The bells are ringing…

(this photograph appeared in Croke Park 2007, Limerick v Kilkenny)

Wedding Bells

Andrew O’Shaughnessy, one of the greatest hurlers ever to have worn the green and white colours of Kilmallock and Limerick and who terrified many a defence in his day, has finally met his match.

On next Friday, the 19th October he will marry the lovely Eimear Curtain, from Tournafulla. Eimear is a member of the Mungret National School teaching staff. The wedding ceremony will take place in Tournafula and the reception will be held afterwards in Listowel.

It is, therefore, an honour and a privilege to extend our heartiest congratulations to Andrew and Eimear as they look forward to their BIG day. Long life and happiness to you both.

To mark the occasion, a brief summary of Andrew’s career is included below.

 

Andrew O Shaughnessy

 

The Early Years

In his early years Andrew attended Kilmallock Boys National School where his hurling skills were honed by the always enthusiastic teachers. He represented Limerick in the Primary Game in1996 and 1997. He was also a major part of the Kilmallock Boys National school team who were the first winners of the re-established ‘Leader Cup ‘competition in 1996 after an epic battle with Doon C.B.S.

School and College

Andrew pursued his second level education in St. Colman’s College, Fermoy. While there he became one of the most talked about College players in the country having given some exceptional performances. He won 2 Harty Cup medals and 2 All Ireland Hogan Cup medals in 2001 and 2002. In the 2001 final against Gort he again gave one of his virtuoso performances scoring 2-8 out of his sides total of 2-10.As a result of his great exploits in those years he was honoured with the Irish Examiner Young Sports Star of the Year Award in 2002. Andrew also played Fitzgibbon Cup hurling for a number of years with G.M.I.T

Club

Andrew was an integral part of what was a Golden Era at underage level for his beloved club, Kilmallock. He enjoyed success in every age group at the highest level. In 1996 he captained the Kilmallock under 12 hurling team to a South Championship final victory and in doing this he was collecting his 5^th title at this age group. A remarkable achievement indeed.  In the same year he played in the Under 14 All Ireland Féile Final against James Stephens of Kilkenny where he scored a memorable goal early in the game.

Andrew then continued to win County hurling titles with Kilmallock at under 14,16 and Minor level. Interestingly he holds three County Premier Minor titles won in 2000,2001,2002. The most memorable of these has to be the 2002 final when, as captain, Andrew gave the performance of a lifetime scoring 4-9 out of 4-11 and single handedly broke the hearts of a very strong Na Piarsaigh team. He also starred on the under 21 team the same year when Kilmallock defeated Adare in the County Final. 2010 and 2012 proved to be magical years for him also, when he won Limerick senior hurling championship titles as a member of the Kilmallock squad. 

Inter-County

During his inter county hurling career Andrew represented his County at under 14,16,18,21 and Senior. He captained the Limerick Under 14 Team that travelled to Scotland  in 1998 to take part in an International Shinty Tournament. He was a member of the successful All Ireland Winning under 21 team in 2001 and 2002.He became the youngest player ever at 16 to play in the Railway Cup Competition in 2001. He made his senior hurling debut in the qualifiers in 2002 and since then he has played 33 championship games scoring 8-102 in the process. He played in the 2007 All Ireland Final when Limerick were defeated by Kilkenny. In the same year he was honoured with an All Star Award. In 2011 Andrew announced his retirement from Inter County Hurling at the young age of 26.

Finally

Andrew, who is now a Lieutenant in the Irish army, has left an indelible mark on hurling at School, College ,Club and County level. A role model on and off the field, Limerick hurling supporters and hurling supporters in general are privileged to have witnessed the skills and talents of this wonderful individual.