Johnny Lafferty Takes On The Nang Q and A.

Tuesday 19.05.2020

Getting excited for the All-Ireland Final 1995.  I didn’t go to the match but remember my Dad and my brother heading off to it.  I assume it was that that kicked started my enthusiasm for GAA.

2. Was your family a traditional GAA family? 

Yes.  Both Grandads were GAA men, one with Sigersons and one with Urney.  Thankfully it was the Urney one who had most influence.  My Dad followed his footsteps and has been a player, selector, coach, youth officer and chairman for the club during my playing days.  Both brothers are still hanging in there playing with amended training schedules to suit them.

3. The best GAA venue you have been to?

Croke Park has something magical about it.  Special mention to Clones during an Ulster Championship game.

4. School participation and/or success.

I attended St. Colman’s High School Strabane.  We operated at a vocational level and unfortunately, we always seem to be pipped by very successful St. Ciaran’s teams.  Whenever we did get the better of them, we would fall at a latter stage of the competitions.

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

At club level my brothers Ronan and Stephen obviously went ahead of me and I remember just wanting to play on the same team as they did.  Other club players that I enjoyed watching were Jonny Bogle, Reggie Porter, Anthony McGonagle and Patsy Logue.

At county level it was Peter Canavan.

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

Enjoy an odd game of soccer.  Well, I used to enjoy it more years ago than I do now.  I tried juggling both, but it doesn’t work.

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

Niall McGinn of Eskra always springs to mind due to the number of battles we have had down the years and he has always been consistently tough.  Never enjoyed facing Dee McCaul or Danny McBride either.

8. Best player you have ever seen play Gaelic football.

I tend to enjoy watching forwards playing the game more so toss–up between Peter Canavan or Diarmuid Connolly.

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

No not at all.  More rule changes make it harder for everyone; referees, coaches, underage players, senior players.  Stability within the game is what’s needed now.  I know I have a differing view on this than Cathal McShane, only for the rule change he would still be sitting beside Rony McNabb.

 
10. The best GAA match that you ever saw.

Not a match but a moment – I have no great love for Donegal so to watch Tyrone beat them in the Ulster Final 2016 was great.  But it was the point from Peter Harte to win it made it special.  

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

I am undecided on this.  I am sure they serve a purpose in developing the skills of the player and mentality of a player (which is great) but at what cost?  If clubs and schools were doing things effectively is there any need to be part of another squad?

12. Your own involvement around the club.

Sticking to playing for now which might not last much longer.  I will go into coaching at some level soon.

13. How important is the GAA in your community?

As in every community is acts as the hub of the community.  People live for it and enjoy being represented by the teams on a weekly basis.  It gives people the opportunity to have a positive influence and to have an identity.  It is a pity however some of the smaller clubs are struggling of late.  

14. Favourite county jersey (not Tyrone).

Kerry.  It’s the Green and Gold combo.

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

No.  Another rubbish rule.  If the fixtures were sorted out there would be plenty of time to play until a winner is determined.