Newtownshandrum GAA

A Profile of Bernie O'Connor

THERE is a passion for hurling in Newtownshandrum you won't find anywhere else, and Bernie O'Connor shares that passion. Bernie may be best known for giving his twin sons Ben & Gerry, two of the most gifted young players to burst on to the scene in years, to the game, but he was an accomplished hurler himself in his own right.

A native of Meeling in the Duahllow division, Bernie began his hurling career in the early 1960's and was to become a key player with the club for the next 20 years. During that time he played an important role in Meelin's four-in-a-row teams which won the Duhallow hurling championship of 1970 '71, '72, and '73. Unfortunately for him the coveted county championship medal eluded Bernie as Ballinhassig defeated Meelin in the 1973 decider.

Meelin bounced back to win the divisional title in 1977 but Bernie had emigrated to England at that time. On his return to Ireland a few years later Bernie was once again a key figure for Meelin when they won the divisional title three years in a row, 1980, '81, '82 and added another string to his bow by training the team during that period.

It was around this time that Bernie developed his interest in training teams which was to stand him in good stead when his playing career finally ended, but not before he won his eight Duhallow championship medal in 1986. That year Meelin went all the way to the County final again but had to give best to a very good Ballymartle team on the day.

Bernie's hurling talents didn't go unrewarded and he won an All-Ireland minor Championship medal in 1967 when Cork defeated Wexford. Unfortunately as Bernie says himself, he didn't have the necessary commitment to take his inter-county career to a higher plane.

Following his marriage to Kathleen O'Mahony, Bernie went to live in Newtown and threw in his lot with his local club. It was here he brought his coaching skills to bear and took responsibility for the under-age section of the club with phenomenal success. Today's senior team is the product of some outstanding under age teams of the recent past and the County Final victory on 15th October 2000 was a fitting climax to a great career both on and off the field for Bernie O'Connor, who is the team's coach and trainer.