Leamy’s Croker dream close to becoming a reality

CROKE PARK is a very special place for all Irish people but more so if you come from a Tipperary hurling hotbed.

Munster and Ireland back-row forward Denis Leamy has often been there supporting his native county but had given up on displaying his skills on the sacred sod - until the GAA’s relaxation on Rule 42.

“When I was growing up, Tipperary were doing especially well in the late 80s and early 90s, they were a fantastic team,” the Cashel native recalled. “My dad brought me everywhere and I was in Croke Park for the finals of 1989 and ‘91 and that holds very special memories for me. We all had our heroes, Nicky English, Pat Fox and then there were the Bonnars from Cashel. I knew them to pass in the street and obviously I was in awe of all of them. These days, I often drink a pint in Fox’s pub and examine all the memorabilia.”