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
Waterford's John Mullane is one of hurling's most exciting forwards. He made his Senior debut in 2001 and a year later, he won his first Munster medal as Waterford claimed their first Munster title since 1963. 3 years later, John won his 2nd Munster medal in the final against Cork - a game many people say is one of the best finals ever. In 2007, Mullane helped Waterford win the NHL title, beating Kilkenny in Thurles. They went on to win the Munster Championship again - beating Limerick in the decider - but the sides met again in the All-Ireland semi-final, and the Treaty men turned the tables on Waterford. This year, Waterford were knocked out in the first round of Munster but after bringing Davy Fitzgerald on board as manager, they made it to the All-Ireland final. However, on All-Ireland final day, Kilkenny played brilliantly and beat Waterford well. John was unlucky not to pick up a 2nd All-Star this year, but with his speed, skill and accuracy, he is sure to be in the shake-up again next year.
Waterford had a mixed year in 2008, losing in the first round of the Munster Championship, getting a new manager in Davy Fitzgerald and yet ending up in the All-Ireland final. What is your take on it?
Looking back on it, getting to the All-Ireland final was another step on the way to where we want to be. They say you have to lose one to win one.
Who was the toughest team you faced?
Obviously, it was Kilkenny in the final. People said that to beat Kilkenny, we would have to be at our peak and they would have to have an off-day, but unfortunately it worked out the opposite way around. They were brilliant and we were diabolical.
Who was your toughest opponent?
Offaly's David Franks. He is a very under-rated hurler who doesn't get the credit he deserves.
Who are the players you admire?
With Waterford it would be Tony Browne and Ken McGrath. I looked up to them before I came on to the panel and I still do. Tony is 35 and still going as strong as ever. Ken puts everything into it and he is a born leader.
Who were your heroes growing up?
There weren't many from Waterford, but I admired Limerick's Ciaran Carey, Offaly's Johnny Dooley and Clare's Jamesie O'Connor.
What is it like being managed by Davy Fitzgerald?
We take on board everything he says and he does with us. Davy is still learning the game - we all are - so to get us to the final in such a short space of time was great.
Do you play other sports?
Not at the moment as I don't have the time, but I used to play a bit of soccer, snooker and pitch and putt.
What is the most important skill?
I think your first touch is most important, getting the ball into your hand sets you up for where you want to go.
What advice would you give to young players?
Don't be cheeky and don't be messing! Listen to your coaches and your family as they only want what's best for you. When I was young I used to think I knew it all, but I stopped and listened to all the people who were willing to help me to be a better hurler.
What are your hopes for 2009?
Obviously, we want to go one further and win the All-Ireland, but we won't look past the first round of the Munster Championship against Limerick.
Name: John Mullane
Age: 28
Team: Waterford
Debut: 2001 v Limerick
Position: Corner-Forward
Honours:
1 National Hurling League title,
3 Munster Senior titles,
1 Waterford Senior Hurling title,
1 Railway Cup title,
1 All-Star Award.
Club: De la Salle
Fav Food: Steak and Chips
Fav Band: Keane
Fav Book: The Maradona Autobiography
Fav TV: Only Fools and Horses
Fav Film: Carlito's Way
Occupation: Services Technician CúlFACT:
John is one of only a few players to score a hat-trick in a Munster final which he did in 2003 - and still be on the losing team. |
