Tom Cashman
Encyclopedia
Tom Cashman is a retired Irish
hurling
manager
and former player. He played hurling with his local club Blackrock
and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1977 until 1988. Cashman later served as manager
of the Cork senior inter-county team from 2000 until 2001.
in 1957. The son of Mick Cashman
and Anne Brohan, he was born into a family that was steeped in sporting excellence. His father was a legendary hurling goalkeeper with Blackrock
and Cork during the 1950s and 1960s. Cashman's uncle, Jimmy Brohan
, was also a famed club and inter-county hurler. He played as a corner-back with Cork in the 1950s and 1960s and, in spite of never winning an All-Ireland medal, is regarded as one of the all-time greats of the game. Two other uncles, Bobby and John Brohan, excelled at soccer with local clubs Evergreen United and Cork Hibernians respectively. An aunt, Maureen Cashman, played camogie
with the Cork senior inter-county team.
club in Cork and enjoyed much success. He tasted his first major success at an early age in 1971 when he won a Féile na nGael county title with ‘the Rockies’. This was an inter-county hurling competition for players under the age of fifteen. Blackrock later represented Cork in the All-Ireland series and defeated the representatives of Kilkenny
, Tipperary
and Dublin
to take the inaugural title. Cashman followed in his father's footsteps by playing in goal; however, he soon made the switch to become an outfield player.
Cashman enjoyed little success in the minor and under-21 grades with Blackrock; however, he joined the club’s senior team in the mid-1970s. He won his first county senior championship
winners’ medal in 1978 following a victory over fierce rivals Glen Rovers
. 'The Rockies' subsequently stormed through the provincial club championship and defeated Newmarket-on-Fergus by two goals, giving Cashman a coveted Munster
club title. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny as Ballyhale Shamrocks
provided the opposition. Ray Cummins
scored two goals in rapid succession in the opening thirty minutes to put Blackrock in the driving seat. At the full-time whistle ‘the Rockies’ were the winners by 5-7 to 5-5 giving Cashman a coveted All-Ireland
club winners’ medal.
In 1979 Cashman won a second Cork county championship title with Blackrock. In a similar sequence of events to previous years the club later defeated Dunhill
of Waterford to give Cashman a second Munster club title. Blackrock's All-Ireland trail came to an end at the semi-final stage. Cashman won a third county hurling title in 1985.
Cashman also played Gaelic football
with ‘the Rockies’ sister club St. Michael’s
. He played in three consecutive county finals between 1976 and 1978; however, he ended up on the losing side on all three occasions.
on the inter-county scene with Cork in the early 1970s. In 1974 he enjoyed a rare double
in this grade. Cashman began the year by winning a Munster
minor hurling title following a 2-11 to 2-7 defeat of Tipperary in a replay. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny. A close game ensued, however, at the final whistle Cork were the champions by 1-10 to 1-8, giving Cashman a coveted All-Ireland
minor winners’ medal.
1974 also saw Cashman enjoy much success with the Cork minor footballers. He picked up a Munster
title in this code as well as Cork defeated arch-rivals Kerry
by 0-13 to 1-6. An All-Ireland final appearance later beckoned with Mayo
providing the opposition. The game was a close affair, however, Cork were the winners by 1-10 to 1-6. This victory gave Cashman a coveted All-Ireland
minor football winners’ medal to add to the hurling memento he won two weeks earlier.
In 1975 Cashman was still eligible for the minor grade. He added a second Munster title to his collection that year as Cork completely trounced Tipperary by 3-16 to 1-7 in the provincial final. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny for the second year in-a-row. Kilkenny were a much better team on the day and Cork were well defeated by 3-19 to 1-14. 1975 also saw Cashman join Cork's under-21 team. He subsequently captured his first Munster
under-21 winners’ title following a 3-12 to 2-6 win over Limerick
. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against fierce rivals Kilkenny, however, Cashman did not play in that game. Kilkenny were the overwhelming winners on that occasion by 5-13 to 2-9.
Cashman was still a key member of the Cork under-21 team in 1976. That year he added a second Munster winners’ title to his collection as Clare
were accounted for. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Kilkenny once again, however, on this occasion Cork had the upper hand. A 2-17 to 1-8 trouncing gave Cashman a coveted All-Ireland
under-21 winners’ medal.
In 1977 Cashman collected a third consecutive Munster under-21 title as Limerick fell by 5-9 to 1-8. A third successive All-Ireland under-21 final beckoned and, for the third year in-a-row, Kilkenny were the opponents. Only a goal separated the sides at the full-time whistle, however, victory went to Kilkenny.
game in 1976. By the time the championship commenced in 1977 he was a key member of the half-back line. That year he picked up his first Munster
winners’ medal at senior level as Clare
were defeated. ‘The Rebels’ got off to a great start with a Tim Crowley
penalty after just seventy-five seconds. Clare fought back, however, Cork still defeated fourteen-man Clare by 4-15 to 4-10. A subsequent defeat of Galway
set up an All-Ireland final showdown with Wexford. The game turned into a close, exciting affair. A Seánie O'Leary
goal, together with some brilliant saves by goalkeeper Martin Coleman
helped Cork to a 1-17 to 3-8 victory. This victory gave Cashman his first senior All-Ireland
winners’ medal at senior level. His impact was so great in his first full season that he was later presented with his first All-Star
award.
1978 saw Cork dominate the provincial championship once again. Clare provided the opposition in second consecutive Munster showdown between the two sides. The game was a close affair and one which Cork could have lost. At the full-time whistle Cork still had a narrow 0-13 to 0-11 win to give Cashman a second Munster title. This victory paved the way for Cork to take on Kilkenny in the subsequent All-Ireland final. The stakes were high as Cork were attempting to capture a first three in-a-row since 1954. The game, however, was not the classic that many expected. Cork were never really troubled over the course of the seventy minutes and a Jimmy Barry-Murphy
goal helped the team to a 1-15 to 2-8 victory over their age-old rivals. This victory gave Cork a third All-Ireland title in succession and gave Cashman his second All-Ireland winners' medal. He later collected a second All-Star award.
In 1979 Cork were invincible in the provincial championship once again. A 2-15 to 0-9 trouncing of Limerick gave the county a record-equaling fifth consecutive Munster title. On a personal level it was Cashman’s third consecutive Munster winners’ medal. After this game it looked likely that Cork were set for a fourth consecutive appearance in the All-Ireland final and the chance to equal the seemingly unbeatable record of four championships in-a-row. The All-Ireland semi-final saw Galway catch Cork on the hop once again. A 2-14 to 1-13 defeat ended the dream of four in-a-row.
Cork lost their provincial crown in 1980, however, Cashman continued with his winning ways by capturing a National Hurling League
medal. He won a second National Hurling League title in 1981, however, Cork were defeated in the provincial championship in both seasons.
In 1982 Cork were back and Cashman won his fourth Munster hurling winners' medal following a 5-31 to 3-6 trouncing of Waterford
. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny. Following an impressive provincial championship campaign 'the Rebels' were the red-hot favourites, however, Kilkenny surprised. Christy Heffernan
scored two goals in a forty-second spell just before the interval to take the wind out of Cork's sails. Ger Fennelly
got a third goal within eight minutes of the re-start, giving Kilkenny a 3-18 to 1-15 victory.
In 1983 Cork’s run of provincial success continued. He won a fifth Munster title that year as Cork trounced Waterford for the second consecutive year. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Kilkenny for the second consecutive year also. ‘The Cats’ used a strong wind to dominate the opening half and built up a strong lead. Cork came storming back with goals by Tomás Mulcahy
and Seánie O'Leary
, however, at the full-time whistle Kilkenny had won by 2-14 to 2-12. In spite of this defeat Cashman was still presented with another All-Star award.
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 Cashman helping his team to victory in the special Centenary Cup
competition. A sixth Munster winners’ medal soon followed for Cashman 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 Cashmna’s third All-Ireland winners’ medal.
In 1985 Fenton added a seventh 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.
In 1986 Cashman was joined on the team by his younger brother Jim
, while he was also appointed captain of the team. That year 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 Cashman’s eighth Munster winners’ medal. 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 Tomás Mulcahy and one from Kevin Hennessy
, stymied the Galway attack and helped ‘the Rebels’ to a 4-13 to 2-15 victory. It was Cashman’s fourth All-Ireland winners’ medal while he also had the honour of lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup
on behalf of his county.
In 1987 Cork were attempting to make history by winning a record sixth Munster title in-a-row. Tipperary provided the opposition on that occasion, however, the game ended in a draw. The replay in FitzGerald Stadium
, Killarney
has gone down in history as one of the great provincial finals. At full-time both sides were level again and extra time was played. Tipp eventually won the day by 4-22 to 1-22 and it was the first time in five years that Cork were not provincial champions.
Tipp triumphed over Cork again in 1988. This was Cashman’s last game for the county and he retired from inter-county hurling shortly afterwards.
in the inter-provincial hurling competition and enjoyed much success. He first lined out with his province in 1978 as Munster defeated Connacht
by 0-20 to 1-11, giving Cashman a coveted Railway Cup winners’ medal. Munster faced defeat in 1979 and 1980, however, by 1981 the province was back and defeated arch-rivals Leinster
by 2-16 to 2-6. It was Cashman’s second Railway Cup title. After back-to-back defeats for the next few years and a brief hiatus Cashman was back on the Munster team as captain in 1985. A third Railway Cup winners’ medal followed as Connacht were accounted for in the final.
steered Cork to an All-Ireland final victory over Kilkenny in 1999. When Barry-Murphy resigned the following year Cashman took over as manager. Unfortunately, his reign as manager was not as successful as his playing career. Cork were defeated in the Munster Championship by Limerick
and were eventually knocked out in the All-Ireland qualifiers by Galway. Cashman subsequently resigned as manager after just one season in charge.
It was around this time that Cashman’s reputation as one of Cork’s all-time greats was cemented as he was named on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
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 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 was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1977 until 1988. Cashman later served as 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 Cork senior inter-county team from 2000 until 2001.
Biography
Tom Cashman was born in Blackrock just outside Cork CityCork (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 1957. The son of Mick Cashman
Mick Cashman
Mick Cashman was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Blackrock and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team in the 1950s and 1960s.-Club:...
and Anne Brohan, he was born into a family that was steeped in sporting excellence. His father was a legendary hurling goalkeeper with 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 during the 1950s and 1960s. Cashman's uncle, Jimmy Brohan
Jimmy Brohan
Jimmy Brohan is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Blackrock and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1954 until 1963.-Biography:...
, was also a famed club and inter-county hurler. He played as a corner-back with Cork in the 1950s and 1960s and, in spite of never winning an All-Ireland medal, is regarded as one of the all-time greats of the game. Two other uncles, Bobby and John Brohan, excelled at soccer with local clubs Evergreen United and Cork Hibernians respectively. An aunt, Maureen Cashman, played camogie
Camogie
Camogie is an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women; it is almost identical to the game of hurling played by men. Camogie is played by 100,000 women in Ireland and world wide, largely among Irish communities....
with the Cork senior inter-county team.
Club
Cashman played his club hurling with the famous BlackrockBlackrock 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 in Cork and enjoyed much success. He tasted his first major success at an early age in 1971 when he won a Féile na nGael county title with ‘the Rockies’. This was an inter-county hurling competition for players under the age of fifteen. Blackrock later represented Cork in the All-Ireland series and defeated the representatives of 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...
, 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...
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 take the inaugural title. Cashman followed in his father's footsteps by playing in goal; however, he soon made the switch to become an outfield player.
Cashman enjoyed little success in the minor and under-21 grades with Blackrock; however, he joined the club’s senior team in the mid-1970s. He won his first 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 in 1978 following a victory over fierce rivals 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:...
. 'The Rockies' subsequently stormed through the provincial club championship and defeated Newmarket-on-Fergus by two goals, giving Cashman 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 title. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny as Ballyhale Shamrocks
Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA
Ballyhale Shamrocks is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the parish of Ballyhale in County Kilkenny, Ireland. The club was founded in 1972 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling...
provided the opposition. Ray Cummins
Ray Cummins
Ray Cummins is a retired Irish sportsperson. A dual player at the highest levels, he played hurling with his local club Blackrock and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1969 until 1982. Cummins also played Gaelic football with his local club St...
scored two goals in rapid succession in the opening thirty minutes to put Blackrock in the driving seat. At the full-time whistle ‘the Rockies’ were the winners by 5-7 to 5-5 giving Cashman 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.
In 1979 Cashman won a second Cork county championship title with Blackrock. In a similar sequence of events to previous years the club later defeated Dunhill
Dunhill GAA
Dunhill GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Dunhill, County Waterford, Ireland. The club enters teams in both GAA codes each year, which includes two adult hurling teams and one adult Gaelic football team in the Waterford County Championships....
of Waterford to give Cashman a second Munster club title. Blackrock's All-Ireland trail came to an end at the semi-final stage. Cashman won a third county hurling title in 1985.
Cashman 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 Rockies’ sister club St. Michael’s
St. Michael's GAA
St. Michaels G.F.C. is a Gaelic football club in Cork City, Ireland. The club was formed in 1951 after a discourse in the Leaping Salmon bar in Blackrock near Cork. At that time some of the Blackrock hurlers played football with different city teams and it was thought a good idea to enter a...
. He played in three consecutive county finals between 1976 and 1978; however, he ended up on the losing side on all three occasions.
Minor & under-21
Cashman first came to prominence 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...
on the inter-county scene with Cork in the early 1970s. In 1974 he enjoyed a rare double
The Double (Gaelic games)
The Double is a term in Gaelic games that refers to a county winning the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in the same year. Other major trophies won in combination in the same year at minor or under-21 levels are also often referred to as...
in this grade. Cashman began the year by winning a 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...
minor hurling title following a 2-11 to 2-7 defeat of Tipperary in a replay. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny. A close game ensued, however, at the final whistle Cork were the champions by 1-10 to 1-8, giving Cashman 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.
1974 also saw Cashman enjoy much success with the Cork minor footballers. He picked up a Munster
Munster Minor Football Championship
The Munster Minor Football Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council. The current Munster Minor football champions are Tipperary. Clare won the inaugural...
title in this code as well as Cork defeated arch-rivals 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...
by 0-13 to 1-6. An All-Ireland final appearance later beckoned with Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
providing the opposition. The game was a close affair, however, Cork were the winners by 1-10 to 1-6. This victory gave Cashman a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
The All-Ireland Minor Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for under-18 competitors of the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland...
minor football winners’ medal to add to the hurling memento he won two weeks earlier.
In 1975 Cashman was still eligible for the minor grade. He added a second Munster title to his collection that year as Cork completely trounced Tipperary by 3-16 to 1-7 in the provincial final. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny for the second year in-a-row. Kilkenny were a much better team on the day and Cork were well defeated by 3-19 to 1-14. 1975 also saw Cashman join Cork's under-21 team. He subsequently captured his first 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...
under-21 winners’ title following a 3-12 to 2-6 win over 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...
. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against fierce rivals Kilkenny, however, Cashman did not play in that game. Kilkenny were the overwhelming winners on that occasion by 5-13 to 2-9.
Cashman was still a key member of the Cork under-21 team in 1976. That year he added a second Munster winners’ title to his collection as 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....
were accounted for. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Kilkenny once again, however, on this occasion Cork had the upper hand. A 2-17 to 1-8 trouncing gave Cashman 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.
In 1977 Cashman collected a third consecutive Munster under-21 title as Limerick fell by 5-9 to 1-8. A third successive All-Ireland under-21 final beckoned and, for the third year in-a-row, Kilkenny were the opponents. Only a goal separated the sides at the full-time whistle, however, victory went to Kilkenny.
Senior
Cashman made his senior debut with the Cork senior hurling team in a National Hurling LeagueNational 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...
game in 1976. By the time the championship commenced in 1977 he was a key member of the half-back line. That year he picked up 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....
winners’ medal at senior level as 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....
were defeated. ‘The Rebels’ got off to a great start with a Tim Crowley
Tim Crowley
Tim Crowley is a former Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with Newcestown and Cork in the 1970s and 1980s.-Playing career:...
penalty after just seventy-five seconds. Clare fought back, however, Cork still defeated fourteen-man Clare by 4-15 to 4-10. A subsequent defeat of 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,...
set up an All-Ireland final showdown with Wexford. The game turned into a close, exciting affair. A 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:...
goal, together with some brilliant saves by goalkeeper Martin Coleman
Martin Coleman
Martin Coleman is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ballinhassig and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1970 until 1979.-Club:...
helped Cork to a 1-17 to 3-8 victory. This victory gave Cashman 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....
winners’ medal at senior level. His impact was so great in his first full season that he was later presented with his first All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
award.
1978 saw Cork dominate the provincial championship once again. Clare provided the opposition in second consecutive Munster showdown between the two sides. The game was a close affair and one which Cork could have lost. At the full-time whistle Cork still had a narrow 0-13 to 0-11 win to give Cashman a second Munster title. This victory paved the way for Cork to take on Kilkenny in the subsequent All-Ireland final. The stakes were high as Cork were attempting to capture a first three in-a-row since 1954. The game, however, was not the classic that many expected. Cork were never really troubled over the course of the seventy minutes and a 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...
goal helped the team to a 1-15 to 2-8 victory over their age-old rivals. This victory gave Cork a third All-Ireland title in succession and gave Cashman his second All-Ireland winners' medal. He later collected a second All-Star award.
In 1979 Cork were invincible in the provincial championship once again. A 2-15 to 0-9 trouncing of Limerick gave the county a record-equaling fifth consecutive Munster title. On a personal level it was Cashman’s third consecutive Munster winners’ medal. After this game it looked likely that Cork were set for a fourth consecutive appearance in the All-Ireland final and the chance to equal the seemingly unbeatable record of four championships in-a-row. The All-Ireland semi-final saw Galway catch Cork on the hop once again. A 2-14 to 1-13 defeat ended the dream of four in-a-row.
Cork lost their provincial crown in 1980, however, Cashman continued with his winning ways by capturing 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. He won a second National Hurling League title in 1981, however, Cork were defeated in the provincial championship in both seasons.
In 1982 Cork were back and Cashman won his fourth Munster hurling winners' medal following a 5-31 to 3-6 trouncing 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...
. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny. Following an impressive provincial championship campaign 'the Rebels' were the red-hot favourites, however, Kilkenny surprised. Christy Heffernan
Christy Heffernan
Christy Heffernan is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Glenmore and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team in the 1980s and 1990s. Heffernan is regarded as one of Kilkenny's greatest-ever players.-Club:...
scored two goals in a forty-second spell just before the interval to take the wind out of Cork's sails. Ger Fennelly
Ger Fennelly
Ger Fennelly is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1974 until 1989. Fennelly captained Kilkenny to the All-Ireland title in 1979.-Biography:Ger Fennelly was born in Piltown, County...
got a third goal within eight minutes of the re-start, giving Kilkenny a 3-18 to 1-15 victory.
In 1983 Cork’s run of provincial success continued. He won a fifth Munster title that year as Cork trounced Waterford for the second consecutive year. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Kilkenny for the second consecutive year also. ‘The Cats’ used a strong wind to dominate the opening half and built up a strong lead. Cork came storming back with goals by Tomás Mulcahy
Tomás Mulcahy
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...
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. In spite of this defeat Cashman was still presented with another All-Star award.
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 Cashman 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 sixth Munster winners’ medal soon followed for Cashman 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 Cashmna’s third All-Ireland winners’ medal.
In 1985 Fenton added a seventh 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.
In 1986 Cashman was joined on the team by his younger brother Jim
Jim Cashman (hurler)
Jim Cashman is a former Irish sportsman. He played hurling with his local club Blackrock and with the Cork senior inter-county in the 1980s and 1990s.-Early life:Jim Cashman was born in Blackrock in Cork City in 1965...
, while he was also appointed captain of the team. That year 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 Cashman’s eighth Munster winners’ medal. 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 Tomás 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 Cashman’s fourth All-Ireland winners’ medal while 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 of his county.
In 1987 Cork were attempting to make history by winning a record sixth Munster title in-a-row. Tipperary provided the opposition on that occasion, however, the game ended in a draw. The replay in FitzGerald Stadium
FitzGerald Stadium
Fitzgerald Stadium is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Killarney, Ireland, and is the home championship venue for the Kerry senior football team....
, Killarney
Killarney
Killarney is a town in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland. The town is located north of the MacGillicuddy Reeks, on the northeastern shore of the Lough Lein/Leane which are part of Killarney National Park. The town and its surrounding region are home to St...
has gone down in history as one of the great provincial finals. At full-time both sides were level again and extra time was played. Tipp eventually won the day by 4-22 to 1-22 and it was the first time in five years that Cork were not provincial champions.
Tipp triumphed over Cork again in 1988. This was Cashman’s last game for the county and he retired from inter-county hurling shortly afterwards.
Provincial
Cashman 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 and enjoyed much success. He first lined out with his province in 1978 as Munster defeated 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:...
by 0-20 to 1-11, giving Cashman a coveted Railway Cup winners’ medal. Munster faced defeat in 1979 and 1980, however, by 1981 the province was back and defeated arch-rivals 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...
by 2-16 to 2-6. It was Cashman’s second Railway Cup title. After back-to-back defeats for the next few years and a brief hiatus Cashman was back on the Munster team as captain in 1985. A third Railway Cup winners’ medal followed as Connacht were accounted for in the final.
Cork
In retirement from hurling Cashman remained involved in the game. He was a selector when Jimmy Barry-MurphyJimmy 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...
steered Cork to an All-Ireland final victory over Kilkenny in 1999. When Barry-Murphy resigned the following year Cashman took over as manager. Unfortunately, his reign as manager was not as successful as his playing career. Cork were defeated in the Munster Championship by 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 were eventually knocked out in the All-Ireland qualifiers by Galway. Cashman subsequently resigned as manager after just one season in charge.
It was around this time that Cashman’s reputation as one of Cork’s all-time greats was cemented as he was named on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century.