Scoring a hat-trick in an All-Ireland final will do that for you…
A week ago, Shane O’Donnell was just another talented young member of the Clare hurling panel. Now, after rattling in 3-3 against Cork on Saturday to help the Banner to their first All-Ireland in 16 years, he’s a bona fide superstar.
The 19-year-old has had his image all over the front and back pages, and a fine prank played on him by team-mate Podge Collins did his profile no harm either. Now, he has taken the next step as a baby has already been named after him.
Today’s Irish Mirror reports that Laura and Mark Hinsley are calling their new arrival Shane, after encountering him in Cratloe on Sunday night.
“I started getting pains on Sunday night but we went out to Cratloe to see the Clare team coming back with the cup,” the happy mother tells the paper.
“My 11-year-old Emily met Shane O’Donnell and the rest of the team and they all signed her jersey so she was delighted with herself.
“But when I came home I started to get some pains.”
By Monday morning, Mark and Laura set off to hospital but the baby arrived early, and was born in the car near Bunratty.
“We’re big into hurling and Emily has a huge crush on Shane O’Donnell so she’s delighted we’re calling him Shane.”
The first of many little Shanes running around Clare over the next few months we suspect.
