WHEN the history books are written in Tullow, there is one thing certain. The name O’Brien will feature prominently.
Sean doesn’t need any introduction. His achievements speak for itself. It is not forgotten that his older brother, William, was on the first Tullow team that won the 2017 Towns Cup and scored a penalty in the final against Skerries in Athy.
Their sisters, Caroline and Alex were on the first ladies team when they started in the mid 2000s. In fact, Alex played on Sunday morning as Tullow clinched their place in the All-Ireland league for next season. The Slaneysiders can now be called a senior club.
“It is unbelievable. Class. I said it when I was 17 at the start of my career I would love to come back and play in a Towns Cup,” stated Sean.
“To win one is very special. These boys put in such an effort during the year. An unbelievable day,” added Sean who quickly pointed out what else had been achieved that day.
“The women winning the AIL final. That is probably the most historic thing to happen today. They are in senior rugby now. They are in their infancy really. A special day all round.”
Sean O’Brien eventually gets his hands on the Provincial Towns Cup as a player
Photo: Thomas Nolan Photography.
It had been a funny year for Sean who is part of the coaching staff with the successful Leinster team. When Tullow had injuries the former Lion played in a number of different positions.
“I was playing 10 and 12 during the year. When we got lads back, my position was in the back-row, I was calling the line-outs. I was happy to do that job for the team. We got through the league with half a team and finished fourth. There is exciting teams to come with the club.
“This is massive. We are all part of the furniture here. One family. That is what is great about the place,” articulated Sean
Not far away from the former Irish international player stood William. Better known as Cas, the utility back has been stricken with injury since his one and only Towns Cup success. He has not ruled out playing with Sean.
“This group will go again. We will get another one. Everything he has achieved over 20 years this was what he wanted. As a family this is emotional. To see him lift the cup and see how happy he is. It is a dream come through for him. It is a dream come through for the family. Very special.
“I was due to play this year but got injured again. We had spoken about winning one together. I don’t know if he is going to go under the knife or what. He is going to savour this and if he does, I will try and go alongside him.”
He doesn’t use the word himself but the O’Brien dynasty in Tullow looks like getting stronger.
“I am involved since 2006. Alex was one of the first members of the ladies to play and for her to carry on this length and the standard she has achieved is unbelievable. She is a credit to herself and very determined. She is like Sean. We all want to win. We just love the club. My young lad is running around now. My nephew. Sean has his young lad here. It is nearly full circle again and it is great.”
Keiaho Bloomfield and Jordan Leybourne post-match
Keiaho Bloomfield is 40 years of age. He is not the oldest on the team. That honour goes to Joe Waters who is 45. Unlike him the New Zealander was set to take a backward step from rugby two years ago. Shortly after the birth of his son, Bloomfield played in the Tullow team that won the 2023 seconds cup. He didn’t have any further ambitions and was set to retire.
“I thought so too. The way the year worked out we had injuries in the backs. I said to Sean (O’Brien) and Maurice Logue that if they were every stuck, I would be around.
“It was one of those where you hope it won’t end up like that but they called my bluff then. I came in after Christmas.”
He was quickly into the thick of things and didn’t lose his place for the rest of the season.
“I enjoy every second about it. The body doesn’t absorb the pain the way it used to but every second you are on the field, you enjoy it,” grins Bloomfield.
Jordan Leybourne still has years in his legs. He says, that when Ashbourne threatened, the players were lifted by the positivity that emanated from the stand
“The supporters are unbelievable. They pushed us over the line at the end. They gave us that lift we needed. In tough conditions we were struggling but the support got behind us and pushed us on.”
By Kieran Murphy
