The late Adrian Cahill left, and Gary O'Kane, right.

Birr GAA eve of county final event to feature tribute to late Adrian Cahill

On Saturday, October 14, the eve of the 2023 Molloy Environmental Systems Offaly senior hurling championship final between Shinrone and Kilcormac/Killoughey at Grant Heating St Brendan’s Park, Birr, there promises to be a great evening of nostalgia in the County Arms Hotel as Birr’s 1995 and 1998 All-Ireland club championship winning sides will be honoured at a gala event that is being sponsored by EJ Ireland.

Throw-in is at 5.30pm to ensure everyone has the opportunity to see the World Cup Rugby quarter-final between Andy Farrell’s Ireland and New Zealand. The much anticipated encounter will be shown live on big screens in the County Arms Hotel immediately after the honouring of the 1995 and 1998 teams, so you definitely won’t miss any of the action from the Stade de France in Paris.

Dunloy and Antrim legend Gary O’Kane is a late addition to an already star studded guest list that includes Anthony Daly (Clare & Clarecastle), Dave Clarke (Limerick & Kilmallock), Michael Duignan (St Rynagh’s & Offaly) and Joe Dooley (Seir Kieran & Offaly).

Broadcaster Will O’Callaghan of ‘Off The Ball’ and Midlands 103 will be the MC and in addition to hearing from the guest contributors, there will also be plenty of commentary and memories rekindled with Brian Whelahan, Joe Errity, Johnny Pilkington and Paul Murphy also set to face questions from the host.

Saturday, indeed,will be a very busy day for Joe Errity as earlier that afternoon he is manager of the Birr junior side that is contesting the Offaly JHC ‘B’ Final against Gracefield in Kinnitty and best wishes are extended to everyone involved in that game.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of the players and management teams of 1995 and ‘98, there will also be a poignant tribute to remember the late Adrian Cahill, who passed to his eternal reward in November 2020.

An exceptionally gifted sportsman, Adrian’s prodigious hurling skills and desire to be the very best he could be, lit up venues across the country with Birr and Offaly. He was an integral part of Birr’s historic first All-Ireland club winning side of 1995, and during the replayed final win over Dunloy at Croke Park, he confidently slotted over six points. In the ‘94 county final, Adrian accounted for half of Birr’s 0-8 tally in a low-scoring battle against Seir Kieran.

Tickets for Saturday’s event, sponsored by EJ, cost €20 and they can be purchased via Eventbrite or at the County Arms Hotel reception 057 91 20791. Don’t forget the throw-in is 5.30pm sharp!