Five Minutes with… Cavan’s Geraldine Sheridan

Name: Geraldine Sheridan.

Age: 26.

Occupation: Post primary music teacher.

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Teams played for: Mullahoran, DCU, Mater Dei and Cavan.
Game you most enjoyed playing in?
This year’s championship game v Killygarry. We came back to win by one after being 11 points down. It was only from chatting to people after it we realised it was a really entertaining game.

Game you least enjoyed playing in?

I still haven’t gotten over an extra-time defeat in the PPS All Ireland A Junior semi-final v Loreto, Omagh in 2008. So many chances missed!

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

The back pitch of Breffni when it’s freshly sanded.

Toughest training session you’ve ever been involved in?

Any training with pressure cookers or tackling squares. (Especially when James Daly is in charge of the time!)

What’s your preferred brand of gear?

Murphy’s gloves, Adidas boots and Nike for everyday sportswear.

Most inspirational individual you’ve ever met?

I’d give this one to both my parents. Nothing phases them and they put their daughters to shame! Always active, doing jobs while also making time to support us up and down the country.

Where do you like to go to celebrate?
Micsín’s in Kilcogy has hosted quite a few Mullahoran ‘celebrations’ (although the best two nights we had, we had lost championship finals). For the county, Imperial is the spot.

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

I enjoy baking (my new found talent…like everyone else over lockdown) and also playing music.

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

Angela from The US Office as I share a love for cats (crazy cat ladies).

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

Shannen McLaughlin (Louth) – we could do with a reunion with the Mullahoran ladies as we are overdue one.

Which team mate is the worst dancer?

Aish Sheridan’s (my sister). Tik-Tok dancing claims this one.

Which team mate is the loudest in the changing room?

When Donna English laughs. Even if you haven’t heard the joke, you’re laughing with her.

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

NFL game v Clare, I was helping to tie Aisling Doonan’s lace in the dressing rooms at half time when the second half started without her. There was a massive scramble to get her on the pitch. But let’s just say in true Doo’s style, she timed it perfectly.

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

The late last minute texts on a wet/cold night that ‘someone is away’ – (a few have used this one over the years).

Biggest ego?

No one comes to mind for this one – all well grounded gals.

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

Depending on your own mood – Racheal Doonan for either. Full of chats so no time for a nap and can easily influence you to do some online shopping.

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

Aishling Sheridan ticks the box again here. Great for getting an early night but be prepared to rise early, doesn’t know how to have a lie in.

Who has the best diet, and who has the worst?

Micheal Lee, our county physio, never allows anyone to have a good diet with all the jellies and sweets he has pre-game and at training.

Toughest opponent you have played against?

The goal posts (I could do with them being wider most games) and county/clubmate Sheila Reilly.

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

Best quote was Brian Donohoe’s reference in the NFL semi-final warm-up to be like Maura Higgins – “go out and get what you want.”

Best manager you have played for?

Aiden McCabe.

What frustrates you most about the GAA?

For me the most frustrating thing about the GAA is the lack of big game venues lady footballers have had to put up with. Thankfully it is slowly changing and attitudes are changing too.

What’s the best thing about being part of the GAA?
The community spirit, pride and togetherness it brings to a parish. Along with the social aspect and friends you make.