THANKS to TG4, hurling fans this side of the water were able to watch the Limerick vs Clare Under-21 Munster Hurling Final last Thursday evening.
The game lived up to all expectations – the standard of point-taking was first class, delivering no fewer than 41 scores in 60 minutes.
Limerick’s Ronan Lynch, who was accountable for 13 points, is a gem of a player for the future, while I love watching Shane O’Donnell of Clare too.
That lad never knows when he is beaten – he is a tigerish player who is lovely to watch.
As for the London Championship, hopefully there’ll be some great hurling played this weekend and there's no shortage of quality players to watch:
1. Dan Morkham
Dan Morkham of St Gabriels is definitely one to watch - hopefully he will be back from injury. He is a class act and possibly the best hurler to come to London for the past five years.
2. Tadhg Healy
Then there’s Tadhg Healy of Robert Emmetts. In my opinion, Healy is the best midfielder in London who is also a joy to watch.
3. Kevin Reid
Kevin Reid plays for Brothers Pearse. He is an old-fashioned full-forward who is very, very good on the ball. Keep an eye out for him at Ruislip on Sunday.
4. Peter Phelan
Also keep an eye out for Peter Phelan of Cú Chulainns. Peter is a one-man battering ram – he’ll honestly score from any angle, a fantastic hurler.
5. Martin Duggan
Last but certainly not least, Martin Duggan of Kilburn Gaels is one to watch out for. Martin has always been a technically gifted player, but the tactical side of his game continues to develop too. He rarely comes off the pitch without scoring at least 1-6, so he’s a dream of a player for any team.
FIXTURES
Ardent Tide Senior Hurling Championship Group Stage
09/08/2015
12:00 Sean Traceys vs Brothers Pearse, Ruislip
13:30 Kilburn Gaels vs Cú Chulainns, Greenford P1
18:00 St Gabriels vs Robert Emmetts, Ruislip
I have seen some outstanding wing-forwards in London over the years. Timmy Maloney of Sean Treacy’s for example. Timmy scored 12 out of 13 points against Antrim in an All-Ireland B Final – he was a class act.
Martin McGrath was another from Sean Treacys, and then there was the St Gabriels pair of Brendan Barry and Martin Linnan.
Mickie Burke and Pa Lynch of Desmonds deserve a mention too, while there was Patsy O’Neill (RIP) and Mick Loughwane of Brian Borus.
Thomas McCurtains had Mickie Jordan and Johnny Roche, while Larry Corless and Sean Lambe always represented Brothers Pearse very well.
As for Robert Emmetts, they had Seanie Quinn (RIP) and Kevin McMullen, while Fr Murphys had the likes of Dave Lavor and Mick Devaurey.
They were all brilliant players. Hopefully this next crop can live up to the long, proud history of London hurling.
