Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Paddy Bradley | Kevin Cassidy
Colm Cooper | Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Oisin McConville | Ciaran McDonald
Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Stephen O'Neill | Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé
Colm Parkinson | Ciaran Whelan
Sean Armstrong shot to fame when he was part of the Galway side that won the All-Ireland U-21 title when they beat Down in a ten-goal thriller last May in Mullingar.
Sean gave a virtuoso performance on the day, signalling his arrival on the national stage. Since then, he has become a mainstay on the Galway senior side and is looking forward to the year ahead. But first, he has the small matter of an All-Ireland Club final against Ulster champions St Gall’s.
Sean can’t wait to run out onto Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day, “For me, the club means everything, it’s where it all began at the age of seven” Salthill-Knocknacarra beat Carna/Caiseal to win the county title and overcame both Crossmolina and St Brigid’s to win the Connacht Championship. Armstrong has been central to their success and it was his performance against Kilmacud Crokes in the semi-final that really caught the eye, firing over four points from all angles to send the Tribesmen to Croker. With form like that, there is every chance that the Tommy Moore Cup could be heading west over the Shannon for the third year in a row.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Making my Senior debut last year, age 18, in the National Football League against Armagh. That was a dream come through for me.
Which is the toughest team you have faced?
Galway club side Caltra are always very strong - with all the Meehans playing for them they are very tough.
Who was the toughest opponent you have ever faced?
I come up against my clubmate Finian Hanley in training at times and he is very hard to score off.
How do you balance work and the pressure of topflight football?
The Army are very good and allow me to get off early on the days that I’m training. I’m stationed at the Curragh and I get to leave at 4.30 to make training in Galway for 7.30. I’m back in Kildare again at midnight.
Which players do you admire the most?
Colm Cooper and Maurice Fitzgerald. Who was your childhood sporting hero?
Muhammad Ali, he was the greatest!
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Salthill-Knocknacarra and our biggest rivals would have to be Caltra.
Do you play any other sports?
I used to play rugby and soccer. I had trials with the Irish soccer team when I was 15. I concentrate on the football now and play golf from time to time.
Do you have any superstitions?
I always salute magpies when I see them.
What are your hopes for the future?
The buzz in Salthill is amazing at the moment, and it would be great to go all the way and win the All-Ireland Club title. What advice would you give to young players?
I would say practice all the time. My father had me practicing until I could kick equally as well with both feet, that is a real plus. © June 2003
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