James Woodlock caps off an incredible twelve months with Garda College hurling win
The former Tipperary hurling star has managed teams to success across different grades
James Woodlock hoisted the Ryan Cup this afternoon, capping off a year to remember as the former Tipperary hurler has had a key role in success for hurling teams, at both colleges and intercounty level.
The Drom-Inch native was on the line earlier today for the Garda College as they beat the fancied TUD team in the Ryan Cup final (0-19 to 1-13) ensuring that the Garda College won their fifth ever title, with Woodlock incredibly involved in 4 of the 5 successes.
It is the first time that the Garda College have won back-to-back titles (2024 and 2025) while they previously claimed wins in 2017 and 2020 with 'Woody' also part of the set up. Their only other win arrived thirty years ago, back in 1995.
It has been an incredible twelve months for James Woodlock overall - as he helped the Garda College to two Ryan Cup wins and a league title as well as managing the Tipp minors to Munster and All-Ireland glory - with many hailing the All-Ireland final victory last May over Kilkenny as one of the greatest ever as the visitors played with just thirteen players taking on fifteen.
The Dan Breen cup medalist, who works in the Garda College, has now led the Tipperary minors to two All-Ireland wins in three campaigns (2022 and 2024) as well as four Ryan Cup triumphs with the Garda College.
The current Garda College team had to dig deep to win the final today. Tipperary senior hurler Dylan Walsh (Ballingarry), goalkeeper Daryl Ryan (Roscrea) and Watergrasshill star Daire O'Leary played key roles as they overcame TUD at the Connaught Centre of Excellence.