*Positions Played?
I’ve actually played every position on the field over the years. I don’t know is that a good or a bad thing! My favourite positions would be the half forward line or half back line.
*Favourite game played?
From recent memory I’d have to say the 2016 Intermediate South Final Vs St Mary’s. It was an epic game. Tit for tat the whole way through. We were wrote off before the game but our heart, guts and determination got us over the line on the day. The celebrations after it were unreal.
*Club players you looked up to growing up?
The club has been lucky to produce some fabulous hurlers over the years. Mickey Whelan, Jimmy Kelly, Philly Murphy and Conor Arrigan in particular from the older generation. From a closer generation I’d have to say Mikey Ryan and Richie McGrath. They lorded it underage.
*Best players you played with?
I’ve been lucky enough to play with some outstanding hurlers over the years. A few that stand out would have to be, Lee Mackey he’s been one of the most consistent hurlers over the past 15 years, Mikey Ryan, Richie McGrath, Johnny Cody, Pa Harris who in my opinion is one of the most improved hurlers over the past 5 years or so. I could name a lot more to be fair. I’ve no doubt I’ll be adding some of the younger lads on the current Intermediate panel to this list in a few years to come.
*Best memory playing?
Again I’d have to go back to the 2016 Intermediate South Final. A few of us had been injured heading into the final and were running on fumes towards the end of the game but as I said above, it was pure heart and determination that got us over the line that day, even if we could barely walk for days after it.
*What player trained the hardest from any squad you were part of?
Lee Mackey and Pa Harris stand out here. They’re still as fit as fiddles. Philly Murphy and Paul Tobin were also great lads to train back in the day.
*Favourite pitch to play on?
I’d have to say the Davin Park. I’ve had some good and bad memories of playing there but seeing a big crowd in the field is always a thing that spurred me on.
*Name one goal you have before you retire?
With the team we have now I feel as though we could win a lot more silverware although I’d be happy with more more final win, be it South or County.
*Name one change you would bring into hurling?
The whole hurling calendar needs to be looked at. As it stands it’s not fair on the club players who could be doing multiple pre-seasons in the year. This pandemic has shown that the club and inter-county championships can be run off on separate dates, so in my opinion the GAA need to use a model like this going forward and this will satisfy everyone.
*One piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Enjoy every second you train or put on the club jersey as you never know what’s around the corner. At the end of the day most players careers are short and before you know it you’re hanging up your boots possibly with plenty of regrets, so I would say don’t have any regrets when you stop playing and make sure you gave it your all whilst playing.
