Cork to play UCC in Canon O’Brien Cup

Find out all you need to know about the game below.

Where?

Mardyke Grounds 

When?

Saturday 30th November 2023, 2pm,

Did You Know? The Canon O’Brien Cup: Honoring the Legacy of a Hurling Legend

The Canon O’Brien Cup holds a special place in the world of hurling, as it is contested annually between Cork and University College Cork (UCC). This prestigious game pays homage to the remarkable coaching career of Canon Michael O’Brien, a true icon in the sport.

As a coach, Canon O’Brien achieved unparalleled success, starting by leading St. Finbarr’s Seminary, Farranferris, to victory in the Harty Cup and All-Ireland College championships. His coaching prowess continued at UCC, where he guided the team to an impressive 10 Fitzgibbon Cup triumphs. Canon O’Brien’s influence extended beyond the college level, as he steered the Cork hurling team to two All-Ireland titles, with the pinnacle being the historic double in 1990.

Canon O’Brien’s impact on Cork hurling is undeniable, with five Munster titles secured under his guidance for the Cork Seniors. His dedication to nurturing talent also reflected in the success of Cork Minors, who claimed an impressive six All-Ireland titles with Canon O’Brien at the helm.

Beyond his contributions to county teams, Canon O’Brien left an indelible mark on club hurling, coaching teams to championship victories. 

Team News 

Cork Team can be viewed here 

UCC Team: Bríon Saunderson (Midleton); Ger Mellerick (Fr O’Neills), Shane Kingston (Ballinora), Seán Daly (Randal Óg);  Joe Fitzpatrick (Dunnamaggin Kilkenny), Robert Downey (Glen Rovers), Luke Elliott (Sarsfields); Ethan Twomey (St Finbarr’s), Cormac O’Brien (Newtownshandrum); Brian Hayes (St Finbarr’s), Peter McGarry (St Mary’s Clonmel, Tipperary), Ben Cunningham (St Finbarr’s); Robbie Cotter (Blackrock), Shane Barrett (Blarney), Darragh Stakelum (Thurles Sarsfields, Tipperary).

Subs: Jack McCarthy (St Finbarr’s), Colm McCarthy (Sarsfields), Eddie Stokes (Doon, Limerick), Richie McEvoy (Lisdowney, Kilkenny), Eoin O’Leary (Glen Rovers), William Buckley (St Finbarr’s), Fionn Coleman (Blackrock), Daniel Hogan (Sarsfields), Sam Cunningham (St Finbarr’s), Ronan Fox (Ahane), Seán Moore (Carrickshock, Kilkenny), Mark Carey (Nenagh Éire Óg, Tipperary), Conor McGoldrick (Éire Óg), Ciarán Doolan (St Finbarr’s), Matt Brady (Éire Óg)

Ticket information

Admission is €5 cash only. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Dillon Quirke Foundation

Competition History 

Cork 7 wins, last in 2022, UCC 2 wins, last in 2020 

Year                      

2013       Cork       3-20       University College Cork  1-16

2014       Cork       2-19       University College Cork  1-14

2015       Cork       1-26       University College Cork  2-12

2016       Cork       2-12       University College Cork  0-13

2017       University College Cork  0-22       Cork       1-13

2018       No game took place

2019       Cork       1-24       University College Cork  1-23

2020       University College Cork  2-18       Cork       1-20

2021       No game took place

2022       Cork       1-17       University College Cork  1-15

2023       Cork       0-25       University College Cork  1-15