SUCCESS in sport is too often measured in silverware. The Sam Maguire is out of reach for the likes of John Heslin and after 14 seasons of tireless soldiering for Westmeath he has left the county stage with just two medals but he won something much more valuable – the hearts of his people in particular and the respect of GAA fans in general.
A genuine county legend, Heslin won a Sigerson Cup with UCD, the Division Three title with the midlanders in 2019 and the Tailteann Cup a couple of years ago. He announced his decision to hang up his well-worn boots on Saturday after carrying his county’s hopes and dreams since 2011.
Had he been born in Malahide or Millstreet and not Mullingar, the versatile St Loman’s clubman who was best known as a two-footed, free-taking targetman full-forward but was comfortable at midfield and half-forward, would surely have been an All-Ireland winner.
Pride and passion drove him and he leaves the stage after more than 150 appearances for his county and is his county’s record scorer and a statement from the Westmeath County Board described the St Loman’s clubman as “one of the most exceptional and dedicated players ever to represent our county”.
“John’s decision to step away from inter-county football brings to a close a truly remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the history of Westmeath GAA,” it continued.
“Off the field, John has been an exemplary ambassador for Gaelic football, engaging with supporters and promoting the game across the county. His professionalism and sportsmanship have earned him the respect of teammates, opponents and fans alike.
“John Heslin’s retirement marks the conclusion of a truly remarkable era for Westmeath football, but his legacy will endure as an inspiration for all who aspire to represent this county.”
A couple of seasons ago a Heslin goal sparked an fighting comeback from Westmeath after Armagh had taken what looked to be an unassailable lead. That was typical of the inspirational former county skipper whose 1-10 dragged victory from the jaws of defeat against Meath in an unforgettable Leinster Championship semi-final in 2015. It was one of the greatest comeback stories in GAA history.
There are many examples of the cherished county legends who have won more respect than medals. Always up against it and having to make the most of every ball that comes their way, they are players who carry their unfancied county’s hopes.
Here are a few of them:
Peter McGinnity (Fermanagh)
A BONA Fide Ulster legend, the Roslea native lined out for the Ernemen from 1970 to 1987 and returned for one last swansong in 1991. He was Fermanagh’s first ever Allstar winner in 1982 and was a Railway Cup winner and an Ulster Championship winner with his adopted St John’s in Belfast before returning to Roslea. Also a respected commentator and manager, he recently helped Jody Gormley guide Trillick to the Tyrone Championship in 2023.
Declan Browne (Tipperary)
IN a hurling county he was arguably better with a football than a sliothar and he won Tipperary’s first football Allstar when he led the Premier County to the Munster final in 1998. A brilliant forward who would have been a contender for a place on any county side, he won a second Allstar in 2003. Also won the Tommy Murphy Cup during his 11 years on the inter-county scene.
Andy McCailin (Antrim)
ANTRIM’S only ever Allstar winner, St John’s legend McCailin was a natural sportsman who also played senior hurling for his county. Spearheaded Antrim to the All-Ireland U21 title in 2019 and soldiered on over many fruitless seasons in the Saffron jersey. An Ulster club winner with St John’s he played alongside Fermanagh’s McGinnity in the All-Ireland final loss to Thomond College in
Emlyn Mulligan (Leitrim)
THE epitome of the selfless county servant, Mulligan came back from three cruciate injuries during a career that lasted for 17 years. A hard-working forward who was reliable from dead balls, he helped Leitrim to FBD Insurance Connacht League titles in 2012 and 2013. Made his debut in 2006 and retired in 2023 aged 35 stating: “It was a pleasure”.
Paddy Cunningham (Antrim)
HIS on-pitch involvement with his county spanned almost 20 years. The Lamh Dhearg forward made his minor debut in 2003 and called it quits at senior level after the 2021 season. Captained the Saffrons to the Ulster final in 2009 but despite 11 points off his trusty left boot Tyrone won on the day. By then battling Crohn’s Disease, he stepped away from the inter-county scene in 2014 but returned six years’ later and marked his comeback with half-a-dozen points.
David Tubridy (Clare)
A BATTLING forward who displayed his class consistently, the Doonbeg clubman was given his debut by the late Paidi O Se in 2007 and retired in 2023 as the top scorer in the history of the National Football League with a tally of 22-421.
The go-to inspiration as Clare rose from Division Four and established themselves in Division Two under Colm Collins, he also played in two All-Ireland quarter-finals.
Sam Gilroy (Louth)
SO often the man who carries his county’s hopes, Mulroy scored Louth’s entire total of 1-7 when they narrowly lost to Longford in the Leinster Championship in 2020. Focused and fearless, he led the Wee County attack under Mickey Harte’s management and has won Division Three and Four titles.
