Final salute to Rebel legend ‘Canon’ O’Brien

The sporting community in Cork and beyond turned out in force yesterday to honour the memory of renowned hurling coach Archdeacon Michael O’Brien, whose funeral took place in his native Innishannon following Mass in St Mary’s Church yesterday.

The chief celebrant was the Bishop of Cork and Ross, John Buckley, who was joined by retired Bishop Pádraig O’Donoghue of Lancaster and Westminster (a native of Mourneyabbey), parish priest Fr Finbarr Crowley and former Munster Council PRO Fr Seamus Gardiner, along with a representative group of priests from various parishes, including former Cork selector Fr Denis Kelleher.

From the GAA world, ex-Tipperary manager Babs Keating — his ‘adversary’ in the 1990 Munster hurling final — was amongst the mourners, along with former Tipp stars Pat Fox and Nicky English (a five-times Fitzgibbon Cup winner) and a large gathering of former Cork hurlers who included Justin McCarthy, joint-coach with Canon O’Brien of the 1984 All-Ireland-winning team and Gerald McCarthy, trainer of the successful 1990 side.