Tony Davis (Gaelic footballer)

Anthony 'Tony' Davis (born 29 November 1964) is a former Irish sportsperson. He played senior football with Cork in the 1980s and 1990s.^[1]

Early & private life

Anthony Davis was born in Skibbereen, County Cork in 1964. He was educated locally at St. Patrick's National School where his interest in Gaelic football began. He later attended St. Fachtna's De La Salle secondary school where he tasted his first major football success, winning both Cork and Munster Colleges’ titles. Davis subsequently became a member of the Garda Síochána and is currently based at Anglesea Street Garda station in Cork

Playing career

Club

Davis played his club football with the O'Donovan Rossa club in Skibbereen. He had much success at underage level, as well as winning a Cork SFC medal in 1993 – the very first time that the side had won the county title. This win was later converted into a Munster Senior Club Football Championship title and an All-Ireland club football title.

Minor, Under-21 & Junior

Davis was still in secondary school when he first started playing football for the Cork minor team. In 1981 he had his first inter-county success when he captured his first All-Ireland medal with the minor team. Three years later in 1984 Davis had a very successful year. He won an All-Ireland title with the Cork under-21 team before winning an All-Ireland medal with the Cork junior football team following a defeat of Warwickshire in Coventry. In 1985 he captained Cork to a second consecutive All-Ireland title at under-21 level.

Senior

Davis made his senior inter-county debut in a National Football League game against Meath in 1985. He quickly became a regular on the team and won his first Munster title in 1987. Cork later played Meath in the All-Ireland final, however, Davis’s side were beaten on the day. In 1988 he captured his second Munster medal, however, Cork were once again beaten by Meath in a controversial All-Ireland final replay. 1989 began well for Davis and for Cork. He won his first and only National Football League medal before later adding a third Munster medal to his collection. Cork reached the All-Ireland final once again, however, this time they were victorious against Mayo with Davis winning his first senior All-Ireland medal. Davis was honoured by being presented with an All-Star award. In 1990 Cork captured another Munster and a second consecutive All-Ireland medal.

Three years later in 1993 he won his fourth Munster medal along with his brother Don, who was also a member of the team. In the All-Ireland final Cork played Derry, however, Davis was sent off and Derry subsequently won the game. Davis retired from inter-county football shortly after.

Only player to have won All Ireland medals at Minor, Under 21, Junior, Senior and Club.

Retirement

In retirement Davis has maintained a strong interest in Gaelic football. He is involved with coaching the Douglas underage teams in Cork. Davis is also a regular contributor on RTÉ’s The Sunday Game.

References