Tomás Mulcahy
Encyclopedia
Tomás Mulcahy is an Irish
hurling
manager
and former player. He played hurling with his local club Glen Rovers
and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1983 until 1994. Mulcahy currently works as a pundit with The Sunday Game
. He married Martina O'Donovan, they have four children, Darragh, Eimear, Saordha and Diarmuid who are twins.
, Cork
in 1963. He was born into a family that was heavily involved in Gaelic games
. His father, Gerald Mulcahy, was a staunch member of the famous Glen Rovers
club. His sons all followed their father by becoming members of the club made famous by Christy Ring
and Jack Lynch
among others. Mulcahy was educated locally and later attended the North Monastery
, a famed hurling academy in Cork, where he had much success. In 1980 he won a Dean Ryan Cup medal in junior hurling and a Frewen Cup medal in junior football. Mulcahy also won Dr. Harty Cup
and All-Ireland Colleges'
titles with the school’s senior hurling team.
club in Blackpool. He also played Gaelic football
with the Glen’s sister club, St. Nick’s. Mulcahy had some underage success with 'the Glen', winning a county under-21 championship
winners' medal in 1984. He later graduated onto the club's senior team where he enjoyed further success. After defeat in the county final of 1988 Glen Rovers were back in the senior championship decider in 1989 with Mulcahy as capatin. Near neighbours Sarsfield's provided the opposition on that occasion, however, a 4-15 to 3-13 victory gave Mulcahy a coveted county senior championship
winners' medal. It was Glen Rovers’ first county title since 1976 and the club hasn’t won one since.
at minor level. He had little success in either Hurling
or Gaelic football
.
By 1982 Mulcahy had graduated onto the Cork under-21 hurling team. He came on as a substitute to capture a Munster
title in that grade as Cork defeated Limerick
in the provincial final by 1-14 to 1-4. Mulcahy also made a cameo appearance in the championship decider against Galway
. A 0-12 to 0-11 defeat of the men from the west gave Cork the victory and gave Mulcahy a coveted All-Ireland
under-21 winners' medal.
Mulcahy quickly joined the Cork senior hurling panel and made his debut in a challenge game against Waterford
in a full-forward line that included Jimmy Barry-Murphy
and Seánie O'Leary
, two of the legends of Cork hurling. By the time the 1983 championship
began Mulcahy was a full member of the Cork starting fifteen. That year he won his first Munster
title at senior level as Cork trounced Waterford
by 3-22 to 0-12. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Kilkenny
. ‘The Cats’ used a strong wind to dominate the opening half and built up a strong lead. Cork came storming back with goals by Mulcahy and Seánie O'Leary
, however, at the full-time whistle Kilkenny had won by 2-14 to 2-12.
1984 was a special year in the annals of Gaelic games
as it was the centenary year of the Gaelic Athletic Association
. The year began well with Mulcahy helping his team to victory in the special Centenary Cup
competition. A second Munster winners’ medal soon followed for Mulcahy as Cork defeated Tipperary
by 4-15 to 3-14 in a memorable Munster final. The subsequent All-Ireland final, played at Semple Stadium
in Thurles
, saw Cork take on Offaly
for the first time ever in championship history. The centenary-year final failed to live up to expectations and Cork recorded a relatively easy 3-16 to 1-12 victory. It was Mulcahy's first All-Ireland
winners’ medal.
In 1985 Mulcahy added a third Munster title to his collection as Cork defeated Tipperary by 4-17 to 4-11 in the provincial decider. Cork, however, were later defeated by Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final. By this stage Mulcahy was also a member of the Cork senior football team. He came on as a substitute in the Munster
final against Kerry
as Páidí Ó Sé
’s opposite number. Cork lost on the day and Mulcahy gave up football shortly afterwards in favour of the small ball game.
In 1986 Cork made it five-in-a-row in Munster as Cork defeated Clare by 2-18 to 3-12 to take the provincial title. It was Mulcahy's fourth Munster winners’ medal in all. This victory paved the way for an All-Ireland final meeting with Galway. The men from the west were the red-hot favourites against an ageing Cork team, however, on the day a different story unfolded. Four Cork goals, one from John Fenton
, two from Mulcahy and one from Kevin Hennessy
, stymied the Galway attack and helped ‘the Rebels’ to a 4-13 to 2-15 victory. It was Mulcahy's second All-Ireland winners’ medal.
Cork went into decline following this game as Tipperary dominated the Munster championship for the next three seasons. Cork reclaimed their provincial crown in 1990, however, Mulcahy, in spite of being the team captain, missed the game through injury. He was fit enough to make a return in Cork’s subsequent All-Ireland final clash with Galway. Once again, Galway were the favourites and wer eout to capture a third All-Ireland title in four seasons. Shortly after half-time Galway were up by seven points and were cruising to victory. Mulcahy, however, played a captain’s role and scored a crucial goal that revitalised the Cork attack. The final score of 5-15 to 2-21 gave Cork the victory in one of the most open hurling finals in years and gave Mulcahy a third All-Ireland winners' medal.
Tipp wrested the Munster title from Cork again in 1991, however, Mulcahy won his fifth Munster winners' medal on the field of play in 1992 as Limerick fell to ‘the Rebels.’ After a defeat of Down
, Cork advanced to the All-Ireland final where Kilkenny provided the opposition. It was the two sides’ first meeting in the championship in nine years. Kilkenny played into a strong wind in the first-half and were two points in arrears at half-time. ‘The Cats’ fought back and defeated their arch rivals by 3-10 to 1-12
For the next few years Cork hurling went into decline. Mulcahy did win a National Hurling League
medal in 1993 following a three-game sage with Wexford
, but he was dropped from the team on a number of occasions in the championship. He retired from inter-county hurling in 1995.
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He captured Railway Cup medals in 1984 and 1985.
as two of the chief hurling pundits on RTÉ
’s The Sunday Game
.
Even in retirement from playing Mulcahy has been described as one of the most popular players to have ever played hurling for Cork. He has served as a selector with the Cork under-21 hurling team and his name is frequently touted as being a future manager
of the county’s senior hurling team. Mulcahy is currently the manager of the Glen Rovers senior hurling team.
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...
hurling
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...
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...
and former player. He played hurling with his local club Glen Rovers
Glen Rovers GAA
Glen Rovers is a Cork-based Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Ballyvolane and Blackpool areas of Cork city, Ireland. The club was founded in 1916 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling.-Colours:...
and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1983 until 1994. Mulcahy currently works as a pundit with The Sunday Game
The Sunday Game
The Sunday Game is Raidió Teilifís Éireann's main Gaelic games television programme. It is shown on RTÉ Two every Sunday during the Football Championship and Hurling Championship seasons. It is one of RTÉ Two’s longest-running shows, having been on air since 1979, one year after the channel first...
. He married Martina O'Donovan, they have four children, Darragh, Eimear, Saordha and Diarmuid who are twins.
Biography
Tomás Mulcahy was born in BlackpoolBlackpool, Cork
Blackpool is a suburb of Cork city in County Cork, Province of Munster, Ireland. It is situated in the north of the city, on the N20 road to Mallow.-Social History:...
, Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
in 1963. He was born into a family that was heavily involved in Gaelic games
Gaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
. His father, Gerald Mulcahy, was a staunch member of the famous Glen Rovers
Glen Rovers GAA
Glen Rovers is a Cork-based Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Ballyvolane and Blackpool areas of Cork city, Ireland. The club was founded in 1916 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling.-Colours:...
club. His sons all followed their father by becoming members of the club made famous by Christy Ring
Christy Ring
Nicholas Christopher Michael Ring , better known as Christy Ring, was a famous Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with the Glen Rovers club from 1941 until 1967 and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1939 until 1963. Ring is widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers in...
and Jack Lynch
Jack Lynch
John Mary "Jack" Lynch was the Taoiseach of Ireland, serving two terms in office; from 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979....
among others. Mulcahy was educated locally and later attended the North Monastery
The North Monastery
The North Monastery is a collection of primary, secondary and a Gaelcholáiste schools located at Our Lady's Mount, Cork City, Republic of Ireland.-History:...
, a famed hurling academy in Cork, where he had much success. In 1980 he won a Dean Ryan Cup medal in junior hurling and a Frewen Cup medal in junior football. Mulcahy also won Dr. Harty Cup
Dr. Harty Cup
The Dr. Harty Cup is a hurling competition for schools in the province of Munster in Ireland. The cup is presented to the winners of the Munster Colleges Senior "A" Hurling Championship. Players have to be under the age of 19 to compete. The winning team represents Munster in the Dr. Croke Cup...
and All-Ireland Colleges'
Dr. Croke Cup
The Dr. Croke Cup is an inter-county GAA competition in hurling. The first Croke Cups took place between 1896 and 1915. Clare was the first winner of the Dr Croke Cup for Hurling in 1896. In 1909 Ulster were expelled from the Dr...
titles with the school’s senior hurling team.
Club
Mulcahy played his club hurling with the famous Glen RoversGlen Rovers GAA
Glen Rovers is a Cork-based Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Ballyvolane and Blackpool areas of Cork city, Ireland. The club was founded in 1916 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling.-Colours:...
club in Blackpool. He also played Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with the Glen’s sister club, St. Nick’s. Mulcahy had some underage success with 'the Glen', winning a county under-21 championship
Cork Under-21 Hurling Championship
The Cork Under-21 Hurling Championship is a hurling competition for players under the age of 21. Clubs affiliated to Cork board compete to win this championship. Seven of the divisions in Cork organize their own championship . The divisional winners compete against each other to decide the county...
winners' medal in 1984. He later graduated onto the club's senior team where he enjoyed further success. After defeat in the county final of 1988 Glen Rovers were back in the senior championship decider in 1989 with Mulcahy as capatin. Near neighbours Sarsfield's provided the opposition on that occasion, however, a 4-15 to 3-13 victory gave Mulcahy a coveted county senior championship
Cork Senior Hurling Championship
The Evening Echo Cork County Senior Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Cork County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in the county of Cork in Ireland....
winners' medal. It was Glen Rovers’ first county title since 1976 and the club hasn’t won one since.
Inter-county
Mulcahy 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...
at minor level. He had little success in either Hurling
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...
or Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
.
By 1982 Mulcahy had graduated onto the Cork under-21 hurling team. He came on as a substitute to capture a Munster
Munster Under-21 Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Under-21 Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for players aged between 18 and 21 in the province of Munster in Ireland...
title in that grade as Cork defeated 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...
in the provincial final by 1-14 to 1-4. Mulcahy also made a cameo appearance in the championship decider against 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,...
. A 0-12 to 0-11 defeat of the men from the west gave Cork the victory and gave Mulcahy a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship
The All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of hurling played in Ireland...
under-21 winners' medal.
Mulcahy quickly joined the Cork senior hurling panel and made his debut in a challenge game against Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
in a full-forward line that included Jimmy Barry-Murphy
Jimmy Barry-Murphy
James "Jimmy" Barry-Murphy is a former Irish hurler, Gaelic footballer and association footballer and is the current manager of the Cork senior hurling team...
and Seánie O'Leary
Seánie O'Leary
Seanie O'Leary is a former Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Youghal and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1971 until 1984.-Early & private life:...
, two of the legends of Cork hurling. By the time the 1983 championship
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1983
-Miscellaneous:* Tipperary's victory over Clare in the Munster quarter-final is the team's first in the provincial championship since 1973.* The attendance of 20,816 at the Munster final is the lowest at the provincial decider since 1972....
began Mulcahy was a full member of the Cork starting fifteen. That year he won his first 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 at senior level as Cork trounced Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
by 3-22 to 0-12. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against 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...
. ‘The Cats’ used a strong wind to dominate the opening half and built up a strong lead. Cork came storming back with goals by Mulcahy and Seánie O'Leary
Seánie O'Leary
Seanie O'Leary is a former Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Youghal and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1971 until 1984.-Early & private life:...
, however, at the full-time whistle Kilkenny had won by 2-14 to 2-12.
1984 was a special year in the annals of Gaelic games
Gaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
as it was the centenary year of the Gaelic Athletic Association
Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
. The year began well with Mulcahy helping his team to victory in the special Centenary Cup
Centenary Cup
The Centenary Cup was a Gaelic Games competition arranged by the Gaelic Athletic Association to mark the centenary of the GAA in 1984.The hurling competition was won by Cork and the football competition was won by Meath.-Hurling:-Football:...
competition. A second Munster winners’ medal soon followed for Mulcahy as Cork 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 4-15 to 3-14 in a memorable Munster final. The subsequent All-Ireland final, played at Semple Stadium
Semple Stadium
Semple Stadium, located in Thurles, North Tipperary, Ireland, is the home of hurling for Tipperary GAA and for the province of Munster. It is the second largest stadium in Ireland with a capacity of 53,500....
in Thurles
Thurles
Thurles is a town situated in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Eliogarty and is also an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly...
, saw Cork 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...
for the first time ever in championship history. The centenary-year final failed to live up to expectations and Cork recorded a relatively easy 3-16 to 1-12 victory. It was Mulcahy'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....
winners’ medal.
In 1985 Mulcahy added a third Munster title to his collection as Cork defeated Tipperary by 4-17 to 4-11 in the provincial decider. Cork, however, were later defeated by Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final. By this stage Mulcahy was also a member of the Cork senior football team. He came on as a substitute in the Munster
Munster Senior Football Championship
The Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
final against Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry 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 Kerry...
as Páidí Ó Sé
Páidí Ó Sé
Páidí Ó Sé is a retired Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football with his local club An Ghaeltacht and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1987...
’s opposite number. Cork lost on the day and Mulcahy gave up football shortly afterwards in favour of the small ball game.
In 1986 Cork made it five-in-a-row in Munster as Cork defeated Clare by 2-18 to 3-12 to take the provincial title. It was Mulcahy's fourth Munster winners’ medal in all. This victory paved the way for an All-Ireland final meeting with Galway. The men from the west were the red-hot favourites against an ageing Cork team, however, on the day a different story unfolded. Four Cork goals, one from John Fenton
John Fenton
John Fenton is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Midleton and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1987. Fenton is regarded as one of Cork's greatest-ever players.-Club:Fenton played his club hurling with his local Midleton club and...
, two from Mulcahy and one from Kevin Hennessy
Kevin Hennessy
Kevin Hennessy is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Midleton and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1982 until 1993.-Club:...
, stymied the Galway attack and helped ‘the Rebels’ to a 4-13 to 2-15 victory. It was Mulcahy's second All-Ireland winners’ medal.
Cork went into decline following this game as Tipperary dominated the Munster championship for the next three seasons. Cork reclaimed their provincial crown in 1990, however, Mulcahy, in spite of being the team captain, missed the game through injury. He was fit enough to make a return in Cork’s subsequent All-Ireland final clash with Galway. Once again, Galway were the favourites and wer eout to capture a third All-Ireland title in four seasons. Shortly after half-time Galway were up by seven points and were cruising to victory. Mulcahy, however, played a captain’s role and scored a crucial goal that revitalised the Cork attack. The final score of 5-15 to 2-21 gave Cork the victory in one of the most open hurling finals in years and gave Mulcahy a third All-Ireland winners' medal.
Tipp wrested the Munster title from Cork again in 1991, however, Mulcahy won his fifth Munster winners' medal on the field of play in 1992 as Limerick fell to ‘the Rebels.’ After a defeat of 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...
, Cork advanced to the All-Ireland final where Kilkenny provided the opposition. It was the two sides’ first meeting in the championship in nine years. Kilkenny played into a strong wind in the first-half and were two points in arrears at half-time. ‘The Cats’ fought back and defeated their arch rivals by 3-10 to 1-12
For the next few years Cork hurling went into decline. Mulcahy did win a 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...
medal in 1993 following a three-game sage with 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...
, but he was dropped from the team on a number of occasions in the championship. He retired from inter-county hurling in 1995.
Inter-provincial
Mulcahy 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 captured Railway Cup medals in 1984 and 1985.
Post-playing career
In retirement from playing Mulcahy has maintained a strong interest in the game. He has built up a close partnership with Cyril FarrellCyril Farrell
Cyril Farrell is a former Irish sportsperson. He was the manager of the Galway senior hurling team in the 1980s and 1990s. He led Galway to four consecutive All Ireland finals appearances from 1985 through 1988. He comes from the Tommy Larkins hurling club in Woodford/Ballinakill...
as two of the chief hurling pundits on RTÉ
RTE
RTÉ is the abbreviation for Raidió Teilifís Éireann, the public broadcasting service of the Republic of Ireland.RTE may also refer to:* Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 25th Prime Minister of Turkey...
’s The Sunday Game
The Sunday Game
The Sunday Game is Raidió Teilifís Éireann's main Gaelic games television programme. It is shown on RTÉ Two every Sunday during the Football Championship and Hurling Championship seasons. It is one of RTÉ Two’s longest-running shows, having been on air since 1979, one year after the channel first...
.
Even in retirement from playing Mulcahy has been described as one of the most popular players to have ever played hurling for Cork. He has served as a selector with the Cork under-21 hurling team and his name is frequently touted as being a future 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...
of the county’s senior hurling team. Mulcahy is currently the manager of the Glen Rovers senior hurling team.