By Cian O’Connell

Thirty one years ago Mick O’Dea left Liscarroll in Cork for London. O’Dea is still there, trying give something back to hurling, the game that gave him so many memorable days in the blue and gold shirt of Robert Emmetts.

O’Dea hurled with Robert Emmetts until 2000 and then took over as manager, famously guiding them to All Ireland Intermediate Club glory in 2007. That win in Croke Park remains a glorious occasion in Emmetts’ history, but they are still eager to return to the Jones Road venue.

Now O’Dea’s role is secretary and Director of Hurling, but his passion for the Emmetts’ cause is undimmed. Sunday’s London SHC Final against St Gabriel’s carries intrigue for those with a keen interest in GAA matters in the English capital.

“We won it last year, in many ways we were the surprise packets,” O’Dea recalls about how Emmetts gleaned silverware.

“At the start of the year we were really struggling, but things picked up for us. I suppose that is the nature of how it goes in London. You could be great one year and then be in a relegation battle the next year.

“We just picked up as the year went on and by the time the latter stages of the Championship came around we were decent and won it surprisingly.”

Hope is attached to the Emmetts cause in 2016, though, because they are in the rare position of not having lost any key players during the past 12 months.

“We haven’t lost anyone which is strange and we have gained three or four good lads. Bill Walsh played Intermediate with Tipperary and Tomas Lawrence played Intermediate with Cork. Our goalkeeper Padge Buckley was with the Cork Intermediates before too so we have strengthened a bit which is what you need to do.”

Having managed London and Emmetts for much of the last decade O’Dea stresses how difficult it can be to run a team due to the turnover of players.

“Last year the Championship in London was stronger. Kilburn Gaels were good, but they lost a load of players.

“Being realistic the two strongest teams are in Sunday’s Final. It is hard to assess the standard, I’d even look at our own club.

“We won the All Ireland Intermediate in 2007 – we had a fine team, but I reckon the 2011 team was better, but we lost to Mount Leinster Rangers. It can be strange, you can just be lucky in a game and something then happens for you.”

Emmetts feature a distinguished figure in Fergus McMahon, who is also the current London hurling manager. Meath native McMahon was the captain in 2007 and also was involved in several excellent Tir Chonaill Gaels Football teams.

“Fergus was injured for a while early in the summer, but he is back playing again. He has been involved with some brilliant wins for Robert Emmetts and London.

“Funnily enough Kevin McMullen, who played in 2007 is the manager of the team now and that is a vital thing for clubs in London, to keep lads in the club. Overall we have been lucky in that way.

“The Emmetts are going okay, it is a good time to be involved, with the cycle of life in London you really have to do well when you get a chance.”

That is vital so the search for talent continues when word filters through that a talented hurler might be emigrating there. “The recruitment is key, a lot of work goes into it by every club really,” O’Dea admits.

“I try to give a dig out with bit of recruiting, when I was manager it was tough, trying to get jobs to help lads out, but if you don’t your club will struggle.

“It is very difficult, you are constantly networking trying to recruit, but it is vital and it makes you appreciate these types of days when you are looking forward to a County Final.”