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
This October Clare legend Seanie McMahon brought the curtain down on his successful 13-year career with the Bannermen. His final season saw Clare push for a repeat of the glory days of the 1990s, but they were finally thwarted by a formidible Kilkenny side in the All-Ireland semi-final.
The free scoring centre back had many inspired days on the hurling pitch. None more so than the 1995 Munster semi-final against Cork when he played on after breaking his collarbone during the game. Clare won that day and went on to win the All-Ireland final the following September.
He made his Senior and U-21 debuts for Clare in 1994. By the end of the following year, he had tasted All-Ireland glory with the Banner, earned an
All-Star Award and was named Texaco Player of the Year. He won another All-Ireland in 1997 and received three All-Stars in 1995, 1996 and 1998. Throughout the years he has gained the respect of everyone who loves hurling with battling performances and his remarkable ability to find scores from his defensive berth. In all, he scored 97 points in 51 games. This is an impressive tally for any hurler, but a remarkable one for a defender.
Seanie McMahon will be sorely missed by teammates, opponents and fans alike.
How do you rate the 2006 season?
Overall, very disappointing from a Clare perspective. We were poor against
Cork, and although we regrouped well in our performances against Limerick and Offaly, we didn’t play well against Kilkenny in the semi-final.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the Munster final in 1995, when we beat Limerick in Thurles. It was
a real breakthrough for us at the time - we weren’t even thinking of All-Irelands at that stage.
Who are the toughest team you have ever faced?
I can’t single any one team out. They’re all tough. At the highest level, sometimes there is only a puck of a ball between teams.
Who are the toughest opponents out there?
I have played against some good players but Gary Kirby, Declan Ryan and Henry Shefflin would really stand out
Which player do you admire the most?
Henry Shefflin.
Who was your childhood hero?
Peter Finnerty of Galway and Clare’s Seán Stack. He was a centre-back for
Clare in the early 1980s, and was a big inspiration to me.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for St. Josephs Doora Barefield and Clarecastle would be our biggest rivals. We have played them at least once a year for the last 10 years.
Do you play any other sports?
Golf.
What’s the most important skill in the game, in your opinion?
Hitting the ball on the ground is a great skill. Try to work on both left and right sides and this will help to keep the ball moving for your team
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope Clare continue to progress, and can develop a good team over the next few years. Hopefully we can go on and win an All-Ireland again in the near future.
What advice would you give to young players?
Practise the basics and enjoy the game. The more practise you put in, the better you become.
Name: Seanie McMahon
Age: 33
Team: Clare
Debut: 1994 v Tipperary
Position: Centre Half-Back
Honours:
2 All Ireland Senior titles,
3 Munster Senior titles,
1 All-Ireland Club title,
2 Munster Club titles,
3 County Senior titles,
1 Fitzgibbon Cup,
1 Railway Cup,
3 All Star Awards,
Hurler of the Year 1995.
Club: St. Josephs Doora Barefield
Fav Food: Steak
Fav Book: Tony Adams - Addicted
Fav Music: U2
Fav Film: Gladiator
Fav TV: 24
Fav Team: Arsenal
Hobbies: Golf
Occupation: Engineer
CÚL FACT: Seanie’s cousins, Diarmuid McMahon, Conor McMahon and Alan
Markham all play for Clare.
© December 2006
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