Paddy Mackey
Encyclopedia
Paddy Mackey was an Irish
dual player
. He played both hurling
and Gaelic football
with his local club New Ross and with the Wexford
senior inter-county teams in both codes in the 1900s and 1910s.
senior hurling team. In 1910 he won his first Leinster
hurling title as Wexford overcame ublin
by 3-3 to 1-1. Unusually, the All-Ireland series of games began before the provincial championships were completed. As a result of this Kilkenny
and Dublin represented Leinster in the All-Ireland quarter-final and semi-final respectively, however, Wexford lined out in the subsequent All-Ireland final. Limerick
provided the opposition on that occasion and an entertaining contest unfolded. New rules regarding the parallelogram confused the players and Limerick had two goals disallowed because of a ‘square ball.’ Wexford had a goal disallowed for the same reason; however, they still went on to win the game by 7-0 to 6-2. It was Mackey’s first All-Ireland
medal.
Three years after this Mackey was a star player on the Wexford senior football team. He won a Leinster
football title in 1913 with a one point victory over Louth
. Wexford later disposed of Antrim
to set up an All-Ireland final meeting with Kerry
. After a low-scoring contest it was the men from ‘the Kingdom’ who emerged victorious by 2-2 to 0-3.
Mackey captured a second Leinster medal in 1914 as Wexford trounced Louth in the provincial decider. Monaghan
were equally disposed of in the penultimate game of the championship, allowing Wexford to advance to a second successive All-Ireland final. Kerry were the opponents once again, however, Wexford played great football. They led by 0-6 to 0-1, however, Kerry fought back to secure a 1-3 to 0-6 draw. The replay drew a crowd of 20,000 to Croke Park
and, once again, Wexford took the lead. Kerry fought back again and went on to win the game by 2-3 to 0-6.
1915 saw Mackey add a third Leinster title to his collection after two matches against Dublin. After disposing of Cavan
in the All-Ireland semi-final Wexford lined out against Kerry in the championship decider. It was the third successive meeting of these two teams with the Munster men looking for a third title in-a-row. Dick Fitzgerald
of Kerry missed two great goal chances while Wexford were well on top. In the end Mackey’s side won by 2-4 to 2-1. It was his first All-Ireland
football medal. On that occasion Mackey, along with his teammate Seán O'Kennedy
, jointly became the fourth players in history to have All-Ireland medals in both hurling and football.
Wexford continued their winning ways in 1916 with Mackey collecting a fourth successive Leinster football title. Kildare
were defeated on that occasion, however, Mackey ended up on the losing side in the Leinster hurling decider. Wexford later breezed through the All-Ireland series and qualified for a fourth successive All-Ireland final. Because of the Easter Rising
and subsequent martial law
the game was postponed until the Sunday before Christmas
. Overnight frost resulted in the pitch being extremely hard; however, the game went ahead nonetheless. Mayo
were the opponents on the occasion, however, Wexford were too strong and won the game by 2-4 to 1-2. It was Mackey’s second All-Ireland football medal.
Wexford maintained their provincial dominance in 1917 with Mackey winning a fifth Leinster title following a two-point win over ‘the Dubs’. Once again the All-Ireland final beckoned with Clare
providing the opposition on this occasion. It was a unique pairing in football terms and Wexford went on to record an easy victory. A score line of 0-9 to 0-5 gave Mackey a third consecutive All-Ireland medal.
1918 proved to be another successful year for Mackey in both codes. Wexford were the masters of provincial football once again as they defeated Louth by four points. It was Mackey’s sixth consecutive Leinster football medal. He also had success on the hurling field this year as Wexford defeated Dublin giving Mackey a second Leinster hurling title. Both the hurlers and footballers were successful in the subsequent series of games and reached the All-Ireland final. The All-Ireland football final saw Wexford take on Tipperary
in yet another novel encounter. A close-scoring game saw Wexford just about secure a victory by 0-5 to 0-4. It was Mackey’s fourth All-Ireland medal and an unparalleled record fourth title in-a-row for Wexford. The All-Ireland hurling final also gave Wexford the chance of joining Cork and Tipperary in the unique situation of being double
All-Ireland winners. That game saw Limerick
provide the opposition, however, the hurlers were not able to match the Munster men’s scoring skills. A score line of 9-5 to 1-3 gave victory to Limerick.
A seventh Leinster football title in-a-row proved beyond this Wexford team while the hurlers also gave up their provincial crown. Mackey retired from inter-county activities shortly afterwards.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
dual player
Dual player
Dual player or dual star is a term used in Gaelic games to describe a player who plays both Men's Gaelic football and Hurling or Ladies' Gaelic football and Camogie. The player doesn't necessarily have to play at the same standard in both sports...
. He played both hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
and Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with his local club New Ross and with the Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
senior inter-county teams in both codes in the 1900s and 1910s.
Club
Mackey played his club hurling and football with his local club in New Ross. He first tasted success in 1913 when he won a senior county hurling championship title. Two years later in 1915 Mackey added to his collection when he won a county football championship title.Inter-county
Mackey first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the WexfordWexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
senior hurling team. In 1910 he won his first Leinster
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
The Leinster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland....
hurling title as Wexford overcame ublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
by 3-3 to 1-1. Unusually, the All-Ireland series of games began before the provincial championships were completed. As a result of this Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
and Dublin represented Leinster in the All-Ireland quarter-final and semi-final respectively, however, Wexford lined out in the subsequent All-Ireland final. Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
provided the opposition on that occasion and an entertaining contest unfolded. New rules regarding the parallelogram confused the players and Limerick had two goals disallowed because of a ‘square ball.’ Wexford had a goal disallowed for the same reason; however, they still went on to win the game by 7-0 to 6-2. It was Mackey’s first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
medal.
Three years after this Mackey was a star player on the Wexford senior football team. He won a Leinster
Leinster Senior Football Championship
The GAA Leinster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council and are played during the summer months. The competition involves the counties of...
football title in 1913 with a one point victory over Louth
Louth GAA
The Louth County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Louth GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Louth. The county board is also responsible for the Louth inter-county teams....
. Wexford later disposed of Antrim
Antrim GAA
The Antrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Antrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Antrim. The county board is also responsible for the Antrim inter-county teams...
to set up an All-Ireland final meeting with Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
. After a low-scoring contest it was the men from ‘the Kingdom’ who emerged victorious by 2-2 to 0-3.
Mackey captured a second Leinster medal in 1914 as Wexford trounced Louth in the provincial decider. Monaghan
Monaghan GAA
The Monaghan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Monaghan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Monaghan and the Monaghan inter-county football and hurling teams. Separate county boards are responsible for the...
were equally disposed of in the penultimate game of the championship, allowing Wexford to advance to a second successive All-Ireland final. Kerry were the opponents once again, however, Wexford played great football. They led by 0-6 to 0-1, however, Kerry fought back to secure a 1-3 to 0-6 draw. The replay drew a crowd of 20,000 to Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
and, once again, Wexford took the lead. Kerry fought back again and went on to win the game by 2-3 to 0-6.
1915 saw Mackey add a third Leinster title to his collection after two matches against Dublin. After disposing of Cavan
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
in the All-Ireland semi-final Wexford lined out against Kerry in the championship decider. It was the third successive meeting of these two teams with the Munster men looking for a third title in-a-row. Dick Fitzgerald
Dick Fitzgerald
Dick Fitzgerald was an Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Dr. Crokes and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1903 until 1923. Fitzgerald captained Kerry to back-to-back All-Ireland titles in 1913 and 1914-Biography:Dick was born in College...
of Kerry missed two great goal chances while Wexford were well on top. In the end Mackey’s side won by 2-4 to 2-1. It was his first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
football medal. On that occasion Mackey, along with his teammate Seán O'Kennedy
Seán O'Kennedy
Seán O'Kennedy was an Irish dual player. He played both hurling and Gaelic football with the Wexford senior inter-county teams in both codes in the 1900s and 1910s.-Teams:...
, jointly became the fourth players in history to have All-Ireland medals in both hurling and football.
Wexford continued their winning ways in 1916 with Mackey collecting a fourth successive Leinster football title. Kildare
Kildare GAA
For more information see Kildare Senior Club Football Championship or Kildare Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Kildare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Kildare GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kildare...
were defeated on that occasion, however, Mackey ended up on the losing side in the Leinster hurling decider. Wexford later breezed through the All-Ireland series and qualified for a fourth successive All-Ireland final. Because of the Easter Rising
Easter Rising
The Easter Rising was an insurrection staged in Ireland during Easter Week, 1916. The Rising was mounted by Irish republicans with the aims of ending British rule in Ireland and establishing the Irish Republic at a time when the British Empire was heavily engaged in the First World War...
and subsequent martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
the game was postponed until the Sunday before Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
. Overnight frost resulted in the pitch being extremely hard; however, the game went ahead nonetheless. Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
were the opponents on the occasion, however, Wexford were too strong and won the game by 2-4 to 1-2. It was Mackey’s second All-Ireland football medal.
Wexford maintained their provincial dominance in 1917 with Mackey winning a fifth Leinster title following a two-point win over ‘the Dubs’. Once again the All-Ireland final beckoned with Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
providing the opposition on this occasion. It was a unique pairing in football terms and Wexford went on to record an easy victory. A score line of 0-9 to 0-5 gave Mackey a third consecutive All-Ireland medal.
1918 proved to be another successful year for Mackey in both codes. Wexford were the masters of provincial football once again as they defeated Louth by four points. It was Mackey’s sixth consecutive Leinster football medal. He also had success on the hurling field this year as Wexford defeated Dublin giving Mackey a second Leinster hurling title. Both the hurlers and footballers were successful in the subsequent series of games and reached the All-Ireland final. The All-Ireland football final saw Wexford take on Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
in yet another novel encounter. A close-scoring game saw Wexford just about secure a victory by 0-5 to 0-4. It was Mackey’s fourth All-Ireland medal and an unparalleled record fourth title in-a-row for Wexford. The All-Ireland hurling final also gave Wexford the chance of joining Cork and Tipperary in the unique situation of being double
The Double (Gaelic games)
The Double is a term in Gaelic games that refers to a county winning the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in the same year. Other major trophies won in combination in the same year at minor or under-21 levels are also often referred to as...
All-Ireland winners. That game saw Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
provide the opposition, however, the hurlers were not able to match the Munster men’s scoring skills. A score line of 9-5 to 1-3 gave victory to Limerick.
A seventh Leinster football title in-a-row proved beyond this Wexford team while the hurlers also gave up their provincial crown. Mackey retired from inter-county activities shortly afterwards.