Paddy O’Shea: Challenge is to keep young players involved beyond minor

WHEN the dedicated and loyal players of Cork football are brought up in discussion surely the former St Vincent’s and Cork football goalkeeper Paddy O’Shea will be documented.

Even though, GAA wasn’t his number one sport in his early years.

“Although I was involved with Vincent’s from a young age soccer was my number one sport up to when I was 15 but my love for GAA soon enticed me back to be a committed player for the Saints,” he said.

O’Shea’s journey began with Vincent’s on a serious note when playing with their U15 side that was ironically coached by the legendary Keith Ricken.

“Keith coached me at a young age and that U15 team went on to win the county and in later years the same group of players went on to win Premier Minor county football championship in 1998 the first time the club had achieved this feat,” he added.

The following year, 1999, was also one to remember as Paddy captained the Cork minor football team to a Munster title as Paddy recalled how the special group of players continued to represent the club with dignity and honour.

“We actually won the Premier Intermediate Football Championship in 2006 but sadly in 2007, two teams were relegated as the Barrs joined us in the relegation zone from the senior grade.

“We met the Barrs in the 2008 Premier Intermediate final but sadly they defeated us after a replay but we were very competitive for the next few years before winning it again in 2012.” 

TASK

The location and community that St Vincent’s draw from is working class and Paddy was quick to praise the work of club colleagues in their quest to keep the show on the road.

“I have had guys from other clubs over the years citing it’s difficult for any club in any area in the present society we live in but they acknowledge that our club probably have a tougher task in keeping young lads on the straight and arrow to keep playing past the Minor grade.

“I have witnessed some serious talent in our club over the years that chose different paths but on the plus side I have also seen the positive side of some great young men still involved with the club.” 

The policy of Keith Ricken over the years has always been that St Vincent’s is much more than a football and hurling club.

The simple fact of the matter is the team I grew up with and played with all my career is down to the work that Keith put in and I can honestly state you would go a long way to meet a better group of men.

“Keith went beyond and above what he did for us and I am sure my former teammates would vouch what I have just stated as in my book outside of his football knowledge he is a wonderful counsellor.” 

He was called up to the Cork panel in 2004 when Kevin O’Dwyer was the main man between the posts and ended up collecting an All-Ireland medal in 2010 and featuring in senior championship wearing the number one geansaí.

For the past two years, Paddy has been the goalkeeping coach with the Cork footballers and he will continue in the job for the coming campaign under John Cleary.

On a final note, Paddy was quick to praise the contribution that Tomás Singleton and his family give to St Vincent’s and many sporting organisations.

“The generosity of the man is incredible and I think many sports would have struggled without him and for me, we are all lucky to have this man in our community.”