Sport: Gaelic Football

How did you become involved in your sport?

I WAS first exposed to the sport in the early years of primary school by participating in the local Go-Games. Since then, I have enjoyed every minute of it and it has become a major part of my life.

What is it that you love about your sport?

There are many aspects which I love about the sport. I have made many life-long friends and I enjoy the competitive environment that the sport creates as it fuels my drive to become better.

The amount of life lessons I have learnt through Gaelic football is vast, and it also opens many pathways.

But the thing I love the most about the sport is the joy and happiness it brings to communities, clubs, schools and counties when there is team success.

What are your earliest sporting memories?

MY EARLIEST sporting memories would be playing football in the back yard with my older siblings, and going to watch Fermanagh play in Brewster Park.

Who do you look up to in your chosen sport?

MY BIGGEST role model within the sport is Michael Murphy. I admire his dedication, leadership and ability for club and county.

His major role in evolving a county that was struggling with success to become one of the best teams in Ireland is something to look up to.

Who was, or is, your biggest influence?

There is no main influencer in my footballing journey, so far. However, my family’s support has played a massive part to help me achieve success.

MacRory Cup Manager, Dominic Corrigan, and county Minor management – Maurice McLoughlin, Mark McHugh, Colm Bradley and Gerard O’Brien – have influenced my career massively, along with various club coaches.

Without this level of coaching and support, I would not be where I am today.

Could you give us an example of what a typical week involves for yourself?

A TYPICAL week for me usually consists of four pitch and two gym-based sessions. Pitch sessions are all running, tactic and skilled-based. Gym work is usually tailored to strength, mobility and recovery.

What do you think are the key to being successful in sport?

TO BE successful in any team sport I think you need to be humble, fully committed and willing to work hard. There is no half commitment – you’re either in or out, nothing in between.

If you love your chosen sport enough, then you will work hard to achieve your goals.

But if things are not going your way, just persevere with it and work even harder. Don’t think that you’ve reached the top, because there is always room for improvement.

What have been your biggest successes, to date?

My BIGGEST successes are winning the MacRory and Hogan Cups with St. Michael’s College in 2019, and becoming Fermanagh Minor and MacRory Cup Captain in 2020.

What are your goals for the future?

My MAIN goals are to win a Senior club championship with Teemore Shamrocks, and win a Minor, U-20 and Senior Ulster Championship with Fermanagh.

What bit of advice would you offer to anybody starting out in your chosen sport?

For anyone starting out in the sport, just commit yourself and work hard. Get involved in as much as possible and you will soon start to see the benefits.