Double victory for Tipp star Cummins
Tipperary hurling goalkeeper Brendan Cummins added to his already impressive 2008 collection with a notable double success in today's M Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada competition on the Annaverna Mountain in Ravensdale, County Louth.
Boxer Bernard Dunne was amongst those who watched Cummins claim his fourth individual All-Ireland Poc Fada title in five years.
In gruelling weather conditions, the Ballybacon-Grange clubman also secured the coveted Comortas Beirte (Pairs competition) honours with Clare's Brendan McNamara.
It was another fine achievement for the 33-year-old Cummins who added to the National League and Munster championship medals he won with the Tipp senior hurlers this year.
Rain and heavy winds failed to dampen spirits but the tricky conditions did halt the progress of Cummins somewhat, as the three-time All-Star was six shots short of his course record of 48, with a final tally of 54 pocs.
First-timer Ruairi Convery of Derry certainly impressed and was just two pocs behind Cummins in the overall competition, while McNamara came a close third on 57.
Offaly goalkeeper Shane O'Connor failed to better his third place finish from last year and finished down the field along with former winner and current Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald.
The Camogie Poc Fada final brought youth to the fore once more and a repeat of the top rankings from last year.
Carlow's Lyndsey Condell, the defending champion, and Waterford's minor prodigy Patricia Jackman finished first and second again. Armagh's Geraldine Daly put in a good effort for third place.
