Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Paddy Bradley | Kevin Cassidy
Colm Cooper | Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Oisin McConville | Ciaran McDonald
Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Stephen O'Neill | Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé
Colm Parkinson | Ciaran Whelan

Dub’s midfield dynamo, Ciarán Whelan, wants to get his hands on some silverware this summer. And we’re not just talking about Leinster. He wants to go all the way, and get his hands on the biggest prize in football, The Sam Maguire Cup.
After being knocked out by Westmeath in last year’s Leinster Championship, ‘The Dubs’ had to take the scenic route with back-door clashes against London, Leitrim, Longford and Roscommon ending in an All-Ireland quarter-final showdown with their greatest rivals, Kerry. “It was a tough game. ‘The Kingdom’ meant business and we just couldn’t get close to them” he recalls.

The master midfielder, who loves to go on surging runs forward, feels that Dublin are finally getting it right under new boss, Paul Caffrey. With the right attitude and players like Brian Cullen and Alan Brogan around, we’re sure it won’t be long before ‘the Jacks’ are well and truly back.

What has been your greatest moment in sport?
When I first lined out for ‘The Dubs’ in the Leinster final against Meath in 1999. Even though we lost on the day, it was one of the proudest moments of my life.

Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
Kerry are always as tough as nails and super skillful to boot. They make the
game look so easy with their pinpoint passing and deadly finishing. Their
All-Ireland winning team of last year were simply awesome; we should know, they knocked us out!

Who was the toughest opponent you have ever faced?
Darragh Ó Sé, ‘The Kingdom’s’ finest.

How do you balance your work and football?
Normally, I work during the day and train at night, so it’s not a problem. I work for Allianz, who sponsor the National Leagues, and they are very supportive.

Which player do you admire the most?
Steven McDonnell is the complete player at the moment. Of ‘The Dubs’, it would have to be Brian Cullen, who is going to be a big star in the future.

What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play my club football with Raheny and our biggest rivals by far are St. Vincent’s.

Got any superstitions?
I always try to stand in the same place for pre-match team photos which is at the end of the back row. Check it out the next time.

What are your hopes for the future?
It’s been ten years since we last won the All-Ireland and every ‘true blue Dub’ dreams of getting their hands on ‘Sam’. That is my main aim and I think we have a good chance this year.

What advice would you give to young players?
Pay attention at training and always practice on your own when you can. If you want to make it as a top footballer, you will have to practice kicking with both feet. It will really help your game.

Back to Top