Kildare Cill Dara
—  Town  —
Saint Brigid's Cathedral
Kildare Location in Ireland
Coordinates: 53°09′28″N 6°54′41″W / 53.15772°N 6.91128°W / 53.15772; -6.91128Coordinates: 53°09′28″N 6°54′41″W / 53.15772°N 6.91128°W / 53.15772; -6.91128
Country	Ireland
Province	Leinster
County	County Kildare
Elevation	105 m (344 ft)
Population (2011)[1]
• Total	8,142
Irish Grid Reference	N726124

Round Tower Kildare

Kildare Cathedral

Kildare (Irish: Cill Dara, meaning "church of the oak") is a town in County Kildare, Ireland. Its population of 8,412 (2011 Census^[4]) makes it the eighth largest town in County Kildare and the 55th largest in the state, with a growth rate of 8.0pc since the 2006 census. Although Kildare gives its name to the county, Naas is the county town. The town lies on the R445, some 50 km west of Dublin – near enough for it to have become, despite being a regional centre in its own right, a commuter town for the capital.

History[link]

Rich in heritage and history, Kildare Town dates from the 5th Century, when it was the site of the original ‘Church of the Oak' and monastery founded by St. Brigid. This became one of the three most important Christian foundations in Celtic Ireland.

It was said that Brigid's mother was a Christian and that Brigid was reared in her father's family, that is with the children of his lawful wife. From her mother, Brigid learned dairying and the care of the cattle, and these were her occupations after she made a vow to live a life of holy chastity. Both St. Mel of Ardagh and Bishop Mac Caille have been credited with the consecration of Brigid and some companions, after which the woman established a community beneath an oak tree, on a hill on the edge of the Curragh. Hence the name Cill Dara, the church of the oak.

Not too far away, on Dun Ailinne, lived the King of Leinster who had donated the site to the holy woman. A story told was that the King offered Brigid as much land as her cloak would cover. When she spread her garment it miraculously stretched out to embrace the entire Curragh. True to his promise, the King gave her the fertile plain, and there the new community grazed their sheep and cows.

Birth of British motor racing[link]

On Thursday, 2 July 1903 the Gordon Bennett Cup ran through Kildare. It was the first international motor race to be held in Great Britain, an honorific to Selwyn Edge who had won the 1902 event in Paris driving a Napier. The Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland wanted the race to be hosted in the British Isles, and their secretary, Claude Johnson, suggested Ireland as the venue because racing was illegal on British public roads. The editor of the Dublin Motor News, Richard Mecredy, suggested an area in County Kildare, and letters were sent to 102 Irish MPs, 90 Irish peers, 300 newspapers, 34 chairmen of county and local councils, 34 County secretaries, 26 mayors, 41 railway companies, 460 hoteliers, 13 PPs, plus the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Patrick Foley, who pronounced himself in favour. Local laws had to be adjusted, ergo the 'Light Locomotives (Ireland) Bill' was passed on 27 March 1903. Kildare and other local councils drew attention to their areas, whilst Queen’s County declared That every facility will be given and the roads placed at the disposal of motorists during the proposed race. Eventually Kildare was chosen, partly on the grounds that the straightness of the roads would be a safety benefit. As a compliment to Ireland the British team chose to race in Shamrock green^[b] which thus became known as British racing green, although the winning Napier of 1902 had been painted Olive green.^[5][6][7][8]

The route consisted of two loops that comprised a figure of eight, the first was a 52-mile (84 km) loop that included Kilcullen, The Curragh, Kildare, Monasterevin, Stradbally, Athy, followed by a 40-mile (64 km) loop through Castledermot, Carlow, and Athy again. The race started at the Ballyshannon cross-roads (53°05′07″N 6°49′12″W / 53.0853°N 6.82°W / 53.0853; -6.82) near Calverstown on the contemporary N78 heading north, then followed the N9 north; the N7 west; the N80 south; the N78 north again; the N9 south; the N80 north; the N78 north again. Competitors were started at seven minute intervals and had to follow bicycles through the 'control zones' in each town. The 328 miles (528 km) race was won by the famous Belgian Camille Jenatzy, driving a Mercedes in German colours.^[6][9]

Places of interest[link]

• St. Brigid's Cathedral and Norman tower House in the town center
• St Brigid's Well on the outskirts of the town,
• Father Moore's Well on the Milltown Road
• The National Stud and Japanese Gardens.
• The Curragh Race Course Just outside the town

People[link]

• Alan Dukes: Former leader of Fine Gael and Irish government minister
• Bláthnaid McKenna: Miss Ireland 2007
• Damien Leith: Winner of Australian Idol 2006.
• Timmy Murphy: Winner of the 2008 Grand National.
• Ray D'Arcy : TV presenter and radio host.
• Charles Ancliffe : Composer
• Sharon Condon: member of girlband Wonderland
• Damien Rice : Singer
• Richard Hughes : Jockey
• Pat Eddery : Former Jockey
• Seamie Heffernan : Jockey
• Sea the Stars Racehorse(John Oxx)
• Damien Molony : Actor

Politics[link]

Kildare Town lies in the Kildare South Dáil constituency and the Kildare Local Electoral Area of Kildare County Council.

Sports Clubs[link]

Transport[link]

Bus Eireann operates an expressway service between Dublin and Cork which calls at Kildare, whilst Aircoach operate a similar service that also calls at Dublin Airport.

Kildare railway station is located on the Dublin-Cork mainline and is served by the south western commuter service.

See also[link]

• List of abbeys and priories in Ireland (County Kildare)
• List of towns and villages in Ireland
• Market Houses in Ireland

Notes[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Kildare town
• Kildare Toastmasters
• Kildare railway station
• Kildare town history
• The Irish National Stud
• The Irish National Stud - Japanese Gardens
• kildare.ie

v t e Places in County Kildare County town: Naas Towns Athy Clane Kilcock Kildare Kill Leixlip Maynooth Monasterevin Naas Newbridge Prosperous Rathangan Sallins Villages and Townlands Allen Allenwood Ardclogh Ballitore Ballymore Eustace Calverstown Caragh Carbury Castledermot Coill Dubh Celbridge Derrinturn Eadestown Hawkfield Johnstown Kilberry Kilcullen Kildangan Kilmead Kilmeage Kilteel Lullymore Milltown Moone Narraghmore Nurney Robertstown Straffan Staplestown Suncroft Timolin Landforms Bog of Allen Cupidstown Hill Curragh Grand Canal Hill of Allen River Barrow River Boyne River Liffey River Rye Royal Canal Topics Geography of County Kildare List of National Monuments in County Kildare List of townlands in County Kildare Mountains and hills of County Kildare Rivers of County Kildare

Christy Moore
Christy Moore in Liverpool Philharmonic , October 2008.
Background information
Birth name	Christopher Andrew Moore
Born	(1945-05-07) 7 May 1945 (age 67)
Origin	Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland
Genres	Folk, traditional Irish, Pop
Occupations	Musician, songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, Bodhrán
Years active	1969–present
Associated acts	Planxty, Moving Hearts
Website	http://www.christymoore.com/

Christopher Andrew "Christy" Moore (born 7 May 1945) is an Irish folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is well known as one of the founding members of Planxty and Moving Hearts. His first album, Paddy on the Road (a minor release of 500, although made available again on CD through his website and at gigs in 2010) was recorded with Dominic Behan (brother of Brendan) in 1969. In 2007, he was named as Ireland's greatest living musician in RTÉ's People of the Year Awards.^[1]

Early life[link]

Moore was born in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. He was originally a bank employee who wanted to express himself using traditional music. A bank strike in 1966, which lasted six months (and effectively paralysed Irish commercial life for the duration), resulted in Moore spending considerable time practising music. When the strike ended, Moore had already decided where his passion in life arose, and left the bank for good.^[2]

Musical career[link]

1972 brought his first major release, Prosperous (named after the village of Prosperous, County Kildare, where the album was recorded), which brought together the four musicians who shortly thereafter formed Planxty: Liam O'Flynn, Andy Irvine, and Dónal Lunny. For a time they called themselves "CLAD", an acronym of their names, but soon decided on Planxty.^[2]

After leaving Planxty in 1975, Moore continued on his solo career, reforming his old band on occasion (which he has been doing ever since). He also formed the band Moving Hearts with Lunny and five other musicians in 1980. In 2000 he published his autobiography, One Voice.^[2]

Moore's earlier years of heavy drinking, sleeping dysfunctional hours, continual travelling, and often eating takeaway foods resulted in a decline in health, and several operations. Moore's battle with alcohol, and subsequent heart operations have taken their toll. At the end of the 1990s, Moore was requested to reduce his workload for medical reasons.^[2]

Some of Moore's songs are heavily influenced by drink and the effects of drink. His song "Delirium Tremens" being a good example. Listening to Johnny Mulhern's song "Hard Cases" causes Moore, in his website chat, to recall the Galway drinking scene with local musicians  Mickey Finn, Pete Galligan, Corky and Terry Smith.

On 17 April 2009, Moore released his first new studio album in four years, titled 'Listen' and it was promoted through a series of live gigs.^[3]

In December 2011, Moore released his latest album Folk Tale and made it available on Irish music website IrishCountry.ie

Political and social commentary[link]

Moore is best known for his political and social commentary, which reflects a leftwing Irish Republican perspective, this despite the fact that his mother was a Fine Gael county councillor and parliamentary candidate in Kildare.^[4] He supported the republican H-Block protestors in the 1970s and 1980s with the album H-Block in 1978, the launch of which was raided by the police, and The Spirit of Freedom.^[5] He has also recorded songs by the hunger striker Bobby Sands. However, in 1987 he ceased supporting the military activities of the IRA as a result of the Enniskillen bombing.^[6]

Individual political songs he has performed throughout his career include Mick Hanly's 'On the Blanket' about the protests of republican prisoners, his own 'Viva la Quinta Brigada' about Irish volunteers in the Spanish Civil War and his own 'Minds Locked Shut' about Bloody Sunday in Derry.

Moore has endorsed a long list of left wing support causes, ranging from El Salvador to Mary Robinson in the 1990 Presidential Election.^[2] At Glastonbury Festival in 2005 he sang about the Palestinian solidarity activist Rachel Corrie.

With typical Moore social consciousness, he opened the festival marking Ballymun's inception as Dublin's first Fairtrade Town on 23 November 2006. Ballymun, once synonymous with social deprivation and drug problems, is currently the largest urban regeneration project in northern Europe.

Allusions in his songs[link]

• The former Bishop of Galway, Eamon Casey, is the subject of Martin Egan's song 'Casey' often performed by Moore.
• In 2005, his popular release "Don't Forget Your Shovel" (written by Christie Hennessey) was referenced in a number 1 UK single "The JCB Song" by Nizlopi: "And the engine rattles my bum like berserk. While we're singin, 'Don't forget your shovel if you want to go to work!'" It was further referenced in the video for the same song; as the line is sung, the characters in the JCB pass a shop called "Christie's Shovels".
• In his song "If I Get an Encore" he compares Tulsk to hell,"Mountbellew was like purgatory but Tulsk was just like being in hell". Its a reference to a row that broke during one of his gigs in a Tulsk venue.

Musical style[link]

His solo style includes driving rhythms on guitar and bodhrán as well as slower ballads.

Family[link]

Moore's brother Barry, whose stage name is Luka Bloom, is also a successful singer-songwriter.^[7] His nephew, Conor Byrne, is also an accomplished traditional flautist and tin whistle player, with Christy appearing on his Wind Dancer album.^[8]

Memorable events[link]

An Góilín Surprise[link]

On 6 October 2006 Moore paid a surprise visit to the An Góilín traditional singers' club in Dublin. There, before fifty or so people, Moore took out his guitar (instruments are rarely used in An Góilín, it being a singers' refuge) and sang songs reflective of the Irish language and socially radical culture of the club such as Na Conghailigh, about the deaths of Tomás and Seán Ó Conghaile off Conamara, and Viva la Quinta Brigada, about the role of the Irish fighting with the socialists in the Spanish Civil War.

[edit] Desert Island Discs

In June 2007, Moore was guest on Desert Island Discs, a BBC programme that is often considered an accolade. He selected mainly Irish folk music that had inspired him and spoke of personal and political issues that had shaped his life.

Detention incident, 2004[link]

In October 2004, a story in several news agencies revealed how Moore had been stopped and detained by customs officers at the Welsh port of Holyhead.^[9][10] The article claimed the singer was stopped in his van with his driver, taken into an office and questioned over the lyrics of his songs. The following day in response to The Irish Times article, Moore released a statement saying: "My driver and I were stopped and held for two hours at Holyhead last Monday, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002. My driver and I were held separately in two interrogation rooms. I found the whole experience threatening. I was questioned about the contents of my briefcase." Despite initial reports to the contrary, the singer's van, which was full of musical equipment, was not searched. "I was questioned about lyrics of songs and I was asked a lot of personal questions about members of my family and my children and about my home. At no time was I given any explanation as to why I was being held and interrogated in this manner", he added. He said the fact that Irish people are still being treated this way on their way to Britain is very "saddening". "I had hoped to deal with this matter out of the public domain. But seeing as it has become a news item, I feel the need to offer my side of the story. I found the whole affair quite frightening."^{[citation needed]}

Oxegen[link]

On Sunday 10 July 2011 Moore joined Chris Martin from Coldplay on stage at 2011 Oxegen Festival performing the song "Ride On".

Discography[link]

Solo[link]

• Paddy on the Road (1969)
• Prosperous (1972)
• Whatever Tickles Your Fancy (1975)
• Christy Moore (1976)
• The Iron Behind the Velvet (1978)
• Live in Dublin (1978)
• H Block (1980)
• Christy Moore and Friends (1981)
• The Time Has Come (1983)
• Ride On (1984)
• Ordinary Man (1985)
• The Spirit of Freedom (1986)
• Unfinished Revolution (1987)
• Voyage (1989)
• Smoke and Strong Whiskey (1991)
• King Puck (1993)
• Live at the Point (1994)
• Graffiti Tongue (1996)
• Traveller (1999)
• This is the Day (2001)
• Live at Vicar Street (2002)
• Burning Times (2005)
• Live at The Point 2006 (2006)
• Listen (2009)
• Folk Tale (2011)

With Planxty[link]

• Planxty (1972)
• The Well Below the Valley (1973)
• Cold Blow And The Rainy Night (1974)
• After The Break (1979)
• The Woman I Loved So Well (1980)
• Words and Music (1983)
• Planxty Live 2004 (2004)

With Moving Hearts[link]

• Moving Hearts (1981)
• Dark End Of The Street (1982)

Compilation albums[link]

• High Kings of Tara (Christy Moore, Planxty,..) (1980)
• Nice 'n Easy (1984)
• Aris (Planxty) (1984)
• Christy Moore (Compilation USA) (1988)
• The Christy Moore Collection 1981–1991 (1991)
• Christy Moore Collection Part 2 (1997)
• The Box Set 1964 2004 (2004)

Video[link]

• Christy (1995) 54 mins - Christy reflects on life and career.

DVDS[link]

• Christy Moore Uncovered (2001) 104 mins - features collaborations with Jimmy MacCarthy, Wally Page, Shane McGowan, Sinéad O'Connor and John Spillane.
• Planxty Live 2004 The reunion of the hugely popular and influential group after a 20 year hiatus.
• Christy Moore Live In Dublin 2006 (2006) 143 mins - First time a live solo concert has been recorded and released outside CD format. Filmed over 4 nights in December 2005 and January 2006.
• Christy Moore's Come All You Dreamers - Live At Barrowland (2009) - Filmed in Barrowland in Glasgow featuring Declan Sinnott.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Christy Moore's home page
• Review of a Christy Moore concert in Nottingham November 2007
• Review of a Christy Moore concert in Dublin in 2001
• Christy Moore The Early Years
• 4711ers.org '4711' is a term Christy coined which refers to his online fanbase.

Patrick Gerard Spillane (born 1 December 1955 in Templenoe, County Kerry), better known as Pat Spillane, is a retired Gaelic footballer and well known Irish sports pundit. He played Gaelic football with his local club Templenoe and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1991. Spillane is regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time.^[1]

Biography[link]

Spillane was born into a family steeped in Gaelic football history. His father, Tom (1923–1964), played Gaelic football with Kerry and won a Munster title in 1948. A number of uncles on his mother’s side(The Lyne Family of Killarney's Legion) also had the distinction of representing their county in football.

Spillane’s father died when he was just eight years-old, leaving his mother to take over the running of the family pub while simultaneously raising a family of four children. Spillane was educated at the local national school and later attended St. Brendan's College in Killarney, where one of his best friends was Páidí Ó Sé. Here his football skills were developed and he played senior football with 'Brendan’s' but lost both an All-Ireland Colleges’ semi-final and a final.

Spillane subsequently attended Thomond College in Limerick where he studied to be a P.E. teacher. He was later joined by his brother Mick at Thomond and they both played on the college football team. In the late 1980s Spillane took over the running of the family pub in Templenoe. He worked as a P.E. and geography teacher at St. Gobán's College in Bantry, County Cork, which he became vice-principal and in 2011 principal of the school. He also led the schools under-16 boys team to two 'Munsters' in a row in 05-06 and 06-07; both finals were played on Kerry soil against limerick opposition.

Spillane is still living in Templenoe along with his wife Rosarii, and three children Cara(1990), Shóna(1992) and Pat Jr.(1997). Where he still helps in train the local teams to victory.

Playing career[link]

Club[link]

Spillane played his club football with the local club in Templenoe. He won a county novice championship with the club in 1973 before collecting a county junior championship winners' medal in 1975. Spillane also played club football with Thomond College during his time there in the late 1970s. In 1977 he was captain of the side that defeated Croom to take the Limerick senior championship title. Thomond later represented the county in the provincial club series and even reached the final. A 0-12 to 1-3 defeat of the famous Nemo Rangers club gave Spillane a coveted Munster club winners' medal.^[2] He later led his team out in Croke Park for the All-Ireland final against St. John's of Antrim. The Limerick club had no Limerick native on the team, however, victory was secured thanks to goals by Spillane and Sligo's Mick Kilcoyne. The 2-14 to 1-3 victory gave Spillane a coveted All-Ireland club winners' medal.^[3]In 1981 pat played for Garrycastle a west meath team.

Minor & under-21[link]

By the early 1970s Spillane had joined the Kerry minor football team, however, he had no success in this grade as Cork dominated the provincial championship. He quickly progressed onto the Kerry under-21 team where he captured a Munster title in 1975 following a nine-point trouncing of Waterford.^[4] Spillane's side later qualified for the All-Ireland final with Dublin providing the opposition. A 1-15 to 0-10 score line gave Kerry the victory and gave Spillane a coveted All-Ireland winners' medal.^[5]

In 1976 Spillane made it two Munster under-21 titles in-a-row as Kerry retained their provincial crown at the expense of Cork. He later lined out in a second All-Ireland final. Kildare provided the oppsoution on that occasion, however, they were no match for Kerry. Spillane collected a second All-Ireland winners' medal following a 0-14 to 1-3 victory.

Senior[link]

Spillane made his senior inter-county debut as a substitute in a National Football League game against Galway in March 1974. He lined out in the drawn National League final that year, however, he did not start the replay which Kerry won.^[6] Spillane retained his place as a substitute for Kerry’s unsuccessful Munster Championship campaign.

In 1975 a new-look Kerry team was formed under the management of former player Mick O'Dwyer. It was the beginning of a glorious era for Kerry football and Spillane played a key role in orchestrating much of the success for the team that would come to be regarded as the greatest of all-time. That year he won his first senior Munster title, dethroning Cork as provincial champions in the process.^[7] Spillane later lined out in his first senior All-Ireland final. Reigning champions Dublin provided the opposition and were installed as the red-hot favourites over the youngest Kerry team of all-time. On a rain-soaked day John Egan and substitute Ger O'Driscoll scored two goals and 'the Dubs' were ambushed by 2-12 to 0-11.^[8] It was Spillane's first All-Ireland winners' medal at senior level. Because team captain Mickey 'Ned' O'Sullivan had left injured in the first-half, Spillane, at the age of nineteen, was given the task of accepting the Sam Maguire Cup on the Hogan Stand.

In 1976 Spillane captured his second Munster title before late rlining out in his second All-Ireland final. Once again it was Dublin who provided the opposition. Both sides were hoping for success, however, new 'Dub' Kevin Moran was causing havoc with the Kerry defence. Jimmy Keaveney converted a penalty to help Dublin to a 3-8 to 0-10 victory and defeat for Spillane.^[9]

1977 proved to be another frustrating year. The year began with Spillane capturing a first National League medal on the field of play and a third consecutive Munster title following another win over Cork. Kerry later took on Dublin for the third consecutive year, however, this time it was in the All-Ireland semi-final. In one of the greatest game sof football ever-played 'the Dubs' triumphed and Spillane was still left waiting for a second All-Ireland medal.

In 1978 Kerry faced little competition in the provincial championship once again. A defeat of Cork gave Spillane a fourth Munster winners' medal in-a-row. Kerry later qualified for a third All-Ireland final in four years. Old rivals Dublin provided the opposition, however, the game turned into a rout. The game is chiefly remembered for Mikey Sheehy's sensational goal. The Kerry forward lobbed the ball over the head of Paddy Cullen, who was caught off his line arguing with the referee. New full-forward Eoin Liston scored a hat-trick of goals. Spillane played all over the field, including goalkeeper after Charlie Nelligan was sent off. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the winners by 5-11 to 0-9.^[10]

In 1979 Kerry made it five-in-a-row in Munster as Cork fell by ten points in the provincial final. Spillane later went in search of a third All-Ireland medal as he lined out in a fourth championship decider. Dublin provided the opposition for the fifth consecutive occasion. Kerry were handicapped throughout the game. Ger Power did not start the game, while John O'Keeffe got injured and Páidí Ó Sé was sent off during the encounter. Two goals by Mikey Sheehy and a third by John Egan helped 'the Kingdom' to a 3-13 to 1-8 victory. It was Spillane's third All-Ireland winners' medal.^[11]

Kerry's dominance continued in 1980. Another defeat of Cork in the provincial final gave Spillane a sixth Munster winners' medal in succession. Another All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, this time with Roscommon providing the opposition. The Connacht champions shocked Kerry and took a five-point lead inside the first twelve minutes. Mikey Sheehy popped up again to score the decisive goal, as Kerry went on to claim a 1-9 to 1-6 victory in a game that contained sixty-four frees.^[12] The victory gave Kerry a third All-Ireland title in succession, while Spillane added a fourth All-Ireland winners' medal to his ever-growing collection.

In 1981 Spillane won his seventh consecutive Munster title, however, he later damaged his knee in a club game in August of that year. His movement was severely hampered but he was still selected as a substitute for the All-Ireland final against Offaly. Spillane was brought on with only a few minutes left in the match and he captured his fifth All-Ireland winners' medal on the field of play as Kerry won by 1-12 to 0-8.^[12]

Spillane played sporadically for Kerry in 1982 as the team attempted to capture an unprecedented fifth All-Ireland medal in-a-row. He played no part in Kerry's eighth consecutive Munster final victory over Cork, however, he did return for a second consecutive All-Ireland final against Offaly. Kerry had the upper hand for much of the game and were leading by two points with two minutes left to be played. The game, however, was not over as Offaly substitute Séamus Darby, who had entered the game almost unnoticed, produced the most spectacular of finishes by scoring a late goal. Kerry failed to score again to level the match and Offaly went on to win their third All-Ireland title ever. Kerry's five-in-a-row dream was shattered.^[13]

Spillane played no part in the 1983 championship as he was recovering from an operation on his snapped cruciate ligament. While many players would never play again following such an injury Spillane fought his way back to fitness in time to win his second National League medal and his eighth Munster title in 1984. The centenary-year All-Ireland final pitted Kerry against old rivals and reigning champions Dublin. 'The Kingdon' dominated the game from start to finish. Only two Dublin forwards scored as Kerry ran out easy winners by 0-14 to 1-6. It was Spillane's sixth All-Ireland winners' medal.^[14]

Kerry made no mistake again in 1985. A two-goal victory over Cork gave Spillane a ninth Munster winners' medal. Another All-Ireland final beckoned, with Dublin providing the opposition for a second consecutive year. Jack O'Shea scored a key goal after eleven minutes and Kerry stormed to a nine-point lead at half-time. 'The Dubs' came storming back with Joe McNally scoring two goals. The gap could not be bridged and Kerry won by 2-1 to 2-8.^[14] The victory gave Spillane a record-equalling seventh All-Ireland winners' medal.

In 1986 Kerry's dominance showed no sign of disappearing. Cork fell again in the provincial final, giving Spillane a tenth Munster title. A tenth All-Ireand final appearance quickly followed and it turned out to be an historic occasion. Tyrone provided the opposition in their first-ever championship decider. A Peter Quinn goal gave the Ulster men a six-point lead in the second-half, however, the game was far from over. Spillane ran fifty yards up the field for a hand-passed goal to get Kerry back on track. Mikey Sheehy scored a second goal to give 'the Kingdom' a 2-15 to 1-10 victory.^[14] Spillane was named man of the match as he collected a third All-Ireland medal in-a-row. It was his eighth All-Ireland medal overall, a record haul of All-Ireland medals and a record that he shares with fellow Kerrymen Páidí Ó Sé, Ger Power, Ogie Moran and Mikey Sheehy. For the last trio of All-Ireland victories Spillane was joined by his two brothers, Mick and Tom, on the Kerry team.

The glory days were now over for Kerry as Cork captured the next four Munster titles. Spillane continued to play with Kerry, winning his eleventh Munster title in 1991. Kerry were subsequently defeated by eventual champions Down in the All-Ireland semi-final and Spillane decided to retite from inter-county football.

Inter-provincial[link]

Spillane also lined out with Munster in the inter-provincial football competition and enjoyed much success. He first lined out with his province in 1976 as Munster defeated Leinster by 2-15 to 2-8. It was his first Railway Cup winners’ medal and the first of three-in-a-row for Spillane and for Munster. After losing out in 1979 and 1980 Spillane captured a fourth and final Railway Cup title in 1981.^[15]

International[link]

Spillane's career also included four appearances with Ireland in the International Rules series. He scored a point in the opening game against Australia in 1986. Ireland went on to win the series 2-1. Spillane was back on the team again in 1987. This time he lined out in all three games of the series. He scored ten points in the final game at Croke Park, however, Australia were victorious on that occasion.

Records[link]

Spillane made and broke a number of records during his football career. In 1986 Spillane and his three Kerry team mates broke Danno O'Keeffe's long-standing record by capturing an unprecedented eighth All-Ireland winners' medal. His inter-county football career, which spanned three decades, saw him earn a record nine All-Star awards, more than any other player in the history of the game. Spillane shares this record of nine All-Star wins with Kilkenny hurlers Henry Shefflin, D.J. Carey and Eddie Keher (although Keher's record is made up of 5 All-Stars and 4 Cú Chulainn Awards). His All-Star accolades were presented as part of a six-in-a-row from 1976 until 1981 and a three-in-a-row from 1984 until 1986. Spillane is also one of only a handful of players to have won senior Munster winners' medals in each of three separate decades.

Spillane was presented with the coveted Texaco Footballer of the Year award on two occasions, the first in 1978 and the second in 1984. His second win was all the more remarkable considering he had battled back from a career-threatening injury. Also in 1984, the GAA's centinary yaar, Spillane was singled out as one of the greatest players of all-time when he was chosen in the left wing-forward position on the Football Team of the Century. He retained this position on the Football Team of the Millennium in 1999.

The three Spillane brothers - Pat, Tom and Mick - hold the record number of All-Ireland senior winners' medals in either hurling or football with nineteen. Including medals won as non-playing substitutes Pat won eight, Tom won seven and Mick won four.

Media career[link]

Following retirement from Gaelic football, Spillane developed a career in the media. He joined the Sunday Game team as a co-commentator in 1992 before later working as a studio analyst. As an analyst of games he was often criticised for his controversial views, particularly in 2003 when he described Armagh’s and Tyrone’s style of defence as 'puke football.' He presented the Sunday Game highlights programme during the summer months until 2009. That year Pat was replaced by Des Cahill and he return to his familiar analyse's seat. He writes a weekly column in the Sunday World newspaper.

Honours[link]

Templenoe[link]

• Kerry Novice Football Championship:
  • Winner (1): 1973
• Kerry Junior Football Championship:
  • Winner (1): 1975

Thomond College[link]

• All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship:
  • Winner (1): 1978
• Munster Senior Club Football Championship:
  • Winner (1): 1977
• Limerick Senior Football Championship:
  • Winner (1): 1977

Kerry[link]

• All-Ireland Senior Football Championship:
  • Winner (8): 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986
  • Runner-up (8): 1976, 1982
• Munster Senior Football Championship:
  • Winner (12): 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 (sub), 1984, 1985, 1986, 1991
  • Runner-up (6): 1974 (sub), 1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990
• National Football League:
  • Winner (4): 1973-74 (sub), 1976–77, 1981-82 (sub), 1983–84
  • Runner-up (2): 1979-80, 1986–87
• All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship:
  • Winner (2): 1975, 1976
• Munster Under-21 Football Championship:
  • Winner (2): 1975, 1976

Munster[link]

• Railway Cup:
  • Winner (4): 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981
  • Runner-up (2): 1979, 1980

Ireland[link]

• International Rules:
  • Winner (1): 1986
  • Runner-up (1): 1987

See also[link]

• List of people on stamps of Ireland

References[link]

Teams[link]