Steva Riordan

Stephen “Steva” Riordan was an Irish sportsperson in the early 1900s who played hurling with the famous Blackrock club.

Born in Ballintemple, County Cork, Ireland, Riordan first tasted hurling success in 1902 when he won a senior county championship title with Dungourney. The following year he won a second county title, however, this time it was with the famous Blackrock club. This victory opened up the way for the club, with Riordan as captain, to represent their native-county in the All-Ireland trail. He proved to be an excellent leader and guided Cork to a Munster victory over Waterford. Riordan’s side later trounced London in the championship decider, giving Riordan his first All-Ireland title. Six months after this in 1904 he collected a gold medal as Cork defeated Wexford to win the Croke Cup competition. Riordan won his second Munster title in 1904, however, Cork were later defeated in the All-Ireland final as Kilkenny won their first championship title. Three years later in 1907 he collected a third Munster title, however, Kilkenny once again defeated Cork by a point in the All-Ireland final.

Following this defeat he still continued to play club hurling with Blackrock, winning many more county titles over the next decade. He also took part in the War of Independence and was interned at Ballykinler Camp in County Down.