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| Familiar Faces Return For 2012 Shinty / Hurling Clash | |
| 10 October 2012 There are quite a few familiar faces in the Ireland squad for this month’s Shinty / Hurling series against Scotland. The eighteen man Irish panel is managed by Kilkenny’s Michael Walsh and John Meyler from Cork, who both also took charge of the U21 side last year. They have included thirteen players with previous experience of the cross-code game at either senior or U21 level. Tommy Walsh is the highest profile member of the Irish squad. Walsh captained the Irish to a series success in 2010. He has had nine consecutive All-Star Awards and he is nominated once again this year. He also played a major role in Kilkenny’s All-Ireland success as they beat Galway after a replay to win his seventh medal in hurling’s premier competition. Offaly’s Shane Dooley is back to terrorise the Scottish defence after missing out last year. He scored five of Ireland’s seven goals in the 2010 series win and he will provide their main goal threat this time around. Another key player in the Irish line-up is 26 year old Shane O'Neill who has been part of the Cork panel since 2007. He was appointed Cork captain in 2011 and has two Munster titles to his name. He is also a 2012 Hurling All-Star nominee. O’Neill’s Cork team-mate Patrick Horgan is also included and he has been part of the Cork panel since 2008. His is a forward and the third 2012 Hurling All-Star nominee in the squad. He also played against the Scots in 2010. Westmeath’s Eoin Price captains the squad. Price was part of the Irish squad which came out on top over the two match series last year but before the international, the 24-year-old midfielder will play for his club side Clonkill against Raharney in the Westmeath SHC Final on Sunday 14 October 2012. Neil McManus wasn’t included last year but he was also part of the 2010 success, helping himself to one of the goals. He was also in the 2009 Ireland U21 panel and can play att centre back or centre forward. Antrim’s Barry McFall was a substitute when Scotland had their Croke Park win in 2010 and he is involved again after missing out last year. McFall made the step-up from the 2008 and 2009 (when he was captain) Ireland U21 squads. Westmeath’s Brendan Murtagh was involved in 2008, 2010 and 2011. He is an exciting forward, and a quality free-taker, who plays in the game’s second tier. Meath’s Stephen Clynch was in the starting line-up in 2009 and 2010 and he is back again after missing out last year. This is the third year in a row that Kerry’s Tom Murnane has been selected so he is another who will provide great experience. Darragh O'Connell from Kerry was part of the 2010 and 2011 U21 squads The 21 year old captained the U21s last year so he will be well equipped to make the step up. Cormac Donnelly is a former Antrim U21 captain and the full back was dogged by a groin injury earlier in the year. He was a member of the 2011 squad. Carlow’s Des Shaw Carlow was included in the 2008 Irish squad and he is a double Christy Ring winner. You have to go further back for Paudie Reidy’s last involvement as the man from Kildare actually scored an Irish goal when Scotland had their historic first win at Croke Park in 2006. Bernard Rochford is an experienced keeper and the 33 year old has been part of the Kerry panel since 2010. Paudie Reidy from Kildare is a Christy Ring All-Star Award winner. Joseph Clarke was part of Westmeath’s 2012 Christy Ring success and the midfielder showed his commitment by commuting from London where he worked. There is a first call-up for Armagh’s Ciarán Clifford who plays his trade in the second tier of the Irish game. Shane Fennell from Louth is another who plays third tier hurling. Ireland Panel from; Bernard Rochford - Kerry 2012 Shinty / Hurling / Camogie Programme Saturday 20 October 2012 - Scotland v Ireland The first Shinty / Hurling test between the Scotland and Ireland senior teams takes place at the Bught Park, Inverness at Saturday 20 October 2012. Throw-in is at 1.15pm. Admission is £10 for Adults, £5 for concessions and under 12s go free. Bring your Camanachd Association membership card and get a 20% discount! Friday 26 October 2012 - Ireland U21 v Scotland U21 The Ireland U21 and Scotland U21 sides meet under the floodlights at St.Josephs Doora Barefield, Ennis on Friday 26 October 2012 with a 7pm throw-in. Admission is free. Saturday 27 October – Clare v Scotland The Scotland Womens squad meet a Clare Camogie select at the Father McNamara Camogie Field, County Clare on Saturday 27 October. Throw-in is at 11am and admission is free. Saturday 27 October 2012 – Ireland v Scotland The second Shinty / Hurling test between the Ireland and Scotland senior teams takes place at Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday 27 October 2012 with a 2.05pm start. Admission is free.
Photograph courtesy of www.neilgpaterson.com
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