Collins: opportunity knocks for Gillane

December 13, 2024

Cork's Brian Hayes shoots past Jason Gillane of Limerick

Podge Collins has tipped Jason Gillane to fill Nickie Quaid’s boots between the Limerick posts next year.

Quaid is set to miss the 2025 inter-county season with an ACL injury, leaving Gillane, Conor Hanley Clarke and the returning poacher-turned-goalkeeper Shane Dowling to battle it out for the number one spot. Former Clare dual star Collins knows Gillane well from coaching the Mary I team he helped to Fitzgibbon Cup glory earlier this year and is in no doubt about his ability to perform at the highest level.

 “I’d have great time for Jason as a goalie and as a person,” Collins said of Aaron’s younger brother at the 2025 Fitzgibbon Cup draw in Croke Park.

“I think he’s excellent. He’s going to have plenty of competition for it; there are going to be two or three other goalies that he’s going to be competing with.

“They’re going to pick whoever is the best alternative to Nickie, who is a very hard man to replace. I’ve heard so many talk about him the last couple of weeks, about everything he’s so good at and everything he can do. How dedicated he is and how much he thinks about hurling and the amount of time he gives to it. It’s going to be down to who sacrifices the most, puts in the most effort and gives it the right amount of time.

“I think if Jason does that, I’d probably have him number one. I hope he does give it a go. From dealing with him last year, I really enjoyed my time with Jason.

“But it’s a great opportunity for Jason and the other lads going for the goals. It’ll be interesting, it’s probably one that will have everyone on the outside looking on [to see what happens].


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