Conor Shiels’ fond memories of ‘94 final win with Na Piarsaigh

CONOR Shiels has been involved with the Na Piarsaigh club for over 27 years having played alongside current senior manager Shane O'Neill.

At that time the club won a Limerick Intermediate Club Hurling Championship title. Shiels is eagerly looking forward to Sunday's senior final against Doon at the TUS Gaelic Grounds this Sunday, 4.15pm throw-in.

Q: What has your involvement been with Na Piarsaigh from playing days through to now?
Conor Shiels: “My current role is coach and player development officer and manager of the U20 Hurling Team. I played with the club over a 27-year period and have been coaching for 19 years. Starting at U6 level, and progressing to Senior Level. I also coached in the Limerick Hurling Academy for four years.

Q: It has been 30 years since you and your teammates won the intermediate  hurling championship final against Tournafulla, what did it mean for you to win that game?
I recall it being a truly great day for the club, it was not just a win for the intermediate team it was win for our club and we felt it was the start of wonderful things to come.
There was a profound sense of pride to win up to senior level. It was also an acknowledgement of the incredible amount of work that had been undertaken by so many people in developing players and facilities, recognition for those club member will never be forgotten.
This year is not only the 30-year anniversary of promotion to senior grade, but also the 40-year anniversary of winning the All-Ireland Féile Na nGael. This clearly demonstrates the continual focus and effort by the club, coaches and players to progress.”

Q: What are your memories of that game?
I remember we put a massive effort into winning the intermediate championship, we were a very young team with most of the group being 22–25-year-olds, having come through our under-age ranks. Great friends which continue to this day. The day itself was damp, rainy day in November. We started fast and had raced into a 0-10 to 0-1 lead by half-time, we focused hard not to let it slip and it finished 1-14 to 0-4. I do recall the celebrations on the field after the game were brilliant between players, management, and supporters.”

Q: You were playing with current Na Piarsaigh manager Shane O'Neill in that final?
What was he like to play with and how do you think that translates into his coaching?
I remember Shane being a very competitive, determined player, who worked very hard for the team. Shane played full forward on the day and played a vital role by contributing some key scores in securing the winning result.”

Q:The club's rise to senior glory over the last few years has been impressive. what has been driving the club in your opinion?
Success at senior level comes down to a combination of factors, sustained efforts from an incredible amount of people within our club, both on and off the field. Efforts at underage, juvenile and the transition to adult teams is crucial.
This has led to incredible leadership and team spirit and unity within the player group. Management, and players trust each to other to achieve remarkable results on the field. Team cohesion, mental resilience, consistent effort, and application is to the fore.

Q: The club has the chance of becoming three-in-a-row county senior hurling champions this Sunday afternoon, what do
you think that would mean for Na Piarsaigh?
For sure, winning three-in-a-row would be a fantastic achievement for any club but winning a county championship is still monumental for our club. It is about pride, club spirit, it motivates us all within the club and helps with increased participation and especially inspires all our young players to follow in their hero’s footsteps.