Dinny Cahill
Encyclopedia
Dinny Cahill is an Irish
hurling
manager
and former player. He is the current manager of the Antrim
senior hurling team.
Cahill enjoyed a successful playing career at club level with Kilruane McDonagh's while his career at inter-county level with Tipperary
came during an uncharacteristic famine. He was a midfielder on the former team during a hugely successful period for the club in the 1970s and 1980s, the highlight of which was the winning of an All-Ireland
club medal in 1986.
Immediately after retiring from inter-county activity Cahill became involved in team management. He has taken charge of club and inter-county teams all over the country, including Portumna
in Galway, Doon
in Limerick, Graigue-Ballycallan
in Kilkenny, as well as the Laois
senior inter-county team. Cahill was appointed manager of the Antrim senior hurling team for a second term in November 2009.
In 1977 Kilruane McDonaghs qualified for the final of the county senior championship
with Borris-Ileigh
providing the opposition. That game ended in a draw and it looked as if Cahill's side had lost their chance of victory. The subsequent replay was a low-scoring and dour affair, however, Kilruane took the title by a goal and Cahill secured his first county title.
1978 saw Kilruane McDonagh's qualify for a second successive county championship decider. Roscrea
provided the opposition on that occasion and a close game developed over the hour. At the long whistle Kilruane McDonagh's were the champions by 2-14 to 2-13 and Cahill picked up a second consecutive county title.
Kilruane McDonagh's had the chance to make it three-in-a-row in 1979. Club kingpins Thurles Sarsfield's
were the opponents, however, Cahill's side powered to a 2-18 to 3-9 victory. It was his third county championship title.
With the treble taken care of thoughts turned to securing a remarkable fourth successive county title. Kilruane McDonagh's qualified for the final with Roscrea providing the opposition. A close game developed, however, at the full-time whistle Cahill's side were defeated by a single point.
After a number of seasons out of the limelight Kilruane McDonagh's bounced back in 1985. It turned out to be a dream season for Cahill and his club. After defeating old rivals Roscrea to take a fourth county championship title, Kilruane McDonagh's subsequently represented Tipperary in the provincial series of games. Cahill's side made it all the way to the provincial final where they faced the mighty Blackrock
club from Cork. In a one-sided game Cahill won a coveted Munster
club winenrs' medal following a 0-12 to 0-6 victory. Kilruane McDonagh's subsequently qualified for the All-Ireland final where Buffer's Alley of Wexford provided the opposition. The game was regarded as one of the most exciting finals in the fifteen-year history of the inter-county club championship. Cahill's side fell behind early on in the game and trailed at the interval. The sides were level six times in the second-half, however, at the long whistle Kilruane McDonagh's were the champions by 1-15 to 2-10. It was a coveted All-Ireland
club winners' medal for Cahill.
Kilruane McDonagh's reached the county final again in 1986, however, on that occasion they were heavily beaten by Borris-Ileigh. It was the end of the glory days for Cahill's club.
senior hurling team selectors. He made his senior championship debut in a Munster semi-final against Cork in 1980. Tipp were defeated on that occasion as the county was in the midst of a hurling drought.
Tipperary run of bad luck in the championship continued for the next few years, however, in 1984 the team qualified for the Munster final. Cahill was on the panel and was introduced as a substitute. It looked as if Tipp were heading for victory as the team had a decisive lead as full-time approached. Two quick goals by Cork put an end to this and Cahill's side were defeated by 4-15 to 3-14 in a memorable provincial final.
Cahill's involvement with the Tipperary senior team ended shortly after this defeat.
final victory over Waterford
. Tipp later qualified for the All-Ireland final against Galway
. A high-scoring and exciting game developed, however, at full-time both sides were level. The subsequent replay was another exciting affair with Tipp triumphing by 2-14 to 2-12. It was a major success for Cahill.
in their attempt to win the county senior championship
for the first time. That campaign ultimately ended in defeat before the championship decider.
In early 2007 Cahill moved west of the Shannon and took over as coach of the Portumna
senior hurling team. It was a successful move as Portumna reclaimed the county senior championship title following a 6-12 to 0-11 trouncing of Kinvara
. Cahill's Portumna subsequently captured the Connacht
club title before lining out in the All-Ireland final. Birr
, the most successful team in the history of the championship, provided the opposition. That game turned into a rout as Cahill's side powered to a 3-19 to 3-9 victory and the All-Ireland
title.
Cahill left the Portumna set-up shortly after this, however, his break from management didn't last long. In November 2008 he took over as manager of the Graigue-Ballycallan
club in Kilkenny. His tenure there was largely unsuccessful.
In 2001 Cahill was appointed manager of the Antrim
senior hurling team.
Shortly after resigning from the Antrim posotion Cahill returned to management when he took charge of the Laois
senior hurling team in November 2005.
In November 2009 Cahill returned for a second tenure as manager of the Antrim senior hurling team. After a lacklustre National Hurling League
campaign, which saw Antrim record only two victories in the group stages, Cahill's charges were drawn to play Offaly
in the Leinster quarter-final. While many expected Antrim to be well beaten, Offaly were made to work for a win after extra-time. Cahill's side subsequently defeated Carlow
and Dublin
to qualify for the All-Ireland quarter-final for the first time in six years. Cork were the opponents and recorded a facil 1-25 to 0-19 victory in a game which lacked intensity.
In 2011 Antrim once again played in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
they played Laois
in the Preliminary round an recored a 1-21 to 3-12 win there first win since entering the Leinster Championship in 2009. They faced Wexford
in the Quarter-Final but lost out on a score of 3-16 to 1-11. They entered the Qualifiers where they drew Westmeath
in the Preliminary round and recored a 2-25 to 1-19 win. In Phase 1 they facrd another Leinster team in Carlow
and picked up another win this time on a 0-23 to 1-12 scoreline. They then moved on to Phase 3 where they facrd Limerick
now ever there season came to an end after a 3-22 to 0-12 droubing to the Munster side. Soon after the loss Cahill steped down as manager.
Not long after leving the Antrim post Cahill joined up with the Aramagh seinor hurling team. He joined as part of manager Michael Johnston managerial backroom 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 is the current manager of the Antrim
Antrim GAA
The Antrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Antrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Antrim. The county board is also responsible for the Antrim inter-county teams...
senior hurling team.
Cahill enjoyed a successful playing career at club level with Kilruane McDonagh's while his career at inter-county level with 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...
came during an uncharacteristic famine. He was a midfielder on the former team during a hugely successful period for the club in the 1970s and 1980s, the highlight of which was the winning of an All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship is an annual hurling tournament played between hundreds of senior hurling clubs in Ireland. The Tommy Moore Cup is awarded to the winners. The current champions are Clarinbridge...
club medal in 1986.
Immediately after retiring from inter-county activity Cahill became involved in team management. He has taken charge of club and inter-county teams all over the country, including Portumna
Portumna GAA
Portumna GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the town of Portumna in County Galway. The club is almost exclusively focused on hurling.-History:...
in Galway, Doon
Doon GAA
Doon GAA club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club, founded in 1888. It is based in the village of Doon in County Limerick, Ireland. The club is part of the East Division of the Limerick GAA, and has provided several players to the county and provincial hurling squads...
in Limerick, Graigue-Ballycallan
Graigue-Ballycallan GAA
Graigue-Ballycallan is a Gaelic Athletic Association club situated in County Kilkenny, Ireland. The club has enjoyed success at county and provincial level, and several players from the club have gone on to play a part in the Kilkenny intercounty team. The catchment area for the club is the...
in Kilkenny, as well as the Laois
Laois GAA
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Laois and the Laois inter-county teams.-History:...
senior inter-county team. Cahill was appointed manager of the Antrim senior hurling team for a second term in November 2009.
Club
Cahill played his club hurling with the Kilruane McDonagh's club and enjoyed much success. After enjoying some success in the minor and under-21 grades he subsequently became a key member of the club's successful senior team throughout the 1980s.In 1977 Kilruane McDonaghs qualified for the final of the county senior championship
Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship
The Tipperary Senior Hurling Club Championship is an annual club competition between the top Tipperary hurling clubs...
with Borris-Ileigh
Borris-Ileigh GAA
Borris-Ileigh GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club is located in the town of Borrisoleigh in north County Tipperary, Ireland.- Honours :*All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship: 1987...
providing the opposition. That game ended in a draw and it looked as if Cahill's side had lost their chance of victory. The subsequent replay was a low-scoring and dour affair, however, Kilruane took the title by a goal and Cahill secured his first county title.
1978 saw Kilruane McDonagh's qualify for a second successive county championship decider. Roscrea
Roscrea GAA
Roscrea GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club is located in the town of Roscrea in North County Tipperary, Republic of Ireland. The club's ground ground shares its name with St. Cronan's BNS in Bray, Co. Wicklow. The club's colours are red and white and they play at Páirc Naomh Cronáin Roscrea...
provided the opposition on that occasion and a close game developed over the hour. At the long whistle Kilruane McDonagh's were the champions by 2-14 to 2-13 and Cahill picked up a second consecutive county title.
Kilruane McDonagh's had the chance to make it three-in-a-row in 1979. Club kingpins Thurles Sarsfield's
Thurles Sarsfields GAA
Thurles Sarsfields is a Gaelic Athletic Association hurling club located in the town of Thurles in Tipperary, Ireland. The club was founded in 1881...
were the opponents, however, Cahill's side powered to a 2-18 to 3-9 victory. It was his third county championship title.
With the treble taken care of thoughts turned to securing a remarkable fourth successive county title. Kilruane McDonagh's qualified for the final with Roscrea providing the opposition. A close game developed, however, at the full-time whistle Cahill's side were defeated by a single point.
After a number of seasons out of the limelight Kilruane McDonagh's bounced back in 1985. It turned out to be a dream season for Cahill and his club. After defeating old rivals Roscrea to take a fourth county championship title, Kilruane McDonagh's subsequently represented Tipperary in the provincial series of games. Cahill's side made it all the way to the provincial final where they faced the mighty Blackrock
Blackrock GAA
Blackrock National Hurling Club is a G.A.A. club located on the southside of Cork City, Ireland. The club was founded in 1883 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling.-History:...
club from Cork. In a one-sided game Cahill won a coveted Munster
Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Club Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for the top hurling clubs in the province of Munster in Ireland...
club winenrs' medal following a 0-12 to 0-6 victory. Kilruane McDonagh's subsequently qualified for the All-Ireland final where Buffer's Alley of Wexford provided the opposition. The game was regarded as one of the most exciting finals in the fifteen-year history of the inter-county club championship. Cahill's side fell behind early on in the game and trailed at the interval. The sides were level six times in the second-half, however, at the long whistle Kilruane McDonagh's were the champions by 1-15 to 2-10. It was a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship is an annual hurling tournament played between hundreds of senior hurling clubs in Ireland. The Tommy Moore Cup is awarded to the winners. The current champions are Clarinbridge...
club winners' medal for Cahill.
Kilruane McDonagh's reached the county final again in 1986, however, on that occasion they were heavily beaten by Borris-Ileigh. It was the end of the glory days for Cahill's club.
Inter-county
Cahill's appearances at club level brought him to the attentions of the TipperaryTipperary 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...
senior hurling team selectors. He made his senior championship debut in a Munster semi-final against Cork in 1980. Tipp were defeated on that occasion as the county was in the midst of a hurling drought.
Tipperary run of bad luck in the championship continued for the next few years, however, in 1984 the team qualified for the Munster final. Cahill was on the panel and was introduced as a substitute. It looked as if Tipp were heading for victory as the team had a decisive lead as full-time approached. Two quick goals by Cork put an end to this and Cahill's side were defeated by 4-15 to 3-14 in a memorable provincial final.
Cahill's involvement with the Tipperary senior team ended shortly after this defeat.
Early experience
In retirement from club and inter-county hurling, Cahill became involved in team management at all levels. In 1996 he cut his teeth at inter-county level as manager of the Tipperary minor hurling team. It was a successful year for 'the Premier county' as Cahill guided the minors to a MunsterMunster 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...
final victory over 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...
. Tipp later qualified for the All-Ireland final 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 high-scoring and exciting game developed, however, at full-time both sides were level. The subsequent replay was another exciting affair with Tipp triumphing by 2-14 to 2-12. It was a major success for Cahill.
Club
Cahill has served as manager, coach and selector with a host of clubs all over the country. In 2004 he agreed to assist Limerick club DoonDoon GAA
Doon GAA club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club, founded in 1888. It is based in the village of Doon in County Limerick, Ireland. The club is part of the East Division of the Limerick GAA, and has provided several players to the county and provincial hurling squads...
in their attempt to win the county senior championship
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...
for the first time. That campaign ultimately ended in defeat before the championship decider.
In early 2007 Cahill moved west of the Shannon and took over as coach of the Portumna
Portumna GAA
Portumna GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the town of Portumna in County Galway. The club is almost exclusively focused on hurling.-History:...
senior hurling team. It was a successful move as Portumna reclaimed the county senior championship title following a 6-12 to 0-11 trouncing of Kinvara
Kinvara GAA
Kinvara GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the town of Kinvara in County Galway, Ireland. The club is almost exclusively concerned with hurling but also plays Gaelic Football at Junior level.-History:...
. Cahill's Portumna subsequently captured the Connacht
Connacht Senior Club Hurling Championship
The Connacht Senior Club Hurling Championship was an annual hurling tournament played between the senior hurling clubs in Connacht contested from 1970 until it became defunct after the conclusion of the 2007/08 season due to the predominance of the Galway champions coupled with a lack of meaningful...
club title before lining out in the All-Ireland final. Birr
Birr GAA
Birr GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the town of Birr in County Offaly, Ireland. The club is almost exclusively concerned with hurling and are one of the most successful club hurling teams in the country.-Honours:...
, the most successful team in the history of the championship, provided the opposition. That game turned into a rout as Cahill's side powered to a 3-19 to 3-9 victory and the All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship is an annual hurling tournament played between hundreds of senior hurling clubs in Ireland. The Tommy Moore Cup is awarded to the winners. The current champions are Clarinbridge...
title.
Cahill left the Portumna set-up shortly after this, however, his break from management didn't last long. In November 2008 he took over as manager of the Graigue-Ballycallan
Graigue-Ballycallan GAA
Graigue-Ballycallan is a Gaelic Athletic Association club situated in County Kilkenny, Ireland. The club has enjoyed success at county and provincial level, and several players from the club have gone on to play a part in the Kilkenny intercounty team. The catchment area for the club is the...
club in Kilkenny. His tenure there was largely unsuccessful.
Inter-county
Cahill as also gained a wealth of experience as an inter-county manager at senior level.In 2001 Cahill was appointed manager of the Antrim
Antrim GAA
The Antrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Antrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Antrim. The county board is also responsible for the Antrim inter-county teams...
senior hurling team.
Shortly after resigning from the Antrim posotion Cahill returned to management when he took charge of the Laois
Laois GAA
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Laois and the Laois inter-county teams.-History:...
senior hurling team in November 2005.
In November 2009 Cahill returned for a second tenure as manager of the Antrim senior hurling team. After a lacklustre 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...
campaign, which saw Antrim record only two victories in the group stages, Cahill's charges were drawn to play 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...
in the Leinster quarter-final. While many expected Antrim to be well beaten, Offaly were made to work for a win after extra-time. Cahill's side subsequently defeated Carlow
Carlow GAA
The Carlow County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Carlow GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Carlow and the Carlow inter-county teams.-Gaelic football:...
and Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
to qualify for the All-Ireland quarter-final for the first time in six years. Cork were the opponents and recorded a facil 1-25 to 0-19 victory in a game which lacked intensity.
In 2011 Antrim once again played in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
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....
they played Laois
Laois GAA
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Laois and the Laois inter-county teams.-History:...
in the Preliminary round an recored a 1-21 to 3-12 win there first win since entering the Leinster Championship in 2009. They faced 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...
in the Quarter-Final but lost out on a score of 3-16 to 1-11. They entered the Qualifiers where they drew Westmeath
Westmeath GAA
The Westmeath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Westmeath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Westmeath...
in the Preliminary round and recored a 2-25 to 1-19 win. In Phase 1 they facrd another Leinster team in Carlow
Carlow GAA
The Carlow County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Carlow GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Carlow and the Carlow inter-county teams.-Gaelic football:...
and picked up another win this time on a 0-23 to 1-12 scoreline. They then moved on to Phase 3 where they facrd 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...
now ever there season came to an end after a 3-22 to 0-12 droubing to the Munster side. Soon after the loss Cahill steped down as manager.
Not long after leving the Antrim post Cahill joined up with the Aramagh seinor hurling team. He joined as part of manager Michael Johnston managerial backroom team.