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
Paul Kerrigan caught the eye when he starred for Nemo Rangers in the 2008 All-Ireland Club final in Croker. Even though he ended up on the losing side that day, he has gone from strength to strength, becoming a star forward in the Cork set up. It was this form that drove the Rebels to this year’s National League Div 2 title, beating a fancied Monaghan by 1-14 to 0-12. Kerrigan’s brilliant opening point on final day set Cork on their way.
Throughout the NFL campaign, his strength, pace and deadly accuracy were crucial to Corks success and with Conor Counihan developing a strong team unit, they will be hoping to mix it with the likes of Kerry and Tyrone in their quest for All-Ireland glory this summer. Having captained the Rebels to an U-21 title back in 2007, he knows what it takes to reach the top and he is looking forward to the challenge. With the Rebels long overdue success at Senior level, he is hoping to follow in his father Jimmy’s footsteps, who won All-Ireland titles with Cork back in 1989 and 1990. But first, they have to get through Munster. If they beat Waterford it will be a match-up with the All-Ireland champions Kerry in the semi-final - now there’s a Clash of the Titans to look forward to.
You had a great National League campaign, what was the highlight for you?
Beating Monaghan in the final in Croke Park was my highlight. As I think it was very important for Cork to win some silverware, it seems to have rubbed off on the U-21s as well.
What is Conor Counihan’s secret?
Conor treats everyone as equal and encourages the team to train very hard. Whoever is playing the best in training will play in the matches. This is very fair to all the players and encourages us to try our best at every training session.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland U-21 Final in 2007 with Cork against Laois. We got a goal and a point in the last few minutes to win.
Which is the toughest team you faced?
Kerry. From Minor to Senior they are always the toughest team to play against.
Who was your toughest ever opponent?
Joe Higgins from Laois. He was very fast and strong.
Which players do you admire the most?
Graham Canty, Anthony Lynch, Sean O’Brien and Sean Cavanagh.
Who were your childhood sporting heroes?
Joe Kavanagh, Colin Corkery and Steven O’Brien.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Nemo Rangers. Our biggest rivals would be Douglas who are located very near to us.
What is your best club memory?
Last year we made history by winning our 4th Senior Football Championship in a row. We also beat rivals Douglas in the final which made it extra special.
Do you have any superstitions?
I’d always listen to the same songs on my Ipod before a big game.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
I think being able to kick and handpass the ball on your left and right sides is very important. It takes a lot of practise but is crucial.
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Players should train very hard and practise all the different skills. Also players should listen to advice from coaches as they want what’s best for you.
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to improve as a player and win All-Ireland titles with Nemo and Cork.
STATS
Name: Paul Kerrigan
Age: 22
Team: Cork
Debut: 2008 v Kerry
Position: Left Half-Forward
Honours:
1 National League Div 2 title,
1 Munster Senior title,
1 All-Ireland U-21 title,
3 Munster U-21 titles,
Cork U-21 Captain 2005 & 2006,
2 Munster Club titles,
4 Cork Senior titles,
2 Cork U-21 titles,
1 Cork Intermediate title,
1 Sigerson Cup title.
Club: Nemo Rangers
Fav Food: Chinese
Fav Band: Kanye West
Fav Book: Roy Keane Autobiography
Fav Film: 300 & Scarface
Fav TV: Soccer AM & The Apprentice
Hobbies: Soccer, Swimming & Cinema
Occupation: Student in CIT
CulFACT:
Both Paul and his father, Jimmy, have both played Minor, U-21 and Senior with Cork. |
