A big day for the Kanturk club in Cork was copper-fastened with the Man of the Match award for the county’s All-Ireland semi-final win over Dublin going to Lorcán McLoughlin, whose dazzling running from centrefield and three first-half points were a feature of the victory that sends the county into a first final in seven years.
McLoughlin paid tribute to his club-mate Anthony Nash, the current All Star goalkeeper whose performance in goal and long-range free taking, made him also a candidate for the award.
“I suppose if you follow Anthony’s career, he’s been there long enough and has bided his time really.
“I’m delighted for him that he made the breakthrough last year and was deserving of an All Star, and it’s great to see him pushing on again this year. He’s developing into a real leader in the set-up as well.”
He also said that Nash could be a contender for Hurler of the Year. "Well I'd say he won't be far off. In fairness Patrick Horgan is putting in huge performances, Pa Cronin as well.
“There are certainly fellahs stepping up to the plate and again, come the All-Ireland, different fellahs could step up to the plate who we haven’t heard of yet so it’s very encouraging so far.”
Sunday’s match saw the millionth spectator attend this year’s championship. In a year of very encouraging attendances the milestone has come up one match earlier than last year.
Finally the GAA’s Central Hearings Committee yesterday announced confirmation of the rescinding of Kilkenny’s Henry Shefflin’s red card in the All-Ireland quarter-final against Cork nine days ago.
