Age: 41
Club: St Mary’s, Banagher
Position: Full-back/corner-back
When did you play for Derry?
From October 1995 until July 2010.
What do you do nowadays?
I’m a PE teacher at St. Patrick’s College in Maghera.
Are you still involved in Gaelic football?
I’m currently coach of my club’s U12 football team and I’m involved with various hurling/football teams at school level.
What do you remember about your first game for Derry?
My first game was against Kerry in the National League at Ballinascreen. Brian Mullins played me at centre forward and I scored a rare point from play.
What’s your best memory from your playing days?
In 1998, we won the Ulster Senior Football Championship and the previous year, 1997, we won the All Ireland U21 football title. I had the privilege of representing my club, county, province and country at senior level in Gaelic football and, in that regard, sport has been good to me. At schools level I had the honour of captaining a winning MacRory Cup team in 1995 playing with some exceptional players under the guidance of some inspirational teachers in St Patrick's, Maghera. In regard to playing with my club Banagher, although we didn't have any major successes there is always something special about playing with the boys you grew up with.
And the worst?
In 2001, we played Galway in the All Ireland semi-final. With 10 minutes left we were in total control of the game winning by five points. Galway seized the momentum, beat us and went on to win the All Ireland final against Meath. That was a tough one to get over.
Biggest character you played with?
One of many characters was Enda Muldoon. He oozed raw talent but was never fazed by any challenge. We played Cavan in the 2000 Ulster quarter-final, Enda had just kicked a monster free off the ground from 55 metres and then he throws his kicking boot over to the dugout because his laces had snapped. On inspection of the Puma boot, there were three studs missing and the laces had been tied back together numerous times. Classic Enda.
Glad you played in your era rather than the modern day?
In fairness, I had the privilege of playing with some of the All-Ireland winning Derry players from 1993 and a winning All Ireland U21 team in 1997. In my era, I enjoyed developing the technical side my game whilst modern day players seem to focus more on the physical aspects to the detriment of their skills.
Any regrets?
Probably not winning the Sam Maguire and a county club title with my club.
