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
Financial whizz, Stephen Kernan, will be hoping that the figures on the scoreboard tot up in his favour when he lines out in Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day. Along with his three brothers; Aaron, Tony and Paul, it will be a special day for the Kernan clan and everyone associated with the Armagh club.
Crossmaglen beat Clann na nGael from Lurgan to win an amazing 11th County Championship in-a-row and overcame Derry’s Ballinderry in the Ulster final in a tight match by 5 points to 3. They met St Brigid’s of Roscommon in the semi-final in Mullingar and it proved to be a tough game, with Cross edging it with a 1-11 to 0-11 win. Kernan has been central to their success this season, playing at midfield and at half-forward, his versatility has been a great asset to the team.
Stephen is looking forward to the year ahead with Armagh but first he has a date with Dr Crokes/Moorefield on St Paddy’s Day. With the Kernans playing some good football it may not the family’s last trip to Croker this year.
Crossmaglen have had a great run to the All-Ireland Club final. What were the toughest matches?
I couldn’t single any team out as all the games were tough. We encountered many different styles of football and we had to be at our best to win each game.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland U-21 title in 2004 when we beat Mayo in Breffni Park. It was very special as I was top scorer with 1-03.
Who are the toughest teams?
The Ulster teams are very strong, especially in the Club Championship. Ballinderry are always hard to beat with Derry stars like Enda Muldoon on the team.
Which players do you admire the most?
My Crossmaglen teammate John McEntee, he is also a star for Armagh.
Who was your childhood hero?
I always looked up to Oisín McConville and John and Tony McEntee. In other sports, I was a big fan of Roy Keane and Keith Wood.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Crossmaglen Rangers and our biggest rivals in the country would be clubs like Dromintee, Mullabawn, Pearse Óg and Clann na Gael.
Do you play any other sports?
I like to play golf but I enjoy all sports.
What’s the most important skill in the game?
It’s not really a skill, but I think that teamwork is the most important thing. Every player must be a team player and do their utmost to get the best result for the team.
What advice would you give to young players?
Practise as much as you can, never rest on your laurels, listen to your coaches and always try to better your game.
What are your hopes for the future?
It would be great to go on and win an All-Ireland Club title. After that I will take each competition as it comes and try to do my best.
Name: Stephen Kernan
Age: 24
Team: Armagh
Debut: 2003 v Down
Position: Centre Half-Forward
Honours:
1 All-Ireland U-21 title,
3 Ulster Senior titles,
1 Ulster U-21 title,
2 Ulster Club titles,
6 County Club titles,
1 County Minor title.
Club: Crossmaglen Rangers
Fav Food: Chicken Stirfry
Fav Music: U2/Sting
Fav Film: The Shawshank Redemption
Fav TV: Little Britain/Shameless
Hobbies: Golf and Soccer
Occupation: Financial Advisor
CúlFACT:
The Kernan family have an amazing 20 Armagh County medals between them. Stephen and Aaron have six each, Tony has two, Paul has one and their Dad Joe has five. Let’s hope they have a big display cabinet!
© March 2007
|
