ATHENRY ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB INTERVIEWS A-C
Interview with "Sean Barrett"
1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- I joined in 2010, still here now.
2. Who has been the biggest influence on you?
- Colin Bane, as a player, a coach and a committee member, an absolute asset to the Club.
3. What have you achieve in your time at the Club?
- Being a member of the committee for nine years.
Being an assistant coach / first aid physio for U18 league winners and winners of the Lillis Cup with the B team in 2017.
4. What are your most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- The most memorable moments would be winning the U18 league and going the season unbeaten.
Mark Lawless's penalty saves in the Lillis Cup final.
5. What do you enjoy most about Athenry FC?
- What I most enjoy is being part of this great football club. Standing on the sidelines on a Saturday/ Sunday watching Athenry teams, being part of a team win, lose or draw. Also the craic with the lads before and after games.
6. As a player, who did you play for?
- As a youth I was goalkeeper for Welling United for two years won a few cups and medals never really carried that on, wished that I did now, who knows.
7. What would you say are the strengths and weaknesses of the Club?
- Strengths of the club, where to start. Well it all starts with the hard work that all of the committee members do, plus all the effort keeping the Club going behind the scenes. Weaknesses, nothing to say about that.
8. From all the players you have coached at Athenry FC, can you name your strongest 5 a side team:
Goalkeeper - Mark Lawless
Defender - Aaron Leggett
Midfielder - Nathan Healey
Midfielder - Jason Gorham
Striker - Elliott Langan
Manager - Barclay Healey
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Interview with Club Coach "Colm Branagan"
1. You joined Athenry FC in 2007 with plenty of experience.
Where did it all start for you?
- Football started for me aged 6 in the St. Kevin's Mini Leagues. At least 10 of the group I was in went on to play under Football with St. Kevin's. I played with St. Kevin's up until U15. I then went to Stella Maris from 15's to u17's. I played Senior Football in the AUL Premier Division at 20 and played for a few clubs before joining Tolka Rovers. I spent 7 years with Tolka winning a few trophies and got my first cap at Junior International level against Scotland. Before moving to Portmarnock where I was fortunate to play for a very good and successful side full of Junior Internationals. I was lucky enough to win a lot of silverware and receive more J.I. Caps. I finished playing at the age of 37.
2. Since joining you have had many different coaching roles, is there a group that you enjoy(ed) coaching the most?
- I started coaching with Athenry FC in 2007 after answering an AD in the local paper looking for coaches. I started with the B team for two seasons before moving on to coach with the first team. After which I moved on to the U15's for two seasons. Following this, I went to coach at the AFC Academy as my two sons Jack and Fionn had started playing.
The last few seasons have been full on with my involvement in three or four teams each year.
Certainly working with the under age teams is most rewarding as you can witness the growth and development each season.
Working with the GFA League Centre teams the last few years has been very rewarding and challenging. It was great to experience the Kennedy Cup last summer and work with some very talented players and coaches.
This season I managed and coached the GFA U13 to a National Final win against Clare in Mullingar.
3. You have gone on to complete many of your coaching badges, what level of education do you have now?
- Completed the UEFA B Licence most recently and that was very enjoyable but very demanding. Coaching now for over 13 years.
4. You have developed many players over the year, some of which have made the development squads in Galway. What is your recipe for success?
- For me success in coaching is all about the relationships you have with your players, you cannot start to influence and develop players without developing a good relationship first. I believe having played at a high level helps too. I also like learning myself from players and this helps develop you as a coach.
5. This season you have been helping out with the first team, what challenges does this bring?
- I originally said I would help out with pre-season and I am still here!! Working with the first team this year has been very enjoyable, the challenge with working with senior players is very different to underage. Senior players will see right through you if you dont know what you are talking about tactically. The talent in this group is as good as I have seen in any senior team.
6. It seems the more the merrier for you, this season coaching an academy team, the first team, Galway FA U13's and helping out with Galway Utd too. How do you juggle your time between coaching, working and family?
- Yes, you could say that alright!! Juggling everything can prove difficult at times, but I have a very supportive wife who understands that football is in my blood and very much a part of who I am. Working with the different teams gives me different challenges and now working with Galway Utd U19's has given me a great opportunity to work at League of Ireland level.
7. What is your strengths and weaknesses as a coach?
- My strengths are probably: I love coaching and developing kids to reach their potential. I am continuously learning new ways of doing things. I have patience with players of all abilities and treat everyone the same.
- The obvious weakness is, I cannot say ''No''
8. Finally, what is the plan for the next three years?
- Hopefully to continue to coach at all levels, less teams though!!
Keep working with our current U11s for the next few years and the GFA teams.
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Interview with Club Member "Emmet Byrne"
1. In 2001 you were part of the team that won the league and Cup double getting promotion to the Premier Division for the first time since the 80's!
Can you name the best player in the squad at the time?
- Brian Costello was a goal machine.
2. In 2004 & 2005, Athenry first team had been drawn against Athenry B. What was it like to play it both of these game, considering the B team won the game in 2004?
- I remember that game like yesterday. I was so nervous. The slagging was unreal. They had a super team.
3. In 2006, getting to the FAI Junior Cup was the biggest achievement in the Clubs history, only to lose in extra time.
There was many great players in the side, what for you was the best thing about the team?
- The team spirit was super. It was like a big family.
4. What coach made the most impact on you and helped you as a player?
- Timmy Houlihan
5. You went on to win more trophies, which one meant the most to you? Why?
- My last year winning the Connacht cup. I was captain and I knew it was my last year.
6. Nowadays, you have taken on a couple of coaching roles at the Club, do you enjoy coaching?
- Love it. Especially seeing the talent that is coming in the under age structure.
7. What are the positives you have taken from coaching?
- The development of young players.
8. Will we one day see you in the dugout as Manager of the First Team?
- Would love to someday, when the family are bigger.
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Interview with "Packie Byrne"
1. When did you join Athenry FC & when did you leave?
- Played with Athenry all my life from underage, started with the great Johnny Delaney. I finished up when I moved to Dublin in 2015 after winning the leauge, to this day I really miss it.
2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- Would have to be Peter Gilhooley, he managed me from U13 onwards and I wasn't easy to deal with. Himself and Tommy Fahy are legend. Looking back now they would have had a massive influence on me.
3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- Lucky to have been part of great teams with some top players both at underage and at senior level:
Won four leagues titles (1 included promotion to the Premier) two Connacht Cups and two Michael Byrne Cups - winning together at underage was special we stuck together until the end and many of the lads had great successes at senior level.
4. What are your most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- Winning the Double in 2008, which included scoring the league clincher vs West. Dounsie's cross practically feel onto my big head (Great player) and I will never forget that year. United also won the European cup
After coming home from living in New Zealand, Seamie Crowe asked me to get involved again and we won the league that year (2015) after a good few years of not winning it. Winning Manager's Player of the Year that season was a nice way to say goodbye.
5. What did you enjoy the most about playing for Athenry FC?
- The craic was unreal great memories. Pulling on the Jersey, I loved every minute of it & the great atmosphere in the club is still there to this day.
6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Alan Keane, I played against him every lunchtime in the tech then numerous times again underage and senior vs great Mervue sides. He was a great player and had a great career with Sligo Rovers.
7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - Spanky even in bad times he would get you laughing.
Tough as Nails - My brother Emmet, himself and myself used to be fleecing each other ever since I can remember out the back of the house.
Fastest player - The great Johnny Mernagh speed merchant (Great Player)
Most Skillful - Jamie O'Driscoll - Class act.
Most Grumpy - probably myself I must say but have to go to Seamie Crowe the big grump☺️
Best Player - That is a tough one really is, Cathal Fahy so consistent played with him all my years from underage through to senior.
8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper - Dave McDonagh
Defender - Emmet Byrne
Midfielder - Jamie O'Driscoll
Striker - Cathal Fahy
Manager - Peter Gilhooley
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Interview with Goalkeeping Coach "Mark Cobey"
1. As a player, you played for Galway Utd, can you tell us what that was like?
- Ya sure, I loved my time with Galway United F.C. both playing and coaching. Don O'Riordan signed me, he was a brilliant manager and coach. I also had the honour of playing with some great players. I have the record for most clean sheets there in a season (2017 I think) and most consecutive clean sheets (5 on the trot). Got to the League Cup semi final and the FAI Senior Cup, beaten by Finn Harps in the FAI and Shamrock Rovers in the League Cup. We also got promoted that year to the Premier League. Also played with Sligo Rovers F.C. when Don signed me again.
2. What other Galway Clubs have you played for? What success did you have? Was there a season that enjoyed the most?
- Galway Hibernians FC, West Utd Fcd and Athenry FC, Galway United and Sligo Rovers. Was signing with Tranmere Rovers on a two year contract only then to rupture my cruciate ligament.
Hibs won the league in 2006 I signed from Galway United and I loved that year. Following season Athenry beat us in the Connacht Cup Final (2-1). Got to another Connacht Cup final with Athenry and lost on penos to Westport Utd. I would say every season I played I loved it and miss it badly now.
Won quite a lot with Hibs (Leagues and Connacht Cups). That was a very good side for about 10 years.
3. You have been a Goalkeeping Coach in Galway City and County, When did you start coaching?
I started coaching while stay playing with Galway United, Don again would bring us to schools around Galway. That's when I started. Have been with the FAI as well for 14 years coaching on the FAI ETP. I love coaching these days.
4. Can you name three of the best keepers you have had the pleasure in coaching?
- David Forde for a little while when he was young. Conor Winn, Ger Hanley, Ronan Forde, Conor Gleeson, Barry Ryan, Gary Rodgers ans Sam Ramsbottom all at Galway United and a lot more with FAI had the pleasure of coaching Caoimhen Kelleher as well, who is now at Liverpool. I have also worked with James Healy and TJ Forde. Top top lads and excellent keepers.
5. Coaching with Galway Utd, are you involved with all the keepers including the underage teams? Is there a keeper coming through that stands out from the others?
- Not with Galway United at the min but ya there is some top young keepers there Sam O'Gorman and Cian Mulryan are two very good keepers coming through. Had them two keepers both at Galway Utd and FAI ETP.
6. Would you agree that many clubs do not provide training for their keepers?
Should every club have a Goalkeeping Coach?
- I think so ya, I see Mark Lawless is now coaching the Athenry keepers and is doing his badges, fair play to him. Seen him coaching few times and comes across very well.
7. What is the best advise you give to young keepers on what they can do to improve at home?
- Loads of videos going around at the min to train in back garden and stuff like that. Always believe in yourself as a keeper and never stop working hard.
8. Lastly, based on the Galway Leagues in your opinion, can you name the following:
Best Keeper: Salthill keeper is very good TJ and James also. PJ Ward with hibs is going to be very good. Made his debut with hibs last year at 16 years of age he is one to watch out for.
Best Defender: Nathan Ward I think will be a fine player and already is there with the best of them in the league.
Best Midfielder: Stephen Walsh Hibs.
Best Striker: Cathal Fahy no need to say anymore.
Best Referee: Niall Crosby or PJ Norman
Thank you,
@athenry_afc /#athenry_afc
Interview with "Gary Coffey"
1. When did you join Athenry FC and when did you leave?
- joined Athenry when we had our first set of juvenile teams at u-12, we used to get hammered week in week out but we were managed by the great Johnny Delaney (he never got enough credit for getting it all going) I retired several times, played my last game for the club 2016ish.
2. Who was the biggest influence on you? (role model, manager, teammate)
- My older brother Paul, he played with Athenry's first u-18 team and they were terrible.
3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- Division 2A with the A's and B's, a first division and a Jack Lillis Cup somewhere along the way.
4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- Finally getting out of Division 2A with the first team in 99 under the stewardship of Timmy Holian. The romp through the 1st division the following year and the epic super Sunday's and hangovers that went with it all.
5. What are your three favourite football memories?
- Houghton vs Italy, McAteer vs Holland & Long vs Germany.
6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Fairview Rangers in the Irish Cup, total mercenaries...
7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - Spanky
Tough as Nails - Emmet Byrne / Ronan Kinneen
Fastest player - Johnny Mernagh
Most Skillful - Brian Costello
Most Grumpy - Eddie Fox
Best Player - Dave Crimmins
8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper - Coalie the goalie
Defender - Ronan Kinneen
Midfielder - Paddy Quinn
Striker - Brian Costello
Manager - Timmy Holian
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Interview with "Anthony Connolly"
1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- I joined Athenry FC from C.s. MacDara in 2012 and rejoined C.S. MacDara Oifigiúil in 2016.
2. Who has the biggest influence on you?
- Growing up it was the old lad and my Uncle Padraig. When I got into adult football it was Mike Staff from CS MacDara.
3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
Michael O'Byrne Cup in 2013
GFA Premier League in 2015
& Connacht Cup in 2016
4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- Scoring on my debut vs Corrib Rangers.
Winning the Premier League and Connacht Cup.
The celebrations after winning the Connacht Cup.
5. What three things did you enjoy most about playing for Athenry FC?
- Playing alongside some of the best soccer players in Galway.
The commitment and dedication from the players and management.
Going into every game expecting to win and competing for silverware every year.
6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Geoffrey Power
7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - Tight one between Shane Sullivan (CS MacDara) and Paddy Quinn
Tough as Nails - Gary Delaney
Fastest Player - Joe Gubbins (CS MacDara)
Most Skillful - Colm O'Donovan
Most Grumpy - Eamonn Lynch (CS MacDara)
Best Player - Cathal Fahy
8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper - Maghnus Breathnach (CS MacDara) / TJ Forde
Defender - Oisin McDonagh (CS MacDara)
Midfielder - Jamie O'Driscoll
Striker - Cathal Fahy
Manager - Dave Crimmins and Seamie Crowe.
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Interview with first team assistant "Brian Costello"
1. You have played with some very good Athenry teams in the past, which season stands out the most for you?
- It would have to be my first season. I only knew Emmet and Paddy when I joined from Colemanstown Utd. We went on to win the first division league and cup.
2. Name three of the best players that you played with?
- That is a hard one. I joined in 1999 so there has been many over the years. Three that come to mind would be Emmet Byrne, Ronan Kinneen and Gary Coffey.
3. What are your fondest memories at Athenry FC?
- Semi final win over Castlebar Celtic on their home patch in the FAI Junior Cup. Winning our first league title in Salthill and every super Sunday session in Iggys.
4. Who had the most influence on you as a player? What coach helped you the most?
- In my early days Gerry Moran was a big influence and also the great Timmy Holian.
5. How did you get involved with your role in the first team now?
- That's all down to Emmet Byrne. He asked me to give Davy and himself a hand a couple of years ago and I don't think I've seen him since.
6. Name three of the best players that have been in the first team, since you joined the management team!
- Cathal Fahy, Jamie O'Driscoll & Paddy Quinn. Olga told me two of those.
7. Who would you say is the toughest player in the squad? N. Ward, Jackson or Dec Cullen.
- Definitely Nathan - he is a chip off the old block.
8. Finally, who do you think has the most promise from the U21 players coming through?
- They all offer something different and it's great to have them all involved. If Jason Gorham keeps training consistently he looks a great prospect.
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Interview with First Team Manager "Dave Crimmins"
1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- I first started playing at underage but the games were few and far between until U18. There was a league structure at that age but we were doing well to field an 11. Needless to say we didn't have much success but we were just happy to play games. Players like Martin Morrissey, Nev Hynes Cormac Mc, Frank Flannery and James Kelly from Craughwell were the back bone of that team.
From there I went playing with the snr team in 1989 and spent what was like an eternity in division 2. Thankfully we eventually got out and got to play in the Premier League for a few years before eventually retiring after losing to Westport Utd in the Connaught snr cup in 2009 or 2010. That was my last game.
- I got on board for 2011 as part Gabriel Galvin backroom team and again after Seamie Crowe rang me during the summer of 2014 I got back involved for 2 years.
Then when Seamie stepped away in early 2018 Pete and Tommy asked would I take on managing the team until the end of the season,so I did and am there still now.
2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- When I broke into the first team I was blessed to be playing with players like Pete, Tommy & Mike "my man didn't score" Morrissey. Timmy Holian his brother Francis and Mike Dunleavy were all excellent footballers too but if I was to pick one it would be Gabriel Glavin, back in my younger days I played as a striker and I would have learned a lot from him.
- The biggest influence on me as a manager would be Timmy, his commitment and dedication to us was exceptional always drilling home the fact that if we kept a clean sheet we wouldn't lose. He was constantly striving to get more out of us.
- As teammate it would have to be Emmet Byrne, he was so determined to win every ball, his consistency over the years made my job playing beside him much easier.
- I've no doubt that without Timmy or Emmet I would have been put out to grass long before I eventually did go.
3. What have you achieve in your time at the Club?
- We won the Division 2 Cup for the first time back in the early 90's & I think we won it again during our long stay in that division..
It took us over a decade to get out of Div 2 but when we did thanks to young Paddy Quinn, Brian Cos and Brian Hanley banging in goals for fun. We only spent the 1 season in Div 1 before joining the Premier league.
- I was lucky enough to be part of the team and squad that went on to win and to dominate locally for the next few years from 2006/07.
- Winning the first league title in Drom was a massive achievement for the club and a stepping stone for the success that has followed.
- I'd have picked up a couple of medals subsequent to that and was privileged to lift the League and Connaught Cup trophies in Ronan Kinneen's absence (he was club captain but missed the final week of the season as he was on honeymoon).
- As part of the Mgt team with Gabriel Galvin and Neville Hynes we won the Connaught Cup in 2011.
- I then returned when Seamie asked me to get involved and we both prepared for the interview process and were successful in getting the job back in 2014.
That season we won the league and went on to win Connaught Cup the following season. The last title I won as manager was the 2017/18 league beating Mervue in a play off.
- This season isn't over yet hopefully!!
4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC as a player?
- One of my fondest memories was winning the Division 2 cup for the first time back in the early 90's, beating Portumna with 2 late goals in the old Terryland. If my memory serves me correctly Andy Aherne and Shaughs snr got the goals. I don't think either scored again for about 5yrs...The celebrations were in Kno Kno's nightclub where 2 great club supporters Terry Nolan and Willie Killeen showed how to do it properly.
- The journey that took us to the FAI Jnr Cup Final. The away days in Sheriff, Dublin Bus etc.. great journey, great memories just a pity the final didn't go our way.
- As mentioned above winning the Premier League for the 1st time was special and hugely important for everyone at that time.
7. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- The best player I came up against was Seamie Crowe and that Mervue side he played with. We had thoughts on winning the Premier league when we just needed a draw to beat Mervue to the title but I was chasing shadows that day and they ended up winning the playoff aswell.
6. What are your three best moments as a manager?
- Winning the league on the last day of the season in 2015, just hanging on to draw 2-2 with Corrib Rangers.
- The Connaught Cup victory v Ballinasloe in 2016. Carlsberg don't do cup finals but if they did...
- The third was winning that playoff in 2018 v Mervue, we owed them in that one..
7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - Hard to separate Andy Aherne and Finian Gardner, both quick with the one liners but not blessed with pace on the pitch.
Paddy Quinn has brought it to a whole other level since then though. He has been such a gem to have in the dressing room.
Tough as Nails - Again I'm cheating by naming 3. Ronnie Kinneen, Packie Byrne and Gary Delaney. When they crossed the white line the mist came down and it was best of luck to you if you crossed them.
Fastest player - Would have to be Johnny Mernagh for the few months he played with us.
Most Skillful - Seamie Crowe, he surely played at least 10 games for us between injuries.
Most Grumpy - Timmy, didn't like to give much away..
Best Player - Impossible to pick 1 so Jamie O Driscoll and Cathal Fahy.. Lads have had statues built for less than what these two have contributed to the game..
8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper - Adrian Cronin
Defender - Emmet Byrne
Midfielder - Jamie O Driscoll and Alan O Donovan
Striker - Cathal Fahy
(I wouldn't make it.)
Manager - Timmy for manager and Seamie as Coach..
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Interview with Goalkeeping Coach "Adrian Cronin"
1. As a player you played at a high level, can you tell us a bit about what your career was like?
- My Career at high level ended early through injury but I’m lucky enough to have achieved a lot in that time, from achieving a lot locally to playing in the FA Cup, FA Youth Cup final, LOI, Irish Junior cup final and representing Ireland at U15, U16 and U18. Also playing in the U18 European Championships and signing for Millwall Football Clubl.
I got the chance to play with and against some top players locally, the likes of Eamonn Deacy, Ollie Keogh, Noel McDonnell, Seamie Crowe, Colin Hawkins, Ryan Casey, Daragh Sheridan to name a few and abroad, the likes Mark Kennedy, Ben Thatcher, Sol Campbell, Mario Melchiott and Bolo Zendan.
2. . What Galway Clubs did you played for? What success did you have? Was there a season that enjoyed the most?
- I played with Newcastle Utd, Galway United F.C., Mervue United AFC ,Galway Hibernians ,C.B Trotters and of course Athenry FC, won cups with a few of them (too old to remember some of the wins) but to win GBFM Sports Star of the Year for junior soccer was special, that was for the 2006 season when Athenry reached the Irish Cup final, which was definitely the most enjoyable season
3. You played for Athenry FC. What memories have you got from your time at the Club?
- I’ve a lot of good memories from my time with Athenry, I was lucky enough to come into a team that made me feel welcome from day one, but my best memory is the train journey to and from Dublin to play Dublin Bus in Irish Cup, Wives, girlfriends, parents, club members etc. all on the train together, a lot of players have mentioned about the team bond they have at the club and I believe it stems from that time.
4. You have been a Goalkeeping Coach in Galway for some time now. When did this start coaching?
- I’ve been coaching now for well over 20 years and in that time I’m lucky enough to have coached at levels from Grassroots to International. Adrian Cronin Goalkeeping
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
- The most enjoyable moment for me is when a young goalkeeper comes and tells you they have kept their first clean sheet or when we have worked on something in training and they can’t wait to come up to you and tell you it’s worked in a game, seeing their happy faces makes it all worth while.
5. Can you name three of the best keepers you have had the pleasure in coaching?
- I am privileged to have coached keepers who have gone on to become very successful in the game, I don’t think it would be far to name the 3 best as all the keepers had different attributes that made them stand out, over the years I’ve worked with Gary Rogers, Barry Ryan (Galway Utd), Conor O'Malley, Ger Hanley, Connor Gleeson, Ronan Forde, Brian O'Donaghue (Mervue Utd) to name a few and there are some up and coming keepers at underage level the likes Karen Connolly (Limerick), Sam O'Gorman, Cian Mulryan, Arron Curtis, Conal Doran (Galway Utd), James Egan ( Galway Minor) and Patrick Martyn (Athlone Town) again to name a few.
6. Would you agree that many clubs do not provide training for their keepers? Should every club have a Goalkeeping Coach?
- Without a doubt, my old coach use to say to me “if you don’t concede we won’t lose” The fact of the matter the game has changed so much and the roll of the keeper has changed even more, gone is the day when all you needed was to have a big kickout, the roll of the goalkeeper has gotten more technical and more tactical in both soccer and GAA and unfortunately we are not doing enough to develop our keepers here in Galway, yes we have some coaches working with clubs but the fact of the matter is they don’t have enough contact time with the keepers and many of the sessions are done in large groups, we need to provide a Goalkeeping Development Program for keepers in Galway, every club needs to have a goalkeeping coach that understands the need for goalkeeping development, we also can’t expect to bring keepers into current County development programs be it soccer or GAA and not provide specific coaching for a specialised position on the pitch.
This is something I hope to change in my new role with Galway Utd, I have spoken to Johnny Glynn (GUFC), Nigel Keady and Niall Harrison (FAI) about what’s needed and how to promote goalkeeping development in Galway and hopefully when the current situation changes I will be in contact with clubs to see what we can do together in relation to Goalkeeping in Galway.
Sorry about the long answer but as I hope you see goalkeeping is something I’m very passionate about.
How important is goalkeeper training?
- As the last line of defence you need have the abilities to not only deal with the position physically but also mentally, you need to prepare for all the different scenarios, problem solving, decision making, making mistakes etc. the more you train for the position the better you can deal with it when the situation arises
7. What is the best advise you give to young keepers on what they can do to improve at home?
- It doesn’t all have to be a physical activity, study the position, study the game, look online at other keepers, see what they do, analysis why they done what they did, how do they work with their defenders etc, if you’re having difficulty with a certain aspect of game look at what others keepers do in that situation.
8. From all the players you have played with could you name your own starting 11 with you in goal?
Tough one, played with some great players, here goes
Stephen Carr (Tottenham Hotspurs/Ireland)
Ben Thatcher (Millwall FC)
Noel McDonnell (Mervue Utd)
Wesley Byrne (Middlesbrough FC/Ireland)
Ollie Keogh ( Athenry FC)
Jamie O Driscoll (Athenry FC)
Seamie Crowie (Athenry FC)
Thomas Morgan (Blackburn FC/Ireland)
Johnny Mernagh (Athenry FC)
Mark Kennedy (Millwall FC)
Based on the Galway Leagues now, in your opinion, can you name the following:
"Unfortunately, I don’t get to see enough Junior games to warrant an opinion" However here are some players I think we should lookout for:
Keeper: Ethan Fahy
Defender: Alex Murphy
Midfielder: Tom Kitt
Striker: Mikey McCullagh
Best Referee: Trevor Conlon
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Interview with local legend Seamus Crowe" (Footballer, Coach, Manager, Business Man & Family Man)
1. You have played for a number of Clubs in your career (Wolves, Mervue, Athenry to name a few). Where did it all start for you?
- My first Club was Corrib Shamrocks under Pat O Donnell. Then Newcastle Utd under John Joyce before I went to England. Played with Longford Town, Mervue and Athenry. More Clubs than a Golf bag
2. In 2008 you won the treble with Athenry FC and FAI Junior International Player of the Year, was this your best season? What did you take most from it all?
- I think we’ve won a cup in nearly every season since I’ve been in Athenry but 08 was a great year. Every training session was like a cup final that year and many more to follow.
3. Having lined up alongside many good/great players, can you name three players that you had the most chemistry with on the pitch?
- Alan O Donavan. He always seemed to make the right run for me (when he wasn’t moaning)
Paddy Quinn. He told me once I was like the brother he never had. Great player.
Benny Lawless. Easiest player in the world to play with.
4. Can you name three of the toughest players faced in your career?
- Derek McQualter (Mervue) I think he really liked me because every time I played against him he used to be stuck to me.
- When I was with Mervue I used to hate playing against Thomas Forde when he played for Athenry. Tom’s career was ended suddenly after a quadruple finger break. Not sure where he is now.
- Gearoid O Leidheinn (Salthill) Great player and quiet as a mouse on the pitch
5. As a manager what was your proudest moments? How did you find the transition into management?
- As a manager what made me proud was having every lad turn up for training consistently and train like their lives depended on it. (Cathal Fahy excluded) After we lost the Connaught Cup final in 14/15 myself and Davey Crimmins asked the lads to do whatever it took to get back to the final the following year. We came back won it 7-0. Making the transition into management when you have commitment from the squad.
6. Last year you opened up a new fitness hub in Cork, following the success of District in Athenry. With this, do you see yourself having a role in football again?
- Having opened in Cork means I’m away a lot so committing to any team is not easy but I would love to get back at it again once things settle a bit
7. Playing, managing and running a business takes up a lot of time, how do you juggle family life?
- The last year has been very tough. I have two young kids and a very patient wife thank God. It’s hard being away from them so much but it’s also hard being away from the craic you can only get in a dressing room.
8. How do you rate the current group of players at Athenry FC? Who stands out! who has the most promise!
- I honestly don’t think the current group realise just how good they are. I don’t envy Davey, Brian Cos and the great Patsy Lynch having to pick a team every week. Great blend of youth and experience throughout the team. Great to see so many good young lads coming through. I think Elliott Langan has a great future ahead of him along with a lot of his u21 teammates and the resurgence of Alfie Deehan is all good for the club going forward.
Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc