5 lessons learned this week
YELLOW PERIL COULD HIT
HURLING, TOO
HURLING was deemed not to require the introduction of a black card come the New Year on the grounds that it is, relatively to Gaelic football, a cynicism-free zone. That may be the case, but it was interesting to note that in the closing minutes of yesterday’s quarter-final clash between Cork and Kilkenny, three Cork players — Luke O’Farrell, Patrick Cronin and William Egan — did not seem to be duly bothered as they picked up yellow cards in the 68th, 69th and 70th minutes respectively. The argument regarding the yellow card being a facilitator of foul play in football could just as easily be extended to the smallball game.
TOUGH TIME ON AND OFF THE COURSE FOR SPORTING FAMILY
IT WASN’T a great weekend for the Wallace family, that’s for sure. Young Éamonn, 19, came of age on Saturday evening for Meath at Croke Park, shooting 1-3 against Tyrone — but still found himself on the losing side. There was the painful sting of defeat also for his uncle, Ryder Cup golf hero Philip Walton at the British Seniors Open. He made the cut at Royal Birkdale but found the Southport links impossible to tame, closing with a pair of 75s for a +16 tally.
WILL SEANIE HEAD BACK TO BREFFNI, TAIL BETWEEN LEGS?
A PENNY for Seanie Johnston’s thoughts right now. The former Cavan captain is reported to be considering returning to play for his native county after two seasons with Kildare. He craved silverware with Kildare but, long-term, may find Cavan offer the best opportunity for it. ‘I haven’t properly spoken to Seanie in six months so I don’t know what [his plans are],’ said Cavan manager Terry Hyland. Asked if he’d like Johnston back, Hyland added: ‘Well, I suppose if Seanie comes back and plays with his club and he’s playing well. I have an open mind.’
HEALTH MATTERS AHEAD OF
THE SCOREBOARD
LAST month, Clare’s John Conlon was worryingly allowed to play on for some time after suffering concussion. It was a relief to hear of common sense being applied in Ashbourne yesterday as Antrim minor Jude McCurdy suffered a neck injury towards the end of his side’s loss to Waterford and the game was understandably halted with a few minutes left of normal time. Waterford hope the result will stand — the Déise led by 20 points— but, more importantly, McCurdy is believed to be on the mend.
METHOD TO JBM’S MADNESS
CORK boss Jimmy Barry Murphy came in for criticism from ex-player Seán Óg Ó hAilpín about his panel selection but it seems JBM has been justified. Building on their quarterfinal win would really silence the naysayers.