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
Like any great team, Armagh footballers had built their success over the past ten years on a solid foundation at the back. With players like Francie Bellew and Andy Mallon now household names, new men like Finnian Moriarty have bolstered the defensive lines for the Orchard County. The corner-back has pedigree, as his dad Paddy won All-Star Awards in 1972 and 1977 with the Ulster side. Finnian will be hoping to continue his rise to prominence next year and have another crack at Sam, maybe picking up another award or two for the Moriarty household.
By Armagh’s high standards, how did 2008 go?
Looking back it was a good year in that we won Ulster and we brought on a number of young players into the panel who did well. But overall it was a major disappointment how it ended against Wexford.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
It was great scoring a goal in the Ulster Final but winning the All-Ireland U-21 title in 2004 was the best. You won it with lads you had come up through the ranks with and we were playing football from February until October that year.
Which is the toughest team you have faced?
At this level everyone is tough but obviously the big teams like Kerry and Dublin for example are hardest. They have more quality players. But everyone is tough really
Who was your toughest ever opponent?
Like the teams, everyone is good at this level. I would mark Steven McDonnell at training so I would say he is the toughest. Some nights you just can’t get near him.
Which players do you admire the most?
There are players like Aaron Kernan, but you have to admire all the Crossmaglen boys to be honest they way they can stay on top for so long. Others in Armagh like Andy Mallon for their grit and determination.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
I’d say Maurice Fitzgerald from Kerry. There was another guy called Pa Laide who played on that team too that I always admired.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Wolfe Tones and there is a team 5 minutes away called Sarsfields who would be our rivals. They got promoted this year, which wasn’t good for us.
Do you have any superstitions?
My main one would be to touch the tops of all the doors as I walk from the dressing rooms. I also pat the pitch as I walk onto it.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
Kick passing without doubt. The ball can always move faster than any man can run. Being able to kick pass accurately is a very important skill. Leading on from that, being able to kick with both feet is very important.
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Believe in your own ability and always remember the reason why you started playing in the first place. It is easy to forget when everyone is talking about winning games that you started playing to enjoy the game. Don’t forget that.
What are your hopes for Armagh 2009?
That’s easy, we want to win the All-Ireland.
Name: Finnian Moriarty
Age: 25
Team: Armagh
Debut: 2006
Position: Corner-Back
Honours:
1 Ulster Senior title,
1 All-Ireland U-21 title,
1 Ulster U-21 title,
1 McRory Cup title.
Club: Wolfe Tones
Fav Food: Spaghetti Bolognaise
Fav Book: It’s not the bike by Lance Armstrong
Fav Band: Oasis
Fav Movie: The Departed
Fav TV: The Sopranos
Occupation: Teacher
CúlFACT
Just like his son, Finnian’s dad Paddy scored a goal in an Ulster Final way back in 1977. |
