Bradford City defender Kelleher flies flag for hurling

Reports in south Yorkshire may suggest that Sheffield Wednesday’s interest is cooling but there are understood to be other offers for the Bantams skipper from League One and the Championship.

O’Connor’s expected departure could boost Fiacre Kelleher’s opportunities at Valley Parade after limited involvement in his first year at the club.

But it will also mean the big defender missing a “hurling buddy” in the dressing room.

Kelleher, who hails from Cork, and Limerick native O’Connor are both huge fans of Ireland’s national sport – although their heated exchanges often leave bemused looks from those around them.

“When Paudie and I are in full flow in conversation, there’s not many people who can understand what we’re saying – unless they’re Irish!” laughed Kelleher.

“Hurling is huge back home. The final usually sells out with 80,000 people.

“I’ve four other brothers and we all played growing up. One of them has played minor for Cork as well at a good level, so it’s definitely in the blood.

Fiacre Kelleher and Paudie O'Connor look down in the dumps after defeat at Carlisle

“Cork made it to the all-Ireland final last year, so we were a bit gutted to lose that.

“They lost to Limerick as well, so Paudie was quite happy. It was a pain in the backside.”

Kelleher played hurling as a child before football took over.

“It was my first love but then when I was about 10, I got introduced to football. That stole me really and I was hooked.

“I didn’t get along far enough with hurling to think about having a career in it.

“Unfortunately, you can’t combine both. I can’t take a stick out with me on to the pitch.

“Sky have taken up the coverage of it now so it’s a lot more accessible than it was a few years ago.

“It’s a good game for hand/eye coordination so it does have its benefits for helping out with football at time as well.”

Kelleher’s younger brother Caoimhin also went down the football route – and will be sitting on the Liverpool bench in Paris on Saturday night as back-up goalkeeper in the Champions’ League final.

His chances, like Fiacre at City, have been few and far between behind Alisson in the Anfield pecking order. But he did have his moment of glory in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea by scoring the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.

Big bro was at Wembley with his family to watch and could not have been prouder. The pair are very close.

Fiacre Kelleher's younger brother Caoimhin is the second goalkeeper at Liverpool

“I was sitting there with my mum, my girlfriend and Caoimhin’s girlfriend and we were all in floods of tears when he scored. It was an emotional day.

“It’s two opposite ends of the spectrum. He’s sitting there on a big wage for starters!

“But we only live five minutes from each other, so it’s lovely that we can just be together away from football.

“He can look at me and see that patience is key and I think he takes a lot from that.

“I look at him and I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s doing. It’s lovely to get to spend time with him.”

Derek Adams snapped up Kelleher from Wrexham last summer but the towering centre half was barely used. He made 11 appearances last season with just six league starts.

Some players would have kicked off at not being involved but Kelleher’s laid-back approach means he can take the frustration in his lengthy stride.

“I’ve always had that outlook on football that I’m lucky I get to play and that’s my job.

“I’m never one to get down with what’s happened with me playing or not. I just love not having to go and do another job, to be honest.

“I’ve been in football long enough now to understand that sometimes you can get a manager and it doesn’t work for you. That doesn’t mean the rest doesn’t have to be right for you.

“I love the club, training standard is really good, enjoy it every day. Still learn things when I’m not playing.

“Outside of football, I have a good family and my girlfriend who I can go home and vent to or have a laugh. They can clear my head.

“It’s not the end of the world if I’m not playing every week. Things like that keep you grounded.”

Kelleher got the nod under Mark Hughes towards the end of the season and will hope that can lead to better things when they return.

“We’re not shying away from where we finished in the league. It’s been a really poor year for this club and us players as well.

“But I think him coming in has given the club and fans a spark that something can happen next season.”