Five Minutes With…. Armagh’s Anna Carr

Name: Anna Carr.
Age: 24.

Occupation: Designate supervisor, Lyna’s Food Outlet.

Teams played for: Carrickcruppen and Armagh Ladies.

Game you most enjoyed playing in?

For club, I would have to say the Senior County final in 2018 against Clann Eireann. We had a very strong performance and came away with a two-point win with a little help from a penalty save. For the county it would be the 2019 All-Ireland Senior Ladies Championship round robin game against Cork. I think any time you come up against a team that has had the success of Cork Ladies over the last 10 years would be special but it was even better to get a one-point win.

Game you least enjoyed playing in?

This year’s county final against Armagh Harps. Bad day at the office.

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

College Fields in Armagh. I left my ankle ligaments on that pitch a few years back.

The best pitch would have to be the new Armagh Ladies HQ, McKeever Park. It’s a phenomenal surface.

Toughest training session you’ve ever been involved in?

Hard to say just one, as a goalkeeper anytime I see the long-distance cones I know it is going to be a hard night. I think, though, it would have to be my first session back with the girls when I moved home from Liverpool. I’m going to use the excuse that they all had a few weeks training ahead of me!

What’s your preferred brand of gear?

Precision! 100 percent best gloves out there, especially for Gaelic keepers.

Most inspirational individual you’ve ever met?

I think footballing wise I can’t look past Caroline O’Hanlon. She has been consistently one of the best players I have ever seen play the sport. Away from football, I would have to say my mum and my sister Sarah. My mum has travelled up and down the country being my number one supporter and my sister is raising her beautiful daughter and running a successful beauty salon. She has serious determination.

Where do you like to go to celebrate?

Definitely back to the clubhouse but I would have to give the Crossroads house parties a mention too.

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

At the moment it’s not very exciting. I’m usually walking the dogs up Camlough mountain or drinking coffee somewhere.

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

This is a hard one but I would have to go with Velma Dinkley from Scooby Doo. The brains of the operation.

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

Probably the whole ‘Cruppen gang. It’s never a bad night with the ‘Cruppen girls.

Which team mate is the worst dancer?

Probably give this one to myself. I definitely have two left feet.

Which team mate is the loudest in the changing room?

We have a few DJs but I would say Kelly Mallon for her motivational speeches before games.

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

Funniest thing this season to date would have to be on a ‘Cruppen team trip to Blackrock. I properly dunked Orla Garvey into the sea. She didn’t see it coming at all and I’m still waiting for the payback.

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

To be honest, I haven’t heard many excuses this season. I think everyone is just glad to be back playing!

Biggest ego?

I don’t think there is one person I could say has the biggest ego, but I will say our forwards are very confident.

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

Best – probably Kelly and Caroline at the back few seats of the bus, plenty of space.

Worst – Anyone that doesn’t have snacks.

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

Best person would have to be my fellow ‘Cruppen girl Ciara Garvey.

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

Best – Ciara Garvey and her superstitious banana before every match and training session.

Worst – Tommy Steveson, loves the sweet treats.

Toughest opponent you have played against?

Noelle Healy or Sinead Aherne from Dublin.

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

‘Success isn’t the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success’, and a Mickey Heaney classic: ‘If you get tangled up, just tango on.’

Best manager you have played for?

I have had the pleasure of working with so many great managers but the best would be Lorraine McCaffrey and Fionnuala McAtamney. I was lucky enough to be managed by these two for many years with club and county, enjoyed every second and learnt so much from both of them.

What frustrates you most about the GAA?

What frustrates me the most would be the lack of funding for the development of the LGFA in counties and probably the lack of big venues for county ladies matches, but things are improving year-on-year.

What’s the best thing about being part of the GAA?

The best thing is wearing your club and county jersey with pride, and trying to take it to a better place for the girls to follow. Being a part of the GAA you have gain unforgettable experiences and friendships.