Ruairí Henchy
Clooney's finest and 3-time Golden Cleric award winner Ruairí Henchy is the latest star to undergo the player profile treatment. Why do we love Ruairí? His greatest ever performance came in a Railway Cup game to secure club bragging rights for his Munster brothers (For a year) and he has always volunteered to help out the C team when they are in need. Those two facts alone tell you that he's a man who gets what Réalt Dearg is all about. Read on for more inside information on the B team midfielder!
The victorious Munster team after Henchy single-handedly carried them over the line in the 2018 Railway Cup
Name: Ruairí Henchy
Age: 31
Hometown: Clooney
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut? I have a very bad memory for these kind of things but I remember in either my first match or one of my first matches against Team X (I don't remember who they were but apparently we hate them). Coach Mulkere explained to us in the dressing room beforehand that there are three occasions when nothing should need to be said before a match to get people psyched up. Those were: for the first match of the year; for a knockout championship game; and for when we're playing Team X - and he said that anybody who didn't understand that might as well get the fuck out of the dressing room right now. Anyway I had the good sense not to take him literally and I'm still happy playing for the club three or four years later.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The effort so many people put in to keep things going off the pitch. It's a great example of all of the good things in the GAA and doesn't have the politics or bickering that normal parish clubs in the countryside will always have a bit of.
Favourite position? I've played a bit in every position on the pitch throughout the years and although they're very difficult positions I like the freedom you can have playing centre back, midfield or centre forward. If your team is on top and you get good ball then corner forward can be a dream as well.
Previous club? Clooney.
What other sports have you played? Hurling was number one with the club at home but I also played football and handball and I've dabbled in many other sports.
What's your favourite TV show? About the House with Duncan Stewart.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? I don't know but I always thought that if Joyce, Keats and Lawrence were sitting in a room together and Dostoevsky walked in there'd be a hell of a fight for the last piece of pudding so I'd like to put that one to the test.
What would you like to improve about your game? Catching high ball. I was amazed at how quickly Eric the AmERICan (see what I did there) mastered so many of the skills of the game, not least catching high ball, that so many of us who have been playing for more than 20 years never managed and we probably just decided in our teenage years that that was us as hurlers and we just weren't good at this or that and we'd get by.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? All the usual.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? (Hurling, non hurling, or both!) If you don't win the throw-in you might as well go home.
What's your favourite sporting memory? Winning the Clare minor championship.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... still around hopefully. A lot of clubs like ours have come and gone but a lot of planning and work has been done behind the scenes to secure our future. No fault.
Age: 31
Hometown: Clooney
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut? I have a very bad memory for these kind of things but I remember in either my first match or one of my first matches against Team X (I don't remember who they were but apparently we hate them). Coach Mulkere explained to us in the dressing room beforehand that there are three occasions when nothing should need to be said before a match to get people psyched up. Those were: for the first match of the year; for a knockout championship game; and for when we're playing Team X - and he said that anybody who didn't understand that might as well get the fuck out of the dressing room right now. Anyway I had the good sense not to take him literally and I'm still happy playing for the club three or four years later.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The effort so many people put in to keep things going off the pitch. It's a great example of all of the good things in the GAA and doesn't have the politics or bickering that normal parish clubs in the countryside will always have a bit of.
Favourite position? I've played a bit in every position on the pitch throughout the years and although they're very difficult positions I like the freedom you can have playing centre back, midfield or centre forward. If your team is on top and you get good ball then corner forward can be a dream as well.
Previous club? Clooney.
What other sports have you played? Hurling was number one with the club at home but I also played football and handball and I've dabbled in many other sports.
What's your favourite TV show? About the House with Duncan Stewart.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? I don't know but I always thought that if Joyce, Keats and Lawrence were sitting in a room together and Dostoevsky walked in there'd be a hell of a fight for the last piece of pudding so I'd like to put that one to the test.
What would you like to improve about your game? Catching high ball. I was amazed at how quickly Eric the AmERICan (see what I did there) mastered so many of the skills of the game, not least catching high ball, that so many of us who have been playing for more than 20 years never managed and we probably just decided in our teenage years that that was us as hurlers and we just weren't good at this or that and we'd get by.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? All the usual.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? (Hurling, non hurling, or both!) If you don't win the throw-in you might as well go home.
What's your favourite sporting memory? Winning the Clare minor championship.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... still around hopefully. A lot of clubs like ours have come and gone but a lot of planning and work has been done behind the scenes to secure our future. No fault.
Richie Kelly
The greatest hurler of all time when it comes to coordinating togs and jersey, Richie is as stylish on the ball as he is with his gear. One of the new generation of 2019 recruits, Richie found his place at midfield and helped drive us to the Junior E semi-final last year. More importantly he's already a regular in the Terenure Inn and the lovely Mrs.Kelly has given the club their most committed supporter since John O'Callaghan, with a much better accent. So grab a beer and see what Richie Kelly has to say about the GAA and his time with RD so far.
Richie, far right, back row, artfully throwing off the symmetry of the team photo after a skivering of Naomh Mearnog in last year's county quarter-final, and rising for a high ball showing plenty of midriff.
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Name:
Richie Kelly
Age:
Older than I care to admit
Hometown:
Paulstown, Kilkenny
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
First round of the league vs Thomas Davis at home. Gahan ensured I had the authentic Réalt Dearg experience by getting sent off. Oh the things he called that ref.......
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The inclusiveness & no fault culture. It doesn't matter what your skill level is, everyone is welcome and you get a load of game time. Everyone is encouraging and there's no negative BS. As long as you love hurling & a bit of craic, it's the ideal club.
Favourite position?
Anywhere in the forwards or in midfield. If I had to pick, I'd say somewhere in the full forward line.
What was your previous hurling club?
The mighty Willamette Hurling Club in Portland, Oregon. Joined the club there after not playing for more than a decade for various reasons. Made a heap of lifelong friends road tripping around the Pacific Northwest playing hurling with tournaments where you play 2 or 3 games in the one day. Honourable mention to the other clubs that I played with in various tournaments, Seattle Gaels, Tacoma Rangers, Corvallis, Columbia Red Branch and the Montana clubs.
What other sports have you played?
Played a lot of soccer, as well as a bit of basketball & golf too..... even a bit of gaelic football in Kilkenny would you believe
Whats your favourite memory playing hurling?
Scoring my first goal for the club vs Sylvesters last year was a good one, but I would say my favourite memory is winning a tournament in Butte, Montana on a pitch that was covered in snow when we started. It was so cold that icicles formed under the cars while the games were being played. On the way back to the hotel afterwards, legitimately considering asking to be dropped off at an A&E for hypothermia (and/or the lack of being able to breathe properly because we played 3 games at high altitude), but instead going for pints.
What current player would you recruit for Réalt Dearg?
TJ Reid is absolutely class. He could do a Gary Hurney on it for us for years to come! Wouldn't mind Aaron Gillane or Seamie Callanan either.
What's your favourite TV Show?
The TV is exclusively for sports.... but oddly enough during this whole pandemic thing when there wasn't a hint of a sporting event, I ended up watching an unholy amount of The Chase believe it or not - not sure why! Also enjoyed The Last Dance about the Chicago Bulls on Netflix too.
What American Sports star would make the best hurler?
Does Eric Lee count as an American Sports star or does his retractable glue covered paw rule him out? If so.... I'd say Damian Lillard - one of the top NBA players and not bad at the whole hip-hop/rap thing. One of those people with a rare mentality that you know means they'd be good at anything.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Tommy Walsh (for the craic), Sir Alex Ferguson (for the stories) & Michael Jordan (because he's the GOAT)
What would you like to improve about your game?
High fielding, first touch, striking, accuracy, physicality, quicker reading of the breaking ball, speed, agility, work rate, hooking, blocking, fitness, speed. If I could improve all those things a lot, I'd be OK.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
I'm into motorsport & like to go karting now and again. Obviously watch a lot of other sport too.....NBA, rugby, soccer (basically any sport except Cricket). Would also be known to play a bit of poker, read any sports related books & play a few games on the playstation or PC
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? (Hurling, non hurling, or both!)
Never be afraid to fail
What's your favourite sporting memory?
Hard to pick one in particular, but I'd have to go with the All-Ireland in 2008 (sorry to the Deise lads). One of the best team performances I've ever seen live... skill, pace, power & unreal work rate.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Running out of space in our trophy cabinet. After we buy a trophy cabinet. And our own club grounds.
Richie Kelly
Age:
Older than I care to admit
Hometown:
Paulstown, Kilkenny
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
First round of the league vs Thomas Davis at home. Gahan ensured I had the authentic Réalt Dearg experience by getting sent off. Oh the things he called that ref.......
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The inclusiveness & no fault culture. It doesn't matter what your skill level is, everyone is welcome and you get a load of game time. Everyone is encouraging and there's no negative BS. As long as you love hurling & a bit of craic, it's the ideal club.
Favourite position?
Anywhere in the forwards or in midfield. If I had to pick, I'd say somewhere in the full forward line.
What was your previous hurling club?
The mighty Willamette Hurling Club in Portland, Oregon. Joined the club there after not playing for more than a decade for various reasons. Made a heap of lifelong friends road tripping around the Pacific Northwest playing hurling with tournaments where you play 2 or 3 games in the one day. Honourable mention to the other clubs that I played with in various tournaments, Seattle Gaels, Tacoma Rangers, Corvallis, Columbia Red Branch and the Montana clubs.
What other sports have you played?
Played a lot of soccer, as well as a bit of basketball & golf too..... even a bit of gaelic football in Kilkenny would you believe
Whats your favourite memory playing hurling?
Scoring my first goal for the club vs Sylvesters last year was a good one, but I would say my favourite memory is winning a tournament in Butte, Montana on a pitch that was covered in snow when we started. It was so cold that icicles formed under the cars while the games were being played. On the way back to the hotel afterwards, legitimately considering asking to be dropped off at an A&E for hypothermia (and/or the lack of being able to breathe properly because we played 3 games at high altitude), but instead going for pints.
What current player would you recruit for Réalt Dearg?
TJ Reid is absolutely class. He could do a Gary Hurney on it for us for years to come! Wouldn't mind Aaron Gillane or Seamie Callanan either.
What's your favourite TV Show?
The TV is exclusively for sports.... but oddly enough during this whole pandemic thing when there wasn't a hint of a sporting event, I ended up watching an unholy amount of The Chase believe it or not - not sure why! Also enjoyed The Last Dance about the Chicago Bulls on Netflix too.
What American Sports star would make the best hurler?
Does Eric Lee count as an American Sports star or does his retractable glue covered paw rule him out? If so.... I'd say Damian Lillard - one of the top NBA players and not bad at the whole hip-hop/rap thing. One of those people with a rare mentality that you know means they'd be good at anything.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Tommy Walsh (for the craic), Sir Alex Ferguson (for the stories) & Michael Jordan (because he's the GOAT)
What would you like to improve about your game?
High fielding, first touch, striking, accuracy, physicality, quicker reading of the breaking ball, speed, agility, work rate, hooking, blocking, fitness, speed. If I could improve all those things a lot, I'd be OK.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
I'm into motorsport & like to go karting now and again. Obviously watch a lot of other sport too.....NBA, rugby, soccer (basically any sport except Cricket). Would also be known to play a bit of poker, read any sports related books & play a few games on the playstation or PC
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? (Hurling, non hurling, or both!)
Never be afraid to fail
What's your favourite sporting memory?
Hard to pick one in particular, but I'd have to go with the All-Ireland in 2008 (sorry to the Deise lads). One of the best team performances I've ever seen live... skill, pace, power & unreal work rate.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Running out of space in our trophy cabinet. After we buy a trophy cabinet. And our own club grounds.
Brian 'CHUBBA' Gavin
Marathon runner, wordsmith, virtually every executive position going, corner back, Tony Kelly's cousin. Brian Gavin is many things to many people, but to us he's Chubba. For ten years he has been cursed by out of shape teammates as he storms around Stepaside and Drimnagh, training as hard as most of us play. The ultimate clubman, he has played for all 3 teams and can regularly found in the Terenure Inn belting out his catchphrases "I am Irish life!!" and "Your chips taste like peas".* You've all read his puntastic match reports, now strap yourself in for Chubba's mile-a-minute player profile.
*Both actual quotes
*Both actual quotes
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Name/Nickname: Brian Gavin but I have been called Chubba since I was about 10, which has given me a ferocious complex about putting on the lbs.
Age: 35 and 5/12ths
Hometown: Ballynacally, Co. Clare
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?: Made my debut in June 2010 against Naomh Mearnóg in a game which included the normally mild-mannered club-founder Liam Lanigan getting sent off for using very un-parliamentary language for a Joycean scholar, despite not even being on the field at the time. We lost the game, but I figured the club was going somewhere if it could fire up the passions of an English professor so much. It was also the beginning of the “they hate ye lads” template copied and pasted for numerous other Dublin clubs over the years.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: The inclusiveness. It doesn’t matter one bit where you’re from, what your GAA background or ability level is, or what the Tipperary lads have done with their sister-cousins, everybody is accepted as long as they are prepared to buy into things. The fact that all teams still train together ten years on is a huge part in this ethos. This was most clearly shown the night we got to train in Parnell Park before the 2017 county final where everybody who wanted could get a run out on the pitch (Evidence is posted below!) I know the camaraderie and craic has meant I have definitely stayed in Dublin longer than I ever intended when I moved up here.
Favourite position?: In a real match, I probably prefer midfield but my favourite position really is the free-roaming non-position that everybody plays in during small-sided training games.
What was your previous club(s)?: Clondegad for football and Ballyea for hurling
What's your favourite music?: Questionable 90s dance classics and 70s rock. Faithless meets Fleetwood Mac type of thing.
What's your favourite TV Show?: NFL Redzone
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?: Rúairí Henchy, Leon Flanagan and Colm O’Gorman. Ronan Moloney has been docked points for his repeated butcherings of I am the Walrus and Psycho Killer.
What inter county players would you like on the Réalt Dearg team? Gary Brennan, Tony Kelly and Conor O’Droma now that he has abandoned what he started.
What would you like to change about your game?: I would like to get on the scoresheet more, which is proving difficult from the full-back line. I would love to have the same amount of Hollywood in my game as Ronan Moloney.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?: I run a lot – an unhealthy amount for a grown man really. I also have a chronic addiction to Supermac’s burger sauce which sort of balances things out.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?: Don’t be afraid to look like an idiot.
What's your favourite Réalt Dearg memory?: The best feeling ever after coming off a pitch was the night in August 2010 when we won our first championship game against Fingallians, in the quarter final we qualified for because there were only 8 teams in the competition and which ended up being our first match under floodlights because of serious traffic issues getting there that evening. I remember scoring a point from out on the wing in front of the RD dug-out with a few minutes left, which either put us ahead or two points up, and getting swarmed by our subs. The session in Terenure late into that night, and that weekend was magic.
What’s your favourite non-Réalt Dearg GAA memory?: See post #33 of this thread on boards.ie: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=112009464
What’s your favourite Réalt Dearg non-GAA memory?: Too many to choose from, but highlights include Mick Conlan sitting on his bar stool in the middle of Terenure cross-roads, Cian O’Brien and his tractor joy-ride through the streets of Dublin, Gahan’s dad taking on all comers in the stand in Parnell Park, Gahan’s escapades in general, Martin Murphy falling over backwards trying to take a free while steamed in Dresden, Ronan Moloney in tears when I handed him the #7 jersey after coming back from his cruciate injury.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?: I’ve been fortunate enough to play with both Gary Brennan and Tony Kelly in hurling and football – they are certainly the most talented I’ve played with at both games. But the most effective footballer was clearly the 2011-12 vintage Shane Murphy who scored about 18-2 over that period with the boot. He was never the same once he figured out how to use the hurley.
In 10 years’ time Réalt Dearg will be: All-Ireland club champions in at least one grade, still run by the players, most of which haven’t even joined yet. And also still be having cameo appearances from Cian O’Brien as he returns home for a summer holiday from trying to civilise the natives in some far-flung part of the world
Age: 35 and 5/12ths
Hometown: Ballynacally, Co. Clare
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?: Made my debut in June 2010 against Naomh Mearnóg in a game which included the normally mild-mannered club-founder Liam Lanigan getting sent off for using very un-parliamentary language for a Joycean scholar, despite not even being on the field at the time. We lost the game, but I figured the club was going somewhere if it could fire up the passions of an English professor so much. It was also the beginning of the “they hate ye lads” template copied and pasted for numerous other Dublin clubs over the years.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: The inclusiveness. It doesn’t matter one bit where you’re from, what your GAA background or ability level is, or what the Tipperary lads have done with their sister-cousins, everybody is accepted as long as they are prepared to buy into things. The fact that all teams still train together ten years on is a huge part in this ethos. This was most clearly shown the night we got to train in Parnell Park before the 2017 county final where everybody who wanted could get a run out on the pitch (Evidence is posted below!) I know the camaraderie and craic has meant I have definitely stayed in Dublin longer than I ever intended when I moved up here.
Favourite position?: In a real match, I probably prefer midfield but my favourite position really is the free-roaming non-position that everybody plays in during small-sided training games.
What was your previous club(s)?: Clondegad for football and Ballyea for hurling
What's your favourite music?: Questionable 90s dance classics and 70s rock. Faithless meets Fleetwood Mac type of thing.
What's your favourite TV Show?: NFL Redzone
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?: Rúairí Henchy, Leon Flanagan and Colm O’Gorman. Ronan Moloney has been docked points for his repeated butcherings of I am the Walrus and Psycho Killer.
What inter county players would you like on the Réalt Dearg team? Gary Brennan, Tony Kelly and Conor O’Droma now that he has abandoned what he started.
What would you like to change about your game?: I would like to get on the scoresheet more, which is proving difficult from the full-back line. I would love to have the same amount of Hollywood in my game as Ronan Moloney.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?: I run a lot – an unhealthy amount for a grown man really. I also have a chronic addiction to Supermac’s burger sauce which sort of balances things out.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?: Don’t be afraid to look like an idiot.
What's your favourite Réalt Dearg memory?: The best feeling ever after coming off a pitch was the night in August 2010 when we won our first championship game against Fingallians, in the quarter final we qualified for because there were only 8 teams in the competition and which ended up being our first match under floodlights because of serious traffic issues getting there that evening. I remember scoring a point from out on the wing in front of the RD dug-out with a few minutes left, which either put us ahead or two points up, and getting swarmed by our subs. The session in Terenure late into that night, and that weekend was magic.
What’s your favourite non-Réalt Dearg GAA memory?: See post #33 of this thread on boards.ie: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=112009464
What’s your favourite Réalt Dearg non-GAA memory?: Too many to choose from, but highlights include Mick Conlan sitting on his bar stool in the middle of Terenure cross-roads, Cian O’Brien and his tractor joy-ride through the streets of Dublin, Gahan’s dad taking on all comers in the stand in Parnell Park, Gahan’s escapades in general, Martin Murphy falling over backwards trying to take a free while steamed in Dresden, Ronan Moloney in tears when I handed him the #7 jersey after coming back from his cruciate injury.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?: I’ve been fortunate enough to play with both Gary Brennan and Tony Kelly in hurling and football – they are certainly the most talented I’ve played with at both games. But the most effective footballer was clearly the 2011-12 vintage Shane Murphy who scored about 18-2 over that period with the boot. He was never the same once he figured out how to use the hurley.
In 10 years’ time Réalt Dearg will be: All-Ireland club champions in at least one grade, still run by the players, most of which haven’t even joined yet. And also still be having cameo appearances from Cian O’Brien as he returns home for a summer holiday from trying to civilise the natives in some far-flung part of the world
Chris Hill (Scottish Chris)
The club's first ever Scot, Chris came along with Brendan 12 months ago, but we didn't hold it against him. He was a good sport about a mildly sectarian joke at his first session and since then has hardly missed training or the Tinn. A deserved "Most Improved Player" award winner last year, we found out more about what makes Chris tick.
*The only available Chris pictures were decidedly blurry, but they're still better than that creepy picture of Bernard with Aussie Gleeson that was on the page before.
*The only available Chris pictures were decidedly blurry, but they're still better than that creepy picture of Bernard with Aussie Gleeson that was on the page before.
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Name:
Chris Hill
Age:
29
Hometown:
Bathgate (Sco) – Home of Susan Boyle, Lewis Capaldi and the inventor of chloroform no less.
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
2019 season – first C game
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Mix of skill level and background – great environment, training and set up for all skills levels and experience. It’s been really good for me to pick up the game quickly and the club’s doors are open to all backgrounds, although may be best to keep any football allegiances
quiet.
Favourite position?
Somewhere in the full forward or half forward line where I get to run.
What other sports have you played?
Football (the proper one, not GAA), rugby, golf and anything else to keep myself amused.
How did you first discover hurling?
Peer pressure.
How would you describe Realt Dearg and Hurling, to your friends from home?
Surprisingly violent.
What's your favourite TV Show?
Arrested Development.
What Scottish Sports star would make the best hurler?
One of our many top Shinty players – [insert name of top Shinty player here] – they don’t
happen to be household names.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
3 religious leaders to see who has the most rounded view on the world and best sales pitch– let’s start with the Dalai Lama, the Pope and Tom Cruise.
What would you like to improve about your game?
Understand all of the rules.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Running, following all sorts of sports and trying to find the best Guinness in Dublin.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? (Hurling, non hurling, or both!)
If in doubt, just kick it forwards – mainly hurling, summing up my current skill level with the ball on the deck.
What's your favourite sporting memory?
Football (soccer) related but probably shouldn’t provide full details.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Completing further expansion of the seating capacity at the “field of Drims” following unprecedented public demand, but for some reason not car parking capacity.
Chris Hill
Age:
29
Hometown:
Bathgate (Sco) – Home of Susan Boyle, Lewis Capaldi and the inventor of chloroform no less.
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
2019 season – first C game
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Mix of skill level and background – great environment, training and set up for all skills levels and experience. It’s been really good for me to pick up the game quickly and the club’s doors are open to all backgrounds, although may be best to keep any football allegiances
quiet.
Favourite position?
Somewhere in the full forward or half forward line where I get to run.
What other sports have you played?
Football (the proper one, not GAA), rugby, golf and anything else to keep myself amused.
How did you first discover hurling?
Peer pressure.
How would you describe Realt Dearg and Hurling, to your friends from home?
Surprisingly violent.
What's your favourite TV Show?
Arrested Development.
What Scottish Sports star would make the best hurler?
One of our many top Shinty players – [insert name of top Shinty player here] – they don’t
happen to be household names.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
3 religious leaders to see who has the most rounded view on the world and best sales pitch– let’s start with the Dalai Lama, the Pope and Tom Cruise.
What would you like to improve about your game?
Understand all of the rules.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Running, following all sorts of sports and trying to find the best Guinness in Dublin.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? (Hurling, non hurling, or both!)
If in doubt, just kick it forwards – mainly hurling, summing up my current skill level with the ball on the deck.
What's your favourite sporting memory?
Football (soccer) related but probably shouldn’t provide full details.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Completing further expansion of the seating capacity at the “field of Drims” following unprecedented public demand, but for some reason not car parking capacity.
BERNARD HERLIHY
He may have played in the forwards at first, but we always knew he was a keeper. Manning the goal is the latest chapter in a colourful career (they say he once held John Mullane scoreless for 3 seconds in training) but what makes Bernard Herlihy tick?
Name/Nickname: Bernard Herlihy
Age: 31 per birth cert, 61 per fitness levels
Hometown: The mighty Deise
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?: 2016 vs Peregines (spelling prob needs to be checked on that one)
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: The welcoming of all comers regardless of age/ability/nationality and collective hatred of Dubs and football
Favourite position?: Edge of either square. Currently C team goalie making Massimo Taibi feel good about his career
What was your previous club(s)?:De La Salle, Waterford
What's your favourite music?: Mid 90's Gangsta rap, I feel in tune with the spirit of the era
What's your favourite TV Show?: The Wire
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?:Going to maintain C team loyalty and saw Leon, Leon and Leon
What inter county player would you like on the Réalt Dearg team? Current player is Stephen Bennett of Waterford, an abundance of skill and loves a goal. Of all time Ken McGrath at his peak, the man was a God
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Brian Cody and Alex Ferguson to see them bounce off each other and JFK to hear the Marilyn Monroe stories.
What would you like to change about your game?: Fitness and actually able to catch a looping high ball.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?: Armchair sports supporter in general and going to matches.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?: Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Brian Phelan's sideline cut in Parnell Park for De La Salle in All Ireland Club semi final which helped the club to run out on Paddys Day in Croke Park. From a county view, beating Kilkenny in Thurles after so many near misses over the years
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?: Going for pure skill on this one, Hurling is Paul Flynn, he could make a ball talk and mainly did it because it was less running. Football is Maurice Fizgerald, I was in Thurles the day he curled over the sideline vs the Dubs, a beautiful sight.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be: On a run to club all Ireland glory!
Name/Nickname: Bernard Herlihy
Age: 31 per birth cert, 61 per fitness levels
Hometown: The mighty Deise
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?: 2016 vs Peregines (spelling prob needs to be checked on that one)
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: The welcoming of all comers regardless of age/ability/nationality and collective hatred of Dubs and football
Favourite position?: Edge of either square. Currently C team goalie making Massimo Taibi feel good about his career
What was your previous club(s)?:De La Salle, Waterford
What's your favourite music?: Mid 90's Gangsta rap, I feel in tune with the spirit of the era
What's your favourite TV Show?: The Wire
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?:Going to maintain C team loyalty and saw Leon, Leon and Leon
What inter county player would you like on the Réalt Dearg team? Current player is Stephen Bennett of Waterford, an abundance of skill and loves a goal. Of all time Ken McGrath at his peak, the man was a God
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Brian Cody and Alex Ferguson to see them bounce off each other and JFK to hear the Marilyn Monroe stories.
What would you like to change about your game?: Fitness and actually able to catch a looping high ball.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?: Armchair sports supporter in general and going to matches.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?: Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Brian Phelan's sideline cut in Parnell Park for De La Salle in All Ireland Club semi final which helped the club to run out on Paddys Day in Croke Park. From a county view, beating Kilkenny in Thurles after so many near misses over the years
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?: Going for pure skill on this one, Hurling is Paul Flynn, he could make a ball talk and mainly did it because it was less running. Football is Maurice Fizgerald, I was in Thurles the day he curled over the sideline vs the Dubs, a beautiful sight.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be: On a run to club all Ireland glory!
Conor Maharaj
Me and my brother from another mother before the county semi
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Name/Nickname: Conor Maharaj
Age: 27
Hometown: Kilkenny
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut? 21st July 2015 away win to Naomh Olaf
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: Great balance between hurling and working life.
Favourite position?: Anywhere I can go for a jog around the pitch.
What was your previous club(s)? Dicksboro Gaa
What's your favourite music?: Listen to anything really.
What's your favourite TV Show?: Gavin & Stacey.
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?:
Eoin O'Dwyer (Bags of Glue), Leon Flanagan (Hotel California) and I don't think there are any other singers in the club of any use really!!!!
What inter county player would you like on the Réalt Dearg team?
JJ Delaney
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?:
Eoin O'Dwyer, The Energizer Bunny (To see who would run out of energy and fall asleep first) and Paddy Power to take bets.
What would you like to change about your game?:
To catch more high ball and shut the father up, about me not being able to catch the ball.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?:
Really I'd watch and play almost any sport so it keeps me entertained most of the time.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?:
Let the ball do the work. Although the best piece of advice I've ever heard was "If he pulls across you like that again, make sure you pull twice as hard back" Colm Gahan.
What's your favourite GAA memory?:
Winning the U-14 feile competition in Kilkenny against Thomastown Gaa (Jamie O'Hara). We drew against them the first match after a far harder qualification match than them the previous day. We then went out a week later and bet them by 12 points.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?:
Tommy Walsh - 3 All Stars in 3 different positions, need I say more. Football's not a real sport.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be:
Hurling Senior and I'll be doing a Gary Hurney on it (Few matches in the goal and a few matches in the full forward line making everyone else look good).
Age: 27
Hometown: Kilkenny
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut? 21st July 2015 away win to Naomh Olaf
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: Great balance between hurling and working life.
Favourite position?: Anywhere I can go for a jog around the pitch.
What was your previous club(s)? Dicksboro Gaa
What's your favourite music?: Listen to anything really.
What's your favourite TV Show?: Gavin & Stacey.
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?:
Eoin O'Dwyer (Bags of Glue), Leon Flanagan (Hotel California) and I don't think there are any other singers in the club of any use really!!!!
What inter county player would you like on the Réalt Dearg team?
JJ Delaney
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?:
Eoin O'Dwyer, The Energizer Bunny (To see who would run out of energy and fall asleep first) and Paddy Power to take bets.
What would you like to change about your game?:
To catch more high ball and shut the father up, about me not being able to catch the ball.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?:
Really I'd watch and play almost any sport so it keeps me entertained most of the time.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?:
Let the ball do the work. Although the best piece of advice I've ever heard was "If he pulls across you like that again, make sure you pull twice as hard back" Colm Gahan.
What's your favourite GAA memory?:
Winning the U-14 feile competition in Kilkenny against Thomastown Gaa (Jamie O'Hara). We drew against them the first match after a far harder qualification match than them the previous day. We then went out a week later and bet them by 12 points.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?:
Tommy Walsh - 3 All Stars in 3 different positions, need I say more. Football's not a real sport.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be:
Hurling Senior and I'll be doing a Gary Hurney on it (Few matches in the goal and a few matches in the full forward line making everyone else look good).
Tomas 'Mossy' O'Mahoney
Two full years in the red and black, and he's already fundraised and topless danced his way to the very top. He goes by many names, (most of them invented by Cathal Mulkere) but to us he's simply Mossy.
Name/Nickname: Tomas O’ Mahoney (Mossy)
Age: 33
Hometown: Glenbrien, Co. Wexford
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?: March 2017 against Counsel Gaels, the pitch was like a bog, it was pissing rain and it resembled more of a wrestling match than a hurling match. Coupled with that, efforts to turn me into a free scoring forward were quickly scrapped because I was shite and back to the backs I went.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: It’s a home away from home for people, there is always someone up for doing something if you are at a loose end. On the pitch we have been relatively successful in my time here and who doesn’t love winning matches!
Favourite position?: Midfield/Wing back – I love the freedom just to be able to go hunt the ball constantly
What was your previous club(s)?: Oylegate/Glenbrien back in Wexford and Central Coast in Sydney
What's your favourite music?: Love rock music/anything with an electric guitar and drums – Muse, Kasabian, Royal Blood the list is endless
What's your favourite TV Show?: Billions, Entourage, The West Wing
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?: I thought about this long and hard and I didn’t want to offend RoMo so I’ve decided to say they are all good in their own way
What inter county player would you like on the Réalt Dearg team? Daithi Burke purely to watch Gahan try take lumps out of him in training. If that’s not an option then Joe Canning, the man is a magician
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?: Tommy Walsh because he would keep everyone laughing
Margot Robbie because she would surely fall for me, right?
Then David Attenborough so we could throw on a documentary after dessert (not a metaphor for anything going on with me and Margot) and get a live narration.
What would you like to change about your game?: I was told there was a word limit on this piece – Probably striking, seeing something and executing it are two completely different things
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?: All other sports really, documentaries, getting out for a few pints and some live music
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?: In Hurling – Don’t drop the fu$king ball, In life – It’s a numbers game
What's your favourite GAA memory?: I’d love to say the 1996 All-Ireland but I don’t remember it properly so I’m going to go with Mick Jacobs last second goal to beat Kilkenny in 2004
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?: Easily Tommy Walsh he had everything and I don’t think there is anyone who could come close to being as good as him in all the positions he was brilliant in. Football, what’s that? Did we not burst those??? Go on then Ciaran McDonald, different class
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be: Still pulling up trees and ruffling feathers within Dublin GAA circles due to their success
Name/Nickname: Tomas O’ Mahoney (Mossy)
Age: 33
Hometown: Glenbrien, Co. Wexford
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?: March 2017 against Counsel Gaels, the pitch was like a bog, it was pissing rain and it resembled more of a wrestling match than a hurling match. Coupled with that, efforts to turn me into a free scoring forward were quickly scrapped because I was shite and back to the backs I went.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: It’s a home away from home for people, there is always someone up for doing something if you are at a loose end. On the pitch we have been relatively successful in my time here and who doesn’t love winning matches!
Favourite position?: Midfield/Wing back – I love the freedom just to be able to go hunt the ball constantly
What was your previous club(s)?: Oylegate/Glenbrien back in Wexford and Central Coast in Sydney
What's your favourite music?: Love rock music/anything with an electric guitar and drums – Muse, Kasabian, Royal Blood the list is endless
What's your favourite TV Show?: Billions, Entourage, The West Wing
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?: I thought about this long and hard and I didn’t want to offend RoMo so I’ve decided to say they are all good in their own way
What inter county player would you like on the Réalt Dearg team? Daithi Burke purely to watch Gahan try take lumps out of him in training. If that’s not an option then Joe Canning, the man is a magician
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?: Tommy Walsh because he would keep everyone laughing
Margot Robbie because she would surely fall for me, right?
Then David Attenborough so we could throw on a documentary after dessert (not a metaphor for anything going on with me and Margot) and get a live narration.
What would you like to change about your game?: I was told there was a word limit on this piece – Probably striking, seeing something and executing it are two completely different things
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?: All other sports really, documentaries, getting out for a few pints and some live music
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?: In Hurling – Don’t drop the fu$king ball, In life – It’s a numbers game
What's your favourite GAA memory?: I’d love to say the 1996 All-Ireland but I don’t remember it properly so I’m going to go with Mick Jacobs last second goal to beat Kilkenny in 2004
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?: Easily Tommy Walsh he had everything and I don’t think there is anyone who could come close to being as good as him in all the positions he was brilliant in. Football, what’s that? Did we not burst those??? Go on then Ciaran McDonald, different class
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be: Still pulling up trees and ruffling feathers within Dublin GAA circles due to their success
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Gary Hurney
Name: Gary Hurney
Age: 37
Hometown: Turloughmore - Galway Tidy Town's winner 1886
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?: 2 years ago, 19th April 2015, home defeat to St.Sylvesters.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: That every other team in Dublin hurling has no time for us, and somehow, that makes it all the more sweeter when we succeed
Favourite position?: Nowadays, full-forward I think...don't have the young legs anymore
What was your previous club(s)?: Football: Claregalway
Hurling: Turloughmore + various international clubs on my travels
What's your favourite music?: Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Metallica...bring me back to that '90s scene!!
What's your favourite TV Show?: Family Guy - sums up my humour right there
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?:
#3. Ronan 'Mailman' Moloney when we're locked in
#2. Eoin 'Ninja' O'Dwyer when we're locked
#1. Leon 'My Dad' Flanagan & The Cat Stevens Tribute Band
What inter county player would you like on the Réalt Dearg team?: Daithí Burke - always has a fantastic winning attitude, & always plays on the front foot
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?:
#1. Jesus Christ - he'd have some cool party tricks, like walking on water then turning it into wine
#2. Judas Iscariot - for the resulting craic...see guest #1
#3. Seth MacFarlane - because he'd script one hell of a show based on the punch up!!
What would you like to change about your game?: Be more selfish, and stop making heroes out of Jamie O'Hara and Martin Murphy!!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?: Movies and music...I'd watch any sport and probably bet on it too, & I do like my horse racing
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?: Make your opponent expect the unexpected off you, always keep him guessing what you're going to do next
What's your favourite GAA memory?: Sunday afternoons at home as a kid in the late '80s watching live hurling games on The Sunday Game on RTE...especially Galway's good times of '87 & '88, watching my then hero & neighbour, Martin Naughton, win two All-Irelands...Christ, seems an awful long time ago now...
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?: Very tough question, but I'll go with players I had the honour to play against in club champo, and in football that was Pádraic Joyce of Killererin/Galway...simply unmarkable when in full flow, could kick points from any angle with a great footballing brain.
And in hurling, I'd have to say Joe Cooney of Sarsfields/Galway...was near the end of his career when I played against him, but he was an absolute joy to watch. A magician with a sliotar...it always seemed to be attracted to him like a magnet & could make it talk, it just went exactly where he wanted to put it. A man who didn't read the game, he wrote it!!
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be: Acting as a character witness for Colm Gahan, following a failed attempt to set up a camogie team which resulted in numerous allegations towards him
Age: 37
Hometown: Turloughmore - Galway Tidy Town's winner 1886
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?: 2 years ago, 19th April 2015, home defeat to St.Sylvesters.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?: That every other team in Dublin hurling has no time for us, and somehow, that makes it all the more sweeter when we succeed
Favourite position?: Nowadays, full-forward I think...don't have the young legs anymore
What was your previous club(s)?: Football: Claregalway
Hurling: Turloughmore + various international clubs on my travels
What's your favourite music?: Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Metallica...bring me back to that '90s scene!!
What's your favourite TV Show?: Family Guy - sums up my humour right there
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers?:
#3. Ronan 'Mailman' Moloney when we're locked in
#2. Eoin 'Ninja' O'Dwyer when we're locked
#1. Leon 'My Dad' Flanagan & The Cat Stevens Tribute Band
What inter county player would you like on the Réalt Dearg team?: Daithí Burke - always has a fantastic winning attitude, & always plays on the front foot
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?:
#1. Jesus Christ - he'd have some cool party tricks, like walking on water then turning it into wine
#2. Judas Iscariot - for the resulting craic...see guest #1
#3. Seth MacFarlane - because he'd script one hell of a show based on the punch up!!
What would you like to change about your game?: Be more selfish, and stop making heroes out of Jamie O'Hara and Martin Murphy!!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?: Movies and music...I'd watch any sport and probably bet on it too, & I do like my horse racing
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?: Make your opponent expect the unexpected off you, always keep him guessing what you're going to do next
What's your favourite GAA memory?: Sunday afternoons at home as a kid in the late '80s watching live hurling games on The Sunday Game on RTE...especially Galway's good times of '87 & '88, watching my then hero & neighbour, Martin Naughton, win two All-Irelands...Christ, seems an awful long time ago now...
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?: Very tough question, but I'll go with players I had the honour to play against in club champo, and in football that was Pádraic Joyce of Killererin/Galway...simply unmarkable when in full flow, could kick points from any angle with a great footballing brain.
And in hurling, I'd have to say Joe Cooney of Sarsfields/Galway...was near the end of his career when I played against him, but he was an absolute joy to watch. A magician with a sliotar...it always seemed to be attracted to him like a magnet & could make it talk, it just went exactly where he wanted to put it. A man who didn't read the game, he wrote it!!
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be: Acting as a character witness for Colm Gahan, following a failed attempt to set up a camogie team which resulted in numerous allegations towards him
Kieran "Mushie" O'Brien
Name: Kieran "Mushie" O'Brien
Age: 25
Hometown: Shanagarry, Co. Cork via London
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut? 20th March 2016 aka The Perfect Trinity Vs Erin's Isle
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The inclusiveness of the club, everyone is "gan locht", the love of the game, hurling trips abroad and pints.
Favourite position? Full Back
What was your previous club(s)? Russell Rovers(Co. Cork)
What's your favourite music? I'll listen to anything. Indie or Rock would be favourite genres. Rammstein would be a favourite band.
What's your favourite TV Show? Game of Thrones
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers? Hard to decide but I'll go with Leon Flanagan, Eoin O'Dwyer and Colm O'Gorman (Moloney gets an honourable mention)
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Séamus Callanan - serious operator.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Ernesto "Che" Guevara, James McClean and Zooey Deschanel
What would you like to change about your game? Overall fitness and to stop breaking hurleys.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Frequent the odd Munster rugby and Brentford FC match. Do a bit of traveling and picking up a few phrases in foreign languages (German came in handy for Dresden).
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? "You don't have to do it by yourself, just get it in. It's really simple." - Coach Gahan pre-match team talk vs Kilmacud Crokes
What's your favourite GAA memory? Going to the 2007 All-Ireland final with my old man is a good memory, despite disappointing result. Collecting two awards at the RD awards night was another highlight.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurling - JJ Delaney
Football - Ciarán McDonald
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.. competing at the upper echelons of Dublin hurling.
Age: 25
Hometown: Shanagarry, Co. Cork via London
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut? 20th March 2016 aka The Perfect Trinity Vs Erin's Isle
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The inclusiveness of the club, everyone is "gan locht", the love of the game, hurling trips abroad and pints.
Favourite position? Full Back
What was your previous club(s)? Russell Rovers(Co. Cork)
What's your favourite music? I'll listen to anything. Indie or Rock would be favourite genres. Rammstein would be a favourite band.
What's your favourite TV Show? Game of Thrones
Name your top 3 Réalt Dearg singers? Hard to decide but I'll go with Leon Flanagan, Eoin O'Dwyer and Colm O'Gorman (Moloney gets an honourable mention)
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Séamus Callanan - serious operator.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Ernesto "Che" Guevara, James McClean and Zooey Deschanel
What would you like to change about your game? Overall fitness and to stop breaking hurleys.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Frequent the odd Munster rugby and Brentford FC match. Do a bit of traveling and picking up a few phrases in foreign languages (German came in handy for Dresden).
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? "You don't have to do it by yourself, just get it in. It's really simple." - Coach Gahan pre-match team talk vs Kilmacud Crokes
What's your favourite GAA memory? Going to the 2007 All-Ireland final with my old man is a good memory, despite disappointing result. Collecting two awards at the RD awards night was another highlight.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurling - JJ Delaney
Football - Ciarán McDonald
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.. competing at the upper echelons of Dublin hurling.
James Brooks
Name: James Brooks
Age: 25
Hometown: Perrystown, Dublin
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut? Erin’s Isle in March 2016 I was corner forward and had no idea what to do. I hadn’t played a hurling game in ten years. I also had a pair of shin guards on which I haven’t had any use for since. If anybody wants them?
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Great sense of camaraderie among the players and the club’s willingness to accept players of all abilities.
Favourite position? Anywhere in the Forwards
What was your previous club(s)? Faughs and Templogue Synge Street
What's your favourite music? A bit of everything
What's your favourite TV Show? The Angelus
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Seamus Callanan Tipperary for his scoring record last season.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Genghis Khan, Michael Collins and Frankie Boyle.
What would you like to change about your game? Fitness, Speed and First touch
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Fishing and Kayaking.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? If you Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2004 Leinster hurling final Michael Jacobs block and goal to win the match for Wexford. At the same match a streaker ran on to the pitch and an American sitting beside me in the Hogan stand asked me was he part of the event.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Hurler has to be John Mullane of Waterford and Colm Cooper Kerry footballer.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.. competing in the Dublin senior, intermediate and junior championships, And have their own clubhouse.
Age: 25
Hometown: Perrystown, Dublin
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut? Erin’s Isle in March 2016 I was corner forward and had no idea what to do. I hadn’t played a hurling game in ten years. I also had a pair of shin guards on which I haven’t had any use for since. If anybody wants them?
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Great sense of camaraderie among the players and the club’s willingness to accept players of all abilities.
Favourite position? Anywhere in the Forwards
What was your previous club(s)? Faughs and Templogue Synge Street
What's your favourite music? A bit of everything
What's your favourite TV Show? The Angelus
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Seamus Callanan Tipperary for his scoring record last season.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Genghis Khan, Michael Collins and Frankie Boyle.
What would you like to change about your game? Fitness, Speed and First touch
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Fishing and Kayaking.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? If you Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2004 Leinster hurling final Michael Jacobs block and goal to win the match for Wexford. At the same match a streaker ran on to the pitch and an American sitting beside me in the Hogan stand asked me was he part of the event.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Hurler has to be John Mullane of Waterford and Colm Cooper Kerry footballer.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.. competing in the Dublin senior, intermediate and junior championships, And have their own clubhouse.
BRAD HARTE
Another proud son of Cork, this weeks player profile is of a man who likes instigating heated debates on animal handling, enjoys a song and M&M's. Brad "The Hitman" Harte, this is your player profile......
Name: Brad Harte
Age: 29
Hometown: Timoleague, Co.Cork
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
2010 against Naomh Mearnog in Portmarnock. First of many times I’ve been told ‘they hate ye lads’. They did too.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Keeps me hurling – reality is I would have probably packed it in when I started working in Dublin 6 years ago if I hadn’t found the club. This is probably the case for 80+% of the members of the club and that is a huge positive.
Favourite position? Corner back, preferably behind a good wing back.
What was your previous club(s)? Argideen Rangers
What's your favourite music? I have become a big fan of Cat Stevens early material since Dresden.
What's your favourite TV Show? South Park, Peaky Blinders
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Leon, Ultane Dillane, Brian Finn.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Paudie Maher just to see what Gahan would do to him in training.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Philly, a puppy, and Roy Keane. Keane is well known as a dog lover (not the Limerick kind), Philly liked using dogs as footballs. I would be hoping for a more violent version of the Alf Inge Halland incident.
What would you like to change about your game? To be more clinical in front of goal (if the Trevimonial & Dresden don’t count I haven’t scored for the club).
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Enjoy going to the gym and a bit of running though not at John Barry / Chubba levels in either.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? Don’t do anything stupid (Harry, pre every match – it’s starting to stick)
What's your favourite GAA memory? Argideen Rangers winning an Intermediate county in 2005.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Joe Canning / Diarmuid Connolly
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... Based on Castleknocks rate of progression and Droma’s managerial success this year I think we have a great chance of playing senior football in that timeframe.
Name: Brad Harte
Age: 29
Hometown: Timoleague, Co.Cork
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
2010 against Naomh Mearnog in Portmarnock. First of many times I’ve been told ‘they hate ye lads’. They did too.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Keeps me hurling – reality is I would have probably packed it in when I started working in Dublin 6 years ago if I hadn’t found the club. This is probably the case for 80+% of the members of the club and that is a huge positive.
Favourite position? Corner back, preferably behind a good wing back.
What was your previous club(s)? Argideen Rangers
What's your favourite music? I have become a big fan of Cat Stevens early material since Dresden.
What's your favourite TV Show? South Park, Peaky Blinders
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Leon, Ultane Dillane, Brian Finn.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Paudie Maher just to see what Gahan would do to him in training.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Philly, a puppy, and Roy Keane. Keane is well known as a dog lover (not the Limerick kind), Philly liked using dogs as footballs. I would be hoping for a more violent version of the Alf Inge Halland incident.
What would you like to change about your game? To be more clinical in front of goal (if the Trevimonial & Dresden don’t count I haven’t scored for the club).
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Enjoy going to the gym and a bit of running though not at John Barry / Chubba levels in either.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? Don’t do anything stupid (Harry, pre every match – it’s starting to stick)
What's your favourite GAA memory? Argideen Rangers winning an Intermediate county in 2005.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Joe Canning / Diarmuid Connolly
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... Based on Castleknocks rate of progression and Droma’s managerial success this year I think we have a great chance of playing senior football in that timeframe.
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Dave Sheehan
Next up is a proud son of Cork. He's not sure when he started but he's planning on sticking around. Dave Sheehan, this is your player profile....
Name: Dave Sheehan
Age: 31
Hometown: Castlelyons in the great county of Cork
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
Not 100% sure! Two games stand out though. First game I scored in for Realt Dearg was against Civil Service. An incredibly badly hit free that snuck in over the keepers head at the back post that even had the Ref laughing at me. 2nd memorable game was our first C game against Whitehall. Was only 12 of us against 13 so we won’t talk about the result but was a great start to the C team.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg
How open the club is to lads of all levels and to new members in general. Able to bring lads down and you know that regardless of their level of skill that they will be made welcome.
Favourite position?
Going to say wing forward. Not a fan of the running there but bit of craic.
What was your previous club(s)?
Castlelyons. Home of the “Great” Timmy McCarthy. Great club to be in when younger when in 1997-1998 we won the Junior County and then the Intermediate County back to back. Made it as far as a Senior semi-final before got slaughtered by the Blackrock team that had 5/6 of the Cork team on it.
What's your favourite music?
Listen to a bit of everything from Punk to Classical. Big fan of brand new, the foo fighters, kings of leon, and Little Green Cars.
What's your favourite TV Show?
Thought that the Wire was unreal.
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers?
First going to have to say Leon. The man of many talents.Other than that I suppose Maloney has to get a mention for his sheer effort if nothing else.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team?
Tough question. Going to say Ronan Maher from Tipp. Very hard working player who does the simple things well and is a good man to clear ball. Since he only u-21 should get the guts of 20 years out of him too.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Marilyn Monroe just to see if she really was all that. Elvis Presley because he would be great craic and Denis Irwin because think he one of the best sportsmen Cork has ever produced.
What would you like to change about your game?
Firstly speed! Not sure exactly when lost it but would like it back! Confidence on the ball too. Time is short enough on the ball without 2nd guessing myself!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Big fan of music and comedy gigs. Used to do a lot of Swimming and water polo so still interested in that. Other than that the bit of travel and reading and that.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra?
Favourite motivational speech was from Maloney at the first Railway cup. Been heard a few times before and since but “they hate ye lads” always enough to get me going.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?
“We’re here for a good time not a long time.” Applies to pretty much all of life.
What's your favourite GAA memory?
Think the 1999 all Ireland final against Kilkenny. Was the first time I was in Croke Park on all-Ireland Sunday and was a great day for the parish.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Controversial choice but gonna say Wayne Sherlock. An incredible player who did the basic things perfectly. Even managed to make Sully look good. Should have been picked as captain the year Alan Browne was but it wouldn’t be Cork without some politics.
Richie Power second for his skill and incredible work rate but can’t be giving it to a Kilkenny man.
Best footballer a toss up between Trevor Giles and Colin Corkery. Giles for his skill and work rate and Corkery for his ability to slot points over from 50 yards out.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Up to 6/7 teams as I for one am going nowhere!
Name: Dave Sheehan
Age: 31
Hometown: Castlelyons in the great county of Cork
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
Not 100% sure! Two games stand out though. First game I scored in for Realt Dearg was against Civil Service. An incredibly badly hit free that snuck in over the keepers head at the back post that even had the Ref laughing at me. 2nd memorable game was our first C game against Whitehall. Was only 12 of us against 13 so we won’t talk about the result but was a great start to the C team.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg
How open the club is to lads of all levels and to new members in general. Able to bring lads down and you know that regardless of their level of skill that they will be made welcome.
Favourite position?
Going to say wing forward. Not a fan of the running there but bit of craic.
What was your previous club(s)?
Castlelyons. Home of the “Great” Timmy McCarthy. Great club to be in when younger when in 1997-1998 we won the Junior County and then the Intermediate County back to back. Made it as far as a Senior semi-final before got slaughtered by the Blackrock team that had 5/6 of the Cork team on it.
What's your favourite music?
Listen to a bit of everything from Punk to Classical. Big fan of brand new, the foo fighters, kings of leon, and Little Green Cars.
What's your favourite TV Show?
Thought that the Wire was unreal.
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers?
First going to have to say Leon. The man of many talents.Other than that I suppose Maloney has to get a mention for his sheer effort if nothing else.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team?
Tough question. Going to say Ronan Maher from Tipp. Very hard working player who does the simple things well and is a good man to clear ball. Since he only u-21 should get the guts of 20 years out of him too.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Marilyn Monroe just to see if she really was all that. Elvis Presley because he would be great craic and Denis Irwin because think he one of the best sportsmen Cork has ever produced.
What would you like to change about your game?
Firstly speed! Not sure exactly when lost it but would like it back! Confidence on the ball too. Time is short enough on the ball without 2nd guessing myself!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Big fan of music and comedy gigs. Used to do a lot of Swimming and water polo so still interested in that. Other than that the bit of travel and reading and that.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra?
Favourite motivational speech was from Maloney at the first Railway cup. Been heard a few times before and since but “they hate ye lads” always enough to get me going.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?
“We’re here for a good time not a long time.” Applies to pretty much all of life.
What's your favourite GAA memory?
Think the 1999 all Ireland final against Kilkenny. Was the first time I was in Croke Park on all-Ireland Sunday and was a great day for the parish.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Controversial choice but gonna say Wayne Sherlock. An incredible player who did the basic things perfectly. Even managed to make Sully look good. Should have been picked as captain the year Alan Browne was but it wouldn’t be Cork without some politics.
Richie Power second for his skill and incredible work rate but can’t be giving it to a Kilkenny man.
Best footballer a toss up between Trevor Giles and Colin Corkery. Giles for his skill and work rate and Corkery for his ability to slot points over from 50 yards out.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Up to 6/7 teams as I for one am going nowhere!
Kevin Danger Deady
Continuing our series of "quiet men of the club", next up is a man who has made a big impact on and off the pitch. A true gael, proud Dublin supporter, a wearer of Hurling Helmets in airports. A lot of people don't even know his name is Kevin! "Danger" this is your player profile.....
Name: Danger
Age: 38
Hometown: Our Nations Capital and Current All Ireland Football Champions - Dublin
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
Day 1 – Against Commercials. Started corner forward and I scored Realt Dearg’s second ever goal that day. Did you know Buzz Aldrin was the second man on the moon?
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg
Hard to pick one thing.
Wing back
What was your previous club(s)?
Faughs
What's your favourite music?
No idea really – anything live.
What's your favourite TV Show?
Ray Donovan.
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers?
I’m only picking one. Leon. For everyone else … if you’re not first you’re last.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team?
I’d take Mick Fennelly. A brick wall wouldn’t stop that lad assuming his Achilles is attached to his foot.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
15 year old me, Bill Clinton and William Shatner.
What would you like to change about your game?
Better striking. Its improved but can still go into full on melt down from time to time.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
I’ve been known to go running, scuba dive, snowboard, surf and go travelling.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra?
A lot of people go with the yeast infection but for me it was the moment I knew there would be someone available to carry my coffin.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?
Back yourself and hurl from infront.
What's your favourite GAA memory?
Winning AHL7. Subsequently finding the county boards cup after someone lost it. No fault.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler I’ll give to Shefflin. Footballer I’ll give Diarmuid Conolly the nod… what a scamp that lad is.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Going strong
Name: Danger
Age: 38
Hometown: Our Nations Capital and Current All Ireland Football Champions - Dublin
When did you make your Réalt Dearg debut?
Day 1 – Against Commercials. Started corner forward and I scored Realt Dearg’s second ever goal that day. Did you know Buzz Aldrin was the second man on the moon?
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg
Hard to pick one thing.
- Everyone is a No fault.
- Constant trolling
- No matter what your ability you end up playing more hurling than you bargained for.
- Sauce much?
- Healthy/friendly competition for places (Hi Aodhan! *waves*)
- The unified hatred of everything Tipperary
Wing back
What was your previous club(s)?
Faughs
What's your favourite music?
No idea really – anything live.
What's your favourite TV Show?
Ray Donovan.
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers?
I’m only picking one. Leon. For everyone else … if you’re not first you’re last.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team?
I’d take Mick Fennelly. A brick wall wouldn’t stop that lad assuming his Achilles is attached to his foot.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
15 year old me, Bill Clinton and William Shatner.
What would you like to change about your game?
Better striking. Its improved but can still go into full on melt down from time to time.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
I’ve been known to go running, scuba dive, snowboard, surf and go travelling.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra?
A lot of people go with the yeast infection but for me it was the moment I knew there would be someone available to carry my coffin.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?
Back yourself and hurl from infront.
What's your favourite GAA memory?
Winning AHL7. Subsequently finding the county boards cup after someone lost it. No fault.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler I’ll give to Shefflin. Footballer I’ll give Diarmuid Conolly the nod… what a scamp that lad is.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Going strong
Aodán Hurley
Another quite man of the club. A fan of indigenous television productions, Celtic mysticism and a drop of porter occasionally. Aodán "Wayne" Hurley - this is your player profile...
Name: Aodán Hurley
Age: 31
Hometown: Fedamore, Co.Limerick
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg The slagging of the Tipp lads
Favourite position? Anywhere in Half back line
What was your previous club(s)? Fedamore GAA Club (aka Fedamore Massive)
What's your favourite music? Nothing better than a bit of Luke Kelly
What's your favourite TV Show? Fair City (Most underrated comedy of our generation)
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Leon, O’Dea & Mailman (In no particular order for fear of retribution)
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Tony Kelly
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Luke Kelly, Richard Harris & Wayne (To see what he’s really like in real life)
What would you like to change about your game? Any bit of speed at all
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Hiking ,Cycling and the odd pint or two
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? I tend to tune out once the shpakes start
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? “Running is for lads that can’t read the game”
What's your favourite GAA memory? Has to be Ciaran Carey’s epic winning point against Clare in dying seconds of ‘96. Hon the Treaty….
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Ciaran Carey in hurling & Maurice Fitzgerald in Football
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... Senior and own a Creche
Name: Aodán Hurley
Age: 31
Hometown: Fedamore, Co.Limerick
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg The slagging of the Tipp lads
Favourite position? Anywhere in Half back line
What was your previous club(s)? Fedamore GAA Club (aka Fedamore Massive)
What's your favourite music? Nothing better than a bit of Luke Kelly
What's your favourite TV Show? Fair City (Most underrated comedy of our generation)
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Leon, O’Dea & Mailman (In no particular order for fear of retribution)
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Tony Kelly
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Luke Kelly, Richard Harris & Wayne (To see what he’s really like in real life)
What would you like to change about your game? Any bit of speed at all
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Hiking ,Cycling and the odd pint or two
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? I tend to tune out once the shpakes start
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? “Running is for lads that can’t read the game”
What's your favourite GAA memory? Has to be Ciaran Carey’s epic winning point against Clare in dying seconds of ‘96. Hon the Treaty….
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Ciaran Carey in hurling & Maurice Fitzgerald in Football
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... Senior and own a Creche
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SHANE MURPHY
The quite man of the club. He holds the record for the most goals kicked by any hurler ever! He's a big fan of indigenous sport and the individuals involved - Jamie Heaslip and Diarmuid Connolly to name but a few. Shane Murphy - this is your player profile...
Name: Shane Murphy
Age: 33
Hometown: Trim
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Good Counsel back when we used to play them every second week
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg It is such a great group of sane and well balanced individuals
Favourite position? Never far from the small rectangle
What was your previous club(s)? Trim
What's your favourite music? Any Realt Dearg Karaoke session
What's your favourite TV Show? Pretty much anything sports related, apart from cricket (sorry Gav)
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? 1. Leon 2. Ultan 3. Finn/Richardson combo 27. Malloney
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Seamus Callanan unstoppable Tipp tipp tipp
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Paul Galvin and Noel O Leary for the entertainment and Paul McGrath seems like a great lad to have a few pints with.
What would you like to change about your game? Probably not aggressive enough, especially in training
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Organising interventions for Skippy
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? Most memorable was Cian O`Brien and his story about the big breasted marathon runner, still not sure what was actually happening in the story but it was memorable. Honourable mention to Doc Lanigan and his spreading yeast infection
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? Sure you may as well come along to training, what`s the worst that could happen (best/worst jury is still out)
What's your favourite GAA memory? Football: Joe Sheridans magical finish to win 2010 Leinster final hurling: becoming the first team ever to win the Christ ring cup twice in the same year
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Trevor Giles and DJ Carey
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... still waiting for Mike Butler to organise the club trip to Budapest?
Name: Shane Murphy
Age: 33
Hometown: Trim
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Good Counsel back when we used to play them every second week
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg It is such a great group of sane and well balanced individuals
Favourite position? Never far from the small rectangle
What was your previous club(s)? Trim
What's your favourite music? Any Realt Dearg Karaoke session
What's your favourite TV Show? Pretty much anything sports related, apart from cricket (sorry Gav)
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? 1. Leon 2. Ultan 3. Finn/Richardson combo 27. Malloney
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Seamus Callanan unstoppable Tipp tipp tipp
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Paul Galvin and Noel O Leary for the entertainment and Paul McGrath seems like a great lad to have a few pints with.
What would you like to change about your game? Probably not aggressive enough, especially in training
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Organising interventions for Skippy
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? Most memorable was Cian O`Brien and his story about the big breasted marathon runner, still not sure what was actually happening in the story but it was memorable. Honourable mention to Doc Lanigan and his spreading yeast infection
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? Sure you may as well come along to training, what`s the worst that could happen (best/worst jury is still out)
What's your favourite GAA memory? Football: Joe Sheridans magical finish to win 2010 Leinster final hurling: becoming the first team ever to win the Christ ring cup twice in the same year
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Trevor Giles and DJ Carey
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... still waiting for Mike Butler to organise the club trip to Budapest?
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Killian Thornton
He only joined last year but he's made a big impact so far. Most improved player of the year, red head, self anointed 'Killers' and all round good guy, its Killian Thornton
Name: Cillian ‘Killers’ Thornton
Age: 31 minus 2 because I’m a redhead[1]
Hometown: The fine fields of Ranelagh by way of Galway.
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? St. Sylvesters. I honestly didn’t know what I was doing
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg Even if you’re useless you can fill a gap
Favourite position? Hoping to find out by the end of the year
What was your previous club(s)? Michael Cusacks, Sydney. Innovative pioneers of the sleeveless GAA top. Second only to Trevor Giles
What's your favourite music? Brendan Bugler Unplugged and Dangerous in Whitegate. A rare gem
What's your favourite TV Show? I cried the day I heard the Fresh Prince of Bel Air was cancelled. Nothing can fill that void
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Leon, ‘Mailman’ and have you heard my dulcet tones?
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? We don’t take kindly to Fancy Dans round here. Therefore; Johnny Glynn
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Eamon Dunphy - for his entertaining nonsense, Mel Gibson – for the wildcard factor and Joe Brolly to set Eamon off on a rant
What would you like to change about your game? How long do you have?
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I’m a history buff. Outdoors-ey stuff and a bit of Association Football while I’m at it.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? Gahan’s hungover inspirational ‘I don’t really have a speech; don’t mind tactics just hammer into them’ Railway Cup 2015 speech. A true leader of men.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? ‘Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever’ Keanu Reeves
What's your favourite GAA memory? The 2012 Leinster Hurling Final
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Joe Canning and unpopularly enough, Diarmuid Connolly
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... Realt Dearg Hurling, Gaelic Football and Rounders Club
[1] http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/who-is-fairest-of-them-all-redhead-gene-slows-ageing-and-makes-you-look-two-years-younger-34670028.html
Name: Cillian ‘Killers’ Thornton
Age: 31 minus 2 because I’m a redhead[1]
Hometown: The fine fields of Ranelagh by way of Galway.
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? St. Sylvesters. I honestly didn’t know what I was doing
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg Even if you’re useless you can fill a gap
Favourite position? Hoping to find out by the end of the year
What was your previous club(s)? Michael Cusacks, Sydney. Innovative pioneers of the sleeveless GAA top. Second only to Trevor Giles
What's your favourite music? Brendan Bugler Unplugged and Dangerous in Whitegate. A rare gem
What's your favourite TV Show? I cried the day I heard the Fresh Prince of Bel Air was cancelled. Nothing can fill that void
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Leon, ‘Mailman’ and have you heard my dulcet tones?
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? We don’t take kindly to Fancy Dans round here. Therefore; Johnny Glynn
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Eamon Dunphy - for his entertaining nonsense, Mel Gibson – for the wildcard factor and Joe Brolly to set Eamon off on a rant
What would you like to change about your game? How long do you have?
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I’m a history buff. Outdoors-ey stuff and a bit of Association Football while I’m at it.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? Gahan’s hungover inspirational ‘I don’t really have a speech; don’t mind tactics just hammer into them’ Railway Cup 2015 speech. A true leader of men.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? ‘Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever’ Keanu Reeves
What's your favourite GAA memory? The 2012 Leinster Hurling Final
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Joe Canning and unpopularly enough, Diarmuid Connolly
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... Realt Dearg Hurling, Gaelic Football and Rounders Club
[1] http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/who-is-fairest-of-them-all-redhead-gene-slows-ageing-and-makes-you-look-two-years-younger-34670028.html
Kevin McEvoy
The honour of the first Player Profile of 2016 goes to a man who sometimes goes by the name "Fingers". Recipient of the finest birthday cake ever, he knows his music and likes to play a round. Lets meet Kevin McEvoy!
Name: Kevin McEvoy
Age: 30
Hometown: Tramore
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? I think it was against Lucan in a challenge game. I was new to the club obviously, but also completely new to hurling. I still remember when I was being brought on being asked what position I played and saying “I’ve never played before”. And I played like I’d never played before too. But it was my best performance up to that point.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg As everyone else says – the universal acceptance in the club. I don’t think many clubs would welcome in so many new hurlers at any age and it’s one of the great strengths of the club.
Favourite position? Wing back. Plenty of action there to get involved in a game and unlike corner back if your man beats you to a ball he’s not through on goal!
What was your previous club(s)? Tramore golf club. Hence the easy to hook swing!
What's your favourite music? Probably Baroque
What's your favourite TV Show? I like the Political ones. If I’m looking for something light maybe The West Wing. Or if I’m looking for something a bit more realistic Yes, Minister.
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Leon Flanagan number 1 obviously. James Doyle has a lovely timbre, I’d give him number 2. And I can’t think of a number 3, but if I could go all the way to number 7 I’d have to pick Ronan Moloney.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? I think Aussie Gleeson would really add something to the C team if he could be convinced.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Padraig Harrington – as interesting a sportsman as you can listen to. Tiger Woods – I’d love to know where he got his stamina from. Most golfers go home after 18 holes, but it was never enough for him. And Oliver Reed, because talking about golf gets boring after a while and he seemed like unreal craic!
What would you like to change about your game? Striking. Especially on my bad side, but also on my not quite as bad side. Striking on the run and striking under pressure. In fairness, from a stationery position in about 30 yards of space on my good side not too far out from goal in dry and non-windy and not too cold conditions I’m pretty dangerous.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? GAA takes up a lot of my free time! If I ever hang up the boots I might get back into playing golf and the cello.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? The Robocop pre-Railway cup match speech (e-mail). That was a magical e-mail – one of those where you can’t help but hear the voice of the writer when reading it. In fact, read is the wrong word. You sing that e-mail
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? In hurling I assume? Not to worry about mistakes. Get to the ball first and if you miss it worry about recovering then.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Munster final 1998 Paul Flynn’s goal from the 21 metre free. I jabbed a few people with my Waterford flag after we’d scored it.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Best hurler – Ken McGrath. Best footballer – I suppose the Gooch
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... The Greatest GAA club in the world!!! (will still be the greatest GAA club in the world)
Name: Kevin McEvoy
Age: 30
Hometown: Tramore
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? I think it was against Lucan in a challenge game. I was new to the club obviously, but also completely new to hurling. I still remember when I was being brought on being asked what position I played and saying “I’ve never played before”. And I played like I’d never played before too. But it was my best performance up to that point.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg As everyone else says – the universal acceptance in the club. I don’t think many clubs would welcome in so many new hurlers at any age and it’s one of the great strengths of the club.
Favourite position? Wing back. Plenty of action there to get involved in a game and unlike corner back if your man beats you to a ball he’s not through on goal!
What was your previous club(s)? Tramore golf club. Hence the easy to hook swing!
What's your favourite music? Probably Baroque
What's your favourite TV Show? I like the Political ones. If I’m looking for something light maybe The West Wing. Or if I’m looking for something a bit more realistic Yes, Minister.
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Leon Flanagan number 1 obviously. James Doyle has a lovely timbre, I’d give him number 2. And I can’t think of a number 3, but if I could go all the way to number 7 I’d have to pick Ronan Moloney.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? I think Aussie Gleeson would really add something to the C team if he could be convinced.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Padraig Harrington – as interesting a sportsman as you can listen to. Tiger Woods – I’d love to know where he got his stamina from. Most golfers go home after 18 holes, but it was never enough for him. And Oliver Reed, because talking about golf gets boring after a while and he seemed like unreal craic!
What would you like to change about your game? Striking. Especially on my bad side, but also on my not quite as bad side. Striking on the run and striking under pressure. In fairness, from a stationery position in about 30 yards of space on my good side not too far out from goal in dry and non-windy and not too cold conditions I’m pretty dangerous.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? GAA takes up a lot of my free time! If I ever hang up the boots I might get back into playing golf and the cello.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? The Robocop pre-Railway cup match speech (e-mail). That was a magical e-mail – one of those where you can’t help but hear the voice of the writer when reading it. In fact, read is the wrong word. You sing that e-mail
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? In hurling I assume? Not to worry about mistakes. Get to the ball first and if you miss it worry about recovering then.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Munster final 1998 Paul Flynn’s goal from the 21 metre free. I jabbed a few people with my Waterford flag after we’d scored it.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Best hurler – Ken McGrath. Best footballer – I suppose the Gooch
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... The Greatest GAA club in the world!!! (will still be the greatest GAA club in the world)
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Eoin O'Dwyer
Next up is one of the originals, a man of many names. He makes some outlandish claims I think you'll agree. But by God he's entertaining! Ninja, OD, Eric, whatever else the hell you're called, this is your player profile...
Name: Eoin O’Dwyer
Age: 32
Hometown: Limerick City Kiiiiiiid
Who did you make your RéaltDearg debut against? I was our first ever umpire against Commercials and made my debut against Good Counsel.
Favourite thing about RéaltDearg? Linking up with Shabs at training, shouting wooooo baby and generally enjoying the combined effects of a yes vote on marriage equality and hurling training.
Favourite position? Midfield
What was your previous club(s)? Monaleen, Co. Limerick
What's your favourite music? Stuff I was into before you, Tuvan Throat singing, the KilfenoraCeili Band etc.
What's your favourite TV Show? Peep Show - ‘ Crunchy nut cornflakes are just Frosties for wankers’ ‘Yeah, well Frosties are just cornflakes for people who can’t face reality’
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Trevor, Aodan and Myself, also the greatest half back line this club has ever had.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Johnny Glynn, seems like he would fit in and give us a good laugh.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Jim White (the musician/storyteller, not the lad on Sky Sports news), Dylan Moran and Audrey Tatou.
What would you like to change about your game? To be better at fielding the ball.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Music, reading and acting the malley.
What’s your favourite RealtDearg motivational speech/mantra? I think I have seen all the greats - the naked speech, the yeast infection,
Shabs’ various ‘I hate talk but…’ speeches. My favourite is Mike Butler telling the team that he would pull off the next fella who went up with one hand on the hurley… promises, promises
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? If it doesn’t come up first time..pull on it… it was hurling advice I think!
What's your favourite GAA memory? Limerick hurlers have given me more painful ones than great onesunfortunately, winning the Munster Final in 2013 was great considering it hadn’t happened since 1996.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Best hurler – DJ, Best Footballer – the Gooch. No points for originality I know.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... the reason the solicitors, publicans and therapists of Dublin are all driving high end automobiles.
Name: Eoin O’Dwyer
Age: 32
Hometown: Limerick City Kiiiiiiid
Who did you make your RéaltDearg debut against? I was our first ever umpire against Commercials and made my debut against Good Counsel.
Favourite thing about RéaltDearg? Linking up with Shabs at training, shouting wooooo baby and generally enjoying the combined effects of a yes vote on marriage equality and hurling training.
Favourite position? Midfield
What was your previous club(s)? Monaleen, Co. Limerick
What's your favourite music? Stuff I was into before you, Tuvan Throat singing, the KilfenoraCeili Band etc.
What's your favourite TV Show? Peep Show - ‘ Crunchy nut cornflakes are just Frosties for wankers’ ‘Yeah, well Frosties are just cornflakes for people who can’t face reality’
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? Trevor, Aodan and Myself, also the greatest half back line this club has ever had.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Johnny Glynn, seems like he would fit in and give us a good laugh.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Jim White (the musician/storyteller, not the lad on Sky Sports news), Dylan Moran and Audrey Tatou.
What would you like to change about your game? To be better at fielding the ball.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Music, reading and acting the malley.
What’s your favourite RealtDearg motivational speech/mantra? I think I have seen all the greats - the naked speech, the yeast infection,
Shabs’ various ‘I hate talk but…’ speeches. My favourite is Mike Butler telling the team that he would pull off the next fella who went up with one hand on the hurley… promises, promises
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? If it doesn’t come up first time..pull on it… it was hurling advice I think!
What's your favourite GAA memory? Limerick hurlers have given me more painful ones than great onesunfortunately, winning the Munster Final in 2013 was great considering it hadn’t happened since 1996.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Best hurler – DJ, Best Footballer – the Gooch. No points for originality I know.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... the reason the solicitors, publicans and therapists of Dublin are all driving high end automobiles.
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Cathal Mulkere
Part of the notorious Clare Mafia, the inventor of the phrase "No fault", Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh impressionist, music appreciator and keen enthusiast on public transport and infrastructure. Cathal Mulkere, take it away....
Name: Cathal Mulkere
Age: 30
Hometown: Crusheen, Co. Clare
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Good Counsel, 1st round of Championship 2010
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg Social element and the uniqueness of the club.
Favourite position? Full forward
What was your previous club(s)? Crusheen, the Blood and Bandages!
What's your favourite music? Indie music, Alternative and Dance music on occasion.
What's your favourite TV Show? Game of Thrones
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? No. 3 James Doyle, No. 2 Leon Flanagan No. 1 Ma’boy Ronan ‘Mailman’ Moloney – 5 times Roman, Woo!!!
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Richie Hogan, Kilkenny. Serious yoke!
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? You’d be wrong to think I’d ever host a dinner party...
What would you like to change about your game? Fitness, that’s easy.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I’m a sports fanatic so I watch plenty. I like reading and watching Netflix aswell. One of my favourite pastimes however is discussing the top 5 roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and bus stops in Limerick city with Mike Butler, Eoin “Ninja” O’Dwyer and Barry “Twig” Horan via email on Wednesdays. Yes, that does actually happen amidst significant trolling and hurling discussion.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? I thought we’d never recover from the loss of Doctor Liam Lanigan with his poetic words and grandiose ideology. Then Colm Gahan spoke at a C match one day and I was simply blown away! Gone are the days of the Leitrim contingent giving us words of wisdom in the nip when we’d nowhere to look...
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? “You have to put your head Sunday where you wouldn’t put the crowbar Monday” – the legendary Tom Mac from Crusheen
What's your favourite GAA memory? I grew up in Clare in the 90s and witnessed Crusheen’s first every county championship win in 2010 which was particularly memorable. They were all great days but with regards to Realt Dearg, winning our first championship match against Fingallians was brilliant in 2010. Everything suggested we’d struggle in that game but we gave one of our best performances and it was a key building block for the club.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Henry Shefflin, Kilkenny. Colm Cooper, Kerry
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... hopefully progressing further up the divisions and winning trophies. We have the ambition and the ability.
Name: Cathal Mulkere
Age: 30
Hometown: Crusheen, Co. Clare
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Good Counsel, 1st round of Championship 2010
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg Social element and the uniqueness of the club.
Favourite position? Full forward
What was your previous club(s)? Crusheen, the Blood and Bandages!
What's your favourite music? Indie music, Alternative and Dance music on occasion.
What's your favourite TV Show? Game of Thrones
Name your top 3 Realt Dearg singers? No. 3 James Doyle, No. 2 Leon Flanagan No. 1 Ma’boy Ronan ‘Mailman’ Moloney – 5 times Roman, Woo!!!
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Richie Hogan, Kilkenny. Serious yoke!
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? You’d be wrong to think I’d ever host a dinner party...
What would you like to change about your game? Fitness, that’s easy.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I’m a sports fanatic so I watch plenty. I like reading and watching Netflix aswell. One of my favourite pastimes however is discussing the top 5 roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and bus stops in Limerick city with Mike Butler, Eoin “Ninja” O’Dwyer and Barry “Twig” Horan via email on Wednesdays. Yes, that does actually happen amidst significant trolling and hurling discussion.
What’s your favourite Realt Dearg motivational speech/mantra? I thought we’d never recover from the loss of Doctor Liam Lanigan with his poetic words and grandiose ideology. Then Colm Gahan spoke at a C match one day and I was simply blown away! Gone are the days of the Leitrim contingent giving us words of wisdom in the nip when we’d nowhere to look...
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? “You have to put your head Sunday where you wouldn’t put the crowbar Monday” – the legendary Tom Mac from Crusheen
What's your favourite GAA memory? I grew up in Clare in the 90s and witnessed Crusheen’s first every county championship win in 2010 which was particularly memorable. They were all great days but with regards to Realt Dearg, winning our first championship match against Fingallians was brilliant in 2010. Everything suggested we’d struggle in that game but we gave one of our best performances and it was a key building block for the club.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Henry Shefflin, Kilkenny. Colm Cooper, Kerry
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... hopefully progressing further up the divisions and winning trophies. We have the ambition and the ability.
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Martins murphys
And now for Martin Number 2. If you've ever heard laughter in the middle of a drill, chances are that's Martin. He's from Clare, he's nostalgic and a keen figure skating fan. Take it away Martin...
Name: Martin Murphy
Age: 30
Hometown: Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? I can’t recall name of the exact team, but if I recall correctly I appeared as a sub for the last 30 seconds or so and never looked back since!
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg The whole cosmopolitan and diversity amongst its members and players alike – That being said, we had Conor O’Droma asking as to the whereabouts of County Waterford recently after training.
Favourite position? Left Half Back
What was your previous club(s)? Newmarket-on-Fergus
What's your favourite music? Classical – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor springs to mind.
What's your favourite TV Show?
Reeling in the years
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team?
Conor O’Droma
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe and Stephen Hawking
What would you like to change about your game?
Too many items to mention, probably aerial ability
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Rugby - Monkstown J5, travelling to exotic places – mostly Lahinch
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg?
Worst – Frank Farrell & Cathal Mulkere & Laziest – Cathal “Hesty” Hester
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Let the ball do the work!”
What's your favourite GAA memory?
GAA related, the 2012 Clare County Final and sporting related generally, I would have to say Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s performance at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler – Tony Kelly & Football – Aidan O’Shea
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Dublin County Senior hurling champions
Name: Martin Murphy
Age: 30
Hometown: Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? I can’t recall name of the exact team, but if I recall correctly I appeared as a sub for the last 30 seconds or so and never looked back since!
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg The whole cosmopolitan and diversity amongst its members and players alike – That being said, we had Conor O’Droma asking as to the whereabouts of County Waterford recently after training.
Favourite position? Left Half Back
What was your previous club(s)? Newmarket-on-Fergus
What's your favourite music? Classical – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor springs to mind.
What's your favourite TV Show?
Reeling in the years
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team?
Conor O’Droma
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe and Stephen Hawking
What would you like to change about your game?
Too many items to mention, probably aerial ability
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Rugby - Monkstown J5, travelling to exotic places – mostly Lahinch
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg?
Worst – Frank Farrell & Cathal Mulkere & Laziest – Cathal “Hesty” Hester
What's the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Let the ball do the work!”
What's your favourite GAA memory?
GAA related, the 2012 Clare County Final and sporting related generally, I would have to say Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s performance at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler – Tony Kelly & Football – Aidan O’Shea
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be...................
Dublin County Senior hurling champions
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martins murphys
Theres only 2 Martin Murphys. Lets meet them. First up its the Kilkenny version, self confessed nerd, hipster football fan and John Travolta enthusiast....
Name: Martin Murphy
Age: 28
Hometown: Ballycallan Co. Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Not sure but it was some Irish speaking team we played in a challenge in stepaside in 2013. Not sure if that narrows it down much! Think the first league game I played was in Thomas Davis against Thomas Davis.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg Getting to play hurling for a club that actually cares about hurling as its first sport.
Favourite position? Corner or wing forward. I like to score goals and because it’s such a rarity it makes it all the more special when it happens. Not sure the rest of ye would agree!
What was your previous club(s)? I played for Graigue Ballycallan underage up as far as Minor then gave up for a few years and started again for Clonguish Gaels in Longford for a year. I played on the county team for Longford so I like introduce myself as an ex-county hurler from Kilkenny and let peoples imagination do the rest. After that I played for college in DIT for a year and then found my true home away from home in Realt Dearg.
What's your favourite music? Leaning towards 90’s rock and older.
What's your favourite TV Show? At the moment it’s Parks and Recreation but just started watching Arrested Development and its hilarious!
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? I’d say Ger Aylward. He’s young, fast and looks to be still improving.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Jesus to bring the wine, Genghis Kahn for some light dinner conversation and Kate Middleton to do the dishes after.
What would you like to change about your game? I’d score more. First touch could use a bit of work and I used to be able to catch a ball but I seem to have lost that skill.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I’m studying nutrition and dietetics and love it. Also enjoy powerlifting and coaching for weightlifting. Bit of a science nerd.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? It might be easier to list those who aren’t lazy! Nah I kid. I think the standard of fitness of the club has improved since I started and I definitely think that’s in part due to everyone putting it in hard at training. Now that’s a safe answer.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? From my granddad “Never be afraid to stick your body in front of the hurl, most lads will try not to hit ya, and if they do hit ya then you’ll have blocked them!!” Two broken hands, a fractured thumb and a sprained ankle later and I’m a little less confident that this was good advice. Apparently (according to granddad) the Tullaroan hurlers would train this as an actual blocking technique and that’s why they’re hardened to almost godlike proportions. I should mention my Granddad is a devout follower of Tullaroan and believes all past Kilkenny losses were due to a lack of Tullaroan players on the team and all victories were due primarily to Tommy Walsh.
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2011 All Ireland Richie Hogans goal against Tipp. Great touch.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? DJ Carey probably or depending what you’re looking for King Henry of course! Favourite footballer has to be Kilkenny footballing legend Paul Donnelly for holding Dermot Early to just 2 points in their mammoth clash against the Lily Whites.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... At the rate we’re going there’ll likely be a fourth or fifth team. The A team will be senior and there will have to be an underage team for all the babies going around!
Name: Martin Murphy
Age: 28
Hometown: Ballycallan Co. Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Not sure but it was some Irish speaking team we played in a challenge in stepaside in 2013. Not sure if that narrows it down much! Think the first league game I played was in Thomas Davis against Thomas Davis.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg Getting to play hurling for a club that actually cares about hurling as its first sport.
Favourite position? Corner or wing forward. I like to score goals and because it’s such a rarity it makes it all the more special when it happens. Not sure the rest of ye would agree!
What was your previous club(s)? I played for Graigue Ballycallan underage up as far as Minor then gave up for a few years and started again for Clonguish Gaels in Longford for a year. I played on the county team for Longford so I like introduce myself as an ex-county hurler from Kilkenny and let peoples imagination do the rest. After that I played for college in DIT for a year and then found my true home away from home in Realt Dearg.
What's your favourite music? Leaning towards 90’s rock and older.
What's your favourite TV Show? At the moment it’s Parks and Recreation but just started watching Arrested Development and its hilarious!
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? I’d say Ger Aylward. He’s young, fast and looks to be still improving.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Jesus to bring the wine, Genghis Kahn for some light dinner conversation and Kate Middleton to do the dishes after.
What would you like to change about your game? I’d score more. First touch could use a bit of work and I used to be able to catch a ball but I seem to have lost that skill.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I’m studying nutrition and dietetics and love it. Also enjoy powerlifting and coaching for weightlifting. Bit of a science nerd.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? It might be easier to list those who aren’t lazy! Nah I kid. I think the standard of fitness of the club has improved since I started and I definitely think that’s in part due to everyone putting it in hard at training. Now that’s a safe answer.
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? From my granddad “Never be afraid to stick your body in front of the hurl, most lads will try not to hit ya, and if they do hit ya then you’ll have blocked them!!” Two broken hands, a fractured thumb and a sprained ankle later and I’m a little less confident that this was good advice. Apparently (according to granddad) the Tullaroan hurlers would train this as an actual blocking technique and that’s why they’re hardened to almost godlike proportions. I should mention my Granddad is a devout follower of Tullaroan and believes all past Kilkenny losses were due to a lack of Tullaroan players on the team and all victories were due primarily to Tommy Walsh.
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2011 All Ireland Richie Hogans goal against Tipp. Great touch.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? DJ Carey probably or depending what you’re looking for King Henry of course! Favourite footballer has to be Kilkenny footballing legend Paul Donnelly for holding Dermot Early to just 2 points in their mammoth clash against the Lily Whites.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... At the rate we’re going there’ll likely be a fourth or fifth team. The A team will be senior and there will have to be an underage team for all the babies going around!
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Leon Flanagan
Realt Dearg's only original Terenure resident, ever green hurler, Karaoke King and all round nice guy Leon was living it up in the Hotel Holiday Inn in Brussels, but now its time to meet the man behind the legend. Step forward Leon
Name: Leon Flanagan.
Age: 52.
Hometown: Dublin.
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Corner-back against Kilmacud.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg Their professionalism in everything that they do both on and off the pitch (a great bunch of lads……..).
Favourite position? On the pitch? – Anywhere in the forwards (I like to be on the attack!).
Off the pitch? – Feet up, listening to music or pucking balls in Bushy.
What was your previous club(s)? RD is my first (I’m one of life’s late-starters) and at this stage, probably my only club.
What's your favourite music? I have eclectic taste, don’t follow bands anymore (gave that up in the 80’s). Like any style from classical to pop as long as the melody is good.
What's your favourite TV Show? Watching “The Killing” (American version) at the moment – excellent! But for sheer timeless genius it’s got to be “Father Ted”. I laugh from start to finish at it.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? No preference really, as long as they don’t take my place!
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Probably would go with dead people – they eat less! My three would be:
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Apart from running around the place after 5 children, I like to go for walks with my wife Eilis and of course, the odd pint or two with the lads now and again. I also like to strum the guitar when I’ve time.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? Eh, you don’t really expect me to answer that do you? For god’s sake! I could be marking the guy at the next training session!
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? Don’t get caught in the corner! Get into the middle of the court! Actually a piece of handball advice I heard long ago, but I think it’s a statement on life really, and that’s how I’ve tried to live (in the middle of it all).
What's your favourite GAA memory? Watching my son Ciaran win a juvenile All-Ireland 40X20 handball title a couple of years ago.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurling: Henry Shefflin. His skill, power and consistency over his career are the best I’ve seen and his scoring record is phenomenal. A great leader on the field too.
Football: Pat Spillane. I remembering watching those mighty contests between Dublin and Kerry in the late 70’s, and I have to say he was the stand-out player for Kerry in my opinion. His energy and work-rate were amazing. Apart from his scoring ability, he made a lot happen all around him.
In 10 years’ time Réalt Dearg will be................... Still a great bunch of lads!! Hopefully playing in the top Dublin divisions, with a clubhouse to call home and maybe even a juvenile section underway.
Name: Leon Flanagan.
Age: 52.
Hometown: Dublin.
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Corner-back against Kilmacud.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg Their professionalism in everything that they do both on and off the pitch (a great bunch of lads……..).
Favourite position? On the pitch? – Anywhere in the forwards (I like to be on the attack!).
Off the pitch? – Feet up, listening to music or pucking balls in Bushy.
What was your previous club(s)? RD is my first (I’m one of life’s late-starters) and at this stage, probably my only club.
What's your favourite music? I have eclectic taste, don’t follow bands anymore (gave that up in the 80’s). Like any style from classical to pop as long as the melody is good.
What's your favourite TV Show? Watching “The Killing” (American version) at the moment – excellent! But for sheer timeless genius it’s got to be “Father Ted”. I laugh from start to finish at it.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? No preference really, as long as they don’t take my place!
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Probably would go with dead people – they eat less! My three would be:
- Adolf Hitler – Would be interesting to hear his humorous side and I bet he’d give a great after-dinner speech. Would need to keep the wine-glasses well away from him though.
- Dermot Morgan – Comic genius and if Adolf was disappointing, he could step-in with a great impression here.
- On a serious note – my Dad. He’d probably give out to me for inviting the first fella, but what wouldn’t I give to see him one more time.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Apart from running around the place after 5 children, I like to go for walks with my wife Eilis and of course, the odd pint or two with the lads now and again. I also like to strum the guitar when I’ve time.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? Eh, you don’t really expect me to answer that do you? For god’s sake! I could be marking the guy at the next training session!
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? Don’t get caught in the corner! Get into the middle of the court! Actually a piece of handball advice I heard long ago, but I think it’s a statement on life really, and that’s how I’ve tried to live (in the middle of it all).
What's your favourite GAA memory? Watching my son Ciaran win a juvenile All-Ireland 40X20 handball title a couple of years ago.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurling: Henry Shefflin. His skill, power and consistency over his career are the best I’ve seen and his scoring record is phenomenal. A great leader on the field too.
Football: Pat Spillane. I remembering watching those mighty contests between Dublin and Kerry in the late 70’s, and I have to say he was the stand-out player for Kerry in my opinion. His energy and work-rate were amazing. Apart from his scoring ability, he made a lot happen all around him.
In 10 years’ time Réalt Dearg will be................... Still a great bunch of lads!! Hopefully playing in the top Dublin divisions, with a clubhouse to call home and maybe even a juvenile section underway.
Mike Richardson
Name: Mike Richardson
Age: 33
Hometown: Emly, Co. Tipp
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Played a couple of challenges last year but my 1st proper start with the club was in a cup game against Thomas Davis back in February this year (2013)
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Plenty of banter with lads from a good mix of counties which you wouldn't normally have
Favourite position? Corner back
What was your previous club(s)? Emly (Home club in Tipp), St Columbas (Galway), Al Ain (UAE)
What's your favourite music? Classic Rock; U2, Oasis, Killers, Keane
What's your favourite TV Show? Love/Hate & Sunday Game
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Tony Kelly from Clare; For his amazing Skill, Striking from long distances and Pace
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Michael Collins, Nicky English and Fran from Love/Hate
What would you like to change about your game? Learn to field more ball in the air.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Farming, Soccer and watching rugby
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? I'd say twould have to be Mike Butler (Sorry Mike!)
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? Never be afraid of you man "It's not the size of the man it's the size of fight in the man"
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2010 All Ireland - unbelievable atmosphere and occasion followed by Tipp v Cork Munster Final Replay Thurles 1991
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Eoin Kelly (Mullinhone) in his prime in the mid 00s in hurling & Colin 'Gouch' Cooper (Kerry) in football
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... Playing in Parnell Park on County Final Day!
Age: 33
Hometown: Emly, Co. Tipp
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Played a couple of challenges last year but my 1st proper start with the club was in a cup game against Thomas Davis back in February this year (2013)
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Plenty of banter with lads from a good mix of counties which you wouldn't normally have
Favourite position? Corner back
What was your previous club(s)? Emly (Home club in Tipp), St Columbas (Galway), Al Ain (UAE)
What's your favourite music? Classic Rock; U2, Oasis, Killers, Keane
What's your favourite TV Show? Love/Hate & Sunday Game
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Tony Kelly from Clare; For his amazing Skill, Striking from long distances and Pace
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Michael Collins, Nicky English and Fran from Love/Hate
What would you like to change about your game? Learn to field more ball in the air.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Farming, Soccer and watching rugby
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? I'd say twould have to be Mike Butler (Sorry Mike!)
What's the best piece of advice you ever received? Never be afraid of you man "It's not the size of the man it's the size of fight in the man"
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2010 All Ireland - unbelievable atmosphere and occasion followed by Tipp v Cork Munster Final Replay Thurles 1991
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Eoin Kelly (Mullinhone) in his prime in the mid 00s in hurling & Colin 'Gouch' Cooper (Kerry) in football
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... Playing in Parnell Park on County Final Day!
Jonathon Griffin
The Slasher Johnny Griffin the next victim for our player profiles -
Name: Jonathan Griffin
Age: 28
Hometown: Longford town
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Civil Service
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The almighty craic, banter & slagging between the rival hurling counties that even welcomed myself from a so called weaker hurling county to many lads from other so called weaker hurling counties. Realt Dearg has shown that doesn't matter if you are not the best hurler that once you commited to training and supporting the club in its development years, the club as being good with this.
Favourite position? Like the auld roaming Messi-like half forward position
What was your previous club(s)? The mighty Sky Blues of Longford Slashers
What's your favourite music? Don't really have favourite tyoe of music. I suppose some Rock music is good to listen to.
What's your favourite TV Show? Breaking Bad
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Ollie Canning (Galway).. a good reader of the game, a leader of the pitch and an example to young hurlers.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Oh lord this is a tough one. I suppose I would like to invite Nelson Mandela as he an inspirational leader to us all and be nice to get his version of events on why he went to prison; Alex Ferguson has always being a person I admired for his man management no nonsense approach; and James Gandolfini (Aka the legend that is Tony Soprano) so if anyone dears mess with me that I have three good people to back me up and sort someone out.
What would you like to change about your game? Suppose bit more confidence on making correct & best decisions in a match
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Pool and Snooker so if anyone dears to challenge me in a game of pool, I am more the ready for the challenge. Also, keen interest in Basketball (an All Ireland Colleges medal with St Mel's in Longford under 16 to my name defeating Kieran Donaghy's CBS Tralee in final in Tralee). Also, like reading, listening to music, watching good TV shows, having bit of craic playing Golf when get some practice in beforehand though. A big soccer fan in following Man United and Longford Town.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? So sweet jaysus some days I could fall into that category. But might give that nomination to Mike Butler as seems the man is injured the whole time or just trains for while before popping in goals for some relaxation time and shouting "Hon Tipp" at Cian O'Brien just before he lines up to take a shot. Sorry Mike no offence meant at all here
Whats the best piece of advice you ever received? Always point the linesman's flag in Realt Dearg direction whether it is Realt Dearg's sideline cut or not. Hence, always show that you back your decision strongly by holding the flag firmly out straight with head held high so ref thinks this guy is a good linesman. I believe worked mighty in the club quarter final win over Wild Geese played out in a beautiful scenary of Oldtown, North Dublin in August 2013.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Suppose would have to see my 2 older brothers winning an All Ireland hurling Minor "C" level on 2 separate occasions in the late nineties and early 2000's for Longford respectively. Longford doesn't win much major success but winning at any grade is still a satisfactory achievement for same amount of effort bigger teams put in. Longford defeated Mayo in Croke Park where brother was Centre half back and then few years later another brother captained the side at half back to beat Donegal in Enniskillen (Yeah there was uproar that Croke Park was not chosen again this time around which was a disgrace at the time....won't go into that now).
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Hurler would be DJ Carey (may cause a few stirs with this choice) and footballer would be Maurice Fitzgerald hitting those sublime kicks with either foot over the bar from any reasonable distance.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... a great club for the Community of the Terenure region and beyond to be involved in and win the hurling Senior Championship.
Name: Jonathan Griffin
Age: 28
Hometown: Longford town
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Civil Service
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The almighty craic, banter & slagging between the rival hurling counties that even welcomed myself from a so called weaker hurling county to many lads from other so called weaker hurling counties. Realt Dearg has shown that doesn't matter if you are not the best hurler that once you commited to training and supporting the club in its development years, the club as being good with this.
Favourite position? Like the auld roaming Messi-like half forward position
What was your previous club(s)? The mighty Sky Blues of Longford Slashers
What's your favourite music? Don't really have favourite tyoe of music. I suppose some Rock music is good to listen to.
What's your favourite TV Show? Breaking Bad
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Ollie Canning (Galway).. a good reader of the game, a leader of the pitch and an example to young hurlers.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Oh lord this is a tough one. I suppose I would like to invite Nelson Mandela as he an inspirational leader to us all and be nice to get his version of events on why he went to prison; Alex Ferguson has always being a person I admired for his man management no nonsense approach; and James Gandolfini (Aka the legend that is Tony Soprano) so if anyone dears mess with me that I have three good people to back me up and sort someone out.
What would you like to change about your game? Suppose bit more confidence on making correct & best decisions in a match
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Pool and Snooker so if anyone dears to challenge me in a game of pool, I am more the ready for the challenge. Also, keen interest in Basketball (an All Ireland Colleges medal with St Mel's in Longford under 16 to my name defeating Kieran Donaghy's CBS Tralee in final in Tralee). Also, like reading, listening to music, watching good TV shows, having bit of craic playing Golf when get some practice in beforehand though. A big soccer fan in following Man United and Longford Town.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? So sweet jaysus some days I could fall into that category. But might give that nomination to Mike Butler as seems the man is injured the whole time or just trains for while before popping in goals for some relaxation time and shouting "Hon Tipp" at Cian O'Brien just before he lines up to take a shot. Sorry Mike no offence meant at all here
Whats the best piece of advice you ever received? Always point the linesman's flag in Realt Dearg direction whether it is Realt Dearg's sideline cut or not. Hence, always show that you back your decision strongly by holding the flag firmly out straight with head held high so ref thinks this guy is a good linesman. I believe worked mighty in the club quarter final win over Wild Geese played out in a beautiful scenary of Oldtown, North Dublin in August 2013.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Suppose would have to see my 2 older brothers winning an All Ireland hurling Minor "C" level on 2 separate occasions in the late nineties and early 2000's for Longford respectively. Longford doesn't win much major success but winning at any grade is still a satisfactory achievement for same amount of effort bigger teams put in. Longford defeated Mayo in Croke Park where brother was Centre half back and then few years later another brother captained the side at half back to beat Donegal in Enniskillen (Yeah there was uproar that Croke Park was not chosen again this time around which was a disgrace at the time....won't go into that now).
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Hurler would be DJ Carey (may cause a few stirs with this choice) and footballer would be Maurice Fitzgerald hitting those sublime kicks with either foot over the bar from any reasonable distance.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be................... a great club for the Community of the Terenure region and beyond to be involved in and win the hurling Senior Championship.
Mícheál Curtin
Our next Profile is Mícheál Curtin. He tells us about his interests in the music tastes of 12 year olds......
Name: Mícheál Curtin
Age: 25
Hometown: Barefield, Co Clare
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Cup Game v Thomas Davis Feb 2013.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Unbelievably inclusive. Gives all new players a fair crack of the whip.
Favourite position? Missionary.
What was your previous club(s)? St Josephs Doora-Barefield. Clare-Stamford for a summer on J1 back in '07.
What's your favourite music? Unfortunately for me, I have the same taste in music as your average 12 year old girl. If it's on Spin 1038, chances are it's on my i-pod.
What's your favourite TV Show? Loving Suits at the minute.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Big Joe Canning. Altho he'd probably have to play in the corner cuz Eugenio has that full forward spot nailed down at this stage!
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Tim Tebow (we'll need God on our side if I'm cooking dinner), Russell Brand (he might have a few stories for the boys!) & Mila Kunis (don't really think an explanation is necessary here... well someone has to do the dishes after :)).
What would you like to change about your game? It would be nice to be able to hit the ball further than 40 yards off my left hand side so that I don't always have to pretend I'm tryin to "find" a pass every time I hit off that side!!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Love NFL. Pity the Jets are terrible. Golf. Pity I'm terrible. Horse Racing, Rugby. Generally jumping on bandwagons is a good laugh.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? Mike Butler. Sometimes he doesn't even pretend he's doing the stretches!! Also once said and I quote "Anyone carrying a slight injury can sit this out. And a hangover counts as a slight injury."
Whats the best piece of advice you ever received? "Stay off the burgers the night before matches." Stone, H,. 2013.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Josephs winning the club all-Ireland was unreal. Clare's all-Ireland in '97... beating Tipp twice in one year was not lost on me even though I was only 9!!
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Hurler - DJ. Footballer, Maurice Fitz.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be... a senior club hopefully. They'll also continue to smash records for having the highest average age of any team. Ever.
Name: Mícheál Curtin
Age: 25
Hometown: Barefield, Co Clare
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Cup Game v Thomas Davis Feb 2013.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Unbelievably inclusive. Gives all new players a fair crack of the whip.
Favourite position? Missionary.
What was your previous club(s)? St Josephs Doora-Barefield. Clare-Stamford for a summer on J1 back in '07.
What's your favourite music? Unfortunately for me, I have the same taste in music as your average 12 year old girl. If it's on Spin 1038, chances are it's on my i-pod.
What's your favourite TV Show? Loving Suits at the minute.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Big Joe Canning. Altho he'd probably have to play in the corner cuz Eugenio has that full forward spot nailed down at this stage!
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Tim Tebow (we'll need God on our side if I'm cooking dinner), Russell Brand (he might have a few stories for the boys!) & Mila Kunis (don't really think an explanation is necessary here... well someone has to do the dishes after :)).
What would you like to change about your game? It would be nice to be able to hit the ball further than 40 yards off my left hand side so that I don't always have to pretend I'm tryin to "find" a pass every time I hit off that side!!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Love NFL. Pity the Jets are terrible. Golf. Pity I'm terrible. Horse Racing, Rugby. Generally jumping on bandwagons is a good laugh.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? Mike Butler. Sometimes he doesn't even pretend he's doing the stretches!! Also once said and I quote "Anyone carrying a slight injury can sit this out. And a hangover counts as a slight injury."
Whats the best piece of advice you ever received? "Stay off the burgers the night before matches." Stone, H,. 2013.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Josephs winning the club all-Ireland was unreal. Clare's all-Ireland in '97... beating Tipp twice in one year was not lost on me even though I was only 9!!
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Hurler - DJ. Footballer, Maurice Fitz.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be... a senior club hopefully. They'll also continue to smash records for having the highest average age of any team. Ever.
Stephen Casey
"Casey, Casey you're the divil" as the song goes. Footballer come hurler Stephen Casey tells us he wishes he had the pace of Jack Mac and how he'd love to see Cavan/Kildare's Seánie Johnston line out in the Red and Black.
Age: 27
Hometown: Tramore
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Competitive debut against Peregrines. We played Lucan before that but I wouldn't use competitive to describe it.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Despite nearly every member getting through third level education, someone will always find a way to mess up the simplest of drills proving there will always be a job in this country for people who's only skill is to say "luggage door operating." Also despite Lanigan spending 8 years in college, still being unable to open the boot of a car.
Favourite position? Only took up hurling in February so I've only managed 12 of the 15. Probably somewhere down the middle as it reduces the chances of having to take a sideline cut.
What was your previous club(s)? Tramore but only for football. My hurling career began in February.
What's your favourite music? The whistle to signal we can stop running laps has a certain musical quality.
What's your favourite TV Show? Psych. Nobody has heard of it. Primetime in America. RTE showed it at 9 on a Saturday morning 3/4 years ago, stopped mid season and started again at 12 on a Sunday last year.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Seanie Johnson but only if he gave full commitment to hurling. His dual commitments last year meant his game suffered.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? As I'm limited to 3 I won't cause a rift by inviting some of the Kelly family but not others. I'd probably ask the lads from a football team what its like to have to train with low numbers all the time. I'd let the two of them pick whoever they want as the the third guest.
What would you like to change about your game? I wish I had Jack's pace.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I find more and more of my spare time being spent in VHI swiftcare these days.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? Paul Warren. Went to the effort and expense of travelling to the other hemisphere for 3 months to avoid running the hill.
Whats the best piece of advice you ever received? Cian's advice on using the hurley and not my hand to hook and block seems sound, if not a case of shutting the gate after the horse has bolted, came back in and bolted again.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Being a footballer from Waterford I really only knew the bad times and the worse.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Cian O Brien has a well practiced kicking technique which I assume could be applied to a football. I'm not sure if Sean Cavanagh has ever played hurling but his style would be similar to that of all the Junior F full backs that I've faced.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be... hopefully still attracting more players who never played hurling before. That and attracting players from the so called weaker counties like Westmeath, Mayo, Tipperary.
Age: 27
Hometown: Tramore
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Competitive debut against Peregrines. We played Lucan before that but I wouldn't use competitive to describe it.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Despite nearly every member getting through third level education, someone will always find a way to mess up the simplest of drills proving there will always be a job in this country for people who's only skill is to say "luggage door operating." Also despite Lanigan spending 8 years in college, still being unable to open the boot of a car.
Favourite position? Only took up hurling in February so I've only managed 12 of the 15. Probably somewhere down the middle as it reduces the chances of having to take a sideline cut.
What was your previous club(s)? Tramore but only for football. My hurling career began in February.
What's your favourite music? The whistle to signal we can stop running laps has a certain musical quality.
What's your favourite TV Show? Psych. Nobody has heard of it. Primetime in America. RTE showed it at 9 on a Saturday morning 3/4 years ago, stopped mid season and started again at 12 on a Sunday last year.
What inter county player would you like on the Realt Dearg team? Seanie Johnson but only if he gave full commitment to hurling. His dual commitments last year meant his game suffered.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? As I'm limited to 3 I won't cause a rift by inviting some of the Kelly family but not others. I'd probably ask the lads from a football team what its like to have to train with low numbers all the time. I'd let the two of them pick whoever they want as the the third guest.
What would you like to change about your game? I wish I had Jack's pace.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I find more and more of my spare time being spent in VHI swiftcare these days.
Who is the worst/laziest to train in Realt Dearg? Paul Warren. Went to the effort and expense of travelling to the other hemisphere for 3 months to avoid running the hill.
Whats the best piece of advice you ever received? Cian's advice on using the hurley and not my hand to hook and block seems sound, if not a case of shutting the gate after the horse has bolted, came back in and bolted again.
What's your favourite GAA memory? Being a footballer from Waterford I really only knew the bad times and the worse.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Cian O Brien has a well practiced kicking technique which I assume could be applied to a football. I'm not sure if Sean Cavanagh has ever played hurling but his style would be similar to that of all the Junior F full backs that I've faced.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be... hopefully still attracting more players who never played hurling before. That and attracting players from the so called weaker counties like Westmeath, Mayo, Tipperary.
Cian Wazu O'Brien
The man from Aherlow, Cian O'Brien, fills out the player profile this time and pretty much shows how to lose friends and alienate people.
Was you there?
Wazu?
Name: Cian O'Brien
Age: 34
Hometown: Glen of Aherlow. Co. Tipp
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Civil Service the same day as Gavin O Connell played his first ever hurling match, Gary Thomspson was in goals and Eugene full back!
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The craic and annoying lads from every county other than Tipp including Leitrim if it can be called a county.
Writing obituaries for Kilkenny lads.
Listening to Ninja talk about getting the shift.
The various characters of the club...
Was you there?
Wazu?
Name: Cian O'Brien
Age: 34
Hometown: Glen of Aherlow. Co. Tipp
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Civil Service the same day as Gavin O Connell played his first ever hurling match, Gary Thomspson was in goals and Eugene full back!
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The craic and annoying lads from every county other than Tipp including Leitrim if it can be called a county.
Writing obituaries for Kilkenny lads.
Listening to Ninja talk about getting the shift.
The various characters of the club...
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Eoin Fitzpatrick
Hon Fitz. Réalt Dearg's very own Cha Fitzpatrick tells us of his love for a bit of Haddaway and a pint of Kilkenny stew from Vaughan's.
Name: Eoin Fitzpatrick
Age: 28
Hometown: Conahy, Co. Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Naomh Mearnóg.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The openness of the Club throughout. The pints of Smithwicks in Vaughans. Deacon watch and the 60 odd emails it generates.The banter with Wazu. O'Dea's songs.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The transient nature of our pitch status. Roma gypises have nothing on us. Everyone forgets to bring the Jerseys and the balls.
What was your previous club(s)? Conahy Shamrocks, Kilkenny, Fullen Gaels, Lancashire
What's your favourite music? Electro and the chart stuff that the cool kids listen to.
What's your favourite TV Show? Fan of Breaking Bad, “making fat stacks yo”.
In soccer, who do you support? Manchester United
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Tony Montana, Haddaway (to spin some 90s classics), and Rihanna, Tony Montana would soon kick the place off.
What would you like to change about your game? To be able to catch a ball would be nice. I could also apply a style of hurling a little less rule bending, but theres only space for one improvement so GET USED TO IT!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I do play the odd bit of Squash. In 2012 I'm gonna copy Shane Murphy's gym regime or buy t-shirts two sizes down (I'm sure Murphy does lots in the gym).
Who's your sporting idol? Tommy Walsh for the current generation and the O'Connor Brothers were masters of the small rectangle.
When I was younger I wanted to be...? Some class of an engineer. I think a lack of attention detail affected that outcome.
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2006 Kilkenny win over Cork was sweet. Win of 2009 was good too, at half time my head was in my hands.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Carey and Shefflin in hurling. Peter Canavan in the football.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be... Larger than life itself - videos of Mulkere's speeches, Butlers cussing, GK's patented “Bate em like he's your brother” training sessions, and O'Deas classic tunes will have become legendary. Dont worry Maloney, just like the x-factor, being the 4th best singer in the club might be your making yet.
Name: Eoin Fitzpatrick
Age: 28
Hometown: Conahy, Co. Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Naomh Mearnóg.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The openness of the Club throughout. The pints of Smithwicks in Vaughans. Deacon watch and the 60 odd emails it generates.The banter with Wazu. O'Dea's songs.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The transient nature of our pitch status. Roma gypises have nothing on us. Everyone forgets to bring the Jerseys and the balls.
What was your previous club(s)? Conahy Shamrocks, Kilkenny, Fullen Gaels, Lancashire
What's your favourite music? Electro and the chart stuff that the cool kids listen to.
What's your favourite TV Show? Fan of Breaking Bad, “making fat stacks yo”.
In soccer, who do you support? Manchester United
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Tony Montana, Haddaway (to spin some 90s classics), and Rihanna, Tony Montana would soon kick the place off.
What would you like to change about your game? To be able to catch a ball would be nice. I could also apply a style of hurling a little less rule bending, but theres only space for one improvement so GET USED TO IT!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? I do play the odd bit of Squash. In 2012 I'm gonna copy Shane Murphy's gym regime or buy t-shirts two sizes down (I'm sure Murphy does lots in the gym).
Who's your sporting idol? Tommy Walsh for the current generation and the O'Connor Brothers were masters of the small rectangle.
When I was younger I wanted to be...? Some class of an engineer. I think a lack of attention detail affected that outcome.
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2006 Kilkenny win over Cork was sweet. Win of 2009 was good too, at half time my head was in my hands.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Carey and Shefflin in hurling. Peter Canavan in the football.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be... Larger than life itself - videos of Mulkere's speeches, Butlers cussing, GK's patented “Bate em like he's your brother” training sessions, and O'Deas classic tunes will have become legendary. Dont worry Maloney, just like the x-factor, being the 4th best singer in the club might be your making yet.
Trevor Jackman
Ah Boy Skip. Part of "The greatest half-back line of all time". Apparently
Name: Trevor Jackman
Age: 30
Hometown: Callan, Co Kilkenny via Windgap.
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Day 1. Commercials.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The 2010 half back line. Many people (ok just Mailman) say the greatest of all time. Also the way everyone is welcomed and integrated into the club. Including all from those 'so called weaker hurling counties' like Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan and Tipperary.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Being injured this year. The 57 emails from Jack a day.
What was your previous club(s)? Windgap
What's your favourite music? Would listen to anything but mainly Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash
What's your favourite TV Show? The Soprano's and Tallafornia
In soccer, who do you support? Liverpool
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Robert F Kennedy, Dermot Morgan and Millie Clode.
What would you like to change about your game? I was gonna say pace but I always say sprinting is just for lads who can't read the game. Being able to strike off my right side might come in handy sometime I suppose.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Reading sports books, 'socialising' and stalking on facebook.
Who's your sporting idol? Franco Baresi
When I was younger I wanted to be...? Captain of Kilkenny. Only for that pesky County Champions rule .....
What's your favourite GAA memory? Probably 2008 All Ireland stands out. Watching hurling being perfected!
2006, 2009 and 2011 were fair sweet too. The 92, 93, 00, 02, 03 and 07 All Ireland's were grand oul wins I suppose.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler: JJ Delaney. Honourable mentions to Tommy, Henry, DJ, Brian Lohan, Seanie Mac, Whelehan and Paddy Walsh (Windgap)!
Footballer: Don't watch too much football but i'll go with Ciarán McDonald when he was in the mood.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... A merchandising machine. Get your James Kenny hair gel and Shane Murphy branded porridge.
Name: Trevor Jackman
Age: 30
Hometown: Callan, Co Kilkenny via Windgap.
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Day 1. Commercials.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? The 2010 half back line. Many people (ok just Mailman) say the greatest of all time. Also the way everyone is welcomed and integrated into the club. Including all from those 'so called weaker hurling counties' like Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan and Tipperary.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Being injured this year. The 57 emails from Jack a day.
What was your previous club(s)? Windgap
What's your favourite music? Would listen to anything but mainly Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash
What's your favourite TV Show? The Soprano's and Tallafornia
In soccer, who do you support? Liverpool
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Robert F Kennedy, Dermot Morgan and Millie Clode.
What would you like to change about your game? I was gonna say pace but I always say sprinting is just for lads who can't read the game. Being able to strike off my right side might come in handy sometime I suppose.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Reading sports books, 'socialising' and stalking on facebook.
Who's your sporting idol? Franco Baresi
When I was younger I wanted to be...? Captain of Kilkenny. Only for that pesky County Champions rule .....
What's your favourite GAA memory? Probably 2008 All Ireland stands out. Watching hurling being perfected!
2006, 2009 and 2011 were fair sweet too. The 92, 93, 00, 02, 03 and 07 All Ireland's were grand oul wins I suppose.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler: JJ Delaney. Honourable mentions to Tommy, Henry, DJ, Brian Lohan, Seanie Mac, Whelehan and Paddy Walsh (Windgap)!
Footballer: Don't watch too much football but i'll go with Ciarán McDonald when he was in the mood.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... A merchandising machine. Get your James Kenny hair gel and Shane Murphy branded porridge.
Harry Stone
Wild about Harry. Harry's wild about Tommy Walsh.
Name: Harry Stone
Age: 34 and 3/4 years.
Hometown: Ballyragget ,Co Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? A late sub V Kilmacud Crokes in a Challenge June 2011
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Mulkeres speeches, the Man U coloured home jerseys, James Kenny one liners, The fanatics, the not so fanatics. Jack's passion for the Tipp boys, Slagging the Tipp boys and Mailman's swagger.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Mulkeres speeches, Tarpey's hurt school, listening to Tipp boys and they're one in a row (not so much lately) and the snug player fit white Jerseys. (Not a good look for those of us who are a little on the husky side)
What was your previous club(s)? St Patrick's Ballyragget, Current Kilkenny and Leinster Junior champions and Kilkenny U21A Champions in case there is someone I missed telling in Dublin. (Same as Fitzys)
What's your favourite music? U2, Noel Gallagher, Bruce. Bits of everything
What's your favourite TV Show? Love/Hate at the moment. Excellent!!! Also Game of Thrones.
In soccer, who do you support? Man Utd and Brookville AFC
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Roy Keane, Alan Shearer and Alf Inge Haaland. (You have to admit it would be funny)
What would you like to change about your game? This might sound ridiculous to some of ye but my lack of pace.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Soccer mainly and I have loads of close friends on facebook!!
Who's your sporting idol? Tommy Walsh. More of a man crush if im honest.The boy is a genius.
When I was younger I wanted to be...? A Tommy Walsh. (See what I mean)
What's your favourite GAA memory? Winning my first county final with my home club.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? See above for Hurler. Maurice Fitzgearld in football.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... consistently beating Clanna Gael. I am quite indifferent to that club (Real answer had to be edited)
Name: Harry Stone
Age: 34 and 3/4 years.
Hometown: Ballyragget ,Co Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? A late sub V Kilmacud Crokes in a Challenge June 2011
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Mulkeres speeches, the Man U coloured home jerseys, James Kenny one liners, The fanatics, the not so fanatics. Jack's passion for the Tipp boys, Slagging the Tipp boys and Mailman's swagger.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Mulkeres speeches, Tarpey's hurt school, listening to Tipp boys and they're one in a row (not so much lately) and the snug player fit white Jerseys. (Not a good look for those of us who are a little on the husky side)
What was your previous club(s)? St Patrick's Ballyragget, Current Kilkenny and Leinster Junior champions and Kilkenny U21A Champions in case there is someone I missed telling in Dublin. (Same as Fitzys)
What's your favourite music? U2, Noel Gallagher, Bruce. Bits of everything
What's your favourite TV Show? Love/Hate at the moment. Excellent!!! Also Game of Thrones.
In soccer, who do you support? Man Utd and Brookville AFC
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Roy Keane, Alan Shearer and Alf Inge Haaland. (You have to admit it would be funny)
What would you like to change about your game? This might sound ridiculous to some of ye but my lack of pace.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Soccer mainly and I have loads of close friends on facebook!!
Who's your sporting idol? Tommy Walsh. More of a man crush if im honest.The boy is a genius.
When I was younger I wanted to be...? A Tommy Walsh. (See what I mean)
What's your favourite GAA memory? Winning my first county final with my home club.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? See above for Hurler. Maurice Fitzgearld in football.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... consistently beating Clanna Gael. I am quite indifferent to that club (Real answer had to be edited)
Liam Lanigan
Here's Doc. He knows stuff. Stuff he doesn't know, he soon will. He's Doc.
Name: Liam Lanigan
Age: 29
Hometown: Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Civil Service, although I put on a jersey for our first match against Commercials, I was injured at the time.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Seeing it grow from a few people (six at our first training session) into a huge group full of people all rowing in for the one purpose. That and not having to tell the barstaff in Vaughan's what I want, they just know.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Being secretary. It's great, but it can still be my least favourite thing, right?
What was your previous club(s)? Dicksboro
What's your favourite music? Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and other electronic stuff. Bob Dylan and Neil Young because I'm a nonconformist like everyone else. Loads of things that are really good that you probably haven't heard of (yeah, I'm a hipster). Get me drunk enough and I'll sing the Rocky Road to Dublin, if James Doyle isn't there to do it properly.
What's your favourite TV Show? Deadwood, because Ian McShane is a badass.
In soccer, who do you support? Kilkenny City FC, who don't exist anymore, which is convenient because I never have to go and sit through a match or pretend I know or care who plays for them.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? James Joyce, Luke Kelly, and Mylene Klass (I hear she cleans pots like a boss).
What would you like to change about your game? Stronger, faster, more skillful, you name it, I need it. Would definitely like to have more strength in tackling.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Reading takes up most of my time. I watch a bit of American Football too.
Who's your sporting idol? Tommy Walsh. He's an inspiration to anyone who wants to know how to respond when a Tipp man belts you in the face with the hurl.
When I was younger I wanted to be...? An oil-truck driver, apparently. I don't remember that, but I'm told it was my big plan.
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2006 All Ireland Final. That Cork team were hyped up as the most professional organisation in the history of sport, and KK were just a few lads sponsored by the local creamery sent up to give them a game. I knew KK meant business when I saw Tennyson standing up to Niall Mc as he tested the injured shoulder before throw-in.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Hurler: Brian Whelehan. Footballer: Shane Murphy (he's kicked more goals than the whole Donegal team this year)
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... mostly on suspended sentences.
Name: Liam Lanigan
Age: 29
Hometown: Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Civil Service, although I put on a jersey for our first match against Commercials, I was injured at the time.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Seeing it grow from a few people (six at our first training session) into a huge group full of people all rowing in for the one purpose. That and not having to tell the barstaff in Vaughan's what I want, they just know.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg? Being secretary. It's great, but it can still be my least favourite thing, right?
What was your previous club(s)? Dicksboro
What's your favourite music? Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and other electronic stuff. Bob Dylan and Neil Young because I'm a nonconformist like everyone else. Loads of things that are really good that you probably haven't heard of (yeah, I'm a hipster). Get me drunk enough and I'll sing the Rocky Road to Dublin, if James Doyle isn't there to do it properly.
What's your favourite TV Show? Deadwood, because Ian McShane is a badass.
In soccer, who do you support? Kilkenny City FC, who don't exist anymore, which is convenient because I never have to go and sit through a match or pretend I know or care who plays for them.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? James Joyce, Luke Kelly, and Mylene Klass (I hear she cleans pots like a boss).
What would you like to change about your game? Stronger, faster, more skillful, you name it, I need it. Would definitely like to have more strength in tackling.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA? Reading takes up most of my time. I watch a bit of American Football too.
Who's your sporting idol? Tommy Walsh. He's an inspiration to anyone who wants to know how to respond when a Tipp man belts you in the face with the hurl.
When I was younger I wanted to be...? An oil-truck driver, apparently. I don't remember that, but I'm told it was my big plan.
What's your favourite GAA memory? 2006 All Ireland Final. That Cork team were hyped up as the most professional organisation in the history of sport, and KK were just a few lads sponsored by the local creamery sent up to give them a game. I knew KK meant business when I saw Tennyson standing up to Niall Mc as he tested the injured shoulder before throw-in.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen? Hurler: Brian Whelehan. Footballer: Shane Murphy (he's kicked more goals than the whole Donegal team this year)
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... mostly on suspended sentences.
Ross Kelly
Recently retired Treasurer, Ross Kelly is in profile here. The Tipp man is, so far, the only Fireman in the club.
Name: Ross Kelly
Age: 29
Hometown: Clonmel. Co. Tipp
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Day 1 Commercials - Rathcoole
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The enthusiasm of the club - everyone just wants to hurl.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The fact that you can't walk down the road on a weekend without being "dragged" into "socializing"
What was your previous club(s)?
St Mary's Clonmel - Many moons ago
What's your favourite music?
Rock
What's your favourite TV Show?
East Bound and Down; Family Guy and it's not on TV but watching Dearg lads trying to pull birds is a good show too.
In soccer, who do you support?
I play real sports not trying to be the best at excersing
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Jessica Alba, Beyonce, Georgia Salpa ....... oh you meant DINNER party.
What would you like to change about your game?
Try not to get injured! Better strike of the ball
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Poetry, literature, blood sports, annoying Jack Mac
Who's your sporting idol?
Tommy Dunne - supreme hurler - 2001 All Ireland was one of the best performances in a final ever.
When I was younger I wanted to be...?
An Actor but i've seen some of the things mailman had to do onscreen........ dodged a bullet.
What's your favourite GAA memory?
2009 All Ireland Final - Drank on that one for a few months
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Tommy Walsh KK (breaks tipp hearts all the time) - Footballer: Darragh Ó Sé Kerry absolute leader
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... All Knowing, All conquering, All ............... Single!
Name: Ross Kelly
Age: 29
Hometown: Clonmel. Co. Tipp
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Day 1 Commercials - Rathcoole
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The enthusiasm of the club - everyone just wants to hurl.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The fact that you can't walk down the road on a weekend without being "dragged" into "socializing"
What was your previous club(s)?
St Mary's Clonmel - Many moons ago
What's your favourite music?
Rock
What's your favourite TV Show?
East Bound and Down; Family Guy and it's not on TV but watching Dearg lads trying to pull birds is a good show too.
In soccer, who do you support?
I play real sports not trying to be the best at excersing
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Jessica Alba, Beyonce, Georgia Salpa ....... oh you meant DINNER party.
What would you like to change about your game?
Try not to get injured! Better strike of the ball
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Poetry, literature, blood sports, annoying Jack Mac
Who's your sporting idol?
Tommy Dunne - supreme hurler - 2001 All Ireland was one of the best performances in a final ever.
When I was younger I wanted to be...?
An Actor but i've seen some of the things mailman had to do onscreen........ dodged a bullet.
What's your favourite GAA memory?
2009 All Ireland Final - Drank on that one for a few months
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Tommy Walsh KK (breaks tipp hearts all the time) - Footballer: Darragh Ó Sé Kerry absolute leader
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... All Knowing, All conquering, All ............... Single!
Richie Ryan
Hurling slut, Richie Ryan, answers the questions this time. The Réalt Dearg cyborg lists Christine Martin, Brewing beer and Kilkenny's recent win All-Ireland amongst his favorite things.
Name: Richie Ryan
Age: 23
Hometown: Ballycallan, Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Naomh Mearnóg, last championship group stage match of 2010.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The camaraderie
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Training hard for a match and then getting a walk over or the match postponed!
What was your previous club(s)?
Dicksboro up to u-14(went to school in town in Kilkenny so we hurled with the "townies) Then moved back out home to Graigue-Ballycallan.
Yes I'm a hurling slut.
What’s your favourite music?
Will listen to anything that's on the radio to be honest.
What’s your favourite TV Show?
House, Lost (didn't like the ending) Can't beat Father Ted though in fairness!
In soccer, who do you support?
Man Utd
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Christine Martin (now the wife of Paddy McGuinness), Benny Dunne and Tommy Walsh (Two boys fight to the death, I'll look after Christine)
What would you like to change about your game?
I'd like to improve my use of the ball, don't look up enough, very evident when we play possession games in training!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Brewing our own beer, 5-aside soccer, drinking our homebrew beer.
Who’s your sporting idol?
Robbie Keane, a man who has moved clubs more than me!
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
The tallest one in the family...I am now but all my cousins ended up taller, b*****ds!
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
Kilkenny winning the 2011 All-Ireland, greatest victory every, was sick of listening to Tipp shite!
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
James Ryall, best club hurler in Kilkenny...Wouldn't be a fan of football at all.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be…. 2021...Dublin, Leinster, and All-Ireland club champions for the 4th year in a row. 8 back to back promotions will see us winning hurling senior A for 1st time in 2018, will be 30 years old, coming into my prime!
Name: Richie Ryan
Age: 23
Hometown: Ballycallan, Kilkenny
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Naomh Mearnóg, last championship group stage match of 2010.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The camaraderie
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Training hard for a match and then getting a walk over or the match postponed!
What was your previous club(s)?
Dicksboro up to u-14(went to school in town in Kilkenny so we hurled with the "townies) Then moved back out home to Graigue-Ballycallan.
Yes I'm a hurling slut.
What’s your favourite music?
Will listen to anything that's on the radio to be honest.
What’s your favourite TV Show?
House, Lost (didn't like the ending) Can't beat Father Ted though in fairness!
In soccer, who do you support?
Man Utd
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Christine Martin (now the wife of Paddy McGuinness), Benny Dunne and Tommy Walsh (Two boys fight to the death, I'll look after Christine)
What would you like to change about your game?
I'd like to improve my use of the ball, don't look up enough, very evident when we play possession games in training!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Brewing our own beer, 5-aside soccer, drinking our homebrew beer.
Who’s your sporting idol?
Robbie Keane, a man who has moved clubs more than me!
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
The tallest one in the family...I am now but all my cousins ended up taller, b*****ds!
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
Kilkenny winning the 2011 All-Ireland, greatest victory every, was sick of listening to Tipp shite!
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
James Ryall, best club hurler in Kilkenny...Wouldn't be a fan of football at all.
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be…. 2021...Dublin, Leinster, and All-Ireland club champions for the 4th year in a row. 8 back to back promotions will see us winning hurling senior A for 1st time in 2018, will be 30 years old, coming into my prime!
Gavin O'Connell
Yet another Clare man in the spotlight here. Took Gavin ages to fill out the profile so it's obviously going to be the best one yet!
Name: Gavin O'Connell
Age: 28
Hometown: Meelick, Co. Clare
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Civil Service
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
I like the way everyone has really gotten into the clubs "slag James Kenny about everything and anything" vibe
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The training!
What was your previous club(s)?
I never played hurling for a club before, its all new
What's your favourite music?
Ah, I'll listen to anything
What's your favourite TV Show?
Watching box-set of 'The Wire' at the moment
In soccer, who do you support?
Thinking about jumping on the Shamrock Rovers bandwagon now...
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Bill, John and Eamo
What would you like to change about your game?
A better first touch for starters
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Eating, drinking, sleeping...not working. That kinda stuff
Who's your sporting idol?
Jack McNamara
When I was younger I wanted to be...?
Bigger
What's your favourite GAA memory?
Coming out of Croke Park after Limerick beat Waterford in 2007 (we won't mention the final)
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
I have to go with Henry Shefflin and Ciarán McDonald of Mayo for the football
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... A senior hurling club or maybe a prisoners hurling club, it's hard to call
Name: Gavin O'Connell
Age: 28
Hometown: Meelick, Co. Clare
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Civil Service
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
I like the way everyone has really gotten into the clubs "slag James Kenny about everything and anything" vibe
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The training!
What was your previous club(s)?
I never played hurling for a club before, its all new
What's your favourite music?
Ah, I'll listen to anything
What's your favourite TV Show?
Watching box-set of 'The Wire' at the moment
In soccer, who do you support?
Thinking about jumping on the Shamrock Rovers bandwagon now...
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Bill, John and Eamo
What would you like to change about your game?
A better first touch for starters
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Eating, drinking, sleeping...not working. That kinda stuff
Who's your sporting idol?
Jack McNamara
When I was younger I wanted to be...?
Bigger
What's your favourite GAA memory?
Coming out of Croke Park after Limerick beat Waterford in 2007 (we won't mention the final)
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
I have to go with Henry Shefflin and Ciarán McDonald of Mayo for the football
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be.... A senior hurling club or maybe a prisoners hurling club, it's hard to call
Gavin Deacon
What time is it? Deacon time!
Gavin Deacon, Dearg's male escort, is under the spotlight this time round.
Name: Gavin Deacon
Age: 27
Hometown: Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Civil Service
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The fact that even though it's only been in existence for a short while, any member of this club would do anything for Réalt Dearg.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The fact that one of those things is whoring yourself out in a bachelor auction!
What was your previous club(s)?
None - my hurling career started and will end with Realt Dearg!
What’s your favourite music?
Metallica, Rage Against The Machine, basically anything heavy that makes you want to beat seven shades of sh*te out of someone with a hurley!
What’s your favourite TV Show?
Family Guy, Boardwalk Empire, Spartacus
In soccer, who do you support?
Manchester United
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Jessica Alba, Megan Fox, and Katherine Jenkins....with sexy results!
What would you like to change about your game?
Quite a bit but a couple more yards of pace would help a lot.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Soccer, Rugby, Music, Movies, Coppers!
Who’s your sporting idol?
Lionel Messi – the kid is just an absolute phenom.
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
A Paleontologist. After watching Jurassic Park as a kid I wanted to recreate those events, but then I realised just how boring it actually was!
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
It has to be Tipp destroying Kilkenny in last year's All-Ireland, but I do have a soft spot for Wexford’s win in ’96 – magic stuff.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Henry Shefflin and Declan Browne, just because he got 2 All Stars playing for Tipp, incredible really!
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be…. A front for mega-pimp Jack McNamara's male prostitution business - the bachelor auction was only the start!
Gavin Deacon, Dearg's male escort, is under the spotlight this time round.
Name: Gavin Deacon
Age: 27
Hometown: Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Civil Service
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The fact that even though it's only been in existence for a short while, any member of this club would do anything for Réalt Dearg.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The fact that one of those things is whoring yourself out in a bachelor auction!
What was your previous club(s)?
None - my hurling career started and will end with Realt Dearg!
What’s your favourite music?
Metallica, Rage Against The Machine, basically anything heavy that makes you want to beat seven shades of sh*te out of someone with a hurley!
What’s your favourite TV Show?
Family Guy, Boardwalk Empire, Spartacus
In soccer, who do you support?
Manchester United
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Jessica Alba, Megan Fox, and Katherine Jenkins....with sexy results!
What would you like to change about your game?
Quite a bit but a couple more yards of pace would help a lot.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Soccer, Rugby, Music, Movies, Coppers!
Who’s your sporting idol?
Lionel Messi – the kid is just an absolute phenom.
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
A Paleontologist. After watching Jurassic Park as a kid I wanted to recreate those events, but then I realised just how boring it actually was!
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
It has to be Tipp destroying Kilkenny in last year's All-Ireland, but I do have a soft spot for Wexford’s win in ’96 – magic stuff.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Henry Shefflin and Declan Browne, just because he got 2 All Stars playing for Tipp, incredible really!
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be…. A front for mega-pimp Jack McNamara's male prostitution business - the bachelor auction was only the start!
Mike Butler
Limerick man, Mike Butler up next. Hands like a magnet, the speed of a gazelle-he wishes he was Brian Wilson, that he became a fireman and to one day be the waterboy for the Réalt Dearg Camogie team.
Name: Mike Butler
Age: 29
Hometown: Boher, Co Limerick
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Civil Service I think
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
That every victory no matter how unimportant the game, is celebrated like we won an All-Ireland.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
James Kenny claiming to be from Limerick when he is actually from Clare. Also the amount of Tipp lads in the club, it's upsetting!
What was your previous club(s)?
Murroe/Boher in limerick
What’s your favourite music?
Rock/Indie
What’s your favourite TV Show?
Eastbound & Down, Kenny Powers is someone I try and model my career after!
In soccer, who do you support?
Liverpool
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Who – Enda Kenny, Ryan Tubridy and Des Cahill. Why – To poison them!
What would you like to change about your game?
The searing pace I had in my younger years seems to have deserted me.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Cinema, music, gambling
Who’s your sporting idol?
Brian Wilson the baseball player. Eccentric doesn’t even begin to describe him!
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
A fireman but Ross Kelly stole my dream!
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
96 Munster Final, injury time and Ciaran Carey catches a puckout, leaves 2 Clare men for dead, solos 50 yards and puts it over off of the hurley. Beyond brilliant.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler I would have to say DJ Carey, he had everything. I don’t watch football
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be…. the strongest camogie club in the country! More water….
Name: Mike Butler
Age: 29
Hometown: Boher, Co Limerick
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against? Civil Service I think
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
That every victory no matter how unimportant the game, is celebrated like we won an All-Ireland.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
James Kenny claiming to be from Limerick when he is actually from Clare. Also the amount of Tipp lads in the club, it's upsetting!
What was your previous club(s)?
Murroe/Boher in limerick
What’s your favourite music?
Rock/Indie
What’s your favourite TV Show?
Eastbound & Down, Kenny Powers is someone I try and model my career after!
In soccer, who do you support?
Liverpool
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Who – Enda Kenny, Ryan Tubridy and Des Cahill. Why – To poison them!
What would you like to change about your game?
The searing pace I had in my younger years seems to have deserted me.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Cinema, music, gambling
Who’s your sporting idol?
Brian Wilson the baseball player. Eccentric doesn’t even begin to describe him!
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
A fireman but Ross Kelly stole my dream!
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
96 Munster Final, injury time and Ciaran Carey catches a puckout, leaves 2 Clare men for dead, solos 50 yards and puts it over off of the hurley. Beyond brilliant.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler I would have to say DJ Carey, he had everything. I don’t watch football
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be…. the strongest camogie club in the country! More water….
Ronan 'Mailman' Moloney
His acting wasn't Hollywood enough, but his clearances from the backline certainly are. Mailman delivers his answers for our latest Player Profile.
Name: Ronan Moloney
Age: 27
Hometown: Sweet Home Knocknamana (Clarecastle)
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Commercials. Day 1!
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Everyone is given the same opportunities to play regardless of skill or background and no one is discriminated against
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The amount of Tipp lads
What was your previous club(s)?
Clarecastle
What’s your favourite music?
The Beatles / REM /Rolling Stones / 80’s power ballads (Hester, you’ve started something)
What’s your favourite TV Show?
South Park / The Shield
In soccer, who do you support?
G.U.F.C. Galway Utd’s Barmy Army!!
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Richard Harris, John Lennon and Anna Kournikova. She’s still class
What would you like to change about your game?
I always thought I could make my Hollywood clearances that little bit more Hollywood
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Music, soccer and ‘socialising’ (drinking)
Who’s your sporting idol?
Mark Hughes. Legend.
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
An Economic Consultant
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
1997 – Beating Tipp in two finals. Beautiful
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler – Seánie McMahon. Greatest of all time. Footballer – Brian ‘Chubba’ Gavin
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be….
The reason I’ll be so very, very alone…
Name: Ronan Moloney
Age: 27
Hometown: Sweet Home Knocknamana (Clarecastle)
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Commercials. Day 1!
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Everyone is given the same opportunities to play regardless of skill or background and no one is discriminated against
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The amount of Tipp lads
What was your previous club(s)?
Clarecastle
What’s your favourite music?
The Beatles / REM /Rolling Stones / 80’s power ballads (Hester, you’ve started something)
What’s your favourite TV Show?
South Park / The Shield
In soccer, who do you support?
G.U.F.C. Galway Utd’s Barmy Army!!
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Richard Harris, John Lennon and Anna Kournikova. She’s still class
What would you like to change about your game?
I always thought I could make my Hollywood clearances that little bit more Hollywood
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Music, soccer and ‘socialising’ (drinking)
Who’s your sporting idol?
Mark Hughes. Legend.
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
An Economic Consultant
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
1997 – Beating Tipp in two finals. Beautiful
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Hurler – Seánie McMahon. Greatest of all time. Footballer – Brian ‘Chubba’ Gavin
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be….
The reason I’ll be so very, very alone…
Morgan 'Mogzy' Gleeson
Mogzy answers our player profile questions here as honestly as he can. The goalkeeper from Thurles has been stopping bullets this year and tells us that he'd love to tackle actress, Mila Kunis (outside the small parallelogram of course!!!)
Name: Morgan Gleeson
Age: 25
Hometown: Thurles - the home of hurling!
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Rathcoole Commercials (scored Réalt Dearg's first ever goal-picture below)
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Mick Conlon
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Mick Conlon
What was your previous club(s)?
Thurles Sarsfields
What’s your favourite music?
Lar Outside, Slievenamon, The Premier Rap etc.
What’s your favourite TV Show?
Family Guy / The Inbetweeners
In soccer, who do you support?
Liverpool
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Jose Mourinho for a bit of controversy, James Corden to keep Jose amused while myself and Mila Kunis.....
What would you like to change about your game?
Better puckout and that yard of pace I've never had!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Golf, soccer, slagging Cork people.
Who’s your sporting idol?
Zinedine Kilbane.
When I was younger I wanted to be…
watching Tipp win more than one All-Ireland a decade. Still waiting...
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
Redser picking up the Dan Breen for Sars in 2005 - first time in 31 years!
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Eoin Kelly (Tipp obviously, not that Waterford poser) and Maurice Fitzgerald (Kerry).
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be…
bankrupt if Brian Mul is still on the Finance committee
Name: Morgan Gleeson
Age: 25
Hometown: Thurles - the home of hurling!
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Rathcoole Commercials (scored Réalt Dearg's first ever goal-picture below)
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Mick Conlon
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Mick Conlon
What was your previous club(s)?
Thurles Sarsfields
What’s your favourite music?
Lar Outside, Slievenamon, The Premier Rap etc.
What’s your favourite TV Show?
Family Guy / The Inbetweeners
In soccer, who do you support?
Liverpool
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Jose Mourinho for a bit of controversy, James Corden to keep Jose amused while myself and Mila Kunis.....
What would you like to change about your game?
Better puckout and that yard of pace I've never had!
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Golf, soccer, slagging Cork people.
Who’s your sporting idol?
Zinedine Kilbane.
When I was younger I wanted to be…
watching Tipp win more than one All-Ireland a decade. Still waiting...
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
Redser picking up the Dan Breen for Sars in 2005 - first time in 31 years!
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Eoin Kelly (Tipp obviously, not that Waterford poser) and Maurice Fitzgerald (Kerry).
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be…
bankrupt if Brian Mul is still on the Finance committee
James Kenny
Limerick's James Kenny is next up, the small man with a big...... jersey.
He broke his collar bone recently (well, had it broken for him) and so had bundles of time to fill out our player profile.
With his good arm, which, funnily enough, used to be his bad arm.
Name: James Kenny
Age: 26
Hometown: Limerick
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Commercials(right from the start baby!)
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The fact that we are extreme to the max!
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The whole Cuddles "situation"
What was your previous club(s)?
Na Piarsaigh in Limerick
What’s your favourite music?
Indie/rock
What’s your favourite TV Show?
It's always sunny in Philadelphia/South Park/Family Guy
In soccer, who do you support?
Liverpool
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Megan Fox, a certain Cavan hurler and Kevin Deady. I'd just sit back and watch his head explode as Deady blocks him all night!
What would you like to change about your game?
I could get a little stronger I guess. But my doctor says if I get anymore ripped I could really hurt somebody....
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Snowboarding, surfing, rugby, soccer, drinking.
Who’s your sporting idol?
Kenny Powers
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
Older......but now that I am I want to be younger.
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
Any time Limerick beat Clare when I was a kid. God I hate Clare
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Ciaran Carey and I don't know any footballers
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be….
The reason why all of us have records, are unemployed and are single/divorced. But what a 10 years!!
He broke his collar bone recently (well, had it broken for him) and so had bundles of time to fill out our player profile.
With his good arm, which, funnily enough, used to be his bad arm.
Name: James Kenny
Age: 26
Hometown: Limerick
Who did you make your Réalt Dearg debut against?
Commercials(right from the start baby!)
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The fact that we are extreme to the max!
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The whole Cuddles "situation"
What was your previous club(s)?
Na Piarsaigh in Limerick
What’s your favourite music?
Indie/rock
What’s your favourite TV Show?
It's always sunny in Philadelphia/South Park/Family Guy
In soccer, who do you support?
Liverpool
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Megan Fox, a certain Cavan hurler and Kevin Deady. I'd just sit back and watch his head explode as Deady blocks him all night!
What would you like to change about your game?
I could get a little stronger I guess. But my doctor says if I get anymore ripped I could really hurt somebody....
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Snowboarding, surfing, rugby, soccer, drinking.
Who’s your sporting idol?
Kenny Powers
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
Older......but now that I am I want to be younger.
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
Any time Limerick beat Clare when I was a kid. God I hate Clare
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Ciaran Carey and I don't know any footballers
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be….
The reason why all of us have records, are unemployed and are single/divorced. But what a 10 years!!
Cathal Hester
For our very first Réalt Dearg Player Profile, we needed someone who had a high standing in the club, a player that everyone looked up to and would be interested in finding out what exactly makes him tick. Unfortunately, most of those players turned us down so we had to settle with Hesty!! A tough tackling defender, the Kilkenny man fills us in on his love for 80's Power Ballads, Jedward and his lifelong ambition to become.....em...Batman!
Name: Cathal Hester
Age: 25
Hometown: Conahy, Co. Kilkenny.
Your Réalt Dearg debut was against?
Naomh Mearnóg.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The inclusive atmosphere in the club.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Tarp’s shoulder.
What was your previous club(s)?
Conahy Shamrocks
What’s your favourite music?
80s Power Ballads. Anything that makes you want to run your fingers through your hair while looking out a rain-kissed window in a pensive manner.
What’s your favourite TV Show?
Glee.
In soccer, who do you support?
Manchester United.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Jedward and Roy Keane. He’d lose the plot with them!!!
What would you like to change about your game?
I’d be a happy man if I could hit people as hard as Tarps.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Socialising, long walks on the beach, recycling, witchcraft and criticising others.
Who’s your sporting idol?
Does Batman count???
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
Batman.
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
Kilkenny beating Cork in the 2006 All Ireland Final. Either that or the Ninja asking the ref, at half time in a league game, who won the Grand National.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Joe Canning (Hurling- Galway), Ciaran McDonald (Football- Mayo).
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be….
the reason none of us have girlfriends.
Name: Cathal Hester
Age: 25
Hometown: Conahy, Co. Kilkenny.
Your Réalt Dearg debut was against?
Naomh Mearnóg.
Favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
The inclusive atmosphere in the club.
Least favourite thing about Réalt Dearg?
Tarp’s shoulder.
What was your previous club(s)?
Conahy Shamrocks
What’s your favourite music?
80s Power Ballads. Anything that makes you want to run your fingers through your hair while looking out a rain-kissed window in a pensive manner.
What’s your favourite TV Show?
Glee.
In soccer, who do you support?
Manchester United.
What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
Jedward and Roy Keane. He’d lose the plot with them!!!
What would you like to change about your game?
I’d be a happy man if I could hit people as hard as Tarps.
What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA?
Socialising, long walks on the beach, recycling, witchcraft and criticising others.
Who’s your sporting idol?
Does Batman count???
When I was younger I wanted to be…?
Batman.
What’s your favourite GAA memory?
Kilkenny beating Cork in the 2006 All Ireland Final. Either that or the Ninja asking the ref, at half time in a league game, who won the Grand National.
Who is the best hurler and footballer you have ever seen?
Joe Canning (Hurling- Galway), Ciaran McDonald (Football- Mayo).
In 10 years time Réalt Dearg will be….
the reason none of us have girlfriends.
