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
Ace defender, Bryan Cullen, was the star performer for the Dubs in this year's football Championship. The Skerries supremo, who made his Championship debut back in 2003, has been outstanding in the Dublin defence since switching to centre half-back at the start of the year.
He captained his college side DCU to their first Sigerson Cup title with victory over Queens University back in February. With his leadership and cool play, he then led the Dubs to back-to-back Leinster titles with an impressive victory over Offaly after being made stand-in captain for the injured Collie Moran. It was a mammoth All-Ireland campaign for Bryan and his fellow Dubs. Having seen off the challenge of Longford, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath they met Mayo in the All-Ireland semi-final. It was one of the greatest games ever at Croker with end-to-end action and loads of great scores. But it was bitter disappointment for Dublin on the day, when a last-gasp winner by Ciaran McDonald put paid to their dream of an All-Ireland final match-up against arch-rivals Kerry.
What is it like being part of the Dublin team?
It’s a huge honour to represent Dublin and a great feeling to play in front of such
large crowds in Croke Park.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the U-21 All-Ireland in 2003 with my brother Graham on the team. We made history on the day as it was the first time that Dublin had won an U-21 title.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
The Australian International Rules team in 2005
Who was the toughest opponent you ever faced?
Kerry’s Seamus Moynihan
How do you balance your job and football?
Luckily I'm a student and I have plenty of free time to play games and generally keep fit.
Which player do you admire the most?
Seamus Moynihan, simply because he's probably the best all round player
of his generation.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
I was always a big fan of Paul Clarke who played for the Dubs.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play my club football with Skerries Harps and our biggest rivals would have to be O'Dwyers Balbriggan.
What's the most important skill in the game, in your opinion?
Accurate kick passing as unlike handpassing. It has the ability to open up
a defence and also gain a lot more ground faster.
What are your hopes for the future?
I would love to captain Dublin to an All-Ireland title in front of a massive crowd in Croke Park. And also, to get Skerries promoted to the Senior League.
What advice would you give to young players?
Try to develop your weak side at a young age, as it will be a major advantage in the future.
STATS
Name: Bryan Cullen
Age: 22
Team: Dublin
Debut: 2003 v Louth
Position: Centre Half-Back
Honours:
1 All-Ireland U-21 title,
2 Leinster Senior titles,
3 Leinster U-21 titles,
1 Leinster Minor title,
1 Sigerson Cup title.
Club: Skerries Harps
Fav food: Italian
Fav book: Lance Armstrong “It's not about the bike”
Fav band: Coldplay
Fav movie: Shawshank Redemption
Fav TV: The Sopranos
Fav Team: The All Blacks
Hobbies: Reading/Cinema
Occupation: Student
CúlFACT
When Bryan led DCU to Sigerson Cup glory earlier this year, he became the first
Dublin captain ever to do so.
© May 2007 |
