Eudie Coughlan
Encyclopedia
Eugene 'Eudie' Coughlan (1900–1987) was a famous Irish
sportsperson. He played hurling
with his local club Blackrock
and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1919 until 1931. Coughlan captained Cork to the All-Ireland
title in 1931. His inclusion on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century marks him out as one of his county’s greatest-ever players.
Coughlan's status as one of Cork's all-time greats is self-evident. In a senior inter-county career that lasted across three decades he won four All-Ireland
medals, five Munster
medals, two National Hurling League
medals and three Railway Cup medals with Munster
.
Coughlan has also been the recipient of many awards and honours off the field. He was honoured in 1985 when he was presented with the GAA
's All-Time All-Star Award
in hurling. Coughlan's reputation a sone of the greats was further cemented when he was posthumously named in the right wing-forward position on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century in 2000.
in 1900. He was born into a family that was steeped in the hurling
tradition of the area. Coughlan’s father, Pat, was the eldest of the family and won back-to-back All-Ireland
titles in 1893 and 1894. His uncles included Denis 'Lyonsie' Coughlan, Jer Coughlan, Dan Coughlan and Tom 'Honest Man' Coughlan who all played with 'the Rockies' and claimed All-Ireland titles with Cork. Coughlan’s mother’s maiden name was Dorney. Her brothers were also both prominent in Blackrock
and Cork hurling circles.
All of Coughlan’s family earned their livelihoods as fishermen. As a youngster he rowed a boat on the River Lee
, picked mussels and prepared them for dispatch to Liverpool
. Coughlan later worked with the Ford Motor Company
, the workplace of many Cork All-Ireland medal winners, before finding a job with the Cork Harbour Board.
with the famous Blackrock
club. He enjoyed much success. Coughlan lined out in his first county final in 1918, however, ‘the Rockies’ were defeated by Carrigtwohill
. It was the first of nine consecutive final appearances for the Blackrock club. The following year Coughlan’s club made the final once again, however, on that occasion it was the St. Finbarr's
club who triumphed. In 1920 Coughlan won his first senior county title
as Fairhill were defeated in the final. The championship was suspended in 1921, however, Coughlan’s side were back in the finals of 1922 and 1923. On both occasions the team was beaten by ‘the Barr’s.’ Coughlan added two more county victories to his collection in 1924 and 1925, however, St. Finbarr’s caught Blackrock in the final of 1926. The following year Coughlan won his fourth county medal. Blackrock failed to reach the final in 1928, however, in 1929 he won his fifth county title. It was the first of three-in-a-row for Coughlan, bringing his county medal tally to seven. The 1931 final victory was Coughlan’s last big occasion with Blackrock. The club would not win another county title until 1956.
prisoners. Later that same year he was a non-playing substitute on the Cork team that defeated Dublin
to win the All-Ireland final. The following year Coughlan was still a member of the substitute’s bench when Cork won the Munster title. He did line out in the subsequent All-Ireland final with Dublin providing the opposition once again. In a close game ‘the Dubs’ avenged the defeat of 1919 by winning on a score line of 4-9 to 4-3.
Cork were defeated in the provincial championship for the next few seasons as Limerick
and Tipperary
came to dominate the competition. In the winter and spring of 1925-1926 the inaugural National Hurling League
was played. Coughlan’s side reached the final of that competition and defeated Dublin, giving Coughlan, and his brother John
, his first major victory. Cork later proved themselves by reaching the Munster final. Tipperary were the opponents on that occasion and took a 1-2 to 0-0 lead. At that point the game was abandoned and a replay was ordered. The second game was a much tighter affair with both sides finishing level on a score line of 4-1 to 3-4. The third game was also a close affair, however, Cork pulled through to win by 3-6 to 2-4, giving Coughlan his first Munster
title on the field of play. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Kilkenny
at a snow-covered Croke Park
in October of that year. Coughlan’s side took the lead at half-time and held on to win by 4-6 to 2-0. It was Cork’s first championship title since 1919 and Coughlan’s first All-Ireland
medal on the field of play.
Cork retained their Munster title in 1927 with a 5-3 to 3-4 victory over Clare
. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Dublin once again. Cork fell behind by 2-3 to 0-1 at half-time; however, they fought back in the second-half. In a team made up of nine members of An Garda Síochána ‘the Dubs’ claimed the victory by 4-8 to 1-3.
In 1928 Cork faced Clare in the Munster final for the second year in-a-row. That game ended in a draw, however, in the replay Cork triumphed with Coughlan collecting his third consecutive Munster title. Cork later defeated Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final before lining out against Galway
in the championship decider. Galway got a bye into the final without picking up a hurley, however, the game turned into a rout. A score line of 6-12 to 1-0 gave Cork the victory and gave Coughlan a second All-Ireland medal. 1928 also saw Coughlan lining out with the Irish Hurling Team in the Tailteann Games
, Ireland’s answer to the Olympic Games
.
In 1929 Cork retained their provincial dominance for a fourth consecutive year. A 4-6 to 2-3 defeat of Waterford
gave Coughlan his fourth Munster title in four years. The subsequent All-Ireland final was a replay of the previous year’s game as Cork played Galway once again. Mick Ahern
scored a goal for Cork after just 25 seconds to start another rout. Cork won the day by 4-9 to 1-3 giving Coughlan his third All-Ireland title.
In 1930 Coughlan was appointed captain of the Cork senior hurling team. That year he won a second National League title, however, Cork surrendered their provincial crown later that summer. The team bounced back in 1931 with Coughlan, who was still the captain of the side, collecting a fifth Munster winners’ medal. Once again it took a replay for Cork and Waterford to be separated. The All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny for the first time since 1926. After a close game both sides finished level – 1-6 apiece. Coughlan played a captain’s role in that game as he scored a point from his knees to level the scores. The replay of the final took place four weeks later and is regarded as a classic. Cork took the lead at half-time, however, Kilkenny fought back. Once again both sides finished level – 2-5 apiece. After this game officials pressed for extra time, however, Coughlan, as Cork captain, rejected this. It was also suggested at a meeting of the GAA
’s Central Council that both counties be declared joint champions and that half an All-Ireland medal by given to each player. This motion was later defeated. The first week of November saw the second replay of the All-Ireland final take place. Coughlan gave his best-ever performance in that game. At the third attempt Cork triumphed by 5-8 to 3-4 giving Coughlan his fourth All-Ireland medal.
At the beginning of 1932 Coughlan took umbrage at the actions of the Cork County Board in taking from his club, Blackrock, the selection of the Cork senior hurling team for the upcoming year. Coughlan, although in line to retain the captaincy, retired from inter-county hurling in protest at the relatively young age of 31.
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He first played for his province in the second year of the Railway Cup competition in 1928. On that occasion he collected his first winners’ medal as Munster defeated Leinster
. Coughlan remained on the team and helped Munster to capture further titles in 1929 and 1931. He was appointed captain in 1932, however, Munster were defeated by Leinster.
he received a great welcome when he was presented to the crowd during the celebrations to mark the centenary of the Gaelic Athletic Association
. At the time Coughlan, who was in his 85th year, was the oldest-living captain of an All-Ireland-winning senior hurling team. Just before the game he was presented to the crowd along with such hurling greats as Jack Lynch
, Eddie Keher
and Jimmy Doyle
. The following year Coughlan was presented with the prestigious GAA All-Time All-Star Award
, further cementing his reputation as a great player.
Eudie Coughlan died on January 4, 1987. He was posthumously honoured in 2000 when he was named in the right wing-forward position on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century.
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...
sportsperson. He played 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...
with his local club 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:...
and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1919 until 1931. Coughlan captained Cork to the 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....
title in 1931. His inclusion on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century marks him out as one of his county’s greatest-ever players.
Coughlan's status as one of Cork's all-time greats is self-evident. In a senior inter-county career that lasted across three decades he won four 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....
medals, five 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....
medals, two 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...
medals and three Railway Cup medals with Munster
Munster 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:...
.
Coughlan has also been the recipient of many awards and honours off the field. He was honoured in 1985 when he was presented with the GAA
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...
's All-Time All-Star Award
GAA All-Time All-Star Award (Hurling)
The GAA All-Time All-Star Award in Hurling was an award given on an annual basis to a sportsperson who had made a long-running and considerable contribution to the sport of hurling in Ireland...
in hurling. Coughlan's reputation a sone of the greats was further cemented when he was posthumously named in the right wing-forward position on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century in 2000.
Early life
Eugene 'Eudie' Coughlan was born in Blackrock, just outside CorkCork (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 1900. He was born into a family that was steeped in the 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...
tradition of the area. Coughlan’s father, Pat, was the eldest of the family and won back-to-back 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....
titles in 1893 and 1894. His uncles included Denis 'Lyonsie' Coughlan, Jer Coughlan, Dan Coughlan and Tom 'Honest Man' Coughlan who all played with 'the Rockies' and claimed All-Ireland titles with Cork. Coughlan’s mother’s maiden name was Dorney. Her brothers were also both prominent in 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:...
and Cork hurling circles.
All of Coughlan’s family earned their livelihoods as fishermen. As a youngster he rowed a boat on the River Lee
River Lee (Ireland)
The Lee is a river in Ireland. It rises in the Shehy Mountains on the western border of County Cork and flows eastwards through Cork City, where it splits in two for a short distance, creating an island on which Cork's city centre is built, and empties into the Celtic Sea at Cork Harbour on the...
, picked mussels and prepared them for dispatch to Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
. Coughlan later worked with the Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
, the workplace of many Cork All-Ireland medal winners, before finding a job with the Cork Harbour Board.
Club
Coughlan carried on the tradition of his father and uncles and 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 the famous 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. He enjoyed much success. Coughlan lined out in his first county final in 1918, however, ‘the Rockies’ were defeated by Carrigtwohill
Carrigtwohill GAA
Carrigtwohill GAA is a Gaelic Football and hurling club based in the parish of Carrigtwohill in Cork, Ireland. The club participates in Cork GAA competitions and in Imokilly board competitions. In 2011 the Senior hurling team won a first county title in 93 years...
. It was the first of nine consecutive final appearances for the Blackrock club. The following year Coughlan’s club made the final once again, however, on that occasion it was the St. Finbarr's
St. Finbarr's GAA
St. Finbarr's National Hurling and Football Club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Togher area of Cork city, County Cork, Ireland....
club who triumphed. In 1920 Coughlan won his first senior county title
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....
as Fairhill were defeated in the final. The championship was suspended in 1921, however, Coughlan’s side were back in the finals of 1922 and 1923. On both occasions the team was beaten by ‘the Barr’s.’ Coughlan added two more county victories to his collection in 1924 and 1925, however, St. Finbarr’s caught Blackrock in the final of 1926. The following year Coughlan won his fourth county medal. Blackrock failed to reach the final in 1928, however, in 1929 he won his fifth county title. It was the first of three-in-a-row for Coughlan, bringing his county medal tally to seven. The 1931 final victory was Coughlan’s last big occasion with Blackrock. The club would not win another county title until 1956.
Inter-county
Coughlan first came to the attention of the Cork hurling selectors in 1919 when Blackrock played a Cork selection in a game in aid of RepublicanIrish Republicanism
Irish republicanism is an ideology based on the belief that all of Ireland should be an independent republic.In 1801, under the Act of Union, the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland merged to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
prisoners. Later that same year he was a non-playing substitute on the Cork team that defeated 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 win the All-Ireland final. The following year Coughlan was still a member of the substitute’s bench when Cork won the Munster title. He did line out in the subsequent All-Ireland final with Dublin providing the opposition once again. In a close game ‘the Dubs’ avenged the defeat of 1919 by winning on a score line of 4-9 to 4-3.
Cork were defeated in the provincial championship for the next few seasons as 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...
and 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 to dominate the competition. In the winter and spring of 1925-1926 the inaugural 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...
was played. Coughlan’s side reached the final of that competition and defeated Dublin, giving Coughlan, and his brother John
John Coughlan
John Coughlan was an Irish sportsman. He played hurling with his local club Blackrock and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team in the 1920 and 1930s.-External links:*...
, his first major victory. Cork later proved themselves by reaching the Munster final. Tipperary were the opponents on that occasion and took a 1-2 to 0-0 lead. At that point the game was abandoned and a replay was ordered. The second game was a much tighter affair with both sides finishing level on a score line of 4-1 to 3-4. The third game was also a close affair, however, Cork pulled through to win by 3-6 to 2-4, giving Coughlan 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 on the field of play. 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...
at a snow-covered Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
in October of that year. Coughlan’s side took the lead at half-time and held on to win by 4-6 to 2-0. It was Cork’s first championship title since 1919 and Coughlan’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 on the field of play.
Cork retained their Munster title in 1927 with a 5-3 to 3-4 victory over 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....
. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Dublin once again. Cork fell behind by 2-3 to 0-1 at half-time; however, they fought back in the second-half. In a team made up of nine members of An Garda Síochána ‘the Dubs’ claimed the victory by 4-8 to 1-3.
In 1928 Cork faced Clare in the Munster final for the second year in-a-row. That game ended in a draw, however, in the replay Cork triumphed with Coughlan collecting his third consecutive Munster title. Cork later defeated Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final before lining out 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,...
in the championship decider. Galway got a bye into the final without picking up a hurley, however, the game turned into a rout. A score line of 6-12 to 1-0 gave Cork the victory and gave Coughlan a second All-Ireland medal. 1928 also saw Coughlan lining out with the Irish Hurling Team in the Tailteann Games
Tailteann Games
The Tailteann Games were an ancient sporting event held in Ireland in honour of the goddess Tailtiu. They ran from 632 BC to 1169-1171 AD when they died out after the Norman invasion....
, Ireland’s answer to the Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
.
In 1929 Cork retained their provincial dominance for a fourth consecutive year. A 4-6 to 2-3 defeat of 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...
gave Coughlan his fourth Munster title in four years. The subsequent All-Ireland final was a replay of the previous year’s game as Cork played Galway once again. Mick Ahern
Mick Ahern
Mick ‘Gah’ Ahern was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Blackrock and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1925 until 1932.-Early life:...
scored a goal for Cork after just 25 seconds to start another rout. Cork won the day by 4-9 to 1-3 giving Coughlan his third All-Ireland title.
In 1930 Coughlan was appointed captain of the Cork senior hurling team. That year he won a second National League title, however, Cork surrendered their provincial crown later that summer. The team bounced back in 1931 with Coughlan, who was still the captain of the side, collecting a fifth Munster winners’ medal. Once again it took a replay for Cork and Waterford to be separated. The All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny for the first time since 1926. After a close game both sides finished level – 1-6 apiece. Coughlan played a captain’s role in that game as he scored a point from his knees to level the scores. The replay of the final took place four weeks later and is regarded as a classic. Cork took the lead at half-time, however, Kilkenny fought back. Once again both sides finished level – 2-5 apiece. After this game officials pressed for extra time, however, Coughlan, as Cork captain, rejected this. It was also suggested at a meeting of the GAA
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...
’s Central Council that both counties be declared joint champions and that half an All-Ireland medal by given to each player. This motion was later defeated. The first week of November saw the second replay of the All-Ireland final take place. Coughlan gave his best-ever performance in that game. At the third attempt Cork triumphed by 5-8 to 3-4 giving Coughlan his fourth All-Ireland medal.
At the beginning of 1932 Coughlan took umbrage at the actions of the Cork County Board in taking from his club, Blackrock, the selection of the Cork senior hurling team for the upcoming year. Coughlan, although in line to retain the captaincy, retired from inter-county hurling in protest at the relatively young age of 31.
Provincial
Coughlan 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 the second year of the Railway Cup competition in 1928. On that occasion he collected his first winners’ medal 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...
. Coughlan remained on the team and helped Munster to capture further titles in 1929 and 1931. He was appointed captain in 1932, however, Munster were defeated by Leinster.
Post-playing career
In retirement from the game Coughlan came to be recognised as one of the greatest players of all-time. In 1961 he was selected, by popular opinion, as a wing-forward on a Gael-Linn sponsored “Best Ever Team”. At the 1984 All-Ireland Hurling FinalAll-Ireland Hurling Final
The All-Ireland Hurling Final is the last match to be played in the All-Ireland Hurling Championships . The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final is one of the biggest sporting occasions to be held in Ireland every year...
he received a great welcome when he was presented to the crowd during the celebrations to mark the centenary 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...
. At the time Coughlan, who was in his 85th year, was the oldest-living captain of an All-Ireland-winning senior hurling team. Just before the game he was presented to the crowd along with such hurling greats as 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....
, 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 Jimmy Doyle
Jimmy Doyle
James 'Jimmy' Doyle , is a retired Irish hurling manager and former player. He played hurling with the famous Thurles Sarsfields club from 1956 until 1975 and was a member of the Tipperary senior inter-county team from 1957 until 1973...
. The following year Coughlan was presented with the prestigious GAA All-Time All-Star Award
GAA All-Time All-Star Award (Hurling)
The GAA All-Time All-Star Award in Hurling was an award given on an annual basis to a sportsperson who had made a long-running and considerable contribution to the sport of hurling in Ireland...
, further cementing his reputation as a great player.
Eudie Coughlan died on January 4, 1987. He was posthumously honoured in 2000 when he was named in the right wing-forward position on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century.
Blackrock
- Cork Senior Hurling ChampionshipCork Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe 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....
:- Winner (7): 1920, 1924, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1930, 1931
- Runner-up (5): 1918, 1919, 1922, 1923, 1926
Cork
- All-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe 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....
:- Winner (4): 1926All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1926The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1926 was the 40th series of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, Ireland's premier hurling knock-out competition...
, 1928All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1928The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1928 was the 42nd series of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, Ireland's premier hurling knock-out competition. Cork won the championship, beating Galway 6-12 to 1-0 in the final.-Format:...
, 1929All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1929The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1929 was the 43rd series of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, Ireland's premier hurling knock-out competition...
, 1931All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1931The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1931 was the 45th series of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, Ireland's premier hurling knock-out competition... - Runner-up (2): 1920All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1920The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1920 was the 34th series of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, Ireland's premier hurling knock-out competition...
, 1927All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1927The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1927 was the 41st series of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, Ireland's premier hurling knock-out competition...
- Winner (4): 1926
- Munster Senior Hurling ChampionshipMunster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe 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....
:- Winner (5): 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1931
- Runner-up (1): 1921,
- National Hurling LeagueNational Hurling LeagueThe 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...
:- Winner (2): 1925-1926, 1929–1930
- Runner-up (1): 1928-1929
Sources
- Corry, Eoghan, The GAA Book of Lists (Hodder Headline Ireland, 2005).
- Fullam, Brendan, Captains of the Ash (Wolfhound Press, 2002).