Education
He attended Street Munchin"s College, Limerick.
He attended Street Munchin"s College, Limerick.
Rea was an All-Ireland runner-up on one occasion. At club level Rea was a three-time county club championship medalist with. He began his career with Effin.
Club Rea began his club hurling career with Effin before joining Dublin club in 1968.
lieutenant was with the latter club that he enjoyed his greatest success. After losing the 1969 championship decider, were back in the final again the following year.
A defeat of Saint Vincents gave Rea his first championship medal. Inter-county Rea"s performances at club level brought him to the attentions of the inter-county selectors and he soon joined the senior team
In 1973, after eighteen years in the doldrums, finally made the provincial breakthrough.
A last-gasp free by Richie Bennis secured a narrow 6-7 to 2-18 defeat of Tipperary in the provincial decider and a first Munster medal for Rea. later lined out as underdogs in Croke Park for an All-Ireland showdown with reigning champions and injury-ravaged Kilkenny. A downpour spoiled the game for spectators, however, a Mossie Dowling goal eight minutes after half-time, together with a tour de force by Richie Bennis powered to a 1-21 to 1-14 victory and secured a coveted All-Ireland medal for REa. In 1974 maintained their provincial dominance.
Rea captured a second Munster medal following a 6-14 to 3-9 trouncing of Clare.
This victory allowed Rea"s side advance directly to the All-Ireland final where Kilkenny provided the opposition once again. The Cats were back to full strength and set out for revenge.
In spite of this stormed into an early lead, however, this was diminished as Pat Delaney, Eddie Keher and Mick Brennan scored goals. lost the game by 3-19 to 1-13. Inter-provincial Rea also had the honour of being selected for Munster in the inter-provincial series of games but enjoyed little success.
Rea joined the team during the 1964 championship and was a regular member of the starting fifteen until his retirement after the 1974 championship.