Shane Keogh's passion for football endures. Part of a renowned footballing family in Galway, Keogh continues to perform locally for Mervue United.
As an exciting teenager a decade ago, Keogh was a promising performer for Galway United.
Before the epic misery of the 2011 season, Keogh had been involved alongside accomplished players in a Galway United shirt.
"My first year up there I was just after turning 16, we were training in Dangan, full-time training," Keogh recalls about the 2010 campaign.
"It was good, I was going between school and training, it wasn't ideal. At the time maybe school wasn't my priority when maybe it should have been.
"My first year Stevie O'Donnell was there, Karl Sheppard, Anto Flood - a lot of good players, it was a good experience. Things could have gone a lot different back then, but there is no point in looking back on the past."
Keogh is back thoroughly enjoying the game with Mervue, who suffered a disappointing loss against Salthill Devon on Sunday.
"It was not the start we wanted, but leagues are not won on the first day of the season so we just have to get back training," Keogh says.
"Last year was a bit of a weird one where we were two or three games in, we came back, a couple of lads left and some came back, but they could not play because they weren't registered for different reasons and whatever. We are looking forward to a full season for the first time in three years."
The blend of youth and experience in the Mervue squad bodes well according to Keogh.
"I think this year we have a better mix than in the last couple of years," he adds.
"Some of the young lads coming through are really impressive, willing to learn - with a bit of experience this year you wouldn't know what could happen with them."
**Listen to the full interview with Shane Keogh on this week's 'Cian on Sport' podcast available on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple podcasts.
