Brocagh’s James Mc Kiver Takes On The Nang Q And A

Tuesday 02.06.2020

Club

Brocagh’s James Mc Kiver answers back this week with the Nang Construction Q and A.

1. Earliest GAA Memory – Probably playing in U8 blitzes on a Saturday morning 
2. Was your family a traditional GAA family – Dad was always mad about football and would still dust off the Puma Kings if he thought he could get a game on a Sunday. On the other side of the family, had a few cousins who played at county level for Armagh so GAA was always a talking point growing up.
3. Best GAA venue you have been to? – Has to be Croke Park. Locally, there is always a great atmosphere at a championship game in Pomeroy.
4. School participation and/or success – During my earlier years at the Academy I would have played but with club football and soccer on the go something had to give.
5. Club/County role models that you looked up to as a youth – At club level, would have to go with Ciaran Donnelly. Always has a trick up his sleeve and still remains a key player for us today, despite losing a yard or two or maybe three. At county level I would go with Mugsy.
6. Other sports that you played or had an interest in – As mentioned above, played soccer for a number of years at youth level but that got let go in recent years. Also a fan of a round of golf.
7. Most difficult opponent you have faced in club football and why? Would probably go with Conor Shields from Clogher. They narrowly beat us in the Championship in 2017 and his running ability was a key part of that.
8. Best player you have ever seen play Gaelic Football – Hard to single out one, but Jamie Clarke on his day is unplayable.
9. Are you a fan of the recent rule changes – As a forward, the new mark rule was intriguing and would like to have seen how it fared out this year however I think it’s an extra burden on referees who already have plenty on their plate.
10. Best GAA match you have ever seen- Killyclogher v Ardboe in the senior championship semi final a few years ago would be one that comes to mind, had a bit of everything!
11. Are you a fan of academies/development squads? Why – I think they do serve a purpose however it can be hard to take players away from club trainings particularly if they are playing at two levels.
12. Your own involvement around the club – Yet to take part in coaching youth but it is certainly something I would want to do down the line.
13. How important is the GAA in your community – Massive. It is central to everything that takes place in the area.
14. Favourite County Jersey (Not Tyrone)  – White Monaghan Jersey.
15. Are you a fan of penalties to decide the outcome of championship games – Definitely not. Playing an extra 10minutes or on another day has to be a better way of finding a winner.