What exactly makes Cian O’Neill such a good coach?

“I’ve had many coaches who have Masters and everything but I didn’t find them too good. Their personal skills and man-management wouldn’t have been hectic. Cian was great at that. Don’t get me wrong, if you cross him, he’d let you know how felt as well."

WHAT MAKES A COACH: Cian O'Neill has left his mark with all the teams he has worked with. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

In early 2006, South Africa lit the Kerry bat signal. They were looking for a Gaelic football specialist to tour their Super 14 rugby clubs and teach the fundamentals of fielding. Mickey Ned O’Sullivan, a coaching enthusiast to his bones, answered the call.

The invitation came through former Irish rugby international Conor O’Shea, whose father, Jerome, was a Kerry legend. O’Sullivan, a 1975 All-Ireland winner, was managing the Limerick footballers but made room in his schedule for a whirlwind, eight-day odyssey. Also on the trip was former England full-back Jonathan Callard and the two struck up a friendship.