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
Cork ace, James Masters, propelled Nemo Rangers to this year's All-Ireland Club final with an impressive display in the semi-final at Cusack Park in Ennis last month. The Rebel forward scored eight points as the Munster champions overcame Mayo’s Ballina Stephenites by 0-14 to 1-4 to set up a mouth-watering contest against Dublin’s finest, St Vincents.
James was very successful as a young player - he led the Cork Minors to Munster and All-Ireland success back in 2000. He is an excellent finisher, and is a threat not only from open play, but also from frees, where he is known for his deadly accuracy. Croke Park on St Patrick's Day will not make James nervous - he has already won an All-Ireland Club medal with Nemo and played on the biggest day of all when he lined out for Cork in last year's All-Ireland final against Kerry. Top-scorer in last year’s Championship, the Nemo man will be looking to add to his amazing scoring tally when he takes to the field on St Patricks Day, watch out St Vincents!
What has been your greatest moment in GAA?
Winning the All-Ireland Club Championship back in 2003 with Nemo Rangers would be my greatest moment with my club and winning the All-Ireland final with the Cork minors would be the highlight of my inter-county career.
Which teams are the toughest to play against?
Clonakilty are always tough opponents for Nemo Rangers, and with Cork, of course our neighbours Kerry would be our biggest rivals.
Who has been your toughest opponent?
Aghada's Kieran O'Connor would be the toughest defender I have come up against.
Who were your childhood heroes and who are the players you admire now?
Colin Corkery was my hero growing up - he played for Nemo and for Cork. The players I admire now are Stephen O'Neill from Tyrone, and Alan Cronin, who is on the Nemo and Cork sides with me.
Who are your biggest rivals on the club scene in Cork and why?
Douglas would be our biggest rivals because our clubs are located very near each other.
What is the most important skill?
Being able to kick the ball properly is the most important skill for a young footballer.
What advice would you give to young footballers learning the game?
The most important advice I would have would be to stay away from and not be tempted by alcohol and drugs.
What are your hopes for 2008 with Nemo Rangers and Cork?
My hopes for this year are to win the All-Ireland Club title with Nemo, then to return to the Cork set-up and go a step further than last year and win the All-Ireland final.
Name: James Masters
Age: 25
County: Cork
Position: Corner-forward
Honours:
1 All-Ireland Minor title,
1 All-Ireland Club title,
1 Munster Senior title,
5 Munster Club titles,
6 Cork County Club titles,
5 Munster Club titles,
1 Munster U-21 title,
1 All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling title,
1 County Junior Club Hurling title.
Club: Nemo Rangers
Fav food: Steak with pepper sauce
Fav band: The Killers
Fav TV: Family Guy
Fav film: Supertroopers
Fav book: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (Roald Dahl)
Occupation: Garda
CulFACT: James broke his jaw as Cork beat Sligo in last year's All-Ireland quarter-final, but recovered in super quick time to line out in the final against Kerry.
© March 2008 |
