Fermanagh's evergreen hurling star, 40-year old Ollie McShea has been praised for his bravery in insisting to play the full 70-plus minutes for his county last Sunday in a vital Division 4 National Hurling League game against South Down, in Down despite having been informed hours earlier that his father, James (87) had died.

His team manager, Tom Walsh told the 'Herald' it was left to the player: "To start with, he wanted the match to go on. He told us, play away' and insisted on playing himself for the full game. In the circumstances, it was a brave thing to do and, no a day when nothing went right for us, he played as well as anyone."

Fermanagh lost, although results next Sunday could still see them in the Division 4 final.

Ollie's former club and county colleague, Kevin Corrigan said he wasn't surprised he played.

"I would expect that of him. That's the kind of character and sportsman that he is.

"There aren't many 40 year olds can do what he does and, certainly not in the circumstances of last Sunday."