Tributes paid to late Wexford hurling great Pat Nolan

Pat Nolan (photo via Wexford GAA)

Wexford GAA have paid tribute to goalkeeping great Pat Nolan, who died at the weekend aged 84.

Nolan was a fixture between the posts in a successful era for Wexford hurling, winning three All-Ireland medals in total during a lengthy career, two of them on the field of play.

The Oylegate-Glenbrien goalkeeper was part of the Wexford senior set-up for 19 seasons, between 1956 and 1974.

He won his first Celtic Cross at the age of 19 as a sub goalkeeper on the Wexford side that completed two-in-a-row with a famous victory over Cork in '56.

Nolan took over the goalkeeper spot following the retirement of Art Foley in 1957 and won his first All-Ireland title on the field of play in 1960, when Wexford overcame Tipperary in the decider.

A third medal arrived in 1968, when Wexford rustled up five goals to again edge Tipp in the final.

Nolan also won six Leinster titles and three National League medals in the course of a glittering career. He won four Railway Cup medals with Leinster, starting in 1971.

His last inter-county medal was the 1972-73 National League title, won at the age of 35.

Wexford GAA paid tribute to their former goalkeeper in a statement this morning, offering their condolences to his family and friends.

"Wexford GAA wish to extend their condolences to the family, friends and club of the great Pat Nolan.

"Pat arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of seventeen when he first linked up with the Wexford minor team. He joined the senior team as sub-goalkeeper for the 1956 championship.

"Pat went on to play a key part for Wexford during a hugely successful era for the county, and won three All-Ireland medals, six Leinster medals and three National Hurling League medals. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on three occasions.

"As a member of the Leinster inter-provincial team on a number of occasions, Pat won four Railway Cup medals. Throughout his career he made 36 championship appearances retiring in 1974. One of Pat's proudest moments was the 1963 senior county title with his beloved Oilgate-Glenbrien.

"Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."