Cathal Donaghy Takes The Loughtec Challenge

Friday 16.04.2021

1: Who or what first got you into the GAA?

Would say it was my parents taking me to all the underage blitzes across Tyrone. Would also be very close with a few lads around my age, we have played together since U8’s, those connections have kept me at it.

2: Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

My Family definitely. I have a few younger brothers and they don’t hold anything back if I ever have a bad game!

3: Who has been your most difficult opponent and why?

Sean Cavanagh has always been hard to deal with anytime we have played the Moy, so would have to go for him on that one!

4: Apart from your home club, which club ground in Tyrone do you most enjoy playing on? 

Healy Park, Omagh

5: Most memorable or inspiring words of advice you have ever heard in a changing room?

Stick with the winners and stay away from negativity – that is advice I would always try to follow.

6: Club volunteer of note?

We are very lucky in Loughmacrory to have so many great people in our community all with the same goal. I honestly cannot name just one person as so many people contribute in lots of different ways, without them we would have nothing. 

7: How is your club currently ensuring it is playing its part in the community? 

The Club has organised various events to keep people active, the Lough walk has also been a big attraction recently with people from all over visiting, Club & Community members have been playing a big part in constantly maintaining the area.

8: Are there other sports you enjoy playing or have a keen interest in? 

Would keep a close eye on most sports, mainly Rugby & Soccer, would swim regularly as well.

9: Which county side, if any, look capable of defeating Dublin in the championship?

I think Kerry or Tyrone are probably best placed to challenge Dublin; they will be both out to prove a point after disappointing seasons last year.

10: How would you describe your own involvement in the club?

Currently just playing, have coached underage teams in the past and look forward to getting involved again at some point in the future.

11: What rules, if any, would you like to see implemented or changed in the modern game?

I think it would be good to see a TMO in place for county games, similar to Rugby, it would help get the big decisions right, games are coming down to fine margins! I think also having the referee mic up during a game would be entertaining for people watching at home & would remove a lot of discussion around their decisions.

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?

I would say Mattie Donnelly, he consistently has Trillick challenging for the championship and always performs for club & county.

13: Any superstitions or routines that you have or use on match days?

I don’t like changing boots too much, one pair per season is usually the rule.

14: Do you have a favourite training drill or one that you dread hearing the coach say is coming next?

I enjoy any sort of shooting/kicking drill.

15: Last year’s club championships were very competitive, what are yourpredictions for the championship winners across all three divisions this year?

Almost impossible to call the way the last few years has gone but I will go with:

Senior – Trillick

Intermediate – Owen Roes

Junior – Urney