Liam O'Brien (hurler)

Liam 'Chunky' O'Brien (1949 – 23 August 2021) was a former Irish sportsperson. He played senior hurling with the Kilkenny inter-county team in the 1970s.[2][3][4]

Liam O'Brien
Personal information
Irish name Liam Ó Briain
Sport Hurling
Position Midfield
Born 1949
Kilkenny, Ireland
Died 23 August 2021 (aged 72)[1]
Kilkenny, Ireland
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Nickname Chunky
Occupation Barman
Club(s)
Years Club
 Newpark Sarsfields
James Stephens
Club titles
Kilkenny titles 2
Leinster titles 1
All-Ireland Titles 1
Inter-county(ies)
Years County Apps (scores)
1969–1980
 Kilkenny 26 (4–73)
Inter-county titles
Leinster titles 7
All-Irelands 4
NHL 1
All Stars 4

Early life

Liam 'Chunky' O'Brien was born in Kilkenny in 1949. He was educated locally at St. John's De La Salle, a school associated with the O'Loughlin Gaels hurling club. In spite of this, O'Brien would later become a star with the famous James Stephens club.

Playing career

Club

O'Brien had much success with the James Stephens club and won his first Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship medal in 1975 before later winning a Leinster club title. This was subsequently converted into an All-Ireland club medal. In 1976 O'Brien won his second county senior medal to complete his collection.

Inter-county

Although never winning All-Ireland medals at minor or under-21 levels O'Brien established himself as one of the great players on the great Kilkenny senior hurling team of the 1970s. In 1971 he won his first Leinster title, however, in spite of an outstanding display by Eddie Keher, Kilkenny lost to Tipperary in the All-Ireland final. In 1972 he won a second Leinster title before helping Kilkenny to defeat Cork in the subsequent final to win his first All-Ireland medal. 1973 saw O'Brien win another Leinster medal, however, Kilkenny were defeated by Limerick in the All-Ireland final. He won his first All-Star award in 1973.[4]

The Kilkenny team quickly regrouped to win back-to-back Leinster and All-Ireland titles in 1974 and 1975, with O'Brien winning back-to-back All-Star awards also. The 1975 championship saw him produce what many believe to have been his best ever display for Kilkenny, and he was subsequently presented with the 'Hurler of the Year' award. In 1976 O'Brien helped Kilkenny to a National Hurling League title, however, the side later lost their provincial crown to Wexford. In 1978 Kilkenny were back as Leinster champions with 'Chunky' winning his sixth provincial medal. Unfortunately for Kilkenny, Cork completed a three-in-a-row, winning the All-Ireland final by 1–15 to 2–8. In 1979 he won another provincial championship, before going on to claim his fourth All-Ireland medal. It was his last big occasion at Croke Park as he retired from inter-county hurling shortly afterwards.[5]

Death

O'Brien died on 23 August 2021, aged 72.[4][5][6]

Honours

James Stephens

Kilkenny

Leinster

Individual

References
  1. "Kilkenny great Liam 'Chunky' O'Brien dies aged 72". RTE Sport. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  2. "GAA - Hurling All Stars". RTÉ Sport. Archived from the original on 31 October 2010. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
  3. "'The prince of midfielders' - Tributes paid after Kilkenny hurling great O'Brien passes away". The 42. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  4. "GAA mourns the loss of Kilkenny hurling legend Liam 'Chunky' O'Brien". Irish Independent. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  5. Moran, Seán (24 August 2021). "Kilkenny legend Liam 'Chunky' O'Brien dies, aged 72". The Irish Times. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  6. "Kilkenny great Liam 'Chunky' O'Brien dies aged 72". RTÉ. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
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