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Home , Babs Keating, Brian Cody, Brian Corcoran, Brian Hogan, Christy Ring, County Kilkenny

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Ol’ Blue on the heart Eyes of it all Kieran ‘Fraggie’ Murphy on the drive to survive Frank Cody on ’s early manhood Leo McGough on the princes of position 02 To see a story now, Crossed lines: TJ just click Reid () on it battles with Jerry Contents O’Connor (Cork) in the All- SHC Noel Hickey PM O’Sullivan semi-final at Croke Park, on Cork-Kilkenny Pat Donegan August 10, 2008 Picture: John McIlwaine Cork-Kilkenny PM O’Sullivan Kieran Murphy Sinéad Ryan Front cover The eyes have it: Cartoon Tom Dack Noel Hickey at St James’s Gate Brian Cody Frank Cody Brewery, Dublin on June 22, 2010 Picture: David Maher/ ‘ By Leo SPORTSFILE Numbers’ McGough

Minors Pat Treacy Everything can be measured, even chilli peppers, for which time. Today, Dónal Óg Cusack carps about ‘Season’s Meetings’ Murt Flynn there is the Scoville scale to measure heat, all the way from because he is not forthright enough in interviews. mildest pimento to blistering Dorset naga. There is an element of crossed lines to this tangle. Cork Poc Fada Shay Larkin This weekend, hurling could do with an equivalent supposedly represent modernity and matters forward. Part instrument. Previews of the Cork-Kilkenny semi-final of the bitterness is that Kilkenny supposedly did not put Augusta-Orlando Alex Yearwood cannot but mention obvious bitterness between the two their shoulders to the GPA wheel. panels. Exchanges on GAA websites spool this antipathy. Hurlers cannot disinvent their own tradition. Dating ‘Backspin’ PM O’Sullivan I have a theory on why Kilkenny’s current success has from ’s appointment in the 1940s as so grigged Cork. Tipperary, with whom the stripy men Board Secretary, Noreside culture has centred on ‘looking traditionally wind a far more intense rivalry, feel their time after’ its panels. is coming. Tipp believe their current personnel will take This influence left a durable legacy. once three or four All- over this decade. said to me of Paddy Grace: “He was a great man to go out However galling it is to watch the auld enemy stack to a man under a cow. He’d have the problem solved before Volume 1, Number 10 (August 2010) unprecedented honours, the spectacle cannot last forever. the cow was milked.” Once it crumbles, they will be there to pick up the pieces. Milk-based drinks, such as lassi, are the only yoke for hot PM O’SULLIVAN (Editor) Pronto. food. MURT FLYNN (Deputy Editor) So one narrative goes, frustration edged with hope. TOBIN (Design) Invert the scenario for a Rebel sense of things, frustration streaked with regret. Comment and submissions: Cork feel their time has come and gone. Scant talent [email protected] on the way up, no underage glory since 2001… Leeside reckons it threw up the chance to add more Senior titles while the men were there to take them. Sponsored by... All a pity. The Cork-Kilkenny tradition, founded on a PM O’Sullivan remarkable series of matches in the mid 1900s, has long 5 August, 2010 been one of mutual respect for each other’s artistry. To register for your free copy, please The old Kilkenny players were quick to say that sign up at www.sliotarmagazine.com Dungourney’s Jamesy Kelleher was the best man of their

2 03 Eye of the calm Noel Hickey tells PM O’Sullivan about his gratitude that hurling was not taken away from him and his determination to keep going for as long as possible Noel Hickey has these remarkable Sinatra eyes, that demented but it is the Kilkenny shade of grey desperate to be blue. way. Farming is his thing but poker could be a million. Noel Hickey the hurler There will never be a tell in Hickey’s default expression. has never received sufficient His still, piercing gaze makes for easy stereotype, credit. Everyone recognizes Hickey as a man of honour, Tony Soprano’s candidate his qualities as a defender but from out of town to vanish a problem. how many players can let off a Appearances deceive. Quick to enjoy a joke, affable clearance 60 yards over either out, Noel Hickey proves easy company. shoulder while running full “The wet day is a good day for writers,” he laughs. pelt towards their own goal? PM O’Sullivan Three times a Minor: Canice Hickey in action Rain brings this farmer to a Kilkenny hotel mid Very few – but Hickey can. for Picture: Eoin Hennessy Photography afternoon, ten days before another go with Cork. Unusually enough for an intercounty hurler, he likes to chat about the game as if he were any other punter. The subplots of personality, the sound lads, the choice pains: all are of interest. The obsession with withdrawing men out the field makes him wry: “That craic doesn’t really work at all. If you’re going to put up any kind of a score, you have to go man for man in the forwards.” Noel Hickey’s level brilliance is perfect embodiment for a county lacking the drama of mountains. Interviewed on after the 2007 All- Ireland Final, DETAILS he said it all Date of birth: December 22, 1980 First among by saying equals: Noel Height: 5’ 10” n o t h i n g : Hickey, John Weight: 13 stone 10 pounds “We’re happy Gardiner and County: Kilkenny e n o u g h . ” Ken McGrath Club: Dunnamaggin (l-r) at St The refusal James’s Gate School: CBS to lose your Brewery, College: Kildalton Agricultural excitement Dublin on College drives some June 22, 2010 Occupation: Farmer Picture: David Maher/ c o u n t i e s SPORTSFILE 3 04

Sweetest success: Noel Hickey is congratulated by John Lyng (father of Derek) after the 2006 All-Ireland SHC Final Picture: Ray McManus/ SPORTSFILE

His supposedly ‘tough’ attributes have been “People like a myth.” Met, he is the epitome of calm, a sort of zen to him. overstated. There is little of The Sopranos there either. Realistically, the charge list runs no further than He inspires confidence and it is easy to see why Hickey He does not get involved in off the ball stuff. For some a flake at Eoin Brislane in the 2003 League Final and is a goalkeeper’s favourite. in Kilkenny, Noel Hickey was not sufficiently cynical a swipe at Mike Fitzgerald in September 2007. For Rain is a clock. There is the hurling season, the when marking DJ in County finals. a man now in his 11th season with Kilkenny, it is an farmer’s year. Long since, he has relished the splice. “I let all that in one ear and out the other,” he smiles. admirable roster. There was never any doubt he would go this path. 4 05

HONOURS 7 All-Ireland SHC (2000, 2002-03, 2006-09) 9 SHC (2000-03, 2005-09) 5 NHL (2002-03, 2005-06, 2009) 3 All-Stars (2000, 2003, 2008) 1 Young Hurler of the Year (2000) 2 Railway Cup (2002-03) 1 All-Ireland U21HC (1999) 1 Leinster U21HC (1999) 2 Leinster MHC (1997-98) 1 Kilkenny SHC (1997) 1 Kilkenny IHC (2000) 3 Kilkenny U21HC A (1996, 1998-99) 2 Kilkenny MHC A (1995, 1998) 1 Agricultural Colleges All-Ireland SHC (1999) 1 Leinster Colleges SHC A (1998)

at home as well, it’s a great help. If you were on your own, you could get caught at times.” Not that he is one of those hurlers who makes the choice sound a burden. “The hurling is a great outlet,” he states. “With the farming, especially with the tillage, you can be on your own a lot. So it’s great to go in and meet up with the lads and that. “To be honest, when you finish up – in September with the county if you’re lucky, in October with the club – you’d be at a bit of a loose end.” Noel Hickey is one of the finest full-backs of all time but had to survive severe setback. First came an Certain clearance: Noel Hickey (Kilkenny) eludes (Cork) in the All-Ireland SHC enforced layoff in the middle of the last decade. Since Final at Croke Park, Dublin on September 3, 2006 Picture: Eoin Hennessy Photography he came back for 2006, Kilkenny have not lost in the championship. The Monday before he captained the Kilkenny U21s As Noel reveals, illness prompted reassessment: to victory in the 1999 All-Ireland Final, he started at “When I had the in ’05, with the virus of the Kildalton Agricultural College in . “That craic doesn’t really heart, there was never any question in my mind but “I was always out and about on the farm at home,” that I was going to come back. I was 24 at the time. he recalls. “Just enjoyed it, really. Nothing else ever work at all. If you’re going When it does happen, you realize it can be taken away came into my mind. It was a natural progression along. from you at any time. I was happy doing it, and I still am.” to put up any kind of a “When I came back the following year, I was more He farms a large holding around Danganmore in determined than ever to make every year count, South Kilkenny, himself the tillage end, eldest brother score, you have to go man because you never know what’s around the corner. Jim taking care of the dairying. As Noel notes, this for man in the forwards.” You can be gone and be out of it and that’s it. You have arrangement eases the burden of training: “With Jim to make the most of it.” 5 06

Measure any man by length of humour in darkest shadow. “I had to go into hospital at that time for a while,” he relates. “The ward I was in used to sleep from one to three in the day. They woke me up around half two and there were five doctors around the bed. I said: this isn’t looking too good…! “But, anyway, they told me the rest of the year was a no no, but that there shouldn’t be a problem after that. The virus should work its way out of my system. Lucky enough, it did.” The moment itself remains vivid: “You’d think nothing of it in a way. That day, it was real warm weather. I had a savage pain in my head and in my chest. And then I’d be shivering, and then I’d be grand. “I was coming back from a club game in and I couldn’t get the team doctor on the phone. So I rang my sister Catherine. I was outside Carroll’s Shop in and I said to her: will I get panadol? She said: god, you’d better go into hospital and get it checked out. “Lucky enough that she told me to go in instead of telling me to go home. If I’d went home and laid down, you’d never know what might have happened…” Like 2006, this season has posed a whole new challenge. Noel reflects: “Last year, I got the injury and missed the whole lot. Missed the league this year. It’s all confidence, I suppose. The ability to tear out and take the ball in front. “Confidence, that’s the main thing. Coming back this year, I suppose you wonder if you still have it.” There are six Hickey brothers and two sisters. The boys have a remarkable distinction, in that all of them hurled Minor for Kilkenny, starting with Jim’s Minor All-Ireland in 1991. Five progressed to U21 and only an exceptionally strong panel in 1999 prevented John from doing the same. Now they are getting involved in Dunnamaggin’s underage section. , who captained Noel, before halftime. No way through: Kilkenny in the 1998 All-Ireland Final, is active in “I’d say I missed 15 minutes,” he THE HICKEY BUNCH Kilkenny’s Noel Hickey and Jackie Tyrell (l- Cumann na mBunscoil. says. “Five before the break and ten Minor U21 Jim 1991 1994 r) bottle up Declan The brothers share more than a gift for hurling. after. Jim had to tear home and get a O’Dwyer (Dublin) in the Wearing glasses and then contact lenses became a spare lens and what not. Tom 1993 1995-96 Leinster SHC semi- thread. Noel got contacts as a second year in Callan “The lenses were a nuisance, Andrew 1994-95 1998 final at Croke Park, Dublin on June 20, CBS. alright. Any drop of sweat, you’d get John 1996– Noel 1997-98 1999-2001 2010 Later, there was a league game against James blurred vision. So I decided I’d go in Picture: Eoin Hennessy Stephens in Callan. One of the lenses flew. Off went and get the laser done. One of my Canice 1998-2000 2002-03 Photography 6 07

Club chase (l-r): Rory Moore (Clara) takes on Noel Hickey (Dunnamaggin) Picture: Eoin Hennessy Photography it was just something new altogether. We think it’s put on, that we just say it, but could have stood there forever, I think.” it’s not. Brian always puts the same high First among equals: Noel Hickey, and Ken McGrath (l-r) There is body of opinion that holds level on it, whoever we’re playing. He at St James’s Gate Brewery, Dublin on June 22, 2010 Picture: David Maher/ Brian Cody is mounting an elaborate never changes on that.” SPORTSFILE spoof when he speaks of taking everyone This advice is always to hand. Noel sisters had it done before and she said “To me, that was a massive day, seriously, including Offaly and himself likes to keep a weather eye. “Ah it was brilliant.” up there, that day against in sides that did not prove competitive yeah, you’d be watching the games early He sums up with panache: “I got the . It all began there.” on the day. Noel Hickey confirms there in the championship,” he says. “Of course new heart in ’05, and then I said I’d go Spool forward seven years: “The is never a hint of charade: “If we were you are. Keeping an eye on it, particularly the whole hog and get new eyes in sweetest one is the ’06 All-Ireland. For playing Antrim instead of Cork, Brian on full-forwards for other teams, what ’06…!” a lot of lads, it’s 2000, because they had Cody would be talking to us the exact they’re like, their style of play.” His most treasured memories centre lost the two finals before it. But I wasn’t same. Everyone gets the same respect. Then he takes to a laugh: “I remember, on that U21 win and the comeback there at the time. For me, it was definitely Every team. That’s the honest truth. watching the Cork-Tipp game, when I after 2005: “The U21 was the week after ’06. “With some managers, they’d be saw Aisake, I remember saying to myself: the Seniors lost the final to Cork. I was “It was the first game, sort of, we were saying: we are playing so and so today… watch this lad…! He’s different. You after losing a Minor All-Ireland to Cork underdogs going in. Certain games, You’d be going out but you wouldn’t be might have to meet him down the road.” the year before that. You’d be fair sick of when the final whistle goes, it’s just… going all out. That day is Sunday. Hickey sees it losing… But ’06, the feeling after the final whistle, “Brian never does that. People might clear. 7 08 Running out

Corkof have time? contributed mightily to modern hurling’s development, as Pat Donegan notes, but time waits for no team and Rebel resources are no longer plentiful

Our beautiful game has seen many Comerford for last September’s All- revolutions throughout its 125 years. Ireland Final was precisely that move. ’s soloing in the 1930s, Obviously, with so much mileage Wexford’s fetching in the 1950s: both on the clock, Cork face the inevitable moments were a dramatic innovation. dilemma. The current team urgently Each emphasis concentrated on use of needs freshening up, personnel and possession so as to make most headway. approach alike. Replacements to Strong convictions, in each case, were challenge the incumbents do not seem Freshness required: Cathal Naughton (Cork) challenges Séamus overturned. to be there. Either that or they are not Prendergast () in the Munster SHC Final at , Yet no team has left such a dramatic being promoted to the championship on July 11, 2010 Pictures: John McIlwaine imprint on hurling’s evolution as did XV. starters should be superior to anything autobiography. The recent appearance Cork in the 2000s. Now their team Certainly, a county with resources as in the country. of one Cork hurler’s partner on Saturday nears the end of its natural lifespan. vast as the hurling heartland of East Cork Contemplating this weekend, Cork Night with Miriam, on which she claimed That incredible win over Galway two should have a problem with frequent will counter and point to the number they were never able to get away summers ago in Thurles looks the turnover of players rather than one of of established stars still under 30. If together for a weekend, spoke for itself Rebels’ last grand stand. too few candidates. Could it be that birth certs cannot be disputed, better about the ethos. Innovation persisted to the end. those Rebels who rocked the hurling management of fitness programmes Incredibly enough, seven years That night’s defiance was manifest in world less than a decade ago are now while key players were at their peak since they first lined out together, a crucial Ben O’Connor point. Then, at resistant to the changes required? might have strengthened their John Gardiner, and Seán the end of a lengthy solo, the support Recent lack of success at Minor and influence for a season or two more. Óg Ó hAilpín remain the undisputed runner’s flight path brought him right U21 does not tally. The progress of Rest periods and holidays should half-back trio. While, individually and across that of the ball carrier, doing an underage team is decided by the have been prioritized. Instead a rather collectively, they have been great what every schoolboy is warned off. contribution of the selection’s weakest macho culture – train as hard as possible servants, it must be a concern that not There comes a time for every team five members. Ultimately, only the as often as possible – seems to have a single Cork hurler has challenged unit when changes are required in strongest five, the stars, will push for a prevailed. their position in that time. Even Ó order to remain a contender. Kilkenny future at the top level. Given population There is extensive detail on hAilpín’s recent absence through injury management’s decision to drop Martin figures, Cork’s weakest five underage this practice in Dónal Óg Cusack’s necessitated a reshuffled defence, 8 09

Moving forward: Aisake Ó hAilpín might need to adopt a new approach with Noel Hickey (right)

Height of hope: Michael Cussen represents Cork innovation (left) Shane O’Neill moving from corner-back to wing-back alone, he looked ’s ideal replacement in the they would enter the lion’s den that is Croke Park with on the opposite flank. running role, the Newtownshandrum flyer somehow an untested plan. Can anyone in Cork forecast who will wear 5, 6 and always seems to gain possession while standing They could position Aisake Ó hAilpín behind Noel 7 three years hence? Were a viable alternative to hand, still. For all his speed, he is thus unable to burn off Hickey rather than in front. There, he would avoid any of the existing trio could be moved elsewhere. defenders. a wrestling match with the wily full-back and be The challenge of a new position would go a long way The scoring tallies required to clinch the big goalside if he gained possession. towards fending off staleness. matches are not being produced. Still, a Munster title Alternatively, Cork could withdraw their full- Although the defence has generally stood up this would have been clinched last month but for Tony forward line some distance outfield. Full-forward lines year, the attack has spluttered. Much has been made Browne’s equalizing goal. only serve to clog up space, in any case, for the runners of the addition of two particularly tall players in the Cork’s performance in the Munster Final replay must from deep. Which means that full-forwards lining out latter sector, as if tall hurlers alone are a panacea. Were have caused much soulsearching by the Lee. A final of thirty yards or more from goal will likely be the next that the case, Liam McHale would have had a lengthy particularly poor quality appropriately attracted the revolutionary development. career as a Mayo hurler. second lowest attendance since the Ring era. Experience has often been cited as the crucial Cathal Naughton, when introduced in 2006, Given, at their 2005 peak, the boost of Ben ingredient for success. However, there is a tendency to appeared to be the first in a generation of youthful O’Connor’s fortuitous goal from a free, Cork would confuse experience with belief. While Cork will carry reinforcements. Naughton looked to have the big have closed out the contest. As it turned out, only experience by the bucket load – and traditionally match temperament when he burst on the scene, Waterford’s profligacy in 2010 ensured extra time. never lack belief – recent form suggests that those nailing that crucial Canal End goal against Waterford. Cork need to surprise Kilkenny with a new variation factors will not be sufficient this weekend without His career has stalled somewhat. If, on potential of their game if they are to have any chance. Even then, considerable changes to their approach. 9 10

The natural co-ordinate for this All-Ireland semi-final is the ’ meeting at the same stage in 2008. At the time, Cork were coming with hurtling momentum after a terrific victory over Galway in the Breaking the barrier qualifiers. That day, The Rebels overcame a sending off, deficit and wind. It looked like rebirth. PM O’Sullivan takes Kilkenny to make the All-Ireland This context availed naught. Kilkenny won by nine points, 1-23 to 0-17, in August 2008. On the day, they Final this weekend, while recognizing that dynamics could have added six points to that margin without too much bother. Their hurling for 20 or so minutes specific to a clash with Cork complicate the matter before halftime stands as a benchmark for brilliance. Both counties will field about a dozen survivors from two years ago, raising an obvious question Top gear: Tommy , shown here about time’s effect on that gap. They feel like the same in action against teams, which is more of a problem for Cork than it is Galway during this for Kilkenny. year’s Leinster Most observers accept that the champions are in a Final at Croke Park, continues to perform carefully managed decline from the heights of 2008. at the highest level Their age profile says as much, whatever the attrition in the game wrought by winning 20 championship ties in a row. Picture: Stephen McCarthy / Even so, Brian Cody and colleagues have not gone SPORTSFILE for an infusion of new talent. If and TJ Reid look to be cementing a place on the first XV, they are fairly experienced campaigners at this stage. has not burst through in the fashion once envisaged for him and is now carrying an injury. His brother Paddy, likely a starter with any other county in Ireland, was allowed turn out for the Intermediates in their Leinster Final with Dublin. Nor has an upsurge of young talent happened in Cork. , so gifted a stickman, has yet to manage the kind of impact up front his talent implies. Although injury has been a factor in both cases, Pa Cronin and Paudie O’Sullivan remain promise “Most observers accept that the champions are in a carefully managed decline from the heights of 2008. Their age profile says as much” 10 11

Pivotal pick: Pa Cronin (Cork) “Sunday will be an audit. is tackled by (Kilkenny) on April 5, 2009 Picture: Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE If they go well, it will be ominous for the remaining semi-finalists. at centre-back. He has yet to recover the high form enjoyed before getting injured in the 2009 League Final. The word after the Leinster Final was that Brian Cody had strongly contemplated taking off both Hogan and Noel Hickey in the first half after had capitalized on sloppy defending. Delaney was to move in full-back, Tennyson into the centre and to wing-back. Shortly afterwards, Hogan got injured and the dynamic changed. Lately, his form picked up. At midfield, the simple option is in Cha Fitzpatrick, showing really well in training, as a direct swop for Rice. Handily, Fitzpatrick will have a point to prove and is adept at protecting the right corner- back by sitting deep. He can always make a goal with a lasered ball. The attack still lacks an obvious successor to Henry Shefflin at centre-forward. Rice’s injury suspends the option of allocating him number 11. The Cork defence is tight and the full-back line is not prone to losing its shape in the manner that undid Galway against Tipperary. That said, they are two years older and have not faced an attack of this potency in the last 24 months. How much better can they be than in 2008? unfulfilled. It surely says a lot about Rebel prospects , set to get the call at centre-back, is A moment of truth is upon Kilkenny hurling. There when Niall McCarthy has been their most consistently out for a long spell. There was even talk that Tennyson, is no doubt that Brian Cody changed the regime this threatening forward. before his misfortune, might have been ’s season. All the focus has been on keeping his men Meanwhile Tommy Walsh has delivered back to replacement in midfield. fresh for August and September. back performances of a calibre sufficient to leave him There is no pressing reason to believe the Cork Sunday will be an audit. If they go well, it will be man of the match without demur. JJ Delaney has not half-forwards are capable of making the inroads that ominous for the remaining semi-finalists. been far behind. would lever their challenge into a match-winning Goals have not been plentiful in recent meetings The moot point must be whether there exists an position, that they can break down this barrier of between the two counties. If Cork can prevent a opposition half-forward line capable of breaking even brilliance. Walsh will hardly be fazed by McCarthy. green flag, they will give themselves a serious chance. in this sector. If you fail to break even, how do you win Delaney managed with aplomb and so Somehow I think this trend will be bucked and that the match? should manage Michael Cussen. Kilkenny will push on. Admittedly, injury has complicated the picture. The asterisk is Brian Hogan, presuming he is picked Something like 4-20 to 2-15. 11 12

Drum roll: Kieran Murphy leads Cork in the parade before the Munster SHC quarter-final versus Tipperary at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork on May 30, 2010 Picture: Ray McManus/ SPORTSFILE

Captain’s call GAA players have always had nicknames. As Sinéad Ryan discovers, this weekend’s Back in the past, handles such as ‘Billex’, ‘Droog’, and ‘Sweeper’ were common. Nowadays, ‘Cha’, ‘Gooch’ or meeting between Cork and Kilkenny involves ‘Taggy’ immediately identifies an idol. a rivalry of friends between Kieran ‘Fraggie’ Another contemporary nickname with currency is ‘Fraggie’. Behind it stands Kieran Murphy of Sarsfields Sinéad Ryan Murphy and a former housemate and Cork. 12 13

Captain : Jackie Tyrell DETAILS (Kilkenny) challenges Date of birth: February 22, 1983 Kieran Murphy (Cork) in the All-Ireland SHC Final Height: 5’10” at Croke Park, Dublin on Weight: 13 st September 3, 2006 County: Cork Picture: Damien Eagers/SPORTSFILE Club: Sarsfields School: Mayfield Community School College: CIT Occupation: Quantity surveyor (Bowen Construction)

since 1957. The situation, after many years of strife in the Cork camp, finally looks to have settled down under as . The players are united as they prepare for this weekend’s All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny. Is there extra pressure as captain? “I don’t really feel it, to be honest,” Kieran replies. “There are so many natural leaders within our panel anyway. Life is a lot easier as a captain when, if you’re in doubt about anything, there are a lot of guys that you can go back to and talk to.” Holding the thought, he continued: “If anything, the captaincy is an extra motivating factor to do well. That’s how I see it. It just focuses you even more to do well.” The feeling about Sunday, a few days away? “Obviously, it would be a huge game for us at any time, because there is an All-Ireland final spot at stake. I suppose, when you are playing in such a pressure game, the key is preparation. “You have to make sure that you keep to your routine, that you don’t do anything you wouldn’t normally do. Just train with the team the week before and make sure that you get your rest on nights off. You have to be really fresh going into such a huge occasion.” What about the opposition? He grimaces, more Asked about his nickname, Kieran politely answers: or less in admiration: “Kilkenny… Well, what can I say HONOURS “There are a lot of varied stories of how I got it. But I about them at this stage? 2 All-Ireland SHC (2004-05) think one of the lads just came up with it when I was “They are an unreal team and anybody would be 3 Munster SHC (2003, 2005-06) younger and it just stuck.” apprehensive going in against them. We will have to be 1 All-Ireland MHC (2001) Then he laughs: “Well, that’s all I’m willing to give right at the top of where we can be. That’s goes without 1 Munster MHC (2000) out…” saying.” 1 Railway Cup (2005) Fraggie is The Rebels’ current Senior captain. He has Kieran Murphy knows this opposition only too well. 2 (LIT: 2005, 2007) valuable experience – and success – in the role, having He has hurled against many of Sunday’s opponents led Sarsfields to a Senior title in 2008, the club’s first win over the years: underage, third level, Senior. 13 14

only to play but to watch. Look at Tipp and Galway just “Life is a lot easier as a gone by…” Tipperary narrowly won that All-Ireland quarter-final captain when, if you’re in courtesy of some late points. The Antrim-Cork quarter- final was far different. doubt about anything, there How did Cork deal with taking the field as raging favourites? “We certainly didn’t take anything for are a lot of guys that you granted,” Kieran stresses. “It’s a fine line. Every time you can go back to and talk to.” go out and play, you have to believe that you can win. If you don’t believe you can win, there is no point in turning up. None at all. “I know a good lot of the lads, alright,” he nods. “I “Naturally, we knew that Antrim would be a tough played against Kilkenny in the Minor All-Ireland Final in game – especially because we were coming into it on 2001. We won that day, even though players like Tommy the back of two very tough outings against Waterford. Walsh were on their team. We would know each other But, going in, we were confident that we could win.” through college too.” He is clear about the stakes now involved: “This semi- Fraggie got to know someone he might be marking final is crucial for both Cork and Kilkenny. As usual, there this weekend very well. He recalls: “I lived with Jackie is a lot of talk and speculation. But mainly it’s a chance Tyrrell while I was in college in LIT. So it’s good to know for both teams to get back to the final. You can’t look his good points – and Jackie’s bad points…! beyond that factor. “Seriously, it would be nice to get one over on “Nobody needs me to say that Kilkenny are the Kilkenny. They simply have been winning all round hottest favourites. They are heading into this weekend them in recent years.” as most people’s choice – and justifiably so, since they Growing up, Kieran Murphy always wanted to play have not been beaten in four seasons.” hurling. “It was the old story,” he recalls with pleasure. Nevertheless Fraggie is not fazed: “I think, on the day, “I’d say as soon as I could hold a hurl my dad had one in the favourites tag will go out the window, once the ball my hand. They have been the biggest influences in my is in. After that, it will be down to which team wants it life, my parents. So it’s one of the reasons I keep playing. most. “There’s also the fact that it’s a brilliant game not “Cork have beaten Kilkenny before and Cork will beat Kilkenny again. It’s just a question of whether we can make that day Sunday.” LIKES Is having a manager as shrewd as Denis Walsh an Best advice: Make sure you enjoy advantage? Will the Cork tactics change as Walsh faces your hurling Brian Cody on the sideline? Book: Michael Lewis’ The Blind “Denis definitely gives us an advantage,” his captain Side (2007) states. “He is an excellent manager, someone very much Car: Ford Focus a player’s person. Everything that Denis does is for the Dream date: Julia Roberts for dinner team. Everything he does is about trying to make each Film: The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) individual a better player. Food: Thai “We haven’t really changed our preparation for Guilty pleasure: Ice cream Kilkenny. We just kept training hard. We have tried to Hero: Teddy McCarthy make sure that we are in the best possible shape for the Holiday: Boston, during NFL season Club cheer: Kieran Murphy (Sarsfields) lifts weekend. That’s all you can do, in the end.” the Seán Óg Murphy Cup after the Cork Music: Anything really One thing is for sure: come Sunday, two former SHC Final versus Bride Rovers at Páirc Uí Villain: The Joker housemates and college colleagues will not be Chaoimh, Cork on September 28, 2008 Website: NFL.com comparing notes. Picture: Pat Murphy/SPORTSFILE

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I would not presume to comprehend the intricacies out, club or county, the of the enigma that is Brian Cody. young Brian Cody was a Despite Cody: The Autobiography (2009), despite colossus. He stirred the the newspaper articles, constant media comment, blood. He gave life to dreary what do we know? Practically nothing. Sundays. A man He has become a myth, wrapped in the intangible, The playing pitch became forever just beyond our ken. Knowing all, we still an arena. He bared his soul know nothing. in elemental personal battle. Frank Cody I am content to allow I first saw Brian Cody for all him inhabit this kingdom. hurling in the mid 1960s, There is another the two De La Salle teams, St Brian Cody that Patrick’s and St John’s, contesting a city derby. He moves me, that dominated. feeds a voracious Clean high fielding and long accurate striking seasons appetite: Cody the were the twin attributes he used to subjugate the hurler. This figure side from ‘The Continent’. Brian Cody is St Patrick’s, Frank Cody, no relation sometimes gets through and through, and now is Principal of the lost behind Cody parish’s national school. but a contemporary the manager. We watched a successful juvenile career with in Kilkenny, recalls For those who his club, James Stephens, seamless progress to the saw him, here underage county set up. We watched him captain how Brian Cody was was a man who the Minors to triumph from centre-back in 1972. encapsulated all Sunday is a nudge to memory, since Cork were a great young hurler that is wonderful that opposition too. Cody and Cork go all the way in sporting back, both sides of the equation. Their champion long before he became a endeavour. Here Minors of 1971 beat Kilkenny, 2010’s manager was a warrior likewise at centre-back. great manager with no agenda – 1973, following his clubmate Eamonn Morrissey’s beyond victory. emigration to Australia, Brian Cody found himself To g g e d left half-back in his first Senior final. Though defeat was his lot, he was valiant and committed throughout. Aficionados predicted a long innings in stripes. Gremlins came in 1974. Brian Cody damaged his knee, while starring against Galway in an U21 All-Ireland semi-final. A friend’s comment at the time – “Brian Cody’s knee is his Achilles heel” – caused much mirth. Thus he was replaced for the 1974 Senior Final by another clubmate, Tom McCormack. Cody remained Wintering out: Brian Cody isolated until ’s during the quarter- retirement. final versus Offaly at O’Connor Park, Tullamore on January 31, Then, against Galway in 2010 Picture: Brian Lawless/SPORTSFILE the 1975 Senior Final, he 16 17 “Brian Cody’s greatness cannot be captured in a recitation of successes. His hand-eye co-ordination was superb. He could pluck the from the sky and he could miraculously find space in the most congested area.” 1976’s decider. quality cannot be underestimated. Whatever the During the 1978 campaign Brian Cody sacrificed his maelstrom, he rallied. Vigorous deeds, intoxicating own interests for team good and wore the unfamiliar effort. number 14 jersey. Defeated by Cork in that final, Perhaps his finest attribute was attitude. Focused, Cody was held responsible for the loss by a section of committed but never petty, he refused to demean by Kilkenny ‘supporters’. resorting to foul tactics. Never the late pull, never the The aftermath saw him vilified by morons. The nasty stroke. shame that this reaction engendered remains to the As I navigate the autumn of my life I console myself present day. The criticism, examined forensically, by recalling moments of glory. Nostalgia demonstrated total ignorance regarding the vagaries is at once a boon of hurling. and a curse. Some consider that moment the nadir of Conjuring an Brian Cody’s career. Maybe I am obtuse but image of Brian I hold a counterview. I think he displayed Cody, I visualize courage in the face of adversity. Ignoring him in his horrendous vitriol, maintaining a dignified truest pomp, persona, he showed himself to be a true bestriding the champion. playing fields He emerged from this abyss more centred, of Ireland more driven, inwardly strengthened. This truth with a was proved unequivocally when he gave a five proprietary star September performance as he captained air. Kilkenny to success in 1982. Hurling Earlier that year, he had added further lustre to g e n i u s , Magic Monday: Brian Cody with the Irish his reputation with another Club All-Ireland. Yet s p o r t i n g Press Cup and with the Liam to come were a second All-Star award and, in 1983, hero, far MacCarthy Cup in Heuston Station, Dublin on another Celtic , his fifth. Injury – that knee – yet a September 4, 1972 probably cost Kilkenny three in a row in 1984. manager. produced a near perfect display of defensive hurling. Brian Cody’s greatness cannot be captured in a That afternoon, the prodigy turned into a superstar. recitation of successes. His hand-eye co-ordination That season, he won his first All-Star. was superb. He could pluck the sliotar from the sky After this victory Kilkenny went into an unexpected and he could miraculously find space in the most slump and remained comatose until they reached the congested area. Always, he had a sweet striking action Senior Final of 1978. Meanwhile Cody was an integral of easy assurance. Prodigy turned superstar: part of the James Stephens team that annexed a Club Calmness under searing pressure dominated The cover of An Cúl All-Ireland title when they overcame Blackrock in opponents and inspired team-mates. This leadership magazine for January-February 1976 17 18

Full on: (Cork) bests Willie Murphy (Wexford) in the All-Ireland SHC Final at Croke Staying in Park, Dublin on position September 4, 1977

CORKPosition Name Appearances Era Goalkeeper: Dónal Óg Cusack 53 1999-2010 50 1981-98 Right corner- Billy ‘Long Puck’ Murphy 32 1939-49 back: Brian Murphy 25 1972-82 Full-back: Diarmuid ‘The Rock’ 41 1997-2008 O’Sullivan 25 1952-60 Left corner-back: Denis Murphy 24 1960-69 Brian Murphy 21 2004-10 Right half-back: John Gardiner 30 2002-10 Paddy O’Donovan 13 1937-50 Centre-back: Ronan Curran 41 2003-10 John Crowley 27 1976-87 Left half-back: Seán Óg Ó hAilpín 46 1996-2010 26 1938-49 Midfield: Jerry O’Connor 30 2000-10 Tom Kenny 28 2003-10 This Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final between Cork and Kilkenny has plenty of 26 1975-87 intriguing angles. 25 1936-50 One is selecting an XV from each county on this criterion: Right half- Ben O’Connor 26 1999-2010 the player that started a championship tie most often in every forward: 17 1940-62 position from goalkeeper to left corner-forward. Three main Centre-forward: Niall McCarthy 28 2002-10 factors emerged: Willie Walsh 12 1969-71 1 While a few players started their careers in the 1920s, the Left half-forward: Tony O’Sullivan 21 1982-95 figures stated only count their appearances since 1930, the Timmy McCarthy 20 1999-2009 juncture at which reliable records began. Right corner- Charlie McCarthy 40 1965-80 2 The position in which a player started decided his amount forward: Mossie O’Riordan 16 1946-52 of ‘caps’, not the number he wore on the day. Included Full-forward: Ray Cummins 34 1969-82 underneath is the second most capped player. Jimmy Barry Murphy 17 1975-86 3 The fact that both Christy Ring and Henry Shefflin do not Leo McGough Left corner- 31 1996-2008 feature attests to how their genius was conjured, still more forward: Seanie O’Leary 25 1971-84 Hurling By commendably, in a variety of attacking positions. Numbers 18 19

KilkennyPosition Name Appearances Era Goalkeeper: 42 1956-71 Noel Skehan 41 1967-84 Right corner-back: Mick Kavanagh 35 1998-2010 31 1930-43 Full-back: Noel Hickey 35 2000-10 Peter O’Reilly 24 1926-36 Left corner-back: 33 1935-45 Jim Treacy 30 1964-74 Right half-back: Paddy Buggy 24 1950-59 21 1969-77 Centre-back: 30 1974-88 29 1964-78 Left half-back: 29 1961-72 JJ Delaney 26 2001-10 Midfield: Frank Cummins 46 1968-85 38 1924-37 Derek Lyng 32 2001-10 Andy Comerford 19 1997-2003 Ger Fennelly 19 1975-89 19 1945-57 Liam ‘Chunky’ O’Brien 19 1972-80 Right half- Jimmy Walsh 18 1932-44 forward: 16 1938-54 Centre-forward: John Power 25 1988-2001 Pat Delaney 19 1968-77 Left half-forward: 21 1959-77 16 2005-10 Right corner- Mick ‘Cloney’ Brennan 26 1971-82 forward: 19 2000-10 Full-forward: DJ Carey 20 1990-2005 Seanie O’Brien 20 1939-47 Christy Heffernan 17 1982-93 Left corner- Mattie Power 27 1920-37 forward: Liam Fennelly 15 1981-92

Midfield maestro: Lory Meagher (Kilkenny) shakes hands with Eudie Coughlan (Cork) before the SHC Final at Croke Park, Dublin on September 6, 1931

19 20 A Minor rivalry Top of the decade: Next Sunday, as Pat Treacy notes, sees the Galway’s Daithí Burke and Mark Horan (l-r) celebrate after the All- Minors of Galway and Kilkenny extend Ireland MHC Final win against Kilkenny in 2009 their recent rivalry in a contest that Picture: Oliver McVeigh/ should go SPORTSFILE relocated to wing-forward because on the relevant corner-back being able Mattie Murphy raised the stakes for this Meanwhile Clare, having eliminated the attack needed more cut. There has to subdue the impish Shane Moloney, Minor semi-final. Tipp, snuck through the back door been little consistency in the front six who was highly effective in 2009 even Speaking on Galway Bay FM, Murphy and ambushed a tired Waterford in the as a unit because both centre-forward as an U16. declared Sunday’s meeting of Galway Munster Final. Earlier, the Suirsiders had and full-forward are a problem. Ger Moloney is another skilful flyer. and Kilkenny to be the real All-Ireland looked a serious enough outfit but still Aylward and John Power have enjoyed Whoever marks him will have to Final. For him, the winner will beat Clare were a fair bit behind Galway in their good moments but neither of them has sacrifice his own game. Callan’s Jason or Dublin with relative ease. All-Ireland quarter-final. yet put in a game-long performance. Corcoran, for all his ability at number 2, He also implied that 2010’s standard So how good was the standard in Cillian Buckley might be deployed at can tend to hurl like a converted wing- is nothing like as good as last season, Munster? number 11. back, attacking the ball a bit too much when Galway overcame Kilkenny in the Kilkenny mowed through Leinster. As with Kilkenny, Galway arrive with at times. final, avenging an unlucky loss at the Dublin fell in the first round and Offaly a decent sprinkling of talent from last and Ollie Walsh have same stage to the same opponents in never looked like winning the semi- year. Turloughmore’s Daithí Burke, a looked a substantial midfield pairing 2008. final. Dublin were swatted away again powerful influence last September at in stripes. Kelly, from Junior club St Mattie loves beating Kilkenny. The in the provincial final. full-back on , is now the Patrick’s, has caught the eye with his two counties’ rivalry in the grade has Kilkenny’s backs have looked captain. Curbing his influence will be stickwork and assured hurling. How provided a nice subplot over the last six very good at times. There is a belief all the more important in light of the Pádraig Brehony and Conor Cooney or seven years. within the county that four of them opposition’s uncertainty about central fare in this sector should go a long way This summer’s line of form is hard might well be Senior prospects. But attacking positions. towards deciding the outcome. to read. The Munster Championship achieving the right balance has not The perception within Galway is If the forwards can up their featured some dramatic contests, such been straightforward. Three different of another light, ball-playing side. performance a level, Kilkenny should as Cork’s defeat of Tipperary in the first left corner-backs have been used in the at centre-forward have sufficient to come out ahead by round. Then came Cork’s draw and three games so far. does offer height and Trevor Moran is two or three points. Their extra games replay with Waterford. The first one, Pádraig Walsh, was a busy full-forward. Much will depend should be an advantage. 20 21

slice of GAA membership and Croke Park spreads ever wider. The response? Demonize and isolate. Portray hardworking, dedicated men and women as traditionalists, stuck in a time warp. Space invaders The result? Carte blanche to a select few with power Could somebody please think Nazi Germany. You could get carried away. – and irrationality – on their side. of the children? Coming soon to once hallowed ground near you. This crux is much deeper than whether Plan B gets They are off school a while Roll up and get your fingers skinned for the benefit of implemented after the long whistle on the first and yet and the poor mites keep ego and hubris. the third Sunday in September. The sinews that bind having to suffer the noise of The ‘one size fits all’ condemnations need to be are being severed. headless chickens roaming skewered. Louth supporters acted the goat and more free range across the airwaves. besides. In the process they let slip attack dogs lying Listen to the tape. in wait for the chance to manufacture an isolated “The gap between a Go on, listen: ‘Terrible Murt Flynn incident into a crisis. business. Terrible, terrible Season’s Meetings There is a sense in which it was better that nonsense sizeable slice of GAA business… Run to the hills, be exposed, that the pretence of ‘the people’s stadium’ run to the Dunmore caves, run be once and forever buried. Croke Park is a place of membership and Croke anywhere except onto Croke Park if your county is business and most of this business has nothing to do good enough and lucky enough to win there in Indian with what happens on the pitch. Park spreads ever wider.” September. The sky is falling. Lordy, the sky is falling A million textbooks on organizational growth down.’ and development inform that an organization, as The response to lower attendances? Cut televised Barbed wire around the ’Kesh, around Churchill’s it develops, often sees its core base left behind – coverage instead of embarking on a radical reduction internment camps in the Boer War, endless miles and sometimes from neglect and laziness, sometimes from in ticket price, instead of embarking – as forcefully as miles of barbed wire running the length and breath of a more overt process. The gap between a sizeable possible – on creative marketing and promotion. The response to a few toolboxes acting the ’Cagney? Open consideration of fencing instead of alternatives that maintain health and safety and allow those supporters who want to go on the pitch to do so. For sure, amongst them will be a few latchikos. But there are plenty of them around. They should not dictate by default. Croke Park’s leadership – or sheer lack of it – is meat and drink to a gallery of hacks, spin masters and professional moaners. It is well time for a little less grandstanding and a lot more coherence. Time of writing, there are eight counties who could yet triumph on a September Sunday. No doubt, among their number, there will be big day out merchants. Far higher truth remains. A significant number will be administrators, club members, players – young men and women who represent the future of the GAA. It is their day out. Beautifully simple. The very least they should have to worry about Hallowed ground: Supporters enter the pitch after the All-Ireland SHC Final at Croke Park, is peering through wire fencing at friends and Dublin on September 6, 2009 neighbours representing them and their county. 21 Up Down: Graham Clarke, An Poc Fada Senior Champion 2010 Pictures: courtesy of Shay Larkin Things pucking up for Down Cóilín Duffy reports on the competitions that made up the 50th anniversary of An Poc Fada in the Cooley Peninsula,

Down’s Graham Clarke has become King of the Mountain for the first time. Last Saturday, he claimed the overall title in the M Donnelly A l l - I r e l a n d Poc Fada Cóilín Duffy competition in dry but windy conditions at the Annaverna Mountain in the Cooley Peninsula. Competing in the best weather conditions witnessed at the venue in many years, Clarke took honours ahead of Clare’s Brendan McNamara. The new champion completed the five-kilometre course in 51 pucks. As it transpired, just half a puck separated the pair entering the final straight. But the Down Senior goalkeeper drove some spectacular shots towards the end, allowing

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Jack’ and the him four pucks to spare at the finish. box’: Patricia Clarke, a regular competitor here, RESULTS Jackman, had double cause for celebration. Champion The same day saw Down footballers Senior Hurling 2010, with upset the odds against Kerry at 1 Graham Clarke (Down) 51 (27m) Bernard Croke Park in the All-Ireland quarter- 2 Brendan McNamara (Clare) 55 (78m) Dunne, 3 James Skehill (Galway) 55 (68m) sponsor’s final. representative However, the Comortais Beirte 4 Eóin Reilly (Laois) 58 (68m) title failed to go the Down custodian’s 5 Gerry Fallon (Roscommon) 58 (66m) way. Clarke and Tipperary’s Eóin 6 Neil Hackett (Meath) 58 (48m) Kelly had to be content with second 7 Séamus Coffey (Cork) 59 (8m) spot in the pairs event. 8 Karol Keating (Down) 60 (13m) Last year’s overall winner, Gerry 9 Dónal O’Brien (Mayo) 61 (2m) Fallon, claimed a stake in this event 10 Eóin Kelly (Tipperary) 62 (42m) for the second year in a row. The 11 James McGarry (Kilkenny) 63 (9m) Roscommon Senior hurling captain 12 Stephen Smyth (Louth) 64 (0m) teamed up with Galway’s James Skehill and the duo claimed the title Senior Camogie with 113 pucks. They had only 65 1 Patricia Jackman (Waterford) 28 (27m) metres to spare over second placed 2 Fionnúala Carr (Down) 29 (27m) Clarke and Kelly. 3 Voureen Quigley (Louth) 30 (6m) Meanwhile Waterford’s Patricia 4 Bernie Murray (Armagh) 33 (45m) Jackman won the Senior Camogie 5 Stephanie Gannon (Galway) 33 (43m) title with 28 pucks. Jackman, racking 6 Jacqui O’Connor (Tipperary) 34 (5m) up her fifth year in the competition, 7 Catríona Cantwell (Louth) 38 (7m) again proved impressive. 2010 was her fifth time to finish inside the top U16 Boys two, as she claimed back to back 1 Owen Treacy (Galway) 26 (9m) honours. 2 Seán Barry (Waterford) 28 (53.5m) Down’s Fionnúala Carr, daughter 3 Brian Óg Murphy (Down) 28 (35.5m) of Ross, former football star and 4 Dónall Connolly Jr (Louth) 37 (5m) former Senior manager, claimed second spot with 29 pucks. Comortais Beirte Galway’s Owen Treacy was the 1 Gerry Fallon & James Skehill 113 (134m) U16 Boys winner. He claimed the 2 Graham Clarke & Eóin Kelly 113 (69m) title in 26 pucks, two ahead of 3 Brendan McNamara & Séamus Coffey 114 (84m) the Munster Champion, Lismore 4 Eóin Reilly & Karol Keating 118 (81m) clubman Seán Barry. 5 James McGarry & Neil Hackett 121 Last weekend’s competitions 6 Stephen Smyth & Dónal O’Brien 125 (2m) were a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of An Poc Fada, which Howlin (Chairman of the Leinster GAA Council). began in 1960. A special presentation 2011 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the All- was made to Damien Callan, first Ireland Finals event. ever winner of the event, by boxer Golden boy: (l) and Séamus Howlin (r) make a presentation to Damien Callan, inaugural winner of An Poc Bernard Dunne (representing the For more information on the history of the event, go Fada in 1950 (below) sponsor, M Donnelly) and Séamus to www.anpocfada.net 23 24

“I was surprised by how fast the American-born players have progressed,” Kieran noted. “My view is that hurling is eminently an American sport because it is fast, it is highscoring, and it looks more dangerous than it actually is.” He added: “Yes, it is a minority sport. But I reckon Old game finds hurling can create a niche for itself, especially in the South, with its huge Scots Irish population. That game between Orlando and Augusta was just the beginning for what is to come in the South.” Members of both clubs want to spread the code. Enthused by playing for Orlando, father and son duo new homes John and Seán Hanlon have been inspired to start Hurling, as Alex Yearwood outlines, is starting to become their own club near Tampa. Augusta’s Corey Pitts is taking his to Fort a popular pursuit in unlikely places, such as America’s Hood, Texas. Later he goes to Afghanistan, along with four other soldiers he recruited, during basic training, Southeastern states for the sport. “Hurling teaches men to lose the fear of battle,” Not many people in Florida the Southeastern Division. We have great hopes, and Claffey said. “The hurley is the M16 of the soldier and and Georgia have ever heard of the St Simon’s trip really helps to focus training and the lance of the knight. Clan na nGael’s Major Michael hurling. recruitment.” Mulherin once said to me that hurling is perfect for A handful of GAA clubs in Scott continued: “I’m also very happy about the soldiers because you don’t have to be a big guy. the two states are doing their turnout. To have 28 likeminded people out playing far “You just need to know how to use your weapon, best to change this situation. from home testifies to hurling’s universal appeal.” your hurley. It makes men of men.” The inaugural Georgia-Florida The match had been planned for some time. The Hurling Invitational was a two club founders met more than a year ago through significant step in this direction. Alex Yearwood YouTube postings. Courtesy of Atlanta’s (majority Irish) Augusta HC and Orlando GAA club, Clan na nGael, members of the new clubs HC met halfway between their received much needed instruction and recruiting respective cities – on St Simon’s advice. Island, Georgia – to play a seven a side match last July “Scott and I had been dreaming about playing 24. Both clubs were founded around 18 months ago an actual match,” said Kristopher Wells, Augusta’s and struggled for recruits to play Ireland’s national Chairman. “For months we thought it would never sport, which remains obscure elsewhere in the world. happen. But we just decided to make a leap of faith With temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit and make it happen.” (37 Celsius), Orlando took home the Azalea Cup. The The boldness, as Kristopher detailed, paid off: event’s prize is named after the flowering bush for “When we started planning this event, there were two which Augusta is famed. people other than myself showing up to practice. For Given the seven hurlers per side, close range the Azalea Cup, 11 people from Augusta drove four attacks flourished. Orlando won by two points, 11-3 hours to play hurling. It goes to show what having a to 10-4. But winning and losing was not foremost with goal to shoot for as a club does for dedication.” Four tops (l-r): Scott Graves (Orlando), participants. The quality of play impressed match referee, Kieran Kristopher Wells (Augusta), Mick Dunlap “The match wasn’t really about pitting two teams Claffey, Clan na nGael’s Chairman and a Cork native. (Orlando) and Caleb Willing (Augusta) during the inaugural Georgia-Florida Hurling against each other,” said Orlando Chairman Scott There are only a handful of Irish-born players with Invitational at Demere Park, St Simon’s Island, Graves. “It was far more about developing hurling in Orlando and none with Augusta. Georgia on July 24, 2010 Picture: courtesy of Augusta HC 24 25

Tripping up: (Tipperary) clashes with (Galway) in the The character All-Ireland SHC quarter-final at Croke Park, Dublin on July 25, 2010 of personality Picture: John McIlwaine Met a Galway was a light session of drills and no friend, the day more, following a panel trip away that after. weekend. M o n d a y , Musical terms, it was lo fi, far closer and he drives to Guided By Voices than to ABC. Soul down to watch trumps shine. Freshness is all. the training. A few pints in Lenehan’s before they His crowd had PM O’Sullivan hit the road back west. Circling fatalism tripped up in about the plummet. the All-Ireland Backspin ‘We’re not good enough,’ they said. q u a r t e r - f i n a l. ‘We have too many flaws,’ they said. Tripped up bad. Michael is very shrewd on the most In the door he comes, with two beautiful game. Yet even he had been friends, hardly a bother on him. tonic, as of May, about Galway’s chances If Kilkenny had lost in that fashion, this summer. The back has come I would not have been sanguine. Last with still greater force. dynamic: “The kind of thing is leave early and leave often. An outside ten minutes, Galway spurned three There is an awful lot of newsprint very emotional.[…] in Norman Ireland, eye can see truest. opportunities to go three points up. Go about a county that has failed to make people are a little more distant.[…] There is a particular emotionalism the three, likely go the four. an All-Ireland semi-final for the last five Kilkenny people never get into a frenzy.” about the western seaboard that can That would have been that. Galway seasons. Galway have often seemed the If there is a trait that might be only colour its GAA scene. Hence the get Waterford in a semi-final they fancy. people’s champion, long on emotion, described as Kilkennyesque, it is love-hate relationship some stars has to resign and Tipp are short on focus. I am a fan, enamoured a preference for character over endure with their crowd. back to square one. does of the place since a spell in UCG, but personality. The Kilkenny view is the A figure like Ciarán McDonald is not spare the hearses in a column. plainly Galway hurling needs to ask long view: ‘Sure, what has he but one more or less unthinkable in a Kilkenny Which is why we love hurling. It itself intent questions. All-Ireland medal…?’ context. I sat beside West Mayo men offers a sense of possibility disallowed Item: two of the current forwards, Personality can triumph on a once in an English pub. They ran through by regular life. Perchance to dream. Joe Canning and Íarla Tannian, are off occasion. It takes character to win a marriage’s worth of emotion about The downside of this plasticity is not in optimum shape. The nickname several All-Irelands over a span of years. McDonald in the course of one game. downsides. Galway have fallen hard ‘Chunky’ is there for wider application. Friend of mine, Donegal and Mayo I enjoy Galway – going there, the from the expectations roused by this Who will remedy this basic facet? stock, sat beside me at the 2004 All- endless courtesy of the light – like I year’s League Final. 2011 now looks My visitors’ reaction to the defeat, half Ireland Final. He was struck by how the enjoy life. It is the only other place I uncertain terrain by the Corrib. shrug, half stoop, sent me thinking. The Kilkenny support stayed until the end, would like to live. It has everything – The three lads, who plough a straight painter Tony O’Malley – Callan father, the result long since evident. except for its hurling folk. furrow for hurling in North Galway, Clare Island father – once wrote of how Frank made a contrast with how Nearly everyone would like to see sat bemused in . There family inheritance mirrored a broader Connacht fans, facing defeat, tend to Galway do it. Only Galway can do it. 25 26 Next issue August 12

Gaelic groundwork: All participants in the inaugural Georgia-Florida Hurling Invitational for the Azalea Cup on July 24, 2010 Southern Style Picture: courtesy of Augusta HC 26