Joe Stafford


Joe Stafford was a Gaelic footballer for Cavan.

Playing career

Stafford played at right full forward and was a prolific goalscorer for Cavan in the 1940s. He is 9th in All-time top Ulster goalscorers chart. His goal was crucial in securing Cavan's famous victory in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final in Polo Grounds, New York in 1947. He helped Cavan retain the title the following year against Co. Mayo. He also won a National Football League medal in 1949/50 season. Joe Stafford was the first man to be sent off in an All-Ireland final. He had been ordered off with fifteen minutes left in the 1943 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final against Roscommon.