Clare hero has Mayo connection

CHAMPION Shane O’Donnell.

Clare hero has Mayo connection

Ciara Galvin

WE may not have claim to Sam Maguire, but after Clare man Shane O’Donnell hit three goals and three points in last Saturday’s All-Ireland Hurling Final, we can somewhat claim the All-Ireland winner as our own.
That is because Shane’s mother Mary Kenny hails from Ballyglass in The Neale and his grandmother Maureen and uncle Gerry still live there.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday (Monday), Chairman of Moytura Hurling Club in South Mayo, Pat Byrne said ‘it is a great link to have’.
“I remember his auntie Ann playing football for the Neale at Community Games level and I’ve heard he [Shane] has been  up a few times.”
Mr Byrne hopes that with such a talented hurler linked to the area that a visit to the club could be organised.
“It’s a nice thing and would be lovely if we could try and invite him up here to talk with our team. I wish him well,” said Byrne.
The 19-year-old who is in his second year studying genetics in University College Cork, contributed a huge 12 points to bring his county to victory on Saturday. Taking a gamble, manager Davy Fitzgerald only gave O’Donnell the call up at 2.50pm on Saturday afternoon.