1. Can you remember much about your debut and first goal/goals for the town first eleven?

My first game for the 1^St XI was when I was 16, against Banbridge in September 1989. The match was played at Bann, Castlewellan Road and the atmosphere was electric. They had a great team with 'Minto' and McGladdery among their stars. I can still remember how hostile the crowd was, as I had never played in front of anything like it before, and as for the game well it was even worse! I can tell you, you grew up fast when being marked by Minto. We defended like crazy for 65 minutes and then just before the end Pepe Barrett smashed the ball across the circle from the sideline. Everyone missed it and it landed squarely on my stick. I remember flicking it into the corner past their keeper Carson. It honestly was like slow motion. Our players went ballistic and I ended up on the bottom of about 10 players, maybe even a few supporters. Anyway we held out and won the match 1-0. It was a great day all round because I had scored 5 in the morning for the school 1^st XI and then scored the winner against Bann in the afternoon.


2. You captained one of the best Burney Cup wining teams and you also scored a memorable goal how did that compare to winning the Kirk Cup last year?

I really enjoyed my school hockey and was very lucky to play and captain a fantastic team in my final year. Mr. Ferguson was great with us because he knew exactly how to get us motivated and when to just let us play. Paul Barrett, Philip Barbour and my brother Michael all played in that team and at that time I don't think there were any better schoolboys anywhere in Ireland and so it was a real honour to captain such a talented side. The winning of the Burney Cup was great because it ended my school hockey on a real high and to score only added to the occasion. The winning of the Kirk Cup last year was such a great experience because we have been trying for so many years and having played for the firsts for 15 years, it was the first trophy I've lifted. The team spirit was great and was just such a fantastic day. I don't know which meant more but certainly the Kirk Cup was a real highlight.


3. Who is the best player you have played with/against?

I have been very lucky to have played with some fantastic players for Loughborough, Cannock and Cookstown. While at Loughborough, in my final year we won the BUSA championship and we had a very talented team with 6 GB internationals among the 1^st. Of those Duncan Woods particularly stood out as something special. I was at Cannock for 3 years and we always finished in the top 2 of the top English division. The team was full of internationals but Ben Sharpe and Chris Mayer were two players who really stood out. For Cookstown, when I first started Geoff Hamilton was at his peak and on his day he would have to be one of the top players. Paul Barrett was another who, only for injury, would have become a seasoned international. Currently I play alongside Andrew Barbour and he would be one of the best players I ever played with. However the best of everyone mentioned has to be Martin Sloan. He didn't always play well, contrary to belief, but sometimes he produced displays that were simply beautiful to watch. We played together for the Club and Ulster and on several occasions, against top class opposition, he won the game all on his own.

The best players I have ever played against were Jimmy Kirkwood and John Shaw. They both redefined the term 'body-swerve'


4. Who has influenced you most in your Hockey career?

Alan Ferguson at school had a very big influence as he knew how to get the best out of me for important games. When I was starting to play for the club Kenny Crooks was the one who took the chance on me for the firsts and has been a great support throughout my hockey career ever since. Obviously Marty because he was setting the standards which we were all trying to reach. My brother Michael has probably had the biggest influence because initially of the competition when we were younger (he was very annoyingly always getting selected for every junior Irish team years early) and later because I saw how such a talented player could be struck down with injury. It makes me appreciate simply being able to play and enjoy it.


5. Who was a better player at school you or Michael?

We were very different players, Michael played using his head and he also had great pace. I believed in full out attack and sometimes as we know this isn't the best option.

Suppose it's a bit like Best or Pele!! Ok maybe not then. It's a real Saturday night question and let's just say we have different opinions!


6. You played under Olympian and present GB coach Jason Lee at University, how much did you learn and are you too old for a call up?

Jason Lee (Leeboy) was part of our BUSA winning team. He is a very good friend and although he has been to two Olympics, he would admit that he wasn't a touch on Duncan Woods. Leeboy however was a great coach and even at a young age he had a real talent for analyzing games differently to anyone else. He improved my hockey enormously, even introduced the passing concept to me although that wasn't really accepted! Overall it's no surprise he is the new GB coach as many of my friends and I who played with him predicted it several years ago. He is by a long way the best coach I have ever had. Regarding a call up, I know Leeboy very well and as a result have many stories involving him and nights out. I haven't ruled out blackmail completely!


7. Your business takes you around the world, out of all the countries you have visited which one is your favourite?

With work I am fortunate to have seen quite a few excellent countries across the world but I have been to some grim places as well. My favourite country is Italy, don't really know why just love the atmosphere. The worst place is the Philippines. Just don't go there unless it's under the pain of death and even then think twice. Did you know that the word Kidnap transcends all language barriers.


8. What is your favorite film?

Godfather II and It's a Wonderful Life.


9. Who is going to win the Rugby World Cup?

France, too fast and skillful.

Bit like myself there come to think about it!


10. If you could have a conversation with anybody who would it be?

Aryton Senna and Winston Churchill.

Senna was without doubt, and there's no argument by the way, the coolest man ever to have walked the planet. Churchill because he was important for some reason about 60 years ago.


11. Could you still beat Andy Barbour at a set of shuttles?

No problem, the bookies wouldn't even take bets. Roll up!  Roll up! get your ass whipped!! Andy’s heard that several times!