Inside Alan Connolly's life off the pitch
The 23-year-old from Blackrock was the well deserved Bord Gáis Man of the Match on Saturday following the Rebels 20-point win over Dublin.
On the day, the full-forward earned a hattrick as he contributed three goals and two points to Cork's 7-26 win. Cork's Alan Connolly will be hoping his 24th birthday celebrations will double up as All Ireland celebrations as the Senior Hurling team vy for their first title in 20 years. Pic: INPHO/Leah Scholes
Cork take on Tipperary in the All Ireland Senior Hurling final on Sunday, July 20 with Alan celebrating his 24th birthday the day before, Saturday, July 19.
The youngster comes from a family steeped in GAA and is often proudly supported by his girlfriend, Alanna. Here's a look at his life off the pitch…
As with many young lads, Alan started his hurling career at club level and played both juvenile and underage for Blackrock before progressing to the Senior team.
In 2018, Alan made his debut on the county panel when he played for the minor team. Two years later he had a successful stint with the U20 team, claiming both Munster and All Ireland titles.
The Cork man has been on the senior team since 2021 and made his debut in May 2021 when he came on as a substitute for Shane Barrett and scored two goals against Waterford. On the day, the full-forward earned a hattrick as he contributed three goals and two points to Cork's 7-26 win. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Alan comes from a family steeped in Cork GAA with his grandfather Mick Cashman a goalkeeper for the Cork senior team and his granduncle was also on the Cork squad.
Uncles Tom and Jim Cashman have also been county hurlers and boast six All-Ireland medals between them when playing with the Rebel County from 1977 to 1990.
The up and coming star will be hoping to add to the family's medal haul in two weeks time. Alan Connolly is in a relationship with Alanna O'Flynn who is regularly seen at matches on support duties. Pic: Instagram/ Alan Connolly
Alan is currently studying Business Information Systems at Munster Technological University in Cork (formerly Cork Institute of Technology). He has played for the college as part of their Fitzgibbon Cup panel since 2023.
Cork Beo also report that Alan is a part-time bartender at Blackrock National Hurling Cup.
Alan is in a relationship with Alanna O'Flynn who is regularly seen at matches on support duties.
The pair often share pictures of each other on their respective social media, and appear to love travelling and music, having both attending Electric Picnic last year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
36 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach: My flight was NOT switched for the Cork match
The Government has insisted that conflict in the Middle East – and not the All-Ireland hurling semi-final – resulted in the Taoiseach changing his flight from Japan at a week's notice. Micheál Martin and members of his team were meant to fly home from Osaka last Friday via Dubai and were scheduled to land just after midday on Saturday. But has learned the flights were changed days before the trip, with Mr Martin instead flying home via Toronto. He landed at 8.15 am and later travelled to Croke Park for the Cork v Dublin game. Last night, there were calls for the Taoiseach to publish the security advice he received and publish the cost of the changes immediately. Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos Mr Martin, an avid supporter of Cork GAA, watched his county beat Dublin 7-26 to 2-21. By 7 pm, he had posted an image of himself at the match with the caption: 'Magnificent win for Cork in a contest full of attacking intent and spectacular skill. Hurling of the highest level to secure an All-Ireland final ahead of a valiant Dublin side.' Sources close to Mr Martin insisted that being on time for the match did not play a role in the change to his travel plans. A spokesman in the Department of the Taoiseach said it was to 'mitigate against any risk of flight cancellations given the security situation' in the Middle East, with airstrikes launched on Qatar a week before his trip to Japan. The spokesman said the final costs of the flights are still being calibrated, with Opposition TDs calling on the Taoiseach to publish the figures and any advice leading to his flight change. Labour's Ged Nash said: 'The Office of the Taoiseach would be well advised to clear this up without delay. Nobody should have any difficulty with our head of Government and ministers travelling to represent our country. Labour TD Ged Nash. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos 'That's a given… [but] when there are last-minute changes to schedules, there ought to be a straightforward explanation forthcoming… especially in cases where there may be additional, unexpected expenditure involved.' Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín noted the Middle East has been a risk for 'quite some time' and questioned why the original flights were booked in the first place. He said: 'We have had this before. Politicians have changed flights for their entourage in the past for frivolous reasons. 'If flights are changed for the Taoiseach and his officials for security reasons, that's logical. However, if any decision was influenced by non-security issues, like a GAA match, that's outrageous. We could be talking about tens of thousands of taxpayers' money here. I believe the Taoiseach should publish the security advice he received and publish the cost of the changes immediately.' Peter Burke TD. Pic: Conor Ó Mearáin / Collins Photo Agency The Taoiseach began his four-day visit to Japan this day last week, aiming to promote bilateral relationships. He travelled to Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima. Enterprise Minister Peter Burke had visited Japan just a week prior, as the Government eyes new trading partners. It is understood that Mr Martin was accompanied by a team of approximately six delegates, including his chief of staff, Deirdre Gillane, two special advisers, a private secretary, and two guards. The trip, which had been on the horizon for several months, took place from Tuesday, July 1, to Friday, July 4. On June 10, journalists covering the trip were given the Taoiseach's itinerary. The note stated that Mr Martin would fly home from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka via Dubai, with his first flight scheduled to depart at 11:45 p.m. Toronto Pearson Airport. Pic: Getty Images The press were sent a list of bullet trains to book for travel through Japan, including the train to take them to the Osaka airport in time for Mr Martin's flight home. However, while in Japan, they learned Mr Martin's travel arrangements had changed, meaning he would be arriving in Ireland earlier than planned, with no explanation given at the time. One source on the trip noted that flying from Osaka to Toronto and on to Dublin takes longer in terms of travel time. Passengers cross the international date line while over the Atlantic, which meant the Taoiseach left Osaka at 6.37 pm Japanese time on July 4 and arrived at 5.42 pm on the same date in Canada. The delegation departed for Dublin at 10.21 pm. 'The original booking [via Dubai] was scheduled to land at 12.15 pm on Saturday [July 5]. The revised booking [via Toronto] was scheduled to land at 8.15 am,' a Government spokesman said. A spokesman in the Department of the Taoiseach confirmed to the Mail that Mr Martin's return flights, and those of his delegation, were changed a week before he travelled to Japan. Asked if ensuring the Taoiseach would be back in Dublin in time for the match played any role in the changing of the flights, the spokesman said the change was 'to mitigate against any risk of flight cancellations given the security situation, which had resulted in extensive Middle East airspace being closed in the days prior'. Numerous countries closed their airspaces after Iran launched an airstrike on a US naval base in Qatar on June 23 – a week before the Taoiseach visited Japan. Airports Dubai, which is almost 700km from Qatar, briefly suspended flights in the 24 hours after the attack. According to a Government spokesman, the cost of changing flights for Mr Martin and his staff 'has not yet been reconciled'. Flights from Osaka to Toronto Pearson this coming Friday, July 11, begin at €1,047 for an economy seat and extend to €4,974 for business class. To fly from Toronto Pearson to Dublin on the same night would cost €271 in economy and €3,800 in business class. This means that booking new flights for the Taoiseach and his staff could cost anywhere between €9,226, if the entire team flew economy, and €61,418 if everyone flew business class. Sources pointed out that while it is common for Government leaders to fly business class on official trips, many delegates going with them will travel in economy.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Jack O'Connor claims Kerry's gruelling club calendar is taking a toll on his injury-hit squad
JACK O'CONNOR reckons the hectic schedule of club fixtures in Kerry has taken a huge toll on his injury-hit squad. The view was expressed by the Advertisement 2 Kerry manager Jack O'Connor reckons the hectic schedule of club fixtures in Kerry has taken a huge toll on his injury-hit squad 2 Tom O'Sullivan and Diarmuid O'Connor will not feature for Kerry in this weekend's All-ireland semi-final against Tyrone A somewhat unique structure is in place in Due to burnout fears, some members of the Kerry senior set-up sat out the district competition last season. It was suggested recently by skipper Gavin White that the demands of football's new rules may also be contributing to the increase in injuries. That point was put to the Kerry gaffer yesterday in Tralee, where he addressed the media ahead of Saturday's bid to become the first team to advance to this year's All-Ireland decider. Advertisement read more on gaa O'Connor said: 'Yeah, there probably is a bit more high-speed running, particularly in the middle eight. 'The game before these new rules was a slower game. There were periods where teams could almost rest with the ball, if you know what I mean — it's kind of a soccer phrase. 'But now the ball is moving and there are very little delays. You could foul tactically before as well to slow down the play. 'Now there's no such thing as a tactical foul because you can move the ball on or whatever. Advertisement Most read in GAA Football 'But I think there are other factors. It's well documented that Kerry players aren't getting enough of an off-season. 'We have three championships down here. Watch RTE pundits' contrasting reaction to full-time whistle of Tipperary's epic win over Kilkenny 'Players are playing into November and you're starting pre-season training. It's very tricky. I don't think players are getting enough of an off-season. 'You might get away with that for a few months but then it comes back to bite you because if you haven't enough of an off-season, you haven't enough of a pre-season. Advertisement 'Somewhere along the line, something is going to have to take a hit there. 'But that's for another day. That's a bigger argument and it's not for me to solve.' Kerry have been plagued by injuries this year, with Paul Geaney, Mike Breen, Tadhg Morley, Tony Brosnan and Diarmuid O'Connor playing no part in the dethroning of Armagh last time out. Tom O'Sullivan is unavailable for the meeting with Tyrone after the defender was forced off with a calf injury in the first half of the victory over the Sam Maguire holders. Advertisement O'Connor remains sidelined after aggravating a shoulder issue in the preliminary quarter-final win over Cavan. Fellow midfielder Barry Dan O'Sullivan has been missing since suffering a season-ending ACL knee injury in the group-stage victory against Cork. Apart from that trio, Kerry chief O'Connor refused to rule any of his injury-affected players in or out of the meeting with the Red Hands. Speaking yesterday, he added: 'Their level of readiness, I'm not too sure. We have two sessions left, this evening and Wednesday, and we'll make a decision on them then. Advertisement 'They're all losses. Tony Brosnan is back training, that's all I'll say, and any fella back training has a chance. Mike Breen and Tadhg Morley are back doing some training.' KINGDOM FITNESS O'Connor also confirmed that Paudie Clifford experienced 'no ill-effects' after having a big impact following his half-time introduction against As for Geaney, who was an unused sub against the Orchard, the boss added: 'He's training away but has he gone at it 100 per cent? Probably not yet, but he's close. 'We have had a bad run with injuries. Advertisement 'It was only afterwards that I was thinking about it, but we were down anything up to seven starters the last day. 'I don't think any team in the country could ship that kind of attrition and try and survive. 'We would be in a stronger position if we had a clean bill of health but we have to deal with what we have to deal with. 'It has been a very tricky season. Advertisement 'Not alone have we had to deal with a lot of injuries, but we have had to deal with trying to get players back from the clubs and incorporate them into the system.'
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
East Kerry appoint Adrian Sheehan to manager their senior football team
The Ballyheigue native managed Fossa to an All-Ireland Club junior football championship title two years ago Kerryman Adrian Sheehan will manage the East Kerry senior football team in this year's county senior football championship, with the former Fossa manager appointed as Jerry O'Sullivan's successor. Sheehan has been involved with the Kerry minor team management this year – working as a coach with manager Wayne Quillinan's – and the East Kerry Board wanted to wait until Kerry's involvement in the minor championship concluded before announcing Sheehan as the manager of the district team.
