PICTURES: The little-known Kneecap connection to Tipperary’s 2019 All-Ireland victory

Irish rap trio Kneecap has been making waves in recent months with sold-out gigs and their critically acclaimed film; however, many may not know that there is a surprising Tipperary sporting connection within the group.

One of Kneecap’s members, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, also known as Moglaí Bap, has strong links to the GAA world through his brother, Cairbre.

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Cairbre Ó Cairealláin is a highly respected strength and conditioning coach who played a key role in Tipperary’s 2019 All-Ireland hurling success.

A Belfast native and former Antrim minor hurler, Cairbre started his coaching journey in professional soccer, working with Arsenal’s youth academy before making the switch to GAA. He quickly rose through the ranks and was part of Liam Sheedy’s backroom team in 2019, helping Tipperary to All-Ireland glory as they overcame Kilkenny in the final.

Following his success with Tipperary, Ó Cairealláin was recruited by John Kiely to join the Limerick senior hurling backroom team in 2022. During his time with Limerick, Ó Cairealláin played a key role as the Treaty County won two All-Ireland senior hurling championships and three Munster championship titles. 

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This year Ó Cairealláin has taken on a new challenge, joining the Derry senior footballers as they look to build on recent progress. His move to inter-county football marks another step in his impressive career, as he now works with one of Ulster’s rising contenders.

While his brother Naoise has been carving out a reputation in the music world with Kneecap, Cairbre has been making his mark in elite-level sports. The Ó Cairealláin family, which also includes their brother Ainle, recently attended the IFTA awards, celebrating Kneecap’s cinematic success.