O’Leary aiming to keep winning streak going

FOR young Seán O’Leary Croke Park isn’t some new horizon – a place to boldly go where he’s never gone before. In fact it’s just the opposite. He’s been there and he’s won there every time he’s played there. He’s collected silverware there on three occasions and on Saturday evening will be hoping to make it four times.

“This will actually be my fifth time playing there,” he says.

“I won back-to-back Hogan Cups there with The Sem and played in an All-Ireland final and semi-final there with Kerry minors. I was a sub on the first Hogan Cup team and we had serious talent on that team with the likes of David Clifford, Dara Moynihan and Michael Potts and then I was corner-back the following year.

“It’s special to be playing here with the lads you grow up with,” he continues.

“It’s different with the minors because you come together in November and train for eight or nine months, but with Kilcummin, you’re with people you’ve been playing together all the way up so it’ll be very special, though I’d be young.

“Most of the team are 22-23 upwards. We’re all neighbours and will have neighbours and family up in the crowd. My cousins are arranging a bus and staying overnight. It’ll be unreal. Not many people have the chance to run out with their cousins.”

The challenge posed by Antrim champions Naomh Éanna won’t be lost on the young star.

“I watched their semi-final on TG4, against An Spidéal and they were awesome,” he says.

“They’re big, strong and pure enough footballers. This is the biggest challenge we’ve ever faced, but look, what can we do but go out and have a go and playing in Croke Park – well there’s nowhere better.”