Noel Skehan

Noel Skehan
Personal information
Native name
Nollaig Ó Sceacháin (Irish)
Born (1944-12-06) 6 December 1944
Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny, Ireland
OccupationBrewery supervisor
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Sport
SportHurling
PositionGoalkeeper
Club
Years Club
1963–1987
 Bennettsbridge
Club titles
Kilkenny titles 4
Inter-county*
Years County Apps (scores)
1963–1985
 Kilkenny 42 (0–00)
Inter-county titles
Leinster titles 14
All-Irelands 9
NHL 3
All Stars 7
*Inter County team apps and scores correct as of 14:13, 27 February 2022.

Richard Noel Skehan (born 6 December 1944) is an Irish former hurler who played as a goalkeeper at senior level for the Kilkenny county team.[1]

Born in Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny, Skehan first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of sixteen when he first linked up with the Kilkenny minor team before later joining the under-21 side. He joined the senior panel during the 1963 championship. Skehan spent almost a decade as a substitute before becoming a regular member of the starting fifteen and won nine All-Ireland medals (three of which were as a substitute), fourteen Leinster medals (six as a substitute) and three National Hurling League medals on the field of play. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on five occasions.

As a member of the Leinster inter-provincial team on a number of occasions Skehan won four Railway Cup medals. At club level he is a six-time championship medallist with Bennettsbridge. Throughout his career Skehan made 42 championship appearances. He retired from inter-county hurling following the conclusion of the 1984-85 league.

In retirement from playing Skehan became involved in team management and coaching. After guiding the Kilkenny junior team to All-Ireland he also took charge of the intermediate side. As a selector under Brian Cody he guided the Kilkenny senior team to three All-Ireland titles.

Skehan is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. During his playing days he won seven All-Star awards as well as being named Texaco Hurler of the Year. He has often been voted onto teams made up of the sport's greats, including as goalkeeper on the Supreme All-Stars team.[2] Skehan was also chosen as one of the 125 greatest hurlers of all-time in a 2009 poll.[3]

Club career

Skehan played his club hurling with Bennettsbridge and joined the senior team in 1963. Beginning his career as an outfield player, he scored a goal from wing-forward when Bennettsbridge won the Kilkenny SHC title in 1964, following a 4–09 to 1–04 win over Glenmore.[4] Skehan was again in the forwards when Bennettsbridge were beaten by Mooncoin in the 1965 Kilkenny SHC final.[5]

By the time Bennettsbridge qualified to play Mooncoin in the 1966 Kilkenny SHC final, Skehan had become the team's first-choice goalkeeper. He claimed a second winners' medal after the 4–08 to 2–04 victory.[6] The 1967 Kilkenny SHC final saw him make his fourth consecutive appearance in a final. Skehan ended the game with a third winners' medal as Thomastown were beaten by 3–10 to 1–04.[7]

A defeat by Rower–Inistioge in a fifth straight final appearance in 1968 was followed by Skehan claiming a fourth and final winners' medal in 1971, following a 3–10 to 1–07 win over Fenians.[8] Skehan had further finals appearances and defeats in 1972 and 1974. He continued to line out with Bennettsbridge, both as an outfield player and in goal, and ended his 25-year career with the club's junior team.

Inter-county career

Skehan first appeared on the inter-county scene with Kilkenny as goalkeeper on the minor team in 1962. He won a Leinster MHC title that year, before later claiming an All-Ireland MHC medal following Kilkenny's 3–06 to 0–09 win over Tipperary in the final.[9] Skehan immediatley progressed to the intermediate team, while he was also in goal for Kilkenny's very first under-21 team in 1964.

By that stage, Skehan had also joined Kilkenny's senior team as understudy to his cousin and regular goalkeeper Ollie Walsh. It was a role he had for almost a decade, during which time he was part of the All-Ireland SHC-winning teams in 1963, 1967 and 1969.[10] He later commented: "It was no hardship to sit on the bench because I knew I was a sub to the best goalkeeper in Ireland."[11] Walsh's six-month suspension in 1968 resulted in Skehan making his Leinster SHC debut in a semi-final defeat of Offaly in June 1968.[12]

Skehan replaced Walsh as first-choice goalkeeper in 1972, as well as serving as team captain for the year.[13][14] He won the first of four consecutive Leinster SHC medals on the field of play, before later lining out in goal against Cork in the 1972 All-Ireland SHC final.[15] The 3–24 to 5–11 win gave Skehan his first All-Ireland SHC medal on the field of play, while he also had the honour of accepting the Liam MacCarthy Cup on behalf of his team.[16] He ended the year by winning the first of five consecutive All-Stars.

After losing the 1973 All-Ireland SHC final to Limerick, Kilkenny reclaimed the title the following year with a 3–19 to 1–13 defeat of Limerick.[17] Skehan claimed a third All-Ireland SHC winners' medal in three seasons after once again lining out in goal in Kikenny's 2–22 to 2–10 defeat of Galway in the 1975 All-Ireland SHC final.[18]

Skehan added a National Hurling League medal to his collection in 1976, however, Wexford ended Kilkenny's Leinster SHC campaigns in 1976 and 1977, before a defeat to Cork in the 1978 All-Ireland SHC final.[19][20] He won his fourth All-Ireland SHC medal of the decade after Kilkenny's 2–12 to 1–08 win over Galway in the 1979 All-Ireland SHC final.[21]

After claiming his second National League title in 1982, Skehan won a seventh Leinster SHC medal on the field of play, after a 1–11 to 0–12 win over Offaly. Kilkenny subsequently beat Cork by 3–18 to 1–13 in the 1982 All-Ireland SHC final.[22] It was a fifth All-Ireland SHC winners' medal on the field of play for Skehan and, combined with the three medals he also won as a substitute, he joined Christy Ring and John Doyle as the holder of a record eight All-Ireland SHC medals.[23] He ended the season by winning a sixth All-Star, as well as being named Hurler of the Year.[24] Kilkenny retained their National League and Leinster SHC titles the following year, while the 2–14 to 2–12 win over Cork in the 1983 All-Ireland SHC final gave Skehan a record-breaking ninth All-Ireland SHC medal in total - 20 years after winning his first.[25][26] He also became the oldest hurler to win an All-Star, after claiming a then record seventh award.[27][28]

Skehan retired from inter-county hurling in April 1985.[29]

Inter-provincial career

Skehan's performances at inter-county level with Kilkenny earned him selection to the Leinster inter-provincial team. He first played for the province in 1973 and ended his debut year with his first Railway Cup medal, following a 1–13 to 2–08 win over Munster. It was the first of three successive winners' medals, as Leinster had further victories over Munster in 1974 and 1975. Skehan remained as Leinster's first-choice goalkeeper for much of his 11-year association with the provincial team. He won a fourth and final Railway Cup medal in 1979, but continued to be selected fo the team until 1985.[30]

Management career

Skehan first became involved in inter-county management when he succeeded Ollie Walsh as coach–trainer of Kilkenny's junior team in 1991. He guided the team to five Leinster JHC titles in six seasons between 1991 and 1996. Skehan's team had All-Ireland JHC final defeats in 1993, 1994 and 1996, however, Kilkenny beat Clare by 1–20 to 1–06 in the 1995 All-Ireland JHC final.[31]

Following a restructing of the All-Ireland JHC, Skehan took over as coach of Kilkenny's intermediate team in 1997. He guided the team to four consecutive Leinster IHC titles between 1997 and 2000, as well as consecutive All-Ireland IHC final defeats in 1997 and 1998.[32]

Skehan replaced Ger Henderson as a selector with the Kilkenny senior team under manager Brian Cody in November 2001.[33] His three years in that role saw Kilkenny win consecutive National League and Leinster SHC titles in 2002 and 2003.[34] Skehan also served as manager of the Leinster team that won consecutive Railway Cup titles in 2002 and 2003.[35][36]

Personal life

Skehan was born in Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny in December 1944. His uncle, Dan Kennedy, captained Kilkenny to the All-Ireland SHC title in 1947.[37] A cousin, Ollie Walsh, preceded Skehan as Kilkenny goalkeeper, while another cousin, Michael Walsh, succeeded him in goal.[38] Skehan joined the Smithwick's brewery in Kilkenny as a trainee mechanic, before later beoming transport supervisor.[39]

Honours

Player

Bennettsbridge
Kilkenny
Leinster

Management

Kilkenny

Individual

Honours
  • The 125 greatest stars of the GAA: No. 16
  • Supreme All-Stars Team: Goalkeeper
  • Texaco Hurler of the Year (1): 1982
  • All-Star (7): 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1982, 1983
  • GAA Hall of Fame Inductee: 2013
  • In May 2020, the Irish Independent named Skehan at number fifteen in its "Top 20 hurlers in Ireland over the past 50 years". He was the only goalkeeper included.[40]

References

  1. ^ Doody, Derry J. F. "Noel Skehan: Long Custodian Career Wearing The Black & Amber". Scoreboard Memories website. Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  2. ^ Breheny, Martin (28 November 2001). "Residents of Quality Street form another galaxy". Irish Independent. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
  3. ^ Breheny, Martin & Keyes, Colm (7 November 2009). "Henry Shefflin and Jack O'Shea reign supreme as our search for the top hurler and footballer of the past 125 years concludes". Irish Independent. Retrieved 4 September 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "With watches and suits galore, hurling helped the Treacy boys to good times". Kilkenny Live. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  5. ^ "Mooncoin - 1965 senior hurling champions remembered" (PDF). Kilkenny GAA website. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  6. ^ "With caring Billy it is all about the love of Mooncoin and things Mooncoin". Kilkenny Live. 24 March 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  7. ^ "Bennettsbridge - giants of the 60s" (PDF). Kilkenny GAA website. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  8. ^ "Remembering The Fenians - Treble County Senior Hurling Champions" (PDF). Kilkenny GAA website. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  9. ^ "Kilkenny - 1962 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Champions Remembered" (PDF). Kilkenny GAA website. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  10. ^ Breheny, Martin (3 September 2009). "Super subs". Irish Indepenent. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  11. ^ Breheny, Martin. "Seven giants". The Kilkenny Oberver. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  12. ^ "'The Godfather of Modern Hurling' - an offer(ing) you simply cannot refuse". Kilkenny Live. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  13. ^ "Skehan: tear up form book". Irish Examiner. 11 September 2003. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  14. ^ "Ollie was top of the 'class'". Irish Independent. 18 August 2002. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  15. ^ O'Sullivan, Jim (1 September 2010). "Classic All-Ireland SHC finals – 1972: Kilkenny 3–24 Cork 5–11". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  16. ^ "Cork v Kilkenny Classics: 1972 SHC final". RTÉ Sport. 14 June 2007. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  17. ^ "50 years of Limerick and Kilkenny hurling championship clashes". Limerick Live. 16 July 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  18. ^ "Martin Breheny: Galway must restore pride". Irish Independent. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  19. ^ "Treble chasers take big fall". Irish Independent. 3 May 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  20. ^ "Cork v Kilkenny Classics: 1978 SHC final". RTÉ Sport. 14 June 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  21. ^ "The 10 most important hurling matches. Ever". Irish Examiner. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  22. ^ "Power of dreams lives strong for Carrickshock". Irish Examiner. 26 October 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  23. ^ Breheny, Martin (29 August 2022). "Five of the biggest surprises in All-Ireland hurling finals". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  24. ^ Roche, Frank (11 September 2009). "Walsh looking out for No 1 as he predicts famine's end". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  25. ^ "PICTURES: Forty years on - Kilkenny prepares to relive the double-double!". Kilkenny Live. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  26. ^ "Kerry's real hurt: Dublin are taking it all away". Irish Examiner. 15 August 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  27. ^ "A magnificent seven All-Stars for Limerick – and for birthday boy TJ Reid". Irish Independent. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  28. ^ Fogarty, John (17 November 2023). "Stephen Cluxton becomes oldest winner of All-Star as Dubs claim five awards". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  29. ^ Knox, John (11 December 2019). "Former great Skehan calls for better deal for GAA clubs". Kilkenny Live. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  30. ^ "Leinster Railway Cup Winning Teams" (PDF). Leinster GAA website. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  31. ^ "Leinster Junior All-Ireland Hurling Winning Teams" (PDF). Leinster GAA website. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  32. ^ Hickey, Paddy (12 November 1998). "Skehan `no' to Cats job". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  33. ^ Fogarty, John (27 December 2017). "Can Brian Cody prevent this slump becoming a Kilkenny drought?". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  34. ^ "Kilkenny's two years of glory". Irish Independent. 16 September 2003. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  35. ^ "Railway Cup watch". Irish Independent. 3 November 2002. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  36. ^ "Skehan hails second-half performance". Irish Examiner. 8 November 2003. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  37. ^ "It's all about the mindset". The Kilkenny Observer. Retrieved 16 February 2026.
  38. ^ "Michael Walsh". Hogan Stand. 30 August 1991. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  39. ^ "Joe Slattery was greatly admired and respected across Kilkenny". Kilkenny Live. 5 February 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  40. ^ Breheny, Martin (30 May 2020). "Revealed: The Top 20 hurlers in Ireland over the past 50 years". Irish Independent. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
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