How Tomás O’Connor went from a late starter to Kerry full-back

The footballer from Ballymacelligott played his first-ever game of hurling in 2013

Kerry's Tomás O'Connor catches the sliotar above Michael Bradley of Antrim during the Joe McDonagh Cup Final at Croke Park. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Tomás O’Connor’s story isn’t that of the ultimate late bloomer, but rather the very, very late starter.

22-year-old O’Connor was full-back on the Kerry hurling team that reached last year’s Joe McDonagh Cup final. His performances throughout the truncated season earned him selection at corner-back on the Joe McDonagh Cup team of the year.