John Browne on modern hurling, coaching trends, Cork's dedicated fans and his beloved Blackrock

A three-time All-Ireland winner, Blackrock's John Browne has hurling in his DNA.

Along with his brothers John and Alan, he represented his county with distinction and also enjoyed great success at club level.

Browne remains involved with the Rockies as minor manager and is a passionate Rebel.

He was watching on when Cork lost to Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final but doesn't agree with Joe Canning's argument that Rebel fans booking trains for the final showed the pressure they put on the players. 

"That discussion should not have taken place. To me, the Cork fans are the most loyal in this country. Look, what people did before the semi-final happens all the time, from booking trains, hotels and your day off work on Monday... so Joe’s perception is totally wrong."

In the words of Browne, the Cork fans are the heartbeat of the GAA.

Regarding the recent failure to get over the line, falling short in All-Irelands in 2021, '24 and last year, Browne is adamant they are close to breaking the drought.

“I think a tweak or two and we could be okay. Listen, we have some great talent in our county, and it will happen. 

For now, let’s give Ben and his management team support and hope that lessons are learned for the next campaign.” 

For John Browne, a teak-tough and adaptable defender in his day, nothing beats representing your club and county at the top tier of the sport.

On the coaching side, Browne has certainly given a lot of voluntary hours back to the Rockies on the coaching side.

“I finished playing in 2009 as I was going to do my Masters. When I returned, I got involved with the intermediate team and I suppose since 2011, I have been pretty much involved with many teams in the club up to the senior team.” 

This season, he's over the minors, who are competing in the Premier 1 grade, and is thoroughly enjoying the role.

“I have been involved with these lads since they were 10-year-olds." 

They got their campaign off to a reasonably good start with a draw against the champions Sarsfields at Riverstown in a group that also contains Midleton and Carrigtwohill. 

He was in the management of the senior team from 2019 to 2021 and believes the club isn't far away from landing the big prize again.

“When you look at recent years, they have been there or thereabouts as there hasn’t been too much between the teams at semi-final level and of course losing the final to the Barrs in 2022. Even last season losing to a late free from Conor Lehane in extra time was tough to take.” 

So, after playing and coaching in Cork for many years, how does he rate the standard at club level in the senior championship?

“The skills level are off the charts and in my time, Newtownshandrum were the only club to win Munster and All-Ireland titles. I think Cork have some very decent club teams and I would like to see them competing with the elite in Munster.

“The format of the championships is brilliant in Cork and it would be great to see clubs pushing on and aiming for the top at provincial and national levels.” 

Evolution

The change in hurling from the '80s and '90s to modern hurling is dramatic.

“The skill levels are better but for me everything has changed from playing to coaching. In my time, you had a game of backs and forwards, now you have mobility drills and to be honest its all down to improving players skill levels.” 

Many of the elder lemons feel the modern players are over trained that ultimately brings more injuries but he is adamant that’s a myth.

The real change in the game comes down to the hits that are taking place in games we never had to endure that side of the game, so when you get the hits, injuries come into play.” 

He is a qualified dentist with a practice in Douglas. His commitment to club and county should be commended as he is now trying to guide the next group of hurlers at his beloved Blackrock to the top tier.