Following on from the discussion on Declan Fanning yesterday it got me thinking of some of the hardy fucks of wing backs who could both outhurl and also bully opposition.
Three lads really sprung to mind from the late 80s and 90s. All were hardy fuckers but also excellent stickmen who could up a storm and really set a tone for their teams. All three were pure half backs who excelled at reading play.
Doyle was probably Clare’s most consistent back in the late 90s and was a lad who you could hang your hat on to perform game in game out. Could play it whatever way was needed.
Dunne was Tommy Walsh before Tommy Walsh burst in the scene. A real swashbuckling hurler who played three or four inches taller than he was. The fact he stood out at centre back despite his lack of size was a testament to this.
Finnerty again was a real dominant lad who could hurl whatever way was needed. Tough as old boots and bags of hurling to go with it.
Who was your preference? Feel free to mention any other hardy half backs who could hurl from yesteryear as well
Dunne wasn’t near Tommy Walsh…
Walsh used to use bigger opponent to spring off to catch the ball… Dunne used the bigger opponent to break a hurl off…
In fairness the only one which was a tad harsh was the one where him and O’Meara were sent off for caffling in the rain in 2001. The others he lowered the blade.
His laorcha Gael was hilarious. Him re-enacting his sendings off with Martin Storey filling in for John Troy and Martin Comerford
