Oisín Gillain was one in a million, he had everything

As part of our job in the media, you get to know many people.

I have been lucky enough to have covered so many great school games over the past school season.

Hamilton High School Bandon's Simcox Cup success three weeks ago was one to savour for all involved with the West Cork school.

Then, from the high of claiming a first trophy in that competition to tragedy seven days later.

The sudden and unexpected passing of key player Oisín Gillain rocked his beloved Kilbrittain, Hamilton High School and the whole of Cork.

18 years of age, a fine fit young man gone far too soon. It’s an incredibly sad time for all those who knew him and especially his family, father Christophe, mother Catherine and sisters Sinéad and Fionnuala.

Oisín Gillain always had a smile on his face.

Oisín was a gentle giant in more ways than one. Standing at 6 ft 5, he was a person who made time for everyone, a decent guy. He always had a smile on his face.

He was a player who gave it his all on the pitch and the respect that has been shown over the last couple of weeks is testament to the high esteem he was held in.

Oisín enjoyed great success with his beloved Kilbrittain. When he was 16 years old in 2023, he made the midfield position his own when Kilbrittain won the Carbery U21 B football championship. Last year, he was part of the Junior B hurling team that won the Carbery championship.

I was privileged to have covered Hamilton High School’s impressive run to the Corn Uí Mhuirí semi-finals and their Simcox Cup glory.

I had been tipped off with regards to Oisín before the campaign got underway when the preview was being done for the Corn Uí Mhuirí last year.

He was such a key component on the Hammies team in the middle of the park alongside his good friend Seán Coffey from Clonakilty.

Oisín Gillain of Hamilton High School Bandon after defeating Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in the Corn Uí Mhuirí quarter-final back in January. Picture: Dan Linehan

Oisín’s most impressive performance for his school was in the Corn Uí Mhuirí quarter-final win over Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne of Kerry back in January. If there was a player of the match award, he would have been right in contention.

While they did get knocked out at the semi-final stage to Mercy Mounthawk, the Simcox Cup was another avenue to silverware for the Hammies.

They had already beaten a fancied St Francis College Rochestown side in the quarter-final back in December before the last four meeting with Coláiste Choilm of Ballincollig in Ovens exactly a month ago.

Oisín was unfortunately injured for the game as Paddy Lordan’s team won by a point. I was next to Oisín on the sideline and joked with him that he would be back for the final.

It turned out to be my last time speaking to him face to face. The game was on in Éire Óg's second pitch. I pass the pitch every day, which always reminds me of Oisín, as he drove on his teammates from the sideline.

When the decider was played three weeks ago, it showed the resilience of Oisín that despite carrying an injury, he came on with 15 minutes to go to help Hamilton High School to a famous two-point victory over Skibbereen Community School.

He messaged me on social media a few days before his passing looking for pictures from the final victory. I was in the process of working on it when the sad news came through.

Oisín Gillain was also a talented hurler.

Life can be cruel and the passing of Oisín a day after St Patrick’s Day put everything into perspective. The small worries we have pale into insignificance.

Oisín was one of the good guys who made people stand up and take notice of him.

Oisín will be missed. He will never ever be forgotten. Forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

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