John Carroll (hurler)

Irish sportsman

John Carroll (born 16 January 1978) is an Irish sportsman. He played hurling with his local club Roscrea and with the Tipperary senior inter county team. He won an All Ireland Senior hurling medal (2001) and an All Star award (2000). He usually played in the half forward line or full forward line later in his career, but operated as a defender in his earlier career.

John Carroll was born in Roscrea, County Tipperary in 1978. He was educated locally and later became a star at club and inter county hurling.

Carroll played his club hurling with his native Roscrea with whom he won a North Tipperary Senior Hurling medal in 2004. Carroll first tasted inter county success when he captained the Tipperary Under 16 team to the 'Nenagh Co Op All Ireland' title in 1994. Since then he has played for Tipperary at minor and Under 21 level, winning an All Ireland minor medal in 1996 and a Munster Under 21 medal in 1999. Carroll made his competitive debut for the Tipperary senior hurlers in the 1997 National League semi final against Galway. Carroll made his Championship debut against Waterford in the Munster Championship in 2000. He won his first All Star that year. 2001 proved to be a good year for Carroll as a hurler. He was a key member of the panel when Tipp won the National League, the Munster Championship and the All Ireland Championship. Carroll also won a Railway Cup medal with Munster in 2001. Carroll was one of the most versatile players on the Tipperary team. Although his best position was centre back, he played as a full back when he made his debut in 1997. Similarly, he has won an All Star award at wing back while playing in the centre forward position the following year. Carroll has also played Gaelic football with the Tipperary senior team. Coached Colt GAA club, Co. Laois successfully in 2008/09 and 2009/10 keeping them in the club Senior hurling ranks.