A page where we'll ask a few questions of our captains, coaches and team-mates.We'll be looking to release one of these a week over the course of the season so keep an eye on it.
Interview 21: David McAlester
July 28th
Howeya Super. All well up in Dundalk?
Hello Marko. All is well here in Dundalk but having lived among the bright lights of Dublin for 5 years, coming home to live with the folks is not exactly what I had planned. It hasn't been all bad though, home cooked meals and a steady supply of clean clothes has eased the pain.
I have clocked up a few miles alright to train in Dublin but it is a small price to pay to be part of the Irish set up. Admittedly there have been a couple of occasions when I was getting into my (mother's) gold Micra thinking "here we go again, I'd love a week off" but that feeling soon dissipated once I got onto the field.
Word on the street has it that you’re going to try your arm at a bit of sailing after Euros. Ever been on a sailboat before? Looking forward to it?
I am indeed. Myself and six other landlubbers are taking to the Adriatic Sea to sail among the picturesque islands of Croatia. My experience of sailing is very limited and amounts to visiting the Tall Ships in Dublin when I was a child to taking a motor boat along the Shannon after graduation with a group of friends. I cannot wait to hit the water. Who knows what will happen, a mutiny, captured by pirates, will we capture some pirates? I have no doubt that there will be plenty of stories as a result of this trip.
Before yachting through Croatian islands comes into play, we have the small matter of EUC. How are you feeling in the run up to it?
To say I am excited would be an understatement but it is the best I can come up with having studied sums for many years. I have played on many strong teams before, namely the Irish team of 07 where the team excelled and set a benchmark for future national teams. I think it is inevitable that the Open team of '11 will be compared to the Open team of '07, and I believe that with the strength and dept of this squad, with players in the best physical condition they have ever been in and with the passion, desire and comradery that exists throughout the team, we will set a new benchmark which future Irish teams will strive be beat
You’ve picked up injuries here and there over the years, particularly to a couple of gammy ankles. How are they holding up this season?
Until about two years ago injuries were something I never had to worry about and I would look at people on the sideline thinking "Man the f up and just play!". But now I can appreciate that no matter how much you want to play, if your body says no, all you can do is be as kind to it as possible and wait for recovery. With regards to this season, my right ankle is causing me a bit of trouble. I was particularly worried about injuring it at Tom's Tourney and sure enough, game 3 of the weekend I wrecked it. Sickening. Since then I have been doing what I can to strengthen it and keep it supported during exercise. It is impossible to alter my style of play on the pitch to reduce the likely hood of rolling it again, all I can do is hope that it survives the week in Slovenia. I plan on resting it for at least 2 months following EUC.
The last time you played for Ireland was in 07 when you managed to get through the tournament without throwing a forehand. Do you expect your role to differ this time around?!
I will never forget the reaction I got 4 years ago in Southampton after our final game when I announced this to the team. We were standing in a circle saying what great things we had done during the week, some players got lots of D's, some got lots of points/assists, some captained the team to 6th position, I announced that I didn't throw a single forehand. This was first met with silence, then disbelief, then laughter, then we got locked!
I believe that my role has changed slightly in 4 years. I was inexperienced then and while there is much for me to learn, I know a lot more now than I did then and my disc skills have improved. I like to think that I provide more of an attacking option now and I look forward to schooling some foreigners.
Which team(s) are you looking forward to playing against most and why?
Not trying to sound too cool or anything but I just had a look at the schedule there. I don't really get caught up on who we play or what we have to do to progress to the next stage. Having said that, I am really looking forward to playing the Italians. As far as I know they are our closest rivals and Irish/Italian games are always close ones. They tend to get heated and I feel that this works to our advantage. Playing Belgium is always fun and well spirited but I do like playing teams that I have never played against before.
For the first time we have 3 teams competing at EUC. How do you reckon the other two squads will get on?
I think it is absolutely brilliant that Ireland are so strongly represented at this year's EUC. It is undoubtedly going to be tough for all 3 teams. Irish Ultimate has come on leaps and bounds in 4 years but I imagine that the same has happened elsewhere. Both the Ladies and Mixed teams have been training hard all year and have some great results under their belts. Maybe I shouldn't say but I think the Ladies will finish 5th and the Mixed team will finish 9th. I hope I will be proven wrong and they both finish higher!
You used to play a lot of football. What happened there? All the Ultimate make you too soft??
I played a lot of soccer and football up until my first year in UCD where I thought I'd take advantage of the variety of sports available to me and try something different. I joined softball, dodgeball, american football, swimming, and thanks to Seamus Kinsella I joined Ultimate. In the words of Jamie Redknapp, I have literally never looked back. I started playing soccer again about 2 years ago and really enjoyed it but some aspects of the game I detest. Few games, if any, are played without clear and blatant attempts to gain an unjust advantage.
Pretty unlikely you’ll be able to play much Gaelic in Lemington Spa next year. Are you going to revolutionise 'the Spa's Ultimate club?
I haven't put much thought into what sports I will play once I move across the pond. I know I will have the opportunity to play soccer locally. Despite what I said above I still enjoy playing. As for the "Spas Ultimate club" as you so eloquently put it, I have no idea. I'll wait until I settle in and I'll probably send off an e-mail. Find out what there about and who knows, Leamington Lemmings in the A Tour 2012!!
New job, new city and no doubt new opportunities to cause trouble in the UK. You must be looking forward to it?
I'm really excited about this for a number of reasons. I can't wait to actually start working in my first professional job. I graduated last summer after 5 years of college and did an unpaid internship for about 5 months. I just can't wait for my first paycheck, women, drink, drugs and I'll waste the rest!
What does the job itself entail?
I will be working in the engine test department for Jaguar/Landrover. As you would expect this is where new and exiting engines are brought to be tested. Testing can be carried out in a number of ways, using an engine test bed, computer simulations, statistical analysis blah blah blah. New and more effective test methods are constantly being developed which can be quite demanding and draining. I will ensure that all of these tasks are carried out efficiently, accurately, and to the high standards that Jaguar require by making sure everyone has a full cup of tea or coffee at their desk!
And no company car??
I'll rob one.
No doubt the graduate program will lead to bigger and better things with Jaguar. Could you see yourself living in England for quite a while?
I really don't know where I will be in 5 years time. I'm pretty sure that I will be working there for at least 4 years. Experience is key, especially for engineers and I certainly will not be leaving without sufficient experience. It's is quite possible that I really enjoy and could be there for quite some time.
Moving back to Ultimate – you’re one of the more outspoken players when it comes to how the sport is developing at the moment. What needs to change? How do you propose the changes would be implemented?
Mmmm, that's a tough one that requires more time than I have to spare. Briefly, the biggest problem Ultimate faces is being taken seriously. Once we are taken seriously we will attract more athletes. Team names is one aspect that sometimes don't do us any favours. Today Irish Ultimate was lucky enough to get a substantial piece of air time on RTÉ Radio 1. The reporter mentioned my club team 'Dublin Ultimate', nothing wrong with that but she also mentioned the ladies team that was training along side us 'Little Miss Sunshine'. I'm sure no one thought that this would ever be aired on live radio but little things like that don't help. I know this is only a small thing but it's what came into my head. Basically we need lots and lots of publicity and we need it to be positive. I need to pack!
At the moment in Dublin there seems to be a lot of teams pulling in a lot of directions. What’s your opinion on the way club Ultimate in Dublin is going?
To answer this question with the thought that it deserves would take a lot more time than I currently have but I'll give it a go. I have always believed and I'm sure people will agree with me that competition is key if we (Irish Ultimate players) are to get better. It is great to see new clubs popping up all over Dublin, the West Side Cowboys for example. I saw these guys play twice and to be honest they are rubbish. This is purely because they are a new team and do not have any experienced players needed to accelerate the learning process. Teams like this, it they want to get better, need to come out to high level training sessions such as the ones held in Gonzaga this summer or even join with Jabba or OCS if possible. Teams such as Dublin and Broc have talented and experienced players who have the ability to train themselves but both are just shy of the numbers required for sustained development. Broc needs Dub as much as Dub needs Broc. Hopefully in the next number of years lots of individual training sessions will be taking place across Ireland. This will increase competition among clubs. Still need to pack!
What’s the best tournament you’ve been to?
Tough to pick between the fun tournaments where teams get smashed continuously throughout or tournaments where teams wait until afterwards to get smashed. I'll chose one from each, EUC 2007 and Dr. Sand & Mr. Grass 2011 in Teneriffe . I was lucky enough to be part of the most successful Irish Ultimate team. That was a fantastic experience, one that I will never forget. The acommodation was fantastic, the weather was great and the parties were excellent. Great tourne. Dr. Sand this year was great fun. Probably had too much fun on the first night which resulted in a two day hangover (no exaggeration). The chance to play on grass, followed by sand and back to grass again at the one tournament was fantastic. I enjoyed the format of the tourne, almost iron man. Would recommend it to anyone.
What lives in a corner but travels the world?
That's an old one.....a shhtamp
It cannot be seen, it weighs nothing, but when put in a barrel, it makes it lighter. What is it?
A hole. Similar riddle to this is - What gets bigger the more you take from it?
Two bad riddles. Got one good one for us?
Ok, this one ain't bad.....You have 3 boxes, one contains apples, one contains oranges and one contains both apples and oranges. Each box is labelled differently, 'apples' 'oranges' and 'apples and oranges' You know that none of them are labelled correctly. You can remove one piece of fruit from one box. Following this you must arrange the labels correctly. How do you do it?!?!
And no, you can just feel the difference between the fruit or just look into the box or anything like that!
And, give us a joke there please!
More of a story than anything else......I once tried masturbating in the shower, the rest of the team kicked my ass!
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Interview 20: Padraig McMorrow
July 28th
Afternoon Padraig. How are ya mate?
Ah I'm flat out here in the tax office, daydreaming about winning Euros. I'm keeping everyone entertained with the dingbats and the picture rounds from the recent blockbuster quiz. I've finished cleaning up my desk and throwing out the to do lists for packing and moving all my stuff home to Limerick last weekend. Sad times, moving out of Loretto, Nutgrove tonight, a mad house of architectural education. Spent alot of time in the attic...
All set to fly out next week? Getting close now, eh?
Ah I'm buzzin! Its so close now, can't wait to pull on the green jersey and smash it up!!! Its my first major championships and I can't wait to get stuck into the big teams of Europe for the first time.
Its a great feeling of anticipation, we're ready to make it happen, we've put in the hard work, now we need to go out there and prove ourselves as the best Irish open team there has ever been. It's up to all of us to step up and make it happen!
Last week saw the seedings and the schedule released. What do you make of it?
I don't know, I don't really like to speculate on this. We have Italy, GB, Netherlands and Belgum. Happy days, theres no easy games at Euros.
We've got two games every day, something we tried to emulate in Tour where we warmed up twice a day for two sets of games. It takes work to focus twice a day, playing at your peak performance point for well over 3 hours a day. I imagine its going to be tiring, but I like sleeping so no complaints.
You've played a bit in the Netherlands, winning the national club title I believe. What was that like? Can you tell us much about how they play?
That was great, myself and Enda were living in Amsterdam for the summer doing internships, we trained with CamboCakes as part of the buildup to Girona and the 8nations compeition, and Cambo invited us to play the Dutch championships with them.
It was an affair similar to the first All-Irelands in Santry If I remember correctly, basically the winner was going to be one of two team, CamboCakes from Amsterday or UFO from Utercht.
We got a beautiful sunny weekend and strangely enough, the games were played on ICBING pitches. The best of the group games was against the German u20 team who were warming up for the Youth championships later that summer. I had never played against a team of such athlethic young fellas who could really lash the disc. Their main problem was they kept hucking it out the back of the endzone.
The final was a cracking game against UFO, myself and Enda being too of the main receivers for Cakes and catching a few scores each. It was a tight enough finish, but we sealed it in style when Enda sent a pitchlength thumber from our own endzone through the cup for me to beat the 6ft6 deep-deep and win the game. As I say, some of the memories from Amsterdam are a little hazy so I fill in the gaps here and there.
As for how they play, Cambo cakes were growing quickly at that point, with lots of the Dutch players really improving. They went on to play xEUCF and had some battles with Dub in Prague, I know theres some unfinished business to be taken care of there...
You've also played in Stuttgart, Germany, with the 7 Schwaben. How would you compare the team there to the club set ups you've been a part of here in Ireland?
The 7 Schwaben were a great team to play with, and definitley made my Erasmus semester. As a club, they operate one big mixed training session which incorperates their college team from uni stuttgart and the mixed team, sugar mix. In some ways its a bit like how Dub training is the high level training, open for anyone who is willing to put in the work. Often Didi the captain would take the open team to one side to work on something in particular in the build up to tournaments. The uni captains could take the beginners to one side also and work on building the basic skills.
Infact it was similar in Amsterdam where everyone trained under the name crunch to facilitate accounts and renting pitches, but the cambo cakes were the top open team and trained on the same pitches, but seperateley.
The guys in Germany were a great team to train with, my language skills leave alot to be desired, but they were patient, and I reckon I learnt most German from the ultimate team rather than the college. In the buildup to the German championships at the end of the summer, we played a couple of high quality tournaments in Germany including Koln disc days where we made the final but lost to a strong french side?
The German championships was a great tournament to play in to finish off my erasmus semester, we were strong all the first day, beating everyone in our group and getting stronger as the weekend went on. Winning a tough quarter and semi against woodies and hardfisch earned us a spot in the final against Aachen and the famous Hanz Tirol. We had beaten them on the Saturday in the group stages but the final just got away from us in the first half. We fought hard to try pull it back, but it wasn't to be... Gota go back this year and bring Rory along so we can win the f$@*ng thing.
Speaking of learning experiences, at what stage do you think you developed into the player you are now? I mean you've been performing at a high level for a number of years now, when did it all 'click'?
I think it took me a long time to step up from average college level player to senior college player level. I always had some ability but it probabaly "clicked" most when I really started training hard and working consistently on throws for the Irish squad going to Barcelona. 8 Nations was definitley a huge learning experince and a massive confidence booster.
Born to Corkonians and raised in Limerick, where do your allegiances lie?!
I'd have to say Leitrim... My dads home county. the sporting stronghold of the wesht.
I always thought Limerick were an ingeniusly disguised footballing stronghold, hidden behind some great drinkers who played too much hurling. Now the footballers have our chance to prove it at the biggest stage. All Ireland Quarter final against neighbours and old rivals Kerry up in Croker. Limerick thrive on these big occasions. Unfortunatley so do Kerry.
Maybe I'll just support Cork against Mayo in the second game of the double header.
I got down to Thurles last weekend confident Limerick hurlers could knock the Dubs out of the championship once and for all, dispelling this myth that the city boys can play hurling! Unfortunatley it turned out both teams were rubbish...
Were you a football, hurling or soccer man growing up? And, what made you stop playing?
The joy of living in the country is that you can play all three, and I traveled into Limerick city for a few years to play rugby with Old crescent. Kilcornan is my homeplace and we've had a strong underage soccer setup which grew out of small things when I was a young fella.
Upto second year in college I traveled home at weekends to play under 18 soccer, we had a strong team of friends all coming from the same primary school. There was no choice, if you were living in the parish, your house was called and you'd be collected on the way to the game if you didn't show up down the field before the game. The way to have it.
I stopped playing hurling around u14 to try stop getting injured and fit in more rugby. I continued playing football untill recently and lined out center field for our local Junior B team. In 2009 we won west and county league, west championship but lost the county championship final. A big year for the parish gan dabht.
You've recently finished up the infamously grueling Architecture degree in UCD. What's the plan now?
Going to wreck the gaff, well that is after smashing it up in Slovenia. I know a nice little Irish pub in the French alps that will have me for the ski season, we'll see what happens after that.
Getting back to frisbee for a little bit, what do you think of the current standard in Ireland as a whole?
Its really promising, the number of players travelling abroad to junior, mixed, womens and open European competitions alone this year is fantastic. I think the standard of all these teams is really high, and this can only be good for the domestic game. Clubs are growing strong too, Dublin summer league is looking competitive and wide open at the moment, and all Irelands is going to be a great competition. Intervarsities this year saw what I reckon the best college team ever in Ireland walk away with the final, but the standard across the board was strong there.
Its important that new players see this strong competitive edge to the sport, that they have a high level which they can aspire to playing at.
After the six months of training together I can see why we have a big squad, the quality of every player on the team meant the captains couldn't leave out any one of the players selected. Everyone who got the green shirt really deserves and it would have been an injustice to the team if they were left at home. Every player can add something to our squad and since we've all been selected its our job to make sure thats exactly what we do when we get out to Maribor.
The Ireland commitment is a huge (and a very rewarding) one. Is it something you could see yourself committing to again in the future, given the opportunity?
Yes, most definitley. I've really bought into the team goals of 100% commitment and intenstiy. It goes well with my addictive personality. The biggest challenge this year was fitting in Ultimate with final year of college. Managing that gives me the confidence that I can go on and improve more as a player in the future, whatever challenges there is in the way.
What's your main aim in Slovenia?
Ohh, personal goal? thats private... To perform at 100% every time I get on the pitch, to leave everything on the pitch, to have no regrets.
All going well, how far do you think the team can go?
Gold medals all round!
Much has been made of your rugged good looks, friendly nature and impressive physique and rumour has is it you're recently back on the market?!
For the last time, No Marko I'm not going on a date with you. Focus will be on the pitches in Slovenia, focus will be on the ladies division come WCBU...
Further rumours suggest you're quite the card shark. If a team game of poker were arranged where do you think you'd finish up? And, who else do you reckon knows their cards?
Ohh spicey, we're having a team poker game, good idea... Endas calm aggression is hard to beat. I'd say he'd be at the business end of things along with Iceman Brian T.
Finally, please tell us your best joke!
Wheres Arthur's Quay?
In his pocket.
Ok, ok one more...
I wondered why the Frisbee was getting bigger... and then it hit me.
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Interview 19: Cian O Morain
July 24th
Hi Cian, how's life these days?
Grand yeah, just getting ready and excited for the week ahead in Slovenia, you know yourself!
You're now living and working in London, along with a lot of Irish graduates. What do you make of life in London and the trend of Irish graduates leaving these shores?
Life in London is big! It's one of the capitals of the world, has 4 Ireland's worth of people, a crazy place. And yeah it seems that each week another person is making the trip across (top tip - rail and sail over and you can brings loads of luggage!). We'll be welcoming Blonde over in a month or so of course. There is a really strong Irish footprint over here - to give an example last Tuesday on the way to training I spotted two different lads walking with hurls in their hands! I'm sure we'll all be back in 10 odd years to make our own property bubble so that our children can do the same :)
It's all in the name - think the Predator movies - skulls and all that - you should see our office! What we do is act as well paid middle men. Big companies (think Coke, Anglo American, American Express...) come to us because they want to hire people into strategy roles in their companies. We go out and find them the smartest of the smart strategy consultants, mostly from 3 firms (Bain, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group) for these roles. And because we know that network of people so well we can charge a handsome price (much of it upfront) for our services! Business is booming for us and we'reonly 12 people so yeah we work long hours. Spare a thought for the strategy consultants we try to headhunt though - they regularly work 12 - 16 hour days!
Moving to London was obviously a decision you made a long time ago. Was is solely for work reasons?
To be honest it was mostly for work. A year and a bit ago when I had just graduated from Warwick and Courtney and I were figuring out what next it was pretty clear that we'd need to leave Ireland. We almost went to Korea teaching English of course, but London was also another obvious choice once Korea fell through - I could get a job and Courtney was able to do a teaching PGCE ( a H.Dip. in Irish parlance) so it made sense!
You're obviously a very ambitious person. Playing Ultimate with Clapham must be fulfilling an ambition or two. How how you found it in general?
A rumour went around last year that you might throw your hat in the ring for a place on the GB team. Would you see that as a possibility in the future?
Moving away from frisbee... You grew up a gaelgoir and have represented Dublin at football. Do you miss the football? And, will your nippers be gaelgoirs??
Interview 18: Roger Beatty
July 20th
Interview 17: Adam Glover
July 19th
Yeah, much like the Rugby you only seem to be allowed to field a couple of Nordies at a time - haha! Of course I am proud to be representing the North on the squad. There are a lot of great players up here and I expect to see a number of them making the step in the future.
Belfast Ultimate seems to be firing on all cylinders of late lead by a group of committed and enthusiastic players, including a few English and French imports. How does the future look to you?
Playing with Clapham is a lot of fun. A good bunch of lads, good craic - different type of craic to a bunch of Irish lads, but good craic all the same. I have had the opportunity to test myself against the best teams in the world - Buzz Bullets, Sockeye, Furious George etc. I've learnt a lot too of course, and been able to give some too, so yeah a good experience.
What are the main differences and/or similarities between training with CU and say Paddy Murphy/an Irish club?
Let's see, the biggest similarity: that constant struggle to get numbers to training is something that Clapham also struggle with. We have 28 on our squad this year, but with injuries, 4/5 not living in London and the sheer busy-ness of London we always struggle. The biggest difference: by virtue of the fact that a lot of the 'best' players in the UK find their way to Clapham, there is less of a development air to the sessions - the skill levels are just comparably higher so you spend less time worrying about that.
For me personally I suppose I would almost always be leading / coaching an Irish training session I'm at. For the past few years at Clapham I've enjoyed not having to worry about that element and concentrating on my own game.
For me personally I suppose I would almost always be leading / coaching an Irish training session I'm at. For the past few years at Clapham I've enjoyed not having to worry about that element and concentrating on my own game.
What's it like to play on the O line for a top European club? Has your game changed much as a result?
Yeah great fun. I enjoy the mentality needed, I enjoy the pressure, I enjoy having to play D like a madman after we've coughed it up. Of course I've gotten to play with some really talented players, which is fun! My game has changed - I think the biggest difference is that I break the mark a lot more. The way I learnt to play was very disciplined, which meant I came to Clapham not breaking the mark very often. I've certainly learnt the importance of breaking the mark for successful offences.
A rumour went around last year that you might throw your hat in the ring for a place on the GB team. Would you see that as a possibility in the future?
I did give it a lot of thought alright - I'd been playing with the core of the GB team for 2 years and obviously had a strong bond with them. In the end though I realised how much I have enjoyed playing with Ireland, how much it had meant to me in the past and that I did want to be part of another Ireland team. I also wanted to be able to contribute to Irish ultimate again after a few years away from it. To be honest, I thought hard about it this year and decided not to so I don't see myself considering it again in the future.
As one of the two people currently running the Irish Open team, how do you think the standard has come on over the past say 4 years?
I would say the biggest difference to 4 years ago is the growth of the base of talent in Ireland. The general backdrop of Irish Ultimate over the past 4 years has been a circa 100% increase in player base, which has been so important for the development of the sport in the country (if growth continues it will inevitably keep feeding through to the national teams...I hope!). Coming back to the team, there are simply more of us, more competition. People are being pushed to be better players - even people who've been on the block for 6/7/8 years have been forced to develop this year. I'm a big believer in that competition element and it's been great to see that coming through in the sessions.
You've played for Ireland in the last 3 major championships. How do they compare to one another?
You've played for Ireland in the last 3 major championships. How do they compare to one another?
They've all been great. The absolute best thing, which has been common to each, has been the team spirit. If only you could bottle it - it's the pinnacle of team sports playing on teams with that kind of spirit.
Otherwise, how do they compare? 2004 was great fun for myself (and Nialler, Seamus etc) as a newcomer who had no worries about team setup, tactics etc etc - I just went out and played and had a great time. I also got to see Ultimate at the top level for the first time too which was important. I came away from that tournament with my eyes open and had a good think about how Ultimate should be played. 2007 was immensely satisfying - myself, youseld and BB had a plan, which the team executed and we brought back some great results as a consequence. 2008 was a bit tougher. We prepared with a similar commitment / focus to 2007 but when we got to the tournament we came up against some great / talented South American teams who also cheated, a combination we couldn't quite overcome.
What do you think is the next step for Irish Ultimate in terms of it's growth and development?
As I mentioned above the player base has grown well over the past 4 years. I think the IFDA should be focussing on maintaining and building upon that growth, identfying viable long term training venues for Ultimate and developing the coaching structures / coaching talent to turn those players into great players. Basically we need there to be lots of opportunities for people to play (in good facilities) and we need to be able to facilitate environments where the best prospects are maximising their learning / potential. Easier said than done :)
What do you think is the next step for Irish Ultimate in terms of it's growth and development?
Moving away from frisbee... You grew up a gaelgoir and have represented Dublin at football. Do you miss the football? And, will your nippers be gaelgoirs??
Do I miss football? Sometimes. I had some great times playing GAA aswell, it has the team element that I enjoy so much. To be honest though I haven't considered going back since I stopped playing. Maybe that'll change in a few years, we'll see. Agus cinnte go labhroidh mo chuid paisti Gaeilge amach anseo.
Speaking of nippers, you got engaged recently. Congrats! No doubt you read Robin's advice ('ride the wave of being the hero who just proposed for as long as you can')! Has anything changed since the ring was donned?
Thanks very much, thankfully she said yes! Absolutely took Robin's advice - mad parties here, weekends away with the lads there! Not so exciting but nothing much has changed. All very boring I realise but sure we've been living together for about 2 years now so the change wasn't that big :)
Speaking of nippers, you got engaged recently. Congrats! No doubt you read Robin's advice ('ride the wave of being the hero who just proposed for as long as you can')! Has anything changed since the ring was donned?
I'd imagine you are pretty excited at the thought of planning a wedding - the cake, choosing best man, the invitations, booking venues, deciding on the colour scheme, arranging dates, planning time off, booking the honeymoon - Courtney won't get a look in...
No chance, sure haven't I been building up my wedding scrapbook for the past well 20 odd years. I have it all planned out, she'll love it...Eddie Rocket's for dinner of course, a Cadbury's Chocolate Finger Cake (5 boxes = 5euro), a Smiths tribute band playing the reception. Perfect!
Other than work, Ultimate and wedding planning, is there much time for any hobbies on Planet Mavis?
Other than work, Ultimate and wedding planning, is there much time for any hobbies on Planet Mavis?
Sadly not, though I do plan to some of that after coming back from Slovenia. Any suggestions?
Stamp collecting? And back to frisbee (cue a sigh of relief)... We are under a week away from our first game. How are you preparing at this stage?
Stamp collecting? And back to frisbee (cue a sigh of relief)... We are under a week away from our first game. How are you preparing at this stage?
To be honest 99% of the preparation has already been done - we've already decided how we're going to do by the training we've done (which makes me feel confident). At this stage it's just lots of visualising, setting out my personal goals, and eating well. I suppose Niall and myself have the added element of making sure we have everything ready on the leadership front., that does require some extra preparation.
What do you make of the schedule and the seedings?
What do you make of the schedule and the seedings?
The seedings look more or less right. The schedule is grand - 2 games a day, fairly standard. Would've been upset had I seen a sneaky 3rd game in there one of the days.
It's going to be very hot in Slovenia. We've played in some hot conditions but nothing too bad. How do you think we'll cope? Any tricks up your pale-skinned sleeves?
It's going to be very hot in Slovenia. We've played in some hot conditions but nothing too bad. How do you think we'll cope? Any tricks up your pale-skinned sleeves?
It's a mental battle, you've just gotta go out there and stand up to the sun! But seriously, I think we'll be grand with it. It's all about preparation with that degree of heat. Basically you need lots of water and isotonic, a hat for between points, and maybe a towel to dry your hands between points if you're sweating lots. It's also absolutely key to be out of the sun between games. If we do these things we'll be fine. Oh, and a bit of sun block never hurts.
There's been a huge amount of respect, praise and admiration from the squad about how well the season has been panned by yourself and Niall, with an attention to detail not seen in Ireland set ups before. It must have taken a lot of work. How did you find the season? Would you do it again?
There's been a huge amount of respect, praise and admiration from the squad about how well the season has been panned by yourself and Niall, with an attention to detail not seen in Ireland set ups before. It must have taken a lot of work. How did you find the season? Would you do it again?
Well thanks very much. It's been great working with Nialler, we've played together for so many years now and I feel we're really on the same page about how we want our team to play and how we want to coach. So that really helps. It has been a lot of work, but a labour of love. Would I do it again? Ask me again in a few months :)
You're going onto the field as the O line, knowing that one more score and the tight game is won. What are you thinking?
You're going onto the field as the O line, knowing that one more score and the tight game is won. What are you thinking?
I'm mainly thinking 'we're going to score'! Apart from calling the line and making sure we play the best structure and initition, I'm probably trying not to think to be honest. When it gets to that point it's all about the work you've done for the previous 6-8 months. And if I am thinking things it's simple things like aggressive cuts, hard turns, move your mark.
Finally, you're know for your jokes, share one with us!
Finally, you're know for your jokes, share one with us!
Hmmm, I'm definitely a big man for the jokes...
....A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: "That's the ugliest baby that I've ever seen. Ugh!" The woman goes to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: "The driver just insulted me!" The man says: "You go right up there and tell him off – go ahead, I'll hold your monkey for you."
Thanks for everything Cian!
Thanks for everything Cian!
===
Interview 18: Roger Beatty
July 20th
Hello there Mr. Beatty. How are you keeping?
Keeping well, now just over 1 week to go the EUC 2011, so can't wait to get to Maribor.
The now infamous body must be about ready for battle now we’re a few weeks away from the trip to Euros. How are you holding up?
This 'infamous' body no longer exists. (Fear not ladies, it is still in top nick. He's just being typically modest.) There are a few niggles that I have yet to get over, nothing to serious, some rest prior the the tournament will take care of.
How has your season gone as a whole?
My season so far has been great learning experience with the 2 boys at the top, Niall & Cian, the way they have approached the whole season, while it has been a bit frustrating with different injuries cropping up but other than that it has been a great and enjoyable challenge.
Last year saw you play an integral role in the DU team that travelled to Prague for WUCC. How did you find that experience?
Having not played in WUGC 2008, Prague last year for me was the highest level of play since EUC 2007 and I think this experience will stand to me this summer, the level of intensity certainly did increase and again this year it has gone up another notch.
A number of players, myself included, felt we didn’t quite do ourselves justice, or at least that a couple of games (the first Mooncatchers one and the Mor Ho! One especially) ‘got away’ from us. What do you think?
Particularly the game against Mooncathchers it was a pretty gut wrenching result as we had a few opportunities to take the game from them but I was great when we bet them later on in the tournament.
Going back to the beginning – how did you get into the sport?
It was the DIT Clubs and Socs Day. Oisin Flanagan, then IFDA Uni Co-Ordinator and Brian McDevitt, then IFDA President were in Aungier Street maning the stand with a dvd of Above and Beyond, I was intrigued, also having known Oisin from playing Tennis and Brian from school. I was in!
Back at the start, who were your main influences when you began?
Having been coached by Oisin Flanagan and John Davis Coakley, it has got to be them both.
Your rise to the top was pretty quick with an Ireland cap under your belt in 2003. That set up was pretty far removed from what we’re at today. What are the main differences?
With the growth of the game and player base it was uncalled for us to have trials as there was really very littlw competition for places back in 2003. There are a few other major changes players are starting at a younger age with schools and Irish Mixed and Junior Open and Ladies teams being formed.
What are your standout memories over the last 8 years of International competition? And, any regrets along the way?
The big one Ireland 19 v 18 Denmark, EUC 2007, Southampton. No real regrets.
You’re one of 4 St. Marys boys on the panel and have helped coach the team out there for a while. Do you think it will be able to start up again?
There is a possibility it will happen next year. The principle was talking to most recent of the Ultimate Alumni - Finnian Flood, and Conor Hogan to bring it back and to teach Transition Year students.
That's great news! ...Much like Brian, Oisin, Niall and others, you’re a long time Leinster fan. When did you get into it all? Which current player would be Podge’s favourite?
I had played Rugby all the way through school. Sean O'Brien, the beast of a man.
If not Frisbee, would rugby have been your sport of choice?
Yes.
You’ve just spent two days training and you’re shattered. In the door, a shower and dinner is on the table. What meal are you hoping for?
It would have to be a Marinated BBQed steak, onions, peas and roast potatoes.
Speaking of eating well, diet is one of the small percentages that make the difference at the top end of competition. How do you hone your eating habits both in the lead up to and at events?
I cut down on the sweet things in the lead up, and eat small amounts when hungry throughout the day and keep well hydrated.
This year, you’re on the O Line as opposed to the D Line of previous seasons, so perhaps you don’t need to watch your weight as much J how have you found it? And what do you put it down to?
I'm liking it alot, it is great going into a game and having the confidence that when the O Line have the disc that we will score.
Tour 3 was 2 weekends ago and we did okay, perhaps under-performing a little in patches. What did you make of the weekend?
My theory is that it was over a month between Tour 1 and Tour 3 and these were the only two times we played as a 24 man squad against other teams and I think it is having to get used to taking more points off then playing.
And now we’ve had our final training weekend. All set?
Yes, can't wait.
Finish us off with a killer gag please Roger.
There are only two four letter words that are offensive to men - 'don't' and 'stop', unless they are used together.
===
Interview 17: Adam Glover
July 19th
Well Adam, how’s tricks? All well up in Norn Ireland I hope.
Hey Marko. All is well up here so it is. Why what have you heard?
It seems to be getting more heated of late, or at least that’s what we’re being lead to believe down here. What do you make of it all?
Ah I get you. Yeah, tensions seem to be high at the moment. It is just sad to see your country come so far and then start to slip again. This time of year is always a bit of a hot spot for it though.
I don't think the media coverage helps much either. I was flying home on the 11th night which is traditionally known its bonfires and i overheard one Welsh girl asking her friend in a very concerned tone, "Why is everywhere on fire?" Now, I have to admit, it was pretty funny, but people do have a darkened view of Northern Ireland because they only see what tv and newspapers show them, which sadly is normally less than positive.
Though, a country with so many young people willing to put in hours of practice throwing stuff, and then running away, we could have a bright future in Ultimate.
You’re one of a select few players based in the North to play for Ireland. That must make you very proud? How did the trials go for you?
Yeah, much like the Rugby you only seem to be allowed to field a couple of Nordies at a time - haha! Of course I am proud to be representing the North on the squad. There are a lot of great players up here and I expect to see a number of them making the step in the future.
As for my trial personally...I was pretty happy with how I represented myself. The conditions where really on everybody and I knew I had to find a way to stand out. That's why I slipped Britboy a tenner and had him help me with an aerial display that would guarantee us both fair passage onto the squad via the Hospital. On a serious note, It wasn't a great end to the trials for me but I really appreciated the level of support from the other squad hopefuls, selectors, as well as the medical assistance from Oisin Flanagan. Thanks everyone!
Belfast seems to be moving from strength to strength in recent years and it is exciting to be part of. We have some very good players who are willing to share their experience and knowledge of the game with the rest of us, and they have the ability to put it is very easy to understand terms* (*Minimal translation required with the French). In the past everyone has had their own way of playing and it has been difficult to get continuity across the team. This year there has been a movement to return to basics and to build the team up together from scratch with everyone using the same playbook. People are asking questions to understand why something is done, rather than just doing what they are told, and this something I am really excited to see.
Over the years the recruitment policies have been both innovative and successful. Talk us through them. And, who comes up with these plans?
Where to start? There is so much to cover. We have so many people putting in a lot of work in the background. Here watch this http://www.youtube.com/
Last summer saw Belfast host All-Irelands for the first time and ruffle some feathers with a strong showing, taking home 3rd place. What was it like to be involved in a tournament of that standard?
Outside of Ultimate you do a lot of scuba diving right? Where do you dive and what kind of stuff can you find off Irish shores?
All-Irelands last year was amazing. It was the first two day tourney that had been held in Belfast in years and it was great to see such an influx of players from all over Ireland come to us for such a high level tournament. I actually did minimal work for the event, the key to the success of the tourney was down to Chris Millar. He was involved in every aspect of the organising and running and deserves all the credit...and any outstanding complaints, that you are offering.
Belfast were thrilled to be up there with the big guns of Irish ultimate and the guys were pleased with third, but also disappointed not to make the final. We are really looking forward for this years competition and definitely consider ourselves well able to climb higher up the rankings.
I do like to spend as much time in the water as possible. As for what you can see...Nothing and everything would probably best describe our local waters. Visibility is really poor most of the time. It is cold and dark and the currents are really strong. But if you brave it you get to see some off the coolest stuff. You can be swimming along a guide line and out of the merky green water the hull of a boat starts to appear. There are loads of shipwrecks the explore, caves, big eels, some fish, loads of crabs etc. Nothing beats a night dive off the coast of Ireland!!!!
What else keeps ‘Wee Adam’ ticking when he’s not chasing discs or at work?
No doubt with the amount of fitness and training entailed in this year’s programme you haven’t had much time for it. How do you find the commitment?
Is that a euphemism?! Assuming that it is not...I love people and I love to be out doing stuff. I am always out having a drink with someone, or at the cinema, practising with the covers band I play in, or something similar. I have actually been thinking about what I am gonna do when the frisbee training vanishes, and I think it is the perfect time to take up a new activity. It is between surfing or wakeboarding...I guess time will tell.
The commitment requirement has been huge. In terms of time, effort, finance, etc it has been a big ask, but one I signed up for, and as such I am more than willing to see it through. The hardest part for me has actually been doing the fitness training on my own, i often find it hard to push myself to the limit without someone there to push me. A real help in these situations is the fact that the team are all accountable to eachother for the training, and I know that each of the other guys is putting in the effort, and there is no way that I am going to let my side down by doing it half assed. The drive to dublin once a month also is not my favourite pastime.
And in terms of the pay off – what results are you reaping from all the hard work?
I can see a noticable change in my fitness and strength from all the work we have been doing. I have taken the opportunity to set myself a few additional goals to see how I have progressed along the 20+ weeks. For example, I wanted to be able to one hand press-up, which is something I couldn't do before hand, I can now. I wanted to attempt a human flag...and I have managed a 5second flag which I am actually very proud of...need to keep working on it though. Only photographic evidence of my first attempt, need to get a sucessful one on video. But it is silly little goals like that which have helped me see how much stronger I have become. With the week rest leading up to slovenia I have a feeling I am gonna be chasing down pulls faster than I ever have before...and I can't wait for it.
There’s been a focus on players bringing what they learn at national team sessions back to the clubs they train with. Do you think this is a viable aim?
I think this is a great aim. The Coaches have put a huge emphasis on this and I have even run a few sessions on my own this year. I have never been much of a leader but the drills that we use and the concepts that we focusing on make such good sense it is just something you naturally want to take back and do with your club. I have received positive feedback from the club who feel it is great too. So thumbs up for making that a team aim!!!
You’ve fit in to the Ireland set up pretty seamlessly. What’s it like to be playing alongside players you usually face off against?
I will take that as a compliment! It is a really strong team and I find it easy to look around at times and think, "Man am I out of my depth!". Every player has something to teach the team, and every player has something they can learn from the team, which makes for an exciting mix. It has taken a bit of time to learn how each player likes to play and how best to integrate with them but I am slowly but surely getting there. The potential of the team is huge and I can't wait to see how we fair at EUC.
A lot of new faces have made the team this year with huge talent coming through. Has anyone in particular stood out to you?
Interview 16: Brian MacDevitt
July 18th
With EUC only a few weeks away it’s hard to believe how quickly the season has passed. This year has seen the squad size increase to the biggest we’ve ever sent to a major championships. What do you think of that decision?
With a good mix of debut players and senior players on the roster, it looks like we’re building well for the future. Which of the young guns have impressed you most and why?
A lot of those young players probably don’t know that you were the first Irish export to make the Clapham team. Fergus and Cian have followed. How much did the years in London help your game do you think?
You’ve always been one of the senior members of the Ireland teams over the guts of the past decade, due to both your experience and ability (not to mention your age). How have you found that role?
In 2007 you were the man-with-the-plan who guided the Open team to their highest ever finish. Being one of those who worked with you I saw the amount of work you put in first hand. How was that year for you?
It must have been pretty special to have Papa MacDevitt on the sidelines when the team beat Denmark in the 19-18 epic?
The following year you were a player again, as opposed to a captain. It’s a tough transition for someone like me. How did you find it?
2011 has seen your ‘dream team’ of Nialler and Mavis take the reins. You spotted their abilities and leadership qualities from early doors. How do you think they’re getting on?
With the house bought, a long-term motser, a steady job – do you think it’s nearly time to hang up the boots?
Ultimate has a way of taking over life with training, tournaments and the social side of it getting hectic as seasons develop. How do you manage a life away from it?
Not very well? Ah, this year I was adamant it wouldn't take over my life. My race to get fit has kind of scuppered that plan over the last 7 weeks anyway. I'd like to think I'll always find time for my family and old friends though.
Over the years you’ve seen it all here in Dublin – the rag tag drinking teams, the growth of university Ultimate, the domestic strength of Chimpo and their rivals Broc and now the almost yearly arrival of new teams. A far cry from tea-fuelled IFDA meetings chez MacDevitts back in the day… What do you make of it all?
DUB tourney - The Spectacular Rise and The Sorry Fall. Discuss!
You’re a big Leinster rugby fan getting to a lot of the home and away games, especially over the past 3/4 years. What does having that level of success on your doorstep mean to you?
It's great. World class sport on your door for €20. Absolutely smashing. I guess various cluchies from beyond the pale might have enjoyed success in the GAA bog-ball or stick fighting championships, but there was scarcely any excitement like that in Dublin before our provincial side got it together.
If you could sit down and share a cup of Lyons tea with any sportsman from any era, who would it be and why?
I think new and old, each and every player has stepped up to the task at hand and you can see exactly why they have been selected for this squad.
It’s 16-16, game to 17 and you’re on the line ready to chase down the last pull of the game. What’s on your mind?
"I am going to beat this pull...I am going to beat this pull...I am going to beat this pull"
My key focus would be to stay calm...I know if I get down there and do my job right, I have 6 other guys on the pitch who are going to be doing theirs, coupled with the support of 17 more on the sidelines feeding us the information we need. It is not a case of "if we get this D", it is "when we get this D"!
Got your eye on any scalp in particular come Slovenia?
The Netherlands, they took 1st place from us at 8 Nations and I haven't forgotten about it.
Tell us a joke!
A mushroom walks in the bar and says to the bartender, "Hay, could I get a beer please"
The bartender looks back at him shaking his head and says, "Sorry, we don't serve food in here!"
Thanks very much Adam.
You are more than welcome Marko.
===
Interview 16: Brian MacDevitt
July 18th
Hello Brian. How’s life at the minute?
Hello Mark. Tis grand. Up to my eyes in exercises but not long to go now.
I think it was brave. They didn't have to bring 24. I guess they have more internal competition for places, we can all empty the tank on the pitch before coming off to recover, and they can rest players for a game, but i can only imagine the amount of headaches they've gotten and the effort it takes to manage the squad. Also, the nature of the beast means they'll always have to deal with players feeling unhappy with pitch time. These are some of the many problems they could have spared themselves. They could easily have taken 20, or even 18. Instead they decided to bring as many players as they could and took on the job of managing a squad of 24. Admirable. I certainly don't envy them though : )
With a good mix of debut players and senior players on the roster, it looks like we’re building well for the future. Which of the young guns have impressed you most and why?
Ah Jaysus. What's a young gun? A 'major' debutant? Either way, I'd love to have Glover's backhand, Begse's maybe got the best sporting brain on the team. Hogie's got a nice assurance about him (and i have a soft spot for players who just know how to throw upside-down). Sam has simply fabulous technique with the lid in hand and I literally couldn't believe B-TOC's upwind pulls at Tour 3. I haven't mentioned everyone there but to get off the fence make it interesting I'd say Fergus is catching my eye the most. The role he's playing in lends itself to catching the eye, but only a certain player can play that role, and he's certainly doing it. Not a hint of him shying away. Next question....
A lot of those young players probably don’t know that you were the first Irish export to make the Clapham team. Fergus and Cian have followed. How much did the years in London help your game do you think?
It helped greatly at the time. All due credit to us, but the difference in level between us and Clapham back then was absolutely huge. We played as hard as anyone but we were so light on numbers, talent and experience. It just wasn't possible to make progress like that in Ireland back then. I was a victim of my own enthusiasm and picked up my dreaded knee injury in my first season there. Nevertheless, it was really great. I'm still in touch with my teammates from back then and have been to a few of their weddings, so it was a really fabulous time.
You’ve always been one of the senior members of the Ireland teams over the guts of the past decade, due to both your experience and ability (not to mention your age). How have you found that role?
Whopper. It's been absolutlely whopper. I've always said it's the best team I've ever played on. It has some quality I can't describe that I just love, and so does everyone else usually, inside and out of the team. At major's, we've been recognised by our piers with the SOTG trophy 4 times out of 5, for a whole gambit of reasons. That doesn't happen by coincidence.
In 2007 you were the man-with-the-plan who guided the Open team to their highest ever finish. Being one of those who worked with you I saw the amount of work you put in first hand. How was that year for you?
It was amazing. Aged 27 getting the job, I figured it was a last chance to fully commit to Ultimate one more time, in what was to me, the biggest job I could ever want in sport. I'm committed now, but then I put whole of my life on hold and went hell for leather at it, like the job appears to have consumed the two boys and others before them. I'm an avid Irish sports fan, and I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to captain the country I love, with team I love, in the sport i love. I'd have been mad not to smash it. Quite a lot of things came together for us, and we got a fair slice of luck too. But then to paraphrase Bill Shankly, the harder we worked, the luckier we seemed to get.
It must have been pretty special to have Papa MacDevitt on the sidelines when the team beat Denmark in the 19-18 epic?
Ah, yeah, it was mighty. Blessed I was. He had a front row seat of the Danes and he kept saying how shellshocked they were throughout the game. Plus he had the presence of mind to take that team photograph at the end. My parents were there the next day too, when we thumped the French. I dunno if people remember the last point, but I nearly got myself stalled out for no good reason and ended up hoofing a hail mary down the other end of the pitch on stall nine. Gag-Man and Nialler were after it like a pair of hares and they saved my blushes leaving a trail of Frenchies in their wake. My dad came up to me at the end and was waxing lyrical. "God, that was some throw Brian!". "Thanks dad. You might indeed wonder how I saw all that happening as I pulled the trigger........"
The following year you were a player again, as opposed to a captain. It’s a tough transition for someone like me. How did you find it?
For me, I was a bit relieved to be honest. Without the leadership thing I felt less pressure from myself. I got injured a lot less as a result. I had envisaged it'd go the same way for me this year, but it hasn't panned out that way. I'm back on track now though thankfully.
2011 has seen your ‘dream team’ of Nialler and Mavis take the reins. You spotted their abilities and leadership qualities from early doors. How do you think they’re getting on?
Show me the guy who can't see their abilities and I'll show you a corpse. I was delighted when they saddled up. Suited me perfectly. But seriously, get it while it's hot lads as we mightn't get as technically sound coaching from any irish team for a while. They've been inclusive with the squad size, and have clearly set it up in a way to benefit domestic clubs and Irish ultimate as a whole. The effects of their leadership and the work put in by us all this season will permeate down through Irish ultimate for years to come. Mark my words, the lessons we're learning will be seen in all sorts of places in Irish ultimate in 4 years time.
With the house bought, a long-term motser, a steady job – do you think it’s nearly time to hang up the boots?
I've no idea. I know loads of guys from the UK who talk about stopping, but in the end of the day, they seem to always play just one more season. Ask Barnyard, Mental Ben, Wigsy, Merick, Si Hill. Once it's gone, it's gone for good i guess.
Ultimate has a way of taking over life with training, tournaments and the social side of it getting hectic as seasons develop. How do you manage a life away from it?
Over the years you’ve seen it all here in Dublin – the rag tag drinking teams, the growth of university Ultimate, the domestic strength of Chimpo and their rivals Broc and now the almost yearly arrival of new teams. A far cry from tea-fuelled IFDA meetings chez MacDevitts back in the day… What do you make of it all?
It's a natural progression I guess. The Pookas days you mentioned were something else, and everybody who played back in the early 2000s will speak very fondly of the likes of Sunday's in Herbert pk, pints in McCloskey's, IFDA AGM's in each other's living rooms. It was great, and we were breaking new ground as we went along, which was exciting. It's a lot more organised now of course, it's almost unrecognisable to be honest. There's loads of communities now and if we can try see each other's perspective a bit more it might work even better than it does now.
DUB tourney - The Spectacular Rise and The Sorry Fall. Discuss!
HAHAHA! How long have you got?! Yeah, sorry Simon, we kind of wrecked your tournament there. There were both loads of student tournaments and loads of players about to emerge from university into the 'real world'. So we reckoned we had appetite to organise a creative quality mixed tournament that catered a bit more towards non-students. We made an ok start at it too, but in hindsight, we made two big mistakes I guess. We tried to lead the demographic change that was happening, rather than patiently catering for the student/non-student market that was currently there. The second mistake was that if you want to make a great tournament, it takes big committment and continuity over years. We started for two years and then situations changed quickly and the group broke up. I organised a 'town meeting' after two years to decide its fate and the community consensus was to keep going they way it was going. Brónagh nobally took it on in 2007, but it would have been a hard situation for anyone. Finally, when it was on it's knees, could the Cork open finally win the tournament of the year award they so desperately coveted (joke). Einstein has taken up the reigns for 2011 to no doubt return Dublin to it's rightful place, the centre of the universe. Right everybody?
You’re a big Leinster rugby fan getting to a lot of the home and away games, especially over the past 3/4 years. What does having that level of success on your doorstep mean to you?
If you could sit down and share a cup of Lyons tea with any sportsman from any era, who would it be and why?
Lyons? Lyons! Wouldn't drink that piss. Barry's for me all the way. Good old Barry's made right here in Dublin. Drink my weight in Barry's tea, so i do. I'd feel like a right fool drinking anything else other than Dublin's finest. But to answer your question, I absolutely loved Roy Keane as a player, but maybe Dricco even more. Tea with Dricco please, one of the worlds greatest players.
Known for your practical jokes – USIT cards with shampoo and shower caps, postcards made of lino and many more – there’s a rumour going around that you’re planning something big for Slovenia. Any comment on that?
Oh my God Mark, it's going to be massive. it's going to be so huge that there's absolutely no way you're going to be disappointed with it. Expect big things lads, big hilarious things!
While we’re on the topic of comedy, tell us a joke there.
Lovely hurling. Thanks for the time and effort.
You too boss. You're some man!
===
Interview 15: Rory Kavanagh
July 9th
Hola Rory, ¿cómo estás?
Buenas tardes Marko. Todo bien aquí, espero que todo este bien contigo también.
¿Cómo te va la vida en Barcelona? Hace mucho calor en esta época del año, ¿no?
Has creado recientemente un nuevo equipo, Catalyst, del cual también eres el entrenador. Cuéntanos tu experiencia.
I could keep going but it would appeal to but a niche of our readership. How's the Spanish, 2 years after leaving here?
I'm pretty happy with my level of Spanish. After one year, it was pretty pathetic, but since then it's something I've really worked on. I moved into a flat with only Spanish speakers, started working a lot more in Spanish, and generally put in more of an effort and not being afraid of making mistakes. You've settled in well and are happy out there. What do you miss about Ireland?
What are the main differences in the Spanish lifestyle - culturally, politically etc?
Almost everything about lifestyle is completely different here. Eating dinner at 23:00 is completely normal for me now and people here really appreciate their meals. If you go out to a nightclub, you wouldn't think about arriving earlier than 2am. Also, I've learned that it is possible to go for one beer here as opposed the the Irish one beer which is usually between 4 and 6.
Politically, unemployment is a huge issue here. You've probably seen the "Indignados" setting up camp in Placa Catalunya and all over the country in protest at the governments handling of the economy. One of the questions that comes up, is why Spanish youth are out on the street protesting and Irish not? My take on it is that in Ireland we have a culture of emigration. If things are bad at home, most people are happy to go to Australia or London to look for opportunities for a year or two. It's not the same here, there are people here who see no future and they are angry and want something to be done about it.
In terms of Ultimate, what is it like in Barcelona overall?
Are you playing more or less tournaments than you would be in Ireland? What's the standard like?
My problem has been, that many of these dates have clashed with Irish Training weekends so I haven't been the most active member at tournaments here.
You made your debut for Ireland at the then tender age of 21 in 2007. How was that?
It was pretty terrifying at first. I remember coming onto the pitch for our first game against GB (Who would eventually go on to win gold) and being so nervous. If i recall correctly in my 2nd point you threw me a woeful dump that floated in the air right in front of our endzone. I manged to take the disc quite well, (see below photo which proves that the throw was spot on) but then proceeded to throw an easy openside pass straight into the grass.
Despite the nervous start, EUC 2007 will always be one of the best tournaments I have ever played. It showed me how 7 months of hard work can pay off so much. Scoring the winning goal against Italy being a personal highlight. We went from strength to strength at that tournament and the rest of Europe can expect more from us this time around.
Now we have younger players coming through and not to warm benches either...
Last year you picked up with a German team, 7 Schwaben for the EUCF tournament. What was that like?
The team at the tournament were a mixed bag, ranging from some of Germany's best players, to some relatively inexperienced players. I slotted in on the 2nd day where they had me as an O line cutter. I felt a bit out of place at first but by the end of my first game I'd helped us to our first victory scoring 4 goals against the Finns. We finished 11th in the end, and I really enjoyed the experiences. It was a great learning experience to play on a team where I didn't have to even think about handling or who was at the back looking after the disc and I could just make space cut for some of these great handlers.
How has this season gone for you so far? Any particular highlights?
This season has been different for me. It's been tough commuting from so far away. I felt a bit disconnected from the squad for a while. I think things like running a fitness session with a couple of your team mates makes a huge difference. Working side by side with your team mates makes a difference when buying into a team.
I had some back troubles in the middle of the season as well which was quite frustrating. I went to my physio and what kept happening was, I'd get the go ahead to play again just before a training weekend / tournament and then by the end of the weekend, i'd be right back where I started. I've been going strong for the past 5 weeks so hopefully i've left all that behind.
I thought the first training weekend was a big highlight, the way we started set the tone for the season. One thing in particular that I've taken back with me to my club here is creating a team that can react. The principles of reacting when something doesn't go to plan is so important and something that I've been repeating to my team mates ever since.
You're a big Barca fan. Must've been some decent parties this season?
I was actually at a tournament south of the city when we won the Champions League. We watched it on a big screen with the other teams it was a good buzz. I missed the madness and fireworks in the city, but there'll be plenty more opportunities.
Anyway, I'm sure I'll show them how it's done, once we do our job in Maribor.
Last but by no means least. Joke please...
This is terrible so I apologise in advance.
What do you call a Spanish guy who can't find his car.... Carlos
and one more...
What do you call a Spanish guy who just got out of hospital... Manuel
Interview 14: Fergus McAuliffe
How has this season gone for you so far? Any particular highlights?
I had some back troubles in the middle of the season as well which was quite frustrating. I went to my physio and what kept happening was, I'd get the go ahead to play again just before a training weekend / tournament and then by the end of the weekend, i'd be right back where I started. I've been going strong for the past 5 weeks so hopefully i've left all that behind.
I thought the first training weekend was a big highlight, the way we started set the tone for the season. One thing in particular that I've taken back with me to my club here is creating a team that can react. The principles of reacting when something doesn't go to plan is so important and something that I've been repeating to my team mates ever since.
You're a big Barca fan. Must've been some decent parties this season?
Anyway, I'm sure I'll show them how it's done, once we do our job in Maribor.
Last but by no means least. Joke please...
What do you call a Spanish guy who can't find his car.... Carlos
and one more...
What do you call a Spanish guy who just got out of hospital... Manuel
Gracias por tomar el tiempo para responder a nuestras preguntas. Hasta luego!
De nada campeon!
===
Interview 14: Fergus McAuliffe
July 5th
Hello Ferg, hope this finds you in good form after a rare weekend off. How was that? Make that 2 weekends off now. They were very welcome.
You've had a busy season with lots of success. Talk is through your year so far.
It's been a very busy season you're quite right. From Sept to Jan my time was taken up with running UCC and playing with Rebel. Running UCC took so much of my time. Every week we ran about 10 sessions in the college and the schools, catering for over 100 people. Many days I attended more than one training, occasionally 3 in one day. Then there was all the administration to keep things ticking over. Granted, I was by no means alone in doing this. Though all of us at top of the club were run off our feet. Playing tournaments was the easy part, some welcome respite from the constant stream of emails, decisions, coordinating, liaising, emails.
On top of this I was helping to run Rebel too as treasurer. The Ireland kicked in, and I was really stuck for time. Having 5 or 6 weekends on in a row - training with Ireland and tournaments with Rebel/UCC - wasn't unusual. Now, I've taken a major step back from both UCC and Rebel. I'm really enjoying simply playing with Ireland, and leaving all the organisation up to you. Sound man.
A lot has been made of the success in Cork over the past 2 or 3 years. You've been a large part of it. What are the main pillars it's all built on?
I think there are three main pillars. Firstly, there were a handful of very dedicated and highly competent people in charge in UCC over the past 2-3 years. The organisation levels were seriously stepped up. Plans were made and followed. Nothing was done in a reactionary fashion. Of course it took a lot of effort, but the rewards were clear to see: on the recruitment front with the club doubling in size for the past 2 consecutive seasons; on the ladies front we were able to consistently field teams for the first time; and with the club being named UCC's Most Improved Club in 2010, and Club of the Year in 2011.
Secondly, the establishment of Rebel and Juice has offered players in the Cork area an opportunity to train more often and crucially to keep the sport up when they leave UCC (and even during summer when UCC is largely inactive).
Finally, the support that the sport receives off the university is fantastic. We couldn't run ten training sessions a week, or 7 tournaments a year, without the help of the university. Even when Broc single-handedly wrecked the pitches in the Farm during Cork Open 2009, the university authorities didn't hold it against us and helped us to find other places to train.
What is the next step for Cork Ultimate?
I suppose the thing that I would be most concerned about, is that we hold on to what we have at the moment. Successes in recruitment are notoriously cyclic. Some years are good, some bad. Cork Ultimate needs to cement the position it currently occupies. Concurrently, I would also like to see further recruitment success on the ladies front. We're not where I'd like us to be just yet, though having Rebel Ladies at Tour was a big step forward. I would hope that the great work that is being done in the girls and mixed schools, and the Irish Junior Ladies team, will help us increase the female player base in the area.The success has, naturally enough, seen the amount of players on the National teams increase. This can only increase further right?
This is your first Ireland set up. What do you make of it thus far?
Having 6 training weekends has helped hugely too. I know that in previous Ireland set-ups, the national team trained every/most weekends in Dublin. There's no way that I could commit to travelling up to Dublin every weekend to train. I much prefer going at it for a whole weekend, learning lots, getting to put everything in to practice with the team, and then having a few weeks off to practise these things with UCC/Rebel. I really hope that the monthly training weekend system stays in place in future. Nudge. Wink.
Who do you enjoy playing against most in the squad and why?
What do you bring to the team?
This is my first time playing for Ireland so I bring loads of inexperience. I'm pretty tall, so I bring that lumbering awkwardness that goes with everyone above 6"3. I have natural blonde hair, which allows me to read the minds of Blonde Rob and the Swedish Open team. I bring green eyes to match our jerseys.
Seriously though, I think that I bring options in the air, a good arm for pulling and plenty of enthusiasm. The main thing for me is fitting in to the system of play that has been devised for us. Once I can do that well, I know that the team results will follow. Individual results aren’t really of concern to me.
At the beginning you were quite quiet but have recently begin to show a more mischievous side. Did it take a while to settle in?
Mischievous? Me? Only when the opportunity arises. Speaking of which, Marko, EDIT. Good man. In general, no I'm not that mischievous. Like, there's absolutely no way I'd arrange lots of large boulders to block in James Finn's car during the Cork training weekend, knowing that the rescue would provide the national teams with Saturday night entertainment, a much-needed weights session and an opportunity for team-bonding. 
Maribor will see us play 2 games a day in blistering heat for the best part of a week. How are you going to cope with that?
I've been doing some preparation for this already. As part of my PhD work with plants, I spend a lot of time working in polytunnels. On sunny days, these get hot. And humid. Just like Maribor. So, I keep a good look on the weather forecast, and when it's a scorcher of a day I do my fitness work and tabatas in them. Relative humidity approaches 100% in there, so the only thing sweating more than me is the air itself. I'm telling ya, if Roy Keane had gone to my polytunnels instead of Saipan to acclimatise, we'd have won the world cup. That's the truth.
What do the folks and friends at home in the Corkonian Outback make of it all?
They're pretty tuned in to the whole thing. My youngest brother Donnchadh is on the Junior open team and has been training with Rebel, Juice, UCC and his school for the past year. My other brother Cormac has been playing with UCC for the past 2 years, and is getting stuck in to the summer leagues in San Francisco for the summer. Our parents usually come out to the Farm for Cork Open etc. to have a look as well. They'd have a reasonable grasp of the rules at this stage too. My sisters don't play as they prefer to have a life. You used to play a fair bit of GAA and soccer. Do you miss it?
What's the most difficult part of the playing for Ireland deal for you?
I suppose it's the step-up in standard of play. I've had to modify how I play to fit in with the team. For example, with UCC I was used to getting the disc very frequently, but with Ireland I see the disc less. I had to realise that getting fewer opportunities to spray the disc around did not mean that I wasn't up to the standard. If anything it meant that I was not clogging the area around the disc and was creating space for others on the team to run in to. Initially that took a bit of getting used to. By the end of Toms Tourney though I had figured out how best to play to fit in with the others on the team and what Niall and Cian wanted of us.
Less of an issue was getting used to playing with all the lads that I was used to playing against. I thought that this was something that would hold me back, that it would take me a long time to figure out everyone’s playing style. But with the total immersion that Brugges forced us into i.e. playing 90% of points across the weekend, I got to know how people play very quickly. For example, when Dave Misstear and Padraig Mc Morrow are wearing their electric-coloured boots, I know that they’re going to be fast. When Dave Ferguson shows up late, I know where he’s been and who with. When Seamus changes his socks, I know that he’s going to change them again really soon so I need to be ready.
And the most rewarding?
The most rewarding part is definitely the amount that I have learned. For years I had been trained by the same handful of people, or at times training myself. In the Ireland set-up I'm constantly learning new things from lots of people e.g. where best to stand on D, the angle to stand at, even the direction your feet should be pointing in. On O I've learned how to become a better cutter - when to strike deep, when to come back under etc. Knowing that after every training weekend or tournament I'm going to return an improved player means that getting motivated is never an issue.
The most rewarding part is definitely the amount that I have learned. For years I had been trained by the same handful of people, or at times training myself. In the Ireland set-up I'm constantly learning new things from lots of people e.g. where best to stand on D, the angle to stand at, even the direction your feet should be pointing in. On O I've learned how to become a better cutter - when to strike deep, when to come back under etc. Knowing that after every training weekend or tournament I'm going to return an improved player means that getting motivated is never an issue.
Finally, tell us a joke bigfella.
What do you call a man under a car? Jack.
===
Interview 13: Cian Quinn
June 29th
Hello Cian. How are you getting on?
Pretty good thanks. Just home from training where I had to watch due to an ankle niggle I picked up at tour, but good other than that.
Interview 12: Mark Earley
Questions: Brian MacDevitt
June 23rd
You've just finished your finals. How did you work out? Must be nice to be back on the pitch a bit more.
Yeah thankfully I made it through alright and came out with the result I wanted. It was tough there for an while before and during the exams balancing study with fitness and training commitments. I wasn't able to go to Tom's Tourney as it was the weekend before my exams. That was disappointing to say the least, and I couldn't make it to most of the following training session, again due to study. So it's great to be out playing again. It's amazing how much you miss it, especially when everyone else on the team was talking about Tom's Tourney and DU or Rebel training. I'm thrilled now to be on the holidays and (temporarily) unemployed. Looking forward to a lot more Ultimate during the coming weeks now.
You were captain of Trinity this year, as well as being in your final year, how did that juggling act go? And, how was your season?
It was certainly tough at times. There's a lot of admin work and organising that goes with captaining a college team, particularly as Ultimate might not be all that well known to our sports department. To be honest, the balancing only got really tough around the time my final year project report was due. It wasn't too bad though, as it just meant I had to do work in advance, rather than leaving stuff to the last minute, which was a nice change for once!
The season had its ups and downs. I knew coming into the start of the season that we didn't really have a lot of senior players in the club, so my main goal for the season was to leave Trinity Ultimate in a better position for the years to come. Essentially I wanted to push hard at recruiting and then get our first year players as much 1st team experience as possible. To this end, I think I was reasonably successful and Dave Ferguson has a good squad to start working with.
In terms of results we had success at Uni League where we finished 2nd and qualified for Division 2 of UK Nationals which I was pleased with. We also reached the final of Mixed Intervarsities as well, but lost out to Cork. Open Intervarsities was a bit more disappointing as we finished 4th, losing out in the 3rd/4th playoff to a very determined DCU in sudden death. But the way I look at the season as a whole is that we finished the season stronger than we started, and hopefully another Varsities final and victory isn't too far away!
It seems like there's a lot of good playing talent coming through in Trinity. Has there been an aim to recruit/develop certain types of players?
As with any of the other colleges, there's always a desire to bring in athletic players. But I personally find that an enthusiastic player is often just as good a person to recruit. I wasn't particularly athletic when I started and had a history of being pretty poor at every sport I tried! But Ultimate offered a great chance to get fitter and try something new so I threw myself head long into it and haven't regretted it since. So I'm always on the lookout for a beginner who seems keen and comes along a lot. That said, it's not like we wouldn't have loved to recruit a 6 foot 4 ex-hurler who also runs the 100m under 12 seconds...
You're back for more Uni Ultimate next year right?
I am indeed. I've been offered a PhD so I'm back for 4 more years to be a pain in the side of the other colleges. Can't wait.
This is your second time playing for Ireland, including the Eight Nations campaign in 2009. How chuffed were you to make the team?
I was thrilled. Honestly, I didn't think I'd make the team so it was a great surprise to get the call from Niall that Sunday evening. I'd gone into the trials feeling I'd nothing to lose and ready to give it my all; I think that made me more relaxed then I would have been if I'd gone in with high expectations. Either way it's fantastic to get the chance to represent my country again.
The season's in full swing now. What have been your highlights so far?
I really enjoyed Tour 1. It was a great chance to play against players I've only ever watched. It was a real eye-opener for me and I came away from it a lot more confident than I had been before. Getting to square up against the best players I've ever had to was a fantastic experience. Our second half against Clapham was a great moment, as was our fightback and eventual win over EMO.
Playing at Tour 2 with DU was a very recent highlight. There were less of us on the team this time so it meant more pitch-time which I was very grateful for, and I started to feel much more confident in my cutting and throwing as a result, especially on the Sunday. Beating Fusion has to go down as one of my most enjoyable victories playing Ultimate. I'm really looking forward to Tour 3 now where we can hopefully finish in the top 5.
One last highlight has been the fitness. That may sound a bit strange, but it's great to have a tough fitness plan for the first time, and to really work hard at it. I've definitely felt the benefits, and I'm looking forward to how I hold up at Maribor.
Much like other players, you've had a couple of niggles. Any reason in particular?
I've always been a bit injury prone. I've been lucky in that I've not really had anything serious since I broke my arm before Christmas. Niall and Cian put my injury prone-ness down to a lack of core strength, so I've been working hard at that this year to try and avoid getting hurt. I think it's worked to be honest, though admittedly I did hurt my ankle at the weekend. I'm going to rest it up and do my exercises and I hope to be back playing next week. Not to jynx it, but I reckon I should hopefully make it through the rest of the season without majorly hurting myself.
We're really close to EUC now. What are your hopes for the week, both personal and team?
For the team my aim is pretty simple: beat the 2007 placement. I think the team is very capable of it and I'd love a top 5 finish. Maybe beating a Scandinavian team on the way. Personally I always like going out and getting blocks or winning aerial battles, so I'd love to come away from the weekend knowing I did my job on defence and got turns. For me, that's where matches are won or lost, so I'd hope to be able to put what we've done into practice and do some dominating on defence.
This year has seen three Cork-based players make the Open squad. Do you reckon this figure will grow in future years?
It has to! Ultimate in Cork has come on in leaps and bounds even since I've started playing. UCC have come to dominate domestic college Ultimate and have given some of the best UK colleges a few frights. And Rebel have also staked their claim as an impressive club, undoubtedly they'll be hoping to win their first Open Nationals this year. Whether that happens or not we'll have to wait and see, but with Ultimate in Cork always improving I don't see how the figure won't grow.
Which of the Skulltimate/Rebel Ultimate crew do you relish playing against most and why?
I always enjoy lining up against Ferg. He's the type of player who always goes looking for the disc and wants to be at the centre of play, so marking him requires constant concentration and effort. It's certainly not an easy task, but it's something I always look forward to. Hopefully we'll have plenty of chances to play against each other in the years to come.
You're doing your own good work for Cork-Dublin relations. How's that going?
Haha, I was wondering was something like this going to be brought up. I'll just say well, thanks for asking!
Just the other night you were spotted together at the comedy night. What did you make of the night as a whole? Any stand out stand up?
It was really good fun. Fair play to the guys for organising it, it was a great success. I just hope they did as well financially out of it as they deserved for all the hard work they had to put in. I thought Jarlath was hilarious, and the first guy as well, but I've forgotten his name, sorry!
The whole fundraising idea has come under scrutiny this year. What are your thoughts on it?
It's a difficult issue alright, especially at the moment when money is tight for an awful lot of people. It's tough asking people for money at the moment, but nearly every other amateur sport has some form of fundraising attached to it. I think it's well and good if you're providing something worth people's money, as was definitely the case with the comedy night, but just indiscriminately asking people for money isn't really a great strategy for success.
On a less serious note, give us your best joke there mate.
One I heard recently that I quite like: How many hipsters does it take to change a light bulb? Oh it's some obscure number, you probably haven't heard of it
===
Interview 12: Mark Earley
Questions: Brian MacDevitt
June 23rd
So Marko, looks like you need to be interviewed. May I?
Yes Brian, I do need to be interviewed! Thanks for stepping in.
For starters, what about that result for the ladies against GB?
I was online refreshing that Live Score Windmill Windup page and was absolutely delighted to see them win. In fairness to the team, they deserve nothing less. I think this season is going to be the season Ireland Women stick it to the best teams in Europe. They have bucket loads of experienced players who provide a wise spine to the team and the new talent coming through is a brilliant mix of aggression and raw athleticism. To add to that with Laura and Linda in charge they are in the hands of two tacticians, leaders and very strong players who have played with and against the best of Europe for a long time.The atmosphere in the team is great too - a really good mix of personalities all focused on one goal. I'm excited to see how far they can go, and as other have noted before, they're a young team with lots of this ahead. A scary thought - for their opponents anyway!
Well, getting down to you. You're turning 30 very soon. Any musings you'd like to share on the subject?
Haha, I think you're more excited about it than anyone else Brian. Yeah, it's a funny one for me. When I was younger I was sure I'd be married with at least one or two nippers by the age of 30 - that hasn't really happened (which I'm happy with!). In the end it's not that big a deal, I don't think it changes a single thing. I'm not going to do anything differently or try and change the way I live or anything. I'm pretty comfortable with what I'm at. I suppose you'd know better than me at this stage, being deep into your mid-30s now...
You've accumulated quite a host of nicknames over the years. Which is your favourite? Not so keen on Fathead? Shitbreak? Pussyburger?
Nice question. I've picked up a few in my day alright - Horseface is one you left out and in school I was briefly known as 'Egg' due to my amusingly shaped head. Fathead isn't so bad - pretty much kept alive by just you and Doyler. Shitbreak - well I don't mind that one either, everyone needs to use the jacks sooner or later. The fact that I go almost religiously just before we start big games isn't here nor there. As for Pussyburger - a vintage Bobby K/Viv Latrine/Dman memory. It makes me smile more than anything - reminds me of the old days when Tour was a piss up and Ultimate was as much about the partying and the smashing as anything else.
As well as more than your fair share of nicknames, you've had some amount of roles in Irish Ultimate. Can you tell us a bit about them? Do any of them stand out for you?
I was never keen on organising anything at all until UCD Ultimate needed a hand on the committee. I did it for a laugh back then but it opened my eyes to two things - how you easy it is to get stuff done well by doing it yourself :) and how you can give something back to friends/teammates etc along the way. For someone who's had a pretty easy ride of it over the years I like working for other people and helping improve whatever it is I'm working at/for. I think it's a trait my mother passed on to me. (She's an OCD control freak too).
From there I got involved in the IFDA Committee as an ordinary member, then Secretary, President and Secretary again (I think). I took a year or two out and got back involved when Dom was in charge. He was inspirational to work with - the most generous, selfless and motivated player and administrator we've ever had on these shores. I loved having a role in shaping how Irish Ultimate grew, went forward and was kept running from week to week, month to month and so on. It was really hard work and the committees ranged from being relatively shambolic back in the day to being close to professional in recent years. Seeing that change alone makes me really happy. It's nice to think I've helped build some of what's now in place.
As for standout roles. Well, I think the role I've got the most out over the years was as a coach. Recently I'm only coaching at schools level (started with 12 year old 1st years this season - brilliant fun) but before that I worked the Juniors in 09, with MaC, with UCD and with Dublin City Council and got a huge amount out of it. It's really rewarding to see a coaching plan and lesson structure have a positive effect on a group. Even more so when they come back the next week and have improved from the previous week. I hope to get into more of that in the future and away from the 'desk work'.
The team is well aware of your intention to run for a 2nd term as IFDA President next year, and I feel I can speak for everyone when i say we're behind you 100%.
That's very good of you all. We'll see about it - I was toying with the idea of having no admin role at all next year. This year's probably been one of the heaviest yet admin wise and with other things in my life becoming more important I think it's probably time to lay off the admin. (I can see a lot of you laughing this off - we'll see next year!).
Like I said before, the appetite comes from a sense of giving something back and from being able to see the reward of hard work. The time is the tricky thing. It's really difficult to work, to play, to have a life outside of Ultimate and to get through the amount of admin I've taken on at times. It puts a lot of stress on me and on anyone I'm with and to tell the truth it's something I'm not all that good at keeping in check.
I think that as I'm getting older I'm getting better at planning, probably because of a natural need to use my lowering energy levels that little bit better, as you noted. With age comes maturity right?? That and there's a lot of enthusiastic younger folk coming through who are doing brilliant work. It's easy to see in this year's IFDA Committee and in any dealings I've had with clubs and teams across the country.
You're also some demon for the photographs. What makes a good Ultimate photo?
Al Murray got me into the whole photo buzz back in college when we ran around on road trips with his old camera. Then Mark Dolan stepped things up a gear by buying a Digital SLR with a decent lens or two and after a bit of messing with that I followed suit. Recently I've been working hard at gig photography and am Photo Editor on a music site called Ragged Words which is something I really enjoy.
As for Ultimate Photography, I haven't done as much of it as I'd like this year to be honest. Partly because of the intensity of the sideline system we have in place on the Ireland scene and also because it's nice to relax and watch without thinking about where the next shot might be or anything like that.
For me a really good Ultimate photo needs a few basic things: 1, to be in focus! (The amount of photos put up where the subject isn't on focus drives me mental). 2, to have the disc and the player (s) in the frame. And, 3, to be something you don't see in every single gallery of Ultimate photos - i.e. no photos of someone pulling, a person on the mark, a player running. Emotion is always a good thing to add to a photo as well!
The difficult shots are the ones you need to see coming - layout blocks, huge skys and tough grabs. Scobel Wiggins and Matt Lane seem to get more of these than most people. That said, our own Mark Dolan has been taking some impressive shots down in Sydney too.
Show us a few of your personal favourites there. Sure you may as well talk us through them while you're at it.
A quick example of the capabilities of Matt Lane. He shoots with a much more advanced set up than myself and Mark do but his timing is everything. This shot is clearly taken by someone who has played before and knows where and how the action happens. Brilliant.
Here's a question I quite want to ask. Of the players who have played for Ireland open and AREN'T on this team, who do you think was the best, and why?
I've played with some incredible players since I made my debut in 2003, most of whom are still playing!, but there are a few names that spring to mind who aren't on the team. Here's a top 5...
5. Derryk Boyd - Derryk's ability was obvious early doors but put him in a close game and his aggression and will to win was pure class. Amazing throws, big jump too - had a penchant for catching big goals too!
4. JD Coakley - JD has arguably the greatest set of throws of any player in Ireland. His forehand is phenomenal, his vision equally impressive and he was always open when the team really needed him to be. A brilliantly positive/amusing player to play with too.
3. Al Murray - A really consistent workhorse of a player and a really effective mid/long threat too. In 2004 he was unstoppable. Hugely positive influence. Has played at the top in the UK and Oz. A player I linked up with really well with.
2. Tadhg Healy - Tadhg has it all - power, pace, aerial ability, leaderships skills and a fine mop of hair. He leads from the front and makes big plays when needed to. A huge asset at uni, club and international level.
1. Alan Doyle - there are few people I like playing/training against less. He's fast, his throws are low and clever, he can jump and when he's on form there's nothing stopping him. One of the best handlers we've produced. Gutted not to have him out this season.
You've been involved in all sorts of Ireland teams at all sorts of levels. You were Ireland's most capped player there for a while until you took a year out in 2008 (shortly after being interviewed on TV saying you don't see yourself giving up the sport anytime soon). What was the break like?
2008 was a big year in my life. I was living in a new city, studying a Post Grad course in a new profession and broke up from a long-term relationship too. It was a tough year but a year I found out more about myself than in any year before that. I got to live my life for myself and not being involved in Ultimate was something that gave me a lot more time to do other things - gig photography, a half marathon, traveling without playing games every day and going to festivals instead of training weekends. It was very rewarding.
All that said, it was very odd. I felt like I drifted away from a group of people who had been my closest mates for the previous years and really missed the camaraderie of it all. I was watching from afar when the team I'd once been central to was training for a major and upsetting the apple cart along the way (Berlin anyone?). When the tournament itself was taking place I was working at a charity event in Sen Diego and had the live scoring on my laptop in the dorm room I was staying in. I'd wake up and check the scores. At lunch time I'd check the scores. Any break at all? Check the scores! I followed the two teams like I was there. I devoured any small stories about the strong half vs GB or the war with South Americans and lived on edge for a week, cursing my decision not to try out. It was a really tough week.
Didn't take you long to come back. And now we're 6 weeks from the latest installment. Are you looking forward to the week in Slovenia? Got any pearls of wisdom for the younger lads (you old codger)?
Interview 11: Robin Giller
June 17th
Hello Robin. Well done on making the squad for the first time. You must be delighted?
Cheers Mark. Yes it's great to be on the team! I've been playing since the end of 2003, with UCC and then Broc and Dublin Ultimate. I've had two previous unsuccessful trials to get onto an Irish team (in 04 and 07) so to make it now on my third attempt is brilliant! I think moving to Dublin from Cork at the end of 2007 really helped me to improve, as I moved away from the captaining and coaching role in UCC and started to focus more on my own game. Playing regular competitive games helped a lot too.
Didn't take you long to come back. And now we're 6 weeks from the latest installment. Are you looking forward to the week in Slovenia? Got any pearls of wisdom for the younger lads (you old codger)?
Stop being so ageist Brian! I can't wait to get there to tell the truth. At the moment it's all slog, fitness, training, core, plyo etc etc - which is great and all but I like being on the pitch, in a battle where it's me versus someone else and my team versus another team. Playing for Ireland is the proudest thing I've ever done and this year is the best set up I've ever been in. Niall and Cian have us well drilled, focused and are leading by example - the amount of time and effort they are pouring into the season is inspiring. So yes, Solvenia is something I'm really looking forward to.
As for wisdom for the young guns. I think the mental battle is the most important thing to win. (Not the one with the sun - DO wear sun cream). If you can find the belief in yourself and your team that no matter what happens you'll get over it then you can become next to invincible. All players have weaknesses and can be beaten. All teams have weaknesses and can be beaten. But a team made up of people who have each others' back always and know it are bloody difficult to get past. It's something I've worked so hard at this season and I'm still not where I want to be yet. Controlled aggression, mental strength and self/team belief.
Giz a joke there Marko.
Probably the hardest bit of the whole interview. I haven't heard a really good joke in a while (apart from Dom's which I think is quality!). Okay, well this will just have to do...
Where do polar bears vote? At the North Poll, naturally.
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June 17th
Hello Robin. Well done on making the squad for the first time. You must be delighted?
Cheers Mark. Yes it's great to be on the team! I've been playing since the end of 2003, with UCC and then Broc and Dublin Ultimate. I've had two previous unsuccessful trials to get onto an Irish team (in 04 and 07) so to make it now on my third attempt is brilliant! I think moving to Dublin from Cork at the end of 2007 really helped me to improve, as I moved away from the captaining and coaching role in UCC and started to focus more on my own game. Playing regular competitive games helped a lot too.
Leading up up the trial you were pretty focused, as indeed you were with DU last season, do you think all that work paid off?
It definitely has - training with Niall and Peter for the last two years has brought me on leaps and bounds, as I think it has for a lot of people on the DU squad. They've introduced a new style of play in Ireland - more physical, more structured and more competitive - and buying into that has really helped me to focus on what I need to do to improve. Playing at world clubs last year and being at the top end of A tour for 2 seasons has pushed us all on. I think I've been up around the right level for a year or two now and it was great to be able to draw on that DU experience for the trial.
How are you finding the season thus far in terms of fitness and training? Is it a big step up for you?
The way Niall and Cian have structured the Ireland training this year has been great for me. There's a lot of focus on personal goals, work and accountability, which suits me. Living in the stix, I can't always meet the other lads or make every session so being able to work on fitness alone is a big help. The fitness programme is a step up from DU's but, having gone through that last year, I've been better able to get the work done this time. The training weekends have been really well structured and having them spaced out by 4 weeks or so means you can take parts of the playing style that are new and use them at your weekly club sessions. From a personal level, there is obviously a lot of new stuff to focus on and try and remember when I'm playing but the more time I spend at it, the less thought it takes. I think the evolution of our zone defense is a great example of this - it just gets better and better the more we use it as people have to think less about their positioning and roles and can concentrate more on the current point and getting the D.
The team has played two tournaments, the European adventure to Brugges and the hard graft of the UK Tour in London. How do these compare?
The team has played two tournaments, the European adventure to Brugges and the hard graft of the UK Tour in London. How do these compare?
On a personal level, how do you think your season has gone to date?
I think I'm doing well so far. Had a great start to the season, rattling through the fitness work and learning loads. There was a slight setback with a torn hamstring from Brugges, that I'm still trying to fix, but I'm hoping all will be good in time for tour. I played through tour 1 on it and that gave me confidence that I can play through the injury again if needs be! It has been tough going not being able to participate in training recently and you have to be disciplined enough to hold yourself back from rushing back to action before you're fully fit. There's a fine balance between coming back too early and prolonging your injury; and waiting for the right time but having less game time under your belt.
This season we've all got pretty well-defined roles that help a lot with focus and give you measurable metrics to show you exactly how well you're doing: how many swing passes have I got off, how many dump cuts have I shut down, how many aerial battles have I won, etc. if you're falling behind on one of these, you know it and you know what you have to work on for next time.
You're one of a few players who has picked up a niggle of late. What is it and what do you think it's from?
I picked up a grade 1 tear on my left hamstring sprinting for a disc at the end of training weekend 3. I think the hard ground has a lot to do with it, as it puts more strain on your legs. The physio said not to worry too much about it and that a week or so of rest, strengthening and stretching would put me right. I took this rest before Tom's Tourney but in the first game there, I felt it go again. I sat out half a game, stretched it loads and went back in at 70% for the rest of the weekend (good old ibuprofen). In hindsight, this was perhaps a bad idea, but it's tough to sit out with such a small team, when you know yourself the boost in morale an extra set of legs gives everyone. When I got home from Brugges, I noticed a big bruise all the way down the back of my leg - grade 2 tear. I've changed physio and been working on it since.
Slovenia's going to be hot. How do you think we'll adapt to that?
What are you on about, the Irish love the heat! It does add an extra challenge but I think the fitness programme has set us up to deal with this as best we can. Prague and Florence last year have shown a lot of us what we need to do to cope with the heat - always have a water bottle with you (if you think you've had enough water, drink another half litre or so), make time for suncream, cover up when you can or just get out of the sun. having a big team will definitely help on this front too.
Trying to be realistic, what do you think this team can achieve come August?
Trying to be realistic, what do you think this team can achieve come August?
Niall and Cian have been pushing the "results don't matter" mantra with us this year, which I think is a smart move, as it takes our mind off the score and onto our own and our team game. We all know at the back of our minds that the results do really matter but I think this slight change in thinking will help us perform better. That being said, if we can all play the system well and meet our personal goals, results will come. I think we've shown in tournaments so far this season, that we can match the top teams when we do this, so making the semis is not all that unrealistic, and anything can happen
when you get to that stage ;)
The team's vice-captain recently got engaged. Being a married man yourself, did you pass on advice to Cian? (If not, perhaps now is your chance!)
Don't do it man! (joking). I think I told him to ride the wave of being the hero who just proposed for as long as he can. Right now he can do no wrong, so it's pretty much carte blanche for anything you want to do. Invite all the lads round for beers without telling her - no problem. Head off to Amsterdam for the weekend - grand job. Suggest new and uncomfortable posi... Well, maybe that's taking it a bit too far
As with the other interviews, we want this one to end with a laugh. Give us your best joke.
As with the other interviews, we want this one to end with a laugh. Give us your best joke.
A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: “That's the ugliest baby that I've ever seen. Ugh!” The woman goes to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: “The driver just insulted me!”
The man says: “You go right on up there and tell him off – go ahead, I'll hold your monkey for you.”
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Interview 10: Conor Hogan
June 15th
Welcome to the Ireland set up, your first at this level but your third year in a row playing for your country. How does it feel? Surreal. I remember talking to one of the GB lads at last year’s Junior World Championships in Heilbronn and he asked if any of the team would be on the Open team this year, to which we said no, but Pay Hayden said to him that I would have a chance at the Mixed team. Who would have guessed that four months later Nialler would be ringing me up? To be honest, it feels great.
How did the two years with the Juniors team compare with one another? The first year was a great learning experience. It was the first time I would be playing outside of Dublin but I relished every moment of it. There were two squads so there was fierce competition for places and that made it all the sweeter to get on the first team. To win the first ever game for Ireland at Junior level was awesome!In the second year, I felt a different kind of pressure than the first year. In Vienna I was captain so had to lead from the front as a kind of role model in a sense, but in Heilbronn I didn’t have that responsibility but still was looked to at times for big performances as one of the more experienced players. There was less competition for places but at Worlds I think the team gelled together better and it was really a testament to how much work we had put in since Vienna that we came away with wins against Israel and, more importantly, against the Czech Republic, a team who had beaten us in Vienna. That’s been a real highlight for me in my 3 years of playing to date.
This year you’re helping coach the Juniors for the European Youth Championships in Poland. How's it going? Good. The team is working hard at the fitness (something that maybe lacked in past years) and are really taking in the concepts that we are trying to get across in our training weekends. I think that where they lack the experience of last year’s team, they more than make up for in hunger for the disc. The defence that the lads have played so far this season has been immense and if it continues, scoring against them in Euros will be tough even for the likes of Finland, France and Germany. I just hope they come to their best in Wroclaw and their potential isn’t wasted, they really deserve a good run in Euros.
The season has been quite a long one for you. Talk us through it.
It all started really in December. The hint of trials on the cards was even to get the blood pumping. I was glad that they were pushed back until January as I was very unfit at the time! After day one of the trials I thought I was going to struggle on day two with a tight hamstring, but when the adrenaline got going, I forgot all about it. Getting the call from Niall a week later was a real surprise to me, but naturally I was delighted. That said, it was the beginning of a somewhat injury based season. I missed the first two weeks of fitness because the Physio said that I had in fact pulled my hamstring at the trials.
Since then, the fitness and trainings have been tough. From a first muddy weekend in Gonzaga to a split of sun and rain (and A&E!) in Cork, the season has been a serious challenge! But I’ve loved every moment and I feel that my game, especially my cutting, has come on in leaps and bounds. With only six and a half weeks to go, it’s not going to get any easier, especially with two Tours and more trainings and hours running in Gonzaga, but I just cannot wait to get that green and white jersey on and get in the mixer with the best teams in Europe.
You’re now the youngest player on the squad. Get much grief from the lads as JTM?
Ah there is a few bits and pieces of abuse, but sure, it’s all good humoured and even I have a joke about it from time to time. Some of the more memorable mentions are at Dub Ultimate training in February when Brian McDevitt asked why I got number 91 on my Dub kit, I said it was the year I was born and he just didn’t know what to say, the look on his face said it all!
And one of the more recent, more PG affairs, was heading to the Farm in Cork to train and pulling up beside Begse and a few of the lads at the traffic lights. Enda turns around from the driver’s seat and says “Hogi! As JTM, you HAVE to moon them. Go on! Do it! You’re JTM, you have to do it!” It’s safe to say, Enda was disappointed that I didn’t do it.
Dave Ferguson is another young upstart who snuck into the Senior team. You've been playing against him since school. How do you rate him as a player?
Ha, put me on the spot why don’t you! I said at the trials to that around me after day two “don’t be surprised if Cian Quinn and Dave Ferguson make the team”, seems I have an eye for a good player or two. Dave is SO fit, he’ll run for days and won’t think twice about it. He plays great D, which I wish I could match, and we tend to end up marking each other quite a bit, be it Dub or Open training or even at Colours, so we know each other quite well. I think he’s improved so much in the last year or so. We haven’t seen his best yet either, a dark horse of the team for Euros. I reckon he’ll shock a few people yet!
There's a lot of players on the team who play in different ways. Who would want to emulate in terms of their playing style?
I said when I did my blog for Juniors 2009 that I’d like to emulate Dave Misstear, still do. He has unreal throws, and his layouts Ds are disgustingly good. Since then, I’ve gotten to see more and more of the players around the Irish Ultimate scene. “Blonde” Rob is someone I’d love to be as good as some day. Again, he has sick layouts, and his throws are so well weighted and effortless. He’s about the same height as me, but has a great aerial ability that someday would be nice to match! :-pI enjoy watching Mavis play, he makes everything look easy, and Rory has put in his solid hits over the years that shows he’s plays with a huge intensity that I try to play at every time I get onto the pitch. Basically, all the lads have parts of their games that I think are very inspiring and it’s cheesy at best, but it’s a privilege to get to play with them this summer.
How have you found the step up to the standard of play both in training and at Tour/TT etc.?
I missed Tom’s Tourney because of my exams (should have gone to Bruges regardless because I still failed one! :-p) but two weeks ago was my first experience of UK Tour. The game is far faster than our domestic game and it’s very physical, but I loved it. I took a lot away from the weekend. I found that I was able to get free and score goals against the best in the UK and that you can’t get away with some loose defensive marking like you can in Ireland. I learned a lot about myself as a player at Tour and it was all positive so I think it’s all on the up between now and Tour 2.
What games stick out in your memory so far this year?
The Chevron match at Tour 1. We played Chevy on Sunday morning at 845. I knew going into the game that they are reigning European club champions, so it wasn’t going to be easy. But we made them work for everything that they got. For nineteen points we traded and get break points and battled hard. 10-9 against Chevy, doesn’t sound like a bad performance to me! It’s a pity so that it finished 15-9 to them. I think that it was a somewhat harsh score line because we really fought hard for the right to play for a top 4 spot. But it is what it is. We learned a lot from that game. It was an important game in the weekend for us.
Describe a perfect week at EUC, Slovenia to us.
Firstly, the weather to be warm, not hot! If it’s anything like Florence last year, we’ll fight it tough to deal with the heat – damn our Irish genes! But with regards to the team’s performance, it would be deadly to cut teams up with our set plays and initiations which would be a great testament to all the training we’ve been doing. And on defence if we got a bunch of Ds with our formations and sideline pressure, that would be great too.
A top 6 finish like 2007 with a few scalps and wins over some old rivals seems on the cards with the team we have, so really just to play to our potential and run our systems to great effect would be a positive week in my eyes. On a personal note, not throwing any bricks would be nice :-p it’s something I tend to do now and then so if I can keep them consistent it would be ideal! To get force at least one turn, get at least one goal and have at least one assist would be goals I should be aiming for too.
Which team do you want to play against most and why?
I’ve played Austria in every international campaign I’ve played in and lost every time, so it’s becoming a bit of a grudge match for me. They’re almost as high up on the hit list this summer on a personal level as the French. Almost...
Before you got into Ultimate you were big into your rugby. Do you miss it much?
Ha, thought I’d get asked about this alright. Yeah, I do miss it sometimes. There was nothing better than running out on the pitch in Donneybrook in front of a crowd 5,000 strong and hearing everyone going ballistic in the stands in anticipation for the match about to take place. It’s so intense, it’s what sport is all about: pure adrenaline. Schools rugby as a whole has been a highlight of my sporting career regardless of it being soccer or tennis or whatever the sport I was into at the time. But I played two matches in November for a small social team in CYM Terenure. The team wasn’t the strongest and it kind of turned me off playing rugby for the year. I don’t see myself returning to the pitch in the near future but I think a bit of tag rugby in the summer is key for next summer, just to keep my hunger for the game to a minimum.
What do you think the two sports have in common, if anything?
They are two very different sports obviously, but I find that some of the rugby fitness was really
helpful for me in 5th and 6th year to stay fit for the Juniors teams. There was a lot of strength and core work too, so the muscle groups worked are pretty similar. However, you can get away with being a little bit unfit in rugby, especially as an Out-half! But in Ultimate, when it’s just you and your man, you can’t afford to give them an inch. You need to be in top shape to compete at the highest level of ultimate, where you may only have one or two long sprints in a rugby match.
One thing that I miss is the physicality of rugby, and when we implemented getting a bit physical with our marker at Open training it really made the training exercise tougher. Its easier get out of breath and this was what it was all about in rugby, the constant hard hitting and getting up off the ground and doing it again was bloody tough! Ultimate, when played physically, I suppose, isn’t that unlike rugby in terms of fitness because it’s mainly anaerobic. But mentally, they are two different and can’t be compared.
Last but not least, make us laugh!
A man was walking along the street and saw a woman coming towards him and smiling. As they get closer to each other she says hello. He stopped, puzzled, and asked “I’m sorry but, do I know you?” To which she replied “You’re the father to one of my kids”. His heart racing, he thinks back to the only time he’s been unfaithful to his wife. “Oh god, are you that stripper that I shagged on that pool table at the bachelor party, with all my mates watching, while your co-worker taped it!?” She seems a little taken aback and says:
“No, I’m your son’s teacher”
“No, I’m your son’s teacher”
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Interview 9: Dominick Smyth
June 14th
Hi Dominick. First and foremost, congratulations on the successful surgery. Tell us the whole story - what happened, what time frame are you now in and so on...
Hi Mark, thanks. An abbreviated version of my story is probably best. Back in January I hurt my knee in a bad landing on the astro pitches in Fairview. I went through a course of rehab and was given the all clear to get back into training in mid March. Unfortunately every time I landed on my knees, even simple landings, I got great pain that usually prevented me playing (or moving freely) for a few days.
I went for a second opinion through the student clinic in DCU and was lucky enough to be seen by Dr. McCaffrey who suspected that it might be a damaged meniscus. He arranged for me to attend Cappagh Hospital for an MRI which confirmed damage to the meniscus but also a torn posterior cruciate ligament. Not much is ever done for the PCL but the meniscus would require surgery. I was thrilled to finally have an answer as to why I was having so much pain doing what, for me at least, was normal activity. I would very happily have had the surgery right then and there.
Anyway, I had it on the 8th of June and am in the midst of recovery now. It was just keyhole surgery so no major scars to heal but I do have to do a bunch of work to build up the range of motion in my knee and get all the muscles around it working. The surgery was the easy part to be honest. The hard part is being disciplined with the rehab and doing everything I can to get myself to a point were I can contribute something, however small, on the pitch for the squad in Slovenia.
Being injured is something a lot of players find hard. You seem to cope better with it. What do you put this down to?
Do I? Wow, guess I put up a good facade. It tears me up inside to be injured. I feel disappointment that I'm not out there playing, frustration that everyone else is getting to train and I'm not and also a large amount of guilt that my team mates are putting in so much work on the pitch, in the gym and in their fitness while I'm doing nothing.
If it looks like I'm coping, it's just an acknowledgment that injury is of part of sport. We all face it at some time or another. True, some more than others, and even some to a greater extent. Once injured though, there is nothing I can do to magically heal myself so I don't see any point dwelling on it. I do my rehab, listen to my physio (Sean Boland from ExWell Medical in Ballymun - he's brilliant) and apply my mental energies to helping my team mates.
That's a big think for me, staying mentally involved in what's going on. At the moment, for example, I made a commitment to Dublin Ultimate and Ireland Open. In my eyes the fact that I can't be out on the pitch running alongside everyone else doesn't mean my commitment ends. Healthy or sick, I said I would be at training, that I would pay attention and that I would give my all in everything that the team does. Unfortunately it has worked out that I can only apply myself to understanding what is being done, to encouraging and informing my team mates and to making sure that WHEN I get back on the pitch, I'll know everything I need to know.
By staying focused on what's happening I don't have time to sit around and feel sorry for myself. I'm still part of the team and every team needs all of it's parts working if it is going to succeed.
Tell us what it's like being the oldest player on the squad!
Ha ha. I wondered when that would come up. To be perfectly honest, it's just like being any other player on the squad. We all signed up to represent Ireland, to do our best and give our all in an attempt to do the green jersey proud. None of us expect to be treated any different because of our age, where we live or what size shoes we wear. We all have a job to do. We all have faith that everyone, from youngest to oldest, will do their job. And in the end, we will all celebrate whatever team success comes our way. As far as I know, my, or anyone else's, age is irrelevant.
Well said. It's fair to say that you've been around the block as an Irish player. What are your fondest memories?
This is going to be my third European Championships, plus one World Championship, and I'm sure I will look back on it with as much pride as I do the others. From getting hammered in almost every game in 2003 to shocking the whole tournament in 2007 - I've loved it all.
A layout D in my first ever point against Denmark; trash talking other nations in the dining hall; being voted Man of the Match by my team mates; winning Spirit; 19-18; only getting one D in a whole week but knowing I still contributed; being caught on camera 'celebrating' a score; knowing there's only one of anybody.
And how about the tough times?
I don't think I viewed any of them as tough. I was getting the chance to represent Ireland in a sport I love. Sure, some of the games didn't go so well for us (17-3 to start in 2003 and 17-2 in 2007, 12-8 in pool play 2008), or in some we were simply out played (17-4 in quarter final 2007) but through it all we were representing Ireland. That was such an honour that I can't consider any of it tough.
It seems like teams across Europe are getting stronger by the season - the Swiss, the Belgians, the Danish - who are you looking forward to playing out of these 'improving nations'?
I want Finland. I know they aren't an improving nation but I don't view us as one either. We are at the top table now and it's time for us to start punching at our own weight. Finland have been high up in the rankings for years but we didn't get a chance to play them in 2007. Through out this past winter when I was working out, be it sprint sessions in the dark or plyometrics in an empty gym, I always had the mental image of a 1/4-final with Finland in my head. Going in to this tournament no one is going to take us lightly and I think this game is going to be our moment to say "Yes, you were right to fear us. Now, where's our medals?"
Big talk. When it comes to the end of EUC 2011 who do you think will be in the mix up for the medals in the Open Division?
Who else you mean! I'm not joking. I honestly believe we will be in the mix this summer. As a former captain of an Irish team (and I hope no other captains take any offence at this) I have no qualms about saying this team is the most physically able, tactically organised and skilled squad we have ever sent to a major tournament.
We are going to have a hum-dinger of highly spirited game against Germany for bronze while GB and Switzerland will tear the skin off each other for gold. I will admit that the final is a step beyond us - this time.
Very nice. But there isn't only an Open team going. This year we have 3 teams - a first for Ireland - how do you think the latest addition will do?
Interview 8: Robert Kane
June 10th
With all that experience its natural that you're one of the senior players in the squad. Do you notice that at all?
Not really, in that its not something I notice between me and other players. Though when I went for the team I wanted to be a central part of it. From previous seasons I admired how the senior players performed and provided reliability. I wanted to be able to do that for others. Its not a role I'm particularly comfortable with, but something I'm aiming for. Dammit, it's in my head now!!!
A lot of people think you're consistently performing at a very high standard - arguably your best yet - at the moment. Can you put your form down to anything in particular?
Interesting... I wouldn't have thought of my form being consistent, but I have been happy with how I've played at times. I think a lot of it is down to confidence, and that has actually come from other players and a few key games that stick in memory. I remember in '08, when I learnt I'd be on the O line, Cian told me to play O "with a swagger"! Moments like that and certain performances just stick in mind and when I think of them, it gives me confidence in my own abilities, which raises my game. That ...... and blood-doping... ahem.
Much like with many other seasons, there's a fair few walking wounded in the squad. Do you think this is reflective of something?
I've spoken to a few people about this but can't really figure it out. Compared to other European squads, Irish clubs still train pretty inconsistently. Then, when the national team comes around, there's a much higher demand placed on players bodies. I think this quick increase in wear and tear takes its toll. Compare this with the top players in the UK or Germany, who are training hard consistently regardless of national teams or not. Its one theory anyway....
How do you prepare mentally for the big games?
Emm, I suppose like I mentioned earlier, I think back to certain previous performances during which I felt good, and it brings my confidence up. I also visualise a lot, playing out scenarios in my head and try make sure I feel light on my feet. A good dump helps too.
It looks like you're going to be one of the mainstays of the O line this season. How does that feel?
Great, I'm really looking forward to it. I think offence plays to my strengths and I really enjoy it. Playing O seems to give you more control over how your performance influences the team, in my mind, and I like that added dimension to it. But if we do turnover, the competitive side of me will enjoy the man-to-man match-up.
Last weekend the team played Tour, but a month or so ago the squad went to Brugges. What are your thoughts on the 3 days in Belgium?
I really enjoyed it and was delighted about how the two squads performed. Despite the low numbers, everyone threw themselves into it 100% and we reaped the rewards. That said, the quality of opposition was lower than what we will face in Tour and EUC, but it definitely gave us a confident start which is important. The extra pitch time was also key to getting used to our various systems. After-final pints are always good and messy too...
We're pretty deep into the season now, how's it going for you personally?
Finally, got a joke for us?
I often think of snow like one of those crazy ex-girlfriends that shows up maybe twice a year. Some mornings you wake up, its just there in the driveway and you think, I better get a shovel to that. But after a while, you just say shag it, I'll just go out and play around in it. (Courtesy of a Northern Irish Stand-up)
Interview 7: David Ferguson
Monday would include Dublin ultimate training and general recovery after the weekend of whatever, Tuesday was leg weights and lower core (crunches and twists) increasing power, I worked hard on my jump, Wednesday was circuits and Trinity training, Thursday was cardio/aerobic, intervals on a bike or a HIIT, Friday morning was more core and strength. Another thing I enjoyed doing was running stadium steps, 45 steps, of 6 reps and 4 sets, good craic. I also Kept my endurance ticking over with the college commute(16k).
Is the 'Kaiser Room' real? If so, please explain what it is and how it works!
Of course it is, it’s a weights room in the Trinity gym, instead of the conventional stacks of weights in your average gym, the machines have compressed air. So when you lift them instead of gravity and momentum taking over you have a constant force. In other words when letting them down they don’t change. It’s also quieter up there, and if your lucky the women’s rowing team come in to show you up and double your max on all the machines, or not so lucky depending on your view of the women's rowing team.
How have you found the step up from Juniors to Open?
I'm not sure I can fairly answer that given I know nothing about their training regime. I do think they will find it tough.
As happens here in Ireland, there are people all over Europe who play mixed as their preference. Some of the teams and players Ireland Mixed will face have international experience going back to 2003 or before and many of them have a core of players that have been together since then. What I think will be important, not only for the individuals in the squad but for the Irish ultimate community as a whole, is that the team be judged by its own standards. This is the first European Championships for Ireland Mixed and, as such, they are coming in at the bottom of the pecking order.
This tournament will give the members of the squad the opportunity to gauge themselves against Europe's best and experience a level of competition that is new to nearly all of them. How they deal with these experiences and react to the challenges being presented is up to them. Hopefully they will thrive in the environment and become better ultimate players hungry for more.
And what about the ever-improving Womens team? They seem to be peaking much like the Open team were in 07. Might this be their big year?
I'd be thrilled if it was. I've seen the core of the squad represent Ireland since 2003 and their dedication and work ethic has never faltered. Over the years new players have made themselves integral members of the squad and with a fabulous crop of rookies this year there is nothing holding them back.
As an outsider to their squad, an exciting thought is that their senior, more experienced players are only in their mid to late 20s. If they want it, they have at least another EUC and WUC ahead of them. To think of their squad improving, gaining experience and exposure in the coming years is great. Even if this turns out not to be their year, they are definitely on an upward curve and their rewards are coming.
Thanks for taking time out of the rehab, the resting and the post-surgery coma to reply! Before you go back to bed/the couch, got a joke for us?
No worries. It's been a nice break between sets of exercises. One I liked recently is: According to Freud, what comes between fear and sex? Fünf.
===
Interview 8: Robert Kane
June 10th
Hi Rob, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. You're now involved in your 3rd Ireland set up in a row, how do the three campaigns compare?
I guess they're different in terms of the expectations of the teams as well as my outlook on it. '07 was probably the first year with real structure but we didnt really know what to expect. In the end it showed the potential that existed in Irish ultimate to compete at the highest level. The difference now is that we know what we are capable of, we have higher expectations which adds another dimension and pressure rather than just being the underdogs. The lads have also placed more personal responsibility on the players and are pushing the abilities of the squad which is pretty exciting. From a personal point of view, I carried an ankle injury into EUC 07 and I felt I underperformed in '08, shying away from the occasion in some ways. I see this year as an opportunity to prove something to myself.
With all that experience its natural that you're one of the senior players in the squad. Do you notice that at all?
A lot of people think you're consistently performing at a very high standard - arguably your best yet - at the moment. Can you put your form down to anything in particular?
Much like with many other seasons, there's a fair few walking wounded in the squad. Do you think this is reflective of something?
How do you prepare mentally for the big games?
Emm, I suppose like I mentioned earlier, I think back to certain previous performances during which I felt good, and it brings my confidence up. I also visualise a lot, playing out scenarios in my head and try make sure I feel light on my feet. A good dump helps too.It looks like you're going to be one of the mainstays of the O line this season. How does that feel?
Last weekend the team played Tour, but a month or so ago the squad went to Brugges. What are your thoughts on the 3 days in Belgium?
We're pretty deep into the season now, how's it going for you personally?
Good overall. I'll be heading to London in September, so planning for that is making it harder for me to focus at times, particularly with so many weekends taken up with ultimate. Now and then it's been hard to keep motivation up with so much happening, but in these last 2 months the two Tour events will really help keep the focus. Once I stay healthy and injury free I'll be happy, and after Tour 1, I have a bit more focus on what I need to work on.
I don't think motivation will be an issue. It is a very tight team, with a lot of experience and talent who have often played together. We'll get each other going. Personally I really enjoy beach ultimate and the little differences that go with it so that will keep the motivation up. We have a really strong team, so the games are there for the taking. Though, given the accessibility of Italy, compared to Brazil in '07, I think the standard of opposition will be a lot higher. I think if we play smart but aggressively we can smash it up.Finally, got a joke for us?
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Interview 7: David Ferguson
April 10th
Hello Dave, congratulations on your selection! You're one of the first two Juniors to graduate up to the Open team. How does that feel?
Thanks Marko, It’s a privilege. I mentioned to Hogan that I thought that our generation was well represented at the trials and between some of the lads that made the mixed team I'm very proud of that 09 jersey. It wasn’t exactly the next logical step so I feel a little bit of pressure in that respect but it’s all positive... I also feel very lucky to be alongside the lads that I would have been looking up to and coached by when I started. I recall a certain final in UCD beginners which included Cian as well as myself and yourself, beggsey was also playing at the next one in the final again.
Since joining the team, and indeed as part of last year's DU team, you've garnered a reputation for your gung-ho attitude towards fitness. Describe an average week to us!
Fitness is one of those variables you can control, and I had a few regrets after Vienna on this front (despite doing all of the fitness), so got into it a bit more this year. Right now, I’m just doing the Ireland fitness and IV tournaments have just ended. Closer to Christmas it was more intense, now I’m going from the power phase to more specific speed anaerobic (I think!).
Since joining the team, and indeed as part of last year's DU team, you've garnered a reputation for your gung-ho attitude towards fitness. Describe an average week to us!
Fitness is one of those variables you can control, and I had a few regrets after Vienna on this front (despite doing all of the fitness), so got into it a bit more this year. Right now, I’m just doing the Ireland fitness and IV tournaments have just ended. Closer to Christmas it was more intense, now I’m going from the power phase to more specific speed anaerobic (I think!).
Monday would include Dublin ultimate training and general recovery after the weekend of whatever, Tuesday was leg weights and lower core (crunches and twists) increasing power, I worked hard on my jump, Wednesday was circuits and Trinity training, Thursday was cardio/aerobic, intervals on a bike or a HIIT, Friday morning was more core and strength. Another thing I enjoyed doing was running stadium steps, 45 steps, of 6 reps and 4 sets, good craic. I also Kept my endurance ticking over with the college commute(16k).
Is the 'Kaiser Room' real? If so, please explain what it is and how it works!
Of course it is, it’s a weights room in the Trinity gym, instead of the conventional stacks of weights in your average gym, the machines have compressed air. So when you lift them instead of gravity and momentum taking over you have a constant force. In other words when letting them down they don’t change. It’s also quieter up there, and if your lucky the women’s rowing team come in to show you up and double your max on all the machines, or not so lucky depending on your view of the women's rowing team.
How have you found the step up from Juniors to Open?
In terms of the opposition we encountered or training? Something of a parallel, training was all very new to me and I’d never really trained in a similar way such as we did in 09 and I recall needing to learn a lot of tactics and skills quickly. We played some high class teams in Vienna, notably the Germans & French.
Now, with regards to Open training, it is very demanding in a slightly different way, I’m familiar with the format and skills, but we now need constant concentration and intensity and that can be tougher to call upon sometimes. So difficult is the answer but I feel well-prepared after the interlude of last season, especially after DU. As for how in reach we’ll be of the opposition in EUC in comparison to Vienna, I really have no idea.
You began playing at 16 years old – something completely unheard of in my day! – and will have 5/6 years under your belt before leaving college. What’s that like?!
I had a shallower learning curve in the first couple of years, not playing outside much beyond pick-up, but I’m now enjoying more responsibility with Trinity than your average second year. I’m enjoying developing alongside some of the older players, beginners and those of varying abilities so I get the best of both worlds.
Despite this being your first year in the Open team, you've already played for Ireland twice. What were those two experiences like?
Two very different experiences, both I’ll cherish in different ways. I learned so much from Vienna, e.g. I thought playing 3 80 minute games in one day 4 the next then 2 100 minute then 1 then 2, was normal. I can say with confidence that I’ve never done something so tough in my life to date. In that way I’ll always enjoy playing with the lads from that set-up, we gave a few teams a run for their money, however with a little bit more experience of the sport we could have done more than that.
Florence was with the mixed team, and similarly, a very mixed week. Having not won any games during the week there were some problems with the structure of the squad (of which I won’t go into detail here) but it was a still good week for the all the players involved, everyone grew a lot. So I’m proud of what we as a unit achieved, I felt I preformed well. Thanks to the experience from Vienna I was mentally prepared.
Outside of Ultimate (gasp!), you used to be big into mountain biking. Do you still do any of that? (We won;t tell Niall/Cian).
Unfortunately not, that’s something which has been on my conscience for a while. The problem was that the clubs were very cliquey and when it comes to getting places with gear and bikes, not having reliable access to lifts around the country & riding spots and technical know-how, it starts to get complicated. Add that to the cost of racing and I started to get a little frustrated. I made a lot of friends on the race scene but the main thing it lacked over ultimate was the fact that I never really made the same mates that one did in a team sport.
What are you looking forward to most this summer?
The warm up tournaments, I gained the most from them this & last season. I think they’re basically Euc minus the pressure and that’s when I preform best so. Of course Euc is the big fish and that will be incredible, I’m very excited by the prospect of how much we can achieve there so that gets me through fitness. Not to mention the bants will be mighty...
The warm up tournaments, I gained the most from them this & last season. I think they’re basically Euc minus the pressure and that’s when I preform best so. Of course Euc is the big fish and that will be incredible, I’m very excited by the prospect of how much we can achieve there so that gets me through fitness. Not to mention the bants will be mighty...
Describe your ideal/perfect game in Slovenia.
Universe point, pulling for D, that’s when one finds out the most about themselves and their team mates - situations like that are designed to reveal, and I’d imagine that’s what will define the overall experience. D because the pressure is all on them, doesn’t really matter who against or where the game is in the tournament, if it’s the Swedes in the final, then all the sweeter. That’s what gets me through fitness also.
Last, but by no means least, tell us your finest joke please David.
A woman goes into a funeral home to make arrangements for her husband's funeral. She tells the director that she wants her husband to be buried in a dark blue suit. He asks, "Wouldn't it just be easier to bury him in the black suit that he's wearing?" But she insists that it must be a blue suit and gives him a blank check to buy one. When she comes back for the wake, she sees her husband in the coffin and he is wearing a beautiful blue suit.
A woman goes into a funeral home to make arrangements for her husband's funeral. She tells the director that she wants her husband to be buried in a dark blue suit. He asks, "Wouldn't it just be easier to bury him in the black suit that he's wearing?" But she insists that it must be a blue suit and gives him a blank check to buy one. When she comes back for the wake, she sees her husband in the coffin and he is wearing a beautiful blue suit.
She tells the director how much she loves the suit and asks how much it cost. He says, "Actually, it didn't cost anything. The funniest thing happened. As soon as you left, another corpse was brought in, this one wearing a blue suit. I noticed that they were about the same size, and asked the other widow if she would mind if her husband were buried in a black suit. She said that was fine with her. So I switched the heads."
Interview 6: Oisin Flanagan
April 8th
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Interview 6: Oisin Flanagan
April 8th
Hello Oisin. How are you? How was the trip to the States?
I'm good thanks, Washington DC was very enjoyable. I was there for an intensive course for work which was great. It was also a real novelty to be over there for St. Patrick’s Day. You'd think they are all trying to apply for an Irish visa they celebrate it so enthusiastically. However, with delicious fast food at every street corner, America is the wrong place to be if you are trying to get fit. The weekly fitness submission by email was key for motivation.
You must be one of the most capped players in the Irish Open team having played for Ireland in '00, '03 and '08. How have things changed in the decade since Heilbronn 2000?
Things have gotten incredibly more organised and competitive. There were very few on the earlier Irish teams who would still make the cut.
This year, having seen so many good young players at tournaments recently, I wasn't sure if I would make the Irish team. When there were 70 trying out for the national team, I knew it would be difficult. The national team setup is brilliant now and incredibly organised which really allows players to commit fully to the training and not worry about anything else, making playing on the team more compatible with having other commitments.
What are your best memories from each of the above Ireland campaigns?
In Germany 2000, I played mixed and the best memory was beating Brazil 15-13. Your first win on the national team is very special.
In France 2003, the best memory was leading Great Britain 7-5, although they went on to win, we learned that when we play well, we really have potential.
In Canada 2008, the best memory was getting voted the A-Game player by the other players. It really meant a lot to me.
Honestly though, what I enjoyed most were all the "dogfight" matches we were in, and being part of a team that gave all it had to give. I remember vividly in a close game against Austria in 2003, Dominick Smith, trailing his man by a metre but making a layout defensive block six foot in the air at the very back of the endzone. I was just thinking, wow, I've really just seen the definition of trying your hardest.
And, any regrets or bad memories?
My only real disappointment was never to win UK Student Nationals with UCD! We really had a great crew (with several internationals) and i knew we had a team good enough to compete with any of the UK Colleges; we just needed eligibility to compete. After 4 years trying to be allowed compete, we were eventually granted eligibility in my last year of College. We lost narrowly to Edinburgh in the quarter-final but maybe with an extra year or two at the tournament we could have done better.
I also thought the Irish team were good enough to qualify from our group in Worlds 2008 but things just didn't go our way narrowly. Luckily many of that team are back again for another crack of the whip. Bad memories - none really, in fact many of my best memories are from trips away with UCD and Irish teams.
You're playing a long time now (12 years!). Tell us about how you began and the early days of your playing career?
When I was about 15, I first saw a 60 second clip on Screensport (showing my age) of a match between USA and Sweden in a big stadium with a big crowd. I thought it was absolutely amazing. 3 years later during fresher’s week I saw a stand at UCD and joined immediately. The first training session was attended by me and one other person. There were only about 20 players in the country at that time and the sport was largely for foreign players while they were living in Ireland. The UCD club was barely alive.
I had initially thought of taking up hurling again in college, trying to re-live the glory days of my Dublin South Under-11 runner up medal, in which we beat Kilmacud Crokes in the playoff (Cian O' Morain's club). However, Ultimate was something new so I stuck with it. I soon loved it and was trying to get the club to grow from then on. We didn't even have a pitch to play on. I managed to drag Alan Murray, JD Coakley, John Staunton and, one year later (kicking and screaming), Mark Earley even joined. We had a motley crew and from there it grew. Initially the main goal of the year (as for most UCD students during their degree), was to beat Trinity in the Colours match, which we did. Soon after there was Irish intervarsities, Irish beginners tournaments, even the UCD Ultimate Black Tie Ball.
Since then the sport has grown, this is shown by the number of new faces at every tournament. I think the crucial point for Irish ultimate was developing domestic tournaments; first university, then club, then most recently secondary school level. It’s mostly been down to big effort by many organiers. Is exciting to think where the sport will be in another decade.
Who do you think had the greatest influence on you back then?
The first person was Brian MacDevitt; He got me to go to the Edinburgh Beginners Tournament in 1999. From the moment he said to his dad in the car "yes I have the tickets for the ferry", followed 20 minutes later, on arrival in Dun Laoghaire, by "I think i left the tickets at home", that tournament was brilliant fun and after it I wanted to keep playing. The second person is Declan Moore, he was the first person I saw throwing score passes the length of the field and that was the standard I wanted to reach. He also really wanted Irish ultimate to progress.
Over the past 2-3 years you've been based in Cork. The Cork Ultimate scene is leading the way in terms of performance and recruiting at the moment. What do think of their set up?
If I can put myself in some potentially hot water for a moment, I think that Cork is in many ways the sporting homeland in Ireland. By this I mean that sport means more to the average person here than it does in any other part of Ireland. I am in awe of the Cork Ultimate setup at both college and club level. They recruit better than any other Irish club by far. The focus is on attendance and fairness. If you want to play on a team, you have to show regular attendance. To play higher level ultimate, you have to be invited and if your attendance or reliability is poor you may not be re-invited; I think that's the difference, people are happy to commit to attending when they know that others are too and that clearly means a lot. There is also a big emphasis on fitness here, which makes a big difference to the depth of the squad in terms of playing defence. Having seen 70 beginners at a UCC blitz earlier this year, I think it will take a huge effort from any other college in Ireland to knock them from their throne.
Irish Ultimate is expanding at an incredible rate. Where do you think the IFDA should be focusing?
It is expanding more rapidly than ever for sure which is great. Three areas to focus on are secondary schools, the media and hosting an international tournament.
Firstly, ultimate is a great sport for fitness, handling skills, co-ordination and agility, attributes which make it an excellent summer season sport for rugby, GAA and Soccer players, This is a real selling point to secondary school teachers and coaches as it will improve their players. Also, secondary students love school tours and also competing with other schools - in everything, so the chance to travel and compete at indoor and outdoor nationals is also a real draw for teenagers.
Secondly, the media will be important. Most Irish people are not aware of the sport. Its name is also not ideal as it doesn't explain that it was invented as a hybrid of basketball, soccer and American football but with a frisbee which vastly increased the skill requirement. We would also probably benefit from something like a one minute TV piece on RTE news showing our national teams. That would do a lot. Minority sports like tag rugby and triathlon running have had huge recent growth in Ireland. We can do the same.
Thirdly, although our bid to host the European Championships this year was unsuccessful, we could look to host a weekend long international tournament for maybe 4 to 6 teams, it would be great for showcasing the sport and for bringing on young players outside of the major tournaments which only happen every two years.
Finally, got a joke for us?
Paddy and Seamus landed themselves a job at the local sawmill. Just before morning tea Paddy yelped, "Seamus, I've lost me bleedin finger!!!"
"Have you now?" says Seamus, "And how did you do it?""Well, I just touched this big spinning thing here like thi...Ah Jaysus! there goes another one!!!"
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April 5th
Welcome to the Ireland set up, a first for you. You must be happy to have made the squad?
Yeah delighted to have made the team, it came as a big surprise to me to be honest but i was really happy to get the nod and very proud to be part of this exciting team.
What were your thoughts after the trials?
Impressed, the two lads did a great job of running the weekend. It seemed like alot of effort and time went into the organisation of it and it was very easy to be part of. I didn't have a great first day, and I was feeling pretty crap on the sat night. But I think I got myself together for the second day and put in a good effort. It really tested me physically and mentally but I really enjoyed myself.
Now that there have been a few training weekends, how are you feeling?
Now that there have been a few training weekends, how are you feeling?
Feeling good, I am fitter than I was before trials, probably a better player after the two weekends and Monday nights with Dub. Learning loads but more to come. Really enjoy the banter with the lads, I knew most of the lads from playing the odd tournament here and there. But its nice getting to know them a bit more.
Obviously the standard of players at Ireland training is very high. Who has impressed you and in what way?
Obviously the standard of players at Ireland training is very high. Who has impressed you and in what way?
Rory has been a stand out player for me in the two sessions, his commitment and skills are awesome and I think he is leading the line. Padraig is ripping everything out of the air and Ferg is showing outrageous athleticism. I cant wait to start seeing more from Niall and Mavis its great to learn from them sort of players.
We haven't seen much of you over the past couple of years. What have you been up to?
We haven't seen much of you over the past couple of years. What have you been up to?
I was playing GAA, I have a huge passion for the game and I was very committed to playing in 2009/2010. I was trying to get a call for a Dublin session and I was really focused on that. However I got frustrated with my Club team and decided to take time out and try ultimate.
In 2008 you were one of the success stories of the first ever Ireland GUTS team. Tell us about that experience.
In 2008 you were one of the success stories of the first ever Ireland GUTS team. Tell us about that experience.
GUTS was great, I had so much fun in Vancouver. Its a very hard game to play and some of them guys throw the disc fast, but once you have big NUTS your fine. I think we could have done a bit better with a bit more training and there is a great picture of us playing Japan and we are leading 5-2, good times. (We lost 21-5, ha ha)
Do you think GUTS will be an area in which you'll be involved again?
Do you think GUTS will be an area in which you'll be involved again?
Definitely, when I am too old to run but still haves the guns I will be back playing. I think its a great
game and its great fun to play and watch. It has moments of unbelievable skill too.
What are you looking forward to most this summer?
Playing mostly, having the craic with the Lads (Not Brian Mac), really looking forward to Bruges. It will be my first tournament abroad for Ultimate, Euros is going to be great, Playing at the highest level in any sport is special and Euros is going to be special.
Are there any teams you particularly want to play against? Why?
Are there any teams you particularly want to play against? Why?
Every team is going to bring something different so I don't mind who we play, I suppose meeting Peter Sandin would be good or playing against the old enemy always throws up a bit of spice.
If everything goes exactly to plan, what would your ideal week in Slovenia look like?
If everything goes exactly to plan, what would your ideal week in Slovenia look like?
Not really sure what to expect from Slovenia, I suppose winning loads of games would be deadly, making new friends and having fun.
And last but not least, got a joke for us?
And last but not least, got a joke for us?
Why does Noddy where a bell on his hat???
'Cause he's a ****
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Interview 4: Sam Mehigan
March 7th
Congratulations on making the team. You must be pleased…
I am, I've been trying to make the Ireland open team since late 2007. I tried out for the WUGC team in 08 but I wasn't fit enough or fast enough to play D line or as a cutter and I wasn't experienced enough or skilled enough to play O line handler. Similar disappointment when I tried out for the 8 nations team in 09, the feedback I got on this was purely about athleticism so I think it was one of the catalysts that helped motivate me to get into shape. I spent a lot of last year working for various teams like Dub or the u23s, all with the eventual goal in the back of my mind of making the EUC team. It's been a long road for me to get here so I was pretty relieved to finally get the call from Niall.
The trials didn't go ideally for you. What happened?
I pulled my glute about 10 minutes before the trial started. Pretty annoying considering I had spent 3 months making sure I was in good shape and taking care of any injuries I might have felt coming on and anything that had gone wrong in the past. It happened when I was throwing a backhand and I still have no idea why. I could only really run at 80% so didn't play the first day. I still didn't feel great the next day but Cian saying "you really need to play today" meant I wasn't able to rely on previous experience getting me through. I periodically freeze sprayed my ass throughout the day and thankfully I was able to keep up.
Last year was a big year for you, with World Clubs and then Florence. What did you make of the DU experience as a whole?
Dub starting up last year was without doubt the biggest contribution to my game last year. In previous years the best players would go off together and get better while the rest of us rotted away. Dub opened up elite level training to everyone interested and allowed anyone to come to tournaments. I spoke with Robin at the end of the season and he agreed that it meant that players like us with potential but without much track record could finally get a chance to flourish. Seemed to work out well for the two of us anyway.
Which teams impressed you most over the course of last season?
Clapingham were pretty impressive, they have a lot of athletic talent and smart playing systems, assuming they make up a decent chunk of the GB team they'll be tough to beat. Ragnarok were pretty good, but not good enough evidently. EMO stood out the most to me. Losing to them at both tours was pretty annoying considering they didn't seem to be all that strong, taught us a thing or two about aggression though, hopefully this year we can stand up them and send some aggro back.
And, at WUCC itself?
Obviously the American teams were impressive, big squads of tall fast guys who can throw are always good to watch. Buzz Bullets were the best to watch though, highlights galore with them. From a European point of view I didn't get to see a whole lot of top end European teams play, the ones that stood out the most were Freespeed. Between themselves and FAB I reckon they could make a proper go of Euros this year.
Florence was very different to Prague in lots of ways. What are your abiding memories of the week?
Blown opportunities mainly. We suffered due to heat but mainly we didn't perform well in the close games. The Canadians and Aussies spanked us as we expected but we lost to Austria, Finland and Russia, all of whom we were either tied with, or beating but couldn't close out. The Russian game hurt the most, we conceded about 5 straight to finish the game 14-12. Realised then that losing in an Ireland shirt hurts a lot more since you don't get a chance to play teams again and make up for losses.
This season you’ve decided to opt out of varsity tournaments with Trinity. Why’s that?
Every year since starting college IVs has dominated my life for the months leading up to the tourney. Half a dozen weekends away, 3-4 trainings a week, being able to think of little else until it's over, I decided to try and take academia seriously for my finals. People have told me it's cause I think I'm too good for it, or that it's cause we were unlikely to win anything UCC still going strong, but I had decided to not play this year long before I started getting any accolades or before UCC were really hammering us. I'm happy with my 3 varsity titles for my college career.
What are you looking forward to most over the next few months?
Hopefully getting to see us become a well oiled machine, there's few things as cool as seeing a team able to march up a pitch at will, and stop a team from being able to string 2 passes together. Also this team has a lot of craic together (especially when BB is around with the lads) so team socials should be a lot of fun.
Obviously there’s a lot of tough training ahead, how do you plan on dealing with it?
I went into the trials having done a lot of fitness so I'm managing pretty well at the moment. Once my exams are over and I can sign on I should hopefully have enough free time to make sure I'm in the best possible condition come EUC.
You’re consistently able to get in shape come important tournaments. What advice would you give to players looking to do likewise?
I've found that negative things are a good initial motivator (eg. not getting picked for a particular team) but not very good at sustaining motivation. Positive results I've found are the best thing for maintaining effort levels. Playing better or running faster/longer feels much better than failing feels bad so I recommend going all out for the first couple of weeks of a training regime to maximise the initial improvement, then try to keep it up. The ability to do things better I found was a much better motivation than not being able to do things. So the bottom line would be to start training hard, then the rest follows much easier.
Being one of the junior members of the team, and a new cap, to whom will you be looking for advice this year?
I think Brian has the most to offer me personally, we generally play the same position and in a reasonably similar style, and he's been on every Ireland team that there's been so has plenty of knowledge. Hopefully I can learn some stuff from him that'll help us win some games. Mavis too obviously has been playing at a higher level than any of us for the last couple of years so he'll be a pretty good source of tactics.
If all goes perfectly to plan, what role would you like to have on the team?
The role I'd like? Deep receiver on the O line. The role I'd like that I have a sniff of getting would be O line handler, it's what I played at tour, Prague and for most of Florence so I think it's what suits me the most. I do like playing D on handlers, especially with the defensive systems that we'll be playing this year so if I can get my stuff together maybe I could be of use on the D line too.
What do you think the team can achieve this season?
I think we have a stronger team than in 07, a lot of the same players are back but with 4 years more experience and we have a lot of new athletic players that weren't there before, the likes of Ferg, Pman, Brian and Cian should help us be more competitive with the bigger teams so I think we should be aiming for a medal. If that doesn't work out then I hope we can walk away without the same regrets I have from Florence.
In terms of team goals and personal goals, what have you set down?
With regards the team I think cohesion should be our main focus, we have loads of strong players so if we can all give each other enough faith to win us games we should do well. Personally my main focus is improving my speed and endurance. I made a lot of head road last year but I'm still a long way behind the pack.
You’ve been part of the Juniors management set up in previous years, it must be satisfying to see that work come into fruition with 2 of the lads on the panel. Who else do you think might make the step up in future?
Obviously I think a lot of the Mary's guys I coached so I wasn't at all surprised to see Hogi on the team. I would have liked to see a few more at the trials like Tuffy and Finn so hopefully they'll be pushing for spots next time round.
I switched my Mum's bed with a trampoline last week. She hit the roof when she found out.
Finally, tell us a joke.
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Interview 3: Brian O'Callaghan
March 2nd
Welcome to the Ireland Open team Brian! This will be your first time playing for Ireland, what does that mean to you?
Thanks Mark, glad to be here. I hadn't given much thought to it being my first time to be honest. I don't associate huge significance with it in that sense, I'm just proud to be playing for my country and I think if the opportunity arises again in the future, I'll be as equally honoured to be involved.
Last year was a good year for you, capped off with the IFDA Player of the Year Award. Tell us about the season from a personal point of view and a club point of view.
At the beginning of the season I didn't really have any great aspirations for club specifically other than the generic hope that we'd be successful. Personally though, I did make one major decision which was to make Ultimate my preferred sport. With this in mind I committed myself to improving my throws and to expanding my knowledge tactically.
By the end of the season, I had found myself being a part of Cork's most successful year both in club and in Uni Ultimate. I think I developed significantly as a player and as captain over the year, but I also know that the accolades I received over the course of the year would not have happened without my teammates.
The development of Ultimate in Cork over the past few seasons has been sustained and impressive. What do you put this down to?
Many things are important to this success, but for me the key one has been the recruiting. Over the last few years, the UCC lads have done a fantastic job of recruiting new players and I believe a major turning point was when the club managed to recruit a significant number of girls as this enticed more guys to stay on. This dramatic expansion of the club resulted in two things; Ultimate was viewed less and less as an 'alternative' sport so even more people joined, and these increased numbers led to more natural athletes playing Ultimate.
What do you think the next big challenge for Ultimate in Cork is?
Most will have their own perception of this, but for me it's developing the Mixed Division at a club level. Cork is now in a position where there are enough girls interested to hold a Mixed practice during the school year, so this is something I hope we will progress with. Another milestone which we need to achieve is getting directly involved with the IFDA committee. I'd love to see a Cork person in the driving seat in the next year or two. Over the years very few Cork-based players have made the national teams, do you think this is beginning to change?
Well to be fair, I think very few have tried out for national teams in the past but those who have gone to trials, have made it. But yes, this is definitely changing and as Ultimate in Cork continues its growth at club level, with more non-Uni players involved each year, I hope to see dramatic increases in Cork people playing internationally.
You're a very keen Mixed Ultimate player and had originally signaled your intention to play Mixed this season. Did anything in specific change your mind?
Essentially what persuaded me to play Open was the professionalism with which Niall and Cian carried out the trial. Originally, I was only going along out of interest to the trial just to see what the standard of players was like and then later (after caving to some peer pressure) I decided to take part as well. I`m pretty happy I did too.
What are you looking forward to most about this summer?
What are you hoping to bring to the team?
Although many of those who know me will laugh at this, I'd like to think that I will bring a positive attitude to the team. It won't be a sugar-coated form of positivity by any means but I won't let my teammates drop their heads and give up. I disdain losing and I'll do what it takes to win.
Finally, what would make you deem this international season as a successful one?
Being the optimist that I am, winning Euro's is not outside the realm of possibility. There's still a good deal of time before Slovenia for all of us on the team to hone our skills, fitness, on-field intelligence etc and really turn some Continental heads. Secondary to taking gold, if everyone on the team flies home in August without a feeling of letting their teammates down, that to me is a successful season.
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Interview 2: Rob Kiely
February 25th
Congratulations on making the Ireland Open team 2011. You must feel pretty chuffed?
Yeah, it's an unbelievable honour to be selected for Ireland. Having an Irish jersey is something that's motivated me since experiencing the national euphoria around Italia '90. It's pretty amazing to get to realise ambitions like that and have the opportunity to play under the tricolour. I've been lucky enough to play for Ireland at a few championships now and I'm loving being back in the thick of it.
This year has seen the closest fight for places on the squad in my memory. Were you confident all along?
There's no doubt the level was higher this year than ever before, and by a long margin. I was delighted to see such quality at the trials, even if that meant I wasn't going to get picked. I suppose you have to prepare yourself as best you can and hope that the selectors see your commitment, focus, determination, team ethic and skills all at the same time. I think all of the older guys had reason to doubt their place and that's a really important competitive edge to have from day one.
The squad is a good mixture of experience and of youth with a couple of Juniors from the last 2 years making the cut. What do you think of Ireland's expansion into the Junior division?
Its something that really needed to happen. The more we relied on colleges for players, the faster we were being losing out to bigger nations. Not only does it mean that our player pool is so much bigger now than before, but it means that the guys getting their first caps are already way more experienced than the equivalent players were back in 2003 & 2004. I think the new caps can be an inspiration to other players that you can cut the grade even before hitting 20, if you put in the hard yards.
It's also a very large squad. Being a player who's experienced many squad sizes (22 with the EUC Open team in 2007 to ironman with Ireland Beach), how do you think the set up this year is going to manage so many players?
At our first training weekend in Dublin a few weeks back, we were down to 14 fit players, which made our training game pretty difficult! Hopefully we'll all get the benefit of our fitness & strength work so we get as close to 24 men fit & healthy for the season. We'd love to avoid injuries but some are unavoidable and with the larger squad, we can give 100% to everything we do, full of confidence in our teammates to come in and do the same point after point all week long.
At this stage you're one of the senior players having played on the 04 team, the 07 team and co- captained the team in 08. Does that mean more responsibility to you?
I don't think so. With our clubs/colleges setup almost everyone on the team is a leader/captain of some sort. I think its really important that with so many leaders in our ranks that we focus on our individual goals and let Niall & Cian do the leading. Obviously the experience helps and we're really lucky to have so many capped players on the squad with the splash of youth and new blood.
In all those years, which games stick out in your memory and why?
Captaining the D-line at WUGC 2008 was both an honour and a real personal highlight.
Beating Russia 15-14 at WUGC 2004 was a real turning point for Ireland Open because we'd never beaten a team who were at a similar level to us. Seeing the same set play work 3 times in a row was pretty sweet as well. "Right off the training ground!"
I think anyone who played against Denmark in EUC 2007 is hoping that we can reach those heights again. We went toe-to-toe with the 3rd seeded team in Europe and matched them for speed, effort, intensity and spirit. I've never been part of a better contested game. 19-18, sudden death win and a real advertisement for our sport.
Looking ahead, at the season as a whole, what are you most excited about?
Wearing the Irish jersey again. I won't pull it on until the minute before the first game starts and I won't trade it for the world. It's an unbelievable feeling to own that shirt and have it to keep forever.
Are there any players in the team you're particularly excited to play alongside?
Really looking forward to playing with the guys I haven't played with before – Fergus, Brian, Hogi, Adam, Dave Ferguson, Beggsey and The Mighty Quinn. Also, really excited for all the lads getting their first caps. They'll do the jersey proud.
And finally, all going well, what do you hope the team can get out of the season?
Give it 100%. Realise our potential. Do the jersey proud.
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Interview 1: Niall Harbourne
February 10th
First off, how does it feel to be the Irish Open captain?
Obviously it’s something I’m very proud of but I’ll try not to let it weigh heavily on my shoulders at all. I'm just really looking forward to getting the squad together and get the season under way properly. I'll be earning my 4th Open cap during the summer so I'm certainly not lacking the necessary experience and not exactly a whipper snapper at the ripe old age of 26!
The trials this year were commonly viewed as some of the most thorough we've seen here in Ireland with a lot of time and effort going into them. Tell us about the whole process.
As much as I'd love to take all the plaudits for this Cian was heavily involved in the planning (and re-planning, thank you very much snow!) of the trial. To be honest there is no big secret in what we did and I guess as you went through, or observed, the process it became very obvious what we had done. We decided on what skills we wanted to look at, how we thought best to observe these and put strict timings in place to make sure we got a good balanced look at each player in each section. We also looked at how players transferred these skills to game play. I think the success really came down to the forward planning that was put into it, having enough people on the day to help out (thank you Chris, Dara & Dave) and making sure we kept to our timings.
Picking the squad can't have been easy. What way did you go about it?
Like I said at the trial, I was really pleased with people's attitude and how they applied themselves the whole way through the weekend. Unfortunately this made the job of selecting the team all the more difficult. Without going into too much detail we looked at picking a set number of the people who performed best based on our selection criteria, and then looked at players who would perform more specific jobs for the team.
In your experience, what's the most important part of an 'international year' in terms of a player's approach to it?
Buying into the team and getting to know your team-mates as best you can. If you really nail that one everything else will follow. Your fitness will get easier, missing that birthday party/festival becomes less of a big deal because you know that everyone else on the team is putting part of their life on hold to push through for you. The list goes on!
The last time Ireland played was in Vancouver at WUGC where we had a tough time of it. Why do you think that was?
That's a really tough one. I felt we prepared well and the team spirit was great. In our last warm up tournament we put in a few solid performances against familiar opposition. I guess we came up against some things during the week that we weren’t ready for and it certainly affected our performance. The experience we lost from the team in ‘07 was definitely a factor too; going down the final stretch in those tight games we certainly had a few players that had never been in games of that nature.
Looking at the age demographic of the team, would you expect a lot of these players to be coming back next season for Worlds?
Absolutely, there's a good mix of youth and experience in the team. As the years go on I'd certainly like to think we are adapting and getting better at looking after ourselves and prolonging our playing careers. It's only one more year sure!
For the first time in it's short Ultimate history, Ireland made a bid for a major competition this year. Were you disappointed to see that bid fail?
Yes and no! It would have been amazing for the IFDA and the sport in Ireland if the bid was successful and I would have definitely helped out wherever necessary/wanted if it had been. That said, from a completely selfish point of view I do like travelling to major tournaments and a bit of the buzz may have been lost if it was staged in Dublin.
Finally, what would be the ideal end to this long season ahead for both you personally, and for the team?
Personally I just want to keep learning and be a better player at the end of the season than I am now. There are some exciting new players that I haven't the chance to play with before and am really looking forward to it. There's also a few guys that I can't wait to get back playing with.
The ideal end to the season for the team would be if we achieve the goals that will be laid down in the coming weeks. I couldn't really argue with a gold medal either!
Thanks for your time Niall. Good luck!