The 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship has concluded with Galway claiming the title of All-Ireland Champions for the second time in five years. This year’s action packed championship will live long in memories with high drama and superb hurling witnessed throughout.

The Tribesmen, with star trio Niall O’Donoghue, Niall Burke and team captain Barry Daly, came to the fore in overcoming the challenge of a gallant Limerick side at the semi final stage before dispatching Dublin on a score line of 3-14 to 1-10 in the All-Ireland Final to take the Cross of Cashel west of the Shannon.

In Leinster, Dublin defeated Wexford to claim provincial honours en route to the All-Ireland decider. Captained by Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador and 2011 GAA/GPA All Star Liam Rushe, the young men from the capital came up short against a Galway side that was in scintillating form on the day.

Up North, in what was a rematch of the 2010 Ulster final Antrim saw off the challenge of Armagh and captured the Ulster Championship before the Dubs ended their hopes of All-Ireland glory in the All-Ireland semi final.

Down in Munster, Limerick overcame the odds and captured their first provincial crown in nine years by beating Cork after extra time. In a game that characterised this year’s championship, both teams gave everything and showcased hurling of the highest quality.

Following his performances against Limerick and Tipperary, Cork’s Aidan Walsh had the honour of collecting the Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year award drawing a line under the season.

As we look forward to 2012, make sure to keep up to date on all the news, gossip and other information throughout the winter months here on breakingthrough.ie and on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Breaking Through Player of the Year.  

Aidan was superb in this year’s Munster final, scoring eight points, including that fantastic last minute equaliser. He was up against players of serious talent but I don’t think anyone can begrudge Walsh. He is a fantastic player and hopefully hurling fans will be seeing more of him in the future.

A big congratulations is also due to to Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Hurling ambassadors, past and present, Liam Rushe, Paul Murphy, Richie Hogan and Padraic Maher, who were this week named in the 2011 GAA Hurling All-Stars. The four lads are fantastic players and worthy winners.

This week I have asked Limerick’s Kevin Downes to write a blog on his season just gone.

Kevin had an eventful year with both the Limerick senior side and the U-21s including that fantastic Munster Championship win. It will be interesting hearing Kevin’s outlook on Limerick hurling at the moment which is certainly going in the right direction.

I’ll leave you in his capable hands, 

Joe

There hasn’t been much time to dwell on either the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship or the Senior Championship over the past couple of months, as I have been ticking away with my club Na Piarsaigh and that has also gone pretty well with us winning a county title!

Thankfully my hand injury cleared up and after losing two County Championship finals in a row, it was great to finally get a winners medal. We are now in the mix for the Munster Championship so fingers crossed my season won’t be finishing any time soon.

I suppose looking back on the county season; it was somewhat of a mixed bag. The Senior Championship started off with the disappointment of that one point loss against Waterford but we managed to get it together and pulled off good wins against Wexford and Antrim before losing to Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

With a bit of luck on the day, I believe we could have beaten both Dublin and Waterford. We learnt a lot about ourselves this season, especially following the losses so I have no doubt we will come back even better next year. This Limerick team is young and full of up and coming talent, so I think we will take great confidence from this year’s Championship as we look to push on and improve next season.

Obviously there has been quite a bit of change off the pitch over the past while. It was disappointing losing Dónal O’Grady. We knew he was only in the job for the year but I think everyone was hoping he would stay on. In saying that John Allen who is coming in is a brilliant manager and I have no doubt he’ll do well in bringing this team forward.

As for the Bord Gáis Energy Championship, winning the U-21 Munster Championship was definitely the highlight of the year. It was a cracking game of hurling and to come out the right side of such a close game is fantastic for Limerick hurling and something the players will always remember.

Unfortunately, we went on to lose against Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final by two points which was a huge blow. We were full of confidence going into the game following the Munster final win but it just wasn’t to be on the day. They say you make your own luck in hurling, so I guess there is plenty of work still to be done.

Thankfully, there is a large number of last year’s team that will be eligible for next season so hopefully we can push on and stake a claim for the Cross of Cashel.

Until then, I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this Munster Championship with Na Piarsaigh and keeping our run going as long as possible.

Hopefully I’ll chat to you all again next season,

Kevin

The dual star from Kanturk was picked from a shortlist of seven that included Galway trio Niall O’Donoghue, Niall Burke and Barry Daly who all played a pivotal role in helping Galway lift the Cross of Cashel trophy for the first time since 2007.

Also in the running for the award were Dublin captain Liam Rushe who led his team to the All-Ireland Final and Limerick duo Shane Dowling and Declan Hannon who picked up provincial medals in a hugely positive year for hurling in the Treaty County.

However Walsh’s outstanding performances throughout the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Munster Hurling Championship were without doubt stand out moments for the Rebel faithful. His haul of eight points against Limerick in the Munster Final was one of the finest individual performances witnessed throughout the 2011 GAA year.

Playing at wing forward, the CIT student exerted his aerial prowess to great effect and scored all eight points from play including an incredible long range effort in the dying seconds to send the game into extra time. Unfortunately for the 2010 Young Footballer of the Year it wasn’t to be, as Limerick ran out by two points to claim the Munster title.

However, it was not just one performance that made him stand out. Walsh also performed brilliantly in a thrilling Munster Semi-Final victory over the reigning All-Ireland U-21 champions Tipperary where his tally of 1-1 helped overturn and dethrone the Premier County.

Ger Cunningham, Bord Gáis Energy Sport Sponsorship Manager said, “The 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Championship has been one of the most competitive in recent years. The quality and skill on show meant that it was going to be very tough to single out one player. However, Aidan was immense for Cork in their Munster championship campaign. His performance in the Munster Final was one of the best individual performances I have ever witnessed.

“With players of the calibre of Aidan coming through hopefully Cork will be back challenging for All-Ireland glory before long. Aidan is a prized possession and his dual star qualities are evident in the fact that he won the 2010 Young Footballer of the Year.

“Following on from Darach Honan and Seamus Hennessy, this is the third year of the Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year Award and while hurling is a team sport, there is always room for individual honours and we feel that this award is a reflection on one player’s year and hopefully an indicator of great things to come from them.”

On receiving the award, Aidan said, “I am delighted to accept this award, especially considering the talent I was up against and I would like to congratulate the other lads for their own achievements this year.

“Unfortunately we were undone in the Munster Final against a very talented Limerick side and we felt we maybe should have won that match but it wasn’t to be. There is a huge amount of work going into Cork hurling at underage levels and I’m sure we will be winning All-Irelands at all age groups before long. I’m very honoured to be accepting this award and would like to thank all involved in the selection process.”

The selection panel was completed by Bord Gáis Energy Sport Sponsorship Manager, Ger Cunningham, RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey, Micheál Ó Domhnaill of TG4, U-21 All-Ireland winner Joe Canning and former Waterford great Ken McGrath.

Over the past few years the U-21 Championship has really proven itself as a top class competition and this year was no exception. For me, what exemplified everything that is good about the U-21 Championship was the Munster final between Cork and Limerick and the Galway and Limerick All-Ireland semi-final clash.

Both games were open and exciting, with plenty of young up and coming talent on display, looking to make their mark on the inter-county stage. Both sets of players just played great hurling and thrilled those in attendance and those at home watching on TG4.

If I had to pick one moment from the Championship though that stood out over all else, it would have to be Aidan Walsh’s last minute equalising point in the Munster final for Cork. When you consider Aidan’s position on the pitch and the timing of the point, it was truly a special moment and those fortunate to have witnessed it, will remember it for some time I’m sure.

You can be certain that Jimmy Barry Murphy will remember it and the battle for Aidan’s services next year on Leeside will be interesting! Counihan vs. Barry Murphy…now that would be box office on Sky Sports!

The U-21 final itself didn’t really live up to expectations.

Dublin, who were impressive earlier in their campaign, never showed up on the night. To be fair there was a lot of pressure on the Dubs going into the game to collect some silverware, with both the senior and minor teams coming so close only to miss out at the semi final and final stage respectively.

Galway on the other hand, were always in control and by half time it was pretty clear that there was only going to be one winner. As a Galway fan, it was great seeing the U-21 lads bounce back from the disappointment of last year’s final defeat and get the job done this time around.

With all inter-county hurling now done for another year, I suppose it won’t be long until people start discussing next season. That’s just the nature of fans – always looking to next year and what it might bring!

From a Galway perspective, 2011 was massively disappointing going out at the quarter final stage so I’m really looking forward to next season and hopefully we can give Galway fans something to shout about.

Obviously we will have a new manager on board as well and that brings its own challenges for us players as you have to adjust to a new regime – but you would also be looking forward massively to the new start.

I hope that whoever comes in will get us motoring in the right direction because we have the talent. If that man is Anthony Cunningham, it would cap off a fine year having managed the U-21s in their quest for All-Ireland glory.

But this is the perennial question for Galway hurling – how to transform underage success into senior success and ultimately how to bring Liam back West.

For now, we’ll just wait and see what the County Board decides to do but you only have to look at the success of the minors and the U-21s this year under Mattie and Anthony to see that the talent is there.

Until then life must go on. There are club games to be played with Portumna and there is the small matter of picking the Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year award. With three lads in maroon jerseys in the running, chances are the trophy will be going West but I will hold my counsel on that until I have spoken to the rest of the judges.

No doubt Marty Morrissey and Ken McGrath will have their own slant on things!

Work is also manic thankfully. I was down at the ploughing last week with Canning Hurls and that went really well. I’m also back in college now a couple of weeks so it’s busy times ahead which should help the winter go by that little bit quicker.

So until next time,

Joe

Q&A with man of the match from this years Under 21 Hurling All Ireland Final

When and why did you start playing hurling? 

I started playing hurling when I was about 5 years of age, as soon as I was able to pick up a hurl really. My Dad used to play with the club and was over them for a few years so it was from then that I really got into it the sport.  

Your best moment on the pitch? 

During the All Ireland Final in 2009 we were playing Kilkenny in Croke Park and I scored a point. It was such a great feeling to score on the grounds of Croke Park. 

Your toughest opponent? 

I would have to say Conor O’ Mahony. We were playing a game in Thurles against Tipperarry. He was a very tough full forward and probably one of the best I’ve been up against. 

How does it feel to have won this year? 

It feels great although it hasn’t really kicked in yet. Looking back on last year it was such a great achievement for us to win this year.

Sporting Hero?

Kilkenny hurler, Henry Shefflin. After all his injuries to come back and win an All Ireland was some achievement and one he should be so proud of.   

What advice do you have for other young hurlers? 

Stick at it and never give up!  We could have given up last year after we got beaten badly in the final last year but we didn’t. We got back into training in February and stuck at and look what we achieved from it.   

What do you love most about hurling?

“Winning”. . its such a great feeling. It’s a great way to meet new people and I’ve made friends for life from playing hurling.  

Favourite GAA ground?

After Croke Park, I would have to say Thurles is a very nice pitch. Athenry in Galway is a lovely ground to play on too.

Highlight of the game?

During the second half when Dublin our goalie made an outstanding save. It could have gone either way but he came through the hero in the end. 

Highlight of the season?

I would have to say it was beating Limerick in the semi final.  It was a hard game and it gave us the confidence going into the All Ireland.  We had gone into the semi final feeling quite cold as they had a great game against Cork. It went to extra time and to win in that manner gave us great confidence

Galway’s march to claim the title of Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Champions has seen the Tribesmen yield three nominations for the Breaking Through Player of the Year award, trio Niall O’Donoghue, Niall Burke and team captain Barry Daly. Also shortlisted for the award are Limerick duo Shane Dowling and Declan Hannon, with Aidan Walsh of Cork and Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador and Dublin captain Liam Rushe completing the list of contenders for the honour.

The Breaking Through Player of the Year award recognises the overall stand out player of the 2011 Championship. A panel made up of Bord Gáis Energy Sport Sponsorship Manager and newly appointed Cork selector, Ger Cunningham, RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey, Micheál O Domhnaill of TG4, U-21 All-Ireland winner Joe Canning and former Waterford great Ken McGrath will deliberate on a winner from the seven nominees. The winning player will receive a trophy and voucher worth €1000 to mark his achievement.

Speaking about the award, Ger Cunningham said, “Bord Gáis Energy is delighted to be able to recognise the talent of our U-21 hurlers with the Breaking Through Player of the Year Award and, once again this year, a group of outstanding players has been nominated for the award. This year’s Championship has produced hurling at the very highest of standards, generating plenty of thrilling clashes. Whoever the judging panel eventually picks as the winner will thoroughly deserve it.”

Unsurprisingly, All-Ireland Champions Galway dominate the list of nominees. Niall O’Donoghue, Niall Burke and team captain Barry Daly were all instrumental in seeing the Westerners push one step further this year by defeating Limerick and Dublin en route to lifting the Cross of Cashel.

Although Limerick were edged out in an exhilarating All-Ireland Semi Final against eventual winners Galway, the Shannonsiders captured their first Munster title since 2002 against Cork after extra time in a match that will be long-remembered in the minds of many. Two players to impress the judges throughout their championship campaign were Declan Hannon, scoring 1-4 in that Munster decider, and Shane Dowling who finished the 2011 championship with 2-16 to his credit.

Another star of the Munster Final to make this year’s shortlist was Cork dual star Aidan Walsh. The Kanturk clubman scored 1-1 against 2010 All-Ireland winners Tipperary and was monumental against Limerick, scoring eight points from play in what was one of the finest individual displays of the year.

Walsh’s fellow nominee Liam Rushe was immense for Dublin throughout their championship run to the All-Ireland Final. The Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador put in a fitting leader’s performance in their Leinster Final victory against Wexford, collecting the man of the match accolade, and had a fine year operating between centre forward and centre back.

The winner will be announced in the coming weeks.

Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year Shortlist:
Liam Rushe (Dublin)
Barry Daly (Galway)
Niall O’Donoghue (Galway)
Aidan Walsh (Cork)
Shane Dowling (Limerick)
Declan Hannon (Limerick)
Niall Burke (Galway)

THE last week has given a strange insight into the condition of Galway hurling over the past two decades after two dynamic and hugely talented underage sides produced emphatic victories on All-Ireland final day.
First the minors had nine points to spare in Croke Park and then, on Saturday night, their U21 team had a ten-point cushion as they dismissed the challenge of Dublin in the U21HC final at Semple Stadium.

The level of performance served by their youngsters will generate plenty optimism in hurling circles in the county and this U21 victory demonstrated the potential that exists as these players prepare to move up to the senior grade.

But there is a large caveat to that positivity. Galway hurling has specialised in churning out sparkling underage talents in the past only to see them fall down on the big stage. The manner of this U21 success ensured there will be hope for Galway hurling over the winter, yet it will be accompanied by a natural wariness.

“All of Galway is hoping these guys will kick on and make good senior players,” admitted triumphant U21 boss Anthony Cunningham.

“Two weekends running, there’s a lot of optimism there now. But there’s still a massive amount of work to be done, you know how high the bar is, I don’t have to tell you. There are huge tasks there – the Limerick match the last day was a huge task to get over and you have the Corks, Kilkennys and now Dublin on the scene. What a force they’re going to be.”

For now Galway will savour this success as they firmly banished the memories of their U21 meltdown last year at the hands of an awesome Tipp team. They were ruthless, tearing Dublin apart and ensuring the 2011 hurling revolution in the capital concludes in sombre fashion. It was a desperately dispiriting experience for Dublin as they never scaled the heights they reached in their march to this decider.

Defenders like Martin Quilty and senior star Liam Rushe did their best to ignite the challenge, yet they were ultimately submerged by powerful maroon waves. The fact Dublin only raised three white flags from play, and two of those were delivered by substitute Robert Mahon in the last quarter, illustrated their struggles.

Of course that was also a testament to the strength of Galway’s rearguard. The semi-final success over Limerick illustrated their ability to shut down an attack and the standards set in that performance were replicated here by Niall Donoghue, Ger O’Halloran and Jason Grealish. Midfielder Johnny Coen was in the thick of the action from the off as he dictated the game. And Galway’s ability to feast on the breaks around the middle, the sharpness of their striking and the physicality of their tackling were also key facets of their victory.

Backed by a strong wind in the first-half, they took their time to get going up front. Barry Daly and Tadhg Haran offered early threats, and it was Haran who smashed home an 11th minute penalty to cancel out Tomás Connolly’s goal minutes previously for Dublin.

But Galway’s shooting was wayward and Dublin soaked up the pressure until just before the interval.

Then the Tribesmen cut loose, with corner-forward pairing James Regan and Davy Glennon wreaking havoc as they accelerated clear for a goal apiece before the break. That left Galway 3-6 to 1-4 ahead at the midway mark and their resilience in defence meant they were never going to leak a deluge of scores in the second-half. They cleverly picked off points with David Burke, Glennon and Niall Burke all prominent, and despite the accuracy of Dublin freetaker Kevin O’Loughlin, Galway’s 10th title at this level was never in doubt.

“It’s very satisfying for these players who were shell-shocked last year,” stated Cunningham. “This time last year it was a lonely place but to be honest, it’s a great way for them now to finish.”

Scorers for Galway: T Haran 1-3 (1-0p), J Regan, D Glennon 1-2 each, D Burke, N Burke 0-3 (0-2fs) each, C Cooney 0-1.

Scorers for Dublin: T Connolly 1-2 (0-2fs), K O’Loughlin 0-5fs, R Mahon 0-2, N McMorrow 0-1.

Subs for Galway: R Burke for Gordon (18), B Burke for Haran (41), D Fox for Cooney (55), N Quinn for N Burke (57), D Cooney for D Burke (inj. 62).
Subs for Dublin: S McGrath for Schutte (HT), F Clabby for Kelly (HT), R Mahon for O’Loughlin (40), B Quinn for Connolly (56).

Referee: Tony Carroll (Offaly).

Only six days after the counties met in the Minor decider, Dublin and Galway meet again but this time it is in Semple Stadium for the 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship Final.

The counties last met in an U-21 Final in 2007, a final that Galway won and left Dublin still searching for a first All-Ireland title at this grade. Both sides are littered with senior talent and captains Liam Rushe and Barry Daly, together with their managers John McEvoy and Anthony Cunningham came together in Thurles today ahead of Saturday’s encounter.

Dublin come into this U-21 Final on the back of an impressive campaign in Leinster defeating Wexford in the final in front of a capacity crown in Wexford Park. Their Semi-Final win over Antrim didn’t cause them too much trouble and that might be the one worry as they enter this weekend’s final a little under cooked.

Galway on the other hand have had less games as they came straight in to the Championship at the Semi-Final stage but they got an almighty game from Limerick the last day out, a game that captain Barry Daly, who hails from Naas originally, was immense in.

There is plenty of talk about Dublin hurling at present and the strides being made but despite the travails of the senior side, a Minor and U-21 double would go down very nicely for the Tribesmen.

Criostóir Ó Cuana, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael said, “For the second year running all roads lead to Semple Stadium, Thurles for the climax of the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Hurling final which this year pits Dublin and Galway against each other.

“Last year’s fixture was a memorable game with Tipperary successfully holding off the Galway challenge to crown a memorable week but the men of the west get another chance to stake a claim for top honours this weekend.

“That they come against Dublin is further evidence of that county’s ongoing progress and the Dubs will no doubt recall losing to the same opposition in the 2007 decider.

“I am looking forward to what should be a tremendous encounter and I know the players, managers, supporters and our competition partners Bord Gáis Energy will view it in a similar vein.”

“Underage hurling in both Dublin and Galway could not be stronger right now and with both counties in their second underage final in six days there is huge excitement in both counties ahead of Saturday’s Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Final,” said the recently appointed Cork senior hurling selector and Bord Gáis Energy Sports Sponsorship Manger Ger Cunningham.

“This year is the third full year of our sponsorship and we are delighted to be able to support one of the truly great GAA competitions. While plenty of the focus will of course be on Dublin and Galway, Kerry and Westmeath also deserve huge praise and this game should be a great undercard to the main event with Kerry of course looking to retain the title they won last year.

“We are delighted once again to be able to offer the fans something different on Saturday in Semple and indeed on their couch at home. As well as the Crossbar Challenge which has been a huge success for both the winning clubs and fans alike, we are also doing QR code promotions on the back of the match programme and in conjunction with TG4, the Bord Gáis Energy Player Cam will be a feature of the Final. Finally, we will be announcing our Breaking Through Player of the Year in the weeks after the final.”

The 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Final throws in at Semple Stadium at 7.00pm. It will be preceded by the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland B Final between Kerry and Westmeath, which is at 5pm. Both matches will be broadcast live on TG4.

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling
U-21 All-Ireland Championship 2011 Results

Bord Gáis Energy Leinster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
8th June: Wexford (1-17) v Kilkenny (2-12)
Carlow (0-11) v Dublin (4-11)
22nd June: Wexford (7-18) v Laois (2-10)
Dublin (0-21) v Offaly (0-8)
13th July: Leinster Final: Wexford (0-11) v Dublin (1-18)

Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
1st June: Tipperary (4-12) v Waterford (1-16)
15th July: Tipperary (1-21) v Cork (4-19)
26th July: Clare (1-15) v Limerick (2-19)
3rd August: Munster Final: Limerick (4-20) v Cork (1-27) (after extra time)

Bord Gáis Energy Ulster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
13th July: Armagh 2-20 Donegal 1-6
20th July: Antrim v Derry – Walkover handed to Antrim
Down (0-10) v Armagh (1-11)
28th July: Ulster Final: Antrim (0-15) v Armagh (2-07)

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship
20th August: All-Ireland Semi Finals:
Antrim (0-06) v Dublin (2-23)
Limerick (2-14) v Galway (0-22)

10th September: All-Ireland Final
Semple Stadium, Thurles, 7pm

With the exception of Tipperary’s semi-final clash with Dublin, both sides have yet to be truly tested, so Sunday should be fascinating seeing how both sides react under a bit of pressure.

I see in the papers today that Tipp have gone with an unchanged team from the side that beat Dublin a couple of weeks ago. Looking through the team player by player, it is hard not to be impressed with the quality throughout Declan Ryan’s side.

Last year’s Young Player of the Year, Brendan Maher must make do with a place on the bench. I expect Brendan to have a big impact when he enters the game and it will be interested to see at what stage Ryan sends him in.

Kilkenny have overcome Wexford, Dublin and Waterford on their way to the final and seem to be getting back to the level of hurling we have come to expect from Kilkenny. The motivation of last year’s loss will be a big factor in the game as the Cats look to dethrone a Tipp side who put a stop to their drive for five.

I see Brian Cody describing Kilkenny as underdogs in the papers this week; I’m not sure if a team who have only lost one Championship game in five years can really be described as underdogs, but what is for sure is that it promises to be an exciting, tight game of hurling. If I had to call it I’d back Kilkenny to edge out the win in the end.

Cody just doesn’t lose two finals, two years in a row!

The curtain raiser on Sunday is the minor final between Galway and Dublin. Dublin minors have been flying this year both in the football and hurling but I fancy Galway to win this one. That may be the heart ruling the head but I don’t think so!

Galway were very impressive against Clare at the start of the month, winning 1-23 to 1-18 after extra-time. Shane Maloney was in great form on the day and if he can replicate that performance again in the final, Galway should win out in the end.

Once Sunday is done and dusted our attentions will turn straight onto the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship final between Galway and Dublin, but sure I’ll leave that for next week’s blog.

A huge two weeks in store, looking forward to it and hopefully seeing Galway winning either the minor or U-21 Championship, if not both.

Chat to you next week,

Joe

1. How long did your hurling career last?
Wouldn’t describe it as a career but played it competitively for the guts of 12 years. Would have loved to have played on but work at the weekend dictated. Also came to the conclusion early I was doing the game more harm than good.

2. What age were you when it started/finished?
Started around 7 and finished up at 19. Great years playing for Scoil Treasa and St Anne’s.

3. Did you win any hurling honours?
Herald Cup (sub), Herald Cup (started), Community Games (bench). Two of the finals came in Croke Park so was delighted to get to “grace” the hallowed turf – although it was more hollow than hallow in the early Nineties. Anyone remember that dip in the Hogan/Davin corner where the teams used to come out?

4. What was your greatest moment on the hurling pitch?
Came in Gormanston, Co Meath of all places. A colleges game for Firhouse CC. Remember like it was yesterday. Long ball in… double the ball to the top right corner… like I was Nicky English doing a Phoenix From The Flames of his second goal against Antrim in the 1989 final. Funny, nobody else thought it was all that great.

5. Do you still pick up the stick every once in a while?
Had the pleasure of a puckaround with RTE’s Darren Frehill before the recent charity game in Croke Park. The least said about the football the better! Had intended going back hurling but again work takes priority.

6. Which hurlers do you most admire and why?
Henry Shefflin’s an obvious candidate for how he backs up his obvious talent with incredible commitment. First to training, what he does to improve his game when nobody’s watching. But Nicky English was my hero growing up. He had it all. Yeah, Nicky and Donie O’Connell. The father’s Tipperary influence is to blame for that.

7. Which club/county do you support?
St Anne’s hurling is non-existent so I always like to see Ballyboden St Enda’s doing well – and how they are. It’s a split between Dublin and Tipperary for county allegiances. Had a Tipp jersey before I had a Dublin one. The Premier is engrained in me.

8. What was the best match you ever attended?
The 2009 All-Ireland final. Last year’s final runs it close but the previous season’s decider was a better classic, for want of a better expression. Can’t forget the Waterford v Cork Munster final in 2004 either. You couldn’t keep your eyes off it.

9. Would you prefer a 65 into the wind and rain at Croker or a 12 foot putt at Augusta?
I’d say the 12-footer, just to play at Augusta, but give me the 65… at least my tears wouldn’t be seen in the rain!

10. An Oscar acceptance speech or a Liam McCarthy victory speech?
Liam, of course. You never remember who won an Oscar but images of All-Ireland winning captains tattoo the brain.

11. If you could play with any county team which would it be and why?
Has to be Cody’s Kilkenny or Sheedy’s Tipperary. You could measure yourself as a man trying to make one of those teams. Clare pioneered, Cork added even more but Kilkenny and Tipperary in the last few years have brought the game almost to its optimum level.

12. Have any of the skills you learned form hurling been of benefit to you in your current career?
People skills, no doubt. Being able to know what you’re writing about even if you haven’t hit the heights. A good dollop of humility too!

13. Who is going to win the Liam McCarthy in 2011?
I went with Tipp last year and think if they’ve got the right attitude they’ll retain it. New management will help but they have to want it just as bad if not more. Waterford are a close second. Kilkenny can’t be written off.

14. Who will win the U-21 Hurling Championship in your view?
Kilkenny’s minors have doing extremely well over the last few years. They might be able to translate it at the next level but Tipperary and Galway can’t be dismissed either.

15. Which radio presenter would you like on your hurling team?
Marty Morrissey – a mean goalkeeper and you only have to mention west Clare isn’t known for its hurling to get him going.

16. What is your favourite GAA ground?
Thurles. Nurtured on it. Was lifted, yes lifted, over many a turnstile in Tom Semple’s field.

17. Our website is called breakingthrough.ie.  What was your break through moment?
Career-wise, Cathal Dervan taking a punt on an eager 18-year-old in the newspaper formerly known as Ireland on Sunday. Hurling-wise, the dad knowing the manager helped, or so one of my vanquished childhood friends/former team-mates told me!

18. Which hurling manager would you most liked to have played under?
Cody, just to see how much of the success Kilkenny have enjoyed is down to him. I’d imagine an incredible amount but would be fascinating to find out.

19. What was your best attribute/skill on the hurling pitch?
Could field a ball and knew where the goal was. A lumbersome Christy Heffernan wannabe, you might say.

20. What was the last hurling game you attended?
Wanted to get to the Tipp v Dublin challenge but couldn’t with other work commitments. The last one for me was Kilkenny v Offaly in the league – not all that memorable.

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 quick nod to the bench to see what the bainisteoir wants. If I’m going down, he’s following. Safety in numbers, y’know!