The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘Bawnie’ O’Driscoll’s memory lives on after untimely death
THE Kerry soccer community and sports fans in general throughout the county was rocked to its heels in October 2011 with the sudden and tragic death of one of Camp’s most famous sons Brendan “Bawnie” O’Driscoll.
The hugely talented West Kerry man died a day after he fell ill while playing a Gaelic football game. The 28-year-old was playing for his local club Annascaul against neighbouring club Lispole in the West Kerry Championship when he suddenly fell to the ground 10 minutes into the second half having already registered 1-1 on the scoreboard. It is believed he suffered a brain haemorrhage and he did not regain consciousness. He was transferred to Tralee General Hospital and later to Cork University Hospital but sadly passed away the next day.
Bawnie came from a family with a long GAA tradition as his uncle Tommy Doyle won 7 All-Ireland medals with the Kerry senior team. Tommy’s brother Johnny also played with the Kerry senior team.
Bawnie was a great all round sportsman and started out with Camp United excelling with them in every game. An exceptionally talented sports enthusiast he usually played at midfield and also had a habit of finding the net on a regular basis.
He was only a youngster when Camp United was established but even before he kicked a ball with the club he was out on the sideline at games and was very eager to get involved the first opportunity he got.
Everyone knew he was well capable of playing the game at a higher level than the KDL and while he did get an international cap for Ireland he was happy enough to play with his local club.
When Lisselton Rovers began to rise to prominence he signed up for the North Kerry club for a number of seasons and went on to star for them and win a whole
load of silverware in the process.
He was an easy going young man who always let the ball do the talking and never sought any praise for the talent he possessed.
A gifted midfielder who could turn on a sixpence he teased and taunted defences all over the county and scored many spectacular goals with his deadly left foot. A dead ball specialist he earned a huge reputation of scoring goals from free kicks and was lethal from the penalty spot also.
He went on to star for the Kerry District League team in the Oscar Traynor Cup appearances which greatly embellished his reputation. His prowess outside the county was also recognised at national level as he gained an Irish Junior International Cap in 2008 when he lined out for the Republic of Ireland against Northern Ireland. He had a mantlepiece full of silverware from his sporting exploits and was in the prime of his sporting life when he was swept away without warning.
The Camp United club is keeping his memory very much alive after establishing the annual Brendan Bawnie O’Driscoll Soccer Tournament which is held every year in aid of Acquired Brain Injury.
The cup for the tournament was sponsored by LB Rovers and is played in Camp prior to the new soccer season.
His brothers Chris, James, Vincent and Micheal continue to be involved with the West Kerry side ensuring his legacy will live long into the future.
It’s a shame he was taken away so suddenly as no doubt he had many more ambitions to fulfil on the playing pitch.
While he is sadly missed by everyone who knew him, Brendan has left a great legacy of cherished memories which will be around for many generations to come.