IT’S MUNSTER FINAL week for Anthony Nash but he’s not complaining about gearing up for a provincial showpiece in the depths of November after a long season on the hurling treadmill.
The Gaelic Grounds beckons Nash’s club Kanturk on Sunday as an AIB Munster intermediate decider against Clare’s Kilmaley awaits.
Club matters may be consuming his thoughts after a groundbreaking season that saw Kanturk graduate to the senior ranks for the first time in Cork but he’s aware that embarking on the inter-county road again with Cork is on the horizon.
When the 2018 season commences Cork will have a new man at the helm and while Nash was close to the departing Kieran Kingston, he’s enthused that a link has been maintained to this year’s setup with the appointment of John Meyler.
“I had an inkling at the end of the year that Kieran was under pressure with work to kind of commit again for the year.
“He’d done great work, he had put a great panel together and management team. But the positive to come out of it all is the fact that John was there last year.
“Continuity is huge for us because last year was a positive. Look how ’18 will go I don’t know but at least he has an idea how ’17 worked and that we’re not starting from scratch.
“I’d be close enough to Kieran as well, even ’14 when he was coach, I got on very well with him. I actually played golf with him a bit as well.
“He’s a very nice fella, so as a person it’s a pity he went yeah. But regards next year I think John is going to do a fantastic job.
“Like John, I think everyone saw his passion in the U21 match after the Waterford game but John’s like a very shrewd man as well. I think he’ll just take us forward, hopefully to the next level.
“Look last year was a positive. People come up to you and say it was great year, it’s not a great year. In Cork if you don’t win the All-Ireland it’s not a great year. It was a good year from ’16, the contrast between the two.”
Cork’s All-Ireland hopes were thwarted at the semi-final stage by Waterford but with that disappointment having eased, 33-year-old Nash has an eagerness to put his efforts into another inter-county campaign.
“Look fellas talk about burnout and breaks – and rightly so – but I didn’t get a chance until I was 25 or 26 or more, whatever it was.
“I always said to myself when I turn 33 I’d make a decision and I feel that I’m physically okay at the moment.
“With Cork I’ve Patrick Collins, who’s an outstanding goalkeeper and with Kanturk, I’ve Barry Kenneally who was a Cork minor sub a couple of years ago. If I’m well enough to be playing fair enough and if I’m not then the management make a decision.
“But as long as I can play, I think I’ll try anyway. Look I love hurling, when I retire I think I’ll get involved in it some way or another anyway.
“So I might as well keep playing while I can. It’s 12 or 13 months on the go really but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was 16 when I started playing with Kanturk, 15 actually when I started playing football with them, so to say we’re senior I’d go 24 months in a row.
The Munster hurling landscape will be altered next summer with players presented with a round-robin format. It’s a system Nash broadly welcomes albeit he has wondered about a couple of potential issues.
“More games is great. I want to play as many times as I possible can during the summer rather than training.
“I think for an outfielder it’s going to be difficult. For a goalkeeper I think fatigue wise it’s not a thing,it’s just mentally getting yourself up for the game and making sure you’re right.
“The only negative I see out of all of this is if a fella pulls a hamstring or something like that, he could be gone for the entirety of the Munster championship.
“It’ll be interesting to see how it affects crowds because like it’s a lot of money, do you know what I mean? You’ve four games in Munster and whatever the ticket money is going to be to get in, will people be willing to travel?
“I hope it doesn’t affect the crowd numbers because coming out in Thurles out of the tunnel, and next thing you’re met with the Cork crowd – that have paid whatever €40, €50 to get into the game – is unbelievable.
“I just think next year will be special for Cork because of the first year of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. I think we’ve Clare at home first but I just wonder how it will affect the crowd numbers.
“But more games is brilliant definitely if you’re getting to play for Cork.”
Nash remains one of the leading hurling netminders in the country, again producing a series of superb showings between the posts for Cork in 2017.
He relentlessly seeks to pick up tips from other sports and it is a leading exponent in Gaelic football that he most admires.
“I think you have to say Stephen Cluxton has evolved the game in both codes. To see what he does with a football is unbelievable. I’ve huge admiration for him.
“Seldom or ever a kickout goes wrong and when it does you see the lift it gives another team and to me that’s a compliment to him because he’s so good. He’s the driving force for Dublin.
“A puckout or a kickout is your possession, you try and keep it. I know hurling is a bit more difficult ti goes further but if you can try and influence the game as best you can. He is the driving force behind the game changing in goalkeepers in my opinion.
“I’m into sport, I love sport, I watch all American sports. I try and learn from everything. I do try my best to look at something and invigorate myself.
“I try and learn as much as I can. The strange thing is I wouldn’t look at hurling. I’d model it off other sports more.
“Again Stephen (Cluxton), what he’s done now. I’d see the bravery he has to go for it with kickouts and that. Look it’s down to the hours, the amount of practice he does more than anything.”
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Good luck and thanks joe
Thanks for the good times Joe. We had many.
Enjoy your time with your family,
you deserve it.
He’ll go back to rugby that’s for sure . He could make a decent substitute for Nucifora as High Performance Director for the IRFU . It’d give him better family time and we won’t have to see him against us ..
@Limón Madrugada: why is Nucifora leaving?
@John Thomas: his contract is up in 2021 I believe
@Limón Madrugada: he could take the real madrid job….
@Hanzee: I’ve no doubt he’d make a better fist of it than Lopetegui . But he’d sleep even less and the attention from the ladies would surely turn his head and he’s a family man.
@Limón Madrugada: Zidane
@John Jones: is that code for something . I’m well aware that Zidane is the coach of Real Madrid , it was Lopetegui who got fired …
@Limón Madrugada: Lapotegui is only two points behind though
@Dave O Keeffe: 2 points a la Liga trophy and 3CLs behind
@Limón Madrugada: ah yeah but Zidane never won the u19 and u21 euros. Be pretty amazing if Lapotegui won the league or the CL three times in a few months.
@Dave O Keeffe: it’d be even more amazing if there was a coach called Lapotegui …
There is always a Job for the Best and you are the Best You have taken Ireland to the Top
Thank you and Good Luck in the Future
@pat seery: How has he ‘taken Ireland to the top’? Do you not remember that Ireland got hammered in the quarter final of the RWC again only 3 days ago?
@mar: they were literally number one in the world coming into the tournament
@Andrew Doyle: for 1 week
@bmul: yes the top, as stated
@bmul: Agustin Pichot, Vice-chairman of World Rugby had the following to say about Ireland being ranked No. 1:
“It’s ridiculous! I’m going to change it,” “It is all mathematical and I would say that it is almost a matter of marketing.” (quotes taken from an article in the Irish Independent).
The Vodafone Ireland #teamofus in the RWC was a marketing scam. The bubble burst quickly but some still seem to #believe.
@mar: I’d say you fall into the bracket of people that likes to see others fail
@John Jones: I’d say you quickly jump to conclusions about people.
@mar: Nobody listens to Augstin Pichot. He’s a dope.
@mar: Grow up mate
@Patrick N O Leary: If you still think Joe brought Ireland to the top and that the No. 1 ranking in any way reflected reality then no doubt it’s you who needs to grow up.
@Andrew Doyle: all that says is the ratings are a joke
@mar:
You are a assho@# with an childish mind: We got beaten by the real No. 1 in the world :: Joe never accepted that flash position as most of us real Rugby Fans did not either :: What Joe brought was a very high position in World Rugby, one we never got near before :: I have been following it since the 60s and Joe got us in a place I had never seen. In 2018 we were the closest at 1, 2, 3 which ever you want but we had beaten ALL the top teams in the World (N Z 2 times ) We got beaten by the real No 1 in the world 3 days ago and no body with any sense though different :: BUT YOU DID :: that says a lot about you and your knowledge of Rugby::
I will say it again you are a childish ASS@# with a nasty agenda against out game ::PISS OFF IMO IMO
@Martin Quinn: you are some dose
Thanks Joe. You are a legend. Enjoy the time with your Family. The team has excelled under your Management. It’s been an incredible ride
@Jason: they have not.
Remember the game at soldier field? The pit of sheer excitement and disbelief in your stomach at witnessing that spectacle, Ireland, like monsters, doninating the ‘All Blacks’, the physicality, perfect skills, and fully determined, making history from the off. Unbelievable! One of those events you remember with crystal clarity. Only one of many! There was no show like the Joe Show
@Daimhín De Naois: Got stuffed when it mattered though
@will: call over Will. I’ll piss in your chips for you. Save you the bother
@will: every game matters to the All Blacks. That’s what makes them so damn good!
@will: yes they did but let’s not forget the mighty NZ were the best in the world from 1990 to 2006 and still kept losing in QFs and SFs including great legends of NZ rugby. Failure is not the ultimate definition , nor is success . You would have learnt that doing your grinds at Leeson St.
@Daimhín De Naois: you also remember not so long ago, the mighty Aussies, well beaten by England, trouncing the All Blacks. Hyperbole of the highest degree.
@Daimhín De Naois: Rugby doesn’t really float my boat but I cannot for the life of me understand why “fans” put so much value in these Test/Challenge games ? Surely winning last weekend or the previous other Q/F collapses is the only measurement of achievement on a world stage ??? I’m a long suffering Galway hurling fan, I’ve seen enough failure and thankfully some success to know the difference…
@Groundhurling: In any sport it’s up to those participating, and to a certain extent those spectating, how important any game is. Rugby has a long tradition of competitive test matches. Before 1987 there was no world cup and only the 4/5 nations and test matches. Obviously the arrival of the world cup pushed test matches down a rung in terms of importance but there’s no reason for them to suddenly become meaningless. I doubt anyone disputes that winning a Q/F trumps winning an Autumn test. Is it because friendlies in soccer and challenge matches in GAA are meaningless that people can’t get their heads around rugby tests carrying some value?
@Daimhín De Naois: what year was that again?
@Groundhurling:
Stick to the GAA then :: and you got an A I only a few years ago so why compline ::there are teams who have not won in years :: and don’t tell us how we are feeling
Brilliant coach , the best we have ever had. Sport is cruel . You can be brilliant for years and then just for whatever reason don’t perform for a short period and all your hard work can seem to be undone in a few minutes .
He has given us some great days and was a gentleman to boot .
Best wishes to Joe and his family
Thanks Joe. You are a legend. Enjoy the time with your Family. The team has excelled under your Management. It’s been an incredible ride
@Jason: we’re a GAA country, punching above our weight in rugby. 2200 GAA clubs vs 200 rugby clubs. We can’t compete against Southern hemisphere in matches that really count bar glorified money spinning friendlies.
@Peadar: all the more of an achievement to go to Number 1 in the world with such a low amount of rugby clubs. Think you need to elevate your viewpoint, if only for yourself Peadar
@Peadar: New Zealand have 141 thousand registered players. We have 95 thousand. We’re not battling overwhelming odds here, yet we have only ever won 2 matches against them (both under Schmidt). South Africa and England Both have far greater playing numbers than the all blacks and throughout history have mostly been inferior to them. Money, resources and playing numbers will only get you so far. Ireland are aswell resourced as is possible, rugby receives greater coverage and promotion than any other sport in this country despite it not being the most popular (but is loved by the ruling class and that’s what matters really isn’t it…) and we’ve never been beyond the last 8 of a World Cup.
In the last three world cups before this one we’ve gone out to Argentina twice and wales once. Both countries of similar player numbers and we were hammered on each occasion just like we were last weekend.
We went to world number one a few weeks after England put nearly 60 points on us! That ranking system is a sham.
We just aren’t good enough and never have been when it matters. Simple as.
@John drennan: Ruling class? Ffs.
@Cian: IRFU states there are 194,300 registered rugby players in ireland.
NZRU states 156,000 registered players
@Walter Obrien:
I stopped reading John drennan post when that came up ::”the ruling class”
He is an assh@#@ and I told you before you should know something about Rugby before you comment and here again you are doing it.
Regarding N Z :: I have been there and those numbers mean nothing :: When a N Z baby (male and Female ) is born, it comes out of with a “Baby birth Ball” in the position for passing. All they want to do is play for N Z :: we face the GAA (Hurling and Football):: Soccer and forth comes Rugby :: and our baby’s just have the love of their parents to get them through:: you can use figures anyway you want but it is what is in the sole and in NZ it is Rugby
It is sad to read an Irish Poster agreeing with some other Country troll:: you should be ashamed
Your a legend. Thank you
Thank you Joe for all of the good times good luck and enjoy the time off.
Yup
I don’t think we would have had Chicago without Joe
Honestly, one of the best weekends ever
Too loyal to the older crew joe
@Tony Mcgrath: on the balance of performances that’s too harsh, has been and will be the best return from a coach we are likely to have for years.
Joe Schmidt should be convinced to stay involved with the Ireland rugby team in some capacity. We will need him.
@J. Reid: I agree. I’d say he’d jump at a chance to right the last few weeks. I’d love him to take a special role with academy players or send project teenagers to him in NZ. No better man to take a break and analyse his errors and adapt. He learnt more than IRFU did.
Joe, you’re the best we’ve ever had! You owe us nothing, we will forever be in your debt. Good luck and every happiness to you and your family.
Think we were spoilt for the past 6 years. Anyone here saying otherwise will be regretting it. 6 nations time we will be lucky to get past Italy/Scotland Our card is marked. Thanks Joe, you will be sorely missed, pity it didn’t work out to go out on a deserved high.
A highly talented coach and a gentleman to boot. Thanks Joe, good memories, best of luck for the future. Irish Rugby is in a better realm thanks to your hard work and commitment.
Thanks for the good times joe, But let’s call a spade a spade, 2019 has been a disaster and theirs no getting away from it, the 2015 quarter final defeat vs Argentina was the one that got away.
@Alan Brazil: what has that got to do with this article? Are you just going to crawl into every article to bang the same drum? We know 2019 was a dissapointment, we all saw that for ourselves. Nonetheless, he’s the best and most successful coach we’ve ever had and its no surprise he’s had offers… Which, I must remind you, is what this article is about.
@Brendan Heery: Good for him, no f
@Alan Brazil: finished with Irish international rugby now until the 2021 six nations
@Alan Brazil: A true Irish rugby fan, ill be looking out for you.
@Alan Brazil:
You were always finished with Ireland :: all your posts were anti Ireland ::dont give us this chrap of 2021 :go off and don’t come back ::OK ::OK
France hoping to get him.
@Brian Farrell: there’s a job opening in Australia at the moment. Although I’d love to see him take a Pacific island team like Fiji and turn them into a tier 1 nation.
Thanks for the memories Joe enjoy your time with family
Thanks for the incredible entertainment & pride Joe, you’ve worked so hard & I have enjoyed every minute of your tenure
Thanks for the memories Joe and may an incredibly lucrative offer fall in your lap in due course. You deserve no less.
A Great Coach But above all a real gentleman.
About to take off for Tokyo. Had high hopes like Joe and the team but such is life. 2018 and previous years were incredible and for sure we enjoyed every moment of the games and celebrations.
Wishing him the very best for his year ahead and wishing the team rest and regrouping.
Meanwhile there are some great games to enjoy for the next two weekends.
In terms of 6 Nations and one off tests his era was a resounding success. However in terms of World Cups it was a resounding failure.
@Patrick Jackman: the same could have been said about Graham Henry and Steve Hansen up to 2011 … without so much success at 6N but obviously plenty at Tri Nations .. and they got slaughtered back home for it , as did John Mitchell etc ..
No
When it’s done, it’s done
I’d love to see him step down a few levels, relax and rediscover his more relaxed side.
@Eddie Hekenui: he’ll never be stuck , he’d be the perfect guy for WR to parachute into the Tier 2 qualifiers in the 12 months prior to a RWC . Daniel Hourcade was assistant coach to Portugal in 2007 all covered by WR .
@Limón Madrugada: He’ll definitely have a job sooner rather than later. World Rugby pay for the coaches of a lot of the Tier 2 teams but I can’t see Schmidt going that way yet. Maybe down the line but he’d be far too in demand now. He’s also spoken about going home and having more time with family so I think he’ll end up in the Mitre 10 or Super Rugby in the next 18 months. I’d like to see him help out in a school in NZ for the next few months though. It’d be a great way to recuperate.
@Eddie Hekenui: Blackrock college has dibs on him in Ireland :-) .He would be an awesome addition to Spanish rugby that’s for sure .
Thanks for everything you gave Irish rugby Joe at Leinster and Ireland. You took it on to another level entirely. A sad end no doubt and maybe 2018 was the peak when we won everything. Irelands demise this year struck me as a bit similar to Fergie somehow winning league in his last year at ManU with a fairly ordinary squad then they fell off a cliff after that. How could same players perform so differently in a year. One thing that stands out for me in relation to how good Joe is how players speak of him. Almost uniformly positive and that he was best coach they ever worked with and he improved them as players. Even older guys nearing end of their careers like POC, shaggy and Best. I look forward to hearing stories behind the scenes in future biography. Enjoy the break Joe.