Brothers in arms: The family links in the Limerick hurling final
Come Sunday night, there will be plenty of happy households in either the north side of the city or the south end of the county. But for some families, it will be extra special
THERE is always a family element to club GAA and Sunday’s Whitebox Senior Hurling Championship final is no different.
In the green corner, Kilmallock will look to the O’Reilly brothers for success. Oisin got the crucial goal that got them back in the game against Monaleen in the semi-final while Phelim was part of the build-up for Pierce Connery’s three-pointer.
The O’Brien family are also looking for yet another medal after a scarcely believable 2026.
Shane ‘The Bull’ was part of the Limerick side who had a clean sweep of success this year - Munster Senior League, Allianz League, Munster Championship and the Liam MacCarthy Cup. His father Adrian was the S&C coach for John Kiely’s men.
Adrian also had success in recent weeks as part of the Thurles Sarsfields backroom team as they won the Tipperary SHC.
Shane’s brother Gavin was part of the Limerick minor side who won the All-Ireland title, defeating Tipp in the Gaelic Grounds in the summer.
At the end of 2025, Gavin also won a Dean Ryan Cup medal with Ardscoil Ris and in recent weeks won a county minor title with Kilmallock.
There are three sets of brothers on the Na Piarsaigh side.
County men Mike and Peter Casey will be key for Shane O’Neill’s side who also have the Boylans (Jerome and Conor) and Dempseys (Daithi and Keith) in the starting 15.
Kevin Downes, who scored 1-3 off the bench in the semi-final win over Doon, is a brother of coach Tomas.
Come Sunday night, there will be plenty of happy households in either the north side of the city or the south end of the county. But for some families, it will be extra special.