“Derry League matches on a Friday evening isn’t great after a week’s work”

Armagh’s Leanne Donnelly lifts the lid on the dressing rooms and teams she is involved with…

Name: Leanne Donnelly.

Age: 22.

Teams played for: Eglish, Armagh, St Catherine’s, Armagh, Queen’s, Belfast and Ulster.

Earliest GAA memory?

My earliest memory is playing a Go Games blitz in Granemore. I was u-8 at the time and we were using soft touch and ground play was suggested at that age group, but I remember I always wanted to pick the ball up and strike it in the air, so that’s what I did.

Who’s the best team-mate to train with and why?

I couldn’t say anyone specific as they are all a great bunch at the club. Over the last few weeks a lot of our minors have been training with the seniors and it’s great to watch the talent that is coming through and it’s great to get to train alongside the younger girls.

Which team-mate do you want to mark in training and why?

Again I don’t have a favourite person to mark because I always have my work cut out with whoever I end up marking.

Which team-mate do you dread marking in training and why?

At Eglish training I dread marking Ciara McMullan, the girl never stops moving. One minute you have the ball and the next she has somehow managed to sneak it out of my possession. She is class.

Best score you’ve seen from a team-mate?

I would have to say Ciara’s goal in Croke Park the time Armagh were playing in the All-Ireland final against Carlow. A high ball was hit in from the 45 metre line and Ciara got her stick to it nicely for it to land in the back of the net.

What win has your team celebrated the most?

After an Ulster win we have had some great celebrations. Usually you would find us getting fed in the Moy followed with a few drinks and plenty of music.

Which team-mate is the best on journeys away?

My sister Aisling, I’m happy to let her on the AUX for music. Me and her have the same taste in music, so that makes the journey better for me.

Which club is the worst for journeys away?

Derry League matches on a Friday evening isn’t great after a week’s work. So I would have to say those journeys aren’t the most enjoyable.

What’s the worst excuse you’ve heard to get out of training?

“I forgot training was on” – Julie Lagan. Simply forgetting training was on one Sunday morning. Fair enough excuse I suppose.

Which team-mate is the loudest in the changing room?

Catherine Muldoon, you’ll always hear her having a good laugh in the changing room with someone before a match.

Which team-mate would you want standing over a last-second penalty?

I would have to say Ciara D. She would give it a good rattle and likely leave it in the back of the net.

Which team-mate would you never want to see hitting a last-second penalty?

Not a teammate but myself. I would be liable to hit the ball wide.

Who’s the best team mate to celebrate with?

My two sisters, Aisling and Ciara. It’s always nice to win and it’s even nicer to share it with family.