Damien Cahalane – watching the 2013 Cork hurling heartbreak and helping the 2014 success

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

DAMIEN CAHALANE FELT the heartbreak experienced by the Cork hurlers in 2013 but is delighted to be pitching in with their success for the Munster campaign in 2014.

Cahalane was part of Cork’s hurling plans in 2012 before decamping to the football squad last season. He watched on during last September’s epic two-game hurling saga in Croke Park and shared in the pain as Cork fell short in their efforts to claim the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

This season Cahalane has opted this year to juggle commitments to both Cork setups. After playing a starring role in the hurlers latest win on Sunday over Clare, it’s a decision that is paying off.

“These are the days you play for with a massive Cork following  there. It would have been selfish to say I felt I should have been there last year. I didn’t feel I should have been there, I wasn’t part of the panel.

“But I had been part of the panel the year before. I felt the lads heartbreak after losing those finals. I was absolutely disgusted for them. Sunday is just a small step along the road of putting things right.”

Cahalane battling with Clare's Peter Duggan for possession.

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

Working hard at the coalface of the Cork defence and repelling the Clare rearguard were Cahalane’s primary duties on Sunday. But in the first-half he even managed to pitch in at the other end, blasting over a monster effort from the right wing in the 28th minute. It was his first hurling championship score for Cork and Cahalane savoured it.

“I don’t think I’ve ever found myself that far out the pitch before,” laughed the St Finbarr’s club man. “It was a great ball from Aidan (Walsh), I found myself in a bit of space but there were lads rushing towards me so I felt I’d better hit the shot quick. I got it off and it went over. I was just delighted to see it go over.”

With the hurling victory parked, Cahalane’s attention shifts to next weekend’s football assignment with Cork against Tipperary. But the prospect of a unique Munster hurling final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh against Limerick next month excites Cahalane. Three years ago he was part of a Cork U21 team that fell short against Limerick in a wondrous and epic provincial decider.

Cahalane in action in that 2011 game which Cork lost by 4-20 to 1-27 against Limerick.

Source: James Crombie

“It would be wrong to say that we weren’t thinking about it,” admits Cahalane. “It is a massive incentive. The last Munster final to ever be played down there.

“It was something to really set your eyes on and say that you wanted to win on Sunday to get to that. It’ll give the Cork fans a day out in the Páirc. I don’t think I’ve ever been at a Munster hurling final there so it’ll be interesting.

“Limerick have been coming strong with U21 teams with a long while. They’d a massive win over Tipperary and they’re looking in good form. They’re very intense and very aggressive so it’ll be a huge challenge.”

The Tipperary and Waterford players before the 2011 Munster senior hurling final.

Source: James Crombie

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Hurling rules clarification proposes to ban 'Anthony Nash free'

Cork goalkeeper Anthony Nash has raised several green flags with his signature lifting style

The GAA's Management Committee has proposed clarification of the rules on penalties and 20m frees in hurling, which would mean the end of the 'Nash free'.

The recommendations would ensure that in most instances shots are taken from the full 20 metres out with no rushing the ball from defenders.

Controversy has arisen following the style of penalty/20m free pioneered by Cork goalkeeper Anthony Nash, whereby the ball is lifted forward several metres before striking towards goal.

Last Sunday, in an attempt to negate that advantage, Waterford goalkeeper Stephen O'Keefe charged from his line once Nash had lifted the ball and saved from close range.

The referee ruled that the ball was in play once Nash had lifted it and that O'Keefe was within his rights to advance, but there was controversy over whether lifting the ball counted as 'striking'.

The new clarifications proposed confirm that it is not and seek to stop defenders advancing from the goal-line while also forcing the attacking player to strike the ball no closer than 20 metres out.

The attacking player may still lift the ball forward before striking, but must bring the ball back from the line (up to seven metres) to do so.

Central Council is expected to rule on the proposed changes before the weekend.

GAA Statement in full:

The Management Committee of the GAA has asked Central Council to consider and adjudicate on the following recommendations for Interpretations of Rule in relation to the Playing Rules of Hurling 2.2 Exceptions (i) and (ii), 2.3, 2.5 and 4.16(b)

The terms “taken” or “retaken” in Rules 2.2 Exceptions (i) and (ii) and 2.3 shall mean the ball being “struck”.

A player taking a penalty or a 20m free puck, may bring the ball back up to seven metres from the 20m line for the purposes of making a traditional run at the ball, but shall strike the ball on or outside the 20m line but not inside it.

Exception: In the context of Rule 2.5, if a player taking a penalty or free puck on the actual 20m line fails to lift the ball at the first attempt or fails to strike it with the hurley, and that action causes the ball to marginally cross inside the 20m line, the player, as provided for in this Rule, shall be allowed to strike the ball on the ground without delay.

(a) The players defending a penalty or free puck awarded on the centre point of the 20m line shall stand on their goal-line and may not move towards the 20m line until the ball has been actually struck. ‘Lifting’ the ball with the hurley does not constitute ‘striking the ball’.

(b) The players defending a free puck awarded on the 20m line at a point other than on the centre point of that line shall stand a minimum of 20m from the point of award of the free and may not move closer to that point of award until the ball has been actually struck. ‘Lifting’ the ball with the hurley does not constitute ‘striking the ball’.

This Interpretation shall, in accordance with Rule 3.43, Official Guide Part 1, have the force of Rule until Congress 2015, when the issues will be further addressed by way of Motion(s).

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