Fintona Ace Nichola Donnelly Takes Mc Aleer And Rushe Q And A

Saturday 01.08.2020

 

1. Earliest GAA memory.

My earliest GAA memory is Kevin Hagan, one of the most committed club men Fintona have been lucky to have, helping me practise my kicking at underage training on Fintona’s training pitch in one of my earliest playing years. At that young age I loved the feeling of satisfaction of seeing the ball go over the bar and it was inevitable that I was going to be a forward!

2. How much time do you give over to GAA each week? Can you give us a breakdown of an average week?

My past few weeks have looked something like this – 

Monday evenings – Watch the minor girls match

Wednesday evenings – Senior Training

Thursday evenings – If the weather allows I try to get round to the pitch for some shooting practice

Friday nights – Senior match

Sunday mornings – Senior Training

Add in committee meetings, generally each year I’m involved in the coaching of an underage team and going to watch various men’s/ladies matches. GAA usually features on a daily basis.

3. The best GAA venue you have been to?

Has to be Croke Park. I love the opportunity to get to Croke Park as a spectator, there’s just something special about it. I was lucky enough to experience it as a player in 2017 and there was just no other venue that compares.

4. School participation and/or success.

I played school football with Loreto, Omagh and was extremely fortunate to be a part of a very successful team that passed through the school. I think I won an Ulster title every year I played for Loreto and we were All-Ireland Junior winners in 2008 and 2009, All-Ireland runners-up in 2010 and we won the All-Ireland senior title in 2012. Much of our success had to be attributed to the commitment and coaching from our manager Siobhan Gormley!

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

As a youth I always looked up to Neamh Woods and Maura Kelly. I think it was their athleticism that I most admired as well as their confidence and ability to make something happen whilst on the ball. I stepped up to our club Senior team at quite an early age and one of my first memories is the support I got from Edel (Peggy) Garrity during my first senior championship game. She was one of our most talented players and for that reason I looked up to her from then.

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

I always participated in athletics throughout school and would follow the English Premier League quite closely. I’ll generally watch most sports that are on TV though!

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

Probably Cathy Donnelly (Trillick) or Josephine Quinn (Drumragh). Both are physically strong and any time I’ve marked either it’s always been a good battle!

8. Best player you have ever seen play Gaelic football 

Peter Canavan. Extremely clever footballer and fantastic feet and awareness. I remember being in awe of him on the first few occasions I saw him playing in the flesh.

9. Are you happy enough to see the restart of club and county activities? 

Very happy – It was the main thing I missed during lockdown and have loved it since it got going again. I think realising how much I missed it during those few months has probably delayed my retirement for a few years yet!

10. The best GAA match that you ever saw.

I’m going to go with the 2005 All-Ireland Semi final between Tyrone and Armagh in Croke Park. I’ve re-watched it numerous times since. I still remember the goose-bumps from when Peter Canavan put over the match-winning free kick in injury time.

As a neutral, the Kerry v Mayo All-Ireland Semi-Final in 2014 stands out in the mind in terms of sheer excitement and atmosphere when Mayo produced an outstanding performance despite being down to 14 men for most of the game. 

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

It depends. I can see the benefits and of course high-quality coaching should be beneficial to any player but I don’t think they should ever be at the expense of club football and I think it’s vital that players who are attending these academies/development squads remain grounded.

12. Your own involvement around the club.

My priority is my own playing involvement, with this year being my 13th/14th year on our senior team. I’ve coached numerous underage teams and generally am involved with one underage team each season. I also have been part of our committee for the past number of years. I personally think it’s important that players try to give back what they get out of the club.

13. How important is the GAA in your community?

As is the case with most clubs, I would say extremely. I think the GAA is the main tie most people have to their locality and where many of our most valued friendships and relationships originate. Our GAA pitch is my favourite place in Fintona to be. 

14. Favourite county jersey (not Tyrone) 

Galway

15. What are your main strengths as a footballer?

I’d say my biggest strength is my commitment. I rarely miss and I try to put as much time as I can in outside of training. I’ve always believed that talent will only get you so far – hard work/practice is key. In terms of play, I’d probably say my ability to carry the ball and shooting (on a good day!). I grew up in a very football orientated house so I think I’ve always been very comfortable with the ball in my hands.