Stair na hÉireann | History of Ireland

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#OTD in 1997 – All-Ireland champions Kerry play Cavan at Downing Stadium, Randall’s Island, NY in a 50th anniversary celebration of the only time the All-Ireland took place abroad. At the Polo Grounds in New York in 1947, Cavan beat Kerry: surviving members of both teams attended.

Stair na hÉireannIrish History, Irish Sports50th Anniversary, All Ireland Champions, Downing Stadium, Football, GAA, Ireland, Kerry v Cavan, New York, Randall's Island, United States

The 1947 All-Ireland Football Final between Kerry and Cavan was played at the Polo Grounds in New York. The 50th anniversary of the game was marked when the same two teams played their National League fixture at Downing’s Stadium in New York. A crowd of 8,000 turned out for a unique Irish sporting occasion.

Downing Stadium was pressed into service when the organising committee and the GAA realised that Gaelic Park, the traditional Gaelic games venue in the city, would not be big enough to hold the expected crowd.

The final score was Kerry 1-12 Cavan 0-08. The Golden Jubilee Game Kerry v Cavan was broadcast on 18 October 1997.