How did you start off in the game?
I started playing with St Joseph’s Boys schoolboys team. I then signed for Billy Young at Bohemians and stayed there for seven years.
Did you enjoy your time at Bohs?
Yes even though we never won much. We got to a few finals but I think I ended up with three runner-up medals.
How did you join Dundalk?
Bohs released me in 1985 and Turlough asked me to link up with him.
What were your first impressions of Dundalk?
It was difficult for an outsider to come into a club like Dundalk. But the people were really nice and it was a great club to play for. Some of the people up there were really great like Mickey Fox and Tommy Connolly.
You had nine years at the club during which you played a left back, left midfield, centre-back, centre midfield, right midfield….what was your preferred position?
I suppose it was left midfield. But I was happy to get a game in any position considering the players we had. I mean I would have loved to have played at left back but there was not much chance of dislodging Martin Lawlor from that position! He was fantastic left back. Same with Barry Kehoe on the left side of midfield.
So did you not find it frustrating to be known as a “utility” man and not be able to command a regular starting place?
Not really. It would have been different if I didn’t get my place ahead of some lad with two left feet or something. But we had such good players at Dundalk and in particular in my position. I knew my limitations and that there was better players in front of me.
Was there a competitive atmosphere in the dressing room?
We had a lot of experienced players who had success before they came to Dundalk. So they did not like to settle for second best. We were all very hungry for success and did not accept second best.
You actually did play a huge part in the Double winning season. In particular, you received a late call up to play St Pats in the deciding league game…
It was a funny situation. That night I was sitting having a cup of tea and a biscuit with Mickey Fox. Barry pulled a muscle in the warm up and Tommy Connolly told me to get ready. It was a great experience to win the double. I remember going through the town in an open top bus and it was fantastic. There is a lot more appreciation when you win the league in a town like Dundalk. You wouldn’t see that with Bohs or other club’s that just take it for granted.
You were an ever present in the 1990/91 league success on the left of midfield. Was that your best period with the club?
I’d agree with that. But by then I was having trouble with my knees and my back. It was very frustrating as a lot of my game was doing a lot of the work that allowed the more flair players to do their thing. I wasn’t like lads like Larry or Murrayer… somebody had to be the workhorse of the team and that was me!
You cropped up with quite a few goals that season too…
Yes that season probably sticks out more for me than 1988. The game down in Turner’s Cross on the last day was unforgettable.
How did you find working under Turlough O’Connor?
He was very good. I appreciated the way that he was always honest with you. If he had something to say he would say it to your face.
Are you still involved in football today?
Yes I am back where I started at St Joseph’s Boys. I had a good career and I wanted to put something back in. There are plenty of parents who just turn up and give out but I prefer to do something more positive. I find it very enjoyable.
