James Skehill
Personal information
Irish name Séamus Ó Sceacháil
Sport Hurling
Position Goalkeeper
Born (1988-02-22) 22 February 1988
Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland
Height 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Occupation Contract manager
Club(s)
Years Club
2003–present
 Cappataggle
Club titles
Galway titles 0
Colleges(s)
Years College
2005-2009
 Limerick Institute of Technology
College titles
Fitzgibbon titles 1
Inter-county(ies)*
Years County Apps (scores)
2007–2020
 Galway 24 (0-00)
Inter-county titles
Leinster titles 3
All-Irelands 1
NHL 2
All Stars 0
*Inter County team apps and scores correct as of 14:44, 17 October 2019.

James Skehill (born 22 February 1988) is an Irish hurler who plays as a goalkeeper for club side Cappataggle and previously at inter-county level with the Galway senior hurling team.

Playing career

University

During his studies at the Limerick Institute of Technology, Skehill was selected for the college's senior hurling team. On 10 March 2007, he won a Fitzgibbon Cup medal as LIT won the title after a 2-16 to 0-13 defeat of the NUI Galway in the final.[1]

Club

Skehill joined the Cappataggle club at a young age and played in all grades at juvenile and underage levels before joining the club's top adult team.

On 9 November 2008, Skehill was on the panel when Cappataggle defeated Killimordaly by 1-10 to 0-11 in the final of the Galway Intermediate Championship.[2] He later won a Connacht Championship medal following a 0-14 to 2-07 defeat of Four Roads. On 5 February 2009, Skehill was an unused substitute when Cappataggle were defeated by 2-14 to 1-12 by Blarney in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park.[3]

On 8 November 2014, Skehill won a second Galway Intermediate Championship medal after a 0-19 to 1-08 defeat of Ahascragh-Fohenagh in a replay of the final.[4] A day later he won the East Galway U10 League after a 0-15 to 1-10 defeat of Ballyhaunis in the final.[5]

Inter-county

Minor and under-21

Skehill first played for Galway as goalkeeper on the minor hurling team on 23 July 2005. He made his first appearance in a 3-13 to 1-11 All-Ireland quarter-final defeat of Wexford.[6] In the subsequent All-Ireland final on 11 September 2005, Skehill kept a clean sheet and claimed a winners' medal after Galway's 3-12 to 0-17 defeat of Limerick.[7]

Skehill was eligible for the minor grade again the following year. On 3 September 2006, he was in goal when Galway were defeated by eleven points by Tipperary in the All-Ireland final.[8]

By 2007 Skehill had progressed onto the Galway under-21 hurling team. On 8 September 2007, he won an All-Ireland medal after keeping a clean sheet in Galway's 5-11 to 0-12 defeat of dublin in the final.[9]

Skehill's final two seasons ended with All-Ireland semi-final defeats by eventual champions Kilkenny and Clare.[10][11]

Intermediate

On 1 July 2015, Skehill made his first appearance for the Galway intermediate hurling team.[12] He later won a Leinster Championship medal following Galway's 1-20 to 0-11 defeat of Wexford in the final.[13] On 8 August 2015, Skehill won an All-Ireland medal after Galway's 0-23 to 0-14 defeat of Cork in the final.[14]

Senior

Skehill made his first appearance for the Galway senior hurling team in 2007 against Tipperary in the NHL. His second was in a 2-24 to 3-17 National Hurling League defeat of Clare on 10 February 2008.[15] He later made his championship debut on 28 June 2008 in a 6-21 to 1-10 defeat of Antrim at Casement Park.[16]

Over the next few seasons Skehill made several National League appearances, however, Colm Callanan was Galway's first-choice goalkeeper for the championship.[17][18] On 2 May 2010, Skehill won a National League medal as a non-playing substitute following Galway's 2-22 to 1-17 defeat of Cork in the final.[19]

On 8 July 2012, Skehill was in goal for Galway's first ever Leinster Championship title following a 2-21 to 2-11 defeat of Kilkenny in the final.[20] He later lined out in goal for Galway's All-Ireland final meeting with Kilkenny on 9 September 2012. Galway led by 1-09 to 0-07 at half-time, however, it took a 73rd-minute free from Joe Canning to level the scores a 2-13 to 0-19.[21] In Galway's final training session, Skehill dislocated his shoulder and was a doubt for the replay.[22][23] Medics gave him a "20-80" chance of playing, however, Skehill was named on the starting team and lined out in goal on 30 September 2012. The injury affected his puck-outs, which were much shorter, while he also kicked a ball away from his own goalmouth instead of stooping to lift it. Skehill later admitted that even with a heavy dose of painkillers every puck-out "was like getting stabbed".[24] He left the field in a distressed state at half-time, with Galway trailing by 1-11 to 2-04, and was replaced in goal by Fearghal Flannery. Galway eventually lost the game by 3-22 to 3-11.[25][26] Skehill ended the season by being nominated for an All-Star award.[27]

After a winter of recuperation, Skehill returned to the Galway panel in May 2013.[28] He returned as first-choice goalkeeper for the Leinster Championship but was replaced by Colm Callanan for the All-Ireland Championship.[29]

On 11 March 2014, news broke of Skehill's shock departure from the Galway senior panel. Selector Damien Curley stated: "There is no real spin to put on it at all, James just told us after training on Friday night that he wanted to leave the panel. We spoke with him and tried to talk him round, but he was adamant he wanted to leave. He works in Cong and I think the long drive over and back to training might have something to do with it. Apart from that I don’t know why he might have decided to leave."[30][31][32] Skehill later admitted that he had lost his "bite" for the game.[33]

After a period of time in the United States, Skehill returned to the Galway senior panel for the 2015 season. On 6 September 2015, he was an unused substitute in Galway's 1-22 to 1-18 defeat by Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final.[34]

On 23 April 2017, Skehill was sub-goalkeeper when Galway defeated Tipperary by 3-21 to 0-14 to win the National League.[35] Later that season he won his second Leinster Championship medal as an unused substitute after Galway's 0-29 to 1-17 defeat of Wexford in the final.[36] On 3 September 2017, Skehill was sub-goalkeeper for Galway when they won their first All-Ireland in 29 years after a 0-26 to 2-17 defeat of Waterford in the final.[37]

On 8 July 2018, Skehill won a third Leinster Championship medal, his second on the field of play, following Galway's 1-28 to 3-15 defeat of Kilkenny in the final.[38][39] On 19 August 2018, Skehill lined out in goal for Galway's 3-16 to 2-18 All-Ireland final defeat by Limerick.[40] In the 58th minute he was replaced by Fearghal Flannery after injuring himself when he went to block a Cian Lynch shot at goal. [41]

Skehill announced his retirement form inter-county hurling in January 2021.[42]

Inter-provincial

Skehill has also been selected as goalkeeper for Connacht in the Inter-provincial Championship.[43]

International

In 2007, Skehill was selected for the Ireland national hurling team. He was in goal for the 4-10 to 0-11 defeat by Scotland in the Shinty/Hurling International Series.

Career statistics

As of match played 15 June 2019.
Team Year National League Leinster All-Ireland Total
DivisionAppsScoreAppsScoreAppsScoreAppsScore
Galway 2008 Division 1B 70-00—30-00100-00
2009 Division 1 10-0000-0000-0010-00
2010 40-0000-0000-0040-00
2011 00-0020-0030-0050-00
2012 Division 1A 40-0020-0030-0090-00
2013 00-0020-0000-0020-00
2014 00-00——00-00
2015 00-0000-0000-0000-00
2016 60-0000-0000-0060-00
2017 Division 1B 20-0000-0000-0020-00
2018 60-0060-0030-00150-00
2019 10-0000-00—10-00
2020 Division 1A 20-0000-0000-0020-00
Total 330-00120-00120-00570-00

Honours

Limerick Institute of Technology
Cappataggle
Galway

References

  1. ↑ "Canning shows his class". Irish Times. 12 March 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
  2. ↑ Reilly, Terry (8 September 2012). "Future is bright as Cappy proudly standing together". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  3. ↑ "Blarney lifted by magical Murphy". Irish Independent. 16 February 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  4. ↑ Glennon, Stephen (13 November 2014). "Cappataggle make no mistake in final replay". Connacht Tribune. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  5. ↑ "No end to Galway's dominance in Connacht IHC final". Irish Independent. 10 November 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  6. ↑ "Galway make no mistake". Irish Times. 25 July 2005. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  7. ↑ Hickey, Paddy (12 September 2005). "Galway glee as goals put paid to gutsy Limerick". Irish Independent. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  8. ↑ Cummiskey, Gavin (4 September 2006). "Tipp feast on Galway carcass". Irish Times. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  9. ↑ "Galway triumphant in U21 All-Ireland hurling final". Irish Examiner. 9 September 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  10. ↑ "Clean sweep still beckons for Kilkenny". Irish Times. 25 August 2008. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  11. ↑ "Honan helps Clare to go extra distance". Irish Times. 24 August 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  12. ↑ McDonald, Brian (1 July 2015). "Michael Rice returns - but it's first blood for Galway in a big week against Kilkenny". The 42. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  13. ↑ Dwyer, Michael (16 July 2015). "Senior stars shine in historic Leinster title win for Galway against the champions". The 42. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  14. ↑ Barry, Stephen (8 August 2015). "Galway trounce Cork to win All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling title". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  15. ↑ "Fabulous Flaherty just not enough to halt Tribesmen". Irish Independent. 11 February 2008. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  16. ↑ "Galway too good for Antrim in All-Ireland qualifier". Breaking News. 28 June 2008. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  17. ↑ "Galway's changing of the guardian". Irish Independent. 5 September 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  18. ↑ O'Riordan, Ian (5 September 2012). "Learning to shoulder the responsibility of the last man back". Irish Times. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  19. ↑ O'Flynn, Diarmuid (3 May 2010). "Galway shine brightest". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  20. ↑ Moran, Seán (8 July 2012). "Electric Galway leave Cats frazzled". Irish Times. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  21. ↑ Moran, Seán (10 September 2012). "Canning's nerves of steel earn Galway another tilt at the title". Irish Times. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  22. ↑ "Galway goalkeeper James Skehill suffers shoulder injury but Cunningham names unchanged side for final". RTÉ Sport. 29 September 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  23. ↑ O'Toole, Fintan (28 September 2012). "Skehill suffers injury scare for Galway while Kilkenny hand debut to Walsh". The 42. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  24. ↑ Keys, Colm (2 October 2012). "It was like someone stabbing you with a knife, admits Skehill". Irish Independent. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  25. ↑ O'Flynn, Diarmuid (1 October 2012). "Back to basics works for merciless Kilkenny". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  26. ↑ "Skehill raging with himself". Hogan Stand website. 2 October 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  27. ↑ O'Riordan, Ian (4 October 2012). "Galway top list with 14 as Kilkenny earn 12". Irish Times. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  28. ↑ O'Toole, Fintan (16 May 2013). "Galway face goalkeeping dilemma with Skehill's return to fitness". The 42. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  29. ↑ Fogarty, John (29 July 2013). "Clare charge gathers pace". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  30. ↑ Rooney, Declan (11 March 2014). "Shock as goalkeeper James Skehill quits Galway hurling squad". The 42. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  31. ↑ "James Skehill quits Galway hurling squad". RTÉ Sport. 11 March 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  32. ↑ Rooney, Declan (11 March 2014). "Galway stunned as Skehill quits". Irish Independent. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  33. ↑ Keane, Paul (23 July 2015). "Envy drives James Skehill toward success". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  34. ↑ Moran, Seán (6 September 2015). "Clinical Kilkenny retain All-Ireland hurling title". Irish Times. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  35. ↑ Moran, Seán (24 April 2017). "Tipperary shellshocked as Galway storm to 10th league title". Irish Times. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  36. ↑ Clerkin, Malachy (2 July 2017). "Galway put down the Wexford revolution". Irish Times. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  37. ↑ "Emotions run high as Tribe end agonising 29-year wait". Irish Examiner. 4 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  38. ↑ Fogarty, John (8 July 2018). "Galway hold their nerve against Kilkenny in Leinster final replay". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  39. ↑ "Donoghue hoping Galway's big-day experience proves a trump card". Irish Times. 15 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
  40. ↑ McGoldrick, Seán (19 August 2018). "Limerick are All Ireland hurling champions for the first time in 45 years following epic victory over Galway". Irish Independent. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  41. ↑ "All-Ireland final lightning strikes twice for Skehill". Hogan Stand. 21 August 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  42. ↑ "Veteran Galway goalkeeper James Skehill announces retirement". The 42. 1 January 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  43. ↑ O'Rourke, Steve (1 March 2014). "Leinster claim Interprovincial hurling title with win over Connacht". The 42. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
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