Hyland ready for final fling

CARNEW’S Don Hyland has made a number of attempts to retire, but each time has found the call of hurling too great to resist.

Despite coming from a so-called weaker county he has been one of the leading forwards of his generation and has the distinction of being the first Wicklow man to win a Railway Cup medal playing for Leinster.

He was not yet 16 years of age when he started playing senior hurling for his club, Carnew, and now, aged 38, he is still a key attacker for Wicklow as they take on Kerry in today’s Christy Ring Cup final in Croke Park.

When Casey O’Brien was appointed manger of the county team in 2010, his first mission was to persuade Hyland not to hang up his hurley.

Hyland answered the call and has been indispensable in the county’s march to the 3A league title and the Christy Ring final in an unbeaten run.

An inspirational player, the skilful Hyland has been at the heart of the attack, picking off crucial scores when most needed.

Hyland won his first senior hurling championship medal while still under 16, and was on every winning team with club and county ever since.

He won a B championship medal, four Kehoe Cup medals and a Kehoe Shield in hurling and was a Christy Ring AllStar in 2007.

At least one other county tried to headhunt his amazing talents when at their zenith but Hyland remained loyal to his club and county.

“I love the game and I couldn’t stay away,” said Hyland.

“It’s in the blood.

“Saturday’s final will be tough. But the harder a game is, the better we like it.”