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20 February 2008
Johnny O’Halloran was, and still is quite a character! During his playing days, he gave his own Mentors and opposition an equal amount of torment. On the field, he was a genius! The purists said he was very one-sided. But, with a similar style to the Great Joe Cooney, his scoring exploits were second to none. His Finest Hour was without question the Intermediate Hurling Final in 1986 when his goal set Clooney on their way to the County Title. For good measure, he hit what turned out to be the winning point in the dying moments of the game.
Name: John O’Halloran
Age: 40ish
Where are you now? Donnycarney, just beside the home of Dublin Hurling. I’m still waiting for the call to the panel and a chance to wear the colours again!
What Years did you play for Clooney? Clooney’s greatest era. I started playing at the end of the 1970’s. I finished playing in 1996.
Highlights? Winning the Intermediate Final in 1986. A year of hard training and no boozing (ye might find it hard to believe). The craic was training with Noddy and Mike Power roaring at us “leave it out”
Those you went into Battle with? In my short spell with Clooney I played with some of the best, Noel & Ray Colleran and “The Doctor”
Who were your trainers? First there was John McCarthy who I met twice in my time served. The best I met, and they even invited him back a third time to help win the Intermediate. There was also Mick Slattery who we managed to drive away through our bad behaviour.
Who was your toughest opponent? There are many who might put me in this category. For me it was John Russell of Éire Òg. I had many a hard battle with him and I’m not too sure who would come out best in a head to head.
Heroes? There were many I played against and with whom I respected but there would be only one hero - Ollie O’Connor from Ballybrowne in Limerick.
What were your most memorable moments? Well I’d have to go back to the intermediate Final of 1986 against Corofin, which we won by a point, which I happened to have scored with a couple of minutes to go. Bringing the cup back to Powers and having it filled to celebrate.
There was also the time when, lads being lads and knowing the importance of the fair (Spancill Hill) but with hard championship matches ahead John McCarthy warned myself, Noddy and Bah not to go. But it being “us” we did and returned to Quin the worst for wear and of course perfectly fuelled for the championship ahead.
