Michael Collins (hurler)

Michael "Mick" Collins (1940 – 13 June 2009) was an Irish hurler who played as a full-back with the Wexford senior team.[1][2][3]

Michael Collins
Personal information
Irish name Mícheál Ó Coileáin
Sport Hurling
Position Full-back
Born 1940
Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland
Died 13 June 2009 (aged 68)
Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Club(s)
Years Club
 Enniscorthy Shamrocks
Club titles
Wexford titles 2
Inter-county(ies)
Years County Apps (scores)
1966-1970
 Wexford 7 (0-00)
Inter-county titles
Leinster titles 1
All-Irelands 0
NHL 1

Born in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Collins was introduced to hurling in his youth. He enjoyed championship successes with the Enniscorthy Shamrocks club, winning two championship medals at senior level.

Collins made his senior debut with Wexford during the 1966 championship. He went on to play a key role for Wexford in defence and won one Leinster medal and one National Hurling League medal. Collins was an All-Ireland runner-up as captain on one occasion.

Throughout his inter-county career Collins made 7 championship appearances. He retired from inter-county hurling following the conclusion of the 1970 championship.

In retirement from playing Collins served as chairman of the Enniscorthy Rapparees hurling club.[2][1]

Playing career

Club

In 1964 Collins was full-back on the Enniscorthy Shamrocks team that reached their very first championship decider. A defeat of Faythe Harriers gave him his first championship medal.[4]

After defeat in the 1966 decider, Shamrocks were back in 1969. A defeat of Ferns St. Aidan's gave Collins a second championship medal.

Inter-county

Collins first played senior hurling for Wexford in 1966. He claimed his first silverware with a National Hurling League medal in 1967 following a 3–10 to 1–9 defeat of Kilkenny.

In 1970 Collins was appointed captain of the team. A 4–16 to 3–14 defeat of old rivals Kilkenny in the very first 80-minute championship game gave him a Leinster medal. Wexford subsequently faced Cork in the All-Ireland decider on 6 September 1970. A record 64-point scoreline and eleven goals were produced in a sometimes ill-tempered and disappointing contest. Tony Doran top scored for Wexford with two goals, however, the day belonged to Eddie O'Brien who scored a hat-trick of goals for Cork from his hand. A remarkable 6–21 to 5–10 score line gave Cork the victory.[5]

Honours
Enniscorthy Shamrocks
Wexford

References
  1. "Wexford GAA mourns Collins' death". RTÉ Sport. 13 June 2009. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  2. "Wexford mourns Michael Collins". Hogan Stand. 14 June 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  3. "Former Wexford captain Michael is laid to rest". Enniscorthy Guardian. 17 June 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  4. Medcalf, David (29 November 2014). "The Shamrocks roll back the years to 1964 glory". Enniscorthy Guardian. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  5. "This will help cheer up Cork fans". Balls.ie website. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
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