GAA: Five young hurlers to watch

Niall Healy(Galway): NOT another flying young forward in Galway? Hasn’t there been a conveyor belt of them for the last 15 years, and still no All-Ireland senior title?

Wed, 24 Dec, 2003 - 00:00

Diarmuid O’Flynn

This one is cast-iron however. Younger brother of senior star Fergal, Healy set the minor scene alight this year, scored 10 points in the tight semi-final win over Tipperary, added 1-10 in the final against Kilkenny.

John Tennyson (Kilkenny):

NOBODY was more eye-catching among the black-and-amber fledgling defenders than full-back John Tennyson.

The big Carrickshock-man held another Galway dangerman, Aongus Callinan, to just a point in the All-Ireland final, has all the tools and if it weren’t for the fact that a certain Noel Hickey is at full-back for the seniors, could make the breakthrough there sooner rather than later.

James Fitzpatrick (Kilkenny): ONE for the attack, another in a long line of talent from the Ballyhale/Knocktopher area.

Again, difficult to see openings here, especially with older talent like Conor Phelan and Willie O’Dwyer already in the wings, but almost as much as Healy did for Galway, ‘Cha’ played a major role in getting Kilkenny to the All-Ireland final.

Fitzpatrick was also outstanding in the powerful St. Kieran’s side that swept to another All-Ireland Colleges A title.

Hugh Moloney (Tipperary):

A TALL, rangy player, the Nenagh Éire Óg wing-back was one of the stars of the U-21 Munster and All-Ireland championship this year.

He didn’t concede a single score in either of the two games against Cork in the Munster final, while managing to notch two points himself in the drawn game, both from play. Could well make the breakthrough to senior this year.

Barry Coleman (Cork): A DARK horse to finish with. I know Barry Coleman, knew his uncle, Jim O’Brien of Bruree and Limerick, corner-back on the 1973 All-Ireland-winning team and the bane of my life in many a tournament game in the 70’s.

There were three from the Ballyhea club on the Cork minor team this year, all terrific prospects, but if he looks after himself properly, Barry could out-perform them all.