Ginger O'Rourke

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Local areas like Ring Street and `The Ranch` were not untypical of other suburbs of Dublin during the early and mid 1940's. Young boys, often using no more than a load of rags rolled up to make a football, played out their fantasies of international fame on the local streets with jumpers for goalposts.

It was in such an environment that Paddy`O`Rourke honed his natural football skills until he began playing with St. Josephs of Inchicore at the age of eleven. The club was not affiliated to any league but served the purpose of providing an outlet for local youngsters to enjoy their football. After two years with Bulfin United, `Ginger` signed for St Pats` Minors in 1953. One year with the minors and at nineteen years of age Paddy began playing for the under 21's. It was in that year that he won a junior international cap against Scotland. Seasons 1953/54, 1954/55 and 1955/56 were to prove memorable for the club and Paddy. Having won the league in their first year in the League Of Ireland in 1951/52, the club was now establishing itself as a major force in Irish soccer. In the 1954 cup semi final replay against Cork Athletic at Dalymount Park, Paddy scored what he considers his most memorable goal of the many he scored in his career. Having been a spectator at the first game, Paddy replaced left winger Joe Haverty who was on international duty. His goal won the game and he kept his place for the final. Unfortunately a Des Byrne own goal gave the cup to Drumcondra. At the time St Pats were strapped for cash. The club placed a bet of £50 at 12/1 on the basis that if Pats won, the proceeds of the bet would be divided among the players.

To win back to back championships in 1955 and 1956 after only six years in the top flight was extraordinary. But then, `Ginger`O`Rourke was an extraordinary player in a team of great players. Cup wins in 1959 and 1961 made up for the disappointment of 1954. In 1958 Paddy was a member of the first Irish team to play in Iceland. The team was made up completely of League Of Ireland players.

`Ginger` moved to Limerick in 1963 and played in the 1965 Fai cup final against Shamrock Rovers, losing one nil in a replay. A further five seasons in the Leinster Senior League with Jacobs brought more honours until Paddy finally retired from playing in 1971. In 1972 he was a founder member of St Columbans Boys Club in Coolock and remained for ten years.

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