Limerick won’t be overawed by Déise challenge, insists O’Brien

THESE are interesting times in the O’Brien household in Bruree.

Thirty four years ago, 1973, Jim was corner-back on the last Limerick team to win the All-Ireland title; this Sunday, and provided he is picked to start, his son James will captain Limerick in the Munster senior hurling final in Thurles, against Waterford.

They’d be a quiet enough family, the O’Briens; big and hardy men, (father and son both well over six foot, wide and raw-boned) well able to look after their own corner, but not much given to boastfulness.

Yet it has been a stellar year for the big man from Bruree; so impressive was he as Limerick won their first All-Ireland title in 33 years, he also picked up an All-Star award, two hurling pinnacles scaled in one year.

Yet, there is one achievement where the son has it over the father. Last year, for the first time in their own history (they did manage it as part of a district side way back in the mists of time), Bruree won the Limerick county senior championship.

It’s because of that win by the club that James now finds himself in his current position with the county, captain-in-waiting. Because there is such massive competition for places around midfield and half-forward – his area of operation – James is not guaranteed his start in any game, corner-back Damien Reale taking over the captain’s duties in those situations.

Against Tipperary, however, in both the replay and second replay, James made an appearance, took over the captaincy on the latter occasion; each time, he looked completely at ease, comfortable at this level of competition.

“I’ve put in a huge effort this year,” he admits. “The fact of being captain — a chance in a million, you have to take it seriously, you have to look after yourself. It’s not any added pressure, or any added responsibility, but it’s definitely an added incentive, a huge honour, one you can’t take lightly.’’

Of course Limerick, as a team, have had much more than a taste of championship, at this stage – three semi-final games against Tipperary saw to that. Now, with that saga behind them, there’s a feel good feeling building, Shannon-side.

“The first game against Tipperary fellas had been waiting for six months, you couldn’t gauge how we were going. After that game though we realised we’re as good as Tipp, we’re better than Tipp, and now we’re in a Munster final. It’s gas what a win does to a team — the self-belief soars, it seeps through to the supporters as well.

“People are just taken over by the whole thing, which is marvellous. A lot of these fellas would have been into the soccer or the rugby, now they’re mad to go to Thurles this Sunday. Mind you, it’s long overdue.”

They’ll be underdogs against Waterford, same as they were against Tipperary – again, no problem, says James. “I wouldn’t read too much into that one way or the other. Maybe it would suit us, I don’t know, but it’s only a tag. Waterford are entitled to be favourites anyway, they beat Cork, who were many people’s favourites for the All-Ireland, probably still are, after dismantling Dublin.

“Waterford are a flaking team and they’ve improved again this year. We won’t be overawed by them, or by the occasion. Thurles, Munster final, this is the day. I remember going there, watching Cork, Tipp, replays, and it was like fairytale stuff for us, you think it’s a different world. We’re waiting for the last few years for something like this happen, now it’s here.

“We were there for the U-21’s, big days, a lot of the lads played in those. It wasn’t a full house, but 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, what’s the difference in noise levels? Once you’re on the field, you’re on the field, the crowd isn’t really a factor. It helps when they’re behind you but it wouldn’t affect me.

“At an ould tournament game now it’s nearly worse, you can hear distinctive voices effing and blinding – take him off, he’s useless!

“On a big day though it’s just constant, a continuous hum, rising and falling, but you don’t hear anything specific – ah, it’s brilliant, I love it. It keeps you going.”