Paddy Shields Under the Loughtec Spotlight

Wednesday 29.04.2020

1. Earliest GAA memory.

Hearing my Dad shouting at me at my first ever blitz in Donaghmore.

2. Was your family a traditional GAA family? Explain.

Not really. The father wasn’t much of a footballer but follows the football a lot since my brother and I came on the scene.

3. Sibling involvement or success?

My brother Conor captained Tyrone U20 team and played for the minors.

4. School participation and/or success.

Knockmany Cup wining team for St Macartans primary school – a huge day for the parish.
No involvement in secondary school.

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

Club would have to be Martin Shortt who is just peaking at the ripe age of 50. County would have to be Noel O’Leary (Cork) complete horse of a man.

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

Would have a lot of interest in darts and because of this covid 19 I’m beginning to develop a figure for it.

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

Frank Burns as he was hard to handle in the league last year.

8. Best player you have ever seen play Gaelic football

Diarmuid Connolly remembering him tore Tyrone apart in 2011 all Ireland quarter final.

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

I think there are too many marks as there are three on our team already!!!!!

10. One suggestion that you think might improve the game.

Only use the midfield mark. Poor referees don’t know if they are coming or going with these new rules. Shouldn’t try to fix what’s not broken.

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

Yes it’s a good way for young talent to progress to represent their county.

12. Your own involvement around the club.

I play corner back and am a member of the committee and try and help the club as much as I can for any social event.

13. How important is the GAA in your community?

Very important as it brings people and families together. ‘The Shed’ gym brings a lot more new faces to the club and there is a massive buzz about the club after our recent success.

14. Favourite county jersey (not Tyrone)

Mayo

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

I don’t think it’s the right way to finish a game as its Gaelic football not soccer – get another day out to decide the winner. Plus you are at a severe disadvantage if you have Sean Mc Caffery in your team hitting the penalties I would add.