Éamonn Cregan
Encyclopedia
Éamonn Cregan is an Irish
former Gaelic football
er, hurler
and manager
. He is best remembered for his success with Limerick
, as a player in the 1970s and then as manager of various club and inter-county teams in the 1980s and 1990s.
with his local club in Claughaun
and enjoyed much success. He won his first senior county title
with the club in 1968 and added a second three years later in 1971. Cregan won a third and final county medal in 1986. This was Claughaun’s last appearance in a county championship final.
with the Limerick
minor hurling and football teams in the early 1960s. In 1963 he was appointed captain of the Limerick hurling team. That year his side defeated Tipperary
by 4-12 to 5-4 to capture the Munster
minor title. Cregan later led his side out in the All-Ireland final, however, Wexford
were defeated by Wexford
on a score line of 4-10 to 2-7. Cregan also played with the Limerick minor football team as well as later lining out with the county’s under-21 teams. He had little success in these grades.
Cregan made his debut with the Limerick senior hurling team in 1964 and he impressed immediately. He later gave up playing football with the county in an effort to concentrate on his hurling. Limerick hurling was in the doldrums at the time as the county hadn’t won a Munster
title since 1955.
In 1970 Limerick’s hurling fortunes started to change. That year Cregan’s side reached the ‘home’ final of the National Hurling League
with Cork providing the opposition. Limerick were trounced on that occasion by 2-17 to 0-7. This was the first of five consecutive league final appearances for Limerick and for Cregan.
In 1971 Limerick were back in the league final. On this occasion Tipperary
provided the opposition and an exciting game ensued. Limerick just about won the game by 3-12 to 3-11 giving Cregan a coveted National League medal. His side reached the next three league finals; however, Limerick were defeated on all three occasions. Cregan was personally honoured in 1971 when he was named in the inaugural All-Stars
team. He captured a second consecutive All-Star in 1972.
Two years later in 1973 Limerick were back as participants in the Munster final. Tipperary were the opponents on that day and the game proved to be an exciting and controversial affair. Tipp were the favourites going into the game and they asserted their dominance early on. In spite of this Limerick scored three goals in the first twenty-four minutes and trailed by 2-9 to 3-2 at half-time. Tipp ploughed on in the second-half; however, Cregan scored two decisive goals to put Limerick in the lead. As the game entered the dying minutes both sides were level. A Limerick shot appeared to have gone wide before it struck a Tipperary defender. In spite of this a 70 yard free was awarded. Richie Bennis
scored the winning point in spite of some reports that it trailed wide as it went over the bar. With that Limerick claimed the victory and Cregan captured his first Munster medal. Limerick were far from impressive when they defeated London
in the next game, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with the reigning champions Kilkenny
. Cregan was switched from his usual forward position to centre-back where he marked Kilkenny’s scorer in chief Pat Delaney
. Kilkenny were severely hampered by the absence of some of their greatest players. Limerick went on to win that game by 1-21 to 1-14. It was Cregan’s first All-Ireland
medal and Limerick’s first since 1940.
In 1974 Limerick maintained their provincial dominance. Cregan captured a second Munster medal following a 6-14 to 3-9 trouncing of Clare
. This victory allowed Cregan’s side to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where Kilkenny provided the opposition once again. ‘The Cats’ were back to full strength and set out for revenge. In spite of this Limerick stormed into an early lead, however, this was diminished as Pat Delaney, Eddie Keher
and Mick Brennan
scored goals. Limerick lost that game by 3-19 to 1-13.
Cregan’s side contested the Munster finals of 1975 and 1976, however, Cork were victorious on both occasions as Limerick went into decline. They were completely trounced again in 1979 on a score line of 2-14 to 0-9 as Cork captured a record-equaling fifth Munster title in-a-row.
In 1980 Cork were going for an unprecedented sixth Munster Championship in succession. For the fourth time in six years Limerick provided the opposition in the provincial decider. After an exciting seventy minutes Cork’s hopes were dashed by 2-14 to 2-10 as Cregan collected a third Munster medal. This victory allowed Limerick a save passage to the All-Ireland final where Galway
were the opponents. Galway got off to a good start and took a 2-7 to 1-5 lead at half-time. Cregan had other ideas and single-handedly launched the Limerick counter-attack. Over the course of the game he scored 2-7, including an overhead goal and a point in which he showed the ball to Conor Hayes
and nonchalantly drove the ball over the bar. It was not enough to stem the tide and Galway went on to win the game. It was the county’s first All-Ireland title since 1923 and, ironically, Limerick were the defeated team on that occasion as well. In spite of the defeat Cregan was presented with a third All-Star award.
Limerick retained their provincial crown in 1981. Clare were defeated on that occasion by 3-12 to 2-9 giving Cregan his fourth Munster medal. The subsequent All-Ireland semi-final saw Limerick take on Offaly
. It was the first meeting of these two sides in the history of the hurling championship. In a low-scoring game both sides finished level and a replay was necessary. The second game took place a fortnight later at Croke Park
and it turned out to be an exciting affair. Both sides upped their game, however, Limerick were still defeated by 4-16 to 2-17.
At this stage Cregan was in his 36th year and many players would contemplate retirement from the game. Cregan, however, continued playing for his county for another few seasons, however, Cork returned as the dominant force in Munster. He eventually retired from inter-county hurling in 1983.
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He first played for his province in 1968 as Munster defeated Leinster
giving Cregan his first Railway Cup medal. He collected a second Railway Cup title in 1969. Cregan was a regular on the team throughout the 1970s, however, Leinster dominated the competition for the majority of the decade. He captured a third and final Railway Cup medal in 1980.
providing the opposition. That game saw Cregan’s side defeated Wexford by 1-18 to 0-14 giving Offaly their first Leinster
title under Cregan’s tenure. The subsequent All-Ireland semi-final saw Offaly defeat Galway by 2-13 to 1-10. Ironically, the 1994 All-Ireland saw Offaly take on Cregan’s own native-county of Limerick. The game was a close affair, however, Limerick went five points ahead with four minutes left in the game and it looked as if they were about to capture their first title in twenty-one years. The next five minutes, however, produced one of the most exciting and explosive endings to an All-Ireland final ever. Johnny Dooley
was about to take a close-in free and was given the signal from Cregan to take a point. Dooley had only one thing on his mind and scored a goal to turn the game on its head. Limerick lost possession after the puck-out and Offaly rampaged up the field for another goal courtesy of Pat O'Connor. Four unanswered points followed and Offaly captured the victory by 3-16 to 2-13. The victory, however, came at a cost to Cregan. He was the first outside manager to defeat his own native-county in an All-Ireland final and naturally he had mixed feelings about the win.
In 1995 Cregan was still the Offaly manager as his team captured a second consecutive Leinster title. Their display on that occasion saw Kilkenny being swept off the field by 2-16 to 2-5. It was a commendable performance and one that installed Offaly as favourites to retain their All-Ireland title. Cregan’s side defeated Down
in the penultimate game of the championship, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with Clare
. It was the first ever meeting of these two sides in the history of the championship. In an exciting game both sides were level for much of the game with no side taking an extensive lead. Éamonn Taaffe
, who entered the game unnoticed as a substitute, score a decisive goal for Clare with four minutes left on the clock. Johnny Dooley leveled for Offaly, however, Anthony Daly
and Jamesie O'Connor
scored the final points for Clare giving them a 1-13 to 2-8 victory.
In 1996 Cregan’s side reached a third consecutive Leinster final. Wexford provided the opposition on that occasion; however, the men from the Model County were regarded as the underdogs. In spite of this the so-called hurling revolution continued as Wexford won by 2-23 to 2-15. Cregan resigned as manager shortly afterwards.
Almost ten years later in 1997 Cregan was back at the helm of the Limerick senior hurling team. At the time Limerick had enjoyed two recent Munster Championship victories, however, they had failed to win and All-Ireland title. Cregan’s magic touch failed to work in Limerick, however, his side did contest the Munster final in 2001. Tipperary were the opponents on that occasion, however, Cregan’s side lost the game by 2-16 to 1-17. This defeat did not mean that his side were out of the championship as Limerick had one more chance in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Wexford, however, were victorious on that occasion.
Cregan remained on for one more season in 2002. After a poor performance in the Munster Championship
, he tendered his resignation, citing disagreements between himself and the Limerick county board over dual players. Assistant coach Mossie Keane was named as his replacement, but a few days later, Cregan was reinstated. He finally resigned in June 2002, after Limerick’s poor performance in the qualifiers saw them defeated by Cork in the first round.
and won the 2007 Senior County Championship in his first year in charge when Lixnaw beat Kilmoyley
1-15 to 2-06 in the final.
Éamonn has a good track with the Limerick side over the years whose highlights include back to back success in the all ireland of the freshers hurling. This can be largely be credited to the recent coming in 2011 of of City campuses tommy doyle and ashtowns mark monaghan. With heroic performances from players of this caliber Éamonn will be hungry for success in his future campaigns. Although Éamonn's success is outstanding, his discipline levels have been called into question in recent years, with a recent attack on a referee in a league game in St. patricks teaching college thurles this year in which he was lucky to escape from punishment.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
former Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
er, hurler
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
and manager
Manager (Gaelic games)
In Gaelic games, a manager or coach is an individual involved in the direction and instruction of the on-field operations of a team. Managing, or coaching, entails the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game itself, and usually entails substitution of players and other such...
. He is best remembered for his success with Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
, as a player in the 1970s and then as manager of various club and inter-county teams in the 1980s and 1990s.
Club
Cregan played his club hurlingHurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club in Claughaun
Claughaun GAA
Claughaun GAA Club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in St. Brigid's parish on the southside of Limerick City, Ireland. The club was founded in 1902, and boasts one of the proudest of traditions of success within Limerick GAA. Claughaun have won the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship...
and enjoyed much success. He won his first senior county title
Limerick Senior Hurling Championship
The Limerick Senior Hurling Championship is an annual club competition between the top Limerick Clubs. The winners of the Limerick Championship qualify to represent their county in the Munster Club Championship and in turn, go on to the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship...
with the club in 1968 and added a second three years later in 1971. Cregan won a third and final county medal in 1986. This was Claughaun’s last appearance in a county championship final.
Inter-county
Cregan first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a dual playerDual player
Dual player or dual star is a term used in Gaelic games to describe a player who plays both Men's Gaelic football and Hurling or Ladies' Gaelic football and Camogie. The player doesn't necessarily have to play at the same standard in both sports...
with the Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
minor hurling and football teams in the early 1960s. In 1963 he was appointed captain of the Limerick hurling team. That year his side defeated Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
by 4-12 to 5-4 to capture the Munster
Munster Minor Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Minor Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1928 for the youngest competitors in the province of Munster in Ireland...
minor title. Cregan later led his side out in the All-Ireland final, however, Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
were defeated by Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
on a score line of 4-10 to 2-7. Cregan also played with the Limerick minor football team as well as later lining out with the county’s under-21 teams. He had little success in these grades.
Cregan made his debut with the Limerick senior hurling team in 1964 and he impressed immediately. He later gave up playing football with the county in an effort to concentrate on his hurling. Limerick hurling was in the doldrums at the time as the county hadn’t won a Munster
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
title since 1955.
In 1970 Limerick’s hurling fortunes started to change. That year Cregan’s side reached the ‘home’ final of the National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
with Cork providing the opposition. Limerick were trounced on that occasion by 2-17 to 0-7. This was the first of five consecutive league final appearances for Limerick and for Cregan.
In 1971 Limerick were back in the league final. On this occasion Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
provided the opposition and an exciting game ensued. Limerick just about won the game by 3-12 to 3-11 giving Cregan a coveted National League medal. His side reached the next three league finals; however, Limerick were defeated on all three occasions. Cregan was personally honoured in 1971 when he was named in the inaugural All-Stars
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
team. He captured a second consecutive All-Star in 1972.
Two years later in 1973 Limerick were back as participants in the Munster final. Tipperary were the opponents on that day and the game proved to be an exciting and controversial affair. Tipp were the favourites going into the game and they asserted their dominance early on. In spite of this Limerick scored three goals in the first twenty-four minutes and trailed by 2-9 to 3-2 at half-time. Tipp ploughed on in the second-half; however, Cregan scored two decisive goals to put Limerick in the lead. As the game entered the dying minutes both sides were level. A Limerick shot appeared to have gone wide before it struck a Tipperary defender. In spite of this a 70 yard free was awarded. Richie Bennis
Richie Bennis
Richie Bennis is a retired Irish hurling manager and former player. He played hurling with his local club Patrickswell and with the Limerick senior inter-county in the 1960s and 1970s. Bennis later served as manager of the Limerick senior team from 2006 until 2008.As a player Bennis was involved...
scored the winning point in spite of some reports that it trailed wide as it went over the bar. With that Limerick claimed the victory and Cregan captured his first Munster medal. Limerick were far from impressive when they defeated London
London GAA
The London County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or London GAA is one of the county boards outside Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in London...
in the next game, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with the reigning champions Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
. Cregan was switched from his usual forward position to centre-back where he marked Kilkenny’s scorer in chief Pat Delaney
Pat Delaney (Kilkenny hurler)
Pat Delaney is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Fenians and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1969 until 1977.-Club:...
. Kilkenny were severely hampered by the absence of some of their greatest players. Limerick went on to win that game by 1-21 to 1-14. It was Cregan’s first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
medal and Limerick’s first since 1940.
In 1974 Limerick maintained their provincial dominance. Cregan captured a second Munster medal following a 6-14 to 3-9 trouncing of Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
. This victory allowed Cregan’s side to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where Kilkenny provided the opposition once again. ‘The Cats’ were back to full strength and set out for revenge. In spite of this Limerick stormed into an early lead, however, this was diminished as Pat Delaney, Eddie Keher
Eddie Keher
Edward Peter Keher , better known as Eddie Keher, is a retired Irish hurling manager and former player. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game....
and Mick Brennan
Mick Brennan
Mick 'Cloney' Brennan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Railyard club and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team in the 1970s and 1980s. He was named an All Star in 1975, 1976, and 1979....
scored goals. Limerick lost that game by 3-19 to 1-13.
Cregan’s side contested the Munster finals of 1975 and 1976, however, Cork were victorious on both occasions as Limerick went into decline. They were completely trounced again in 1979 on a score line of 2-14 to 0-9 as Cork captured a record-equaling fifth Munster title in-a-row.
In 1980 Cork were going for an unprecedented sixth Munster Championship in succession. For the fourth time in six years Limerick provided the opposition in the provincial decider. After an exciting seventy minutes Cork’s hopes were dashed by 2-14 to 2-10 as Cregan collected a third Munster medal. This victory allowed Limerick a save passage to the All-Ireland final where Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
were the opponents. Galway got off to a good start and took a 2-7 to 1-5 lead at half-time. Cregan had other ideas and single-handedly launched the Limerick counter-attack. Over the course of the game he scored 2-7, including an overhead goal and a point in which he showed the ball to Conor Hayes
Conor Hayes
Conor Hayes is an Irish retired sportsperson and manager. He played hurling with his local club Kiltormer and was a member of the Galway senior inter-county team from 1979 until 1989. Hayes captained Galway to back-to-back All-Ireland titles.-Club:Hayes played his club hurling with his local club...
and nonchalantly drove the ball over the bar. It was not enough to stem the tide and Galway went on to win the game. It was the county’s first All-Ireland title since 1923 and, ironically, Limerick were the defeated team on that occasion as well. In spite of the defeat Cregan was presented with a third All-Star award.
Limerick retained their provincial crown in 1981. Clare were defeated on that occasion by 3-12 to 2-9 giving Cregan his fourth Munster medal. The subsequent All-Ireland semi-final saw Limerick take on Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
. It was the first meeting of these two sides in the history of the hurling championship. In a low-scoring game both sides finished level and a replay was necessary. The second game took place a fortnight later at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
and it turned out to be an exciting affair. Both sides upped their game, however, Limerick were still defeated by 4-16 to 2-17.
At this stage Cregan was in his 36th year and many players would contemplate retirement from the game. Cregan, however, continued playing for his county for another few seasons, however, Cork returned as the dominant force in Munster. He eventually retired from inter-county hurling in 1983.
Provincial
Cregan also lined out with MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He first played for his province in 1968 as Munster defeated Leinster
Leinster GAA
The Leinster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Leinster. The Leinster Council has been partnered with the European County Board to help develop Gaelic Games in Europe...
giving Cregan his first Railway Cup medal. He collected a second Railway Cup title in 1969. Cregan was a regular on the team throughout the 1970s, however, Leinster dominated the competition for the majority of the decade. He captured a third and final Railway Cup medal in 1980.
Managerial career
In retirement from playing Cregan became involved in coaching and training teams. He has served as manager of several inter-county and club sides and has had some success.Offaly
Cregan took charge of the Offaly senior inter-county team in late 1992. At the time Offaly were an up-and-coming hurling team in the championship, however, it would be 1994 before Cregan’s charges first tasted success. That year Offaly contested the Leinster final with WexfordWexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
providing the opposition. That game saw Cregan’s side defeated Wexford by 1-18 to 0-14 giving Offaly their first Leinster
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
The Leinster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland....
title under Cregan’s tenure. The subsequent All-Ireland semi-final saw Offaly defeat Galway by 2-13 to 1-10. Ironically, the 1994 All-Ireland saw Offaly take on Cregan’s own native-county of Limerick. The game was a close affair, however, Limerick went five points ahead with four minutes left in the game and it looked as if they were about to capture their first title in twenty-one years. The next five minutes, however, produced one of the most exciting and explosive endings to an All-Ireland final ever. Johnny Dooley
Johnny Dooley
Johnny Dooley is an Irish former hurling manager and player. He played hurling with his local club Seir Kieran and was a member of the Offaly senior inter-county team from 1991 until 2002...
was about to take a close-in free and was given the signal from Cregan to take a point. Dooley had only one thing on his mind and scored a goal to turn the game on its head. Limerick lost possession after the puck-out and Offaly rampaged up the field for another goal courtesy of Pat O'Connor. Four unanswered points followed and Offaly captured the victory by 3-16 to 2-13. The victory, however, came at a cost to Cregan. He was the first outside manager to defeat his own native-county in an All-Ireland final and naturally he had mixed feelings about the win.
In 1995 Cregan was still the Offaly manager as his team captured a second consecutive Leinster title. Their display on that occasion saw Kilkenny being swept off the field by 2-16 to 2-5. It was a commendable performance and one that installed Offaly as favourites to retain their All-Ireland title. Cregan’s side defeated Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
in the penultimate game of the championship, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
. It was the first ever meeting of these two sides in the history of the championship. In an exciting game both sides were level for much of the game with no side taking an extensive lead. Éamonn Taaffe
Éamonn Taaffe
Éamonn Taaffe is an Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club Tubber and was a member of the Clare senior inter-county team in the 1990s. Taaffe scored Clare's only goal in their 2-point victory over Offaly in the 1995 All-Ireland Final. This was Clare's first All-Ireland win in 81...
, who entered the game unnoticed as a substitute, score a decisive goal for Clare with four minutes left on the clock. Johnny Dooley leveled for Offaly, however, Anthony Daly
Anthony Daly (hurler)
Anthony Daly is an Irish hurling manager and former player. He is the current manager of the Dublin senior hurling team....
and Jamesie O'Connor
Jamesie O'Connor
Jamesie O'Connor is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club St. Joseph's Doora-Barefield and with the Clare senior inter-county team from 1993 until 2004.-Biography:...
scored the final points for Clare giving them a 1-13 to 2-8 victory.
In 1996 Cregan’s side reached a third consecutive Leinster final. Wexford provided the opposition on that occasion; however, the men from the Model County were regarded as the underdogs. In spite of this the so-called hurling revolution continued as Wexford won by 2-23 to 2-15. Cregan resigned as manager shortly afterwards.
Limerick
Cregan first became involved in team management with his own native county in the mid-1980s. It was an unhappy period for Cregan and for his Limerick team. In spite of the successes in the early 1980s Limerick failed to even reach a Munster final during his first term in charge.Almost ten years later in 1997 Cregan was back at the helm of the Limerick senior hurling team. At the time Limerick had enjoyed two recent Munster Championship victories, however, they had failed to win and All-Ireland title. Cregan’s magic touch failed to work in Limerick, however, his side did contest the Munster final in 2001. Tipperary were the opponents on that occasion, however, Cregan’s side lost the game by 2-16 to 1-17. This defeat did not mean that his side were out of the championship as Limerick had one more chance in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Wexford, however, were victorious on that occasion.
Cregan remained on for one more season in 2002. After a poor performance in the Munster Championship
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
, he tendered his resignation, citing disagreements between himself and the Limerick county board over dual players. Assistant coach Mossie Keane was named as his replacement, but a few days later, Cregan was reinstated. He finally resigned in June 2002, after Limerick’s poor performance in the qualifiers saw them defeated by Cork in the first round.
Lixnaw
Cregan took over as manager of Kerry club side LixnawLixnaw GAA
Lixnaw are a Gaelic Athletic Association hurling club in north County Kerry, Ireland. They play in the Kerry Senior Hurling Championship. The club is primarily concerned with the game of hurling but many of their players play football with Finuge. They have won 7 Kerry Senior Hurling...
and won the 2007 Senior County Championship in his first year in charge when Lixnaw beat Kilmoyley
Kilmoyley GAA
Kilmoyley are a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Kerry, Ireland. There are located in North Kerry, the main Hurling area of Kerry. They are one of the most successful hurling clubs in Kerry and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling...
1-15 to 2-06 in the final.
Mary immaculate
Éamonn is now retired and in his spare time while not playin golf (off a handicap of four) or an occasional game of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare", he shares his expertese with some of Mary I's talented hurlering and camogie players. Éamonn is thriving for Ryan Cup success again with his 2011/2012 team captained by none other than centre back Shane "SOUPY" Nolan, his chances are sereal. Shane in his second term as captain for the limerick side and is hoping to make it to the knockout stages in cork where he can once again impress and push for a place in Declan Ryans 2012 panel. Shane is now considered as one of the greatest players to ever man the center of defence. Manager Éamonn Cregan who has achieved so much in the game has gone one record as describing Shane to be "in the same class as Seanie McMahon of Clare, Ciaran Carey of Limerick, Pat Henderson of Kilkenny and Tony Keady of Galway.Éamonn has a good track with the Limerick side over the years whose highlights include back to back success in the all ireland of the freshers hurling. This can be largely be credited to the recent coming in 2011 of of City campuses tommy doyle and ashtowns mark monaghan. With heroic performances from players of this caliber Éamonn will be hungry for success in his future campaigns. Although Éamonn's success is outstanding, his discipline levels have been called into question in recent years, with a recent attack on a referee in a league game in St. patricks teaching college thurles this year in which he was lucky to escape from punishment.