Ardboe Ace Michael Cassidy Takes The Loughtec Q And A

Wednesday 21.04.2021

1: Who or what first got you into the GAA?
I would have to say my primary school (Ardboe) started me offto love the game and addicted ever since.

2: Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
I couldn’t single out just one person as there has been that many in my career, including coaches within my club, Holy Trinity College Cookstown and at county level. But I think my family, especially my parents as they had to give up so much time to take me all over and they believed in me.

3: Who has been your most difficult opponent and why?
There has been many of the them, county would say David Moran tall, physical and very smart player. Club I would say Darren McCurry just never stops running, would wreck your head .

4: Apart from your home club, which club ground in Tyrone do you most enjoy playing on? 
There are plenty of good pitches in Tyrone, but I always enjoy playing a match in Coalisland. I feel it’s just similar to my own club pitch.

5: Most memorable or inspiring words of advice you have ever heard in a changing room? 
There is loads but this one always comes up, don’t wait for it to happen go and make it happen.

6: Club volunteer of note?
Again I couldn’t single out anyone as there is that many hardworking people within the club.. many hands make light work.

7: How is your club currently ensuring it is playing its part in the community? 
The club has been a massive part in the community for many years now, but over the past year they really have shown that it is the heart beat of the community and it’s just not all football. The committee set up a support group to help out the most vulnerable people throughout the pandemic, and still willing to help in anyway they can.. deserve serious credit.

8: Are there other sports you enjoy playing or have a keen interest in? 
Watch most of them, but was always GAA for me.

9: Which county side, if any, look capable of defeating Dublin in the championship?
Well for me I wouldn’t travel to garvaghey x times a week if I didn’t think Tyrone could beat them.. serious talent on the squad and I fully believe the day will come.

10: How would you describe your own involvement in the club?
At the moment I’m just a player, but hope to get involved in coaching at some point.

11 What rules, if any, would you like to see implemented or changed in the modern game?
I would just love if they could make a rule, that you can’t change anything more.. far too many changes. Just leave the game alone.

12 If there was a transfer market in GAA, what club player in the same division as you would you like to see playing for your club and why?
Darren (dazzler) McCurry. A very talented footballer and is very Dedicated to everything he does, would be a great addition.

13 Any superstitions or routines that you have or use on match days?
No superstitions at all just go out and play.

14 Do you have a favourite training drill or one that you dread hearing the coach say is coming next?
Love turning up and seeing a ball bag of Bibs and the manager saying we have picked 2 teams out here.. happy days. Hate someone saying after this you’re over to Pete Donnelly (vomit)

15 Last year’s club championships were very competitive, what are your predictions for the championship winners across all three divisions this year?
Senior- Killyclogher, Intermediate – Aghyaran Junior-Urney