Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Eoin Brosnan | Paddy Bradley | Sean Cavanagh Aidan Carr | Kevin Cassidy | Ronan Clarke | Bryan Cullen | Colm Cooper
Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Kieran Donahy | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Leighton Glynn | Ciaran Hanratty
Stephen Kernan | James Masters | Andy McClean | Oisin McConville
Ciaran McDonald | Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Barry Monaghan
Finnian Moriarty | Adrian Morrissey | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Nicholas Murphy | Eamon O'Hara | Stephen O'Neill
Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé | Declan O'Sullivan | Colm Parkinson | Tomás Quinn
Donal Shine | Ciaran Whelan | Fergal Doherty

Antrim defender Andy McClean doesn’t just play sport, he lives sport. When he’s not playing for his club or county, the sports scientist spends his working days finding new ways to help athletes and sportspeople to get more from their game.
In 2008, after missing out on promotion to Div 3 of the National League, they exited the Ulster Championship at the hands of Cavan. For many counties, this would have spelt the end of their season. However, Antrim bounced back in style to beat Wicklow in the final of the Tommy Murphy Cup at Croke Park. For Andy, this was the highlight of his year. “It was brilliant to win it. Getting to Croke Park and beating Wicklow in the final was great for us. It really meant a lot” he said. His club St Galls won the Antrim title again, their 7th in 8 years, but failed to progress in Ulster. However, Andy believes that St Galls have what it takes to emulate 2005, when they reached the All-Ireland Club final. The star full-back has had his share of injury troubles in the last few years but Andy is back to the top of his game now, and looking forward to another great year with club and county.

What have been your greatest sporting moments?
Winning the Ulster Club final in 2005 was definitely my greatest moment in football, or any sport. I was still young and with the quality in Ulster so high, it was an amazing achievement. I have really special memories of that, it was a great time.

Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
That would have to be Crossmaglen. They’re a really strong, physical team.

Who was your toughest ever marker?
Derry’s Paddy Bradley is a really tricky player to mark. Benny Coulter of Down is also tough to play against.

How do you balance your job and football?
At times it can be hard. After a long day at work, training can be the last thing on your mind. But once you get there and meet up with the other players, it lifts your whole mood. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it.

Do you play any other sports?
I played county hurling at Minor and U-21 level and I also used to play a lot of soccer. I love sport so I’d try my hand to anything really.

Which players do you admire the most?
Sean Cavanagh and Tomás Ó Sé. I look up to them and aspire to reach that level. The Kilkenny hurlers and Cork’s Sean Óg Ó hAilpín would be others. They are model professionals in an amateur game.

Who was your childhood sporting hero?
I always loved soccer and I’m a big Manchester United fan so I always used to admire Eric Cantona and Roy Keane.

What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Stay involved and play any sport you can because it’s very important to stay active. You also need to train hard and look after yourself - eat the right things and stay away from alcohol and smoking. The most important thing though, is to enjoy it as much as you can.

What are your hopes for the future?
I’d really love to get back to another All-Ireland with my club, and win it this time! I’d also like to make progress with Antrim. There’s a great bunch of players there and I believe we can move forward.


Name: Andy McClean
Age: 23
Team: Antrim
Debut: 2005 v Cavan
Position: Full-Back
Honours:
1 Tommy Murphy Cup title,
2 All-Ireland 7s titles,
1 Ulster Senior Club title,
U-17 International Rules in 2002,
2 Colleges Hurling All-Star Awards.
Club: St Galls
Fav Food: Pasta and Chicken & Christmas Dinner
Fav Band: Oasis & Coldplay
Fav Book: Da Vinci Code & Roy Keane Autobiography
Fav TV: 24
Fav Film: Back to the Future
Occupation: Sports Scientist, Sporting Institute of NI

CúlFACT:
Andy’s job as a sports scientist means he spends his days helping athletes and sportspeople to perform at the very highest level using the very latest technology. He really likes to take his job home with him.