Brian Whelahan

Brian Whelahan (born 23 August 1971) is an Irish former hurler who played as a left wing-back at senior level for the Offaly county team.

Born in Banagher, County Offaly, Whelahan first played competitive hurling whilst at school in St Brendan's Community School. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of fifteen when he first linked up with the Offaly minor team, before later lining out with the under-21 side. He made his senior debut during the 1989 championship. Whelahan went on to play a key role for Offaly during a hugely successful era for the team, and won two All-Ireland medals, four Leinster medals and one National Hurling League medals. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on two occasions.

As a member of the Leinster inter-provincial team on a number of occasions, Whelahan won two Interprovincial Cup medals. At club level, he won a record four All-Ireland medals with Birr, while he also claimed seven Leinster medals and twelve championship medals.

Throughout his career, Whelahan made 55 championship appearances, second only to Joe Dooley in Offaly's all-time rankings. His retirement came following the conclusion of the 2006 championship.^[1]

Whelahan's father, Pad Joe, and his brothers, Simon and Barry, also played with Offaly.

In retirement from playing, Whelahan became involved in team management and coaching. At club level, he took charge of club sides Camross and Kiltormer before serving as manager of the Offaly senior team for a two-year spell.

Whelahan is widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers in the history of the game. During his playing days, he won four All-Star awards, as well as being the first person to be named Texaco Hurler of the Year on two occasions. He has been repeatedly voted onto teams made up of the sport's greats, including at left wing-back on the Hurling Team of the Millennium in 2000.