Tipp hero Cahill also outstanding in academic field

TIPPERARY hurler Michael Cahill (21) yesterday added academic achievement to the sweet taste of All-Ireland victory.

Cahill was formally conferred at University College Cork (UCC) with a BEd (Hons) Degree in Sports Studies and Physical Education.

The conferring ceremony was supervised by UCC President Prof Michael Murphy with the keynote speaker being Eamon Ryan, coach of the Cork Ladies football team.

The Tipp star received a rousing cheer from fellow students when he was called up to receive his degree.

'It's unbelievable - it's been a fantastic couple of days,' he said.

Cahill - a member of the legendary Thurles Sarsfield club - completed a dream 48 hours yesterday which saw him receive his long-awaited degree after having helped the Premier County neuter the Kilkenny Cats' dreams of an historic five-in-a-row of All-Ireland hurling titles.

He formed part of an outstanding Tipperary full- line that stifled Kilkenny's potent attack - with Eddie Brennan, who he marked for much of the match, being held scoreless.

Cahill's Croke Park performance last Sunday was described as 'immense' and 'outstanding'.

A former student at Thurles CBS, where several members of the Kilkenny side also attended, Michael Cahill already boasts two All-Ireland minor medals, having been a key part of the Tipperary title-winning sides in 2006 and 2007.

The Thurles native also proved a hugely popular student at UCC, playing Fitzgibbon Cup hurling and helping the Cork college to their 40th All-Ireland triumph in 2009.

- Ralph Riegel

Irish Independent