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

2004 has proven to be an incredible year for Waterford’s Dan Shanahan. The big Lismore man has been in the form of his life and has found the net for the Déise in all of their Munster championship games this season. His goal spree began in May as he put three past Clare’s Davy Fitzgerald in Thurles. Tipperary were next to face Shanahan’s fury in the Munster semi-final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and this time he blasted two goals past All Star Brendan Cummins.

In the Munster final, Waterford had struggled to make an early impact before Shanahan settled his side with a well taken first half goal and by the final whistle he had added a further three points. Waterford’s championship campaign came to a disappointing end with defeat to Kilkenny in the semi-final. For Dan, that was a learning experience and now he looks forward to a new year with new possibilities.

What has been your greatest moment in sport?
My greatest moment in sport would have to be this year’s Munster final against Cork. It was a classic and it was great to be involved in such a fantastic game. It was end to end stuff from start to finish. Beating the Rebels in the final with only 14 men was a great feeling especially as we had beaten Clare and Tipperary in earlier rounds.

Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
All the teams at inter-county level are tough. If I was to single one team out it would have to be Kilkenny; they are strong, fit, physical and unbelievably skilful. They have what it takes to be All-Ireland champions.

Who are the hardest defenders you have been up against?
There are some great half-backs in the game at the moment. JJ Delaney, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and Eamonn Corcoran are the best around.

Which players do you admire the most?
Henry Shefflin, Darragh Ryan and Ollie Canning. They are great ambassadors for the game of hurling. In other sports I really admire Peter Clohessy, the rugby player, and of course Roy Keane.

Who were your childhood heroes?
When I was a young fella it was Jimmy BarryMurphy and later on we looked up
to DJ Carey.

What’s your favourite ground?
There’s no contest, Semple Stadium in Thurles.

Do you play any other sports?
I play a little soccer, it keeps me fit during the winter.

What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play my club hurling with Lismore, which is in the west of Waterford, and it’s a big hurling area. Our closest rivals would be Tallow. The big Waterford clubs would be Mount Sion and Ballygunner who both have a great track record.

What are your hopes for the future?
There is only one thing we want here in Waterford and that’s to win the McCarthy Cup. We’ve reached the last 3 Munster finals and we feel we can go one further. There are some excellent players coming through and the future is looking bright.

What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Enjoy your hurling or whatever sport you play and always listen to your coaches. Believe in yourself and try not to let negative comments upset you.

© December 2004

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