Five minutes with… Jennifer Duffy

Name: Jennifer Duffy

Age: 19

Occupation: PE and Maths student teacher

Teams played for:

Clontibret, O’Neill Shamrocks, Monaghan

Game you most enjoyed playing in?

The 2019 All-Ireland Minor semi-final against Meath. The buzz aro5und the game was immense, we were never expected to get out of Ulster never mind playing in an All-Ireland semi-final. The tag of underdogs gave us all the drive to go out and play out of our socks, which everyone on the pitch definitely did.

Game you least enjoyed playing in?

It has to be the Galway game this year in the championship. I think the least said the better.

What’s the worst pitch you’ve ever played on?

Concra in ’Blayney. It’s more of a hill than a pitch.

Toughest training session you’ve ever been involved in?

Any pre-season training involving Aide Little is dreadful!

What’s your preferred brand of gear?

Nike/O’Neill’s

Most inspirational individual you’ve ever met?

Not that I’d let her know, but probably would have to say my sister Mary. If I could go through half of the treatments she has and to come back to play, I’d be doing well.

Where do you like to go out to celebrate?

Can’t beat Atkinson’s Bar and Hughies for a team night out, or Comet Bar in ’Blayney. A few of the minor girls know the scenes that go on around that place.

What do you like to do when you are not training/playing?

Anyone that knows me knows that I’ve a bit of an addiction to impulsive online shopping, so I’d have to go for that.

Which character in any film/TV show are you most like?

Bugs Bunny. I’m outgoing, always snacking. I couldn’t go a minute without a munch and can talk my way out of anything.

Which team mates (From any club/county) are the first you’d invite on a night out?

It would have to be Muireann Aktinson. She’s great for the craic as well as a few ballads along the way and Shannon McLaughlin (Donegal). She’d bring the party.

Which teammate is the worst dancer?

Couldn’t think of anyone individually. We’re all guilty of throwing shapes on a night out. Safe to say it’s a good job we aren’t a dance group or we wouldn’t get too far.

Which teammate is the loudest in the changing room?

Usually I would be the one found guilty of this but definitely Therese McNally. She is always good to rile you up before a match too.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen happen in training/during a match?

With Noleen McGuirk around you’re liable for anything to happen, but her most comical moment has to be when she got caught in the nets in a Westmeath game. Video to follow.

What’s the worst excuse you’ve heard to get out of training and who did it come from?

Any last-minute ‘I can’t go anymore’ text when you know rightly it’s just because it’s too cold or raining.

Biggest ego?

Shauna Coyle……

Worst/best person to sit next to on the team bus?

Chloe McBride always has plenty of craic and gossip but when it’s time to focus she’ll want to get into the zone.

Worst/best person to share a room with on away days?

Best: probably any of my clubmates. They know me well enough to deal with me and don’t mind the loud early morning rise.

Worst: would hands down be the Garland twins. If they weren’t bickering at each other they’d be running round the corridors like lunatics. You wouldn’t get an ounce of sleep.

Who has the best diet, and who has the worst, and what do they consist of?

Niamh Kerr is great woman for the cooking and the healthy buzz so I’d have to say her.

Couldn’t pinpoint anyone for the worst, we are pretty much all clued in at this stage.

Toughest opponent you have played against?

Aisling Moloney, not that she needs anymore recognition for that but she’s definitely up there, you would know what she’d do next.

Best or worst quote you have heard from a team mate/opponent/manager?

Success doesn’t come looking for you, you have to go out and earn it.

Best manager you have played for?

Couldn’t go past Tony Graham. The man lives for the GAA.

What frustrates you most about the GAA?

Before this year it would have had to be the lack of recognition for Ladies football but, thankfully, it’s starting to go in the right direction now.

What is the best thing about being part of the GAA?

The feeling of belonging and community when you’re on a team. Knowing you have a role to do and the feeling of accomplishment when you complete it.

Especially the ‘more experienced’ (older) girls on the team who are always pushing you on and believing in you is the best part about being part of GAA.