Na Piarsaigh doing things right on and off the pitch to ensure the club is ready for championship

When Na Piarsaigh lost their premier senior status in hurling after the 2022 season following a 20-point defeat to Charleville it brought a huge reality check to all concerned at the northside club.

For chairman Colin O’Sullivan, now in his second year in the hotseat, the determination to get back to the top tier is a priority.

O’Sullivan is a hardworking clubman and the recent launch for the forthcoming championship was attended by many past and present members.

“Coming up to the championship we want to try and do things a little different to try and engage with the players and instill the importance of want it means to our club,” Colin said.

Outside of the players getting the message to the grassroots membership was also crucial.

“We also wanted our members and supporters all singing from the same hymn sheet in front of our club sponsors Zartis,” added O’Sullivan.

Zartis came on board last season and O’Sullivan believes outside of the financial side they actually care for the club.

“The CEO Padraig Coffey played with the club and to have seven members of his board of management at the launch really shows how much they respect our club.

“For the players and members to listen to Padraig and what they are doing for the club is very important as for us to fulfill our ambition we need everybody working in a positive way.” 

The launch was attended by former greats of the club that included Sean Og O'hAilpin, John Gardiner and Tony O’Sullivan, as well as other prominent players that have donned the jersey over many years.

The Echo deputy sports editor Eamonn Murphy acted as MC in a question and answers session that gave the large attendance a better insight of the club.

“Our first priority is to get back up to premier senior but that will take a big effort and this year’s championship I feel is very open and I do honestly feel we are in there.

“We have been plagued with injuries during the league campaign but have a few guys coming back at the right time and hopefully we will be right for the start of the championship.” 

Na Piarsaigh have lost a few players through emigration, but O’Sullivan believes every club have that problem in this city and county.

“When you are at senior level it happens, that players decide to travel and there is little you can do about it only pray and hope you have players coming through to replace them.” 

The demise of football in the club has also come under scrutiny and Colin is delighted in the manner players and selectors have responded to the wake up call.

“We are doing well again in football as we are in the final of the McCurtain Cup and the Junior footballers are working hard for their manager Denis O’Sullivan.” 

When you are chairman of a senior club in GAA it takes a lot of voluntary time but Colin O’Sullivan seems to be relishing the challenge.

“I have learned a lot more this year in terms of what we must do and certainly we are on the right track as we had some players on the Cork Minor and U20 hurling panels.

“In a nutshell, I can see the conveyor belt moving again and this launch was important for players to hear what we are doing for our club and what the plans are going forward.” 

The contribution of Zartis and its CEO Padraig Coffey is crucial to Na Piarsaigh and he gave a riveting speech about what the club did for him in life when he stopped playing.

“Look as a chairman I would like to think our club will help young people going forward when they finish their playing careers and I think Padraig Coffey is a great example of what we are all about as people.” 

At the fantastic Na Piarsaigh facility they have a fully functional bar and Colin took the opportunity to thank the community for supporting them.

“It is important that we are seen as a major player in our community and generally the people that support us respect what we do for the younger generation.” 

The present coaching staff of the senior A hurling team that include John Gardiner, Sean Og OhAilpin, Christy Connery, Mark Mullins and Ronan McGregor are doing incredible work according to the chairman.

“This is their third year at the helm, and they are doing trojan work and its very simple we want all our young players to do is too look at making the grade to the top level of hurling and football at our club.” 

This year Na Piarsaigh have been pitted against Killeagh, Carrigtwohill and Fermoy and O’Sullivan is aware it will be another challenge come August.

“No easy game for us but we love the challenge and hopefully the lads will be ready to battle for our club.”