Month: March 2022

DAITHÍ BURKE HAS been appointed as the Galway senior hurling captain for 2022.

The five-time All-Star and 2017 All-Ireland champion succeeds Padraic Mannion in the role, with Joseph Cooney named vice-captain. 

The news was announced in a Galway GAA statement, which reads: “We are delighted to announce that Daithí Burke, Turloughmore GAA, will captain the Galway senior hurling team for 2022 with Joseph Cooney, Sarsfields GAA, named as vice-captain.”

“Wishing Daithí, Joseph, the senior hurling panel, Henry Shefflin and management a successful year.”

📢PRESS RELEASE
We are delighted to announce that Daithí Burke @turloughmorehc will captain the Galway Senior Hurling team for 2022 with Joseph Cooney @SarsfieldsGAA named as Vice-Captain.
Wishing Daithí, Joseph, the Senior Hurling panel, Henry Shefflin & mgmt a successful year. pic.twitter.com/76KvhemONa

— Galway GAA (@Galway_GAA) February 3, 2022

Turloughmore defender Burke has been a mainstay for the county since making his debut eight years ago, and the 29-year-old dual star previously captained his club to the 2020 county final.

Shefflin’s Tribe open their 2022 National Hurling League campaign against Offaly at Pearse Stadium on Sunday.

Their Walsh Cup campaign saw them beat Michael Fennelly’s Faithful county and Antrim, and lose heavily to Dublin.

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Galway exited the 2021 Liam MacCarthy race after defeat to Waterford in the qualifiers.

THE MULLINAHONE LADIES team is uniquely composed of players from two different counties.

Mullinahone’s Molly Walsh [right] ahead of the All-Ireland final against St Jude’s.

Source: Seb Daly/SPORTSFILE

Situated about halfway between Clonmel and Kilkenny city, the village sits right alongside the border between the two counties. Its official address is in the Premier region. On the other side of that line, a short drive away into Kilkenny territory, is the village of Windgap.

Both clubs belong to hurling country.

But football has been progressing in Mullinahone and both localities have formed an unusual alliance over the years, allowing players from both sides of the fence to play both codes.

The longevity of that relationship has resulted in Mullinahone reaching the currentaccount.ie All-Ireland junior club final against St Jude’s of Dublin this Saturday.

The squad will that will contest the decider includes seven camogie players from Windgap.

“Yeah, I’m from Windgap,” Mullinahone defender Molly Walsh tells the media ahead of that showdown with St Jude’s in Baltinglass.

“I’ve been playing football over in Mullinahone since I was 10. I’m here long enough anyway. When I started playing football, Mullinahone was the closest football team to me, so that’s where I went. A few more of the girls have joined in the last few years. It’s brilliant.

“The football has been really getting going this year. We’ve been working away for years but this was the first year that we won a junior county final. 

“It’s great to have Mullinahone to play football in because I would have had nowhere to play football in Windgap. It was only in primary school. I came over to Mullinahone then. There’s always been a few going over and back playing football there. We have a few playing camogie with us in Windgap.”

One of the Windgap seven that’s serving for Mullinahone is Kilkenny camogie star Denise Gaule. Gaule is a four-time All-Star in the small ball game, and was also crowned Camogie Association/WGPA Senior Players’ Player of the Year for the 2020 season.

A reliable free-taker for the Cats, Gaule converted a crucial last-minute penalty in the All-Ireland final that year which delivered a second O’Duffy Cup triumph for the county since 2016.

She’s a new recruit for the Mullinahone footballers, but Walsh says there’s been no struggle in making the transition.

“I’d say she’d adapt fairly quickly to anything she put her hand to,” Walsh says in praise of Gaule.

“She just came on board this year. The camogie finished up early. She was looking for a bit more to do. I’d be used to playing with her in Windgap.

“It’s probably good that we’re not in the same county. There’s not as much rivalry between each other. We all went out as one the other day. The supporters were brilliant. There were loads from Windgap and from Mullinahone.”

At the outset of the season, Mullinahone’s objective was to win the county final. They surpassed that goal by claiming Munster honours after defeating MKL Gaels of Kerry before earning a place in the All-Ireland final after getting the better of Galway’s St Brendan’s in last month’s semi-final.

A win over St Jude’s would be historic for Mullinahone and would make them the first Tipperary club to win an All-Ireland title at this grade.

“We’re delighted to be there,” says Walsh.

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“It’s a Dublin team, they’d be much more known for their football than we would be down here. They will be a brilliant side, there’s no doubt about that.

“All the teams we’ve played are brilliant, all very close matches. [St] Brendans really put us under pressure, especially in the last few minutes.”

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University of Limerick 2-12
Queens University Belfast 0-13

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK’S hopes for a first-ever Sigerson Cup title continue after goals in either half from Kerry sharpshooter David Clifford helped them to a 2-12 to 0-13 quarter-final victory over a spirited Queens Belfast side in Abbotstown.

Clifford finished as top scorer with 2-4 (2-3 from play) and along with Donal O’Sullivan and Emmet McMahon proved to be a constant threat as the Munster outfit prevailed despite being behind at half-time.

Clifford showed the attacking firepower he possesses for his opening goal after 10 minutes as he used all his strength and skill to finish expertly to the net after getting his hands on the ball for the first time in the game. This goal put UL two points in front.

However, in the remaining 20 minutes of the half, Queens would outscore UL by 0-6 to 0-3 to go in with a one-point lead at the break. The excellent Conor Turbitt showed his accuracy from frees and play during this time with the Armagh attacker kicking seven out of his team’s eight first-half scores.

UL’s Paul Towey and Conor Turbitt of Queen’s University.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

UL needed to respond after the break and they did so very impressively, scoring 1-6 without reply between the 34th and 52nd minute. Clifford scored 1-4 of this total with his goal coming as he punched to the net after being set-up by O’Sullivan.

To their credit, Queens never gave up and they scored four points in the final five minutes. This wasn’t enough, however, to deny Declan Brouder’s side a place in the semi-finals with UL running out five-point winners.

If Clifford and co.continue to hit top form, you wouldn’t be surprised to see the Limerick college going all the way and creating history.

Scorers for UL: D Clifford 2-4 ( 1 45), D O’Sullivan 0-6 (5 f) and E McMahon 0-2.

Scorers for Queens: C Turbett 0-8 (6 f), K Hughes 0-2 (1f), P Brooks, P Finnegan, C Love (f) all 0-1.

University of Limerick

1. C Flaherty (Claregalway/Carnmore – Galway)

2. P Towey (Charlestown – Mayo), 3. C Donnelly (Bracknagh – Offaly), 4. P Maher (Adare – Limerick)

5. J Coyne (Ballyhaunis – Mayo) 6. S Powter (Douglas – Cork) 7. E McLaughlin (Westport – Mayo)

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8. C Dempsey (Knockmore – Mayo), 9. D Walsh (Kilmurry-Ibrickane – Clare)

10. C Downes (Kilmhil – Clare), 11. E McMahon (Kildysart – Clare), 12. O Looney (Miltown Malbay – Clare)

13. D Clifford (Fossa – Kerry), 14. D Gray (Castledermot – Kildare), 15. D O’Sullivan (Kilgarvan – Kerry).

Substitutes:

• C Igoe (Bonniconlon – Mayo) for D Gray (Half-time)
• P Walsh (Brosna – Kerry) for D O’Sullivan (56)
• S McDonnell (Mallow – Cork) for O Looney (62).

Queens University Belfast

1. E Mulholland (Clann Eireann – Armagh)

2. S Bolger (Killeshin – Laois), 3. R Conroy (Tír na nÓg Moy – Tyrone), 4. P Fagan (St Mary’s Burren – Down)

5. G Brown (Na Piarsaigh – Limerick), 6. M Murnaghan (Killyclogher Tyrone), 7. P Brooks (Glenn – Down)

8. R Donnolly (Carrickmore – Tyrone), 9. T Bogue (Tempo Maguire’s – Fermanagh)

10. F Canavan (Bryansford – Down), 11. O Mallon (Dungannon Thomas Clarkes – Tyrone), 12. B Campbell (Ballyholland – Down)

13. K Hughes (Ballymacnab – Armagh), 14. C Turbett (Clann Eireann – Armagh), 15. A McAvoy (St Marys Burren – Down).

Substitutes:

• S McCarthy (Clann Eireann – Armagh) for R Conroy (6, inj.)
• C Gorman (Newry Shamrocks) for K Hughes (42)
• C Love (Enniskillen Gaels – Fermanagh) for O Mallon (44)
• P Finnegan (Naomh Bríd Belfast – Antrim) for F Canavan (52).

Referee: David Gough (Meath).

MAYO GAA HAVE confirmed that star forward Tommy Conroy suffered a cruciate ligament injury, while in action in the Sigerson Cup last night.

A statement released this evening has outlined the injury suffered by The Neale forward, who went off injured while playing for NUI Galway in last night’s quarter-final tie against Letterkenny IT.

The Mayo GAA medical team did a full assessment and examination today, which confirmd Conroy’s knee injury setback.

“Tommy is such a great person and player,” said Mayo boss James Horan.

“We all wish him well during his rehabilitation. Tommy will still play a huge part in Mayo’s season and will remain very much part of the panel. Unfortunately, injuries like this are part of sport.

“I know all the players will rally around Tommy and I am sure it will galvanise the entire team, but I know his injury will inspire other players to drive forward, step up and follow in his boots.”

“It is such an unfortunate injury at this time of year,” said Mayo GAA chairperson Seamus Touhy.

“Mayo GAA however, will provide whatever it takes to support Tommy and ensure he gets the best medical care during his recovery.”

Tommy Conroy celebrates during last year’s win for Mayo against Dublin.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Conroy burst to prominence for Mayo in the last two seasons as he helped them reach two All-Ireland finals. He was particularly impressive in their memorable All-Ireland semi-final win over Dublin last August, scoring 0-3 from play in Croke Park. 

His absence removes a major attacking option for Mayo this season, although long-serving star Cillian O’Connor is due to return from injury this spring after tearing his Achilles tendon last year.

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NUI Galway 0-23
UCC 0-14

John Fallon reports from Dangan

NUI GALWAY SECURED home advantage for the quarter-finals of the Fitzgibbon Cup after an impressive victory over UCC at Dangan in Galway.

Both sides had already qualified for the knockout stages so home advantage was the prize on offer on a wet afternoon in Galway and Jeff Lynskey’s side delivered a solid performance in a game where they never trailed.

It helps, of course, to have the Hurler of the Year on board and the deft touches of Cian Lynch, especially in the opening half, were decisive and he could be poised to follow up his successes with Mary Immaculate in this competition with the Galway university where he is studying a Masters in Education.

But once again it was the accuracy of Galway’s Evan Niland which provided the scores as the Clarinbridge man landed twelve frees and one from play, while another who will be key to Henry Shefflin’s plans, Killimordaly’s Brian Concannon, was again impressive.

UCC were just unable to break down a rock solid Galway defence where Jack Fitzpatrick was again outstanding along with 2017 All-Ireland minor winning captain Darren Morrissey, while the 2019 successful captain Ian McGlynn was prominent in midfield.

That gave NUIG, looking for their first Fitzgibbon since 2010, a big platform and UCC were chasing the game from early on as the hosts opened up a 0-10 to 0-2 lead at the end of the opening quarter when they had the wind and rain behind them.

Three William Henn frees and points from the hard-working Shane Barrett and Mark Kehoe gave UCC hope but they turned around trailing by 0-15 to 0-6.

They needed a big start to the second-half but NUIG matched them point for point in the third quarter to lead by 0-19 to 0-10 and with UCC never looking like they would chisel their way through a resolute defence for a goal, the Galway college eased into a home quarter-final.

Scorers for NUI Galway: Evan Niland 0-13 (0-12f), Brian Concannon 0-3, Conor Walsh 0-2, Mark Gill 0-1, Ian McGlynn 0-1, Cian Lynch 0-1, John Fleming 0-1, Mark Kennedy 0-1.

Scorers for UCC: Shane Barrett 0-6 (0-5f, 0-1 ’65), William Henn 0-3f, Mark Kehoe 0-3, Conor Bowe 0-1, Simon Kennefick 0-1.

NUI Galway

1. Liam O’Reilly (Castlegar, Galway)

2. Eoin Lawless (Athenry, Galway), 3 Jack Fitzpatrick (Killimordaly, Galway), 4. Conor Caulfield (Kilconieron, Galway)

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5. Caimin Killeen (Loughrea, Galway), 6. Darren Morrissey (Sarsfields, Galway), 7 Mark Gill (Castlegar, Galway)

8. Ian McGlynn (Kilconieron, Galway), 9. Diarmuid Kilcommins (Annaghdown, Galway)

10. Conor Walsh (Turloughmore, Galway), 11, Cian Lynch (Patrickswell, Limerick), 12. Brian Concannon (Killimordaly, Galway)

15. Phillip Hickey (Nenagh Éire Óg, Tipperary) 14. John Fleming (Meelick-Eyrecourt, Galway), 13. Evan Niland (Clarinbridge, Galway)

Subs

26. Mark Kennedy (Clarinbridge, Galway) for Hickey (50)

18. Sean Burke (Kilconieron, Galway) for Kilcommins (50)

19. Adam Brett (Galway) for Gill (53)

23. Liam Forde (Galway) for Fleming (53)

17. Eoin O’Donnell (Galway) for Killeen (57)

UCC

1. Ian Butler (Kildorrery, Cork)

3. Niall O’Leary (Castlelyons, Cork), 9. Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neills, Cork), 4 Killian O’Dwyer (Killenaule, Tipperary)

17. Rob Downey (Glen Rovers, Cork), 5. Ronan Connolly (Adare, Limerick) 22 Ciaran Barry (Ahane, Limerick)

6. Tommy O’Connell (Midleton, Cork), 7. Daire Connery (Na Piarsaigh, Cork)

10. Conor Boylan (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick), 8. Conor Cahalane (St Finbarr’s, Cork), 14. Shane Barrett (Blarney, Cork)

18. Simon Kennefick (Glen Rovers, Cork), 11. William Henn (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick), 12 Mark Kehoe (Kilsheelan-Kilcash, Tipperary)

Subs

21. Padraig Power (Blarney, Cork) for Barry (27)

13. Conor Bowe (Moyne-Templetuohy, Tipperary) for Henn (half-time)

15. Jack O’Connor (Sarsfields, Cork) for O’Connell (half-time)

33. Cormac O’Brien (Newtownshandrum, Cork) for Cahalane (46)

28. Eoin Roche (Bride Rovers, Cork) for Connery (52)

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick)

Today’s other Fitzgibbon Cup results

Group A

• Mary Immaculate College 6-15 UCD 6-15

Group B

• DCU 2-13 IT Carlow 3-10
• Waterford IT 5-17 Maynooth University 0-20

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DCU 2-12
Ulster University 2-11

DCU SURVIVED IN an exciting finale after a late Darragh Canavan goal to clinch a one-point success over Ulster University in their Sigerson Cup quarter-final tie this evening.

DCU’s Liam Coleman tackles Ulster University’s Darragh Canavan.

Source: Tom Maher/INPHO

DCU, the reigning champions after their success in 2020, prevailed after a brilliant second-half display. They trailed by three points at half-time and by five early in the second half, but inspired by the impact off the bench from Galway’s Robert Finnerty, along with goals by Laois forward Mark Barry and Sligo’s Red Óg Murphy, Paddy Christie’s side secured a last four place.

#SigersonCup Full Time

Watch full time highlights here as DCU narrowly defeat UU .@DCUDocEirGAA 2-12@UlsterUniGAA 2-11#FirstClassRivals #DCUvUU@HigherEdGAA pic.twitter.com/LVR65ITzNx

— Electric Ireland (@ElectricIreland) February 2, 2022

DCU looked comfortable with a four-point advantage with a minute of normal time left but then a mix-up when in possession in defence saw the ball passed straight to Canavan on his own near goal and he side-stepped the goalkeeper before booting to the net.

Ulster University, who brought on Derry’s Conor Glass in the second half to partner Cavan’s Thomas Galligan at midfield, pushed for a levelling score in injury-time. They had two long-range speculative efforts for points that tailed wide and then the full-time whistle was blown during another passage of play.

DCU’s Shea Ryan is challenged by Ulster University’s Thomas Galligan.

Source: Tom Maher/INPHO

The terms of the first half were dictated by Ulster University as they went head 0-6 to 0-3 at the interval. McKernan struck one quality point from distance while Derry’s Niall Loughlin and Down’s Andrew Gilmore showed up well in attack, finishing 1-7 between them.

DCU were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Shea Ryan was fouled before half-time but a free was instead given which Barry converted. DCU shipped early points to Karl and Michael Gallagher in the second half, before they received a lifeline in the 33rd minute, Matthew Costello and Mark Curran combined to split the defence, the move culminating with Barry scrambling in a goal.

DCU scored four of the game’s next six points, Finnerty shooting three of those, and by the 40th minute they were level at 1-7 to 0-10. Then Ulster University came strong again with Canavan pulling the strings to set up Loughlin for a goal and place him for a mark with a brilliant pass.

Sligo’s Red Óg Murphy in action for DCU.

Source: Tom Maher/INPHO

They were 1-11 to 1-8 clear in the last quarter before DCU took over and shot 1-4 without reply. Meath’s Shane Walsh started to become influential in attack with some impressive points and the key score occurred in the 51st minute when Red Óg Murphy netted from a penalty after being fouled himself.

Canavan’s goal left DCU hanging on to their advantage but they booked their spot in the semi-finals, where they join MTU Kerry and NUI Galway.

Scorers for DCU: Mark Barry 1-2 (0-1f), Robert Finnerty 0-4 (0-3f), Red Óg Murphy 1-0 (1-0 pen), Shane Walsh 0-3 (0-1f), Joseph Hagan, Padraic Hughes, Mark Curran 0-1 each.

Scorers for Ulster University: Niall Loughlin 1-3 (0-1f, 0-1 mark), Andrew Gilmore 0-4, Darragh Canavan 1-0, Liam Nugent, Michael McKernan, Karl Gallagher, Mark Gallagher 0-1 each.

DCU

David O’Hanlon (Na Fianna, Dublin)

Dan Corcoran (Geraldines, Louth), Shea Ryan (Sarsfields, Kildare), Mark Curran (An Clochan Liath)

Luke Towey (St Molaise Gaels, Sligo), Jordan Morrissey (Éire Óg, Mayo), Matthew Costello (Dunshaughlin, Meath)

Liam Coleman (Castletown Liam Mellows, Wexford), Red Óg Murphy (Curry, Sligo)

Padraic Hughes (Kilanerin, Wexford), Shane Walsh (Na Fianna, Dublin), Bill Carroll (Cappincur, Offaly)

Shane Tierney (Daingean, Offaly), Jack Bryant (Shamrocks, Offaly), Mark Barry (O’Dempsey’s, Laois) 

Subs

Shane O’Donnell (St Eunan’s, Donegal) for Carroll (half-time)

Robert Finnerty (Salthill/Knocknacarra, Galway) for Bryant (half-time)

Karl Lynch Bissett (Naomh Mearnóg, Wexford) for Barry (40)

Joseph Hagan (Dromard, Longford) for Tierney (46)

S Byrne (Killybegs, Donegal) for Coleman (56).

Ulster University

Odhran Lynch (Magherafelt)

A Clarke (Omagh, Tyrone), F McElroy (Longstone, Down), M Gallagher (Trillick, Tyrone)

M McKearney (Dungannon, Tyrone), R Boyle (Truagh, Monaghan), M McKernan (Coalisland, Tyrone)

T Galligan (Lacken, Cavan), M McGleenan (Eglish, Tyrone)

K Gallagher (Emyvale, Monaghan), D Canavan (Errigal Ciaran, Tyrone), R Gormley (Strabane, Tyrone)

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L Nugent (Rock, Tyrone), N Loughlin (Greenlough, Derry), A Gilmore (St John’s, Down).

Subs

D Mulgrew (Ardboe, Tyrone) for Gormley (h-t)

C Glass (Glen, Derry) for McGleenan (40)

J Garrity (Trillick, Tyrone) for K Gallagher (46)

S Loughran (Ballyholland, Down) for Canavan (60).

MOURNEABBEY MIDFIELDER MÁIRE O’Callaghan has been named Cork senior ladies football captain for 2022.

26-year-old O’Callaghan takes the reins from goalkeeper Martina O’Brien, who captained the Rebels last season, and also follows in the footsteps of clubmates Doireann and Ciara O’Sullivan who filled the role in recent years.

All-Star defender Melissa Duggan has been named vice-captain.

“Cork county board along with senior manager Shane Ronayne are delighted to announce that Máire O’Callaghan, Mourneabbey, will captain the Cork senior team for 2022,” a statement from the county reads.

“Melissa Duggan, Doheny’s, will be vice captain.

“We wish both Máire, Melissa and the senior panel the very best of luck for the year.”

Both certain to be popular choices amongst the group, O’Callaghan has established herself as a key player for the Rebels over the past few years.

Also deployed as a defender at times, she has played a central part in Mourneabbey’s glittering run to two All-Ireland senior club titles, seven Munster crowns and seven county championships since 2014.

Cork Senior Captain and management announcement 2022! Congratulations and best wishes to Máire, Melissa, Shane and all the management pic.twitter.com/0KaLnPzalj

Click Here: — Cork LGFA (@CorkLGFA) February 2, 2022

The Clyda outfit fell short in their bid for three national honours in-a-row against Kilkerrin-Clonberne of Galway on Saturday.

Cork LGFA have also confirmed Ronayne’s backroom team, with Denis Enright and Barry Cullinane in as coaches and selectors, and Paul Howard (strength and conditioning coach), Ger Lomard (goalkeeping coach) and Sheila Denney (female liason officer) also among the wider group.

Former Munster rugby player Johnny Holland is on board as nutritionist.

Cork open their Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 campaign with a clash againts Meath on 12 February, in their first competitive meeting since last year’s dramatic All-Ireland semi-final defeat.

The face league holders Dublin in Croke Park the following week.

Erika O’Shea said earlier this week that new boss Ronayne is “focusing on [getting back to] the All-Ireland final,” as they eye a first Brendan Martin Cup lift since 2016.

In other Cork ladies football news, the county is set to have a Senior B football panel for 2022, as reported by local journalist Ger McCarthy:

Interesting development. @CorkLGFA pressing ahead with a Senior B football panel for 2022.

Manager @PeterOLeary15 (@InchRovers)
Coaches/Selectors:
Karyn Graham (@MourneabbeyLFC)
Ken Whelan (@NemoRangersGAA)
Tomas Mac An tSaor
Colin McTaggert (@NemoRangersGAA)#corklgfa #lgfa pic.twitter.com/h5XRSiqRwy

— Ger McCarthy (@germccarthy74) January 31, 2022

Meanwhile in Kerry, Anna Galvin has been named captain once again with Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh the vice-captain.

Southern Gaels star Galvin first took the captaincy in 2020, and was hailed a “natural leader” by management in an interview with The42 after the selection was made. 

Congratulations to Southern Gaels player Anna Galvin on her appointment as captain of the Kerry Ladies team for the 2022 season. @southerngaelsky
Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh of Corca Dhuibhne will be Vice Captain 💚💛🏐 pic.twitter.com/APlaOPnGdh

— KerryLGFA (@kerryladiesfoot) February 2, 2022

 

 

JAKE MORRIS PLAYED four seasons alongside Paudie Maher, but it was a moment two years before his senior call-up that left a lasting impression on the young forward. 

Maher announced his shock retirement from hurling yesterday due to a neck injury, departing with three Celtic Crosses and six All-Stars before the age of 33. 

Reflecting on his fondest memory of Maher, the 22-year-old recalled the classic 2016 All-Ireland semi-final between Tipperary and Galway when he laid out Joe Canning in the first-half.

Both players had to receive treatment for blood injuries, such was the ferocity of the challenge.

“We played the minor All-Ireland (semi-final) in 2016 and were sitting down in the Hogan Stand after,” said Morris. “Padraic Maher nailed Joe Canning a shoulder across the line out in front of us. I’ll never forget the crunch of it, that shoulder that day.

“I was called into the Tipp team in 2018 and I remember thinking to myself as a light 18-year old that I’d better not go near Padraic Maher or he’ll throw me out over line. That was my fond memory of him. That shoulder, which was the turning point that day. There’s numerous memories, he was such a good hurler for Tipperary.

Source: CR’s Video Vaults/YouTube

“If you look back at Paudie Maher he would probably have made any Tipperary team ever. He was such a monster at wing back or anywhere else he lined out. 

“Honest to God, I can’t remember him having a bad day at the office, constant nine out of 10s for Tipperary over the years. He’s set standards for us inside, showing us how to train every night and how to look after your body, how to attack a match on match day in front of 40,000 people.

“Everyone has massive respect for him and we wish him all the best and we’re going to try our best to continue his legacy. I’m sure Ronan (his brother) will do his best anyway. He’s an unbelievable man and what a hurler he was for Tipperary and Thurles Sarsfields.”

Morris described his surprise to wake up to a message from Maher in the team WhatsApp group.

“He put it in this morning,” Morris remarked yesterday. “I woke up to a bit of a shock because I knew Paudie was mad to get back and so it must have been a big setback for him.

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“Having to step away from hurling is a big whammy for him. I’m sure he would have liked to play another couple of years. I think everyone can agree he was so comfortable last year playing with Thurles and Tipperary that it was a big shock to the system but that’s life, isn’t it?

“It can be taken away from you in a second so I really do have big sympathy for Padraic this morning. I think that we can be grateful for being healthy enough to go out and play for Tipperary and your club. So it’s definitely an eye-opener.”

Jake Morris played alongside Maher for four years with Tipperary.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

He paid tribute to the work Maher put in on the physical side of his game. 

“We are all very disappointing that Paudie has had to step away but it is important to remember what he has done for Tipperary, and us as players will take a lot from his honesty levels, the way he looks after himself. He was such a good athlete and a warrior for Tipperary.

“What people don’t know about him would be the off-field stuff, the way he looked after himself and kept his body right. He was the best at doing that from what I have seen anyway.

“I remember watching him in 2010 and he was a big hero of mine and he still is. He has given everything to Tipperary and he can hold his head up high.

“The best thing we can do now is carry on his levels of honesty, and the way he treated the Tipperary jersey, and he can be happy with that.”

To lose him so soon after Brendan Maher’s retirement means new Tipperary manager Colm Bonnar is facing a defensive rebuild of sorts.

Morris has urged the young guns in the Premier panel to step up in their absence.

“He showed us the standard and it is up to us now to continue that on for him.

“We have competitive squad inside in Tipp and I think everyone just needs to raise the levels a small bit to fill Paudie’s void from now on because it’s going to be a big void but together if we get up the standard of the way he trains and played, we will be in a good spot.”

Bonnar confirmed players will be handed the opportunity to step into the fray in the Allianz Hurling League, which begins this weekend against Laois. 

“When players step away it is an opportunity and it will be a case that we will be rebuilding with some newer players and they’ll be getting opportunities next Saturday,” he stated.

“It’s a journey for them and it’s not going to start and end with Laois. It’s going to be a journey as a campaign for them.

“If you love hurling you have to live that life and you have to get involved in it and you have take it over for six, seven, eight, nine years, whatever chance you get to play it and use it as best you can.” 

DUBLIN STAR JENNIFER Dunne says her side are fuelled by “a new drive” this year, after their bid for a perfect five-in-a-row came crashing down in 2021.

Senior newcomers Meath stunned the reigning champions in September’s All-Ireland final, getting their hands on the Brendan Martin Cup for the very first time.

But with Mick Bohan back on board for the 2022 season and no sign of big-name retirements two weeks out from the Lidl Ladies National Football League, Dunne reports that there’s no shortage of hunger in the camp, with continuity key as they look to bounce back.

“There’s a different kind of drive this year,” the midfielder said as Yoplait was  announced as the new sponsor of the LGFA’s Third-Level Championships.

“Obviously, there’s hunger — in the past, we’ve been the ones on top and this year, that’s not the case. There was a lot of shock and upset and everyone had to digest what happened last year but definitely going into this year, there’s a new drive, something new to look forward to and to go after, which is exciting as well.

“Having Mick still around and that core group definitely [helps]. People have been through that and lost together, so hopefully we can drive on.

“For me, obviously, it’s my first loss, so it’s probably a good thing as well. It’s not all always happy and everything like that. Experiencing a loss like that definitely drives you to push on and want to do better. That’s definitely the atmosphere within the group this year.”

21-year-old Dunne had known nothing but winning in the Sky Blue jersey, playing a central role as Bohan’s charges previously won 25 straight championship games since he took over after the 2016 All-Ireland final.

That ’16 decider was the last of their three-in-a-row final defeats to Cork, while they then went on to win four on the bounce.

“I was lucky enough to come into the group when they were winning and I was there for three of the All-Ireland wins,” she says.

“That feeling of loss, some of the older girls that have been around know how to deal with it, but it never gets easier as you’d imagine. It’s never nice and it took a lot of time to even sink in. I didn’t really want to talk about it to anyone to be honest, and it was a tough pill to swallow. But I’ve kind of digested it now, just about.

“It’s mad, it’s a few months later, but even still, it will stick with me forever. I definitely leaned on my team-mates and the girls, they helped. The crew are all still sticking around and we’ll push on this year and hopefully we can go after it again.”

Dunne in action against Meath.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

The Cuala ace hailed Meath’s “incredible run” and admits that Dublin “couldn’t perform on the day,” while noting that the coverage of the Royals’ feat in the aftermath may have made it harder to take.

That said, she believes “everyone has their time to shine” and is relishing a “clean slate”.

Pressed at one point on the Dublin men’s team’s ‘decline,’ Dunne offered diplomatic answers, laughing that “everyone has it out for the Dubs,” while certainly not ruling out another capital double in 2022.

The DCU Primary School Teaching final year student also wouldn’t rule out a move to the Australian Football League Women’s [AFLW] in the future, where two of her team-mates Sinéad Goldrick and Lauren Magee are part of a 14-strong Irish contingent.

“It’s definitely a challenge that I would be interested in,” she said. “At the moment obviously I’m finishing college and I probably will work for a few years, but I don’t think it’s something that I would completely rule out of the picture.

“I’m focusing on college and obviously college football and Dublin for the year, and then we’ll see what happens. But it’s definitely an exciting concept and something that I’d love to maybe challenge myself to do but at the moment it’s definitely not at the top of my priority list.”

The league, in which Dublin are out to defend their Division 1 crown, and championship certainly are, as Dunne forecasts a competitive season ahead.

Dublin and Cork shared every Brendan Martin Cup title since 2005 before Meath’s 2022 upset, and the ever-rising star predicts an “open playing field” with the title “up for grabs”.

Yoplait have been announced as the new sponsors of the LGFA’s Third-Level Championships.

It’s certainly a case of all to play for, with the Leinster championship an exciting prospect for the first time in some years.

While it has been interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic of late, Dublin had long dominated, and uncertainty even reigned ahead of the 2020 edition as they were the only senior team in the province.

With Meath and 2021 All-Ireland intermediate champions Westmeath back in situ, an historic Croke Park double-header was confirmed for the final last week.

Dunne says it’s exciting, especially given “the fact that there was only ourselves and maybe one other [county] in the past or even one year, I think it was just ourselves. Meath and Westmeath are there as well, it’s going to be really competitive.”

“And obviously for the women’s game and the sport, it’s great that there’s a double-header going ahead in Croke Park for coverage and everything like that,” she added. “So we’ll take it and just look forward to it.

“It’s great for Leinster GAA as well, to kind of have that push and get more teams hopefully coming up from intermediate to compete as well at senior level.”

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A NEW ADDITION as a player returns from the AFL, a returning forward after a stellar club season and the usual collection of springtime injury worries.

Kieran Kingston faces into another league campaign as Cork hurling boss on Saturday evening, trying to get his team moving again after the disappointing note on which their 2021 efforts concluded on the All-Ireland final stage.

Cork start out against Clare in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in their Division 1 opener with five players unlikely to be involved after recent injury travails.

“Jack O’Connor hasn’t trained in a while, Robbie O’Flynn hasn’t trained in a while, just coming back now,” said Kingston.

“Declan Dalton, Niall Cashman, Alan Connolly are long-term injuries, haven’t trained at all with two or three months. Declan got an injury with his club in the start of November, had to have an operation, isn’t back training yet, so obviously there’s a rehab process here, then there’s getting back onto the field with us, then there’s getting up to match practice so it’ll be a challenge to get back during the league.

“Niall is just back doing a little bit with us and Alan is out, dislocated his shoulder and again is rehabbing from that, so we haven’t seen him either. They’re difficult injuries to gauge.”

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Cork manager Kieran Kingston.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Mark Keane will not be available on Saturday as he will be in the midst of Croke Park action with his club Ballygiblin chasing All-Irealnd junior glory. After a couple years with Collingwood in Melbourne, mixed with an eye-catching cameo for the Cork footballers in 2020, Keane is an intriguing hurling addition.

“We were aware of him back along and that he was away really,” said Kingston.

“Obviously everybody was aware of him when he came back and scored the goal against Kerry there a couple of years ago. He came to the fore and then obviously came back in the middle of his term over to play with his club and had a good run there, so basically I just approached him, had a chat with him, see what was his thinking. Is it something he was interested in? So we had a number of discussions and he just decided to throw his lot in with us, so we’re delighted to have him.”

The Cork boss has also drafted Conor Lehane back into his panel. He dazzled for Midleton in last year’s Cork senior hurling final, shooting 0-13 as captain, a display taht secured the man-of-the-match award.

“I’ve always operated a very fluid panel and players know that. The panel is never fixed. That’s very important for competition within the group, form, injury, attitude, application, whatever it might be, change of work, change of profile, fellas moving. Conor knew that when he was leaving the panel, that the opportunity would be there for him to rejoin, as any other player would know when we speak to them if they’re no longer part of the squad. He took that opportunity with his club, had a really, really good club season and we’d like to have him back. So let’s see how it goes.

“We’ve had three high-profile retirements with Eoin Cadogan, Bill Cooper and Colm Spillane. A number of the 20s have joined the squad from the last two All-Ireland winning teams.

“It’s a very young squad which is great for now and the future of Cork hurling. It’s challenging in that this particular few weeks with Fitzgibbon Cup and Freshers, I think we’ve approximately 22, 23 players playing games at the moment with their respective colleges.

That puts its own demands on us in terms of managing their load, the number of games they have each week. These few weeks are difficult from that perspective.”