July 1975 saw the sun shine brightly on most days in Ireland. The pleasant conditions no doubt helped to lift the mood of a nation where economic stagnation was taking a firm hold. The Troubles’ in the north continued unabated, with the Miami Showband massacre at the end of the month representing one of the darker days of the conflict.
Elsewhere in the world, Stephen Spielberg’s Jaws was a huge hit at the box office. Scottish heartthrobs the Bay City Rollers were top of the charts with Give a Little Love. In sport, Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon, while Billy Jean King easily defeated Evonne Goolagong to claim the women’s event.
The playing fields at home saw Mick O’Dwyer, in his first season in charge of Kerry, mastermind a convincing victory over Cork in the Munster final. In the Connacht decider, Sligo took on Mayo at Markievicz Park on 6 July.
The Yeats County were seeking a first title since 1928 and with home advantage, hopes were high that they could end the long wait. For periods in the final, Sligo held the upper hand and after Frank Henry’s goal in the 39th minute, they looked like they were on course for victory.
That green flag gave the Yeats County a 2-07 to 1-04 advantage. However, they would not score again for 20 minutes. Mayo took over, firing over seven points without reply. That man Henry was again on hand to level matters for the home side.
The game ended in a surge of excitement as both teams pushed for victory, points were exchanged and more than a few chances missed. When the final whistle sounded the sides were level: Sligo 2-10 Mayo 1-13.
The reportage that followed all concurred that Sligo had squandered their chance and that Mayo would make them pay in the replay at McHale Park on 20 July.
They say that goals win matches and it was Sligo who grabbed the all-important scores in the replay. Mickey Kearins, an outstanding footballer for well over a decade and revered by many all over the country, converted a penalty two minutes after the break and then acted as provider for Des Kerins to crash the ball to the Mayo net.
The latter goal gave Sligo a one-point advantage, which would subsequently become three after a brace of pointed frees. Mayo did finish strongly to cut the gap to the bare minimum but the clock was their enemy.
The shrill blast from the referee’s whistle was the cue for wild celebrations from the Sligo fans as they celebrated their 2-10 to 0-15 victory. Kearins was carried shoulder-high from the pitch. After 14 seasons, he had finally gained that coveted Connacht medal.
It was once said of the player: "I have never known anyone who has played so much splendid football and won so little as Mickey Kearins."
Sligo would go on to face Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final on 10 August and, despite a bright start, they found themselves caught in a whirlwind of Kingdom artistry. The final score of Kerry 3-13 Sligo 0-05 showed the gulf between the two sides.
It would be 32 years before Sligo would win another Connacht title. As for Mayo, the 1970s represented a barren period for the county at senior level as they failed to capture the Nestor Cup in that decade.
