Johnny Leahy

Who was Johnny Leahy?

John "Johnny" Leahy was an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Tipperary senior team.

After joining the team for a tournament game in 1909, Leahy made his proper debut during the 1914 championship and was a regular member of the starting fifteen until his retirement after the 1928 championship. During that time he won two All-Ireland medals, five Munster medals and one National League medal. An All-Ireland runner-up on two occasions, Leahy captained the team to the All-Ireland title in 1916 and 1925.

At club level Leahy was a nine-time county club championship medalist with Boherlahan-Dualla.

In retirement from playing Leahy became involved in the coaching and administrative affairs of the GAA. He served as chairman and secretary of the Tipperary County Board for lengthy periods, while he was also an All-Ireland-winning selector.

Leahy was the member of a famous hurling dynasty in Tipperary. His younger brothers Paddy, Mick and Tommy were also All-Ireland medalists.