NOVEMBER 2018 MARKED the centenary of the end of the First World War and next month, 21 January, will be 100 years on from the start of the Irish War of Independence.
The Irish War of Independence was the culmination of Ireland’s nationalists pushing for separation from the British, and a troubled few years at home.
Given how closely linked the GAA was to the nationalism movement, it was presumed by historians for years that WWI had very little effect on members of the GAA, as Ireland’s nationalists were largely against fighting on behalf of Britain.
That was until recently when historian Dr Dónal McAnallen, came across an article on the footballer William Manning, a member of the Antrim team that reached back-to-back All-Ireland finals in 1911 and 1912, but died in the final year of the war while fighting in France.
Having heard very little about Manning’s story in the past, McAnallen went looking for similar stories of prominent GAA players who took part in the war.
To date a number of soldiers with GAA backgrounds around the country have been found, including 10 men who played in All-Ireland finals.
McAnallen shared some of his research with us, including the stories of a Tyrone county secretary that wanted to fly and a tattoo that saved the Tipperary goalkeeper on Bloody Sunday:
Source: The42.ie/YouTube
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The research over the last number of years shows that the First World War did in fact have a noticeable effect on the GAA around the country.
McAnallen also explained that a small junior club from Belfast, St Peter’s, reported that at least 20 of their members were involved in the war.
“I wouldn’t say that a lot of other clubs had numbers as high as that but, even then it’s still an extraordinary number given what we thought before.
“In so far as people wrote GAA history books, they would have given the indication that GAA members didn’t really take part or that it didn’t effect the GAA.”
McAnallen is hoping to release his findings in a publication early in 2019, and is still investigating other ties between the GAA and the war. So far, McAnallen and the other historians that have worked with him have found players from every country bar Roscommon, Westmeath, Fermanagh and Longford who fought in the war.
“No doubt more stuff will come out only when it’s in print, because only then will people be able to correct it and add to it. That’s just the nature of these things.”
Murray Kinsella, Gavan Casey and Andy Dunne preview another big weekend of rugby action and dissect the week’s main talking points.
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Coughlan, McLoughlin, Hickey and McCaffrey were amongst those to retire this season.
Source: INPHO
FOR SOME PLAYERS, the 2018 hurling season was particularly significant.
A year where they decided at different junctures to call it a day, bringing the segment of their lives that revolved around inter-county hurling to a close.
Here’s ten that cut their ties with the elite level of hurling this year.
1. Ruairi Convery (Derry)
Midfield on the Derry minor footballers that swept to an All-Ireland victory in 2002, Convery forged a career away from the lights with the county’s senior hurling side. He enjoyed a couple of landmark days in Nicky Rackard Cup successes in 2006 – shooting 2-7 in that final – and last year when the veteran came off the bench to assist a Croke Park win over Armagh.
'Laochra Gael' – An Oakleaf legend, an All-Ireland minor football winner, Poc Fada King, a warrior and a gentleman; on behalf of all Derry Gaels, we thank Ruairí Convery for 15 years of service to our senior hurling team. Go raibh mile maith agat! #CandC #BigRuairi pic.twitter.com/mvM2RvSM6O
— Derry GAA (@Doiregaa) January 8, 2018
Source: Derry GAA/Twitter
Convery was a long-serving figure in Derry colours.
Source: Presseye/John McIlwaine/INPHO
2. Barry Coughlan (Waterford)
An established member of the Waterford side as he nailed down a place at full-back, Coughlan retired after being involved for six seasons. He won a National League medal in 2015, featured in a couple of Munster finals for the Deise and was part of the side that lost out to Galway in the 2017 All-Ireland decider.
He’ll still be involved in hurling at a major level next year with newly-crowned Munster club champions Ballygunner as they prepare to take on Ballyhale Shamrocks in February’s All-Ireland semi-final.
Barry Coughlan in action in Ennis in the Munster SHC this year.
3. Seamus Hickey (Limerick)
No one bowed out on a happier note this year than the Murroe-Boher man. Hickey made his debut for Limerick as a teenager for Limerick in 2006, won Young Hurler of the Year the following season and then was schooled on the harsher lessons of the game from thereon. In 2018 he finally got his reward, part of Limerick’s moment of Liam MacCarthy Cup glory and then he retired in December.
Seamus Hickey lifts the Liam MacCarthy Cup with his daughter
Source: James Crombie/INPHO
4. Patrick Kelly (Clare)
A recent retiree, Kelly was a netminder who emerged during Davy Fitzgerald’s reign in charge of Clare. He was between the posts for the crowning moment of that tenure as Clare lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup after a win over Cork in a thrilling replay in Croke Park. The Inagh-Kilnamona man didn’t manage to nail down a regular starting place of late and opted to depart.
Patrick Kelly was celebrating when Clare triumphed in the 2013 All-Ireland decider.
Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
5. Peter Kelly (Dublin)
In April it was announced the All-Star winning full-back was departing the Dublin camp. Kelly won that personal award in 2013, the same season when he played a vital role in Dublin’s Leinster breakthrough under the guidance of Anthony Daly. After making a comeback initially in the early stages of the 2018 season under Pat Gilroy, Kelly made the call to depart before the championship commenced. This year, similar to recent seasons, he was plagued by injuries which hampered his capacity to impact for the capital outfit.
Kelly retired in April from Dublin hurling duty.
6. Johnny McCaffrey (Dublin)
McCaffrey brought the curtain down on a 12-year career for the Dublin senior hurlers earlier this month. Along with his club-mate Kelly, he returned to the Dublin fold this season under Pat Gilroy. A talented underage figure, McCaffrey stepped up to the Dublin senior ranks as he helped them win a National league title in 2011, a couple of Walsh Cup finals and was captain on a celebratory day when they won the Leinster senior championship in 2013 after a long spell in the wilderness.
Johnny McCaffrey captained Dublin to provincial glory in 2013.
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7. Lorcan McLoughlin (Cork)
A 3-time Munster senior victor, McLoughlin bowed out from the Cork squad in November. He’d been involved for nine seasons, making his debut in a league match against Offaly in 2010.
McLoughlin tasted Munster senior glory with Cork teams in 2014, 2017 and 2018, while the closest he came to a Liam MacCarthy Cup victory was in 2013 when Cork lost out to Clare after a final replay.
Lorcan McLoughlin was part of a Munster hurling triumph in July.
8. Ian O’Regan (Waterford)
A long-serving figure on Waterford squads, O’Regan made his debut in the 2004 All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny and had to wait nine years for his next start in a championship tie. He served under four different Waterford managers during his career and was primarily an understudy to Stephen O’Keeffe during Derek McGrath’s reign.
So the journey has ended , what a pleasure it was to play with and against some of the greats of the game . #herestoanewadventure😉 @MountSionGAA @WaterfordGAA #memoriesforlife #bestsportintheworld pic.twitter.com/0NIp9nLXsn
— iggy o regan (@iggyoregan) October 10, 2018
Source: iggy o regan/Twitter
Ian O’Regan signing autographs for Waterford fans after last March’s clash with Clare.
Source: Ken Sutton/INPHO
9. David Redmond (Wexford)
In mid-January, Redmond announced his decision to retire. He had given a decade of service to Wexford senior setups since getting his first taste of championship action in 2008 against Dublin and making his last appearance in the All-Ireland quarter-final defeat in 2017 to Waterford.
Redmond participated in a couple of Leinster hurling finals but came up short on both occasions. At club level he sparkled for Oulart-the-Ballagh as they won a bunch of Wexford county finals and finally ended their Leinster heartbreak in the 2015 final.
David Redmond retired in January.
10. Sean Ryan (Offaly)
Ryan bowed out after 13 seasons with Offaly sides where he had juggled commitments to the county football and hurling sides. The Birr native was captain of the Offaly hurlers last year and had been focused solely on their fortunes since 2012. Previously Ryan had performed for six years for the Offaly footballers after his debut in 2006 and was a dual operator for two campaigns.
Sean Ryan (lefts) lines up with Galway counterpart David Burke before last year’s Leinster semi-final.
11. Paul Dermody (Kildare)
A long-serving member of the Lilywhite camp, Dermody came on as a late substitute in the Christy Ring Cup final success in June as he got to bow out in style in Kildare’s triumph over London at Croke Park.
Best of luck in retirement to Kildare’s veteran net minder Paul Dermody
Over a decade of service to inter county hurling, winning 2 Christy Ring titles, 3 National League Titles and achieving 2 GPA Champion 15 Awards in 2009 & 2014
Best wishes Paul pic.twitter.com/Q11HjpJEJe
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) December 12, 2018
Source: GPA/Twitter
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From Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam success to that fairytale journey to a silver medal at the Women’s Hockey World Cup, there were several memorable moments to savour in 2018.
The Limerick hurlers defied the odds to end a 45-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup in what was a fitting end to an incredible hurling championship campaign, while Jim Gavin’s Dublin eased to an impressive four-in-a-row.
There were gold medals for boxer Kellie Harrington and rower Sanita Puspure, and the Ireland Women’s U20 relay team stormed to a silver medal at the World U20 Championships.
There were plenty of other enjoyable moments in sport from 2018, but what was the standout one for you?
Cast your vote below, or let us know if we have left any of your favourite moments out of the list.
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What was your favourite sporting moment from 2018?
WHICH OF THESE hurling goals really caught your eye in 2018?
Shane O’Donnell and Jonathan Glynn both hit superb strikes this year.
Clare’s Shane O’Donnell, Galway’s Jonathan Glynn and Cork’s Conor Lehane all raised green flags with stunning efforts in the pick of superb finishes on the inter-county stage.
Away from there though, Cuala’s Mark Schutte and Imokilly’s Seamus Harnedy were among those to produce brilliant goals at club level, while there were a few eye-catching efforts at U21 and schools level too.
In all there are 15 strikes in contention for TG4′s Cúil na Bliana award. Here’s the shortlist, let us know your favourite goal and get involved in the voting here.
**********************
A. Mark Schutte — Cuala v Na Piarsaigh — 24 March
Source: TG4/YouTube
B. Ciarán Brennan — Coláiste Chiaráin v Coláiste na Toirbhirte — 31 March
Source: TG4/YouTube
C. Conor McDonald — Wexford v Kilkenny — 1 April
Source: TG4/YouTube
D. Billy McCarthy — Tipperary v Clare — 10 June
Source: TG4/YouTube
E. Thomas Monaghan — Galway v Wexford — 4 July
Source: TG4/YouTube
F. Tommy Ryan — Waterfird v Cork — 17 June
Source: TG4/YouTube
G. Seamus Casey — Wexford v Galway — 4 July
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A HOST OF well-known Gaelic footballers departed the inter-county arena this year.
All-Ireland winners and provincial champions were among them, while some long-serving servants also hung up their boots.
1. Michael Shields (Cork)
Michael Shields.
Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO
Shields was the final link with the 2010 All-Ireland winning Cork side to retire, choosing to bring the curtain down on a 13-year career. Injuries and off-field commitments led to the 31-year-old’s decision to retire. He made his debut in 2006 against Kerry in the drawn Munster final and went on to claim three Munster titles, an All-Stars in 2009 and 2010.
2. Gary Sice (Galway)
Gary Sice celebrates scoring a goal for Galway.
Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO
11 years after making his debut for Galway, Gary Sice opted to call it a day. The Corofin forward won an All-Ireland U21 crown with Galway and his last game for the seniors arrived in the Connacht final defeat to Roscommon in July 2017.
3. Brian Kavanagh (Longford)
Brian Kavanagh takes a penalty against Offaly.
Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Kavanagh was a long-serving soldier for Longford, having made his debut in 2006 under Luke Dempsey against Dublin in the Leinster quarter-final. He posted two points that day and would be a regular scorer throughout his career, helping the county to a shock qualifier win over then Ulster champions Monaghan in 2016.
4. Diarmuid Masterson (Longford)
Dublin’s Paddy Andrews with Diarmuid Masterson of Longford.
Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Masterson was another to follow Kavanagh out the exit door in Longford. He also made his debut in 2006, against Derry in their round 3 qualifier victory that set-up a clash against Kerry. Masterson was extremely versatile, operating at corner-back, half-back and half-forward during his inter-county career.
5. Mark Breheny (Sligo)
Sligo’s Mark Breheny and Fergal Boland of Mayo.
Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Breheny announced his retirement in January after 17 years of service for Sligo. He was thought to be the longest serving player in the inter-county game before he retired. Breheny’s debut came in 2000 during the league in Navan, the same venue where he played his final game in the 2017 championship.
6. Seanie Buckley (Limerick)
Seanie Buckley during a game against Cork.
Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Buckley was first involved with Limerick seniors in 2005, during a spell when they were very competitive in the Munster SFC. He announced his decision to step away in January.
7. Johnny McCarthy (Limerick)
Johnny McCarthy challenges Clare’s Jamie Malone.
Source: Lorraine OÕSullivan/INPHO
McCarthy arrived on the scene a year earlier than Buckley and also informed Billy Lee of his decision to walk away prior to this year’s league campaign commencing. He was an All-Star nominee in 2009, when Limerick lost to Cork in the Munster final by a single point.
8. Kieran Donaghy (Kerry)
Kieran Donaghy takes to the field with Kerry for the last time.
Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Donaghy brought a legendary career to a close with his announcement in September, which was accompanied by a poem. The Austin Stacks clubman finished with four All-Ireland senior medals, three All-Stars and the Footballer of the Year award in 2006.
A little poem for ye. Thanks for everything @Kerry_Official pic.twitter.com/WIxl985gkL
— Kieran Donaghy (@starryboy14) September 11, 2018
9. Donnchadh Walsh (Kerry)
Kerry’s Donnchadh Walsh fields a ball over Davy Byrne of Dublin.
Source: Tommy Grealy/INPHO
Walsh became the second Kerry footballer to retire in September. The 34-year-old left the scene with three Celtic Crosses and eight Munster crowns. He was an energetic half-forward but injuries reduced his impact in his final season with the Kingdom.
10. Eamonn Callaghan (Kildare)
Kildare’s Eamonn Callaghan.
Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
Callaghan stepped away with 17 years of service for the Lilywhites. The 35-year-old was handed his debut by Mick O’Dwyer in 2002 and lost four senior Leinster finals during his career. He helped Kildare to the All-Ireland semi-final in 2010, where they fell to Down by two points.
11. Sean Armstrong (Galway)
Sean Armstrong in his last game for Galway against Dublin.
Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
Armstrong retired from inter-county football for the second time in September, when he announced his latest decision. The 32-year-old previously hung up his boots in 2014, but was tempted back into the fold by Kevin Walsh. He made his senior debut in 2005 and won the All-Ireland U21 crown the same year. He added three Connacht titles with the Tribsemen at senior level.
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To all the managers, back room staff, players and fans. It has been a privilege to play for you and along side you. To my family and friends thank you for your absolute support. It was a honour to wear the maroon and white 🙏. #gailimhabu
A post shared by Seán Armstrong (@seanarmy86) on
12. Anthony Maher (Kerry)
Kerry’s Anthony Maher.
Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
With two All-Ireland medals in his back pocket, Anthony Maher followed Donaghy and O’Sullivan into retirement. The 32-year-old received an All-Star in 2015 following Kerry’s All-Ireland defeat to Dublin. He made his debut in 2008 under Pat O’Shea, and also served under Jack O’Connor and Eamonn Fitzmaurice.
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13. Darran O’Sullivan (Kerry)
O’Sullivan after Kerry’s Munster final win over Cork.
Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
O’Sullivan became the fourth Kingdom veteran to walk away, leaving the scene with four All-Ireland medals. He skippered Kerry to the All-Ireland in 2009 and was an All-Star in 2011. O’Sullivan frequently battled injuries in his later years that reduced his playing time, but on his day not many could live with his electrifying pace.
Started with this man, finished with him. Struck pure fear in everyone with his blistering pace. A leader as he showed at a young age in 09 as Kerry captain. He was a great passer finisher and kicker, but his will to win and that bit of a dog in him is what I loved most. #legend pic.twitter.com/hWmme1AskN
— Kieran Donaghy (@starryboy14) October 16, 2018
14. Charlie Harrison (Sligo)
Sligo’s Charlie Harrison.
Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
Harrison retired at 36-years-old in October, drawing one of the most successful Sligo careers to a close. He’s one of just four men from the county to hold a Connacht medal and an All-Star, while he captained them to victories over Mayo and Galway in 2010 before they lost the provincial decider to Roscommon.
15. George Hannigan (Tipperary)
Tipperary’s George Hannigan.
Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO
Hannigan drew a 13-year career to a close when he called time on his career. He made his senior debut for the Premier in 2006 and went on to appear in 36 championship games. He won Division 3 titles in 2009 and 2017 in addition to the Division 4 crown in 2014.
Enjoy retirement Georgie, hero @hannigan14
— Peter Acheson (@PeterAcheson) October 24, 2018
16. John McGrath (Wicklow)
Offaly’s Conor Carroll chases John McGrath of Wicklow.
Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO
McGrath retired at 31-years-old after spending 12 years with the Wicklow seniors. The forward was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2011 and after undergoing intense chemotherapy, he incredibly rejoined the county set-up in 2012 and remained part of it until last summer.
Best of luck to Wicklow stalwart John McGrath in retirement
John’s strength and character shown by his return to play at inter county level after serious illness
John had been a GPA squad rep for Wicklow in recent years, empowering teammates to better themselves off the field pic.twitter.com/4VHWbSjEXk
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) November 8, 2018
17. Ciaran Hyland (Wicklow)
Ciaran and Fay Hyland celebrate after a game last summer.
Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO
McGrath was joined in retirement by tight-marking defender Hyland. The 36-year-old made his debut in 2003 and received an All-Star nomination in 2009. He featured in Leinster SFC clashes this year against Offaly and Dublin, before injury ruled him out of their qualifier defeat to Cavan.
18. Mark Lynch (Derry)
Derry’s Mark Lynch after being sent off against Kildare last June.
Source: Lorcan Doherty/INPHO
Derry head into the 2019 campaign without experienced forward Lynch. The former Oak Leaf captain made his senior debut under Mickey Moran in 2004 and played in the All-Ireland semi-final that year where they lost to Kerry. He lifted a Division 1 title in 2008 and won a Division 2 medal in 2013. Lynch played more than 50 times for Derry, with the final game of his 14-year career arriving against Kildare last summer.
19. Donncha O’Connor (Cork)
Donncha O’Connor with Sam Maguire in 2010.
Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO
O’Connor retired at 37 during the summer, eight years after he scored five points in the All-Ireland final win over Down. He also claimed four Munster crowns, three Division 1 titles and a Division 2 medal.
Ballydesmond G.A.A. Club wishes our Clubman @thedonch2012 every health, happiness, and enjoyment in the future on his retirement from @OfficialCorkGAA What a servant to the Cork cause. A true great, and a total gentleman on and off the field. Thanks for the wonderful memories.
— Ballydesmond G.A.A. (@ballydesmondgaa) July 7, 2018
20. Colm O’Neill (Cork)
Cork’s Colm O’Neill celebrates scoring a point against Mayo in 2017.
Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Another member of Cork’s 2010 crop to retire was O’Neill. At 29 he overcame three cruciate operations during his career but a torn cartilage in his knee hampered his 2018 campaign. A silky forward capable of scoring off either foot, O’Neill made his debut in 2009 and collected the Sam Maguire a year later.
21. Alan Mulhall (Offaly)
Offaly’s goalkeeper Alan Mulhall after a 2017 clash against Westmeath.
Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Long-serving Offaly goalkeeper Mulhall retired earlier in December after 15 years on the senior panel. He represented the Faithful 88 times throughout his career and the Walsh Island native was a solid presence between the posts, making countless crucial saves over the years.
22. Brian Darby (Offaly)
Brian Darby after a qualifier clash against London.
Source: Tom Beary/INPHO
Darby initially retired in November 2017, but answered his county’s call last summer when Paul Rouse took charge as interim manager. After featuring in championship clashes against Antrim and Clare, the Rhode clubman will not be returning to the fold in 2019.
23. Darren Strong (Laois)
Dublin’s Cormac Costello and and Darren Strong of Laois.
Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO
Strong opted to call it a day ahead of the 2019 season, almost a decade after he broke onto the Laois team. He established himself as a wing-back under Justin McNulty and was part of the side that made the All-Ireland quarter-final in 2012. He helped Laois to Division 4 honours this year and started at corner-back in the Leinster final defeat to Dublin in June.
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THIS SEASON WAS too short for Briege Corkery. Another few weeks to work with would have been great, she reckons.
Briege Corkery.
Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
After an almost two-year absence from inter-county camogie, she made her return to the Cork panel in August.
She had just given birth to her son Tadhg in March, but getting back into the red jersey quickly came into view for her.
The goal was to get as much game time as possible, and potentially work her way back onto the team. She came close to getting over the line but she ran out of road.
She got three minutes on the pitch in the All-Ireland semi-final win over Tipperary and was thrilled to get them as Cork booked a date in Croke Park to defend their title.
“I was just waiting for the call really. I nearly ran on with the bib I was so excited,” she laughs.
They were facing their rivals Kilkenny in the final and Corkery was hopeful that she might get to play a part.
It turned out to be another tight affair between the sides in an All-Ireland final, the kind of game that the Cloughduv star thrives in.
But it didn’t work out as she was held in reserve for the full game which was settled by a late Orla Cotter free to ensure Cork retained their crown.
“I was hoping I’d get a run. I thought I was going ok and was asking the lads if they thought I was going ok or what do I need to do [to improve].
Obviously you’d be disappointed that you didn’t get a game but I can’t complain, they’re training since last December and I rock on back in July so I can’t have any qualms about not getting a game.
“Of course, I’d love to have got a game and I was mad to go on but that’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
There were a few important factors behind Corkery’s return to Cork camogie. She missed the intense training that comes with the inter-county game and was eager to recapture the fitness levels she possessed before taking a break for the 2017 season.
She also had a persistent manager regularly checking in to see if he could persuade her to come back.
Cork boss Paudie Murray after winning the All-Ireland final.
Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO
“Only for Paudie Murray getting on to me, I probably would never have gone back and I’m delighted I got the opportunity to go back and give it a go,” Corkery admits.
“In December, Paudie asked me what am I doing and I was like ‘Jeez Paudie, I need to have the child first.’ So it didn’t even enter my head but then Paudie kept going onto me and I felt for myself, I was after putting on an awful lot of weight and wasn’t feeling great.
“I thought it would be nice to try and get back to that fitness. That was really what spurred me on. I really enjoyed going to training.”
It was a daunting task to undertake and Corkery had to ensure everything was in place before she could start training again.
Making such a late arrival into the panel played on her mind and she sought reassurance from the manager as well as captain Aoife Murray that the other players would accept her back at this stage of the season.
Once it was established that her teammates were more than happy to welcome her back, Corkery quickly got to work.
Naturally, the early days at training were a struggle.
I was a mile behind and I had a lot of weight to lose. It was the first time I’ve ever gone on a diet. I’ve never had to watch what I was eating so I was put on a diet.
“It was very tough, I was struggling a lot of the days but I’m quit a stubborn person and I think that got me over the line a small bit. When I put my mind to something, I’m at 100%.
“I was on a programme so I was training twice a day for nearly seven days a week. I was going to club training and going as hard as I could and doing some running after for myself.
“I worked hard at it and watched what I was eating. When I came back, I had to get down to a certain weight and I was happy we hit that target. I had a good bit of weight to lose and it was great to have that.”
Corkery was only a short time out of the game, but she quickly discovered that inter-county camogie had moved on since she last played in 2016.
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There were new drills to adapt to and new training methods that she had to learn.
It was an adjustment of course but her teammates were on hand to give her a steer and help her understand the instructions.
Playing against Tipperary in the semi-final was a milestone for her, and while she didn’t feature in Cork’s victory over Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final, she did get to bring Tadhg out onto the pitch for the celebrations.
He didn’t quite enjoy the whole experience but it was nice for Corkery to have him out there with her. She never thought she would ever get such an opportunity to enjoy this moment as a mother.
Baby Tadhg Scannell.
Source: James Crombie/INPHO
“He let me down badly,” she laughs
“The men always get to bring their children onto Croke Park after winning or losing and I always thought it was such a nice thing. Not many women have got the opportunity to do it.
I always thought that I’d love to have done that and it was something I thought I’d never get to do. I never thought I’d be back playing camogie so it was lovely to bring him on and to say he got to come onto Croke Park.”
Becoming a mother has brought new challenges for Corkery, particularly in her sporting life but it just requires more planning.
Babysitters have to be arranged, bottles have to prepared and a whole other multitude of things have to be considered to maintain a balance.
In her typically modest way, Corkery doesn’t see herself as a role model in this respect but she is eager to spread the message that female athletes don’t have to retire from sport when they have children.
“My own sisters had babies and they went back playing with club.
Sarah Carey from Limerick went back after having a baby. I wouldn’t think I’d be a role model for that but it’s something that girls should realise that having a baby doesn’t stop your life. It makes things harder for running out the door and stuff.
“Before, you could come home in the evening and chill out whereas [now] you have to prepare for the following day especially when you need to get a babysitter ready.
“90% of the population are probably more organised than I am,” she laughs.
Corkery has returned to her job in the bank but she is from a farming background and that’s still a part of her life.
Briege and Tadhg taking it all in after the All-Ireland final.
Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
She and her husband Diarmuid Scannell plan to lease out a farm in Ballincollig in the new year, while baby Tadhg is already a regular visitor to the milking parlour.
“Tadhg is brought into the milking parlour, he sits in his pram watching the cows go by. He’s out in the yard. There’s no fear, we’d throw him up in the tractor and take him round for a spin.”
There’s unfinished business for Corkery in her camogie career. She accepts why she couldn’t get on in the All-Ireland final, but the competitive side of her character remains unsatisfied.
She didn’t reach her target of getting back into the team and plans to correct that in 2019.
There’ll be no late return this time though and she confirmed to The42 earlier this month that she will be back with the panel from the beginning of the new year.
“I wasn’t going back to lounge around and do nothing, I was going back to get back on the team. I didn’t make my target but look, it was great to have the opportunity to go back and if we had another couple of weeks I could have got there but things just went against us.
“There’s no point going back just happy to sit on the bench. I wouldn’t have any interest in sitting on the bench.”
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Five-time All-Ireland winner David Herity stepped down as manager of the Dublin senior camogie team this year. Who has been named to replace him next year?
Galway came narrowly close to booking a spot in the All-Ireland senior final this year. Who scored the team's only goal in their semi-final defeat to Kilkenny?
‘Players of the Faithful’ was a hit with GAA viewers.
Source: RTÉ Player/Photojoiner.net
THE RTÉ DOCUMENTARY about one of the most famous moments in GAA history aired on Friday night, and it proved to be a hit with viewers.
‘Players of the Faithful’ recounts the story of how Offaly defeated Kerry in the 1982 All-Ireland SFC final and stopped one of the greatest ever football teams from winning an unprecedented five-in-a-row.
Interviews with various players from that Offaly team are featured in the programme, along with the manager who masterminded that incredible feat, Eugene McGee.
It also includes archive footage from the game and other events surrounding Offaly’s triumph.
Various GAA figures including Tomás Ó Sé and Carlow football manager Turlough O’Brien were impressed by how the story was told.
You can watch ‘Players of the Faithful’ on the RTÉ Player here.
Turlough O’Brien
Matt Connor was a footballing God. What a sublime footballer. #PlayersoftheFaithful
— Turlough O Brien (@TurloughCarlow) December 28, 2018
Source: Turlough O Brien/Twitter
Tomás Ó Sé
Hate watching that goal still think Charlie might save it😫😫 No one was close to Kerry after four in a row yet Offaly were sniffing and they went at Kerry and believed!! Interesting stat Kerry forwards not scoring goals in 81…”every empire eventually crumbles”.Great show #1982
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) December 28, 2018
Source: Tomás Ó Sé/Twitter
Nigel Dunne
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Anton Sullivan
Simply incredible, the belief of those guys was simply amazing, chased there dream and achieved it. Failure was never an option. Learned each time until they got over the line. 💚💭💛 #proudoffalyman #PlayersoftheFaithful #heros
— Anton Sullivan (@antonsullivan1) December 28, 2018
Source: Anton Sullivan/Twitter
Ciaran Mullooly
My old boss Eugene McGee from the halcyon days of @gaaoffaly and @Longford_Leader telling it like it was AS USUAL tonight Magic moments #PlayersoftheFaithful
— Ciaran Mullooly (@ciaranmullooly) December 28, 2018
Source: Ciaran Mullooly/Twitter
Dara Ó Briain
Well, that RTE documentary on the Offaly 1982 All-Ireland win was just lovely. #1982
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) December 28, 2018
Source: Dara Ó Briain/Twitter
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Des Cahill
As a young reporter in #Kerry, I was sent to Offaly by The Kerryman newspaper to do the pre-Match interviews. #Offaly weren’t cocky, but they weren’t afraid either! It was some achievement! #1982 #PlayersoftheFaithful
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) December 28, 2018
Source: Des Cahill/Twitter
Jamie Wall
Watching Players of the Faithful – whatever about anything else. Those Offaly, Kerry, and Dublin jerseys of the 80s… wow😍 Just Wow.
— Jamie Wall (@Jamwall7) December 28, 2018
Source: Jamie Wall/Twitter
Thomas Niblock
Matt Connor. Talent. Tragedy. Such a brilliant footballer. Offaly story, nicely told by RTE. Lovely documentary pic.twitter.com/2k1Y8nFr5R
— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) December 28, 2018
Source: Thomas Niblock/Twitter
Murray Kinsella, Gavan Casey and Andy Dunne look back on a memorable year for Irish rugby.
Source: Heineken Rugby Weekly on The42/SoundCloud
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CLARE WILL ENTER the new year on a winning note after snatching what seemed an unlikely opening Co-Op SuperStores Munster Hurling League victory over Cork in front of 1,987 spectators in Cusack Park this afternoon.
Trailing by four points with just three minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Colin Guilfoyle’s goal initiated an unanswered 1-3 flourish to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Cork’s Jamie Coughlan under pressure from David Fitzgerald of Clare.
Source: Tommy Grealy/INPHO
Cork had led from the throw-in to the 70th minute when Niall Deasy’s 10th point pulled Clare level for the first time, before additional scores from Ryan Taylor and Diarmuid Ryan got the home side over the line.
Until that late backlash, Cork — having led by six points at half-time — dealt admirably with Clare’s second-half resurgence. On five occasions when the margin was slashed to the minimum, the Rebels were able to produce a response.
Declan Dalton was Cork’s guiding light in the opening period with six placed balls, but the physically imposing full-forward was also denied a brace of goals by home goalkeeper Keith Hogan, who kept out two bullet efforts.
Michael O’Halloran also chipped in with four points from play for the visitors, who — despite the best efforts of Colm Galvin, Niall Deasy and Gary Cooney — took a 0-13 to 0-7 advantage into the dressing rooms.
Clare were decidedly improved on the restart though, hitting four points inside the opening three minutes. However, while Deasy constantly brought the deficit back to one, Cork — through Dalton, Jamie Coughlan and Robbie O’Flynn — appeared to weather the storm as they moved four clear heading into the final minutes.
Clare’s Rory Hayes tracking Declan Dalton of Cork.
Source: Tommy Grealy/INPHO
Clare’s 15 wides over the hour looked to be costly but Guilfoyle’s goal effectively altered the narrative as a buoyant home side finished with aplomb to take the opening spoils in Group B, with both sides set to face Waterford over the next eight days to decide the group winner.
Scorers for Clare: Niall Deasy 0-10 (7f); Gary Cooney, Diarmuid Ryan 0-3 each; Colin Guilfoyle 1-0; Davy Conroy 0-2; Cathal Malone, Ryan Taylor 0-1 each.
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8. Shane Golden (Sixmilebridge)
9. Davy Conroy (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield)
17. Ryan Taylor (Clooney-Quin)
11. Niall Deasy (Ballyea)
5. Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe)
13. Gary Cooney (O’Callaghan’s Mills)
12. Aron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones)
22. Michael O’Neill (Kilmaley)
Subs
14. Colin Guilfoyle (Newmarket-on-Fergus) for Conroy (51)
26. Conor Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown) for Galvin (54)
25. Jack Browne (Ballyea) for Fitzgerald (58)
15. Cathal McInerney (Cratloe) for Shanagher (65)
Cork
1. Pa Collins (Ballinhassig)
2. Sean O’Donoghue (Inniscarra)
18. David Griffin (Carrigaline)
4. David Lowney (Clonakilty)
9. Christopher Joyce (Na Piarsaigh)
6. Tim O’Mahony (Newtownshandrum)
19. Robert Downey (Glen Rovers)