Colin O'Sullivan happy to follow in his family footsteps and dedicate his life to restoring Na Piarsaigh's hurling and football fortunes

Na Piarsaigh club on Cork’s northside have produced many quality players since their formation in 1943, and for new chairman Colin O’Sullivan, the work to keep the club thriving and producing quality players will continue.

Colin, who had a distinguished playing career reflected how it began for him with the club that has a special place in his heart.

“For me, I was born and brought up in the club with my father and his family, so it was a no brainer for all my own family to become deeply rooted in this great club,” said Colin.

The O’Sullivan clan are certainly bedded in the Farranree club.

“Our Tony was probably one of the most successful of the family, but the rest got tagged because of his success and skills, but looking back my childhood was all about the club,” added O’Sullivan.

Taking up the challenging position of chairman in a big club is a test for any man or woman but Colin is taking it in his stride.

“Having the knowledge and values of what this club stands for is probably helping me and although it can be difficult at times but for me witnessing kids coming through our gates to play is eye-catching.

“Obviously, we want to be successful as a club on the field but from what I have experienced there is a lot more that goes on off the field that the club plays a massive role in.” 

Just like their neighbouring clubs numbers have dropped in recent years and in the words of Colin that’s a huge challenge.

“We have similar challenges to other northside clubs but I would like to take this opportunity of thanking my fellow committee members and the many volunteers at various levels for the work and time they give to the cause.” 

Over the years Na Piarsaigh lost some key personnel and Colin believes he is working hard to get them back.

“There is great Na Piarsaigh people out there who have moved to different areas and that’s fine as it’s part of life but I am asking them to consider coming back to the club, who is badly in need of you.” 

O’Sullivan is an honest straight-talking gentleman as he openly admits the club took their foot off the gas in recent times.

“We lost our place in the community a little and presently we are rectifying that as we are back working with various schools and this is a huge part of keeping the conveyor belt going in getting youngsters interested in the club.” 

The lack of housing and various other issues is being felt by all clubs in the northside but Colin is adamant they have find other solutions.

“We all know the problems but our aim is to find other solutions in order to get people into our club as we could be harping on about obstacles for many years.” 

In recent times Na Piarsaigh found a new sponsor with a company called Zartis and the chairman was quick to praise their contribution.

“Padraig Coffey is very ambitious and a former player who just like ourselves and in modern times you need an financial input with the costs it takes to run a club.

“Personally, I am looking forward to working with Padraig and his team as I know he has the club at heart and its worth documenting that he approached us such was the impact the club left on him before he started out in life as a businessman.” 

In 2022, Na Piarsaigh suffered relegation from the top tier of Cork Senior hurling but O’Sullivan wasn’t surprise when this happened.

“If I have to be very honest we were sleep walking into relegation as our results on the field were damaging for us as we weren’t competing with the bigger clubs.

“We needed to find our level and now we are in a grade (Senior A) that is difficult test but our management team are putting in savage work and hopefully we can continue to improve.

“What I found when we were relegated is that former members came back to help and now I am pleading with people to reconsider and try and give our great club some help whether it be on or off the field.” 

On the positive note Na Piarsaigh opened their Senior A campaign with a win over Courcey Rovers that was welcomed by all concerned at the club.

“It was a brave and courageous display by the lads and let’s hope we see more of that spirit for the remainder of our campaign.”

Na Piarsaigh will play Carrigtwohill next in three weeks time in the SAHC championship.