Conor Hayes

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Conor Hayes (born 11 May 1958) and lived just outside the village of Kiltormer. Other famous hurlers from Kiltormer are Tony and Oliver Kilkenny, John Goode, Michael Kilkenny, Tom Lynch, Ciaran Lynch, Tony Furey, etc... Conor is a former Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with the great Galway team of the 1980s and served as manager between 2003 and 2006.

Conor Hayes is regarded as one of the heroes of the Galway hurling team of the 1980s. He first came to prominence in 1978 winning an All-Ireland Under-21 title. This victory laid the foundation for the senior side of the 1980s which went on to contest six All-Ireland finals over the next decade. In 1980 Hayes claimed his first senior All-Ireland medal when he played at right corner-back on the team that defeated Limerick. It was Galway's first All-Ireland title in 57 years. Galway contested two more All-Ireland finals in 1985 and 1986, however, they were defeated by Offaly and Cork respectively. In spite of this Hayes was awarded with an All-Star Award in 1986. In 1987 the year got off to a good start when Hayes won his first National Hurling League medal. He completed the year by claiming his second All-Ireland title and a second All-Star award. In 1988 Hayes won his third and final All-Ireland medal as well as a third All-Star. Hayes rounded off a great decade by claiming a second National League medal in 1989. In retirement Hayes continued his involvement in hurling. In late 2002 he was appointed manager of the Galway senior hurling team. Among the high points of his managerial term included a National League victory in 2004 and an All-Ireland semi-final defeat over Kilkenny in 2005 in one of the game's of the decade. Hayes resigned following the 2006 championship and was succeeded by former Clare manager Ger Loughnane.

Preceded by:
Tom Cashman
(Cork)
All-Ireland Hurling Final
winning captain

1987
Succeeded by:
retained
Preceded by:
retained
All-Ireland Hurling Final
winning captain

1988
Succeeded by:
Bobby Ryan
(Tipperary)
Preceded by:
Noel Lane
Galway Senior Hurling Manager
2003-2006
Succeeded by:
Ger Loughnane