football competition for the senior county teams of Connacht GAA. A series of games are played during the summer months and the final is played in July....
first round clash against 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...
at Pearse Stadium by a comfortable 2-16 to 0-06 scoreline. Sammon said "I didn’t think we would win by so much. I would have settled for one or two points, I thought that’s how close it would be." after the match. Their semi-final clash against Leitrim
Leitrim GAA
The Leitrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Leitrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Leitrim. The county board is also responsible for the Leitrim inter-county teams.-Gaelic football:In the 1924 Connacht...
also at Pearse Stadium , saw Galway win by 2-14 to 1-13. Sammon wasn’t entirely satisfied with Galway's performance and felt there was plenty of room for improvement ahead of the Connacht final against Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
. "Goals are so important and they win games. We were fortunate when we got two and were disappointed that we gave one away. We were giving away goals in the early away goals in the early rounds of the league and we worked on stopping that, so we’re not happy."
On 13 July 2008, Galway won their 44th Connacht SFC after beating Mayo by 2-12 to 1-14 in a provincial decider at McHale Park. Sammon warmly greeted the victory after the final. "Any time you can win, it certainly stands to you, particularly down here in Castlebar. It is a very difficult places to win in," he said.
In the quarter-finals, Galway played reigning All-Ireland Champions 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...
. A spirited performance from the Tribesmen was not enough as Kerry won by 5 points, 1-21 to 1-16. Sammon said after the match, "Kerry were brilliant today. They just proved what a great team they are. Any team that is going for three-in-a-row deserves the respect and plaudits that they get. Looking back, I think that it has been a successful year for Galway as we brought on a number of young players. I felt at one stage when we got the goal that if we had pressed forward and gotten a point or two more, we might have gone ahead. But that is the sign of a great team — any time they are under pressure that they are able to come back and score". In his assessment of Galways season, he added "Looking back, I think that it has been a successful year for Galway as we brought on a number of young players."