Gavin Traynor Naomh Eoghan Takes On Loughtec Q And A

Wednesday 15.07.2020

 

1. Earliest GAA memory.

My earliest GAA memory would be playing U-8’s in 2005. We had a big primary school class so there was a big squad of us. Some great memories heading to the blitzes on Saturday mornings. Also in 2005 the All Ireland Final and PackieMcConnell bringing the Sam Maguire round to the house.

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

A normal week would be:

Monday – Gym session and possibly a committee meeting

Tuesday – Senior pitch session

Wednesday – Gym session and training the u-14’s

Thursday – Gym session

Friday – Senior pitch session

Saturday – U-14 match

Sunday – Senior match

It’s a pretty hectic schedule but it’s great to be back at it again after a quiet few months.

3. The best GAA venue you have been to?

Nothing beats a day out in Croke Park but I was also impressed with the set up in Abbotstown at the National Games Development Centre when we played with UUJ down there a few years back.

4. School participation and/or success.

Lots of great memories playing with the Omagh CBS having won the Corn na nOg and Brock Cup with a very talented team that had the likes of Benny Gallen, Peadar Mullan and Ryan McCusker. Also winning the All Ireland Freshers League with UUJ in 2017 was also a great day out in Abbotstown.

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

At club level when I was younger it was Kevin Gallagher who managed our youth team and captained the seniors to the Pat Darcy Cup in 2009. As I was coming out of Go Games and into competitive football another would have been Ryan Coyle who was a natural leader who led with his performances on the pitch. At county level you’d have looked up to Pascal McConnell and Joe McMahon who took the sessions in the primary school at the time.

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

I played a few soccer matches with the school when I was younger, it’s a lot harder than you think! The Munster Hurling Championship is very entertaining and fast paced which makes it great to watch. I also enjoy watching the America football, golf, UFC and basketball.

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

From my youth days, you always had your hands full coming up against Darragh Canavan, Emmet McNabb and Oran Sludden. All very direct players that love to go for goal, no matter how many men you had on them they still posed a real threat. In the in-house games you hate being up against Aidan McSorley who is very direct and Ryan Mayse who is also direct when he’s not looking for the offside flag!!!!!

8. Best player you have ever seen play Gaelic football

Has to be Stephen O’Neill. You don’t know what side to put him on because he can score with the left and right and he has a lethal dummy.

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

Yes, it is great to be back to a bit of normality and have a routine with something to look forward to every week.

10. The best GAA match that you ever saw.

It’s hard to separate our Division 3 play-off run from 2014 from Packie’s last kick equaliser against Fintona to Aidan’s last minute goal in the replay to send it to extra time where we eventually won to Kevin’s solo point vs Clogher to win it and Ryan’s point to win it and finally go up against Derrytreskafter being 8 down at half time. The 2017 All Ireland Final between Dublin and Mayo was also a great battle.

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

Yes and no. I feel that they provide a platform for all talented youngsters coming through and can give them a taste of what is potentially ahead of them. It can also help them build a bond with other players throughout the county so when you get to Minors and U20’s you have a fair idea of who is on your team and the strengths that they bring. No because it can give some players a false sense of how good they actually are and they may no longer think they have to listen to their club coaches as they are ‘above that level’.

12. Your own involvement around the club.

Currently I play with the senior football team, coach the u14’s and I am also on the committee as the player’s representative.

13. How important is the GAA in your community?

The GAA is massive in our community as it brings together everyone from every corner of the parish, young and old. It provides an environment for all young people to develop skills not just applicable to the game but to life itself – communication, confidence and leadership skills.

14. Favourite county jersey (not Tyrone)

This year’s Louth jersey is very nice

15. What are your main strengths as a footballer?

Some people might disagree with me here but I think I’ve the best left foot in our team. My free taking is decent and I feel I can read the game well. Benny Boyle reckons if you gave me a sat nav I could play county!