Jim Ware (hurler)

James "Jim" Ware (1908–1983) was an Irish hurler who played as a goalkeeper for the Waterford senior team.

Ware made his first appearance for the team during the 1926 championship and was a member of the starting fifteen at various times until his retirement after the 1949 championship. During that time he won one All-Ireland medal and one Munster medal. In 1948 Ware captained the team to the All-Ireland title.^[1][2]

At club level Ware won a remarkable eleven county championship medals with Erin’s Own.

Early & private life

Jim Ware was born in Cork in 1908. He was born into a family that would later go on to have great success at the game of hurling. Jim, Charlie, Jack and Murty Ware all had great success with their club, however, Jim and Charlie were the only two that had success at inter-county level. Ware’s family moved to Waterford when he was still a young boy. He was educated there at the De La Salle school, a virtual academy for young hurlers. Ware later worked as a bookbinder in Harvey’s shop in Waterford. He was married to Alice O’Donnell, a poet and playwright.

Playing career

Club

Ware played his club hurling with the Erin’s Own club in Waterford and enjoyed much success. He won his first senior county title in 1927. It was the first of nine consecutive county victories for Ware and his club. He won further county honours in 1942, 1946 and 1947.

Inter-county

Ware first served as goalkeeper on the Waterford senior hurling team in the 1920s. He played in many Munster finals, however, victory always seemed to go the hurling kingpins of the province – namely Cork, Limerick and Tipperary. When Waterford finally claimed the provincial title in 1938 Ware wasn’t on the team. He also missed the Decies All-Ireland final show-down with Dublin which Waterford lost.

In 1948 Ware was in the twilight of his career when he was appointed captain of the team. Having been defeated by Cork in the provincial decider of 1943, both sides qualified for the Munster showpiece once again in 1948. While Cork were the favourites a close game developed. Just a single point separated the sides at the full-time whistle as Waterford won by 4-7 to 3-9. It was Ware's first Munster medal.^[3] A subsequent defeat of Galway at the penultimate stage set up an All-Ireland final meeting with Dublin. The Metropolitans got off to a slow start and only recorded their first score, a point, after twenty-two minutes. Waterford powered ahead and had a nine-point interval lead. Dublin fought back in the second-half, however, Waterford took control towards the end. A 6-7 to 4-2 score line gave Baston a coveted All-Ireland medal. He also had the honour of collecting the Liam MacCarthy Cup for Waterford's maiden championship title. Ware still holds the record of being the oldest All-Ireland winning captain.

After failing to defend their provincial and All-Ireland crowns in 1949 Ware retired from inter-county hurling.

Inter-provincial

Ware also won Railway Cup honours with Munster in 1944, 1945 and 1949.

References