VALLEY ROVERS

Valleys Abroad – Interview with Eoin O’Sullivan

• May 14,2020

Next up in the series of “Valleys Abroad”, we have former Valley's player Eoin O’Sullivan. Eoin tells us about his playing days and life nowadays.

So, let’s wind the clock back to a time before you left Valleys and tell us what your connection was with the Club?

Played with Valleys underage up until early 20’s.

When did you move away and what was it like getting settled in?

Left for Germany in 2007. Been incredible adventure since, living in Germany, Luxembourg, Australia, Korea and Singapore. Moved around a lot so kind of used to this lifestyle even though never really planned for it.

Can you briefly describe to us your life now, work, family (if any) and have you time to be involved in GAA activities?

Work as an elementary school teacher in Singapore. Coach football. Didn’t get involved in GAA club there but played with GAA club in Seoul, Luxembourg, San Francisco and Reading.

Looking back again at your time in Valleys, what would be your prominent memory of being around the GAA fields?

Training very hard in the Winter with no idea when the games would be in the Summer.

Also, very good memories of underage success with good friends.

Beating Na Piarsaigh in a premier minor league game in Innishannon on a Sunday morning. Went to school with a few of the players from the opposing team so was an enjoyable victory at the time and one of our first games in that grade in Innishannon.

Tell us a little bit more about your life away from Valleys, for instance, what’s your weekly routine, how do you attack the weekend, and what’s a holiday from where you currently live?

Teach, row, cycle, also love hiking. Any outdoor activity really. Usually head to Thailand or Bali, both close by.

If you could replay one game with Valleys again, which game would it be and why?

Prob u21 game in hurling against the Glen. Great win against a team who beat us well underage.

Who is your favourite Valleys player, past and/or present?

Has to be Willie Burke. Very reliable goalkeeper who always does the job with minimum fuss. Still playing to the best of my knowledge!

Have you any funny memories/stories from your time involved with Valleys, be it whilst playing, supporting etc.

Tough training on the dunes in Inchydoney followed by a big fry in Clonakilty. I wouldn’t change it though…good times.

Always the same response after a slap of a hurley, ’There’s nothing wrong with you’. Included a concussion, a broken nose and 2 black eyes day before 5^thyear exams.

Niall getting hit by a flying broken hurley in a junior game against Courceys. He broke his 2 front teeth and got stitched up. Freak accident.

What’s your favourite sporting moment of all time?

Forest beating Manchester United 2-1 in Old Trafford in 1994. Witnessed a great goal from Stan Collymore the same day.

Was also at the infamous Henry handball game ….. was a special moment when Robbie Keane put Ireland 1-0 up.

Cork’s All Ireland hurling win in 2004 when Niall McCarthy got MOM.

Finally, do you have a message to send home to Innishannon?

Stay safe and keep your distance!

If you would like to take part in our ‘Valleys abroad’ series or know of anyone who would like to do so please contact Colm on 0851674104.