Club Notes: 30th September 2019

Post date: Oct 01, 2019 1:32:12 AM

Notaí CLG Tulach an Iarainn sponsored by McGrath's chemist

This Week I did an interview with the Tallow Senior hurling goalkeeper and Junior footballer Shaun O'Sullivan.

You made your debut in quarter final of a county against Ballygunner , how daunting was that?

SO'S: Terrifying. I always get nervous for championship games but that was a totally different story. I can honestly say I felt sick from when I was told I was starting until the final whistle blew. It was worth it though. Great introduction to senior hurling and a great opportunity given to me by Trevor Sheehan and Bubs.

Goalkeeping has changed since you started, before it was just get the ball and just drive it as far as you can , how has it evolved since you started out?

SO'S: I was never one for driving it long so that suited me. Its changed so much,everyone expects so much more out of goalkeepers. I suppose the main thing being short and accurate puck outs as well as being available at any stage to receive a ball from the full or half back lines

What is the most important thing you need to have in your position?

SO'S: I don’t know really. People say goalkeepers are a bit arrogant and cocky. I suppose you need to have some confidence is the main thing.

You got married recently and your wife comes from a GAA background. Is this a help in playing the game in relation to yer relationship?

SO'S: It definitely helps,theres never a question when it comes to hurling as we are both very passionate about the game. We would always sit down after a game and analyse what went on aswel as being able to travel to Waterford games or other club matches

'The mid nineties to present day heralded a golden period of cul barra's , whom of those did you look up to?

SO'S: Obviously Brendan Cummins was huge when I was growing up but I used to love watching Damien Fitzhenry of Wexford. He was no

nonsense and made some outrageous saves as well as scoring some penalties.

In last years championship you started as the third net minder of the year , how strange was that?

SO'S: Ya it was very strange, I'd been in goal for ten years for the club and I don't think I had missed a championship game till then. It was hard to watch on from the line but fair play to Basher and Mark Stewart for stepping in when needed, it’s not an easy place to play especially championship.

Tallow has a proud history of good net minders from Mick Curley , Ned Power and Eddie Curley ,what goalies do you remember playing in goals for Tallow?

SO'S: Obviously stories of Ned Power were huge around Tallow and he was the first fella to train me as a goalkeeper. All I can remember playing would have been Martin Murphy and Barry Power who were very good goalkeepers.

In last years game against Abbeyside you made a string of great saves, I remember against Abbeyside in Lismore a great one and with the aid of crossbar against Lismore in2011 but what are you favourite saves or save?

SO'S: I think number one would probably be saving a 21 yard free against Ballygunner in 2008. Paul Flynn was a huge name all over the country and also with itbeing my senior debut.( It's on our youtube page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spx2MVSSI1A&t=1118s )

Other than that we played Ballyduff in the semi final of a county in 2015 I think and the last five minutes of that game we were pinned back and I remember saving one low to my left and the rebound then being saved by James Murray.

The plastic hurley has being used in puck outs how do you find them?

SO'S: I started to use it for distance but as you said earlier the game has changed so much now that I would rarely use it anymore. I wouldn't be as confident with it for short puck outs

Penalties have gone from three on the line to one, how much of a guess is going the right way or would you wait until the ball is struck?

SO'S: I actually have only faced one or two since the change in rules (we have a really clean full back line) I think you have to wait until the ball is struck as picking a side would only make a fool of you. They all seem to be struck low into the corner so it's a difficult choice.

How would you have fared if you played in the sixties when goalies were routinely flattened into the net?

SO'S: Not too good I'd say Fád, I'd say if you were in front of me you wouldn't let to many fellas into flatten me

Have you ever played outfield?

SO'S: I played midfield underage. I only lasted until U16 I'd say. I used only play outfield on my own age and in goals then for higher grades. I definitely played a few games wing forward for the juniors a few years back.

What was it like and how did you cope with wearing a helmet when it became compulsory ?

SO'S: Fortunately enough the rule was there not long after I had started playing senior hurling. It baffles me that any man would want to stand in goals with out a helmet and get sliothars driven at them.

Live GAA on TV: One can not but show true gratitude to TG4 over the years for showing GAA when there was none. Club games, Inter county, underage. It's all great to see and finally RTE are in on the act. We were shown twice on GAA 2019 and while we didn't win both those games it was great to see our club on tv. Each Saturday and Sunday we now have live club games to look forward to.

Pairc Eamonn De Paor : It has still come to the stage where the field is locked at night to prevent anti social behavior . With nets ripped in the summer and countless littering , I think that the youth of today need to have a long hard look at themselves and take a lot better care of the facilities

that are there for everyone to use.

Senior Matters : Amazingly the county board decided not to have a double header for the county semi finals at one venue . Surely they should give

the standard supporter value for their money?

Level One Hurling Coaching Course : Is to be run in November for four Saturdays. Contact Terence if interested for all those who have acquired the

foundation course.

Tallow GAA Lotto Supported by Kearney's Restaurant.

30/9/2019 Jackpot €8,000 No Winner Numbers: 5,9,20,23.

Consolation Prizes K + H O'Donnell, Martin Sutherland, Bunty O'Sullivan, Maura Ryan

Promoter :Daybreak

Next Draw 7 /10/19 at 9pm .Clancy's Jackpot €8,200