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
Galway U-21 hurling goalkeeper James Skehill made a big name for himself this year after his heroics between the sticks for the Tribesmen. Facing Cork in the U-21 semi-final, with three minutes of normal time left on the clock and the sides tied at 2-14 each, Skehill pulled off a wonder save to stop Rebel John Halbert getting a match-winning goal. The game turned into an epic contest with the sides facing extra-time. Galway went on a scoring spree and scored 2-5 to Cork's 2 points, but again Skehill showed his shot-stopping skills, denying Cork substitute Brian Moylan before the final whistle to set up a clash with surprise package Dublin in the final on September 9th.
The final turned out to be a one-sided affair, as three Galway goals in the first 10 minutes killed Dublin's dreams of an upset. The Tribesmen won the game by 5-11 to 0-12, as Skehill celebrated keeping a clean sheet in a Croke Park final and winning the All-Ireland U-21 crown. Skehill is a real star in the making, and it looks like Galway’s last line of defence will be in safe hands for some time to come.
The Galway U-21 hurlers had a great year. What was your highlight?
My personal highlight was winning the U-21 final against Dublin. I know we sealed the deal in the first half but winning it was a major bonus after all the hard work we put in since the previous November. The U-21 grade is really important to us because it is a great way of breeding new players for the Senior team, especially as Galway have no provincial championship. It also gives you a winning mentality to take on with you to Senior level.
Who are the players you admire?
I admire Kilkenny's Henry Shefflin because, even though he has won everything, he still has the hunger and the drive year after year. I also admire Waterford's Ken McGrath, he is full of heart. He puts everything on the line all the time and he is a very intelligent player on the pitch.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
Tipperary. I don't know why, but I always seem to be on the losing side against them. They have a winning approach and a never-say-die attitude.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Joe Canning. Even though we both play for Galway, I would come across him playing for my club, Cappataggle. Also Waterford's Dan Shanahan.
Who were your heroes growing up?
Wexford goalkeeper Damien Fitzhenry. There's an aura about him, he's been around since 1996 and he's a leader. He's a great penalty-taker as well, I wouldn't like to have to stop one of his shots!
Do you play any other sports?
Rugby, but it has had to take a back seat to hurling recently.
What are your hopes for the future?
I just have two hopes; Nail down the number one spot for Galway and win an All-Ireland.
What is the most important skill?
I think the most important skill is in the mind. You have to work harder and if you're good, learn to get better, and if you're better, then do more again to improve.
What advice do you have for young players?
Never give up. Even if you don't make teams in the younger grades, just keep trying and you will get your chance.
Name: James Skehill
Age: 19
Team: Galway
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Cappataggle
Honours:
1 All Ireland U-21 title,
1 All-Ireland Minor title,
1 Fitzgibbon Cup title,
2 All-Ireland Voc Schools titles,
2 All-Ireland U-16 titles.
Fav Food: Mam's steak and potatoes
Fav Book: Last Man Standing
Fav Band: The Killers
Fav Film: Shawshank Redemption
Fav TV: Top Gear
Occupation: Student
Cúlfact:
James's best friend is fellow U-21 star Joe Canning and together they helped Limerick IT to the Fitzgibbon Cup title this year. |
