Former Kilkenny hurler Jim Treacy has died at the age of 82. Treacy, from Bennettsbridge, captained the Stripy men to their 1967 All-Ireland triumph over Tipperary. It was a significant victory with the team having lost two of the previous three finals. It also marked a first win over neighbours Tipperary in the final since 1922.
He was a well regarded defender and picked up a first All-Star Award in 1971, the first year they were presented, and another one the following year.
Treacy also won All-Irelands with Kilkenny in 1969 and 1972 and 1974, while he was part of the extended panel for the victories in 1963 and 1975 before retiring. This week, the Kilkenny Observer pays tribute to one of the giants of Kilkenny hurling.
All tenacity and intelligence, Jim Treacy turned the much maligned role of defending into an art form. He set and maintained consistently high standards throughout his illustrious career. He was a fearless competitor, brave in the tackle and assured on the ball. With the minimum of fuss Jim dominated opponents and demolished many an inflated ego in the process. The complete team player, he often sacrificed his own instincts for the greater glory of the county unit. Not renowned as the fastest of players, his reading of the game allowed him time and space to affect clearances. He adhered to the Fr Maher mantra of defending: ‘Get it out of the danger area.’
You rarely saw Jim Treacy send raking clearances. Usually it was the deft flick or the short puck to a well placed team-mate. Jim firmly believes that hurling is a game of inches: those between the two ears. Although he played in an era when the physical demands of defending were immense, this redoubtable Bennettsbridge man never flinched. In the fiercest of battles Jim Treacy was unflappable, always hurling with assurance and composure. There is no doubt that his performances bear favourable comparison with players from any era. Indeed, after consultations inside and outside the county, there is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that Jim Treacy is possibly the best left full-back that ever played the game.
Club man
Speaking at the weekend, a representative for Bennettsbridge GAA club said that all members were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Jim. “When the history of Kilkenny hurling is written, Jim will be recognised as one of the great corner backs” said the spokeperson.. The club also remembered Jims brothers Martin, Michael ,Sean and Paddy. “After retirement Jim , along with his wife Marie , was heavily involved with Bord na Nóg and always supported the club in anyway possible, be it helping out in the grounds or in fundraising of any kind.”, concluded the spokesperson. The club provided a guard of honour for Jims removal.
Key Role
Treacy first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty when he first linked up with the Kilkenny senior team. He joined the team during the1963 championship. Treacy went on to play a key role over the next decade, winning four All -Ireland Medals, eight Leinster medals and one National League medal. He captained the team to the All-Ireland title in 1967. At club level Treacy was a five-time championship medallist with Bennettsbridge. Throughout his career Treacy made 30 championship appearances. He retired from inter-county following the conclusion of the 1975 championship.
The Kilkenny Observer wish to thank the following for photos used: Kilkenny Library service, Eoin Hennessy, The Stripy Men book by Joe Cody, Willie Dempsey and Mary Morgan communications officer at Kilkenny GAA
