Career
However this would be his team"s last defeat in the province until 1980. He was once described by former Donegal manager Brian McEniff as the most lethal of the six Dublin forwards. Inter-county
He proved to be a real thorn in Kerrys side as he was also fouled for the penalty which led to Dublins second goal.
He repeated the dose against Kerry in the classic semi final of 1977 when he plundered Dublins first goal shortly after half time.
In the final of 1977 John was part of a Dublin full forward line that amassed all but two of the teams two points in a tally of 5-12 against Armagh. Club
Throughout his career he played for three clubs Garda, Na Fianna and Ballymun Kickhams.
John was a Garda by profession based at Mountjoy and holds a unique record alongside Kerry"s Aidan O"Mahony and Tom O"Sullivan within the force of being the only Gardaí to play in six successive All Ireland finals. He retired from the Garda Síochána in 2005.
