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
Derry’s lethal forward, Paddy Bradley will be a vital cog in his county’s quest for
All-Ireland glory this summer. Throughout the National Football League campaign he terrorised defences up and down the country, finishing as the tournament’s top-scorer and helping Derry to top Division 2B. Unfortunately, they could not overcome a resolute Monaghan side in the semi-final going down by two points in a tough contest in Clones.
The ‘Oak Leaf’ marksman is hoping to go one further in the Championship this year after losing to eventual All-Ireland champions Kerry at the semi-final stage last year. But first, they have to get through Ulster. As luck would have it, they face Monaghan in the first round in Clones. Paddy is totally focused on this clash and wants to set the record straight after their poor display against them in the League. It’s a game he feels they should have won.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
When I was made captain of Derry. There is no greater honour than captaining your county and I was dead proud of it. Playing in Croke Park last year against Westmeath and Kerry in front of thousands of fans was also brilliant.
Which is the toughest team you have faced?
Two teams stand out for me. Kerry and Armagh. We lost to Kerry in last year’s
All-Ireland semi-final and they were strong all over the field. Armagh are a
footballing superpower at the moment and you have to be at the top of your game to beat them.
Who was your toughest ever opponent?
I always get to mark Kevin McGuckian and Sean Marty Lockhart in training, two of the toughest defenders around. Outside of Derry, I’d say that Armagh’s Enda McNulty is one of the best.
Which players do you admire the most?
I think that Kieran McGeeney is the best there is. He is fit, fast and is totally professional in everything he does.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
My Derry heroes were Henry Downey and Anthony Tohill and I was also a big fan of Pat Spillane and Jack O’Shea of Kerry.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play my club football with Glenullin and our biggest rivals are Kilrea. These matches are always tough and attract big crowds.
Do you have any superstitions?
I always wear two pairs of socks whenever I play.
What are your hopes for Derry’s future?
We were promoted to Division 1 in the League and I am really looking forward to playing at a higher level next year. At the moment, we are concentrating on the Championship and it would be great to win another Ulster title and after that, to have a good run.
What advice would you give to young players?
Always remain positive and listen to your coaches and mentors. Sport can be a lot of fun, but always remember to put your school books first. © June 2005
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