Brendan O'Connell proud of what he achieved for club and country

For over two decades, Brendan O’Connell lived and breathed football. From his first touch as a young player to captaining Ireland on the international stage, the Rockmount stalwart’s career was filled with memories, medals, and moments that shaped his life.

But as the curtain fell on the 2023/24 season, O’Connell knew deep down that it was time for change — time to focus on another team: his young family.

“At the end of the 23/24 season I just felt that it was the right time to step away,” O’Connell said. 

"I have a young family — Cillian, Ronan, and Leah — and playing was such a big time commitment. I felt I had to be fair to everyone. 

"My wife Colette has always been hugely supportive, and she was very encouraging for me to come to my own decision.” 

That decision didn’t come easily. Football had been more than just a sport for O’Connell; it was a way of life. 

The camaraderie of the dressing room, the rhythm of weekly training, the thrill of match days — it was all he had known for his entire adult life.

“I found it very hard to make the decision because it has been a way of life for me for all of my adult life. 

"It’s taking time to adapt.” 

Brendan O’Connell’s football journey is one that most amateur players can only dream of. A proud Rockmount man, he enjoyed an extraordinary career that saw him represent Ireland at intermediate level a record 74 times, captaining his country on more than 20 occasions.

“It’s hard to pick a highlight. Winning the UEFA Regions Cup in 2015 was fantastic. 

"Our two Intermediate Cups with Rockmount were brilliant too. Going back to my time with UCC, winning three Collingwood Cups in a row was very memorable also. 

"Having the accolade as the most capped Irish intermediate player of all time is something I’m very proud of.” 

His success was built on dedication, consistency, and a love for the game. But O’Connell is quick to credit the people who supported him along the way — especially his parents.

“I’ve been blessed with so many great influences in my career from great coaches at club and international level. 

"But mainly, I’ve been blessed with two fantastic parents, Dermot and Nellie, who were always so supportive and encouraging. 

My dad Dermot, a staunch GAA man, made the transition to coming to most of my games and was always offering great advice and a positive perspective.” 

Since stepping away from football, life for O’Connell has been as full as ever — just in a different way. With three young children, home life is busy, but rewarding. He’s still keeping active and even took up Gaelic football with Glanmire last summer, helping the club to an Intermediate Championship win.

“I like to stay fit and enjoy the gym. I played GAA with Glanmire last summer and we won the intermediate championship, which was brilliant. 

"I really enjoyed that and adapting to the different game.” 

He still attends Rockmount matches whenever possible — and when he can’t make it, he’s glued to FAI Connect to follow the results. He’s also started dipping his toe into coaching, helping out with his son Cillian’s U10 team.

“I’m helping out doing a small bit of coaching with Cillian’s U10 team and it’s enjoyable. 

I think I would maybe like to manage at adult level, but with a young family time is at a premium.” 

Though O’Connell has taken a step back from playing, his passion for football — and in particular, the amateur game — remains as strong as ever. He’s recently been approached about doing some advocacy work for amateur players at FAI board level, a role that appeals to his sense of fairness and experience within the game.

“I had been approached about doing some advocacy for amateur players at FAI board level. That was something that interested me greatly. 

"I believe the amateur game, notwithstanding its significant playing population, doesn’t get the attention or funding it deserves to facilitate its development.” 

ISSUES

He even met with FAI Chief Football Officer Mark Canham about the issue a year ago — though the experience left him a little frustrated.

“I wanted to highlight some pertinent issues for amateur players and the amateur game. 

"I told him that he should appoint Roy Keane as international manager and he laughed smugly and dismissively — which annoyed me!” 

Despite the occasional pang of frustration or nostalgia, O’Connell remains upbeat and grateful. Football gave him lifelong friendships, travel, and memories he’ll never forget.

“As I say, I’m missing playing. But as they say, time waits for no man. I had a brilliant run, made great friends, and enjoyed loads of success.”