Two brothers, three titles in seven golden weeks for Limerick's O'Brien family
Former Limerick hurler Ciarán Carey along with current panel members Shane O'Brien and Aaron Gillane at the launch of Legends 4 Milford.
The O’Brien household in Kilmallock could hardly have dreamed of a better June and July. In seven weeks, a Munster Championship and two different All-Ireland titles were brought back to South Limerick.
Teenager Gavin bagged an unforgettable equalising goal, key to a first All-Ireland minor title for the Treaty since 1984, while older brother Shane played his role in both of the senior final wins for Limerick, as they saw off Cork and later, Galway.
Their father, Adrian, was there too, as S&C Coach with the seniors, as a near fully fit Treaty side collected more silverware in this golden era of Limerick hurling.
Shane collects a second Celtic Cross, having been in the extended panel in 2023.
The mini-tour of the Treaty County enjoyed by the players was something O’Brien really savoured about this latest Shannonside success story.
“It was a brilliant week. Getting to spend those few days with the lads after the game is just unreal, especially after the last two years. We probably missed that as a group, being able to spend four or five days together. It really was a special few days.”
Prior to those Croke Park battles with Clare and Galway, first Championship starts at GAA HQ, ‘The Bull’ was a spectator, as his brother was one of the heroes at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in the minor decider.
“Gavin had a brilliant moment scoring that goal. It's something that he'll live with forever. It was a brilliant goal, and I think they (the minors) had a brilliant time as well. From all accounts, they've done a bit of a tour around Limerick!
“I was delighted for him. I was delighted for all that minor team. We actually would have had Diarmuid Mullins with the minors and the 20s and a few of the coaches. They're brilliant people and I was delighted for them to get a big win like that because they really deserved it."
So, how was Gavin upon his return to home in south Limerick. Humble?
“No, he wasn't actually! He was shoved it in my face. ‘How many All-Irelands have you with the minors?’”, he laughs.
“Myself, Aaron (Gillane) and Diarmuid (Byrnes) watched the match together and Jesus we were jumping around watching it. You wouldn't really get a sense of what it's like being a supporter watching the Limerick games when you're playing but Jesus when you got to watch the lads jumping around the place and you really feel what it's like to be a supporter again.
“At the end of the day we're going to be relying on a lot of these lads in a couple of years and these lads are going to make their way through 20s and some of them will have another year minor again and there's no doubt they'll share the field and work with a few of these lads anyway.”
The conversation returns to his own exploits, and he jumps straight to Leeside, when asked about what other moments stood out in a richly successful 2026.
“I think the Munster final in Cork was just unbelievable. Those two minutes after the final whistle were just electric. It was like an out of world experience, really. I couldn't believe it. We bounced back from adversity, and we have for the last two years. We’ve had a lot thrown in our way – so it was brilliant to get over the line this year.
“It all happened so naturally (celebrating with the City End terrace). After the Munster final I saw a few great videos, and they are moments that will stand out to players even more than scoring a goal in a match.”
So, with John Kiely’s tenure officially now up, there is some chatter the Galbally man could step aside with the team back on top. O’Brien was full of praise for Kiely, and his sidekick, Paul Kinnerk.
“John is very calm. He is a brilliant fella, and what he has done for Limerick over the last seven or eight years is phenomenal. He has brought Limerick to new heights. Outside of the hurling, he is a great fella and very easy to get on with, what you see is what you get.
“Paul is very intense in what he does – nothing is missed. And I think that is what is appreciated by the players, is that no stone is left unturned in terms of training and preparation so it probably feeds into players, we know what John and Paul are giving it everything so it makes it a lot easier, when you know you will get the same in return.”
With 2-4 from play in Kilmallock’s wins over Na Piarsaigh and Doon, it is clear the Bull is targeting even more silverware in 2026, in what has been the most productive season of his fledgling career.
Next up, is a charity golf game.
On Friday, August 21, Legends 4 Milford will pit past and present Limerick hurling stars against Munster Rugby’s best, in a Ryder Cup style event at Ballyneety Golf Course, all in aid of Milford Hospice. O’Brien, along with the likes of Declan Hannon, Aaron Gillane and Ciarán Carey, is set to represent the hurlers, at the home of the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup.
Donations are invited via: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/legends4milfordgolfclassic
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