Hurling Houdinis: The game's greatest escape artists  

After Sunday’s All-Ireland club hurling semi-final, won by TJ Reid’s dramatic late free, his manager James O’Connor said: “I was hoping and praying to God he wouldn’t miss it, but I knew I had the right man standing over it.” O’Connor wouldn't be alone in thinking that. Are there other players, though, you’d want in a similar situation? Michael Moynihan selects his strikeforce.

Anthony Nash scores a goal from a penalty in a 2014 Allianz League game against Tipperary Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

Anthony Nash

It seems like ancient history now, but in September 2013 the Cork goalkeeper’s approach to close-in frees was a matter of national debate. In the All-Ireland final and replay against Clare Nash found the net with his ferocious drives: in the replay his free beat half of the population of the Banner County on its way to the net. Interestingly, Nash’s technique led to quite a lot of debate about player safety, and the rules of the game were subsequently changed. Instead of lifting the ball in as far as possible before striking, players must now make contact outside the 20-metre line. Health and safety gone mad! Maybe.