Oisín Gillain - gone but will never be forgotten 

Today marks the first anniversary of the sudden passing of talented GAA player Oisín Gillain.

The community of Kilbrittain continues to feel the profound absence of a young man whose talent, kindness, and quiet determination left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He left this world at just 18 years of age, a wonderful person on and off the field. Someone who had the respect of everyone he crossed paths with.

Oisín, a gifted GAA player and a proud student of Hamilton High School in Bandon, is remembered not only for his sporting ability but for the spirit and generosity he brought to every aspect of his life.

From an early age, Oisín showed a natural affinity for Gaelic games. Whether togging out for Kilbrittain or representing his school, he played with a blend of skill, intelligence, and heart that set him apart.

At over 6ft 5in, Oisín was an imposing figure despite his young age. He had exceptional talent, his dedication, passion and skill were evident.

Coaches often spoke of his work ethic, his willingness to learn, and his instinctive understanding of the game.

He made midfield his own while helping Kilbrittain win the Carbery U21 B football championship in 2023.

At Hamilton High School Bandon, Oisín was equally admired. Teachers remember a polite, thoughtful student who approached his studies with the same quiet commitment he brought to the pitch.

Hammies claimed history seven days before Oisín passed away when they won the Cork PPS Simcox Cup for the first time. Despite carrying an injury, he was introduced after 45 minutes in the final.

It was just written in the stars that his beloved Kilbrittain would win all around them last season as their hurlers created memories that will last forever while also having Oisín not too far away.

The number eight jersey was retired for the campaign that saw the Carbery outfit win the Co-Op SuperStores Premier JHC before winning the Munster and All-Ireland titles.

The loss of someone so young and full of promise is something no community can prepare for. Over the past year, Kilbrittain and Hamilton High School Bandon have come together in grief, remembrance, and solidarity.

Matches have been dedicated in his honour, moments of silence observed, and stories shared each one a reminder of the impact Oisín had in his short but meaningful life.

His family, who have carried their grief with remarkable strength and dignity, continue to be held in the thoughts of neighbours, friends, and the wider GAA community. Their love for Oisín, and the love he showed in return, remains at the heart of every tribute paid to him.

As we mark this first anniversary, Oisín is remembered not only for the player he was, but for the young man he became, kind, grounded, talented, and deeply cherished. His memory lives on.

His mother, Catherine, was kind enough to chat to The Echo in recent days. 

“Since Oisín’s sudden passing from SADS last March, Oisín’s family have been carried by an extraordinary wave of love and support, for which we are deeply grateful.

“Oisín loved life, fun and laughter, but most of all he loved people – his sisters, family, cousins, his close and wide circle of friends, his classmates from Hamilton High School Bandon, and his teammates who shared so many pitches, buses and dressing rooms with him.

“Oisín’s family want to especially thank Keith Hunt Sports and Kilbrittain GAA for the two beautiful jerseys designed in Oisín’s memory. They are eternal gifts that we will always treasure and wear with pride.

“To Kilbrittain GAA, management and hurlers, who carried Oisín’s spirit from the Minor final all the way to the historic All-Ireland Junior hurling triumph in Croke Park, their respect, words at every win, visits to his grave with each cup, and their singing of 'Ramenez la coupe à la maison' will stay forever.

“Thanks to so many people for the support over the past 12 months.”