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Irish Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Conor McManus: All-Irelands are special days, but can be times of regret for those not there
I won't be at Sunday's All-Ireland final. Although there is hurling in my club, Clontibret, I've never played, but I love watching it – the drama and the pace make it incredibly exciting. It's hard not to be aware of the scramble for tickets and I don't think it would be fair to take up one at the expense of Cork or Tipperary supporters. I went to one All-Ireland final, but more semi-finals because you'd be fit to get tickets for those. [ All-Ireland hurling final: Throw-in time, where to watch, story so far ] I don't see huge connections with football, but hurling is a fantastic game for the spectator. And the changes in tactics over the years, from Kilkenny's more direct approach to Limerick playing through the lines, has been fascinating. The game is different, but the GAA is the same. Last year I was away in Doonbeg on holiday and watched the Clare-Cork final on television in a pub. It is football territory but still Co Clare and they had the flags out all around. You get a sense of how insane it can be when a county has a team in the All-Ireland. READ MORE I was at the 2008 final, standing on the Hill when Kilkenny beat Waterford. Even before the throw-in there was mayhem and players knocking the helmets off each other. I remember Tommy Walsh in the thick of things. It turned into a rout. I'm not sure an All-Ireland of any sort was won so remorselessly. My casual memories are of Kilkenny with two wides all day and Waterford not scoring from play until the second half. The atmosphere was unbelievable. Waterford had arrived, naturally full of hope, but they were blown out of it. There was no let-up by Kilkenny – they just kept doing their job and half the time it looked like it didn't matter that there was an opposition on the pitch with them. You would feel sorry for a team that gets to a first All-Ireland in years and ends up almost as spectators – except that they were in the final in the first place. The bitterest regret for me was that Monaghan didn't reach an All-Ireland final during my career. The county reached one so long ago that to have even been born at the time would make you nearly 100. Monaghan's Conor McManus with Padraig Hampsey and Matthew Donnelly of Tyrone in the 2018 All-Ireland semi-final. Photograph: Tommy Dickson/INPHO In 2018, we lost the semi-final by a point to Tyrone in a match we should have won. That year's final would have been against Dublin. They were three-in-a-row champions at that point and it would have been great to get a cut at them in an All-Ireland final. Anyway, it's irrelevant because we didn't get there. You'd always go to the final, number one because you're a Gaelic football fan and, two, because the All-Ireland final is for me the most special date in the sporting calendar. Some days are more difficult than others, when you feel as if you could have been there and maybe had opportunities to be there – could we have done anything differently? All-Ireland final day is just something that hits differently: the whole build-up and the atmosphere around it. When you're in Croke Park an hour or two beforehand and people are starting to stream in and the colour is filling out the stadium and music is being played, there is a feeling this is exactly where you want to be. Ideally, of course, you want to be in it, but just being there is something unique. I do have to say that I believe the third Sunday in September added to the occasion and brought something a bit different to getting ready for the All-Ireland final. There was a great build-up in the counties with everything from cars to cows being painted and the whole country getting ready for it and the atmosphere building to a fever pitch. Meath's Jordan Morris, left, reacts to a missed chance in the All-Ireland semi-final against Donegal on Sunday. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/INPHO Now, it's all just a wee bit more rushed. The hurling final is in a few days and we're still talking about football semi-finals. Next week there'll be new hurling champions as the football build-up is trying to get started – even though for anyone that's in it it's still a final to be won. For those who aren't there, the ones feeling it most are the teams who lost the semi-finals. At the weekend, the last two teams to lose before the final made their exits. There was consolation of sorts, if you can call it that. Both Tyrone and Meath beat one of the finalists. Indeed, those defeats marked a turning point for Donegal and especially Kerry . Tyrone will probably feel it more. It was a different game to the quarter-final when Kerry had that 14-0 period because Armagh didn't really register any chances to respond. They couldn't because they were pinned in and unable to get out. Tyrone did get out and create chances, even as they were conceding those eight points in the second half. They just couldn't get the scores on the board. There were a couple of bad wides: Mark Bradley missed one, Michael McKernan came on and missed one, Peter Harte came on and missed one. You could really just see the air being let out of the tyres with every chance Tyrone missed. You could hear the groan of the crowd and you could just sense the unease in the team. I would suspect Tyrone will probably have regrets over Saturday's game. Meath, probably not as much. They'll be disappointed with getting beaten so comfortably, but overall I think they will look back on that year and be reasonably happy, even if slightly frustrated that they didn't do themselves justice in the semi-final. If they and Tyrone can face thinking about next year, maybe they'll look at how the counties who beat them had lost semi-finals themselves 12 months ago.
The Irish Sun
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tommy Walsh hails Derek Lyng's impact as Kilkenny prepare for derby war with Tipperary
AHEAD of hurling's Old Firm derby, Tommy Walsh has hailed his former team-mate Derek Lyng for ensuring Kilkenny remain a grand old team to play for. Lyng had massive shoes to fill when he succeeded legendary boss Brian Cody for the 2023 season. Advertisement 2 Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng and his side are just one game away from the All-ireland final 2 Former Kilkenny star Tommy Walsh hailed his former team-mate And while the gap to their 2015 Liam MacCarthy Cup triumph has yet to be bridged, Having been on the losing side against Limerick at the end of his first season in charge, Lyng is one victory away from another All-Ireland SHC decider. He has also steered the black and amber to three successive Leinster titles as their provincial supremacy continued for a sixth year on the spin. And Walsh has been encouraged by how Kilkenny avoided going into the type of freefall experienced by Manchester United following the departure of their own iconic gaffer. Advertisement READ MORE ON GAA The nine-time All-Ireland winner said: 'Look, what do you want out of your hurling team? You want to be competing. 'That every year you go out, you have a chance and you hope that you're going to be the All-Ireland champions come the end of July. 'We've seen it in Manchester United after Alex Ferguson. 'Manchester United have fallen away down to 17th in the table. And that was the worry that when Brian Cody left, would the same happen to maybe Kilkenny? Advertisement Most read in GAA Hurling 'It didn't and Derek has kept us competing after winning six Leinsters now in a row and in All-Ireland finals, All-Ireland semi-finals every year. 'And with Limerick gone, it's nearly a weight off every other team that's left in the Championship that, 'You know what? Palestine GAA players watch camogie match on laptop "We can do it this year and we don't have to produce this extraordinary performance to beat Limerick to go on and win an All-Ireland'. 'Now you're nearly seeing every other team that's left in the Championship as your equal. Advertisement "I think that was narrowed again even more so when your All-Ireland semi-final opponents are Tipperary, because I think whether that's a qualifier, whether that's an All-Ireland final, semi-final, I don't think that matters. 'This is a derby. This is Celtic versus Rangers, Manchester United versus Manchester City, Liverpool versus Manchester United.' Not since their 2019 All-Ireland final defeat have Kilkenny faced The recent winning of underage titles at the expense of their neighbours has helped the Premier to retain the bragging rights in the meantime. Advertisement But Tullaroan native Walsh, who grew up just a few kilometres from Tipp territory, hopes Lyng's side can set the record straight tomorrow by advancing to the July 20 showpiece against Cork or Dublin. SPLIT DECISION The former Kilkenny star said: 'I suppose both sides of the border would know exactly what's going on in each other's heads and you're just praying that your team comes out the right side of it. 'Tipperary have done it in the All-Ireland minor final last year, they've done it in the All-Ireland Under-20 final this year, so we're praying that maybe this time we'll get the bit of luck and that we'll get the right side of it. "From our playing days, there's nothing that prepares you for a derby. Advertisement 'They're ones you just have to live through the experience.' The Cats' Eoin Cody will make his long-awaited return tomorrow after a ten-week lay-off due to injury. Tipp manager Liam Cahill has announced the same team that started their All-Ireland quarter-final defeat of Galway. KILKENNY: E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, S Murphy; M Carey, R Reid, P Deegan; C Kenny, J Molloy; A Mullen, J Donnelly, B Ryan; M Keoghan, TJ Reid, E Cody. Subs: A Tallis, T Walsh, D Blanchfield, P Moylan, K Doyle, Z Bay-Hammond, F Mackessy, S Donnelly, L Hogan, L Connellan, B Drennan. TIPPERARY: R Shelly; R Doyle, E Connolly, M Breen; C Morgan, R Maher, B O'Mara; W Connors, P McGarry; J Morris, A Ormond, S O'Farrell; D McCarthy, J McGrath, J Forde. Subs: B Hogan, J Caesar, S Kenneally, S Kennedy, B McGrath, N McGrath, O O'Donoghue, J Ryan, C Stakelum, D Stakelum, A Tynan. Advertisement l TOMMY WALSH is an ambassador for 24th annual Circet All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge. This year's event, in aid of GAA-related charities, takes place at Killarney Golf and Fishing Resort on October 16 and 17.
Irish Examiner
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Rory Maguire and Conor Cahalane lining out for Castlehaven league fixture 'non-story' says Cleary
Cork football manager John Cleary has described as a 'non-story' Rory Maguire and Conor Cahalane lining out for Castlehaven in a club league fixture the morning after they were introduced as second-half subs in Cork's All-Ireland series defeat to Meath. Maguire and Cahalane saw the last 19 and five minutes respectively of Cork's 1-13 to 0-12 defeat to Meath on Saturday, May 24. The following morning, the pair played most of the hour in Castlehaven's Division 1 bottom-of-the-table league win over Carrigaline. They were the sole pair, from the Cork bench in Navan, to line out in a club league fixture the day after the Meath defeat and six days before the Kerry game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Of those who started on the bench against Meath, only a small number had clubs in League action the following day. All non-matchday panelists, as is standard procedure, were free to line out with their respective clubs. When asked by the Irish Examiner on Tuesday, ahead of this Saturday's sink-or-swim Sam Maguire group fixture against Roscommon, if all subs from the Meath game were aware they were allowed to line out for their club the following day, Cleary said they were. 'Of course they were aware. That's a non-story, total nonsense. To me that was total nonsense,' he said with regard to reporting of the story by local media the week after the Meath defeat. Looking forward to Saturday, Cleary said Tommy Walsh and Conor Corbett are injury-free and available for selection. 'Conor Corbett, he got a bit of a setback three or four weeks ago, he is on the mend. Conor's was a muscular thing, which often happens with cruciates and things like that. Tommy Walsh is on the mend. The rest are as we had the last day.' Cork, beaten by Meath and Kerry, must overcome Roscommon to finish third in the group and secure an All-Ireland preliminary place. Roscommon, who lost to Kerry and drew with Meath, will advance if the game finishes level.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Sports stars come together to raise significant sum for a good cause
Ireland soccer legend Niall Quinn, nine-time All Ireland winner with Kilkenny Tommy Walsh, Paralympic gold medallist Ellen Keane and former rugby international Shane Byrne were all in attendance for a vibrant charity lunch in aid of Cappagh Hospital Foundation, supporting the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. Following an intriguing panel discussion there was an auction and raffle with top tier prizes, including a signed Masters flag from Rory McIlroy, VIP tickets to Oasis, All-Ireland final tickets, a luxury trip to Cannes, and flights for two to Chicago to see Ireland take on the All Blacks in October. Raffle prizes, generously donated by supporters, added to the excitement and success of the afternoon. A show-stopping performance came from Brian Keville, frontman of Queen tribute band Qween and 18 months post-surgery for sarcoma. His powerful vocals and stage presence wowed the audience and served as a moving testament to the Foundation's impact. Niamh Long, Board Director and Chair of the Fundraising Committee, spoke passionately about Brian's diagnosis and the critical role of the recently installed CT scanner— funded by the Foundation— in enabling early detection. Visit to learn how you can support future projects in medical research, hospital development, and ongoing education and training for the specialist teams at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh.
Irish Examiner
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Walsh doubtful, Cleary 'to decide' on Cork comeback for Corbett
Cork boss John Cleary will have close to a full deck to pick from when his side head to Navan to take on Meath in their All-Ireland SFC opener on Saturday afternoon (throw-in, 3pm). Conor Corbett and Ballincollig's Luke Fahy have been back in training with the Rebels and both will be considered for selection this weekend, but Cleary noted the long-term absence of Kevin O'Donovan and the battle Tommy Walsh faces to get back in time for the game one of the round-robin. Kanturk defender Walsh is "struggling" with a heel knock he picked up in the Munster SFC semi-final defeat to Kerry. "Kevin O'Donovan is out now, he's quite a long-term term, he won't make any of the three games I'd say," Cleary said. "Tommy Walsh is struggling a bit. We'll probably see later on in the week, he's doubtful." Conor Corbett was a focal point in the Cork attack last term, but a cruciate ligament tear - his second of his career - suffered while playing in America for Chicago club, John McBride's, last summer, meant he only returned to Cork training last month. The availability of Luke Fahy, another who has had his injury troubles, is another boost as Cork face into a busy few weeks. "Obviously, they've not had a lot of game time, but their injuries have cleared up so they're back in training," Castlehaven club man Cleary said. "During the league, we had guys carrying knocks and bruises and injuries and thanks be to God, most of them have cleared up. But look, we're facing at least three games now in four weeks, possibly six in seven weeks, so we're going to need everyone." Ben O'Carroll of Roscommon in action against Tommy Walsh of Cork. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile Corbett's return to contention for championship fare has come shy of the nine-month mark post-cruciate rupture. Major strides have been made by the Clyda Rovers forward. "Yeah, well, look, again, we've two more training sessions to go and then we'll decide, you know, and, look, he picked up - as probably all cruciate injuries do - they pick up little nicks along the way after coming back. "You look at Paddy Lynch from Cavan, I think it's 13 months he's out, I think Conor is just over eight. "He's made a huge, huge strides to get back in the field and the last thing we want to do is put him at risk now. "His injury may be deemed okay, you know, whether he's physically ready to go, we'll just wait until the last minute before deciding." One man who won't feature this weekend is Ballygarvan's Seán Brady, who is suspended following his dismissal against the Kingdom - a very frustrating situation for Cleary. "Seán Brady's out as well, being suspended, which was very disappointing. We were disappointed when he was sent off, and to doubly compound it, we appealed it and it wasn't successful, Cleary said. "Anyone I spoke to all over the country couldn't understand why it was a sending off and yet when we appealed it, they doubled down on it, which was disappointing. "I think there's a new system in place now where you can't appeal the actual incident, you can only appeal the first hearing, so that's as far as it goes. So all you can do is appeal the technicality on the hearing you've got, you can't appeal the incident. "Obviously, the hearing was okay, but I'm sure if you offered it to a lot of people, football people around the country, I don't think too many would have confirmed it was sending off, but look, it was and the appeal wasn't successful. "It's disappointing but we just have to drive on." He added: "I think what Seán was sent off for was behaving in a manner dangerous to an opponent. You know, if they're going to bring that into GAA, every time a fella goes for a ball or a 50-50 ball, there is an element of danger there. "Look, disappointing, but we exhausted the avenues on it. "Disappointing for Seán himself, you know, as much as anything else now he loses out this weekend, but nothing we can do about it now."
