Pat Fleury

Patrick "Pat" Fleury (born 18 May 1956) is an Irish former hurler who played as a right corner-back for the Offaly senior hurling team.

Born in Drumcullen, County Offaly, Fleury first played competitive hurling during his schooling at Presentation Brothers College in Birr.

He arrived on the inter-county scene when he first linked up with the Offaly minor team before later joining the under-21 side.

In 1973 he won an All-Ireland colleges medal in the "B" grade.

During his studies at University College Galway, Fleury was an automatic inclusion on the college hurling team.

In 1974 he was just out of the minor grade when he won a championship medal in the junior grade.

Fleury first came to prominence on the inter-county scene for Offaly at both minor and under-21 levels, however, he had little success in either of these grades.

After making some appearances in the pre-season Walsh Cup, Fleury made his senior championship debut in a 6–6 to 4–12 Leinster quarter-final draw with Kildare.

He made his senior debut during the 1975 championship.

Fleury later became a regular member of the starting fifteen and won two All-Ireland medals and four Leinster medals.

In 1977 he was captain as UCG faced Maynooth College in the final of the inter-varsities championship.

A narrow 1–14 to 1–12 victory gave Fleury a Fitzgibbon Cup medal.

Fleury played his club hurling with Drumcullen.

He was a regular starter in the league over the next few seasons, however, it wasn't until 1977 that he established himself as a member of the championship team.

In 1980 Offaly emerged from the doldrums to qualify for only their second provincial decider in fifty years.

Reigning All-Ireland champions Kilkenny provided the opposition, however, a remarkable 3–17 to 5–10 victory gave Fleury his first Leinster medal.

Offaly's dream season came to an end with a defeat by eventual champions Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Offaly proved that their success was more than a flash in the pan by reaching the provincial final again in 1981.

Fleury collected his second Leinster medal that year as Offaly defeated Wexford by 3–12 to 2–13.

This win allowed Offaly to advance to a very first All-Ireland final with reigning champions Galway.

After fourteen minutes Pat Carroll scored the opening goal of the game for Offaly, however, neither side built up a strong lead.

Straight after the interval goalkeeper Damien Martin was doing great work when he batted out an almost certain Galway goal.

With just over twenty minutes left in the game Galway led by six points, however, the team failed to score for the rest of the match.

Offaly, on the other hand, ate into this lead.

Johnny Flaherty's controversial hand-passed goal with three minutes was the deciding score of the game.

At the full-time whistle Offaly were the winners by 2–12 to 0–15.

It was a first All-Ireland medal for Fleury.

After suffering back-to-back Leinster final defeats to Kilkenny, Offaly triumphed once again in 1984.

A 1–15 to 2–11 defeat of Wexford gave Fleury a third Leinster medal.

Offaly subsequently advanced to the centenary All-Ireland final at Semple Stadium in Thurles.

On the day, however, Cork were far too strong for Fleury's team.

Although far from being a classic game Offaly were defeated by 3–16 to 1–12.

The All-Ireland-winning captain of 1985, Fleury was an All-Ireland runner-up on two occasions.

As a member of the Leinster inter-provincial team on a number of occasions, Fleury ended his career without a Railway Cup medal.

At club level he was a one-time championship medallist in the junior grade with Drumcullen

Throughout his career Fleury made 31 championship appearances.

He retired from inter-county hurling following the conclusion of the 1986 championship.

In retirement from playing Fleury became involved in team management and punditry.

He managed the Offaly senior hurling team for one season while he is a regular contributor as a hurling analyst and co-commentator on GAA Beo.

During his schooling at the Presentation College in Birr, Fleury established himself as a key member of the senior hurling team.