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
It’s been a great year for Thomas Freeman and his Monaghan teammates. A good run of form in the National League saw them reach Croke Park to play Meath in the Division 2 final. It turned out to be a cracker of a game with Thomas notching up 2-03 of Monaghan’s total as they went on to win the title.
With the Farney boys flying high, they faced into the Ulster Championship with high hopes but came unstuck against a resolute Derry side. The qualifiers beckoned and soon they were back to their winning ways, with victories over London, Wexford and Louth to set up a last-sixteen clash with Tyrone. Monaghan made a blistering start and they soon led by 1-05 to 0-02. An upset looked on the cards, but Tyrone took back control and cruised to a 2-14 to 1-07 victory. Thomas took a lot of personal satisfaction from the season gone by and he is chomping at the bit for next year and the step-up to Division 1 in the National Football League.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
I have two moments that really stand out for me. Firstly, Monaghan winning the National League Division 2 title this year which means we will be in Division 1 next year. We will get to play tougher teams and this should help our own game. Also, when I was picked in 2003 for the International Rules panel, that was a great feeling.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
Armagh and Tyrone are equally tough.
Who was the toughest opponent you have faced?
Armagh’s Andy Mallon.
How do you balance your job and football?
Sometimes it can be hard, but I love football and have been doing it so long now that I’m used to it.
Which player do you admire the most?
Without a doubt, Peter Canavan. He is a true hero.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
I would have to say Peter Canavan again, but growing up, I was also a great fan of Roy Keane.
What club do you play for & who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Magheracloone and our biggest club rivals would be Carrickmacross. They’re only a few miles down the road from us which adds to the rivalry.
Do you play other sports?
I used to play a bit of soccer but football is now my number one priority.
What are your ambitions?
Monaghan’s main priority in 2006 is to remain in Division 1 of the National League. An Ulster title would also be a future ambition for us.
What advice would you give to young players?
You must listen to what your coaches tell you and always practise the skills in your spare time. © December 2005 |
