Craig Leahy as driven as ever to succeed with Sars
Craig Leahy with possession for Sars against Na Piarsaigh recently. Picture: Larry Cummins
MANY talented hurlers have been produced by Sarsfield’s club and full-back Craig Leahy certainly fits into that category.
The 34-year-old is relishing his role as a defensive anchor with the Riverstown club on the verge of another league final before they commence their bid to retain the county.
“I was probably a late starter to the sport in comparison to many others at the club as I was a 12-year-old before I began playing with my uncle Geraoid Duggan encouraging me to join the club,” he said.
The Duggan family consists of his cousins Cormac, Rory and Gavin and so it was easy for Leahy to get into the groove at Sars. Attending school at the Glanmire Community College, he was mixing with many of the teammates he'd go on to enjoy great success alongside for many years.
“The Kearney brothers William and Daniel, Eoin O’Sullivan and Daniel Roche all played with Sars so we became friends and have played together from a young age,” he added.
It was a mixed bag for Sarsfield’s as they had a certain rival in East Cork that tested them on more than one occasion.
“We kind of shared wins with Middleton all the way up as they were very strong with players like Luke O’Farrell, Paul Hughey and Conor Lehane."
The launchpad for Sars golden age in the modern era came after a minor county in 2007.
“When I look back that minor county win in 2007 was crucial and Johnny Crowley our present Senior manager was actually at the helm that year and a few of the lads that also won a senior county last season were on the team.”
There is little doubt when you are building a house a good foundation is vital.
“We went on to win the senior county in 2008 and from there I also picked up winning medals in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2023 and despite losing a couple of finals you would have to say we have had a reasonable run.
As consistent as they come at club level, Leahy never made a breakthrough at inter-county level but he is honest in his assessment.
“I mingled in and out and minor and U21 levels but in truth, I don’t think I was hard done by as they were better players in my position. Though I'd have loved a good intercounty career it simply didn’t happen.
“When I look back I probably improved when I got older and ironically it was the present Cork manager Pat Ryan who switched me to full-back at club level between 2013 and 2014.”
After a long gap without lifting the Seán Óg Murphy Cup, last season was special.
“Losing Teddy McCarthy stunned us all in the club and to win it in the year he passed away was quite extraordinary and have no doubt he was looking down on us particularly in our semi-final win over Imokilly.
“To have his nephew Donnacha in goal was special and he did a great job but I will never forget visiting his grave after the game and the emotion was clear to see with everybody involved with our team and club.
“You had 42 young people at his graveside for a reflection of his life because he just loved our club and will never be forgotten.”
Leahy is an avid supporter of the Cork senior hurling team and he is looking forward to seeing how they will fare for the remainder of the championship.
“I think they are some serious hurlers in our county with our clubman Pat Ryan at the helm and although Dublin will be a tough quarter-final surely we should have enough to defeat them.”
Leahy got married in 2021 to Amanda and last year his son Sam was born and his determination to add his sixth county medal to the cabinet has been evident throughout the league campaign.
“It’s all about trying to retain the county and with our strength and conditioning coach Niall Fitzpatrick we will have no worries in that department come our opening championship game in five weeks.”
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