Eddie Brennan | Joe Canning | Ollie Canning | DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan
Martin Comerford | Lar Corbett | Brendan Cummins | Ronan Curran
Ger Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Damien Fitzhenry | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Michael Kavanagh
Eoin Kennedy | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Larkin | Derek Lyng
Fergus McMahon | Seanie McMahon | Johnny McIntosh | Andrew Mitchell
Stephen Molumpy | Pat Mulcahy | John Mullane | Sean Óg Ó Hailpin
Andrew O'Shaughnessy | Ben O'Connor | Seamus Prendergast
Keith Raymond | Eoin Quigley | Joe Rabbite | Keith Rossiter | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | James Skehill | Tommy Walsh | Brian Whelehan | James Young
Brian Phelan | David O'Callaghan | JJ Delaney | Pádraic Maher | Shane McGrath
It’s been six months since Kilkenny broke Waterford hearts with their awesome display in the All-Ireland final. On St Patrick’s Day, Waterford champions De La Salle are back in Croke Park hoping they will be more successful. The club from the city won the county title for the first time in their history last year and they are one game away from being the country’s best hurling club. From John Mullane up front, Kevin Moran and Brian Phelan at the back, to Stephen Brenner between the sticks, there are plenty of De La Salle men who want to make amends for that day in September. Brian Phelan, whose sideline super-cut against Cushendall kept his side in the competition, has had plenty of big days with the Déise but the inter-county star knows where it all began and he will be putting his body on the line for the De La Salle cause when they take on Portumna.
You are making history as you go along, is it hard to take in everything so far?
Yea, sort of. It has been a brilliant year, especially winning the county final. That was such a big occasion and then the run we are on is just adding to it. It’s great to be able to give the club days like these after all the great work people have put in down the years. This is for everyone involved and it’s great to be a part of it all.
So you are putting De La Salle on the map?
It’s great to be talked about all right, and to be talked about at this time of year especially. We are just happy that the club is getting recognition.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
This year winning the county title with the club for the first time ever was the best.
Which is the toughest team you have faced?
Kilkenny!
Who was your toughest ever opponent?
Eddie Brennan from Kilkenny is a hard man to mark. He likes to roam all over the field and it’s hard to stay with him.
Which players do you admire the most?
Tony Brown for the way he can stay going and be so good for so long. He is so dedicated. Our keeper Stephen Brenner is really experienced and so committed, a real servant. Then you have Paul Flynn who is one of the most skilful players I’ve ever seen.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
When I was growing up I used to really like Ciaran Carey from Limerick. The way he always gave it everything and played with his heart on his sleeve.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
There have always been two teams to beat in Waterford all the time. Mount Sion and Ballygunner are the big rivals down the years.
Do you have any superstitions?
I always sleep in the nicks I will be wearing in the match the night before. I’ve been doing that a long time.
How do you balance your job and hurling?
I’m self-employed as a tiler so I can arrange the jobs to make sure I can finish up early on certain days. It’s no problem in that way.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
I think to be able to get the ball into your hand and under control as soon as possible is very important. To be able to go up and catch a ball with the timing that’s needed is a great skill to have.
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Just to keep listening to your mentors and do what you are told. Of course you should always make sure to enjoy yourself as well.
Name: Brian Phelan
Age: 29
Team: Waterford
Debut: 2003 v Kilkenny
Position: Wing-Back
Honours:
3 Munster Senior Hurling titles,
1 National Hurling League title,
1 Munster Senior Club title,
1 Waterford Senior Hurling title.
Club: De la Salle
Fav food: Chicken and chips
Fav book: The General by Paul Williams
Fav band: The Killers
Fav movie: Braveheart
Fav TV: Coronation Street
Hobbies: Squash and soccer
Occupation: Tiler
CúlFACT
De La Salle keeper, Stephen Brenner, once scored straight from a puck-out in a Waterford Championship match. |
