Seán Linnane in Allianz Hurling League action for Galway against Limerick in February.
By Cian O’Connell
Turloughmore’s talent and tradition is well documented so Seán Linnane is delighted that an emerging crop of players are beginning to deliver in the west.
A progressive club that will contest Galway Senior and Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Finals this weekend, Turloughmore have made significant strides in recent years.
Players from a string of exciting underage outfits are emerging for Turlough, but Linnane is firmly focused on the upcoming Pearse Stadium tussle with Loughrea.
“For underage it is great to win and we were lucky enough we won a fair bit, but being honest it is all about winning at senior level,” Linnane admits.
“You see the likes of the Corofins, the Kilkennys, the good teams that win, they are always winning at senior level. So that is probably something we are trying to aim for. At the moment we are just looking at Loughrea, trying to put in a good performance.”
Linnane, who featured for Galway in the Allianz Hurling League this year, is encouraged by the manner in which the club is progressing.
“It is great,” Linnane replies. “We have lads coming on the scene this year, we had three or four in their first year really - Barry Callanan, Diarmuid Mullin, Brian Connolly.
Shane Cooney, St Thomas', Sean Linnane, Turloughmore, Dara Dolan, Cappataggle, and Johnny Coen, Loughrea, pictured outside the Brooks Group premises in Galway.
“Lads who had their first days out, got starts, and played really, really well. That competitiveness in an environment is so important, guys trying to get on the team, trying to get on the panel. That is what you need to be successful.”
Three years ago James Horan had a stint as Turloughmore manager which assisted Turlough’s development according to Linnane. “Absolutely, he was very organised and we definitely learned a lot from him,” Linnane replies. “Culture is so, so important to build up.
“Look at our older players, Fergal Moore for example, the way he goes out, when he trains he leads by example. He doesn't say a whole pile, but when young lads see him at training now the condition he is in, it is massive. It is very important in any set up.”
Current boss Joe Hession’s role in Turlough’s improvement shouldn’t be underestimated either with Linanne acknowledging those who have inspired the black and white striped team.
“Absolutely, lots of guys right throughout the club have helped,” Linnane states. “Joe has been training a lot of us since 16s I think, he came in and has done loads of coaching with the club. Franny (Forde) is the same way, it is great to have the calibre of them guys involved. It is great to have them.”
Linnane enjoyed a productive stint in the Fitzgibbon Cup collecting a couple of third level medals with Mary Immaculate.
“It was great, I was lucky enough to be there, to win two Fitzgibbons,” Linnane remarks. “The first year I started off not on the team, but made my way on to the team and ended up playing for the weekend. So it was a great time, you were playing with and against some of the best hurlers in Ireland.
Sean Linnane in action for Mary I against GMIT in the 2016 Fitzgibbon Cup.
“The following year I was injured, but it was a great stepping stone. It is a nice stepping stone to see the level of hurling that is out there and what you need to do in order to be at the top.”
A fifth class teacher in Lackagh National School, Linnane is thrilled that educational matters have resumed recently.
“Being back in the routine and seeing the children again it is great after a tough time for families and everyone right across communities,” Linnane comments. “It is great to be back.
“Everyone is doing the same, schools and businesses. You have the face masks, sanitising, it is hard on the children. It is hard enough for adults to cope at the moment so it is important that children are back.
“We will do everything we can to keep them there. It is important for the children to be able to come in, to see their friends, and we have to make sure it is safe. Everyone's health is paramount.
“I'm teaching fifth class, it is very enjoyable, and I like it. This is my third year so it has been really, really enjoyable. You see the young hurlers in the club and the whole community around the school is great. It is a lovely place to work with a nice staff and principal too.”
Linnane is certainly playing his part in this evolving Turlough tale.
