Tell me about the acting college you were accepted into and what you had to do to get into it?
The acting studio is called Stella Adler Studio. I had to audition and interview over a period of two months in New York.
They hold auditions all over the world. I remember when I left school I was interested in it but at that time hurling was my sole focus.
When I arrived in New York a few weeks after our All-Ireland final with Cushendall I already knew that's where I wanted to learn.
Then I found out I got accepted and that was a big thing for me - leaving my family, girlfriend, my job and hurling. But I knew it was the right thing to do.
What does the course actually consist of? Have you got any auditions since you arrived in New York?
The course is an intensive two-year course in New York with the option of transferring to LA in your second year.
The course itself is designed to equip you with the tools to perform and help you grow as an actor/artist and human being.
You’re encouraged to go see shows, ballet, Opera, jazz - anything to broaden your mind.
Where are you based in New York?
I'm living in the city at the minute but it's really only a place to sleep and shower as that's the only time I'm there.
What was the most daunting part about moving to New York?
The idea of moving to New York never bothered me; it was the place I needed to be to do what I wanted. I spent a few summers there playing hurling.
It was certainly more exciting this time as I knew I could immerse myself.
What’s a typical day consist of in New York?
I get up around 6am. I take an hour-ride into the city. I always start every day reading something on the train. Last week, it was Enda McNulty’s book, ‘Commit’, which is excellent.
I remember him speaking to our Cushendall team one time and I still use the things I learnt from him that day.
I then have rehearsals for whatever class we have that evening.
I try to read a few plays every week. I recently read all of Frank McGuinness’s works, an interesting Donegal man, he is.
There is a drama book store in New York where you can read plays for free. I think the owners are going to start charging me rent!
New York is a great place for people-watching and someone with a curious mind.
What do you miss most about home?
I miss my family and friends. A lot of my friends are getting married this year and I’d like to be there to share in their day. But I feel very fortunate to have been afforded this opportunity.
There are times I certainly miss walking around Cushendall beach with my dog.
The thing I miss most are the things I disliked most when I was playing: the travelling with the team, cold wet nights on the top pitch in Cushendall, the smell of the changing room before games.
Have you accepted that your hurling career is probably over? Or do you see yourself playing for Cushendall in the Championship again?
I don't want to say my hurling career is over. I don't know if that's the child inside me still dreaming of winning an All Ireland or it's just hard to let go of something that was such a big part of your life. But the fact that at my age, when most people are in their prime, I decided to pursue something else says a lot.
What was the 2015/2016 season like? What games stand out?
The All-Ireland final against Na Piarsaigh was one of those moments you will remember for the rest of your days.
What are your memories of the final?
I can't remember the game itself but I remember before it smiling in the changing room, seeing boys I grew up with achieving their dreams and my brother [Christy] and father [Terence] being a part of it added to it. I've never been more relaxed before a game of hurling.
Have you any regrets about your hurling career with Cushendall or Antrim?
I certainly have things looking back on now that I would have done differently, but I have no regrets. Whatever happened has shaped me into the person I am and I feel very content with who I am.
You know I was given a life by my parents and they did their job. It's my job to figure out what to do with that life. That's my first job. That can be a lorry-driver, actor, joiner or to raise a family, whatever.
But once you find that, it’s your responsibility to care for it, nurture it and hold it close to every decision you make. For me, that's what living is.
I don't want to coast through life, I've done that. I want to feel the extremes of it.
What is the toughest part about learning the art of acting?
I find the whole process of creating something incredibly interesting. The most fascinating thing in the world to me is another person. I love the interactions and hearing other people's stories.
You could study another person for 10 life-times and still get surprised every day.
Depending on what you're doing, you get to research a person, place, culture or time period. Every detail matters.
Accepting that we all have an ego and letting that go and allowing yourself to just be there in the moment with another person and letting them affect you.
I love being interviewed because the questions you get asked challenges you to think and I feel a lot of us go through life without questioning what matters and what we care about sometimes.
Where do you hope to be in three years' time?
I’d like to be spending more time with my family. I don’t look that far ahead to be honest though.
What’s the perfect day in Cushendall?
Perfect day in Cushendall is the morning of a game, walk the dog around the beach, have some breakfast and play the match and a few beers in The Lurig with everyone. Perfect!
What’s the perfect day in NY?
Perfect day in New York - spend the morning people-watching in Times Square then watch as much theatre time allows.
Have you developed a New York twang yet?
Part of my course is an accent reduction class where you have to acquire an American accent. So every time I order a coffee across the street I put on this accent. I swear I sound like every American president ever!
What's been your favourite moment in hurling?
The All-Ireland final with Cushendall. It's been a dream to get to Croke Park on All-Ireland final day since I was a child running around the back yard pretending it was Croke Park.
What's been the best adrenaline rush you've experienced in acting?
The biggest thrill, I suppose, comes when I discover something new. It comes in the most unexpected moments.
I'm still learning my craft and will be as long as I'm doing this; I'm not in any rush to get any place in particular. I just want to make sure that I am good at what I do. I know I'll mess up, get embarrassed and make mistakes but that's all part of it and I am comfortable with that.
Will you get involved with a hurling club in New York, time permitting?
I'd like to still be able to play here but I'm not big into doing something half. I will help out with the Ulster hurling team any time I can as there are a lot of good people involved here and they’ve done a lot for me.
