Eddie Brennan | Joe Canning | Ollie Canning | DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan
Martin Comerford | Lar Corbett | Brendan Cummins | Ronan Curran
Ger Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Damien Fitzhenry | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Michael Kavanagh
Eoin Kennedy | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Larkin | Derek Lyng
Fergus McMahon | Seanie McMahon | Johnny McIntosh | Andrew Mitchell
Stephen Molumpy | Pat Mulcahy | John Mullane | Sean Óg Ó Hailpin
Andrew O'Shaughnessy | Ben O'Connor | Seamus Prendergast
Keith Raymond | Eoin Quigley | Joe Rabbite | Keith Rossiter | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | James Skehill | Tommy Walsh | Brian Whelehan | James Young
Ace attacker, Andrew O’Shaughnessy, was the star performer for Limerick in this year's hurling Championship. The Kilmallock kingpin played out of his skin in what was a mammoth All-Ireland campaign for the Treatymen.
Having seen off the challenge of Tipperary after 3 matches, in one of the greatest sagas ever in Gaelic games, they met Waterford in the Munster final. The Déise proved too strong on the day but a quarter-final victory over Clare in the quarter final got them back on track. In the semi-final they were again pitched against Waterford. This time it was the green and white who came out on top in one of the greatest games ever at Croker with end-to-end action and loads of great scores.
But alas, it was bitter disappointment for Andrew on All-Ireland final day, when a blistering ten minute period at the start of the match put the Cats out of sight. Limerick battled bravely to the end but Kilkenny had the edge on the day. For Shocks it was an unforgettable year, finishing top scorer in the Championship with 2-43, and mesmerising fans of hurling up and down the country with his amazing skills. Roll on next year!
Limerick were brilliant this year, you looked really determined. What was different in your approach?
There was a great feeling in the squad, a real buzz about the place. Once we got a few wins under our belt it was great, everyone on the panel was giving 110%. I guess, winning becomes a habit then.
What has been your greatest sporting moment for The Treaty County?
Winning the two All-Ireland U-21 titles back in 2001 and 2002. That was amazing and there are a lot of that team on the current Limerick panel.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
I know it’s obvious but the top two teams out there are Cork and Kilkenny. It’s never an easy game against them.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Diarmuid Fitzgerald for Tipperary, one of the best defenders around.
Which players do you admire the most?
Dan Shanahan. He has been on the go for a good while and he had a top year.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Kilmallock. Our biggest rivals would be Garyspillane. We play each other a lot and they beat us in last year’s County final, so we know them well.
Do you play any other sports?
Golf and soccer.
What are your hopes for the future?
We want to keep the momentum going now. It’s been a great year but we want to be back challenging for Munster Championships and All-Ireland titles.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
The first touch is crucial. There is so little time in the game now so controlling the ball is very important.
What advice would you give to young players?
Enjoy the game, that is the most important thing. After that, take part in everything and make loads of friends.
Name: Andrew O’Shaughnessy
Age: 22
Team: Limerick
Debut: 2003 v Waterford
Position: Corner-Forward
Honours:
2 All-Ireland U-21 titles,
2 Munster U-21 titles,
3 Harty Cup titles,
2 All-Ireland Colleges titles
1 U-21 County Club title,
3 Minor County Club titles.
Club: Kilmallock
Fav Food: Corned Beef
Fav Book: The Chamber by John Grisham
Fav Band: Counting Crows
Fav Film: Shawshank Redemption
Fav TV: Prison Break
Hobbies: Golf
Occupation: Officer in the Defence Forces
CúlFACT:
Andrew ended the year as top-scorer in the Hurling Championship, scoring 2 goals and 43 points. He pipped King Henry by a point which is some achievement!
© September 2007 |
