I have yet to meet a man or woman in Clare who doesn’t know Niall O’Connor (also affectionately known as “Joino” or “Gino”). Niall is one of the most outspoken and vocal members of the Eire Og Junior A team that are competing in the Clare Junior A championship hurling final next Saturday, Oct 8th in Tulla (time to be confirmed) but behind all this, is a very loyal, extremely helpful, and amiable man. If he could carry your load for you, he would.

We shouldn’t forget that back in pre-Covid times, when we were all bemoaning the state of the GAA in Clare, Niall was the one who set out a different vision for his beloved Clare. He laid out a new strategic vision which resulted in the “Saffron & Blue Plan” launched in late 2021 which is a 5-year strategy plan for the Clare GAA. The most recent step in this regard is the exciting appointment of Deirdre Murphy, a former Clare camogie All Star from Clooney as Clare COO. All of this is required to ensure Clare GAA doesn’t fall behind in the hurling and football world. None of this would been achieved without Niall’s vision and more importantly, his drive and articulation of that vision. In addition, Niall has been a staunch and vocal supporter of the recent enhancements that we all have seen in Eire Og with the addition of the dugouts, ball-wall, stand and hopefully a new gym and dressing rooms in the future.

On playing front, Niall has an ever present on the Eire Og adult hurling teams for the past decade, putting the sliothar over the black spot with ease and for fun. Plus, Niall has successfully guided several Eire Og underage teams to championship success over the years. From those underage teams, a few lads now share the adult dressing room with Niall.

Niall O'Connor in action vs Crusheen

This year, Niall was slow finding his top form but really stepped up in the championship quarter-final in the town derby against the Banner where Niall really stood out in the 2nd half when the game could have slipped away from Eire Og. He was instrumental in driving the team forward and added a few points from play for good measure.

Btw, I was told not mention sliothars, Cork and Semple Stadium so I won’t 😊 - here’s Niall O’Connor;

1. Name – Niall O Connor

2. Position – Forward

3. Occupation/Career - Sales

4. Date of Birth/Age – 32 years young!!

5. Where were you born – Limerick maternity on All Ireland hurling day 1990

6. When did you start hurling – Early 90s with my father in the garden & up and down to Killanena watching him play (poorly!!)

7. Biggest influence on your career to date – My parents, John Russell, Matt Shannon & Gerry Curran

8. When did you start playing with Eire Og – 1998 when Pat Treacy pulled me in prior to the urban board

9. Cups/trophies to date – Junior A championship 2018 and a few underages under Gerry & John Russell

10. Have you played for Clare/intercounty – Nothing worth talking about!

11. Favorite thing about Eire Og – The community, family feeling and togetherness across the club the past few years

12. What other sports have/do you play (besides hurling)- Golf on a rare occasion

13. What's your favorite TV show/film- Line of Duty

14. Favorite music – Bryan Dolans rendition of the Galway Shawl

15. Favorite meal – Chilli Eggs from Sweet N Green

16. What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite for a drink & why – Paudie O Shea, Roy Keane and Enda Howard – The two boys would put manners on Howardy.

17. What would you change about the current GAA & why – I would put a stop to the drivel been spouted by “experts” on the split season! 2022 has been a season for everyone.

18. What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA – Following Manchester united around Europe, beating David Reidy in golf & hanging out with Elaine (In that order!)

19. What's the best piece of advice you ever received – Your only as good as the people around you – Sport, Business or friendships/Family

20. What's your favorite sporting memory – Shane's tour de force September 2013 and Junior championship win 2018.

21. In 5 years’, time I hope to be – Hurling Intermediate with Eire Og

Niall putting the sliothar over the black spot.