IT’S ONE OF the most famous points in hurling, Diarmuid O’Sullivan charging out from his defensive post, powering past an opposing forward and firing a clearance that travelled downfield before dropping over the bar.
That’s the Cork scorer from that 2001 Munster SHC clash in Pairc Uí Chaoimh but what of the accidental Limerick creator of that iconic point?
Ollie Moran, one of Limerick’s best and most consistent players during a senior career that spanned from 1997 to 2009, is our guest this week on the Warriors podcast for The42 members.
He picked out his three favourite games from his playing career and while he got to celebrate a win of major significance in that quarter-final in May 2001, his role in that O’Sullivan point is one he has been regularly reminded of.
“That is the word, it’s iconic. I think everyone remembers where they were when they saw it, you talk about Maurice Fitzgerald’s point against Dublin and this was the very same. I often meet Sully and say, ‘If I’d only known then, I was going to make a superstar out of ya, I’d have hit it somewhere else!’
“I gave two really good passes that day. I gave one pass for Jamesie Butler (who) scored an unbelievable goal in the first half that day and I’m very proud of that. But that gets no attention at all, it’s always the second pass to Sully!
“I wouldn’t mind at that stage but I’d won a good ball on the sideline and turned onto my left and gave a perfect ball or so I thought into our full-forward line. Nice low hopping ball, the kind of ball that full-backs hate and full-forwards love, the next thing I see this bull coming out.
“You nearly knew, he was such a determined individual anyway, he came out and took his three or four steps. It was Jack Foley in front of him, who was a strong man in his own right. Of all the fellas to knock over, Jack Foley would be way down the list of probable, I suppose victims. But he was just a man possessed, bowled him over and the rest is history. It was an iconic point.”
Moran got to celebrate afterwards as Limerick won by a point and he talks about why he loved playing matches in Pairc Uí Chaoimh.
Plus there’s facing his well-known cousins in the Kelly brothers from Mullinahone, the club breakthrough in 1998 with the traditional powerhouse of Ahane and that epic trilogy with Tipperary in 2007.
You can listen to the full interview with Ollie on the podcast by subscribing to members.the42.ie and check out episodes from our back catalogue featuring the likes of Ken McGrath, Declan Browne, Liam McHale and Eddie Brennan.
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Mcdaids performance should be lauded the same way as Clifford’s and Walsh’s. Actually think mcdaid should get player of the year.
@Barry Newell: Mcdaid was unbelievable yesterday, MOTM for me.
@Barry Newell: Yes indeed, I’ve watched McDaid since the CShip started, He was excellent in every match . Scored Four points yesterday from Midfield- he is a powerhouse . Just a pity they have a habit of giving Man of the Match to the winning side. There was a case for JOINT Man of the Match there yesterday , — Walsh gave an exhibition .
I think everyone was expecting Kerry to annihilate Galway yesterday BUT Galway were brilliant. They might have been second best but that only happened when things began to unravel near the end. They have the tools and talent and have obviously bonded well that it is now only a matter of working on the finer points of the game before they start collecting several Sam’s over the coming years. As a Dub, I cannot help but admire the resilience of that Kerry team and even though they beat Galway and Dublin, in the game of the year, given their ‘resources’, I expected them to be more convincing against both Congratulations to both Kerry and Galway on a brilliant game and the real winners in the future will be the fans. I hope the Ulster teams will learn from these displays, get rid of ‘ possession football’ and incorporate the hidden skills they obviously have.
@Barrycelona: an Ulster team won Sam just 11 months ago or did that slip your mind
@Barrycelona: it might have Been because I was hungover but I thought the game was crap. Virtually no atmosphere for long periods and possession seemed to be what we were watching for the most part. Soft fouls as well are terrible to watch. I hate to back up hurling snobs but it’s such a better game to watch now.
Walsh was clear MOTM match IMO – even better than brilliant Clifford
Mayo next year me thinks?
Barrycelona Kerry had 14 men in their own half for much of the game it appears that they have adopted the Ulster way. One very bad Refereeing decision yesterday at a vital time in the game.
@Kevin Byrne: 2 very bad decisions in quick succession. Both teams scored from the frees so evened out.
A dour affair, we were all spoiled by the silky skills of the Dublin six-in-a-row team. Maybe next year.
@Jim O’Sullivan: are ya catching much lately Jim. Great time for fishing.
Rule is 4 steps – 7 or 8 by Walsh for one great point that should have been disallowed