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
Donegal are in great shape going into this year’s Championship. They reached the NFL final, beating Mayo in a classic match at Croker and remained undefeated throughout the campaign. The stats speak for themselves, eight wins and one draw is some achievement and shows that they mean business.
Getting out of Ulster in the last few years has been tough with two of the country’s top teams, Tyrone and Armagh, in rampant form. Donegal reached the All-Ireland semi-final in 2003 but came up against a very strong Armagh side who went on to win it that year. It was disappointment for Barry on the day, but this year he feels that there is real confidence in the camp and they could go one better.
It’s been a real team effort from Donegal so far in 2007, and they are relishing the challenge of the coming months. With every player working hard for eachother they have won the Vodafone Player of the Month for February, March and April, an amazing feat in itself. With team spirit like that, they can go all the way!
Donegal were awesome in the National League this year, you must be looking forward to the Championship with confidence?
It’s true, we really got into a rhythm and everybody was flying. We were concentrating on staying in Division 1 for next year but winning it was a real bonus. The Championship is the real deal and we are really up for it this time.
What has been your greatest sporting moment in the
green and gold of Donegal?
Winning the National Football League was brilliant. It was extra special because we have mix of old and new players on the panel and it was our first time winning something.
This year’s Ulster Championship will be very competitive. Who are the toughest teams?
Tyrone and Armagh are in our side of the draw so it’s going to be a real humdinger. Monaghan are another team who have been showing good form this year, so they can’t be ruled out.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
There are so many good players out there. I played against Galway’s Ja Fallon once, now that was tough!
Which players do you admire the most?
Our own Brian Roper is a great player. He has battled with injury but has shown great guts by coming back and getting to the top. He was Man of the Match in the NFL final so that says it all.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
I was a big basketball fan and Michael “Air” Jordan was my hero.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for the Four Masters club and Ardara and St Eunan’s would be our biggest rivals. Our nearest club is St Naul’s and we have big derbies with them.
Do you play any other sports?
Basketball and soccer.
What are your hopes for the future?
The main thing is to stay injury free. It would be great to build on the National League success and go on and win more trophies.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
I think accurate kick passing is crucial to the game. Finding your own player is all important and means your not giving the ball away.
What advice would you give to young players?
Work hard, train hard, listen to your coaches and never give up.
Name: Barry Monaghan
Age: 28
Team: Donegal
Debut: 2000 V Offaly
Position: Centre-Back
Honours:
1 National Football League title,
1 Railway Cup title,
1 Ulster Minor title,
1 County Club title,
2 All-Ireland Vocational Schools titles.
Club: Four Masters
Fav Food: Chicken
Fav Book: Autobiographies
Fav Band: U2
Fav Film: Shawshank Redemption
Fav TV: Only Fools and Horses
Hobbies: Basketball and Soccer
Occupation: Tyre Sales
CúlFACT:
Barry’s dad, Donal, has the honour of being the second Donegal All-Star ever when he was picked on the All-Star Football team of 1974.
© May 2007 |
