Lorcan Quinn Does The Murphys Gloves Q +A

Thursday 09.07.2020

 

This week its the turn of Donaghmore and Tyrone U20 keeper Lorcan Quinn to do the Murphys Gloves senior club player Q and A.

 

1. Earliest GAA memory? 

My earliest GAA memory would be, participating in tournaments for St Patricks P.S, Donaghmore. I think these tournaments stick in my memory because they are not just “points only” compared to go-games for the club.

2. Who has been the biggest influences on your career? 

My da is definitely top for this, running me round the country and going to all my games at youth level definitely helped my love for football grow. My brother Deasun also, seeing him playing at a young age helped grow my interest in Gaelic football, maybe he will teach me someday how to kick a free between the posts…  I did play more soccer when I was younger before committing more to Gaelic at about 15, so i would have to mention the influence of people like Dixie Robinson and Paul Crilly had on my career because I believe a lot of my skills such as shot stopping and striking off the ground have came from soccer.

3. The best GAA venue you have played at?

The best GAA venue I have played at would have to be Croke park, as I believe it is where everyone dreams of playing when they are young, looking forward to getting back!

4. School participation and/or success?

I had a good run in St Patricks Academy. I Participated in 3 consecutive Ulster finals (Corn na nOg, Brock cup, and Rannafast) being fortunate enough to win the Brock cup. I also had 4 years of MacRory Cup experience.

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

I’ve looked up to Rory Beggan for a long time, I always try to mould my game similar to how he plays, he can effortlessly kick the ball with range and accuracy and it is unbelievable to watch. A lot of young people like to see goalkeepers make top corner saves etc, but for me it is how a keeper kicks the ball.

 

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

I Played soccer from a young age, and believe it is where I learned a lot of my skills as a goalkeeper such as, shot-stopping but more so kicking from the ground, I think soccer has enhanced my kicking from the ground, similarly to the way Donegal goalkeeper Shaun Patton’s kicking is top class due to having a background in soccer.

7. Tyrone U20s won the Ulster title back in March no doubt you are looking forward to All Ireland semi final v Dublin? 

Definitely looking forward to this game as I’m sure all the rest of the lads are too. In these strange times it has just been all about keeping the faith that the game would go ahead in the future. Now that there is some light at the end of the tunnel it is all about who can adapt the best to the current situation. And on top of that , the challenge of facing the Dubs in Croke park, you don’t need to say much more than that to get you up for it!

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

With my own two eyes, probably Conor McManus, his skill level is ridiculous. However Canavan is still the greatest of all time, I was just too young to see him play live.

9. If you could replay one game in your career which one would it be and why?

There are two ways I can approach this one. On one hand it would be the u17 All Ireland final, to relive that day and the winning feeling to get an All Ireland medal. On the other hand, last year we played Cork in the All Ireland u20 semi final, and I would love to put that game right.

10. The best GAA match that you ever saw?

I have seen many many good quality games of football, from club, school and county, however, In terms of excitement, end to end, high intensity, high scoring, it would have to be the 2017 All Ireland final between Dublin and Mayo.

11.What was the most memorable match that you ever played in? 

A tough one this, as I”ve been involved in lots of great games… In terms of the occasion, it would be the All Ireland u17 final, the winning feeling is something I can cherish forever. But games like my club senior debut do have a place up there with the best.

12. Apart from playing do you have any other involvement around the club?

I have helped coaching the youth keepers at the club a few times, trying to pass on some of my knowledge to them, I am still young myself yet and am focused on playing, but I hope that over time I can do more for my club in terms of helping out the youth.

13. How much are you looking forward to football returning?

Can’t wait! The endless running, gym work, 5ks, as well as the lying about bored and feeling like something was missing. Well that missing something is just around the corner, and now we can get out and express all the hard work (or lack of) that we have put in over the break. It will be interesting to see how this year plays out!

14. Favourite county jersey (not Tyrone)

Big fan of the Monaghan jerseys, however there is a black and red Sligo goalkeeper jersey which is very well put together.

15. Are you a fan of penalties to decide the outcome of championship games and as a keeper would you say all the pressure is on the kicker?

Its always going to be a topic of debate. I would hate to lose on penalties, but the buzz of the shootout would be exciting, and I like the though of the game “finishes on the day”.

There is to some extent pressure on the keeper in a shootout, but in terms of probability it is more difficult to save a penalty than to score one. I think there is more pressure on the kicker, especially if they are up against me…!