Seán Condon
Encyclopedia
Seán Condon was an Irish
sposrtsperson. He played hurling
with his local club St. Finbarr's
and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1942 until 1951. Condon holds the distinction of being one of only a handful of players to captain his county to All-Ireland titles in both minor
and senior
levels. He skippered Cork to a record-breaking fourth consecutive All-Ireland title in 1944.
with the famous St. Finbarr's
club on the southside of Cork
and enjoyed much success. He first came to prominence as a member of the club's minor team that captured three county titles
in-a-row in 1939, 1940 and 1941. Condon later joined the club's senior team and won senior county championship
titles in 1942, 1943, 1946, 1947 and 1955.
by 4-6 to 3-3 to take the Munster
title. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Galway
and the game turned into a rout. Cork had an easy 3-11 to 1-11 victory over the men from the West and Condon collected a coveted All-Ireland
minor winners' medal.
In 1942 Condon was drafted onto the Cork senior team. The reigning All-Ireland champions were still on form and Condon won his first senior Munster
title following a defeat of Tipperary. He subsequently lined out for Cork in the All-Ireland final. Dublin
provided the opposition, however, the opening half turned out to be a close affair. Johnny Quirke
gave Cork a comfortable half-time lead thanks to a goal, however, in the second-half Cork went on the rampage. At the long whistle Cork were the champions by 2-14 to 3-4 and Condon collected his first senior All-Ireland
medal.
In 1943 Condon was once again a member of the Cork senior hurling team, however, he missed the team's Munster final victory over Waterford
. He did, however, return in time to contest a second successive senior All-Ireland final. Antrim
, having already pulled off two of the biggest shocks in the history of the championship by defeating Galway and Kilkenny
, were ‘the Rebels'’ opponents. The game, however, turned into an absolute rout. At half-time Cork led by 3-11 to 0-2, howvever, by full-time they had forged ahead to capture a 5-16 to 0-4 victory. It was Condon's second consecutive All-Ireland winners' medal.
In 1944 Condon was appointed captain and Cork faced Limerick
in the Munster final. The game ended in a 4-13 to 6-7 draw and had to be replayed; however, as full-time approached in that game the possibility of another draw seemed likely. With just minutes remaining Christy Ring
caught the sliotar in his own half-back line, made a solo run past a succession of challenges and, from forty yards out, hammered a shot into the Limerick net. Cork went on to win the game giving Condon a second Munster winners' title on the field of play. Once again Cork went on to face Dublin in the All-Ireland final and, like the previous two years, the Munstermen had an easy win. Dublin could only manage to score 1-2 compared to Cork's 2-13, resulting in Cork taking the title. Not only did Condon collect a third All-Ireland winners' medal but he also had the honour of lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup
on behalf od his county.
Condon was captain again in 1945, however, Cork lost their provincial crown to Tipperary. He missed the 1946 championship, however, Condon won a third Munster title following a defeat of Limerick in 1947. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork and Kilkenny do battle again. In what has been described by many as the greatest hurling decider of all-time Mossy O'Riordan
and Joe Kelly
scored two goals that almost won the game for Cork. Kilkenny, however, fought back with Terry Leahy
and Jim Langton
leading the charge and eventually won the game by 'the usual point' on a score line of 0-14 to 2-7.
That defeat saw the break-up of the great four-in-a-row team of the 1940s and was followed by four lean years of championship hurling for Cork. Three consecutive defeats by Tipperary in 1949, 1950 and 1951 proved too much and Condon retired from inter-county hurling in 1951.
in the inter-provincial hurling championship. He captaine dhis province to a 4-10 to 4-4 victory over Connacht
in 1944. It was Condon's sole Railway Cup victory.
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...
sposrtsperson. 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 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....
and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1942 until 1951. Condon holds the distinction of being one of only a handful of players to captain his county to All-Ireland titles in both minor
All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship is an annual competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1928 for competitors under eighteen years of age in the game of hurling played in Ireland.The series of games are played during the summer months with the All-Ireland final...
and senior
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....
levels. He skippered Cork to a record-breaking fourth consecutive All-Ireland title in 1944.
Club
Condon 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 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 on the southside of 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...
and enjoyed much success. He first came to prominence as a member of the club's minor team that captured three county titles
Cork Minor Hurling Championship
The Cork Minor Hurling Championship is a hurling competition for Gaelic Athletic Association players under the age of 18 in County Cork, Ireland. This competition is also known as the Cork Premier Minor Hurling Championship since 1992. It is played on a countywide basis. Prior to 1992, all teams...
in-a-row in 1939, 1940 and 1941. Condon later joined the club's senior team and won senior county 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....
titles in 1942, 1943, 1946, 1947 and 1955.
Inter-county
By the early 1940s Condon was spotted by the Cork minor hurling selectors and he quickly joined the team. He was captain of the minor team in 1941 as Cork defeated 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...
by 4-6 to 3-3 to take 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...
title. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork 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,...
and the game turned into a rout. Cork had an easy 3-11 to 1-11 victory over the men from the West and Condon collected a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship is an annual competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1928 for competitors under eighteen years of age in the game of hurling played in Ireland.The series of games are played during the summer months with the All-Ireland final...
minor winners' medal.
In 1942 Condon was drafted onto the Cork senior team. The reigning All-Ireland champions were still on form and Condon won his first senior 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 following a defeat of Tipperary. He subsequently lined out for Cork in the All-Ireland final. 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...
provided the opposition, however, the opening half turned out to be a close affair. Johnny Quirke
Johnny Quirke
Johnny Quirke was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Blackrock and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1932 until 1946...
gave Cork a comfortable half-time lead thanks to a goal, however, in the second-half Cork went on the rampage. At the long whistle Cork were the champions by 2-14 to 3-4 and Condon collected his first senior 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.
In 1943 Condon was once again a member of the Cork senior hurling team, however, he missed the team's Munster 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...
. He did, however, return in time to contest a second successive senior All-Ireland final. 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...
, having already pulled off two of the biggest shocks in the history of the championship by defeating Galway and 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...
, were ‘the Rebels'’ opponents. The game, however, turned into an absolute rout. At half-time Cork led by 3-11 to 0-2, howvever, by full-time they had forged ahead to capture a 5-16 to 0-4 victory. It was Condon's second consecutive All-Ireland winners' medal.
In 1944 Condon was appointed captain and Cork faced 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 Munster final. The game ended in a 4-13 to 6-7 draw and had to be replayed; however, as full-time approached in that game the possibility of another draw seemed likely. With just minutes remaining 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...
caught the sliotar in his own half-back line, made a solo run past a succession of challenges and, from forty yards out, hammered a shot into the Limerick net. Cork went on to win the game giving Condon a second Munster winners' title on the field of play. Once again Cork went on to face Dublin in the All-Ireland final and, like the previous two years, the Munstermen had an easy win. Dublin could only manage to score 1-2 compared to Cork's 2-13, resulting in Cork taking the title. Not only did Condon collect a third All-Ireland winners' medal but he also had the honour of lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup
Liam McCarthy Cup
The MacCarthy Perpetual Challenge Cup is a trophy awarded annually by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the hurling team that wins the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.-The trophy:...
on behalf od his county.
Condon was captain again in 1945, however, Cork lost their provincial crown to Tipperary. He missed the 1946 championship, however, Condon won a third Munster title following a defeat of Limerick in 1947. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork and Kilkenny do battle again. In what has been described by many as the greatest hurling decider of all-time Mossy O'Riordan
Mossy O'Riordan
Maurice Francis "Mossy" O'Riordan was an Irish sportsperson who played hurling with the Cork senior inter-county team in the 1940s and 1950s....
and Joe Kelly
Joe Kelly (hurler)
Fr. Joe Kelly is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Glen Rovers and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1944 until 1947.-Club:...
scored two goals that almost won the game for Cork. Kilkenny, however, fought back with Terry Leahy
Terry Leahy (hurler)
Terry Leahy was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling at various times with his local clubs Emeralds in Kilkenny and Faughs in Dublin...
and Jim Langton
Jim Langton
Jim Langton was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Éire Óg and with the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1939 until 1954. Langton's inclusion on the GAA Hurling Team of the Millennium mark him out as one of the greatest players of all-time.-Club:Langton played his...
leading the charge and eventually won the game by 'the usual point' on a score line of 0-14 to 2-7.
That defeat saw the break-up of the great four-in-a-row team of the 1940s and was followed by four lean years of championship hurling for Cork. Three consecutive defeats by Tipperary in 1949, 1950 and 1951 proved too much and Condon retired from inter-county hurling in 1951.
Inter-provincial
Condon 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 championship. He captaine dhis province to a 4-10 to 4-4 victory over Connacht
Connacht GAA
The Connacht Council are a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Connacht.-Constituent counties:*Galway*Leitrim*Mayo*Roscommon*Sligo-Special counties:...
in 1944. It was Condon's sole Railway Cup victory.