Mark Gribbin Does The Murphys Gloves Sponsored Q+A

Thursday 14.05.2020

 

This weeks senior club Q+A in association with Murphys Gloves is with Moy’s Mark Gribbin. 

 

1. Earliest GAA memory.

Playing the Primary School blitzes down at the pitch. My first memory of watching a match was going to the Armagh v Dublin All Ireland Semi-Final in 2002 with my Dad,(who’s an Armagh man) and refusing to wear anything else but a Tyrone jersey to the game.

2. Was your family a traditional GAA family? Explain

Not really. Dad never played and wasn’t hugely interested I’m told,until my older brother and sister became involved. By the time I had started to play however,he wouldn’t miss a game. Mum was always interested as my Granda would have been engrossed in GAA. The entire family would rarely miss a game these days.

3. The best GAA venue you have been to?

Hard to look past Croke Park. The Athletic Grounds in Armagh is always a great pitch to play on too, but Semple Stadium will always be special with the clubs run to the All-Ireland in 2018.

4. School participation and/or success.

Very little unfortunately. I played up until around 5th Year at St. Patrick’s Academy and then lost a bit of interest and dropped off. I always regret that I didn’t stick at it and play MacRory football.

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

There has been an abundance within the club growing up. Having had so many Moy players represent Tyrone with distinction over the years has always been hugely inspiring. I’ve been fortunate enough to play alongside Sean and Colm Cavanagh for a number of years. Being a defender, Philly Jordan would have always been one you looked to model your game on. Niall Conlon was another great defender who would have had an influence as I was breaking onto the Seniors. Also admire Donal Jordan’s commitment and longevity – think he’s been playing for the club since the early 70’s.

 

 

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

Would have played soccer occasionally and still do when the football season is over, but Gaelic has always been number one. The golf clubs get taken out once a year and it doesn’t take long to remember why I only play once a year! Going to the Superbowl is on the bucket list.

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

Darren McCurry can be difficult to mark. Within the club it’s still challenging to handle big Sean at training. Michael Conroy is another. Harry Loughran is hard to catch at full speed, but he only trains once every couple of years.

8. Best player you have ever seen play Gaelic football

Peter Canavan.

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

Undecided. The advanced mark should be interesting anyway.

10. The best GAA match that you ever saw.

County – Tyrone v Kerry in All-Ireland Final 2005.
Club – Moy v An Ghaeltacht in All-Ireland Club Semi-Final 2018

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

It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. It can be great for developing young talent, but it also takes them away from their club and it raises the issue of elitism in an amateur game at a young age.

12. Your own involvement around the club.

I’m on the committee for the first time this year, so I’m hoping to propose as many social events as possible. I also referee at the various underage tournaments throughout the year.

13. How important is the GAA in your community?

It’s the focal point of the local community. Although it’s a bit of a cliché it really does bring people of all ages together in the Moy. It’s where you make friends from u-8’s up until you’re playing alongside them at senior level years later. As the GAA thrives, the community thrives as a result.

14. Favourite county jersey (not Tyrone)

Kerry

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

No not at all. It’s a cruel way to decide a match. Let it go to a replay.