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 | Conan Keaney
Darran O'Sullivan | Eoin Bradley | James Masters | John McEntee
Mark Vaughan | Paul Kerrigan
Ciaran Hanratty burst onto the inter-county scene this summer with an amazing display in his county’s Championship opener against Down. He scored 2-1 that day in Newry to help his team overcome Down by one goal and he automatically became the one to watch in the minds of all Monaghan supporters. The Farney man may be one of the youngest players on the county panel but his all-action style of play has won many fans and he can be relied upon to get that crucial score when the chips are down.
Although this is only the Castleblayney man’s first year playing football at senior county level, it has also been Monaghan’s most successful period in recent times. This year the Oriel county reached an All-Ireland quarter-final in Croke Park, where they faced Kerry. They were beaten by the narrowest of margins in a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-11, and Kerry marched on to become the eventual All-Ireland winners. Ciaran has developed a deadly partnership in the Monaghan full-forward line with 2007 All-Star winner Tommy Freeman. With the two lads on fire, Monaghan will be a team to watch in next year’s Championship, you heard it here!
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
It has to be Saint Patrick’s Day 2005 when my school, Our Lady’s in Castleblayney, won the McLarnan Cup, which is the Ulster School’s B tournament. I also got the Man of the Match award that day.
Which is the toughest team that you have faced?
That would be Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final this year. They were so skilful and showed a lot of talent and courage.
Who has been your toughest opponent?
Ronan Flanagan. I play football with him in DCU and he is a very strong player.
How do you balance college with playing football?
It can be hard at times but I am very lucky that my DCU coach Declan Brennan and Monaghan manager Seamus McEnaney work together to come up with a training plan for me. I don’t have to travel home for training when I am at college during the week.
Which player do you admire most?
I have always admired Tyrone’s Peter Canavan. He is a great advertisement for Gaelic football. He is so skilful and was always a very fair player.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
New Zealand rugby player Doug Howlett has also been a hero of mine.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Castleblayney and our biggest rivals are Clontibret. Unfortunately they beat us in the County final this year.
Do you play any other sports?
I like to play basketball and I also play a bit of golf during the summer.
What advice would you give to young players?
I would advise any young player to always listen to your coaches. Also try lots of different sports and enjoy playing them.
What are your hopes for the future?
I would love to win an Ulster title next year. To win a club final would also be great. My club Castleblayney holds the record for winning the most County titles in Ireland but I have not won any yet.
Name: Ciaran Hanratty
Age: 21
Team: Monaghan
Debut: 2006 v Armagh
Honours:
1 Sigerson Cup title,
1 All-Ireland B Colleges title,
1 County Minor title,
1 McLarnan Schools Cup.
Club: Castleblayney Faughs
Fav food: Chinese
Fav book: ‘It’s Not About the Bike’ by Lance Armstrong
Fav band: Metallica & Led Zeppelin
Fav film: The Usual Suspects
Fav TV: Family Guy
Hobbies: Golf and Basketball
Occupation: Student
CúlFACT:
Ciaran used to have a long ponytail. When his school were doing well in the All-Ireland B Colleges tournament, his teammates made a bet that if they won he would have to cut his hair. They won and Ciaran says that he has never had the patience to grow it back since.
© December 2007 |
