Johnny McGovern

John McGovern (7 March 1932 – 24 February 2022) was an Irish hurler who played at club level with Bennettsbridge and at inter-county level with the Kilkenny senior hurling team. He usually lined out as a wing-back.

Not to be confused with Jonny McGovern or John McGovern (American football).

Johnny McGovern
Personal information
Irish name Seán Mac Shabhráin
Sport Hurling
Position Left wing-back
Born (1932-03-07)7 March 1932
Bennettsbridge,
County Kilkenny, Ireland
Died 24 February 2022(2022-02-24) (aged 89)
Bennettsbridge,
County Kilkenny, Ireland
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Occupation Oil company employee
Club(s)
Years Club
1950–1971
 Bennettsbridge
Club titles
Kilkenny titles 11
Inter-county(ies)
Years County
1952–1964
 Kilkenny
Inter-county titles
Leinster titles 6
All-Irelands 2
NHL 1

Playing career

McGovern first came to prominence as a hurler at club level with Bennettsbridge. In a career that spanned 21 years, he won a record eleven Kilkenny SHC titles. McGovern first appeared on the inter-county scene during a two-year stint with the Kilkenny minor hurling team and ended his time in that grade with a defeat of Tipperary in the 1950 All-Ireland minor final. McGovern subsequently earned inclusion on the Kilkenny senior hurling team and served as team captain in his debut season in 1953. His senior career brought All-Ireland triumphs over Waterford in 1957 and 1963.[1][2] McGovern's other inter-county honours included six Leinster Championships and a National League title.[3] He won a Railway Cup medal as captain of Leinster in 1954.

Management career

In retirement from inter-county hurling, McGovern joined the selection committee of the Kilkenny senior hurling team in 1967. His eleven-year association with the team yielded five All-Ireland Championships, numerous Leinster Championships and a National League title.

Personal life and death

McGovern was born in Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny in March 1932.[4] He began his working life with Bennettsbridge Creamery before later working with Esso. McGovern died in Bennettsbridge on 24 February 2022, at the age of 89.[5][6]

Honours

Player
Bennettsbridge
Kilkenny
Leinster

Selector
Kilkenny

References
  1. Commins, Michael (26 August 2008). "Hurling and the Hollywood link". The Mayo News. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  2. "Kilkenny cause major upset". Irish Times. 3 September 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  3. "Leinster Senior Hurling Finalists" (PDF). Leinster GAA website. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  4. O'Sullivan, P. M. (27 October 2018). "Johnny McGovern a lifetime at the heart of Bennettsbridge". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  5. Cribbin, Robert (25 February 2022). "Former Kilkenny hurler Johnny McGovern has passed away". Kilkenny People. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  6. "Johnny McGovern RIP". Kilkenny GAA website. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
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