Maeve Maxwell Takes The Mc Aleer And Rushe Q And A

Friday 29.05.2020

1. Earliest GAA memory. 

My dad coached the u8 boys so I used to train with them and not the girls. My older brother would be going to u10 blitz’s on a Saturday morning and I’d always get asked to go and play too, I think I was 7 at the time. 

2. Was your family a traditional GAA family? 

Yes definitely. I come from a family of 5 children and all of us played GAA growing up, both football and camogie, as well as representing the club in the Scor. My mum will always lend a hand with any baking for club events and my dad played football for the club all his life and now helps out with coaching in. My dad also played for Tyrone seniors, which he rarely mentions. My mum’s side of the family are Galbally Pearse’s people and so my uncle would like to think I got my football from their side. 

3. The best GAA venue you have been to?

I’d have to say Croke Park but our own Páirc Arthur in Edendork is up there for me. We played our All-Ireland club semi final there in November and the pitch was in perfect condition especially considering the time of year. 

4. School participation and/or success.

Unfortunately, during my 7 years I didn’t have any success with the Academy in football or camogie. However, I captained the ladies u20 football team in my final year to an Ulster semi final and was vice captain for the u20 camogie team when we got to an Ulster final. I received an Ulster College’s All Star in 7th year as well. 

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

Even though she’s a St Macartan’s woman at heart, I’ve always looked up to Rosemary Nelis in our club. She has done so much for ladies football in Edendork and all our ladies teams’ success can be attributed to her among a number of others. For county I’d have to say Neamh Woods. Neamh’s a perfect role model to all young sports people in Tyrone. I remember as a 14 year old playing against her in a senior league game and feeling very star struck.

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

I played basketball and soccer when I was younger and even gave judo a go for a few years.

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

Dearbhaile Gallagher or Emma Brennan. I’ve had many good battles playing against Trillick and with them two on the team it is never easy. Their pace makes it extremely difficult to keep up with them, and they’re both tenacious on the field. 

8. Best player you have ever seen play Gaelic football 

Peter Canavan and Rena Buckley. Rena has something like 18 All-Ireland medals for Cork between football and camogie. 

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

Thankfully the LGFA haven’t brought in the same rule changes as the men, but I do think they don’t let the game flow anymore. The GAA shouldn’t keep trying to change the game as it’s fine the way it is.

10. The best GAA match that you ever saw. 

2005 All-Ireland semi final, any day Tyrone beat Armagh is a good day. 

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

Down to my own personal experience I’d have to say no. I remember going to u14 trials as a 13 year old who was already playing for my club senior team, and being overlooked for the final squad. It had a massive knock on my confidence in my own ability. Although I do think the additional u13 and u15 squads that have been brought in during the last few years are an improvement. 

12. Your own involvement around the club.

I’ve helped with coaching the u8 and u10 teams in the past. I’ve also sung the National Anthem at some championship games that the club hosted as well as helping out with the shop at games.

13. How important is the GAA in your community?

The GAA is everything in Edendork. The community had a very tough year in 2019 and the club was never more important in helping overcome it. There’s not much that happens in Edendork that hasn’t got the club at the heart of it. I think everyone will appreciate the club more when we’re finally allowed to go back to it. 

14. Favourite county jersey (not Tyrone) 

Tipperary 

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

After training all year it’s a very cruel way to lose a game. If there’s enough time for a replay then penalties shouldn’t be needed.