NICKY ENGLISH IS one of Tipperary hurling’s most beloved figures. He steered the county to the top both as a player and as a manager, and won several other honours during his career.
The Lattin-Cullen club man is giving a tour of Croke Park on Saturday as part of the Bord Gáis Energy Legends Tour.
And to mark it we’ve put together some reasons why Tipp hurling fans regard him as such an icon.
1. The vital goal he hit when Tipperary ended their Munster hurling famine in 1987
2. The brilliant return of 2-12 as Tipperary claimed All-Ireland glory in 1989
3. Helping Tipperary win another All-Ireland title in 1991
4. Picking up six Allstar awards during his career
5. Being brave enough to take punishment on the pitch
6. Putting plenty scores on the board during his Tipp career
7. Celebrating Munster hurling wins in style as a manager
8. Bringing the Liam MacCarthy Cup back to Tipperary as manager in 2001
That picture with the hurl in the nose – dating from an era pre smart phones, etc – that is a great picture
The one where he squared up to the keeper and then booted it to the net was a classic. 1988 I think
No mention of diving to get a player sent off in 89 semi final. CHEAT and always will be.
Get over it. Win an all Ireland. You’ll feel better.
Was a privilege to watch him play. One of the greatest. Oh and come on Tipp. :)
Wouldn’t mind having him available for Sunday. If only
Loved those epic Cork Tipp encounters. Great colour and nail biting finishes.
Remember seeing him do a step over to let the ball into pat fox telepathically. The only time I’ve seen a Hurler do that before or since. Brought hurling to new levels. Intelligence, skill and pace in abundance. Not one dirty stroke.
Great player he had it all
Had the pleasure of watching him during those epic Cork v Tipp games, what a player and a gentleman. He broke my heart an many other Cork hearts as well but that buzz around the stadium when he got ball in hand was unreal.