Brian O'Connell (hurler)
Brian O'Connell (born 1982) is an Irish sportsman. He plays hurling with his local club Wolfe Tones na Sionna and represented the Clare senior hurling team from 2003 to 2010. O'Connell captained this team for three years including a Munster final appearance against Tipperary in 2008. O'Connell is better known as 'BOC'. He was a valuable part of the Wolfe Tones team which defeated Newmarket on Fergus to claim its second senior county hurling title in 2006.
He was named "Hurler of the Month" for June 2008[1] and was shortlisted for the hurling All-Stars at the end of the 2008 season.[2]
Brian has now[when?] emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, citing a lack of work in Ireland and become one of the 1st high profile hurlers to leave due to work commitments. Brian also struggled with a number of back and hand injuries during 2010 which hampered his participation during the campaign. Brian has recently[when?] started to train with his personal trainer Derek Byrne to improve his core stability and alleviate ongoing back pain. He is also working very closely with Derek on improving his acceleration and speed which he feels will add a new dynamic to his all-round game.
References
- ^ "O'Connell, Clarke win June player awards" Irish Times, 8 July 2008
- ^ Cats dominance extends to All Stars list Archived 10 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine, RTÉ, 25 September 2008