Hogan brings Empire State of mind to Croker

WHEN Eddie Hogan emigrated to New York in 1985, he was leaving behind a different kind of famine.

It was less about life or death but for his native Tipperary, it was almost as serious. Not since 1971 had the Premier County won a Munster title and when, as a raw 19-year-old, he lined out at corner back against Waterford in the 1983 semi-final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the talented youngster was given a reality check, on what was his senior debut.

“Welcome to the real world,” a certain veteran opponent seemed to say to him.