O’Sullivan: Mahony a once-in-a-generation leader

Sweeping contently and effectively at the heart of the Ballygunner defence was Philip Mahony.

Ballygunner manager Darragh O'Sullivan

Ballygunner’s first game back after winning the All-Ireland club in February 2022 was a challenge game away to Sars. As Ballygunner took to the field at Riverstown, the home players clapped them on. Such respect is never forgotten.

So when Ballygunner manager Darragh O’Sullivan was asked if he’d have preferred a tougher and more taxing outing ahead of their latest Munster meeting with Na Piarsaigh, he was not going to give a reply that was in any way disrespectful of the Cork champions.