Search Results for 'Brian Hogan'

In recent years Semple Stadium has become the spiritual home for the National Hurling League Final. Geographically it probably suited all participating counties. However with the Dubs reaching the final for the first time since 1946 the authorities in HQ have in one way made a constructive effort to attract a big crowd by holding it in Croke Park only to shoot themselves in the foot with the admission fee of €25.

There was so much drama in last Sunday’s final league action that the GAA hierarchy could be forgiven for doing a U-turn on the reinstatement of the semi-finals that was passed in congress last Saturday.

O'Loughlin Gaels GAA club nominated centre back Brian Hogan as their choice of captain for the 2011 season with Kilkenny. Brian was immediately named in Brian Cody's starting line up to face Waterford in the National League last Sunday and duly turned in a man of the match performance.

Last weekend’s game between Kilkenny and Waterford was far from a classic, it was one of those start stop encounters that just never got going. Cork referee Sexton was whistle happy but in his defence having watched the match again on TV a lot of his calls were justified.

It’s on a sad note that I start this week's column after the passing of Eamon Hennessy, one of Kilkenny's most devoted fans. The kind-hearted Eamon who lost his battle with illness last Tuesday was known and respected the length and breadth of Ireland.

The All Ireland club hurling title has come west of the Shannon to Galway on 10 occasions since 1971. Tomorrow (St Patrick’s Day) Clarenbridge are aiming to make that 11.

Clarinbridge hurling manager Michéal Donoghue is an impressive character.

Kilkenny may have taken the two points against rivals Cork in dramatic style at Nowlan Park last Sunday but pride of place still has to go to O'Loughlin Gaels on reaching their first All-Ireland club final. Their hard fought victory over Loughgiel Shamrocks of Antrim at Parnell Park last Saturday now offers them a tilt a club hurling's highest honour.

O'Loughlin Gaels 3-10

This weekend will see O’Loughlin Gaels back in their second semi-final, having lost their first in a replay against Newtownshandrum in 2004 while the Shamrocks last reached the semi-final in 1990 when they lost to Ballybrown (Limerick) by a point.