Authors: Donal Keenan
Colm Bonnar won an All-Ireland minor medal with Tipperary in 1982 and finished his career eighteen years later when winning an All-Ireland junior title.
© Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE
The youngest Bonnar, Conal, was at right half back when Tipperary emerged from the wilderness to win the All-Ireland title in 1989.
© Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE
Cormac Bonnar was coaxed out of retirement to play a vital role in Tipperary’s re-emergence as a major hurling power in the late 1980s.
© Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE
His career was coming to an end in 2000, but Joe Cooney still displayed the style and control that made him a favourite of Galway hurling fans.
© Damien Eagers/SPORTSFILE
His adoring fans carry a triumphant Joe Cooney from the field at Semple Stadium after his brilliant individual performance for Galway against Kilkenny in the 1986 All-Ireland semi-final.
© Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE
Jimmy Cooney, the referee, is escorted off Croke Park after he ended the 1998 All-Ireland semi-final prematurely. He had happier days in the stadium when winning an All-Ireland title with Galway in 1980.
© David Maher/SPORTSFILE
Martin McHugh evades the attentions of Dublin’s Keith Barr as he inspires Donegal to the county’s only All-Ireland senior success in 1992.
© Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE
James McHugh and Derry’s Johnny McGurk exchange pleasantries after the rain-soaked Ulster final of 1993.
© Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE
Jim McHugh proudly shows his Donegal senior football championship medal, won in 1952 with Killybegs, to his sons James, Martin and Enda.
©
Michael O’Donnell
Donegal’s James McHugh keeps a watchful eye as his brother Martin shoots for goal.
© John Quirke Photography
Gentle Giant: George O’Connor finished his illustrious career with Wexford by winning his only All-Ireland title in 1996.
© Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE
Wexford’s John O’Connor, of whom his brother George said in tribute, ‘John had far more skill than I had’.
© Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE