Henry’s favourite hu
WELL here we are again, and still no live hurling. It’s great to see so many of you selecting your own teams of the decades. Mick, in Ballina, was delighted to see I hadn’t forgotten Joe Henry of Mayo in my hurling panel of the seventies.
Ned, a Wexford man living in Sligo, agrees wholeheartedly with my choice of hurlers of the fifties and sixties. Keep them coming! Maybe worth a space in The Sligo Champion for your selections towards the end of this series.
Let’s get started on hurling in the nineties and who made the headlines.
1990 was a sensational year as Cork brought home both titles in hurling and football. In achieving the double, Cork carved out its own niche in GAA history. Teddy McCarthy played in both finals.
It is generally accepted that the first person to break a record is the one everyone remembers. Think of the four-minute mile and your mind immediately springs to Roger Bannister in Oxford, my adopted city. The same applies to Teddy McCarthy, who is intrinsically linked to the 1990’s hurling and football success.
The memories of 1990 will linger long, not just in Cork, but in the country as a whole. Cork repeated the All-Ireland hurling success again in 1999.
Tipperary hurling is like mushrooms, they come up overnight! Expectations within the county were high at the start of the nineties. They still had some of the old war horses on board from the eighties but after the initial success of ’91, their fortunes wavered until the start of the millennium.
In 1992, Kilkenny took the crown and the Cats made it a double by defeating Galway in the final the following year. However, the rest of the decade was a difficult one for Kilkenny, as near neighbours Offaly were on their trail and challenging for a seat at the top table.
If tangible proof was needed, it arrived with the Faithful County clinching All-Ireland titles in ’94 and ’98. Their win in ’94, was one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in hurling history. Offaly stunned Limerick with a staggering 2-5 in the last five minutes, to win the crown, in one of the most remarkable hurling victories ever.
Eighty-one years of heartbreak was swept away in 1995, when Clare captain, Anthony Daly, stood on the Hogan stand and accepted the MacCarthy Cup. A dream come true for the Banner, and a time of reflection for all the great Clare hurlers of yesteryear, like Jimmy Smith and Sean Stack who never got their hands on Liam, a moment to savour for ever.
Clare were not finished yet, and won another All-Ireland title in ’97. For Clare people the euphoria which swept the county after the double will remain with them forever.
1996, and the long road to ultimate All-Ireland glory brought Wexford back to the limelight, and not before time. After a twenty-eight-year absence, the blue riband of hurling was returning to the Model County, All-Ireland champions at last. ‘Dancing at the Crossroads’ by Wexford duo, Wild Swans, became a national hit at the time as well as the anthem of Wexford hurling. The extent of the celebrations within the county that greeted the breakthrough astonished a great many people. Unprecedented joy abounded. The spirit of Vinegar Hill and Boolavogue had returned at last.
The back-door system opened in 1997 to allow beaten Munster and Leinster finalists to re-enter the All-Ireland race. A good decision, for it meant more games, and of course more revenue for the GAA!
Now the hurlers who achieved so much success.
GOALKEEPERS
Damien Fitzhenry, Wexford Damien was the greatest goalkeeper in Wexford’s hurling history, and I don’t think I’d be alone here with that opinion. With fantastic reflexes and agility, he commanded his goal-mouth area with great authority, sometimes acting as an extra defender.
Davy Fitzgerald, Clare
A dominant, vocal keeper, who was as strong in his opinions as he was in the tackle. Although small in stature for a goalkeeper, Davy made his job look simple. No thrills, no spills, just a good goalie.
DEFENDERS
Michael Kavanagh, Kilkenny
A great man marker, who never let his opponent get in front of him. His composure on the ball and ability to read the game as a defender, made him an outstanding player. Michael won seven senior All-Ireland hurling medals on the field of play.
Eddie O’Connor, Kilkenny
A good ball player with strength, aerial ability and bravery. There was nothing flashy or spectacular about Eddie, but few opponents got past him.
Brian Lohan, Clare
Brian formed part of a solid defensive spine in the backs that was very seldom penetrated. A dynamic hurler, with passion and drive, whose darting runs out of defence, made for some spectacular viewing.
Brian Corcoran, Cork
His skills and creative spark made Brian one of the greatest defenders in the game. A versatile hurler who occupied many positions for Cork over the years, he was also an impeccable sportsman.
Martin Hanamy, Offaly
An incredibly strong player with a flair for the corner back position. Martin had perfect timing, courage and determination.
Ollie Kilkenny, Galway
An exceptional corner back, and an immensely tough player who had tasted defeat on so many occasions, Ollie, posed a formidable obstacle to any attacker.
Brian Whelahan, Offaly
A fabulous player, who had twelve years in the top flight with Offaly, Brian was a brilliant hurler who had a cool and positive attitude in every game. An exemplary sportsman, who matched ability with achievements.
Colm Bonnar, Tipperary
One of three brothers who starred for Tipperary in the nineties. Although a defender, Colm had an attacking flair, coupled with the confidence to run at speed into enemy territory.
Seánie McMahon, Clare
A intelligent player, and the stalwart of the half back- line for Clare during their glory days.
Seánie was an inspirational hurler of the highest calibre, whose constant forays up-field created many scoring opportunities for his colleagues.
Hubert Rigney, Offaly
Hubert was comfortable in possession and not afraid to push forward when the opportunity arose.
He was quite adept at stepping into the centre of the field, yet quick enough to recover his position if needs be.
Ciaran Carey, Limerick
He was powerful in the air, quick and decisive on the ground, and the driving force for Limerick in the defence. Ciarán was also capable of scoring long range points.
Anthony Daly, Clare
The man that led Clare to the promised land on both occasions, was a true exponent of the skills of hurling.
Anthony was a model of consistency, rarely having a bad game.
MIDFIELD
Teddy McCarthy, Cork
Teddy became the first player to win All-Ireland medals during the same year, a record unlikely to be broken. During a long career, he was noted for his intelligent distribution of the ball, his calmness and assurance whilst under pressure.
Declan Carr, Tipperary
A gifted, stylish hurler with tactical awareness and great distribution, he could effectively defend as well as scoring vital scores. His brother Tommy played with Dublin in the nineties.
FORWARDS
Martin Storey, Wexford
Martin had a graceful style about him and was capable of scoring long range points. A clinical finisher from close range, he combined pace and power in equal measure.
Ciaran Barr, Antrim
For a big man, he was quick, agile and well balanced. Ciaran gave 100% in every game, and had the predatory instincts of a natural forward.
Joe Cooney, Galway
Joe was a steely centre forward with an array of different strokes, deft flicks and determination. Not the quickest of forwards, but his contribution to Galway hurling will never be forgotten.
John Power, Kilkenny
John was a dashing forward, who had the ability to rouse his