Recently retired Galway hurler/goalkeeper after thirteen years
An All Ireland, two National Hurling League, and three Leinster titles
Club: Cappataggle Age 32:
At what age did you start playing? I'm told I was six-years old, but I do not really remember playing until eight.
Do you remember your first game? Not really. My mother maintains I stood in the corner of the pitch hitting my own helmet.
Ideal position and why? Goalkeeper. This is such an important position nowadays. You are heavily involved in both defence and attack and this such a pivotal part of the team.
Who inspired you when growing up/and now? In my younger days I would have been very inspired by Damien Fitzhenry. As I got older it became my clubman Damien Joyce as I saw first hand how he prepared on and off the field. He does everything right.
Did you also aspire to play at the top level? The first game I remember attending in Croke Park was Galway v Waterford in 1998. That was the start of my dream to play with Galway in Croke Park.
What do you particularly like about your sport? The difficulty of it. There is so much skill involved to all aspects of the game which makes it unique.
Greatest influence/role model? Damien Joyce.
Biggest challenge to date? Evolving with the game over different periods..the game has changed dramatically since I first began. Trying to keep ahead of the curve is very difficult.
Greatest success/achievement, or most memorable? Personally I have two. The 2005 minor final v Limerick and the 2017 senior final v Waterford. Both great days for the county.
Favourite memory? Being on the pitch in the 2012 Leinster final with one or two minutes left knowing you were going to be part of history in beating such a great Kilkenny team and ultimately being the first Leinster Championship winning team from Galway,
Biggest regret, if any? No regrets.
Fiercest opponent/s? Team - Kilkenny. Player - Lar Corbett, he was so difficult to handle as he was such an intelligent player. His movement was excellent and his technical ability was second to none.
What are your strengths/weaknesses? I think my best strength at the moment is that I am good team player and recognise that the team comes first. Weaknesses - there are loads, but if I was to pick one in particular it would be that I take defeats very badly.
If not hurling, what sport would you want to play? American Football..if I was born in America I'd be playing tight end for the New England Patriots.
Any interest in continuing your sport by involvement in coaching etc? Yes..when the time is right.
What do you do to relax? Read books and also carry out farming duties.
Favourite sports person? At present it is Rob Gronkowski [tight end with Tampa Bay Buccaneers and previously New England Patriots].
Best/worst aspect of lockdown? Best - being around immediate family. Worst - not having the freedom to see extended family and friends.
