St. Brigid’s GAA Club Appoints Anthony Cunningham as Senior Team Manager

St. Brigid’s GAA club have announced the appointment of Anthony Cunningham as the new manager for their senior team.

Cunningham, previously at the helm of Roscommon’s football team and Galway’s hurling team, brings a wealth of managerial experience to the position. He will be supported by Eoin Mooney, James Martin, and Niall Kelly on the management team.

In 2006 Cunningham took charge of the St Brigid’s football team, guiding them to back-to-back championship titles.

St Brigids looked to have won the All Ireland club title last weekend, only for Glen from Derry to fight back and snatch victory late on.

The club extended its best wishes to Cunningham and his team as they take on the responsibilities for the upcoming season. With a proven track record, particularly in handling both football and hurling teams at a high level, Cunningham’s appointment is viewed as a strategic move to enhance the performance of St. Brigid’s senior team and get them another Roscommon, Connacht and All Ireland title.

Defining the greatest hurlers of all time is no easy feat, with the sport being over 3000 years old and there being a shortage of player stats from its inception.

However, several players of GAA hurling are widely regarded as some of the best in the sport’s history. Here are some hurlers who stand out among the best:

Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)

Henry Shefflin, known as King Henry, is regarded as the greatest of the great by players and fans alike. This centre-forward hurling legend from Kilkenny had an illustrious career marked by unparalleled success. In addition to his record-breaking 10 All-Ireland titles, Shefflin earned numerous other individual accolades, including 11 All-Star awards and three Hurler of the Year awards (2002, 2006, 2012).

Shefflin ranks fourth amongst the top all-time champion scorers, with 27-484 = 565 points and an average score of 7.95 points per game.

Joe Canning (Galway)

Joe Canning is a modern hurling icon who is renowned for his exceptional skill, scoring ability, and leadership. As a centre half-forward, Canning had a fantastic skill of hitting sideline cuts. He’s considered Galway’s greatest-ever hurler, and his winning point against Tipperary in 2017 in the All-Ireland Championship stands out in the history books.

Joe’s best average score per game is an impressive 9.15 points, and he’s ranked as the third-best championship scorer of all time, with 27-486 = 567 points.

DJ Carey (Kilkenny)

At a time when other exciting games like the online pokies NZ offers were first emerging, DJ Carey crafted an extraordinary career as a Kilkenny and Irish hurling maestro in the 1990s. Carey played as a left wing-forward, and his sublime skill, scoring ability, and agility helped his team claim five All-Ireland titles. A nine-time All-Star, his influence transcended positions and showcased his flair and game-changing ability for his team and country. He has had some personal issues in recent times.

Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)

Tommy Walsh is another hurling legend who represented County Kilkenny. Comparatively shorter than his hurling peers, Walsh played right wing-back and was renowned for his defensive prowess, flying through the skies, plucking the sliotar, and driving his team on to score.

In his career, Walsh earned many accolades, including nine All-Ireland titles, nine All-Star titles, and Hurler of the Year in 2009. Walsh was a fan favourite across the counties, and hisversatility, leadership, and skill on the field further solidified his status as one of the greatest hurlers in the sport’s history.

TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

TJ Reid is a remarkable hurler known for his consistency in performance, scoring prowess, and versatility. Reid contributed to Kilkenny’s seven All-Ireland titles, and in 2023 he earned his seventh All-Star title. He’s rated the second-best all-time championship scorer, with 28-487 = 571 points and a best average score of 7.6 points per game.

Séamus Callanan (Tipperary)

Séamus Callanan is a revered hurler known for his prolific scoring and leadership on the field. In his 16 years of hurling for Tipperary, he helped the team win three All-Ireland titles and was shortlisted four times for the All-Stars honour. Callanan holds the record for being Tipperary’s top goal scorer and is ranked tenth highest for goal-scoring with 39-221 = 338 points. His average score per game is 5.54 points.

Conclusion

Six of the greatest hurlers in GAA history are Henry Shefflin, Joe Canning, DJ Carey, Tommy Walsh, TJ Reid, and Séamus Callanan. While these great hurlers have wowed us with their skill and talent, many others could be on this list. Excitingly enough, GAA hurling will likely witness new record-breaking greats this season and in those to come.

Ulster University’s Quarter-Final Victory in Sigerson Cup

Ulster University secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Sigerson Cup with a remarkable 1-16 to 2-7 comeback win against MTU Cork at Abbotstown on Wednesday night.

Early Setback for Ulster University

Despite a challenging start, as MTU Cork surged ahead 2-2 to 0-1 with goals from Jack Cahalane and Ryan O’Donovan in the opening quarter, Ulster University rallied when Niall Loughlin’s 16th-minute goal injected vitality into their game.

Half-Time Drama

At the break, MTU Cork maintained a lead of 2-5 to 1-6. However, their momentum waned, and the visitors only managed to score two additional points during the second half.

Top Performers for Ulster University

Conor Cush emerged as the leading scorer for Ulster University, contributing 0-5, while Darragh Canavan, a county colleague from Tyrone, added 0-3 to the team’s tally.

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Dublin City University Dominates TUS Midlands in Athlone

Dublin City University showcased a dominant performance with a comprehensive 0-22 to 0-7 victory over TUS Midlands in Athlone.

Early Lead for DCU

By halftime, DCU had the game in control with a commanding lead of 0-12 to 0-1, setting the tone for their triumph. TUS Midlands struggled to get on the scoreboard, with Luke Marren registering their only score in the first half.

Paraic Hughes, Matthew Costello, and Conor Corbett each contributed two points in the opening period, highlighting DCU’s well-rounded attack.

Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Quarter-Final draw

University of Galway v UCD

Maynooth University v Queens University

UL v DCU Dóchas Éireann

TU Dublin v Ulster University

All games to take place on Wednesday January 31.

Fitzgibbon Cup Highlights: UL and Mary Immaculate College Limerick Shine

In the Fitzgibbon Cup action, the University of Limerick (UL) and Mary Immaculate College Limerick celebrated victories.

UL’s Dominance Continues

UL, the reigning Fitzgibbon Cup champions, showcased their prowess with a convincing 2-30 to 1-13 win over TUS Midwest at Maguire Fields.

Gearoid O’Connor led the scoring for UL with 0-10, while Seán O’Hanlon contributed 1-5. UL’s impressive performance secured their place in the knockout stages as they aim for a third successive title.

Mary I’s Solid Start

Mary Immaculate College Limerick secured an eight-point victory at home against University College Cork, winning 1-25 to 0-20.

Devon Ryan led the scoring for Mary I with 0-9, showcasing a remarkable performance that included eight frees. Shane O’Brien added 0-5 from play to contribute to Mary I’s successful start in the competition.

Jim McGuinness Defends Provincial Championships in GAA

In a candid interview with former Donegal teammate Brendan Devenney on Highland Radio, Jim McGuinness expressed his disagreement with those advocating for changes or elimination of provincial championships. The Tir Chonaill manager reaffirmed the significance of the Ulster Senior Football Championship (SFC), emphasizing its continued importance for him.

Ulster SFC: A Constant Priority

McGuinness countered criticisms directed at provincial championships, particularly highlighting the unchanged essence of the Ulster SFC. He asserted, “It’s still the exact same thing that it always was,” challenging perceptions that people may not take it seriously or prioritize the All-Ireland. He dismissed such notions as “absolute nonsense,” attributing misunderstandings to media coverage and podcast discussions.

Unwavering Focus on Competitions

For McGuinness, the Ulster SFC holds a special place, stating, “It will always be the number one competition.” He outlined a clear approach, emphasizing a sequential focus on the two annual championship football competitions. McGuinness clarified, “You focus on the first one first and the second one second,” highlighting the team’s dedication from the initial training session to the pivotal moment when the ball is thrown in at Celtic Park.