Huge Congrats to one of our most exciting underage prospects Fiachra O'Braoin who was named St. Flannans Hurler of the year for 2024. This is an outstanding achievement for Fiachra considering the conveyor belt of hurling talent currently going through the school. Below is the tribute read out at the presentation from the school hurling coaches who selected the winner. The award was presented by Clare legend and St. Flannans teacher Jamsie O'Connor.
2023/24 Hurler of the year award goes to .....
Selecting this years Hurler of the Year was not an easy task, considering that there were a number of outstanding individual performances given over the course of this years Harty Cup campaign.
However, because of his consistent excellence in all five matches , this years St Flannans Hurler of the year award goes to the player who manned the Full Back position, Fiachra O'Braoin.
From first year, right through to U15, Dean Ryan and Harty Cup, Fiachra has worn the St. Flannans Jersey and represented the school with distinction, continuing a long association the college has had with his club Sixmilebridge. At Munster level, he was part of a talented U15 side in 2020 that had reached the semi-final stage when Covid-19 struck. However 2 years later, Fiachra was a key member of the successful U16 1/2 winning side that ended an 11 year hiatus and brought the Dean Ryan cup back to the college. (report here)
Over the last 2 seasons, Fiachra has been an integral part of the Harty Cup team. His excellence on the field last year meant he was contender for this award 12 months ago. This year he was simply outstanding.
With most teams now going with just one or two inside forwards, playing in the full back line has never been as demanding.
There were multiple occasions this year when Fiachra found himself isolated one on one, in space against quality opposition. Yet, time and time again, his intelligent reading of the game, sound defensive instincts and ability to do the right thing at the right time, saw the danger averted.
On the ball, his skill, decision making, and intelligent use of possession means he has all the attributes needed to play the game at the highest level.
Both on and off the field, his easy going manner, quiet demeanour and humility as a person, means he is held in the highest esteem by his fellow panel members. A member of the Clare minor panel that were beaten on penalties in the 2022 Munster Minor final, I have no doubt that Fiachra will go on to represent his county again in the near future and on behalf of all of us who have had the pleasure of coaching him here in St. Flannans - We wish him the best of luck for the future.
