Liam Danagher

By Val Arthur

 

There were many great hurlers emerging on the Newmarket scene in the late nineteen fifties. One of these youngsters was later to become a household name not only in Clare hurling but in hurling nationally. He was none other than that multi-talented midfielder Liam Danagher. He was considered by many to be the most accomplished midfielder ever to grace the hurling fields of Clare, he was a sportsman supreme whose hurling finesse and sophisticated approach made an indelible mark in the history of Newmarket, Clare and Munster hurling.

 

This gifted talent of hurling artistry first came to note on the brilliant Juvenile teams of 1956 and 1957. In fact he captained the 1957 team to a second successive championship. In 1960 he won a Minor Championship when he was a member of a star studded team that was. to herald, a dominance in Clare hurling over the next two decades that is unlikely ever to be equalled by any Clare Club. In ‘the.  Minor Final of 1960 Liam gave a display of quick crisp delightful hurling, brilliant ball control and superb overhead striking that was to be repeated many times in the famous colours of the Blues. This potential and promise which he had displayed for Newmarket was a threat to all opposition as he made the natural progression to senior ranks. Indeed this potential which was nurtured with equal commitment was to be fulfilled with telling effect in many of Newmarket’s famous victories as they chalked up a record number of Senior Championships. He was a star member of brilliant Newmarket teams as they recorded· two 3 in a row Senior   Championships, 1963/64/65 and 1967/68/69.

 

Liam Danagher deserved the success he enjoyed. Like many players of his time he enjoyed his hurling and spent many hours training and   perfecting the skills of the game. He was also a great team player and most unselfish. Indeed many of his playing colleagues would not have enjoyed the success they achieved if he was less generous in the distribution of the ball. Liam was a player who gained a lot of possession during a game and his quick thinking flawless striking, and precision passes to the forwards he made openings, which were a joy to watch. Liam Danagher’s contribution to Newmarket’s successes were enormous and I quote “Newmarket demolished the challenge of the opposition and the scores now flowed freely and some of the Newmarket combination had to be seen to be believed. One player   above all others ·had a comprehensive influence on this breathtaking performance, he was none other than that distinguished midfielder Liam Danagher who returned for the Co. Final replay”.

 

If Liam was a popular figure in Newmarket hurling circles he was no less popular as a great Clare and Munster hurler. He donned enjoyment to thousands of hurling fans with displays of supreme artistry.

 

A car accident in the early seventies cut short his intercounty career although he returned to win a Senior Championship with Newmarket.

 

There is no doubt but that Liam Danagher was a brilliant hurler and we are glad to state that he has been diligently passing on the benefit of his experience and skills to the Minor players of this Club. These players are responding positively to his coaching and they look forward to a renewal of this association in1985.

 

Liam is the holder of the following:

 

2 Munster Club Medals.

8        Senior Championship Medals.

2        Juvenile Championship Medals.

1                   Minor Championship   Medal.

1                   Railway Cup Medal.

1                    Junior Football Championship

 

and .numerous Clare Champion Cups and other tournaments.

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