Rugby star Patrick Campbell looks back on All-Ireland triumph with Cork minors: 'We had a special bond'

The Cork minor footballers claimed All-Ireland glory in 2019. 

One of their key players and was considered a rising star at the time was Nemo Rangers' Patrick Campbell.

He played in the forward department seven years ago in Croke Park when the Rebels defeated Galway in the final on a scoreline of 3-20 to 3-14.

He would though switch sports when after completing his Leaving Cert, Campbell opted to play rugby over GAA and joined Young Munster before moving on to the Munster senior panel. 

“Winning the All-Ireland is one of my fondest memories in my sporting career,” he says.

“It was a special campaign against the odds having lost to Kerry in the Munster final. We got the goods in the end in terms of going all the way. We got great confidence from our performance against Kerry. We lost narrowly that day having lost heavily to them in an earlier round.

“If we didn’t play Kerry again before the All-Ireland campaign, it could have gone a bit differently.

“People kind of rallied behind us and inspired us especially after the Cork U20 footballers won their All-Ireland a few weeks before us. It brought great joy to people around the county.

“We were always quietly confident in ourselves and what we were capable of. Many people were surprised that we did go all the way, but in pre-season, we were beating teams from all over the country.

“We had a special bond and we knew our capabilities. We knew that on our day, we could be the best team in the country and we proved that.” 

Campbell is currently playing rugby with Ealing Trailfinders in London having left Munster midway through last year.

Growing up though, GAA was always the number one.

“I must have been around four or five years of age when I was introduced to the GAA,” the now 23-year-old said.

“My cousin would have played with Nemo Rangers and my dad was always keen for me to play with them. I idolised my cousin and wanted to be a footballer. I was alright at the hurling but preferred the football.

“Playing with Nemo Rangers was my childhood dream and I have nothing but fondness for the club.

“I was combining the GAA and rugby and I enjoyed that.” 

Campbell was tipped to be one of Cork football’s future stars when he was part of the All-Ireland minor success in 2019, but he had a big decision to make. 

“We had a match against Glanmire and it was the last football game that I played.

“It was a very tough decision. I actually originally picked GAA over rugby and the day after, my dad said that I had one opportunity to play professionally whereas the GAA will always have your back and will always be there.

“I have no regrets, I do miss the GAA though.

“It’s just part of life. Hopefully down the road when I hang up the boots from playing rugby that I can go back into the GAA.

“I am enjoying my rugby career at the moment and have made great memories in recent years, but without a doubt, part of me does miss playing GAA.”