Éamonn Grimes
Encyclopedia
Éamonn Grimes is a retired Irish
sportsperson. He played hurling
with his local club South Liberties
and with the Limerick
senior inter-county team from 1966 until 1982. Grimes captained Limerick to the All-Ireland
title in 1973.
in 1947. From an early age he showed great interest in the game of hurling
and he was considered a born athlete. He was educated at the local national school and subsequently attended St. Michael's Christian Brothers
School in Sexton Street, Limerick
, a virtual hurling academy for young talent. It was here that his hurling skills were developed and nurtured. It was here that Grimes won three consecutive Dr. Harty Cup
medals with the school in 1964, 1965 and 1966. The 1964 and 1966 provincial wins were subsequently converted into All-Ireland Colleges’
titles with Grimes captaining the winning team in the latter year.
Grimes later worked as a sales representative for Beamish and Crawford
. His name re-appeared in sports reports many years later when his friend and fellow member and benefactor of the South Liberties club, J.P. McManus, named his successful racehorse 'Grimes' in his honour.
club in Limerick. With the club he won four senior county titles
in 1972, 1976, 1978 and 1981.
minor hurling team in the early 1960s. He won a Munster
title in this grade in 1963 before later lining out in his first championship decider. Wexford
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, Limerick were defeated by 6-12 to 5-9 after an exciting game. After losing their provincial crown in 1964, Limerick were back in 1965 with Grimes adding a second Munster minor title to his collection. A second All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, this time with Dublin
providing the opposition. Another high-scoring game followed, however, Grimes ended up on the losing side once again. He subsequently joined the Limerick under-21 hurling team, however, he enjoyed little success in this grade.
champions Tipperary
. Victory surprisingly went to Grimes’s team on that occasion, however, he took an awful chance in playing the game as his Leaving Certificate
exams were taking place on the following day. Limerick were later defeated by an up-and-coming Cork team in the Munster semi-final.
Limerick hurling was in the doldrums at the time as the county hadn’t won a Munster title since 1955.
In 1970 Limerick’s hurling fortunes started to change. That year Grimes's side reached the ‘home’ final of the National Hurling League
with Cork providing the opposition. Limerick were trounced on that occasion by 2-17 to 0-7. This was the first of five consecutive league final appearances for Limerick and for Grimes.
In 1971 Limerick were back in the league final. On this occasion Tipperary provided the opposition and an exciting game ensued. Limerick just about won the game by 3-12 to 3-11 giving Grimes a coveted National League medal. His side reached the next three league finals; however, Limerick were defeated on all three occasions.
Two years later in 1973 Limerick were back as participants in the Munster final. Grimes was captain of the team for the year. Tipperary were the opponents on that day and the game proved to be an exciting and controversial affair. Tipp were the favourites going into the game and they asserted their dominance early on. In spite of this Limerick scored three goals in the first twenty-four minutes and trailed by 2-9 to 3-2 at half-time. Tipp ploughed on in the second-half; however, Cregan scored two decisive goals to put Limerick in the lead. As the game entered the dying minutes both sides were level. A Limerick shot appeared to have gone wide before it struck a Tipperary defender. In spite of this a 70-yard free was awarded. Richie Bennis
scored the winning point in spite of some reports that it trailed wide as it went over the bar. With that Limerick claimed the victory and Grimes captured his first Munster medal. Limerick were far from impressive when they defeated London
in the next game, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with the reigning champions Kilkenny
. 'The Cats' were severely hampered by the absence of some of their greatest players. Limerick went on to win that game by 1-21 to 1-14. It was Grimes's first All-Ireland
medal and Limerick’s first since 1940. Frimes, as captain of the team, was so confident of success that he played the entire second-half of the game with his victory speech in his sock. Following the consclusion of the championship he was personally honoured by being presented with his first All-Star
award, as well as being named Texaco Hurler of the Year
.
In 1974 Limerick maintained their provincial dominance. Grimes captured a second Munster medal following a 6-14 to 3-9 trouncing of Clare
. This victory allowed Grimes's side to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where Kilkenny provided the opposition once again. ‘The Cats’ were back to full strength and set out for revenge. In spite of this Limerick stormed into an early lead, however, this was diminished as Pat Delaney
, Eddie Keher
and Mick Brennan
scored goals. Limerick lost that game by 3-19 to 1-13. In spite of this, Grimes’s performance in 1975 earned him a second All-Star award.
Grimes's side contested the Munster finals of 1975 and 1976, however, Cork were victorious on both occasions as Limerick went into decline. They were completely trounced again in 1979 on a score line of 2-14 to 0-9 as Cork captured a record-equaling fifth Munster title in-a-row.
In 1980 Cork were going for an unprecedented sixth Munster Championship in succession. For the fourth time in six years Limerick provided the opposition in the provincial decider. After an exciting seventy minutes Cork’s hopes were dashed by 2-14 to 2-10 as Grimes collected a third Munster medal as a non-playing substitute. This victory allowed Limerick a save passage to the All-Ireland final where Galway
were the opponents. Galway got off to a good start and took a 2-7 to 1-5 lead at half-time. Star forward Éamonn Cregan
had other ideas and single-handedly launched the Limerick counter-attack. Over the course of the game he scored 2-7, including an overhead goal and a point in which he showed the ball to Conor Hayes
and nonchalantly drove the ball over the bar. It was not enough to stem the tide and Galway went on to win the game. It was the county’s first All-Ireland title since 1923 and, ironically, Limerick were the defeated team on that occasion as well.
Limerick retained their provincial crown in 1981, however, Grimes was still a substitute. Clare were defeated on that occasion by 3-12 to 2-9 giving him a fourth Munster medal. The subsequent All-Ireland semi-final saw Limerick take on Offaly
. It was the first meeting of these two sides in the history of the hurling championship. In a low-scoring game both sides finished level and a replay was necessary. The second game took place a fortnight later at Croke Park
and it turned out to be an exciting affair. Both sides upped their game, however, Limerick were still defeated by 4-16 to 2-17.
Grimes retired from inter-county hurling without further success in 1982.
in the Railway Cup interprovincial competition. He won Railway Cup medals in 1976 and 1978.
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 South Liberties
South Liberties GAA Club
South Liberties is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Limerick, Ireland. The club is based in the parish of Donoughmore-Knockea-Roxboro, on the southern outskirts of Limerick City and is affiliated to the East Board of Limerick GAA. It is one of the oldest clubs in the country, founded...
and with the 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...
senior inter-county team from 1966 until 1982. Grimes captained Limerick 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 1973.
Biography
Éamonn Grimes was born in Donoughmore, County LimerickCounty Limerick
It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC...
in 1947. From an early age he showed great interest in the game of 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...
and he was considered a born athlete. He was educated at the local national school and subsequently attended St. Michael's Christian Brothers
Congregation of Christian Brothers
The Congregation of Christian Brothers is a worldwide religious community within the Catholic Church, founded by Blessed Edmund Rice. The Christian Brothers, as they are commonly known, chiefly work for the evangelisation and education of youth, but are involved in many ministries, especially with...
School in Sexton Street, Limerick
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
, a virtual hurling academy for young talent. It was here that his hurling skills were developed and nurtured. It was here that Grimes won three consecutive Dr. Harty Cup
Dr. Harty Cup
The Dr. Harty Cup is a hurling competition for schools in the province of Munster in Ireland. The cup is presented to the winners of the Munster Colleges Senior "A" Hurling Championship. Players have to be under the age of 19 to compete. The winning team represents Munster in the Dr. Croke Cup...
medals with the school in 1964, 1965 and 1966. The 1964 and 1966 provincial wins were subsequently converted into All-Ireland Colleges’
Dr. Croke Cup
The Dr. Croke Cup is an inter-county GAA competition in hurling. The first Croke Cups took place between 1896 and 1915. Clare was the first winner of the Dr Croke Cup for Hurling in 1896. In 1909 Ulster were expelled from the Dr...
titles with Grimes captaining the winning team in the latter year.
Grimes later worked as a sales representative for Beamish and Crawford
Beamish and Crawford
Beamish and Crawford is the longest-established brewery in Cork, Ireland. Established in 1792 by William Beamish and William Crawford on the site of an existing porter brewery, it has had a number of owners over the centuries...
. His name re-appeared in sports reports many years later when his friend and fellow member and benefactor of the South Liberties club, J.P. McManus, named his successful racehorse 'Grimes' in his honour.
Club
Grimes played his club hurling, along with his brothers Lar, John, Mikey and Joe, with the famous South LibertiesSouth Liberties GAA Club
South Liberties is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Limerick, Ireland. The club is based in the parish of Donoughmore-Knockea-Roxboro, on the southern outskirts of Limerick City and is affiliated to the East Board of Limerick GAA. It is one of the oldest clubs in the country, founded...
club in Limerick. With the club he won four senior county titles
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...
in 1972, 1976, 1978 and 1981.
Minor & under-21
Grimes first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the LimerickLimerick 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...
minor hurling team in the early 1960s. He won 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...
title in this grade in 1963 before later lining out in his first championship decider. 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...
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, Limerick were defeated by 6-12 to 5-9 after an exciting game. After losing their provincial crown in 1964, Limerick were back in 1965 with Grimes adding a second Munster minor title to his collection. A second All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, this time with 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...
providing the opposition. Another high-scoring game followed, however, Grimes ended up on the losing side once again. He subsequently joined the Limerick under-21 hurling team, however, he enjoyed little success in this grade.
Senior
Grimes's talent was quickly recognised by the Limerick senior hurling selectors. He made his debut in 1966 in a Munster quarter-final against back-to-back All-IrelandAll-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....
champions 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...
. Victory surprisingly went to Grimes’s team on that occasion, however, he took an awful chance in playing the game as his Leaving Certificate
Leaving Certificate
The Leaving Certificate Examinations , commonly referred to as the Leaving Cert is the final examination in the Irish secondary school system. It takes a minimum of two years preparation, but an optional Transition Year means that for those students it takes place three years after the Junior...
exams were taking place on the following day. Limerick were later defeated by an up-and-coming Cork team in the Munster semi-final.
Limerick hurling was in the doldrums at the time as the county hadn’t won a Munster title since 1955.
In 1970 Limerick’s hurling fortunes started to change. That year Grimes's side reached the ‘home’ final of the 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...
with Cork providing the opposition. Limerick were trounced on that occasion by 2-17 to 0-7. This was the first of five consecutive league final appearances for Limerick and for Grimes.
In 1971 Limerick were back in the league final. On this occasion Tipperary provided the opposition and an exciting game ensued. Limerick just about won the game by 3-12 to 3-11 giving Grimes a coveted National League medal. His side reached the next three league finals; however, Limerick were defeated on all three occasions.
Two years later in 1973 Limerick were back as participants in the Munster final. Grimes was captain of the team for the year. Tipperary were the opponents on that day and the game proved to be an exciting and controversial affair. Tipp were the favourites going into the game and they asserted their dominance early on. In spite of this Limerick scored three goals in the first twenty-four minutes and trailed by 2-9 to 3-2 at half-time. Tipp ploughed on in the second-half; however, Cregan scored two decisive goals to put Limerick in the lead. As the game entered the dying minutes both sides were level. A Limerick shot appeared to have gone wide before it struck a Tipperary defender. In spite of this a 70-yard free was awarded. Richie Bennis
Richie Bennis
Richie Bennis is a retired Irish hurling manager and former player. He played hurling with his local club Patrickswell and with the Limerick senior inter-county in the 1960s and 1970s. Bennis later served as manager of the Limerick senior team from 2006 until 2008.As a player Bennis was involved...
scored the winning point in spite of some reports that it trailed wide as it went over the bar. With that Limerick claimed the victory and Grimes captured his first Munster medal. Limerick were far from impressive when they defeated London
London GAA
The London County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or London GAA is one of the county boards outside Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in London...
in the next game, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with the reigning champions 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...
. 'The Cats' were severely hampered by the absence of some of their greatest players. Limerick went on to win that game by 1-21 to 1-14. It was Grimes'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 and Limerick’s first since 1940. Frimes, as captain of the team, was so confident of success that he played the entire second-half of the game with his victory speech in his sock. Following the consclusion of the championship he was personally honoured by being 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, as well as being named Texaco Hurler of the Year
Texaco Hurler of the Year
The Texaco Hurler of the Year is a hurling award, created in 1958, that honours the achievements of a hurler of outstanding excellence. The award is part of the Texaco Sportstars Awards, in which Irish sportspeople from all fields are honoured....
.
In 1974 Limerick maintained their provincial dominance. Grimes captured a second Munster medal following a 6-14 to 3-9 trouncing of 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....
. This victory allowed Grimes's side to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where Kilkenny provided the opposition once again. ‘The Cats’ were back to full strength and set out for revenge. In spite of this Limerick stormed into an early lead, however, this was diminished as Pat Delaney
Pat Delaney (Kilkenny hurler)
Pat Delaney is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Fenians and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1969 until 1977.-Club:...
, 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 Mick Brennan
Mick Brennan
Mick 'Cloney' Brennan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Railyard club and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team in the 1970s and 1980s. He was named an All Star in 1975, 1976, and 1979....
scored goals. Limerick lost that game by 3-19 to 1-13. In spite of this, Grimes’s performance in 1975 earned him a second All-Star award.
Grimes's side contested the Munster finals of 1975 and 1976, however, Cork were victorious on both occasions as Limerick went into decline. They were completely trounced again in 1979 on a score line of 2-14 to 0-9 as Cork captured a record-equaling fifth Munster title in-a-row.
In 1980 Cork were going for an unprecedented sixth Munster Championship in succession. For the fourth time in six years Limerick provided the opposition in the provincial decider. After an exciting seventy minutes Cork’s hopes were dashed by 2-14 to 2-10 as Grimes collected a third Munster medal as a non-playing substitute. This victory allowed Limerick a save passage to the All-Ireland final where 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,...
were the opponents. Galway got off to a good start and took a 2-7 to 1-5 lead at half-time. Star forward Éamonn Cregan
Éamonn Cregan
Éamonn Cregan is an Irish former Gaelic footballer, hurler and manager. He is best remembered for his success with Limerick, as a player in the 1970s and then as manager of various club and inter-county teams in the 1980s and 1990s.-Club:...
had other ideas and single-handedly launched the Limerick counter-attack. Over the course of the game he scored 2-7, including an overhead goal and a point in which he showed the ball to Conor Hayes
Conor Hayes
Conor Hayes is an Irish retired sportsperson and manager. He played hurling with his local club Kiltormer and was a member of the Galway senior inter-county team from 1979 until 1989. Hayes captained Galway to back-to-back All-Ireland titles.-Club:Hayes played his club hurling with his local club...
and nonchalantly drove the ball over the bar. It was not enough to stem the tide and Galway went on to win the game. It was the county’s first All-Ireland title since 1923 and, ironically, Limerick were the defeated team on that occasion as well.
Limerick retained their provincial crown in 1981, however, Grimes was still a substitute. Clare were defeated on that occasion by 3-12 to 2-9 giving him a fourth Munster medal. The subsequent All-Ireland semi-final saw Limerick 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...
. It was the first meeting of these two sides in the history of the hurling championship. In a low-scoring game both sides finished level and a replay was necessary. The second game took place a fortnight later at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
and it turned out to be an exciting affair. Both sides upped their game, however, Limerick were still defeated by 4-16 to 2-17.
Grimes retired from inter-county hurling without further success in 1982.
Provincial
Grimes also regularly 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 Railway Cup interprovincial competition. He won Railway Cup medals in 1976 and 1978.
South Liberties
- Munster Senior Club Hurling ChampionshipMunster Senior Club Hurling ChampionshipThe 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...
:- Winner (0):
- Runner-up (2): 1976, 1981
- Limerick Senior Hurling ChampionshipLimerick Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe 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...
:- Winner (4): 1972, 1976, 1978, 1981
- Runner-up (4): 1967, 1971, 1980, 1985
Limerick
- 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 (1): 1973All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1973-Sources:* Corry, Eoghan, The GAA Book of Lists .* Donegan, Des, The Complete Handbook of Gaelic Games .* Sweeney, Éamonn, Munster Hurling Legends ....
- Runner-up (1): 1980All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1980-Miscellaneous:* For the first time since 1969 the Leinster final sees a pairing other than Kilkenny and Wexford.* The Leinster final sees Offaly defeat Kilkenny to take their very first provincial title....
- Winner (1): 1973
- 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 (4): 1973, 1974, 1980, (sub) 1981 (sub)
- Runner-up (4): 1971, 1975, 1976, 1979
- 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 (1): 1970-1971
- Runner-up (3): 1971-1972, 1972–1973, 1973–1974
- All-Ireland Minor Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Minor Hurling ChampionshipThe 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...
:- Winner (0):
- Runner-up (2): 1963, 1965
- Munster Minor Hurling ChampionshipMunster Minor Hurling ChampionshipThe 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...
:- Winner (2): 1963, 1965