Clonoe’s Orla Gavin Takes The Loughtec 1-15 Challenge

Tuesday 13.04.2021

Club

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

 I’d say my brothers, growing up with 5 older brothers there wasn’t much time for dolls and girly stuff, so we always played football out in the back garden and they taught me how to play. I started playing football for Derrytresk boys from 7 up until I was about 12 then moved to Clonoe ladies.


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

My family, everyone has interest in how I’m getting on and always have good support coming from them.


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

Ciara Colton from Dromore, I have had a few good battles with. Slaine McCarroll in Tyrone training was always difficult she’s a flying machine.


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

Stewartstown pitch is class and have had some good memories on it winning with Clonoe. A shoutout to Derrytresk’s new pitch it’s like a carpet.


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

‘You’re only as strong as your weakest link’ Corky – Clonoe


6: Club volunteer of note?

James Rafferty and Orlagh Lynch both put a lot of time and effort into the girls and are always on top of things.


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

They’ve been delivering food parcels during Covid and been doing virtual quizzes keeping everyone involved.


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

For now it’s only football, but I used to play camogie for Derrytresk and soccer for DUY when I was younger.


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

For the ladies, I still think Cork could give Dublin a run for their money. For the men I can see Dublin winning again.


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

At the minute, I just play but in the future I’d like to coach a few of the underage teams.


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

I’d like if there was a bit more contact in the ladies game and get rid of the sin bin rule.

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?   Laura Kane from Galbally she’s a deadly goalie and would be an asset to any team.

13. Any superstitions or routines that you have or use on match days? No I don’t have any but my mother soaks me in holy water before every game so I will give this one to Bernie!

14. Do you have a favourite training drill or one that you dread hearing the coach say is coming next?
I love shooting and 3 on 3 drills.
I’m an awful tackler so any tackling drill and I’m not a huge fan of running either.

15. Last year’s club championships were very competitive, what are your predictions for the championship winners across all three divisions this year?
Senior – The Ruadh, they’ve a deadly team and I can see them giving Macartans a good battle for championship this year.

Intermediate – Drumragh I think they are a very good team and will be strong in intermediate this year.

Junior – Clonoe , I liked the sounds of what Maria Canavan said!