Cork's Colin O'Brien honoured after Fitzgibbon Cup success 

Mary Immaculate College Limerick are this spring celebrating their thrilling triumph in the Fitzgibbon Cup, one of the most prized possessions in the hurling game. 

For Churchtown/Liscarroll Gaels it too was a special occasion as one the most famous sons Colin O'Brien had the honour of leading the team in the two points win over defending champions UL.

Colin showed nerves of steel as he hit a crucial injury time free to push his team into a winning position and help trigger huge scenes of celebration for the side managed and inspired by Kilbrittain's Jamie Wall. 

This win was extra special for the teaching training college as not alone was it their third triumph and first since 2017, but it also ended UL's fourteen game unbeaten run as they aimed for a coveted three in a row triumph.

Last week, with the dust well settled on that memorable day, Colin O'Brien took centre stage again as he received the latest 96FM/C103 monthly GAA award at a function hosted by joint sponsors Rochestown Park Hotel. 

It was time to reflect and recall a day that will certainly stand the test of time for the popular North Cork native.

"I suppose it was a very moment for me and for my club to be captain and obviously made it even sweeter when we overcame UL. 

"I don't think many people gave us a chance going into the game, when they looked at the depth of inter-county players they had on their panel. 

"We decided to just go fifteen on fifteen from the start and see how the game progressed," commented Colin.

"They got a real purple patch during the second half, but we managed to stay in the match and clawed it back towards the end of the hour. 

"To be honest it's an amazing competition for the players - it's the closest you get to playing inter-county without actually lining out for your county. 

"For younger players coming on it's really significant to get any bit of game time at this level."

Like all observers, the influence of coach Jamie Wall was highlighted by Colin reviewing this latest Mary I success story.

"Jamie's enthusiasm and affection for hurling is unbelievable. Whilst we obviously enjoyed the good days in the final at Abbeydorney, Jamie has been with us through thick and thin, during all the league games and challenge matches in all kinds of weather. 

"The dedication he has shown to Mary I has been unbelievable. To win it as a player in 2013, then as manager in 2017 and now after seven years to win again is amazing. 

"Then we had his first cousin Podge Collins with us and it was very emotional after the game for both of them.

"For me, it was obviously extra special to step up afterwards and receive the cup from a Corkman, Larry McCarthy also. 

"There was only Jack Murphy from Dromtarriffe apart from Jamie and myself involved. 

"Personally, it's really nice to be recognised in my own county when I come back to receive this award. 

"It's a proud day to be a Corkman when you are lifting the Fitzgibbon Cup on behalf of such a talented group of players."

Colin now goes forward to take his seat at the top table at the end of season award banquet as the latest monthly winner.

With the College year behind him and the formal celebrations concluded, he is now looking to club activities and the pursuit of junior silverware in the season ahead with Churchtown/Liscarroll Gaels..

"We lost the semi final last year, but with the addition of a few players coming up from juvenile ranks, I think we will be stronger. 

"A few of the lads have been involved with Cork panels. The breeding is good, it's trying to be patient and biding our time," concluded Colin who is now something of a veteran having made his championship debut seven years ago at the age of seventeen.