Who's your GAA cult hero?
This does no necessarily mean the best Player/Manager. Just somebody who went beyond the beyonds. One who inspired. Some one who made you smile. Who you always could depend on. Some one who looked like he'd never retire. Some one who never really seen themselves as some one great, Humble.
(https://scontent-dub4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/90722959_2985193868168309_7264760318725718016_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_eui2=AeHwXzQGePtEIbvIVfxwmwWoZK5cTv_2JIjZbml-IuZSOyAN12ujm9h_-HDQduWMk7JKPnTzeyylHra1JbECRTLGOWhiN0UekJbI05c-Dvgz-g&_nc_oc=AQmy_B1CO85gmsChIzygWRhSezSfbHiCFM3aHtmuQYXHfFewifgu71a_Uu2fuz9iPkY&_nc_ht=scontent-dub4-1.xx&oh=ff5d4cc31c3c23c61e9fef5b927d373e&oe=5E9DAD65)
Barry Breen of Down would meet that criteria, could play midfield or along the half back line. Had a great knack of timing a block to perfection, always seemed to weigh in with a point or two, even got a goal in an all Ireland final.
Had a great eye for a pass too, he wouldn't get a lot of recognition outside of Down, but in the county would be held in very high esteem.
Willie Joe
Dermot Earley
Brendan Lynskey
PJ Molloy
Joe Cooney
Joe Canning
Mickey Linden
Ciarán McDonald
The Donnellans
Jimmy Barry Murphy & Charlie McCarthy
Willie Joe & Ciaran Mac
paudi & John mullane (I love my county)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2936249853/e5773bb174af6272e03311786cba8023_400x400.jpeg)77
Fabulous flame haired Francie.
Unassuming and modest, but takes no nonsense, like all Cross' people.
In my own county Dermot Early & Tony Mc.
Outside Willie Joe & Ciaran Mac were special.
Anthony Tohill , around that time Derry had an exceptional corner back who's name escapes me.
Westmeath had Mike Spike Fagan.
Louth had Stefan White.
In hurling Sylvie Linnane, Ger McInerery, Duignan for Offaly and Limericks Ciaran Carey were special.
Jimmy Browne Mayo and Ballina Stephenites!
He's a legend in his hometown. But he is a cult hero for me for Mayo!
Quote from: Rudi on March 21, 2020, 09:45:59 PM
In my own county Dermot Early & Tony Mc.
Outside Willie Joe & Ciaran Mac were special.
Anthony Tohill , around that time Derry had an exceptional corner back who's name escapes me.
Westmeath had Mike Spike Fagan.
Louth had Stefan White.
In hurling Sylvie Linnane, Ger McInerery, Duignan for Offaly and Limericks Ciaran Carey were special.
Kieran McKeever or Tony Scullion?
Since it's cult hero, in my own county would be Jigger O'Connor
Outside - Gaelic: Paidi Hurling: Sylvie
And when you can use one name to summon them up, they've achieve cult status.
Quote from: Mario on March 21, 2020, 10:26:15 PM
Quote from: Rudi on March 21, 2020, 09:45:59 PM
In my own county Dermot Early & Tony Mc.
Outside Willie Joe & Ciaran Mac were special.
Anthony Tohill , around that time Derry had an exceptional corner back who's name escapes me.
Westmeath had Mike Spike Fagan.
Louth had Stefan White.
In hurling Sylvie Linnane, Ger McInerery, Duignan for Offaly and Limericks Ciaran Carey were special.
Kieran McKeever or Tony Scullion?
Sean Marty Lockhart
Has to be Larry Reilly.
Bejaysus, how long is a piece of string?...
This could see out the end of the present panic. I mean I could probably name a hundred with ne'er a pause but in the spirit of the OP's post, I'll stick with a half dozen or so that I think stand out for a number of reasons.
Michael Murphy (Donegal) tops the bill for me. He's carrying an entire team on his own. Without him, Donegal would probably be a mid-Division 2 side at best.
Peter Canavan carried Tyrone for years before Mugsy and Dooher etc. came along to lighten his load a bit but he was still the linchpin of a great side until he hung up his boots.
Dermot Earley and Eamon O'Hara did the same for Roscommon and Sligo respectively same as Willie Joe and Ciaran Mac did for Mayo in their time.
For me the cult hero's aren't the lads who were the teams the best player, or regularly voted the best in the county, or the fellas who had long successful careers, or the popular players.
It's those fellas who were talented, a bit wild, and on any given day could do a bit of damage on the pitch, but who maybe weren't reliable or not as commited as you would want them to be. Enjoyed themselves on and off the pitch. The likes of Geoffrey McGonigle would be my example of a Cult Hero in Derry.
Remember reading a bit about Geoffrey McGonagle, Brolly said he had a arse like a bag of cement. He was a good player.
Colin Corkery would be another who wasn't an athlete. A top forward though..
Pádraig Brogan, unfulfilled genius
Niall Sheridan in Longford
Charlie in Cavan
Packy McGarty in Leitrim
PT Tracey in Fermanagh
Christy Ring in Cork
Frank in Tyrone
Jigger in Roscommon
Jinking Joe in Mayo
Man with the hat in Meath
Quote from: weareros on March 21, 2020, 10:39:38 PM
Since it's cult hero, in my own county would be Jigger O'Connor
Outside - Gaelic: Paidi Hurling: Sylvie
And when you can use one name to summon them up, they've achieve cult status.
In down just mention Benny, and everyone knows who you mean. Carried Down on his own fir a long time, no matter who you were playing we thought we had a chance if we could get it into Benny Coulter. Class act.
Quote from: Estimator on March 22, 2020, 12:17:34 AM
For me the cult hero's aren't the lads who were the teams the best player, or regularly voted the best in the county, or the fellas who had long successful careers, or the popular players.
It's those fellas who were talented, a bit wild, and on any given day could do a bit of damage on the pitch, but who maybe weren't reliable or not as commited as you would want them to be. Enjoyed themselves on and off the pitch. The likes of Geoffrey McGonigle would be my example of a Cult Hero in Derry.
Sambo in Antrim.
Noel O'Leary. Or. Maybe or maybe not lol.
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 22, 2020, 10:03:58 AM
Quote from: Estimator on March 22, 2020, 12:17:34 AM
For me the cult hero's aren't the lads who were the teams the best player, or regularly voted the best in the county, or the fellas who had long successful careers, or the popular players.
It's those fellas who were talented, a bit wild, and on any given day could do a bit of damage on the pitch, but who maybe weren't reliable or not as commited as you would want them to be. Enjoyed themselves on and off the pitch. The likes of Geoffrey McGonigle would be my example of a Cult Hero in Derry.
Sambo in Antrim.
Noel O'Leary. Or. Maybe or maybe not lol.
The Galway team of the 80's had plenty hearts to look up to, Brendan Lynskey Ger McInerery being the main two.. football wise Jack O'Shea, and more modern Tohill
From within my own county we'd Olcan Clute McFetridge or just Clute and being of an age when you actually got to try and mark him in games was a joy!
Quote from: whitey on March 22, 2020, 11:43:03 AM
Quote from: larryin89 on March 22, 2020, 11:41:13 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on March 22, 2020, 01:26:03 AM
Pádraig Brogan, unfulfilled genius
So true .
At his prime he was as good as David Clifford
I was still under 10 in 85/86/87/88 , I remember that 0-8 to 0-7 loss to Galway in 87 very well for some reason and brogans scoring a lot in 85/86/87 , I also remember asking the aul fella where is padraig brogan when we played Meath in 88 and him telling me about the curse of drink . I was a very disappointed Gasun that day .
If I'm honest I can't really remember his comeback then in the 90s (he played v cork in that hammering ) what year did he play for Donegal ?
Some scores by Ciaran McDonald https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTMXe2VPsEo
Be hard to top that....What a player!
Quote from: larryin89 on March 22, 2020, 12:17:01 PM
Quote from: whitey on March 22, 2020, 11:43:03 AM
Quote from: larryin89 on March 22, 2020, 11:41:13 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on March 22, 2020, 01:26:03 AM
Pádraig Brogan, unfulfilled genius
So true .
At his prime he was as good as David Clifford
I was still under 10 in 85/86/87/88 , I remember that 0-8 to 0-7 loss to Galway in 87 very well for some reason and brogans scoring a lot in 85/86/87 , I also remember asking the aul fella where is padraig brogan when we played Meath in 88 and him telling me about the curse of drink . I was a very disappointed Gasun that day .
If I'm honest I can't really remember his comeback then in the 90s (he played v cork in that hammering ) what year did he play for Donegal ?
Think he played for Donegal in 91, and then played for Mayo against Donegal in the 92 AISF
I remember being at a Mayo/Galway U21 match in Claremorris in the early 80s and Brogan got red carded. Straight up to the bar in the club house drinking pints before the game was even over
Found it in Willie Joes archive-1984
UNDER 21 FOOTBALL RESULTS
Connacht Championship
SEMI-FINAL: Mayo 2-8 0-3 Sligo (James Stephens Park, Ballina, 22/4/1984). MAYO: G Irwin; C Dever, J Reidy, E Gibbons (0-1); J McNabb, N Loftus, J Finn; K Reilly (0-2), S Maher; A McGarry, P Brogan (0-1), N Durcan (1-0); B Kilkelly (1-3), T Pidgeon, P Reilly. Subs: P Duffy (0-1) for Brogan, T Morgan for K Reilly, J Gavin for Pidgeon.
FINAL: Mayo 2-7 Galway 2-4 (Claremorris, 10/6/1984). MAYO: G Irwin; C Dever, J Gilmore, E Gibbons; A McGarry (0-1), J McNabb, J Finn; K Reilly, S Maher; J Dooley (0-1), P Brogan, N Durcan (1-2); B Kilkelly (0-2), T Morgan (1-0), P Duffy (0-1). Subs: P Reilly for K Reilly, P Corcoran for Durcan.
Armagh would be Jimmy Smyth, Com McKinstry & Jim McKerr. Jimmy and Colm would have been quite modest but Jim (Tidsy) McKerr would remind you of how good he was...lol.
Was looking up some players i remembered from when i was a kid and didn't realise that Shea Fahy was actually a Kildare man as him and Larry Tompkins were two men i always remember standing out for Cork in the 80's & 90's
Mick McDonagh.
Ciaran McDonald for me. Socks up, long hair, not pretentious, always played with flair.
Jack O'Shea...never took a day off.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 22, 2020, 10:49:20 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 22, 2020, 10:03:58 AM
Quote from: Estimator on March 22, 2020, 12:17:34 AM
For me the cult hero's aren't the lads who were the teams the best player, or regularly voted the best in the county, or the fellas who had long successful careers, or the popular players.
It's those fellas who were talented, a bit wild, and on any given day could do a bit of damage on the pitch, but who maybe weren't reliable or not as commited as you would want them to be. Enjoyed themselves on and off the pitch. The likes of Geoffrey McGonigle would be my example of a Cult Hero in Derry.
Sambo in Antrim.
Noel O'Leary. Or. Maybe or maybe not lol.
The Galway team of the 80's had plenty hearts to look up to, Brendan Lynskey Ger McInerery being the main two.. football wise Jack O'Shea, and more modern Tohill
From within my own county we'd Olcan Clute McFetridge or just Clute and being of an age when you actually got to try and mark him in games was a joy!
Gerry had long hair and white boots before their time. Ticked all the boxes!
Forgot about clute. Something about sambo drew him to people. No doubt he was very good but there was just something about how he played made him that hero.
Larry Reilly had a cult following on this board once upon a time. Not sure he had in Cavan though ;D
Quote from: larryin89 on March 22, 2020, 12:17:01 PM
Quote from: whitey on March 22, 2020, 11:43:03 AM
Quote from: larryin89 on March 22, 2020, 11:41:13 AM
Quote from: macdanger2 on March 22, 2020, 01:26:03 AM
Pádraig Brogan, unfulfilled genius
So true .
At his prime he was as good as David Clifford/
I was still under 10 in 85/86/87/88 , I remember that 0-8 to 0-7 loss to Galway in 87 very well for some reason and brogans scoring a lot in 85/86/87 , I also remember asking the aul fella where is padraig brogan when we played Meath in 88 and him telling me about the curse of drink . I was a very disappointed Gasun that day .
If I'm honest I can't really remember his comeback then in the 90s (he played v cork in that hammering ) what year did he play for Donegal ?
He played for Donegal in the 91 Championship and 91/92 league season, then left. Think McEniff had brought him up to Bundoran to give him a job and help him out. He went back to Mayo after the league for the 92 championship.
Apparently gave the Donegal boys a nice bit of motivation when he came on for Mayo in the AI semi that year. :)
In Down from the turn of the century for around 15 years there was only one name on everyone's lips "Benny", He really was a one man band for a number of years . The best goal scorer I have ever seen, a genius.
Shorty Trainor(spelling) had a bit of the cult thing going on too.
Diarmuid Connolly.
;)
when I was a young overweight Full forward in the 89's Joe Mcnally always gave me hope, Nudie hughes as well
Quote from: TheGreatest on March 23, 2020, 02:29:06 PM
Diarmuid Connolly.
;)
Why the smiley?
Diarmuid was one of the finest players of his time and is (probably) still able to compete with the very best. Okay, he may be a wee bit temperamental at times but that doesn't take from his footballing genius or his ability to inspire those around him.
Quote from: Rossfan on March 21, 2020, 11:16:30 PM
Has to be Larry Reilly.
Seconded. He has his own thread on GAA Board which was great reading.
Quote from: Lar Naparka on March 23, 2020, 07:02:45 PM
Quote from: TheGreatest on March 23, 2020, 02:29:06 PM
Diarmuid Connolly.
;)
Why the smiley?
Diarmuid was one of the finest players of his time and is (probably) still able to compete with the very best. Okay, he may be a wee bit temperamental at times but that doesn't take from his footballing genius or his ability to inspire those around him.
Cult hero basically means someone greatly admired by a relatively small audience despite limited success. Connolly would not fall under that category.
Owen Mulligan. Didn't have the consistency of Canavan or Cavanagh or the breathtaking ability of O'Neill but was always good for a moment of magic every now and again. Had that edge about him that annoyed opposition fans as well. Used to love watching him when he was on form.
Paul hog donnelly would have a bit of a cult hero in Tyrone. Not for his football skillset either
Geoffrey McGonigle was a cult figure.
Nudie Hughes too.
Can't beat Francie Bellew though.
Quote from: redzone on March 23, 2020, 08:31:40 PM
Paul hog donnelly would have a bit of a cult hero in Tyrone. Not for his football skillset either
Who could forget the James McCartan boot incident ;D
Those who mention Geoffrey, Francie, Willie Joe, Cloot and possibly shorty know what a cult hero is.
The Francis Benalis and Rory Delaps of the GAA.
Quote from: Rudi on March 21, 2020, 09:45:59 PM
In my own county Dermot Early & Tony Mc.
Outside Willie Joe & Ciaran Mac were special.
Anthony Tohill , around that time Derry had an exceptional corner back who's name escapes me.
Westmeath had Mike Spike Fagan.
Louth had Stefan White.
In hurling Sylvie Linnane, Ger McInerery, Duignan for Offaly and Limericks Ciaran Carey were special.
Tony Scullion or Kieran McKeever
For me there are a couple....Ciaran McDonald without doubt has to be number 1.
There was always an air of anticipation when he was on the ball that he was about to do something extraordinary.
He had a style that was uncommon at that time too with the socks up and the hair.
Joe Brolly - purely for the antics he'd get up to after scoring. Blowing kisses to the crowd. We loved him, everyone else hated him.
Paddy Bradley - one of the best forwards in the game never to win anything (perhaps an ulster...).
Dessie Dolan - the Westmeath equivalent of Paddy Bradley
Tommy Dowd of Meath - a real warrior who led by example.
Charlie Redmond - only player I've ever seen staying on a pitch after being sent off.
Paul Donnelly - the best man ever to lay scoreable balls into Peter Cavavan. If Tyrone had him on the field for the full 1995 final, they would have won it.
Kevin O'Neill - John Maughan inexplicably left him on the bench in 1996. 8 years later he scored two goals in the All Ireland for a much inferior Mayo team.
Greg Blaney.
Quote from: Lar Naparka on March 23, 2020, 07:02:45 PM
Quote from: TheGreatest on March 23, 2020, 02:29:06 PM
Diarmuid Connolly.
;)
Why the smiley?
Diarmuid was one of the finest players of his time and is (probably) still able to compete with the very best. Okay, he may be a wee bit temperamental at times but that doesn't take from his footballing genius or his ability to inspire those around him.
Its a wink, i agree with you.
Quote from: tbrick18 on March 24, 2020, 10:05:58 AM
Quote from: Rudi on March 21, 2020, 09:45:59 PM
In my own county Dermot Early & Tony Mc.
Outside Willie Joe & Ciaran Mac were special.
Anthony Tohill , around that time Derry had an exceptional corner back who's name escapes me.
Westmeath had Mike Spike Fagan.
Louth had Stefan White.
In hurling Sylvie Linnane, Ger McInerery, Duignan for Offaly and Limericks Ciaran Carey were special.
Tony Scullion or Kieran McKeever
Sean Marty Lockhart,
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 23, 2020, 08:09:33 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on March 23, 2020, 07:02:45 PM
Quote from: TheGreatest on March 23, 2020, 02:29:06 PM
Diarmuid Connolly.
;)
Why the smiley?
Diarmuid was one of the finest players of his time and is (probably) still able to compete with the very best. Okay, he may be a wee bit temperamental at times but that doesn't take from his footballing genius or his ability to inspire those around him.
Cult hero basically means someone greatly admired by a relatively small audience despite limited success. Connolly would not fall under that category.
I believe he would, a man who is castigated for everything he has done on and off the field of play, some times deserved and sometimes not, a villain to some if you like and was always up against it playing, constantly targeted by players, pundits and the media, in most cases, but not all, his true skill and performance shown through and got us over the line for club and county.
Quote from: Rudi on March 24, 2020, 11:25:22 AM
Quote from: tbrick18 on March 24, 2020, 10:05:58 AM
Quote from: Rudi on March 21, 2020, 09:45:59 PM
In my own county Dermot Early & Tony Mc.
Outside Willie Joe & Ciaran Mac were special.
Anthony Tohill , around that time Derry had an exceptional corner back who's name escapes me.
Westmeath had Mike Spike Fagan.
Louth had Stefan White.
In hurling Sylvie Linnane, Ger McInerery, Duignan for Offaly and Limericks Ciaran Carey were special.
Tony Scullion or Kieran McKeever
Sean Marty Lockhart,
Ah yes, a bit more recent than the other two.
Regularly kept Canavan at bay, some player.
Johnny Kenny of Shamrock Gaels and Sligo.
No fans of Rory Woods here? Gave a younger, slightly rounder version of myself hope I could make it (I did not).
Seamy Quigley should be worth a mention also from the Fermanagh ones. I'm not too far away that I heard the stories about him....true or not, not for me to comment.
I did hear once that he was booked into a hotel for 10 days before a championship game so they could keep an eye on what he ate. I hope that is true ;D ;D
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 24, 2020, 02:02:33 PM
No fans of Rory Woods here? Gave a younger, slightly rounder version of myself hope I could make it (I did not).
there was another monaghan lad at the same time as Nudie hughes that took it a bit too far . was he 'audie ' something but a very good player on his day, rarely played the full 70 mins from what I remember
CAKE
Does anyone here remember a Leitrim footballer who used to wear a hurling helmet when he played (kinda like Petr Cech)
Quote from: five points on March 24, 2020, 11:20:05 AM
Kevin O'Neill - John Maughan inexplicably left him on the bench in 1996. 8 years later he scored two goals in the All Ireland for a much inferior Mayo team.
10 years later actually! Maughan didn't use him in 2004 either.
No Mayo supporter has John Morley as a cult hero?
Quote from: rosnarun on March 24, 2020, 03:41:06 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 24, 2020, 02:02:33 PM
No fans of Rory Woods here? Gave a younger, slightly rounder version of myself hope I could make it (I did not).
there was another monaghan lad at the same time as Nudie hughes that took it a bit too far . was he 'audie ' something but a very good player on his day, rarely played the full 70 mins from what I remember
Are you thinking of Audi Hamilton from tyrone?
Would have to be fellow clubman Padraig 'The Bomber' Brogan, some of his performances for the club were just unreal. At county level, I would say, Dermot Early and also the most stylish of them all, the great, Matt Connor.
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on March 25, 2020, 04:06:56 AM
Quote from: rosnarun on March 24, 2020, 03:41:06 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on March 24, 2020, 02:02:33 PM
No fans of Rory Woods here? Gave a younger, slightly rounder version of myself hope I could make it (I did not).
there was another monaghan lad at the same time as Nudie hughes that took it a bit too far . was he 'audie ' something but a very good player on his day, rarely played the full 70 mins from what I remember
Are you thinking of Audi Hamilton from tyrone?
maybe tis along time ago .the white Jersey may be confusing me, according to google Audi Hamilton is a car dealership in Ontario,
one up and comer for Cult hero is Padraig O hora after his Exploits in on Hellweek , Down to the last 4 and almost fainting from hypothermia but no way was he going to quit, If he can bring that spirit onto the pitch hell be a good un
Mickey Harte.
Sorry, misread cult as having an n.
Ricey
Quote from: BennyHarp on March 26, 2020, 10:22:09 AM
Ricey
he is the perfect cult hero , most Tyrone people think he used to walk on water while the rest of the country would rather see him drown
Mine is Mickey Kearns. A legend of a No.14 and arguably Sligos best ever player(?)... but then went on to become one of Irelands best referees. I have recently taken up the whistle so know how difficult it is.
Quote from: rosnarun on March 27, 2020, 02:37:43 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on March 26, 2020, 10:22:09 AM
Ricey
he is the perfect cult hero , most Tyrone people think he used to walk on water while the rest of the country would rather see him drown
Oh no we didn't. The Club Championships were a great equaliser.
Dessie "walks on glass" Farrell
Looked like he'd already played a game before a ball was even thrown in with all his bandages and his almost hobbling gait. Came alive when he got the ball
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 22, 2020, 10:49:20 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 22, 2020, 10:03:58 AM
Quote from: Estimator on March 22, 2020, 12:17:34 AM
For me the cult hero's aren't the lads who were the teams the best player, or regularly voted the best in the county, or the fellas who had long successful careers, or the popular players.
It's those fellas who were talented, a bit wild, and on any given day could do a bit of damage on the pitch, but who maybe weren't reliable or not as commited as you would want them to be. Enjoyed themselves on and off the pitch. The likes of Geoffrey McGonigle would be my example of a Cult Hero in Derry.
Sambo in Antrim.
Noel O'Leary. Or. Maybe or maybe not lol.
The Galway team of the 80's had plenty hearts to look up to, Brendan Lynskey Ger McInerery being the main two.. football wise Jack O'Shea, and more modern Tohill
From within my own county we'd Olcan Clute McFetridge or just Clute and being of an age when you actually got to try and mark him in games was a joy!
Michael Coleman better than both. Not a stylist but lean as a greyhound, tough as nails and strong as a horse. When he hit you, you stayed hit. Put up his hand amidst flying hurls and usually claimed the ball. Smoked 30 or 40 a day too.
Quote from: ck on March 27, 2020, 03:09:20 PM
Mine is Mickey Kearns. A legend of a No.14 and arguably Sligos best ever player(?)... but then went on to become one of Irelands best referees. I have recently taken up the whistle so know how difficult it is.
Best referees, he was shocking, his bias against the Rossies knew no bounds.
Quote from: Rudi on March 28, 2020, 10:39:59 PM
Quote from: ck on March 27, 2020, 03:09:20 PM
Mine is Mickey Kearns. A legend of a No.14 and arguably Sligos best ever player(?)... but then went on to become one of Irelands best referees. I have recently taken up the whistle so know how difficult it is.
Best referees, he was shocking, his bias against the Rossies knew no bounds.
Was about to say the same thing about his bias against Mayo.
1989 replay.....2 of the softest penalties I have ever seen in my life awarded to Roscommon and then disallowed a perfectly legit goal for Mayo to win it in regulation
Quote from: whitey on March 29, 2020, 12:05:14 AM
Quote from: Rudi on March 28, 2020, 10:39:59 PM
Quote from: ck on March 27, 2020, 03:09:20 PM
Mine is Mickey Kearns. A legend of a No.14 and arguably Sligos best ever player(?)... but then went on to become one of Irelands best referees. I have recently taken up the whistle so know how difficult it is.
Best referees, he was shocking, his bias against the Rossies knew no bounds.
Was about to say the same thing about his bias against Mayo.
1989 replay.....2 of the softest penalties I have ever seen in my life awarded to Roscommon and then disallowed a perfectly legit goal for Mayo to win it in regulation
But jimmy Burke's majestic touch silenced the rossie roar
Quote from: larryin89 on March 29, 2020, 07:52:57 AM
Quote from: whitey on March 29, 2020, 12:05:14 AM
Quote from: Rudi on March 28, 2020, 10:39:59 PM
Quote from: ck on March 27, 2020, 03:09:20 PM
Mine is Mickey Kearns. A legend of a No.14 and arguably Sligos best ever player(?)... but then went on to become one of Irelands best referees. I have recently taken up the whistle so know how difficult it is.
Best referees, he was shocking, his bias against the Rossies knew no bounds.
Was about to say the same thing about his bias against Mayo.
1989 replay.....2 of the softest penalties I have ever seen in my life awarded to Roscommon and then disallowed a perfectly legit goal for Mayo to win it in regulation
But jimmy Burke's majestic touch silenced the rossie roar
I was right behind the goal when he scored it
Quote from: mouview on March 28, 2020, 09:38:16 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 22, 2020, 10:49:20 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 22, 2020, 10:03:58 AM
Quote from: Estimator on March 22, 2020, 12:17:34 AM
For me the cult hero's aren't the lads who were the teams the best player, or regularly voted the best in the county, or the fellas who had long successful careers, or the popular players.
It's those fellas who were talented, a bit wild, and on any given day could do a bit of damage on the pitch, but who maybe weren't reliable or not as commited as you would want them to be. Enjoyed themselves on and off the pitch. The likes of Geoffrey McGonigle would be my example of a Cult Hero in Derry.
Sambo in Antrim.
Noel O'Leary. Or. Maybe or maybe not lol.
The Galway team of the 80's had plenty hearts to look up to, Brendan Lynskey Ger McInerery being the main two.. football wise Jack O'Shea, and more modern Tohill
From within my own county we'd Olcan Clute McFetridge or just Clute and being of an age when you actually got to try and mark him in games was a joy!
Michael Coleman better than both. Not a stylist but lean as a greyhound, tough as nails and strong as a horse. When he hit you, you stayed hit. Put up his hand amidst flying hurls and usually claimed the ball. Smoked 30 or 40 a day too.
Loved Michael Coleman myself for the very reasons outlined above.
Never got the credit he deserved.
Quote from: BennyHarp on March 26, 2020, 10:22:09 AM
Ricey
The Laochra Gael programme on Ricey was excellent
https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/categories/top-documentaries/play/?pid=6133806734001&title=Ryan%20McMenamin&series=Laochra%20Gael&genre=Faisneis&pcode=491082
Quote from: seafoid on March 30, 2020, 01:16:47 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on March 26, 2020, 10:22:09 AM
Ricey
The Laochra Gael programme on Ricey was excellent
https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/categories/top-documentaries/play/?pid=6133806734001&title=Ryan%20McMenamin&series=Laochra%20Gael&genre=Faisneis&pcode=491082
Yep but thought Kieran Donaghy's of Kerry has been the best of recent times. All on the TG4 site at moment.
Colm Coopers was also a great one.
Quote from: larryin89 on March 29, 2020, 07:52:57 AM
Quote from: whitey on March 29, 2020, 12:05:14 AM
Quote from: Rudi on March 28, 2020, 10:39:59 PM
Quote from: ck on March 27, 2020, 03:09:20 PM
Mine is Mickey Kearns. A legend of a No.14 and arguably Sligos best ever player(?)... but then went on to become one of Irelands best referees. I have recently taken up the whistle so know how difficult it is.
Best referees, he was shocking, his bias against the Rossies knew no bounds.
Was about to say the same thing about his bias against Mayo.
1989 replay.....2 of the softest penalties I have ever seen in my life awarded to Roscommon and then disallowed a perfectly legit goal for Mayo to win it in regulation
But jimmy Burkes majestic touch silenced the rossie roar
greatest goal ever scored in hyde park
All counties have their own favs simply because they have a bias and have watched them on many occasions. Being from a smaller county myself I could nominate many of our own, most of them are mentioned already. My outstanding Rossie would be Harry Keegan a great right corner back. I put him ahead of Enda Colleran, any of the O Sheas from Kerry and many more great corner backs I have seen. When asked to nominate his most difficult opponent the great John Egan RIP from Kerry said Harry was the best he had played against. 3 time all star Harry only played in 1 all Ireland final and held John Egan scoreless that day.
My non Rossie nomination would be jinking Joe Corcoran, sweet silky skills he was absolite class in everything he did, he never got credit for it but he was as good a forward as ive ever seen. His only fault was he played with our greatest football enemies.
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 24, 2020, 01:55:03 PM
Johnny Kenny of Shamrock Gaels and Sligo.
Seriously a fella who hardly played for the county, who chose soccer over GAA. ::)
Quote from: Mano on March 30, 2020, 04:32:35 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 24, 2020, 01:55:03 PM
Johnny Kenny of Shamrock Gaels and Sligo.
Seriously a fella who hardly played for the county, who chose soccer over GAA. ::)
I remember him for a few performances where he nearly turned games for us against Mayo. He was unique. Liked the cut of his jib. No big deal.
Obviously have been better players and servants of the county but not sure that's what this thread was for?
To me the cult hero is someone that captured the imagination of supporters. Maybe they were a bit raw, a bit elusive or there was something different about them:
Francie Bellew, John Corvan, the Grimley twins
It's been a while since I heard John Corvans name mentioned. Class act, did he go to Australia or somewhere? Score Machine!
He went to Australia
What did you call the guy that came home from America to play for Galway in the AIF
He wore white gutties - was it Gerry McInerny?
Quote from: APM on March 31, 2020, 07:46:49 PM
He went to Australia
What did you call the guy that came home from America to play for Galway in the AIF
He wore white gutties - was it Gerry McInerny?
It was Gerry McIninenry, his son Gearoid played centre half back in the 2017 team. I'm 40 this year so can just about remember that Galway team but it was full of personalities with the likes of Lynskey, Keady and one of dads favourites Slyvie Linnane. Galway threw that All Ireland away in 1990.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 01, 2020, 10:50:09 AM
Quote from: APM on March 31, 2020, 07:46:49 PM
He went to Australia
What did you call the guy that came home from America to play for Galway in the AIF
He wore white gutties - was it Gerry McInerny?
It was Gerry McIninenry, his son Gearoid played centre half back in the 2017 team. I'm 40 this year so can just about remember that Galway team but it was full of personalities with the likes of Lynskey, Keady and one of dads favourites Slyvie Linnane. Galway threw that All Ireland away in 1990.
Against Cork?
Ah dear god, it was all Galway in the first half, Joe Cooney was unplayable and gave the best half of hurling seen in Croke Park.
Cork worked their way back into it and even then were reliant on a goal where Tomas Mulcahy took almost a dozen steps with the ball in his hand to score the goal that won it for Cork.
Heart breaking.
Are there any cult figures in today's game? Maybe its something about getting older, but looking at lads playing senior football now, there are fewer personalities - lots of fancy dans wearing earphones on the bus - all very similar. Hardly speak, when they do they generally don't put a foot wrong. Come across very professional, but will they be remembered as fondly as some of the guys from the 80s and 90s.
When you think back to some of the characters that stood back in the 80's and 90's. Maybe it was their names, maybe it was their appearance, maybe they were a bit mad / bad, maybe they went missing for months or years at a time and then turned up and worked wonders,
Frank McGuigan, Nudie Hughes, Mick Lyons, Kieran Duff, Willie Joe Padden, Tony Scullion,
No media training back then.
On the subject of it being a bit robotic these days I was reading a twitter thread started by Mossy Quinn where he was being interviewed by his daughter just messing about in the house. Some of the replies were hilarious about Jim Gavin and the process etc. It was all just messing so nothing below the belt but it was just funny with the talk of the process etc these days.
https://twitter.com/mossyquinn/status/1244635070498996224 (https://twitter.com/mossyquinn/status/1244635070498996224)
Quote from: APM on April 01, 2020, 01:48:59 PM
Are there any cult figures in today's game? Maybe its something about getting older, but looking at lads playing senior football now, there are fewer personalities - lots of fancy dans wearing earphones on the bus - all very similar. Hardly speak, when they do they generally don't put a foot wrong. Come across very professional, but will they be remembered as fondly as some of the guys from the 80s and 90s.
When you think back to some of the characters that stood back in the 80's and 90's. Maybe it was their names, maybe it was their appearance, maybe they were a bit mad / bad, maybe they went missing for months or years at a time and then turned up and worked wonders,
Frank McGuigan, Nudie Hughes, Mick Lyons, Kieran Duff, Willie Joe Padden, Tony Scullion,
You used to get characters in most sports: snooker, tennis, darts, cricket, etc. It's all blandness and robotic figures now though. Sure they're no craic at all.
Quote from: BennyCake on April 01, 2020, 04:01:05 PM
Quote from: APM on April 01, 2020, 01:48:59 PM
Are there any cult figures in today's game? Maybe its something about getting older, but looking at lads playing senior football now, there are fewer personalities - lots of fancy dans wearing earphones on the bus - all very similar. Hardly speak, when they do they generally don't put a foot wrong. Come across very professional, but will they be remembered as fondly as some of the guys from the 80s and 90s.
When you think back to some of the characters that stood back in the 80's and 90's. Maybe it was their names, maybe it was their appearance, maybe they were a bit mad / bad, maybe they went missing for months or years at a time and then turned up and worked wonders,
Frank McGuigan, Nudie Hughes, Mick Lyons, Kieran Duff, Willie Joe Padden, Tony Scullion,
You used to get characters in most sports: snooker, tennis, darts, cricket, etc. It's all blandness and robotic figures now though. Sure they're no craic at all.
The characters are still there. They've just learned that the media will knock them down just as quickly as they'll build them up, therefore better to stay away.
Sure if they say anything the snowflake generation will be all over them calling them out! Protesting at venues and social media bullying, not worth the effort.
Quote from: BennyCake on April 01, 2020, 04:01:05 PM
Quote from: APM on April 01, 2020, 01:48:59 PM
Are there any cult figures in today's game? Maybe its something about getting older, but looking at lads playing senior football now, there are fewer personalities - lots of fancy dans wearing earphones on the bus - all very similar. Hardly speak, when they do they generally don't put a foot wrong. Come across very professional, but will they be remembered as fondly as some of the guys from the 80s and 90s.
When you think back to some of the characters that stood back in the 80's and 90's. Maybe it was their names, maybe it was their appearance, maybe they were a bit mad / bad, maybe they went missing for months or years at a time and then turned up and worked wonders,
Frank McGuigan, Nudie Hughes, Mick Lyons, Kieran Duff, Willie Joe Padden, Tony Scullion,
You used to get characters in most sports: snooker, tennis, darts, cricket, etc. It's all blandness and robotic figures now though. Sure they're no craic at all.
Except Ronnie O'Sullivan and maybe Allen but the top brass don't like them.
Joey Barton too lol though he was probably three letters of the cult not four ;D
Yeah the personalities have died down. All about the process in all sports now.
Quote from: APM on April 01, 2020, 01:48:59 PM
Are there any cult figures in today's game? Maybe its something about getting older, but looking at lads playing senior football now, there are fewer personalities - lots of fancy dans wearing earphones on the bus - all very similar. Hardly speak, when they do they generally don't put a foot wrong. Come across very professional, but will they be remembered as fondly as some of the guys from the 80s and 90s.
When you think back to some of the characters that stood back in the 80's and 90's. Maybe it was their names, maybe it was their appearance, maybe they were a bit mad / bad, maybe they went missing for months or years at a time and then turned up and worked wonders,
Frank McGuigan, Nudie Hughes, Mick Lyons, Kieran Duff, Willie Joe Padden, Tony Scullion,
I'd put Colm Boyle into that category.
He was on the U21 panel 2005-2007, winning an AI in 2006 as a wing back
Came into the senior panel 2008, played out of position as a corner back
2009 league only and then dropped for 2 years
Ever present since 2012
His missing a few years of his prime, coupled with his all action performances would put him into the cult hero category in Mayo, albeit without anything too memorable on interview
Quote from: five points on March 24, 2020, 11:20:05 AM
Paul Donnelly - the best man ever to lay scoreable balls into Peter Cavavan. If Tyrone had him on the field for the full 1995 final, they would have won it.
Kevin O'Neill - John Maughan inexplicably left him on the bench in 1996. 8 years later he scored two goals in the All Ireland for a much inferior Mayo team.
Greg Blaney.
Ah, Paul Donnelly. Legend. From throwing McCartans boot into crowd in Clones to taking on and holding his own against four Cavan men under the stand at O Neill Park during particularly fractious National League game. Forgotten Tyrone hero these days, but not by fans who watched him regularly. Some player.
Colm Boyle would be a player I have a huge amount of time for. There definitely is a bit of a cult about that Mayo team in general. Some people criticise them, but as a team they have a huge amount of character, but between their flaws and serious bad luck, they were never able to get over the line. Who the f*** scores two own goals in an All-Ireland final?
Raymond Poulidor was a cult figure in cycling - eight podium finishes in the Tour de France, but never won it and never even wore the yellow jersey of race leader. He actually lost one Tour by 55 seconds.
Mayo is the Raymond Poulidor of Gaelic Football.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/13/raymond-poulidor-obituary
Quote from: red hander on April 02, 2020, 02:30:40 AM
Quote from: five points on March 24, 2020, 11:20:05 AM
Paul Donnelly - the best man ever to lay scoreable balls into Peter Cavavan. If Tyrone had him on the field for the full 1995 final, they would have won it.
Kevin O'Neill - John Maughan inexplicably left him on the bench in 1996. 8 years later he scored two goals in the All Ireland for a much inferior Mayo team.
Greg Blaney.
Ah, Paul Donnelly. Legend. From throwing McCartans boot into crowd in Clones to taking on and holding his own against four Cavan men under the stand at O Neill Park during particularly fractious National League game. Forgotten Tyrone hero these days, but not by fans who watched him regularly. Some player.
All Donnellys career will be remembered for is being given the runaround by James McCartan then throwing his boot away like a spoilt child. He looked like a complete tool that day.
Quote from: APM on April 02, 2020, 09:16:50 AM
Colm Boyle would be a player I have a huge amount of time for. There definitely is a bit of a cult about that Mayo team in general. Some people criticise them, but as a team they have a huge amount of character, but between their flaws and serious bad luck, they were never have not yet been able to get over the line. Who the f*** scores two own goals in an All-Ireland final?
Raymond Poulidor was a cult figure in cycling - eight podium finishes in the Tour de France, but never won it and never even wore the yellow jersey of race leader. He actually lost one Tour by 55 seconds.
Mayo is the Raymond Poulidor of Gaelic Football.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/13/raymond-poulidor-obituary
Fixed that for you
Quote from: rosnarun on April 02, 2020, 03:43:58 PM
Quote from: APM on April 02, 2020, 09:16:50 AM
Colm Boyle would be a player I have a huge amount of time for. There definitely is a bit of a cult about that Mayo team in general. Some people criticise them, but as a team they have a huge amount of character, but between their flaws and serious bad luck, they were never have not yet been able to get over the line. Who the f*** scores two own goals in an All-Ireland final?
Raymond Poulidor was a cult figure in cycling - eight podium finishes in the Tour de France, but never won it and never even wore the yellow jersey of race leader. He actually lost one Tour by 55 seconds.
Mayo is the Raymond Poulidor of Gaelic Football.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/13/raymond-poulidor-obituary
Fixed that for you
The French called Poulidor the "Eternal Second". Maybe that's what was in my head. :)
Dermot McCabe and Aidan Connolly Cavan
Houlie rattling the onion bag especially his 93 run when we played 6 and got to and Ulster Semi and Derry played 5 and won Sam!
Quote from: APM on April 02, 2020, 09:16:50 AM
Colm Boyle would be a player I have a huge amount of time for. There definitely is a bit of a cult about that Mayo team in general. Some people criticise them, but as a team they have a huge amount of character, but between their flaws and serious bad luck, they were never able to get over the line. Who the f*** scores two own goals in an All-Ireland final?
Raymond Poulidor was a cult figure in cycling - eight podium finishes in the Tour de France, but never won it and never even wore the yellow jersey of race leader. He actually lost one Tour by 55 seconds.
Mayo is the Raymond Poulidor of Gaelic Football.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/13/raymond-poulidor-obituary
I was in front of a woman a couple of years ago at Croke, lovely woman during the first game, chatting away. She had the tea and sandwiches on the go. Obviously a Mayo woman with the jersey etc so started chatting away, think it was a super 8s weekend, it was busy, but not flat out.
Ball goes in during Mayo game, not a word....couple of scores come and go, not a word. Colm Boyle hits someone a shoulder, I can't mind who, Jesus she erupted "COME ON THE BOYLER" and for the next 60 odd mins anytime he done something she let out some roar.
Could have been his granny, but she was some woman for the Boyler.
Quote from: Rossfan on March 21, 2020, 11:16:30 PM
Has to be Larry Reilly.
Agreed - and deservedly had his own thread on GAA board.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on December 09, 2020, 12:43:53 PM
Quote from: APM on April 02, 2020, 09:16:50 AM
Colm Boyle would be a player I have a huge amount of time for. There definitely is a bit of a cult about that Mayo team in general. Some people criticise them, but as a team they have a huge amount of character, but between their flaws and serious bad luck, they were never able to get over the line. Who the f*** scores two own goals in an All-Ireland final?
Raymond Poulidor was a cult figure in cycling - eight podium finishes in the Tour de France, but never won it and never even wore the yellow jersey of race leader. He actually lost one Tour by 55 seconds.
Mayo is the Raymond Poulidor of Gaelic Football.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/13/raymond-poulidor-obituary
I was in front of a woman a couple of years ago at Croke, lovely woman during the first game, chatting away. She had the tea and sandwiches on the go. Obviously a Mayo woman with the jersey etc so started chatting away, think it was a super 8s weekend, it was busy, but not flat out.
Ball goes in during Mayo game, not a word....couple of scores come and go, not a word. Colm Boyle hits someone a shoulder, I can't mind who, Jesus she erupted "COME ON THE BOYLER" and for the next 60 odd mins anytime he done something she let out some roar.
Could have been his granny, but she was some woman for the Boyler.
Boyle is the sort of player who makes the game, pure heart and determination, total effort, all action
You couldn't but be stirred by his points just before half time in the 2017 All-Ireland final and 2019 semi-final
Roy of the Rovers type points, if Roy of the Rovers played Gaelic football
I'd love to see him get a run in the final
Audi Hamilton
Plunkett Donaghy 8)
Quote from: ONeill on December 10, 2020, 07:07:32 AM
Audi Hamilton
Still knocking about the Clarkes yet too.
Francie.
Quote from: Seaney on December 09, 2020, 08:40:18 AM
Houlie rattling the onion bag especially his 93 run when we played 6 and got to and Ulster Semi and Derry played 5 and won Sam!
Marked him on my championship debut In '94. I was a scrawny 18 year old and he made a dummy out of me and I got the curly finger at half time. Didn't forget it and melted him a few months later in the league .... didn't make any difference to the game but I got great satisfaction out of it!
Fran McMahon and Brian Mullins....loved my hallions round the middle!
Geoffrey McGonigle and Brian McGilligan were some boyos.
Definitely worth a mention.
Sylvie Linnane. The way they talk about him in Tipperary. That's not easily achieved.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 10, 2020, 12:15:04 PM
Quote from: Seaney on December 09, 2020, 08:40:18 AM
Houlie rattling the onion bag especially his 93 run when we played 6 and got to and Ulster Semi and Derry played 5 and won Sam!
Marked him on my championship debut In '94. I was a scrawny 18 year old and he made a dummy out of me and I got the curly finger at half time. Didn't forget it and melted him a few months later in the league .... didn't make any difference to the game but I got great satisfaction out of it!
Fran McMahon and Brian Mullins....loved my hallions round the middle!
Let Fran in Chicago many years ago. He would be friend it with my cousin Kieran McNally over there. Nice guy
Quote from: tonto1888 on December 10, 2020, 05:43:56 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 10, 2020, 12:15:04 PM
Quote from: Seaney on December 09, 2020, 08:40:18 AM
Houlie rattling the onion bag especially his 93 run when we played 6 and got to and Ulster Semi and Derry played 5 and won Sam!
Marked him on my championship debut In '94. I was a scrawny 18 year old and he made a dummy out of me and I got the curly finger at half time. Didn't forget it and melted him a few months later in the league .... didn't make any difference to the game but I got great satisfaction out of it!
Fran McMahon and Brian Mullins....loved my hallions round the middle!
Let Fran in Chicago many years ago. He would be friend it with my cousin Kieran McNally over there. Nice guy
McNally that played with him for Armagh? I remember watching the likes of those 2, Peter Raff, Stevenson, Joey Donnelly, Noel Marley et al back in the mid 80's. I have to say maybe it's the eyes of a boy but they always seemed more like 'men' then county players now. A bit more hewn round the edges, harder in a 'life' harder kinda way. The strength of men who worked as opposed to lifted weights. As I said maybe it's the eyes of a child but the seemed 'bigger'.
Yes I would agree with that bcb1. Those men from the 70's, 80's and early 90's, that you watch growing up, they'd be maybe a decade or more younger than i am now! Most of the players now most seem like teenagers (a lot are). And I don't think it's just a case of me getting older either.
Same with the soccer too. Followed United, and players like Mark Hughes, Bruce, Schmeichel, Cantona, Robson. They just seemed so much older and mature than players today.
If you watch games back the boys from those eras had legs like tree trunks. You don't see that any more (except for Quigley from Fermanagh lol).
Quote from: imtommygunn on December 11, 2020, 12:06:14 PM
If you watch games back the boys from those eras had legs like tree trunks. You don't see that any more (except for Quigley from Fermanagh lol).
What?
The legs of GAA players today are absolutely massive in comparison of those in bygone eras.
Was scrolling through some old posts and came across this thread.
Somehow Johnny Pilkington came into my head and his fondness for 3 or 4 pints the night before a big game.
Mick Lyons for me
Brendan Lynskey
At home in Cavan, has to be Larry Reilly and Damien O'Reilly. Outside of there, Geoffrey McGonagle and Sambo McNaughton
Has to be Mulligan in Tyrone. Donaghy in Kerry, Joe Mc Nally in Dublin and Francie Bellew in Armagh. Brian Mc Gilligan in Derry.
Quote from: rrhf on March 04, 2022, 10:56:43 AM
Has to be Mulligan in Tyrone. Donaghy in Kerry, Joe Mc Nally in Dublin and Francie Bellew in Armagh. Brian Mc Gilligan in Derry.
I'd have said Geoffrey in Derry
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on March 04, 2022, 01:33:32 PM
Quote from: rrhf on March 04, 2022, 10:56:43 AM
Has to be Mulligan in Tyrone. Donaghy in Kerry, Joe Mc Nally in Dublin and Francie Bellew in Armagh. Brian Mc Gilligan in Derry.
I'd have said Geoffrey in Derry
You needed ear muffs on when marking him.. ;D
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on March 03, 2022, 08:51:44 AM
Mick Lyons for me
Mick Lyons: no quarter asked nor given. Him and Liam Harnan were a ferocious combination.
Armagh: Grimley Twins - met them in McKenna's one night and are very friendly, Bellew, McGeeney and McGrane.
Outside Armagh: Colin Corkery Cork and Stephen O'Neill Tyrone.
Joe Brolly, Kevin Cassidy, Kevin McGourty, James McCartan, Frank McGuigan, Francie Bellew, Seanie Johnston, Dick Clerkin, Seamus Quigley.
Gerry Mac for Galway Hurling, King of the Mullet and part of a tough great half bck line.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on March 04, 2022, 09:58:05 PM
Gerry Mac for Galway Hurling, King of the Mullet and part of a tough great half bck line.
Good call, McInerney, Keady & Finnerty what a half back line that was
The mighty Frank McGuigan from the green fields 'round Ardboe.
Ger Reid - immense.
My first hero and definitely a cult hero, Olcan "Clute" McFetridge.
A genius of a hurler who could have graced any team in Ireland.
Ollie Murphy - Meath. Unreal.
Dick O Hara from Kilkenny
The original Soup Campbell ;D