Conor Carson Responds To The Loughtec Q and A

Wednesday 20.05.2020

1. Earliest GAA memory.

Would have to be primary school football, Noel McGinn had us winning everything!

 

2. Was your family a traditional GAA family? 

We would have travelled the length and breadth of the country following Tyrone games before and during the glory days. Both of my brothers played for Greencastle all through underage ranks. I still play with my younger brother at senior level.

 

3. The best GAA venue you have been to?

Naomh Pádraig, An Caisleán Glas has its obvious reasons, but I have always loved getting to Clones. The atmosphere on an Ulster final Sunday around the town is just electric.

 

4. School participation and/or success.

I have fond memories of primary school can’t remember ever losing a game. I played with the Dean Maguirc College Carrickmore, the craic was good, but the medals were light.

 

5. Club/ County role models that you looked up to as a youth

Sean Teague was a role model I would have looked up to growing up from within my own club, a passionate club stalwart, only he could lift the Anglo Cert with one arm.

As a young defender looking at the county scene Conor Gormley was someone I would have looked up to, who can forget the block of 2003.

 

6. Other sports that you played or had an interest in.

Keen interest in soccer but was always the GAA for me.

7. Most difficult opponent you have faced in club football and why?

Tyrone club football is very competitive, every opponent is equally as difficult as the next. Stephen McNally from Coalisland is one of the best players I have come up against, a very skilful player who covers every blade of grass. Martin Conway from my own club is another player who I dreaded marking in training, he was majestic at times.

 

8. Best player you have ever seen play Gaelic football 

Colm Cooper is the best player I have seen play the game.

 

9. Are you a fan of the recent rule changes? 

No, to many changes and too often. The inside mark slows the game down and adds to the confusion. It doesn’t make life any easier for our referees either which is unfair.

 

10. The best GAA match that you ever saw.

The 2005 All Ireland final. The quality on show that day was phenomenal.

 

11. Are you a fan of academies/development squads? Why

Yes, I think they are a good way for developing young players and preparing them for the demands of the intercounty scene further down the line.

 

12. Your own involvement around the club.

I have previously helped coach our u12’s and u14s. Currently play with our senior team and I try to help out with club fundraisers whenever I can.

 

13. How important is the GAA in your community?

It is the heartbeat of our community. We have great facilities for everyone to enjoy and it brings the whole community closer together.

 

14. Favourite county jersey (not Tyrone) 

Sligeach

 

15. Are you a fan of penalties to decide the outcome of championship games?

No, avoid at all costs. Both teams should deserve another day at it. Although a few of the Greencastle men, like Dan Tuohey, would fancy themselves.