A celebration of the finest moments in GAA History
1966
Mattie McDonagh Goal – Galway Complete 3 in a Row.
Mattie McDonagh’s goal against Meath in the 1966 All-Ireland football decider was highly significant in that it was the only goal scored by Galway in their memorable final victories of 1964, 1965 and 1966. McDonagh, the only Connacht player to win four All-Ireland senior football medals, was a highly influential player in that 3-in-a-row success.
Mattie’s goal against Meath in the first half of that 1966 final had a major bearing on the outcome as it helped Galway establish an interval lead of 8 points. Liam Sammon initiated the move with a fisted pass to Cyril Dunne, who evaded the challenge of Meath’s full-back Jack Quinn.
Dunne’s shot across the goal was gathered by Mattie McDonagh who kicked the ball into the net past the Meath goalkeeper. Mattie’s goal, the only one in those three finals of ’64, ’65 and ’66, underlined the magnificence of the player himself and the Galway team of that era.
Sadly, Mattie McDonagh passed away in 2005, but his name and the legend live on, immortalised in the annuals of GAA lore and history. For more information on Mattie McDonagh check out: