Kilmeen's five bands of brothers line out together for the first time

Kilmeen currently have five sets of brothers competing at junior level in 2025.



A remarkable feat for the West Cork club. Four of these players are still eligible at minor level and are joining the adult ranks for the first time this year.

The five sets of brothers involved are Olan and Cian Murphy, Joe and Tim Bailey, Oisín and Conor O’Sullivan, Joe and Ben Barry, and Liam and Brian Daly. 

Olan Murphy, Tim Bailey and twins Joe and Ben Barry have now made their debuts at adult level this year.

There is a mix of youth and experience across these brothers. All of the players are eligible to play at U21 level this year, with the exception of the Daly brothers, Liam and Brian, and Cian Murphy.

In total, six minor players have joined the junior squad – Joe Barry, Oisín Harrington, Olan Murphy, Jason Murray, Ben Barry and Tim Bailey. This young cohort of players have a winning mentality having won a number of titles at underage level.

They have won three county titles in the past three seasons, two hurling crowns and one in football. Some of the players have been involved in Cork development panels and they have shown great dedication in their short careers. Winning is a habit and they hope to bring this habit to the junior set-up.

The brothers all played together for the first time in a 0-14 to 1-8 victory over championship opponents Randal Óg earlier this month in the Dubliner Cheese Carbery-Beara Division 2 Football League opener in Rossmore.

In the Bandon Co-Op Carbery JAFC group stage, Kilmeen will take on holders Kilmacabea, Argideen Rangers and Randal Óg this season.

Kilmeen have never won this competition in their history. They have won the Carbery JBFC with the last title coming in 2022.

Kilbree is the hurling side of the club, they have three brothers on their junior team, Patrick, Eamon and Ray Shanahan. The team also have the O'Donovan brothers, Joseph and Martin. A real family affair. 

In the RCM Tarmacadam Carbery JAHC this year, Kilbree will face Ballinascarthy, Clonakilty and Kilbrittain’s second team in the group stage.