Cullion hurler Stephen Earley's woodcarving skills are perfectly demonstrated in this wonderful wood sculpture of Kilkenny captain James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick raising the Liam McCarthy Cup in 2008.

The carving, made from native ash timber, took 18 months to complete and encapsulates a glorious moment in Irish sport in a truly unique way.
Stephen told the Westmeath Topic: "It's something I'm very interested in and I don't think it's ever been done before. I was working at it for a year and a half and I'm delighted with the finished product."
The young Cullionmore man has taken a keen interest in carpentry since his days as a woodwork student in Colaiste Mhuire, Mullingar, under the guidance of teachers Niall O'Brien and Kieran McLoughlin. Living only a puck of a sliothar from the Cullion GAA grounds, Stephen also has a strong interest in hurling and plays with the club. His carpentry skills could easily be family-linked, with one uncle a woodwork teacher and another working as a carpenter in England. His great grandfather worked as a cooper.
Stephen's project began when he acquired the ash from neighbour, Michael Harte and the base of the sculpture contains the original bark. He's also very grateful to Finian Whelehan of Knockdrin Joinery, who left his spraying facilities at Stephen's disposal to put the final touches to the sculpture.
A former student of GMIT, where he graduated with an Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying, He is keen to continue working in carpentry and his furniture making skills can be seen around the home. He's also available to work on any kind of garden furniture and, given the quality of his latest project, he may well be in demand.
"I want to thank Maura Grehan, Secretary of Coiste Scór in Croke Park, for allowing me permission to measure the Liam McCarthy Cup for the project. Also, I'm very grateful to Rackard Coady, a member of the Kilkenny backroom team, who allowed me access to the cup and was very helpful," he said. Tweet

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