By Cian O'Connell

Joe Connolly smiles when thinking about the rich store of memories: fun and the Fitzgibbon just went together.

UCG's triumph in 1977 remains a particularly special victory as panelists Joe McDonagh, Joe Connolly, and Conor Hayes (Galway), and Pat Fluery (Offaly) subsequently captained their counties in All Ireland Finals.

Bhí neart Gaeilge thart ag an am freisin le Joe Connolly agus Joe McDonagh i lár an aonaigh. B'shin ceann do na fáthanna go bhfuil sé chomh tábhachtach go mbeadh an spórt agus an cultúr ceangailte go dlúth le chéile.

Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha has been set up by Glór na nGael and the GAA itself for clubs wishing to promote the language and his former colleague and friend Joe Connolly is looking forward to the 'A night for Joe' on Friday February 24 at the Westwood Hotel in Galway.

"They were wonderful days, absolutely, we had our day in the sun in 1977, 40 years ago this year which is hard to believe," Connolly recalls about UCG's Fitzgibbon Cup adventures. "Things have moved so quickly in the 40 years.

"We are having a reunion coinciding with the Fitzgibbon in Galway this year. On February 24 we are having a night for Joe McDonagh as well. Joe was on that team, obviously. It was the sixth Fitzgibbon he played in so it was an extraordinary success for him at the time because the Fitzgibbon does get into your system. It is never truly satisfying until you win one and we won it against Maynooth in a great battle.

"On February 24 we are having a night for Joe McDonagh, it isn't only our Fitzgibbon team, but all of the hurlers and footballers from that generation. He played in three or four Sigersons as well. The Martin Carney era will come back too and others from the 1972 Fresher team which Joe captained too, 45 years ago.

"It is extraordinary when you talk about that length of time, but he is somebody that will never, ever be forgotten by us as long as we live."

Connolly, who will always be synonomous with Castlegar and Galway glory, laughs when remembering a joyful stint in University. "It was an amazing time, I often think that isn't of UCG it should have been called UCB: University College of Butlins - the holiday camp.

"I used to love everyday coming in here, the banter and craic and the hurling training. The whole atmosphere at the college was so good. Obviously there was a serious study element, but you could have the most brilliant, spontaneous things happening.

"Twelve lads could be under the Archway and 10 minutes later 12 lads could be in the Cellar Bar. Anything could happen, wonderful days."

Four decades later Connolly is part of a group with Pat Fleury, Tony 'Horse' Regan, MJ Reddington, and Mártan Ó Ciardha, who are honouring McDonagh's memory.

"Joe will forever be in our hearts, I don't think I ever met anybody in my life 'a chuaigh i bhfeidhm orm' as much," Connolly says.

"He just was majestic and brilliant company. The greatest days and nights we ever had with sing songs Joe was in the middle of it. If you're ever standing in UCG, I think of Joe McDonagh and this one, huge beam of a smile and that would come into your heart.

"There is a sadness that he is gone, but in our best student days Joe was in the middle of every one of the great days."

Tá an saol athruithe ar go leor bhealaí ach ní dhéanfar dearmad go deo ar 1977 thart ar Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.

Any of Joe's contemporaries wishing to attend can contact  anightforjoefeb24@gmail.com*

a chuaigh I bhfeidhm 
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