My GAA Life with Fermanagh’s Barry Mulrone

Name: Barry Mulrone.

Which teams did you represent?
Devenish, St Mary’s and Fermanagh.

What’s your current involvement?
Trying my best to get playing full-forward for the club.

What are your favourite memories from your playing days.
In relation to club, I’d have to say the year of the club’s centenary. We made it to the league and championship final. We lost the championship, but beat Ederney in the league decider. It was a brilliant game to be involved in.
For county I’d have to say making it to the All-Ireland quarter-final against Dublin. It’s just what you dream about doing when you’re a young fella messing about with your mates. The Ulster final was a massive occasion as well, we just got beat by a brilliant Donegal team.

What was the most surprising moment in your career?
Being brought on against Longford in a league game and being hooked again in the second half, to say I was annoyed with Pete McGrath would be an understatement.

Who was the best player you ever played with?
I have been very lucky to have played with some top players. From the club alone you have the likes of Martin O’Brien, Sean Burns and the O’Flanagan brothers to name a few.
County-wise I’d say probably that Barry Owens, Marty McGrath, Sean Quigley and Ryan Jones are right up there.

What was the best score you ever saw in a game you were involved in?
I’d say ‘Mossy’ Corrigan’s sideline against Roscommon in 2015. We were down by a few points coming to the last five minutes or so, ‘Mossy’ got that score to give us hope, and we ended up winning by one thanks to Sean Quigley.

Which manager made the biggest impact on you and why?
Probably Rory Gallagher. He made me see the game in a different way. He challenged you to breaking point, but it was all to make me a better player for the team.

Would also have to mention my Dad and Grandad. They showed me the ropes and Dad always has good advice for me down the years.

What was the best piece of advice you ever received about playing?
Simple – win your own individual battleon the field.

What was the best thing about playing?
Think the game started to become more professional with S&C, training and recovery.
Just brought the whole quality forward in the game.

What was the worst thing about playing?
The amount of training that had to be done compared to matches. I think this year had shown us that you don’t need to have an inter-county season for nine months. It could be rattled off in the space of three to four months, which would leave it more enjoyable.

What interesting or funny story may readers not know about you or one of your former teammates?
Not for the public forum I’m afraid!