A different world: Munster rugby star Tomás O’Leary on lining out for childhood GAA club

Tomás O’Leary will line out for Erin’s Own in tomorrow’s Cork JAFC final at Páirc Uí Rinn. The European Cup champion with Munster and Grand Slam winner with Ireland only returned to football a few weeks ago, having retired from rugby in July.

O’Leary played his first game back for Erin’s Own as a sub on October 2, the same weekend the club’s senior hurlers were knocked out in a replay. He drew the winning free in the following week’s quarter-final with his first touch, before scoring an extra-time goal in the semi-final draw with Kilmacabea. His first start came last Saturday and a late lead point was the most crucial of the three he kicked from full-forward.

Q: You’ve played in a Heineken Cup final and Grand Slam decider, so what does playing a county final with your club mean to you?