Five Minutes with… Down’s Dearbhla Magee

Name: Dearbhla Magee

Age: 23

Occupation: Student Teacher/ Gymnastics coach

Teams played for: Liatroim Fontenoys GAC, Castlewellan GAC, Down Senior Camogie, Ulster University Jordanstown, Ulster

Game you most enjoyed playing in?

It’s a close call between the Ulster Intermediate Final in 2013 with my club Liatroim Fontenoys or the 2018 All Ireland semi-final against Tipperary, as it was such a thrilling game.

Game you least enjoyed playing in?

2019 All Ireland semi-final against Westmeath

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

Liatroim Fontenoys ‘wee’ back pitch, nothing worse than doing pre-season runs on it in muck and gutters.

Toughest training session you’ve ever been involved in?

Any training session that Marty Mallon takes, you’re guaranteed to be gasping for a breath as he brings such passion and intensity to the sport.

What’s your preferred brand of gear?

Nike all day, every day!!

Most inspirational individual you’ve ever met?

Karen McMullan, she has a new inspirational quote or book for you to read every day!! She helped me look at life in a different perspective. I told her she will be the next Sinead Hegarty someday!!

Where do you like to go to celebrate?

Suppose it depends on the team really. It ranges anywhere from the Hatfield House, Mulholland’s Bar Castlewellan and Quinn’s Bar in Newcastle.

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

Sleep and anything that involves using a knife and fork and coffee I’ll be there. If not you will find me at my club ball wall with my earphones in.

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

Katniss Everdeen, she’s strong-willed with a dry sense of humour who challenges to break the rules and has to be in the middle of everything.

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

Sorcha McCartan, she gives you a personal concert on a night out without even asking!!!!! I can’t forget the old faithful’s Kate McAleenan and Sophie Louise Clarke, always up for a pint. Last but not least Maria Gilchrist, she can never say no to a drink and a boogie.

Which team mate is the worst dancer?

Aimee McAleenan and Megan O’Boyle have been spotted popping some dodgy moves in the Limelight!! Also Kelly O’Higgins has some signature moves that would burn your eyes!!

Which team mate is the loudest in the changing room?

Probably between Sorcha McCartan and myself it’s a close call but Deirbhile Savage would give us a good run for our money.

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

Anytime Emma McCormick tries to shoot, that’s why she plays half back!!!!

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

I may have scheduled a nail appointment for my holidays instead of going to training lol

Biggest ego?

Catherine McGourty, suppose she’s been playing that long she has every right to have a big ego!!

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

Worst: Neisha McCullough, talks some rubbish at the best of times never mind on a bus.

Best: Saoirse Sands, she will give you a good giggle the whole journey.

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

Worst: Niamh Mallon, never shared a room with her but I know she’s always up at silly o’clock and away for a swim before a match.

Best: Aimee McAleenan, we both know each other’s routines well.

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

Best: Niamh Mallon, eats nuts and seeds as if they are sweets.

Worst: Would have to be myself, love a good takeaway in the evenings!!

Toughest opponent you have played against?

Sarah Louise Graffin (Nee Carr) always have the pleasure of marking her in training and in club matches. Her style of play is incredible and is a great reader of the game.

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

manager?

Best: Gary Cairns famous quote at club training “get in the mix”

Best manager you have played for?

At club underage level the best management team I had played under was Declan and Veronica Owens, Tina Owens and my mum Nuala Magee. They stayed with us throughout underage, they encouraged and motivated all of us so much.

At senior level, it would definitely have to be Marty Mallon. The passion, intensity and heart he brings to the game is something else and really drives everyone on around him.

What frustrates you most about the GAA?

The gender inequality between male and female sports in every aspect. The sooner the Camogie Association and the LGFA integrate with GAA the better.

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

The culture and community aspect surrounding the GAA and how every team you play with becomes like your family.