Willie Clancy (hurler)

Willie Clancy (born 1907 in Mallow, County Cork, Ireland) was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Mallow and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1928 until 1934.

Playing career

Club

Clancy played his club hurling with his local club in Mallow. The high point of his career, and indeed the highpoint of the club's history, came in 1928 when Mallow played Éire Óg in the final of the senior county championship. Mallow, however, lost on that occasion.

Inter-county

In 1930 Clancy first came to prominence on the Cork senior inter-county team. That year he tasted his first major victory as he claimed a National Hurling League title. Unfortunately, Cork surrendered their provincial crown later that summer. The team bounced back in 1931 with Clancy collecting a coveted Munster winners’ medal. Once again it took a replay for Cork and Waterford to be separated in the final. The All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Kilkenny for the first time since 1926. After a close game both sides finished level – 1-6 apiece. Eudie Coughlan played a captain’s role in that game as he scored a point from his knees to level the scores. The replay of the final took place four weeks later and is regarded as a classic. Cork took the lead at half-time, however, Kilkenny fought back. Once again both sides finished level – 2-5 apiece. After this game officials pressed for extra time, however, this was rejected. It was also suggested at a meeting of the GAA’s Central Council that both counties be declared joint champions and that half an All-Ireland medal by given to each player. This motion was later defeated. The first week of November saw the second replay of the All-Ireland final take place. At the third attempt Cork triumphed by 5-8 to 3-4 giving Clancy his first, and only, All-Ireland medal.

Provincial

Clancy also lined out with Munster in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He first played for his province in 1932, however, Munster were defeated by Leinster in the final of the Railway Cup. Clancy lined out again in 1933, however, Leinster triumphed once again.

References

• Corry, Eoghan, The GAA Book of Lists (Hodder Headline Ireland, 2005).

External links

• Munster final winning teams
• Cork GAA honours