Greg Blaney

Who is Greg Blaney?

Greg Blaney is an Irish former dual player who played Gaelic football and hurling for Down in the 1980s and 1990s.He was one of the all time greats both tough and classy as a hurler and footballer.He was a tough man and a truly great dual player. He is chiefly remembered as a footballer. He was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. Blaney also won three Ulster Senior Football Championships and a National League title with Down. He also had a distinguished underage career with the county - winning Ulster Minor, Ulster Under 21 and All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship medals. He also won three All Star awards during his career.

In football he usually played at centre half forward. He was a brilliant reader of the game. He was renowned for his vision, ball-winning and play-making abilities. His excellent passing skills set up countless chances for team-mates. His understanding with Down corner forward Mickey Linden has been described as "near telepathic". It has been said that he made the Down "attack tick with his shrewd play and inventiveness". Blaney was also able to score himself.

Blaney is a legend in Down GAA circles, and is known as one of the county's best ever footballers. In 2009 to mark the 125th anniversary of the Gaelic Athletic Association he was named by The Irish News as one of the all-time best 125 footballers from Ulster.