Interviews

Tadghie Lyne
Tadghie Lyne
Recorded: 2000
Length: 1hr 15mins

The Prince of Forwards

Tadghie Lyne's death on May 31st 2000 marked the passing of one of the most legendary figures in the annals of Kerry football. In his prime, the Killarney man was the star performer with the Kerry teams which won All- Ireland titles in 1953-55-59. As a wing-forward, he had few, if any equals, and his matchless talents comprised a cocktail of wondrous skills.

Anticipation, ball-juggling finesse and an inherent ability to kick scores from any angle and distance were just some of Tadghie's many talents. It is doubtful if any Kerry team of any era boasted a player with Taghie Lyne's abundance of talents. Tadghie was aged 69 when he died.

He was born in Killarney town and helped St. Brendan's college win the Munster cup in 1946 and 1947. He helped Dick Fitzgerald's win the Kerry Co. Championship in 1951, and from here he was ever-present with Kerry until 1960. He also excelled at snooker, billiards, pitch & putt and helped Kerry to a senior basketball all-Ireland title.

Weeshie visited Tadgh at his home in Castleisland to record this priceless interview, the only one the Kerry legend ever gave in his long and wonderful career.

Despite his failing health, this wonderful, unassuming man recalled his greatest day of all - The day in 1955 when his magnificent display helped power the Kingdom to a memorable victory over the "unbeatable" Dublin team in a final that is still spoken about as one of the greatest ever played.

Taghie played with Ireland in 1954-55-56 and with Munster in the Railway cup from 1953 to 1957. For two successive seasons he was Ireland's top scorer. This priceless Terrace Talk captures, for posterity, the great career of one of Kerry's best-loved sons. Tadghie Lyne, one of the GAA's greatest gentlemen.


Topics discussed in this interview
Tadghie discusses his first experiences in the GAA, and how he developed his great talent. Bishop Bill Murphy rings in and reminisces about Tadghie in his youth. Weeshie and Eamonn Horan discuss Tadghie. Tadghie's views on the modern game and how it compares to his own time in the GAA. Tadghie remembers his greatest victories and homecomings, and his time in Kerry. Weeshie and Eamonn share more anecdotes about Tadgh. Donie Sheehan and Donal "The Duke" O' Connor rings in. Tadgh discusses his family, his goalscoring and practicing. The tributes continue to roll in and a song is sung for Tadghie.

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