Five Minutes with… Tyrone’s Ciaran Lagan

Name: Ciaran Lagan
Age: 21
Occupation: Student at Ulster University
Teams played for: Senior Hurling and Football with Omagh St Enda’s Senior Hurling for Tyrone

Game you most enjoyed playing in?
Senior Hurling Omagh – our first Tyrone Senior League win in 2017. Had been a long time coming after some heavy defeats.
Reserve Football Omagh – played Midfield in 2019 Championship Final. The team put in a massive performance and were unlucky to lose out in the last few minutes.
Tyrone Hurling – my first league start for the Seniors against Lancashire in Abbotstown in 2019 and scored 2 points.

Game you least enjoyed playing in?
A Minor football match against Carrickmore in 2017 unfortunately, we just didn’t show up on the day. That was definitely a wake-up call for us and we were able to improve in the next game.

What’s the worst pitch you’ve ever played on?
The back pitch at Owenbeg. Some great pitches there but don’t think they were expecting us that day as the grass wasn’t even cut.

Toughest training session you’ve ever been involved in?
Pre-Season training with Tyrone Senior Hurlers where Caolan made us run up and down the pitch at Garvaghey 25 times.

What’s your preferred brand of gear?
O’Neills for kit
Adidas for boots

Most inspirational individual you’ve ever met?
Paudie Butler. I went to one of his coaching sessions and the way he talked about playing the game made you want to push yourself to be the best you could be.

Where do you like to go to celebrate?
Omagh St Enda’s clubhouse straight after a good victory as all the players are there and still buzzing.

What do you like to do when you are not training/playing?
While the hurling and football keeps me very busy when I have time off I enjoy going out cycling and skateboarding with friends.
Which character in any TV show/film are you most like?
I love any shows to do with cars so I would say Richard Hammond from Top Gear. While there’s an obvious height difference he certainly knows how to stay fit. Just hope my driving is better as he’s had a few too many crashes.

Which teammates (from any club/county) are the first you’d invite on a night out?
Reevie (Conor McElhatton) from Tyrone because he’s good craic and he always has jokes to give you a right laugh.

Which teammate is the worst dancer?
Haven’t seen any of them dance as they’re always hanging out at the bar.

Which teammate is the loudest in the changing room?
Kevin Cunningham isn’t the loudest but when he gives a speech in the changing room, you certainly listen.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen happen in training/during a match?
After a minor football training session, one side of the pitch was flooded and our manager made us all swan-dive into a massive puddle at the end of the session. Definitely needed a warm shower after that one.

What’s the worst excuse you’ve heard to get out of training and who did it come from?
Can’t remember who it was but the barbecue had set fire to the garden shed and he couldn’t make training. Sounded dodgy then and still does now.

Biggest ego?
Dangerous one to answer so I’ll plead the Fifth on that one.

Worst/best person to sit next to on the team bus?
Best – Chris Cross on the Tyrone bus. When I was new on the team, he would tell me stories about previous matches which helped settle any nerves before a match.
Worst – To be honest, I can’t think of anyone.

Worst/best person to share a room with on away days?
I’ve only had one team trip away. Shared a room in Ennis with Damian Casey. Good experience.

Who has the best diet, and who has the worst?
Best – Ronan O’Neill from Omagh would have the best diet and it clearly shows from his performances this year.
Worst – everyone seems to look after their diet these days.

Toughest opponent you have played against?
Dermot Begley from Eire Og Carrickmore. Relentless energy and tough as nails when you’re trying to compete for a ball with him.

Best or worst quote you have heard from a teammate/opponent/manager?
‘If he insults any of your family, don’t react, but if he insults any of my family, then you can react !’

Best manager you have played for?
Kenny Clarke (U16 Football Manager). He helped me believe in my ability.

What frustrates you most about the GAA?
Playing matches on a Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday ruins the weekend.

What’s the best thing about being part of the GAA?
Making new friends, teaching you how to work well as a team and that buzz you get with your teammates when you win some silverware.