Cloyne’s brothers in arms

‘THE BROTHER’ was a comic but credible character created after the Second World War by the great columnist Myles na gCopaleen, kept alive nowadays in a superb one-man show by actor/comedian Eamonn Morrissey.

But of course, The Brother has always been with us. You needn’t necessarily be talking about your own, in fact you generally were not; the talk would be centred on a certain individual when someone, anyone, would suddenly introduce The Brother.

Ah yes, The Brother, always a different kettle of fish altogether.

On the Cloyne senior hurling team that faces Na Piarsaigh in the Cork senior hurling county final this Sunday, there are five O’Sullivan brothers on the starting 15. Only one of them, however, qualifies as The Brother.

Even in non-hurling homes, Diarmuid O’Sullivan is known the length of breadth of this island, and beyond.

Since 1999, at the age of 21 (not the tender age of 21, tender not being a word one would associate with this hurling colossus), when he burst onto the inter-county scene, he has back-boned the Cork defence from full-back.

An All-Ireland medallist and Allstar in that first all-conquering season, a second All-Ireland has already been garnered this year, another Allstar set to follow. A legend in the making, not in the mould of the greatest Cloyne-man of all, Christy Ring, The Maestro, but creating an aura of his own. The Rock, The Rock of Cloyne. The Brother.

However, just for a change, rather than having everyone else talking about The Brother, for the purpose of this piece we thought it would be a good idea to have The Brother talking about the others. His brothers.

Starting from the back, Eoin plays corner-back, Donal hurls on the opposite half-back wing to Diarmuid, Colm leads the attack from the 40, while youngster Páidí poaches from the corner.

None of the brothers have quite the stature of Diarmuid, the eldest, a 6’1” 15st powerhouse; none are shrinking violets either, not even the baby.

First up for discussion, corner-back Eoin; first surprise also: “Fellas have often asked me who was the hardest opponent I ever faced; it’s Eoin.

“He’s always been there or thereabouts, I don’t think he’s ever played a bad game for Cloyne. Had a great game in the semi-final.”

Wing-back Donal: “Incredible credit has to go to this man. Up to two or three years ago, he didn’t have much interest in hurling. Alright, he played a bit at home, but I think it was because he felt under pressure to do so, that if he didn’t, he’d be leaving people down at home. No one realised how good he actually is, and since he’s been putting in an effort, it’s incredible the strides he’s made. Playing really well; he’s honest, that’s the biggest thing about him. He’ll never shy away from anything, training, matches, nothing, it’s not in his nature.”

Centre-forward Colm, the man who almost single-handedly beat the All-Ireland club champions in the semi-final, notching 1-4 from play off no less an opponent than Pat Mulcahy: “I always knew the potential was there, but maybe he didn’t have enough self-belief. At this stage I think he realises he’s good enough to make the grade if he wants to, at any level.”

Corner-forward Páidí, the kid: “What can you say? He’s still only 15, won’t be 16 until November 21. He’s been a surprise to a lot of people around the county I suppose, but we were only waiting for the day that he’d come along and do the business. We needed a few more quality forwards to go with those we had, a goal-poacher especially, because goals win games.

“That’s one area where he’s been exceptional, all the way up along the grades. Didn’t make the Cork minors this year, but without any disrespect to them, I’d say they’re sorry men he didn’t. He went up one day to a trial and they were short a ’keeper so they put him in goals, never looked at him again after that. Looking at their performance against Galway though in the All-Ireland semi-final, the amount of ball that was breaking around the square, it would have suited him down to the ground. I don’t want to criticise the selectors, every fella has his own mind, but I think he was definitely worth a look anyway.”

Finally, however, The Brother on The Brother, but only in the Cloyne context. Many people are surprised to learn he doesn’t play either of the central defensive positions for his club.

Killian Cronin holds the fort at full-back, Maurice Cahill dominates at centre; Diarmuid plays on the wing, normally a province associated with the purest of hurlers, the wristy intelligent stickmen. Two surprises here.

First, Diarmuid is actually a wristy, intelligent stickman, an outstanding ballplayer; second, well, we’ll let him fill us in on that himself.

“I’m not good enough, and I’ll tell you straight. Those two have been exceptional for Cloyne, incredible. Maurice has been there for years, a magnificent centre-back; at full-back, you just know you can trust Killian, you could bet your house on him every game you go out. Donal Óg (’keeper) knows that too, which is very important, so do the lads beside him, the lads up front.

“I’m quite happy on the wing, that’s where I want to stay.

“This management team has been fantastic, but I asked them to play me in one position only; if needs be, maybe a second one, but please don’t move me around so much I can’t get settled into a game. In fairness, they’ve been consistent with me.”

There he is then, The Brother, one of five O’Sullivans this Sunday.

Question is, will he still be The Brother on Sunday evening? Or will it be one of the others, as it was with Colm in the semi-final?

“Diarmuid played well, didn’t he?”

“Yeah, but what about The Brother? Sure didn’t he win it for them!”