How Colm O’Callaghan developed his game to become a driving force for Cork footballers

In John Cleary’s time at the helm of the Cork footballers, one player has been present for every last moment.

Since the Castlehaven native’s permanent appointment in July 2022, he has entrusted Colm O’Callaghan to play every minute of League and Championship action.

The only brief moments missed have been the result of temporary replacements, to tidy up the odd battle wound, or a late red card against Monaghan. Even during Cleary’s interim elevation, the emerging midfield powerhouse played all bar the final moments of one match.

Leaving aside those blood subs, that’s 3,358 minutes of action out of 3,360 in the past four seasons. A total of 48 consecutive games.

Just as remarkable is the enduring centre-field partnership O’Callaghan has struck up with Ian Maguire. The pairing was first forged in a March 2022 League defeat away to Meath. From there, they started 33 consecutive games together in the 8 and 9 jerseys until injury ruled Maguire out for the start of this season’s League.

It’s easy to see how the Éire Óg clubman has become essential as the V8 engine of Cleary’s team.

Take 2022 in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Leading Louth by three points in stoppage time with their summer on the line, O’Callaghan cut in along the endline and rattled the roof of the net for his first Championship goal.

He stepped up a notch in 2023. The McGrath Cup doesn’t resonate too far into the season, but O’Callaghan showed his readiness with 2-4 – playing from midfield throughout – against Kerry.

TURNING POINT

Trailing Mayo by six in their group-stage finale at the Gaelic Grounds, O’Callaghan raced away from a trail of defenders to draw the penalty. That was the turning point for a famous victory.

In the All-Ireland quarter-final against Derry, the stalwart showed his kicking skills by booting one point off his right before curling over his next off the left.

Fast-forward to 2024, O’Callaghan produced a sublime moment of aerial mastery with his diving kick-out mark against Kildare. Even better, he quickly regained his feet to kick inside for Conor Corbett’s goal.

In their Munster opener against Limerick, O’Callaghan assisted further goals for Chris Óg Jones and Maguire.

He added two more green-flag assists in the group stage, laying on the final for Seán Powter’s goals against Clare and Donegal. O’Callaghan would’ve added a goal of his own in the latter shock win only for a sprawling Seán Patton save, but he did tack on the insurance point.

In the preliminary quarter-final disappointment against Louth, O’Callaghan had more shots than any other Cork player, booting 0-3 of the Rebels’ 1-8.

He continues to threaten in 2025. In the League, he cracked the crossbar against Meath, tested the Roscommon keeper, and netted a fine give-and-go goal against Louth after a trademark combination with his midfield partner.

“Ian probably does a lot of the donkey work,” said O’Callaghan in the aftermath of that game. “I come at the end of a lot of it.

“He does a lot of the unseen work, so I am very grateful for that.” 

Into the Championship, O’Callaghan’s two-pointer was a rare highlight in their Royal defeat, before his 60-yard surge drew a late penalty against Kerry.

“Colm is a great lad,” said Cleary this week. “His preparation is meticulous. He's a big, strong, physical guy who's got stronger and works a lot on his game, his ball skills, and his awareness

“He's an integral part of the whole set-up. He's just a great guy and a great guy to work with.

“He has improved immensely over the last couple of years.

“He's a good, strong runner as well. After fielding the ball, he just gets going, takes a solo, and can go right through the heart of any defence if he gets that ball around the middle.” 

Those improvements are borne out by his game time and how he poses the opposition problems right to the final whistle.

HEARTBEAT

Back when he was an U20 on the way to the 2019 All-Ireland title, O’Callaghan averaged 35 minutes per game. Now, he plays 70 day in, day out.

He was a forward in those days, laying on a semi-final goal for Mark Cronin against Tyrone and scrambling home one of his own in the final turnaround against Dublin.

In 2020, on his first senior start, he bagged 1-1 within 15 minutes to hammer Louth and clinch Division 3 promotion.

Despite carving out a career in midfield, O’Callaghan has continued to record a score in almost half his appearances. 

His total return across 58 League and Championship outings comes to 4-42.

If Cork are to extend their All-Ireland interest on Saturday, O’Callaghan will be central to their cause.