KERRY’S JACK O’SHEA, the Offaly duo of Matt Connor and Pádraig Horan, and Kilkenny’s Frank Cummins were all inducted into the GAA’s Hall of Fame today.
At a ceremony at the GAA Museum in Croke Park today, the quartet were honoured as the period from 1980 to 1984 was covered.
The quartet are now in an exclusive group of 46 legends of Gaelic Games who make up the Hall of Fame at the museum.
The players enjoyed an incredible career as they claimed a combined total of 18 All-Ireland senior medals and 14 All-Star awards.
All-Ireland senior medals
- Jack O’Shea (7) – 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986.
- Matt Connor (1) – 1982.
- Pádraig Horan (2) – 1981, 1985.
- Frank Cummins (8) – 1967, 1969, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1979, 1982, 1983.
All-Star awards
- Jack O’Shea (6) – 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985.
- Matt Connor (3) – 1980, 1982, 1983.
- Pádraig Horan (1) – 1985.
- Frank Cummins (4) – 1971, 1972, 1982, 1983.
GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail, congratulated the players on being named on the prestigious list.
“I am delighted to welcome these four outstanding GAA ambassadors into our GAA Museum Hall of Fame.
“These four individuals illuminated their respective codes, setting consistently high standards that thrilled crowds and have left an enduring legacy on our games.
“I congratulate Pádraig, Frank, Matt and Jack and I hope this acknowledgement helps shine a light on their efforts over many years to generations who were not lucky enough to witness first hand the skills they brought to bear on the game.”
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
Matt O’Connor was the greatest of them all. He was a superstar, his scoring record was something to behold. What a legend
Jack O’Shea won an All Star when his team made just the provincial final in 83. He 6 All Stars on the bounce. That’s some going.
Frank Cummins was a sub in 1967. He won his other seven medals playing in one position – midfield!! That’s fifteen seasons at midfield – some man! He also had the unusual situation of winning a club All-Ireland with Blackrock by beating his home parish Ballyhale Shamrocks in 1978.
Legends all
Don’t get the Padraig Horan inclusion. Padraig Delaney, Joachim Kelly Johnny Flaherty were all better hurlers from that Offaly era and much more influential on game.
The other 3 are among the greats of the game. Can’t believe it took them so long to be inducted!