DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan | Martin Comerford | Brendan Cummins
Ronan Curran | Gar Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Eoin Kelly
Eoin Larkin | Fergus McMahon | Andrew Mitchell | Pat Mulcahy
Sean Óg Ó Hailpin | Ben O'Connor | Joe Rabbite | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | Tommy Walsh

Tipperary goalkeeper Brendan Cummins’ legendary shot-stopping skills have earned him three All-Stars and an array of honours at all levels since he first made his mark in the early 1990s. This year, he added another feather to his cap when he won the Poc Fada competition in August with a record-breaking 48 pocs. He also enjoyed success with his club, Ballybacon-Grange, as they won the All-Ireland Hurling Sevens. However, he insists is was a mostly disappointing year for him as Tipperary failed to make a major impact on the hurling championship. They were just edged out by Waterford in the Munster semi-final and were eventually knocked out by champions Cork in the qualifiers.

Although he dreams of a return to the glory days of 2001 when Tipp beat Galway in the All-Ireland final, he remains realistic about their chances in 2005. “To be honest, I think Cork, Kilkenny and Waterford will be the real contenders this year. If we could win the Munster Championship it would be a great achievement,” he says.
However, it would be unwise to write Tipp off just yet. They remain a major hurling force and, whatever happens, Brendan Cummins will be between the sticks to thwart the best efforts of the opposing teams’ forwards.

How would you rate Tipp’s performance in the championship this season?
It was all a bit disappointing really. I think we were close to winning on a lot of occasions. A goal sunk us late on against Waterford and then we got beaten by the champions Cork, so there’s not much shame in that. We were just never quite in control, it was probably a step forward on the previous year but there is an awful lot of work can be done.

What have been your greatest moments in sport?
In my career, beating Galway in the 2001 All-Ireland final has to be the greatest moment. This year, I suppose the relief of final whistle against Limerick was special, to hang on for a win in the finish was great, and definitely the highlight of the year.

Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
Kilkenny, when they were at the height of their powers in 2003.

Who do you regard as the best forwards in the game?
Paul Flynn of Waterford is a great finisher, and Galway’s Eugene Cloonan. They have the goal-scoring instinct. They always want to score goals and as a keeper that can make you nervous. It’s also a great challenge but when you’re playing against them you know you’re in for a tough game.

What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Keep your head up always. Sometime in your career someone will say you’re not good enough. If this happens you should take the criticism and just practise harder, try harder and overcome limitations. Never be happy with what you have, always want more.

How do you balance your job and hurling?
I work for AIB in Cahir and Urlingford. I’m lucky in the sense that I’m office based. If I have training in the evening at least I can set down the next day when I’m working and it’s not too strenuous. That said, it can be tough sometimes because hurling can take up a lot of your time.

Which player do you admire the most?
Former Cork goalkeeper Ger Cunningham. He gave great service to Cork and was amazingly consistent. He never let in a soft goal and that’s something to say about a goalkeeper. Even after his great service as a keeper he went back to get involved in hurling at coaching level, and that’s admirable.

What are your hopes for 2005?
A Munster Championship. I think it’s important to set the bar at an appropriate level. To win a Munster title and get that pride back would be great. If we achieve that we’ll have done a lot in 2005.

© December 2004

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