Horgan’s heroes

“As you get older, it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary,” as Mr E Hemmingway said.

Leinster rugby star Shane Horgan and one pillar of Kerry’s attacking twin towers Tommy Walsh certainly agree; I had a quick chat with both about their own sporting inspirations.

“Muhammad Ali is someone I’ve always looked up to,” says Horgan, “Boxing is a sport I’ve a great interest in and Ali is someone who was obviously a boxing star – but transcended that,” says Horgan.

“I don’t really know if modern icons like Tiger Woods are more bland really. It was a different time and there really aren’t the battles there to be fought like there was for Ali – racism, Vietnam all that.

“But there certainly has been a whole mythology built up around him with Norman Nailer’s book (The Fight) and I suppose the When We Were Kings film.

Kerry footballer Tommy Walsh, who’s rangy style and aggressive running reveals a hoops fan, insists Michael Jordan is an inspiration.

“Just like Star (Kieren Donaghy) I also played a lot of basketball when I was younger and there was no one to match Micheal Jordan.

“Watching him really inspired me to get out here and practise and of course like all the young lads I was always decked out in the latest Air Jordan gear.

“He was no angel, certainly, but he had to be tough. He was the best there was and you don’t get there by not standing up for yourself.”