Just three short words - “Agus Sin É. 2011—2025,” herald the end of Willie Dunphy’s illustrious inter-county career

JUST three short words - “Agus Sin É. 2011—2025,” said it all. One of Laois’s most noted and distinguished hurlers had made the decision to step away from the county team After 14 years representing the county at senior level, Clough/Ballacolla’s Willie Dunphy decided to call time on his inter-county career on New Year’s Eve. And he did in the simplest, unassuming way by posting on Instagram “Agus Sin É. 2011—2025.” No razzmatazz, no showing off. Maher stepped down just as he played – definite and distinguished but most definitely not arrogantly or boastful.

Over his amazing 14-year career with the Laois team Maher let his hurling do the talking. He represented Laois at minor and U/21 before making his senior debut in 2011. Two years later he collected a National League medal with Laois, when they won Division 2A in 2013 and he added a second in 2024.

Dunphy was fortunate enough to have played his part in a few memorable Laois team, the most notable no doubt being 2019. That year he played a central role in Laois capturing the Joe McDonagh Cup when they beat Westmeath in the final.

Seven days later they produced another miracle of a performance when they welcomed Dublin to O’Moore Park and beat them in the All-Ireland Preliminary quarter-final. Unfortunately their campaign came to an end when they fell to Tipperary in Croke Par in the quarter-final.

Dunphy was also honoured when selected to captain the Laois team as 2023.

Thankfully his team mates in Clough/Ballacolla will not be saying goodbye to him where he has been and continues to be a key-player. Over his time with Clough/Ballacolla he has won eight Laois Senior Hurling Championship medals, his first way back in 2009. His eighth senior medal, coming just a few months ago, was particularly memorable as it was the club’s fifth title in six years.

And would be against him winning another couple.