Colin Lynch consoling Fergal Hartley at the end of the 2002 al-Ireland semi-final

Colin Lynch consoling Fergal Hartley at the end of the 2002 al-Ireland semi-final

A few well-deserved words of appreciation for Clare veteran Colin Lynch (words I once thought I’d never write) who announced his retirement from inter-county hurling last week due to injury.

The man who became public enemy number one down Waterford way 11 years ago managed to shed the stigma from his battle with Tony Browne and his dynamic, defiant displays in adversity for the Banner as the Clare shout grew distant won over his severest critics. I didn’t know until I read in the Sunday Times at the weekend that Lynch lost the tops of both his thumbs in a childhood accident, making his achievements all the more admirable.

Another GAA great, Joe Deane has taken his leave of the Cork jersey. The Killeagh man, who made a successful recovery from testicular cancer surgery a few years ago, was often underrated outside of Rebeldom, and it’s a pity that the final chapter in the career of one of the GPA’s leading Leeside advocates coincided with the strike. But Deano was arguably more popular than Keano in large parts of their native county. As Lynch is universally respected unlike Loughnane.