Shane Stapleton and Michael Verney marvel at Cáit Devane’s moment of magic for Clonoulty-Rossmore, and look at other moments of improvisation.
Cait Devane produced a moment of brilliance in the colours of Clonoulty-Rossmore against Burgess-Duharra at the weekend.
To win a ball out of a ruck with half a hurley was an achievement on its own, but to solo away before collecting a fresh stick from a Maor Caman was another trick entirely.
It may not have gone over the year, but the quick-thinking from both parties made the clip into a viral hit on social media.
I’ve been recording games for my club for 8 years & I’ve captured many extraordinary moments but my capturing Cáit Devane collecting a fresh hurley in full flight today will be hard to top. Best of luck to @ClonRossCamogie in the final and commiserations to my own @DuharraCamogie pic.twitter.com/KtY70uzdls— Sports Focus Photography (@SportsFocusIe) September 6, 2020
Such ingenuity on the field in big moments is what can separate the good from the great, and it got Shane Stapleton and Michael Verney thinking about other flashes of improvisation from over the years.
Nicky English’s famous kicked goal against Cork (see 1:14 of the video below) will always be fondly remembered by those in the blue and gold camp.
For those of a Rebel persuasion, the on-the-knees heroics of Brian Corcoran and Patrick Horgan many years apart will retain enduring appeal.
Shane Dowling’s one-handed point against Kilkenny in a monsoon at Croke Park in 2014 was exceptional, while Ian Galvin in 2018 scored a point for Clare against Galway with the bas of his hurley facing the wrong way.
Shane and Michael run those magical moments and several more in our search for great improvisation with the stick over the years.
Patrick Horgan scores Cork's second goal against Kilkenny at Croke Park – See the highlights tonight @rte2 and the RTÉ Player from 9.30pm #RTEGAA pic.twitter.com/PTLHlb8VVr— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 14, 2019
Please let us know your favourite bits of trickery in the comments section below, or via the OurGame social media channels.
