Decade of glory - 10 years after cancer Noel McGrath counts every blessing

Baby Aoibhín’s arrival, coupled with a fourth All-Ireland medal, has made it a seminal year for Noel McGrath

Tipperary hurler Noel McGrath with his GWA Hurling Personality of the Year award at his home club of Loughmore-Castleiney GAA club, ahead of the Gaelic Writers Association Awards, proudly supported by the Dalata Hotel Group, which were held at the Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Fifteen days ago, Aoibhín McGrath came into the world. No sooner had she made her appearance than she had gifted her big brother Sam a toy cement mixer.

Two-year-old Sam is making a name for himself appearing on television with his daddy Noel. A day after his mother Aisling gave birth to Aoibhín, he was stealing the show on RTÉ as his father was being interviewed following Loughmore-Castleiney’s county senior hurling semi-final win over Holycross-Ballycahill.