St Mochtas,
Louth
10 MINUTES WITH CIARAN
Q. WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Pick a career that’s closer to home! I think for me if I could try from day one to enjoy the present. Something I tend to struggle with at times. My career in Oz went by so quick. Relish those moments a lot more.
Q. IF I SAID TO YOU, ALL GAELIC GAMES IS BUILT ON ONE THING- YOUR STATUS IN THE COMMUNITY, AND THAT IF YOU TOOK A STEP BACK YOU WOULD REALISE THAT IT MEANS NOTHING IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THAT?
I do believe that when you're at the high level of competitive sport, people tend to perceive you as the footballer and judge you on that and nothing else. Whereas there is a person behind the footballer which is more important. But I totally agree if you did take a step back you would realise there is so much more to life however when you live in the football bubble you honestly think of nothing else, well that’s me anyways.
Q. A LOT OF SUCCESSFUL / HIGH PERFORMING PEOPLE IN LIFE HAVE SOME SORT OF PREVIOUS TRAUMA, OR OBSTACLE THAT THEY'VE HAD TO DEAL WITH. DO YOU HAVE ONE, AND IF YES, HOW HAVE YOU DEALT WITH IT, AND HAS IT HELPED OR HINDERED YOU?
I’ve had some really difficult injuries both in Australia and Ireland which have impacted me massively. The drive to return to the sport and to get back to my best was what drove me on. Wanting to make not only my family proud, but myself for getting through those times and becoming a better player and person.
Q. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE FAILURE? HOW HAS THIS SET YOU UP FOR LATER SUCCESS?
I’ll not admit to too many failures but I’ve certainly had a lot of setbacks. But I honestly think albeit sensitive at times, those setbacks have made me a lot stronger mentally. Let’s just say I’ve learned the hard way a few times.
Q. WHAT’S ON YOUR GAA BUCKET LIST?
A Louth senior championship medal with my Club St Mochtas. Leinster championship success with Louth would be amazing. Haven't done the States GAA experience yet so I’d like to give that a go.
Q. WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST OUTSIDE OF THE GAA?
Even though in my early years I’ve done a lot of travel while been over and back to Australia. I still love to get away and relax. Some travelling would be nice and also maybe a skydive some day soon. All while building my own home!
Club Focus
Q. HOW WAS THE CLUB FOUNDED? WHO FOUNDED IT? AND WHEN?
1934 was founded. I’m answering these questions myself so that’s the height of my knowledge haha but by god I’m lucky it was founded as I don’t know what I would do without it.
Q. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST RIVAL?
Would have to be our next door neighbours the brides. Always a good battle with them.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF THIS RIVALRY? HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE RIVALRY? WAS IT FROM A FAMILY MEMBER? COACH?
In 1981 my dads team beat them in an intermediate final. Ever since then there has been some very tough battles. Obviously I don’t remember that specific battle but I've heard plenty about it!
Q. DO YOU ENJOY PLAYING THEM? OR IS THE FEAR OF LOSING MORE OF A HINGRANCE THAN A BENEFIT?
Of course. Nothing better than getting one over on them. Always tend to give it that more of an effort.
Q. WHO WAS YOUR ROLE MODEL IN THE CLUB DURING YOUR CHILDHOOD? WHAT SET THEM APART? WHAT WAS THEIR KEY ATTRIBUTE?
My brother Declan. Always wanted to strive and be like him if not better. It’s a healthy relationship we have. Always looking to improve.
Q. WHO IS THE CLUBS MOST LEGENDARY MANAGER? WHAT HAVE THEY ACHIEVED WITH THE CLUB?
Seamus McGahons triumph in 2018 has to be up there. First time wining such an accolade since 1981. Then Kieran Quinn taking us to our first senior final ever in 2021.
Q. HAS YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CLUB?
Yes they have. Heavily involved. My dad Brendan former player and manager. All siblings playing with the mens and womens teams both club and county. My mam Pauline always providing our meals and cleaning the gear (the unseen work)
Q. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY PLAYING WITH THE CLUB?
Suppose representing our small community in a senior final for first time ever in 2021 was pretty special albeit a heavy defeat.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR WORST MEMORY PLAYING WITH THE CLUB?
Bitter sweet moment in 2018 when I returned from my AFL career to play in the intermediate final. The team won but I got a really bad ankle injury which made my transition back to Ireland mentally very tough.