ATHENRY ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB INTERVIEWS Q-Z

 Interview with "Mickey Quinn"

1. When did you join & when did you leave the Club?
- I joined the club when I was six or seven and left in 2008. I only ever played for Athenry, unlike my brother who had a spell with Mervue, he came back out when he couldn’t make their team.

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- Johnny Delaney and Jimmy Lynskey were my first managers, Johnny was always so quiet on the sidelines. Pete and Tommy were always there as well.

3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- The first trophy I won was the Billy Fitzgerald, we had a lot of solid lads with Tom "The Hacker" Forde and Packie McMurphy Byrne.
Senior, I was lucky to have won leagues and cups up from Division 2A and beaten in the Irish Cup final in 2006. I was in the treble winning team which went onto win nearly all.

4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- Our U13 team stayed together to an U18 Connaught Cup final and we were very unlucky. The Irish Cup was a big one and hurt to lose but made the Club stronger and lastly the treble winning season was unreal.

5. What three things did you enjoy most about playing for Athenry FC?
- It has always felt like a family probably because I had Paddy, Cos and Jamie playing with me. We knew when to have a laugh and be serious as well, training got dirty but it always ended there and without a doubt the Sunday sessions in Iggys.

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Alan O'Donovan became a decent player when he joined us, but with Mervue he always gave me a small challenge.

7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - everyone thinks Paddy but I’m clearly the funny one.
Tough as Nails - Ronnie Kinneen was lethal even if you played with him
Fastest player - Johnny Mernagh
Most Skillful - Ollie Keogh or Donsie
Most Grumpy - Seamus Crowe hands down, he’s an angry little man
Best Player - Tom Fudge, lorded the midfield with me underage for years

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper - Adrian Cronin
Defender - David Crimmins
Midfielder - Jamie O'Driscoll
Striker - Johnny Mernagh
Manager - Timmy out Holian

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with Club Legend "Paddy Quinn"

1. Who is the the toughest opposition you have faced in your time at the Club?
- Waterford Crystal in the Irish Cup final. They were beaten in the final the previous year and it takes a good team to go all the way again.

2. Over the years who would be your favourite opposition to face?
- It's definitely Mervue Utd and it’s never anything but a good competitive battle.

3. What venue is the best you have played on?
- San Marino with the Irish Juniors. Perfect pitch and the sun obviously suits my tropical skin.

4. Is there a venue that you do not like to play on? Any reason?
- Renmore's old pitch behind Dawn Dairies, you couldn’t see the goal from the other end with the slope in the pitch.

5. Who is the best player you have played against in your career?
- Seamie Crowe comes to mind before he went to England at a young age. We got beaten 14-0 in a game he was playing.
Alan O Donovan also when he played for Mervue Utd before joining Athenry, he used to skin my brother Mickey alive which was slightly embarrassing.

6. Who has been your biggest personal rival?
- I don’t really have any that comes to mind, I’m probably just such a nice guy.

7. What are your three fondest memories being with Athenry FC?
- Castlebar in the semi final of the Irish Cup, Captain for the Irish Cup final and 7-0 Ballinasloe Connacht Cup.
Ballynanty again last 16 Irish Cup, it was also my 21st and the only time David Crimmins has ever rang into work sick EVER. That’s four but it’s the best one.

8. In your opinion what are the best things about playing for Athenry FC?
- Definitely a Club like no other for all the friends I’ve made, how it has brought some of the great players and making them feel welcome, winning medals too obviously. I think it makes you turn into a small child again and forget about the everyday stuff in life.

9. Could you name three of your biggest personal achievements at Athenry FC?
- Irish Junior call up, outside of that it’s definitely just being involved in the Club for so many years and never not enjoying it, even in the bad days when you’re not winning.

10. What do you plan to do when your playing career comes to an end?
- Modelling, it just comes so easy to me.

Thank you,
#athenry_afc 

Interview with Defender "Stephen Rabbitt"

1. When did you join Athenry FC and when did you leave the Club?
- Joined Athenry when I was 7 until I was 30. I joined Colemanstown United F.C. then for a season, took some time out but back playing again this season with them in Division 1.

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- It would have to be Pete and Tommy from underage and Timmy Holian gave me my debut with seniors when I was 15, but a lot of the older players from that time helped us develop and progress eventually in time as first team regulars.

3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- I remember we won an U13 league and cup double under Pete and Tommy but unfortunately that was it at underage, we lost more finals and league deciders all the way up along that I cant remember the amount and even the same at senior for my first few seasons along with an Irish cup, but from 2007 we won the treble and that was a start of successful run for us.

4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- First would have to be winning the U13 Double and playing in EDP, Terryland.
Secondly would be the Irish Cup semi final win against Castlebar Celtic in Milebush, some atmosphere but unfortunately for me I was sent off near the end of the game and missed the final.
Last would have to be the treble winning season in 2007, it was so important to start winning trophies with the group of players we had and no better way.

5. What three things did you enjoy most about playing for Athenry FC?
- Firstly would have to be the team spirit and nights out after games some craic.
Secondly would have to be the training and competition for places always pushing each other on.
Finally would have to be the ambition of the club looking to improve year on..

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- We lost to Pike Rovers in 2011 in an Irish Cup quarter final, quality team.

7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - Paddy Quinn
Tough as Nails - Emmet Byrne
Fastest player - Niall Gibbons
Most Skillful - Ollie Keogh
Most Grumpy - Probably Myself
Best Player - Cathal Fahy

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper - Kieran Kilkelly
Defender - Packie Byrne
Midfielder - Jamie O'Driscoll
Striker - Cathal Fahy
Manager - Timmy Holian

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

Interview with defender "Liam Sheehan"

1. When did you join Athenry FC?
I first joined Athenry FC in 2008. I left for the second half of the 16/17 season before rejoining at the start of the 17/18 season for the reserve and under 21 team.

2. What are the best moments you have had with Athenry FC?
Winning the under 18 league title in 15/16 with a great team and management. Also winning €1000 on "The Chaser" this season wasn't bad.

3. Can you name one coach that made the most impact on you as a footballer?
There is something to learn from every coach, but otherwise Roger Leggett.

4. What are the things you like about Athenry FC?
Athenry are always challenging for titles and there's always a good team spirit whichever team you're in. The support for the first team is great too.

5. In your opinion what should the Club improve on?
The pitches in Moanbaun need improving, so does the Astro.

6. What are your thoughts on the U21 league in Galway?
It has been terrible. Playing games @9pm on a Wednesday night in the winter are no fun, only having games every 3/4 weeks is no good either.

7. You are no longer U21, what is the step up like from U21 to Junior football for you?
There's definitely a step up in class, physicality and fitness levels.

8. Regarding training, what do you take sessions with a team challenging for trophies every season?
There's a great team spirit and your always pushed to do your best. Training with good players can only make you better and push yourself to go further.

9. With the competition for places on the first team, is there any rivalries you have noticed between players for a starting place?
There's always a bit of rivalry between players but it's good competition and makes everyone better for it.

10, You have some coaching badges and have refereed games at underage, do you see yourself taking up either of these roles in the future? Which would you refer?
Definitely won't be refereeing again. I'd like to get more coaching badges and do that in the future I think

Thank you,
#athenry_afc 

 Interview with "Niall Tomas"

1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- Joined Athenry about 2000/2001 from Killala FC in Mayo. Played with Athenry till the end of 2016 I think and then all the joints in my body told me it was time to give up

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- Probably the biggest influence as a manager was Peter McDonnell From Killala FC.

3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- Promotion three consecutive seasons with the B team in Athenry, winning the league in two of those occasions back to back. Won the GFA Premier Division and the Connacht Cup twice whilst involved with the first team, finished off winning the Lillis Cup with the B team.
Also the Mayo FA Cup with Killala FC in 99.

4. What are your most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- Captain of the Athenry B team for back to back league titles. Success with the first team and the celebrations

5. What three things did you enjoy most about playing for Athenry FC?
- Getting to know all the lads I played with throughout the years, winning and competing for trophies and the pints after matches!

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- I always enjoyed the battles against Tony Crowe from West Utd and also watching Chick Deacy read the game for them at the back (even though he was about 50 at the time).

7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - Micheal Noone (Killala FC)
Tough as Nails - Brendan Ryan (Killala FC)
Fastest player - Chopper Neary / Johnny Mernagh
Most Skillful - Gary Coffey or Brian Carroll
Most Grumpy - probably me
Best Player - Gary Coffey, Jamie O'Driscoll and Declan McGowan (Killala FC)

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper - Adrian Cronin
Defender - Ronan Kinneen
Midfielder - Jamie O'Driscoll
Striker - Cathal Fahy
Manager - Dunners

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

Interview with GUFC Coach "Gary Traynor"

1. Where did Football start for you? When did you retire? How and when did you start coaching?
Started off playing with Newcastle Utd (8or9) then Galway Hibs U16 (Newcastle when they merged with GUFC)
Galway United. U17/18 > U21
Won the league, league Cup, and Connacht Cup that year U18. Simon Walsh, Dave (Smithy) Smith alone won it for us, the Moran twins also.
Mervue U21 for a season.
Our Ladies Boys Club (OLBC) who I had grown up watching as my cousin played there. Great entertainment, they were the Wimbledon of Galway Football
Spent 4-5 years, few Div 1 and 2 leagues and Cups
Renmore AFC, Mark Herrick took over for year.
OLBC for a season and we won the league and Joe Ryan Cup (scored the winner oddly enough) Great team, which included: Geoffrey Power, Ollie Rafferty, Dave McDonagh, Jimmy Jennings, Bryan O Halloran and more... players who are still peaking today.
In 2009 then I was signed by
Mervue United AFC who had just attained a licence to take part in the new ‘LOI A Championship’
Long story short, we got to the playoffs that season and beat Kildare County in a two leg playoff to get ‘Division 1’ status, Next two seasons were great experience playing in Div 1 against some big sides: Shels, Finn Harps, Longford, UCD, Sporting Final, Dundalk etc.
We had amazing players, some which went to England, and some still lighting up the LOI at moment.
Tried to go back and 3 years ago had a half season with Knocknacarra but work commitments again got in the way and 4 kids now
My current status is OVER 35s WEST

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
Firstly my cousin Bryan O'Halloran, great player, never got enough credit.
Dave Daly (senior) OLBC.
Johnny Glynn, still to this day mentors me along with Mark Herrick.
John Power also (Power Soccer) was good to me for 16 years and that’s where I learn my passion for my trade today. The younger players! Also got to coach in Canada (2 summers) and Tanzania, East Africa.
Also, Adrian Cronin, I love listening to Adrian.

3. What did you achieve in your career?
•Few underage leagues, cups
•Connacht Cup
•Joe Ryan Cup x2
•Jack Lillis Cups
•FAI National 5s (Smithy, Jonny O Brien and co)
•Currently UEFA B
•Intro courses in England, Scotland and Wales and Ontario

4. What are your three most memorable moments during your career?
•Winner in Joe Ryan Cup
•Irish Sun FAI 5s (Aviva Stadium)
•Playoff win in Kildare when we qualified for League Of Ireland

5. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Ronn Finn (now Shamrock Rovers F.C.) I used to have to man mark him, true story followed him into the UCD dressing room at HT once as a joke, he had the last laugh I can tell you that.
Toughest team played against, it would always be Mervue Utd. They always were so well structured, all very good footballers technically and good managers that were tactically smart as hell.

6. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Tough as Nails - Geoff Power (OLBC)
Funny Guy - Billy Mannion (OLBC)
Fastest player - Alex Lee (Mervue)
Most Skillful - Simon Walsh (school/GUFC)
Most Grumpy - Simon Murray (OLBC)
Best Player - Simon Murray (OLBC)

7. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest 11 which includes yourself:
GK: Motsy McDonagh (OLBC, he’s a cult hero in Westside)
2. Dave O’Brien (Mervue)
3. Marc Ludden (Mervue)
4. Eric Browne (Mervue)
5. Nigel Corbett (OLBC)
6. Me
7. Rory Gaffney (Mervue)
8. Geoff Power (OLBC)
9. Simon Murray (OLBC)
10. Pat Hoban (Mervue)
11. Ollie Keogh (Mervue)
Manager: Johnny Glynn

8. Finally, you have been coaching now for many yrs! What do you enjoy about coaching? what would be your strength and can you name a weakness?
- Coaching since I was 19 (now 37... you do the math) when I left school I was at a loose end and John Power took me under his wing (Power Soccer) spend a couple of years there coaching kids from the ages of 3-12 then doing summer camps etc.
He then expanded and I was doing 6-7 days a week, leading the programs.
Which gave me huge experience meeting and dealing with people. We’d have locations all over Galway.
Weekend work was effecting my football however and I ended up finishing playing football properly at around 28 years of age.. 3 kids at the time and work had to come first. I was gutted.
I left Power Soccer in 2017 and took up a new Role with Galway United in the Acadmey as one of the head coaches there along with:
Johnny Glynn (UEFA PRO), Phil Trill (UEFA A), Jason Murphy (UEFA B), Xavi Vàzquez (UEFA B), also GUFC U17s and dev squads.
Also in 2017 I took over as Knocknacarra Soccer Coordinator from ages 3-9 (over see around 250 kids)
My strength would be working with the really young player and understanding their needs. A player focused approach. Each kid leaves the session having touched the ball over 1000 times each, along with smaller sided games incorporated by age appropriate fun games.
My Weakness = TECHNOLOGY and coaching is evolving so quick with technology I fear I’ll be left behind.

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc
Galway United F.C. 

 Interview with Defender "Nathan Ward"

1. Galway Hibernians is your home, who was the biggest influence on you growing up?
- Definitely my family, when I was young with my father and grandfather being decent players and being apart of some good teams. Always given the best advice. Grandad was there for lifts and anything I needed so he was a big part of me playing. Martin Devlin and Paul Healy were two unreal coaches we had at underage with Hibs aswell. Always got the best out of us.

2. Who where the three best players you played with at underage?
- I played with a lot of good players underage but if I had to pick I’d go with Sean MacUidhlin, Evan Coyne and Caimin Rooney.

3. Been part of a successful underage team, what where your achievements?
- Won leagues from U14 to U18 and 3 consecutive Connacht Cups. I captained the Connacht interpros U18 team two years in a row and was capped for the Irish U18 team.

4. Can you name three of the toughest opponents you faced?
- Anyone with pace.

5. When and how did you move to Athenry FC?
- At the start of the 2017 season. I got a call from Seamie asking would I be interested in coming out for a look at what it’s like and it just went from there.

6. What changes did you face moving to Athenry FC?
- . A whole new group of lads and place from what I was used to for my whole life basically. But I settled in quickly, they’re not a bad bunch.

7. What have you achieved since you joined Athenry FC?
- We won the league in my first season and this year got called up the the Interpros (Oscar Traynor) squad. Hopefully more to come this season, when all of this is over.

8. Lastly, based on the Galway Leagues in your opinion, can you name the following:
Best Keeper: PJ Ward is one to watch.
Best Defender: Declan Cullen
Best Midfielder: Ryan O'Shaughnessy
Best Striker: Cathal Fahy
Best Referee: Darren Lynch

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

Interview with Child Welfare Officer 'Paul Yaxley'

When did you join Athenry FC? What roles have you had?
I first became involved in Athenry FC when my oldest started playing in the U11 league (which they went on to win with Coach Pat Gavin, Tony Byrne & Paul Whelan). It was about 6 years ago when Michelle had the reins, that I took up the role of Child Welfare Officer for the Club. It was a fairly new role at the Club at the time and myself and Michelle attended the relevant courses to get this up and running. Since moving to Ireland over 20 years ago, I became interested in local soccer supporting both Galway Utd and Mervue Utd. My oldest son played with Mervue Utd for a number of years before moving back to Athenry FC. I also volunteer as a Steward at Galway Utd home games in Eamonn Deacy Park.

What are your fondest memories at the football club?
Bringing the boys down to training on a Saturday morning and having a chat with the other parents and helping out with the younger members of the club. It was a busy time at the Club and I always felt a great welcome. Watching all three of the my lads develop and continue to enjoy the sport under the guidance of their coaches, Paul /Owen (U14) and Ritchie / Keith (U12), Tony (U18) and Mark (U21). The encouragement and commitment that these coaches have given to these teams over the last number of seasons has being exceptional. Their hard work is really beginning to pay off and shows that it is not all about winning matches but taking part, enjoying the game and improving their skills.

As the Child Welfare Officer, how has your experience been in this role?
It can be very challenging at times and rewarding as well. What might not be a priority for you, could be for someone else. It is all about finding a happy medium and balance. You cannot please everyone but the majority of people are understanding and things get resolved. At the end of the day, I can only try my best.

What made you decide to join the committee?
I went to an AGM at the Club and got nominated for the role. Before I knew it I was on board and am still here today.

As a committee member, what is the hardest part?
I suppose dealing with so many different individuals, all wanting to do the best for the Club, it can get a bit heated at times. But at the end of the day we are all working towards the one goal.

What do you enjoy most about being on the committee?
We all have our opinions and sometimes we argue and sometimes not. But we are all in it together and just get on with it. At the end of the day we are all volunteers.

In your opinion, what are the challenges of fundraising in a town with many sports and clubs?
It is hard for businesses to support clubs, no matter what sport you are in year in / year out. Any help the club receives from both members and businesses is gratefully appreciated.

What are your ambitions for the next three years?
For the next year or so to take a bit of time out but still support the club the best way I can. We will see after that.

@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc