Cashel native, Denis Leamy was a keen hurler before he focused his attentions on rugby at 18. Boherlahan-Dulla’s loss was Munster and Ireland’s gain as Leamy went on to enjoy a successful rugby career, proving himself as one of the best versatile back rowers in Europe. He answers 21 questions for BreakingThrough.ie about his hurling career.
1. How long did your hurling career last?
10 years
2. What age were you when it started/finished?
From when I was about 8 until 18 years old.
3. Did you win any hurling honours?
I won a few local Championships at different age groups. I won the mid-Tipperary Championship at U21, U14 and U16 levels.
4. What was your greatest moment on the hurling pitch?
Scoring the only goal in the U16 mid-Tipperary Championship Final. I think it was against JK Brackens.
5. Do you still pick up the stick every once in a while?
Yes I do a little bit, especially when I’m at home in Tipperary. There’s always hurleys lying around for a puck against the wall.
6. Which hurlers do you most admire and why?
Eoin Kelly is a very very talented hurler. He’s had a long hurling career and he’s Tipprary captain again this year- I think it’s hard not to admire him. I was a big fan of Nicky English growing up and Seán Og would be a player I admired too- I admire lots of different hurlers for lots of different reasons.
7. Which club/county do you support?
Tipperary and my local club that I played for, Boherlahan-Dulla. But I also support Cashel King Cormacs. My dad’s from there and he has strong links with the area. And my mam’s from Loughmore Castleiney so I’d go to their matches too! Don’t ask me who I’d support if they were playing against each other!
8. What was the best match you ever attended?
I think last year’s All-Ireland final, Tipp v Kilkenny. A match I’ll always remember too is the 1991 Munster Final replay at Thurles. Tipperary were nine points down against Cork at one stage and came back to win the match, with Aidan Ryan scoring a superb goal.
9. Would you prefer a 65 into the wind and rain at Croker or a 12 foot putt at Augusta?
Maybe the shot at Croker in the wind and rain…But I’d have no chance of getting either of them!
10. An Oscar acceptance speech or a Liam McCarthy victory speech?
Liam McCarthy victory speech.
11. If you could play with any county team which would it be and why?
It would have to be Tipperary because that’s where I’m from and I grew up supporting them – it’s only natural really.
12. Have any of the skills you learned form hurling been of benefit to you in your current career?
Well I think hand eye coordination definitely helped and reaction speeds. Rugby and hurling are very different games, but there are definitely skills that cross over between the two.
13. Who is going to win the Liam McCarthy in 2011?
It will be difficult. I’ll say Tipperary, but Kilkenny will be a serious force this year. Dublin are coming strong and Galway are there or thereabouts. I think the hurling Championship is probably more open this year than it has for a while.
14. Who will win the U-21 Hurling Championship in your view?
I think Tipperary are strong again this year and have a very good chance.
15. Which rugby player would you like on your hurling team?
Tomás O’Leary- he captained the Cork minors in 2001 and he and his dad were both great hurlers. He’s got it all.
16. What is your favourite GAA ground?
Thurles.
17. Our website is called breakingthrough.ie. What was your break through moment?
Probably starting in my first Heineken Cup match for Munster.
18. Which hurling manager would you most liked to have played under?
Brian Cody- he is a fantastic manager. He comes across well on tv and I’ve met him a couple of times and he’s impressive in person too. His record speaks for itself- he obviously has a good set of players to work with, but he gets the best out of them and he’s there or thereabouts every year, which is the sign of a good manager.
19. What was your best attribute/skill on the hurling pitch?
Well I was tall enough and a good catcher of the ball. I suppose I was good at fielding.
20. What was the last hurling game you attended?
The Tipperary county final between Thurles Sarsfields and Clonoulty/Rossmore.
21. You are one point down in the All-Ireland final and you have just been awarded a penalty in the last play of the game…goal or point?
A point! I’d take my chances and go for a win in extra time!