My GAA Life – Armagh’s Sinead McCoy

Name? Sinead McCoy.

Which teams did you represent?
Dromintee, UUJ, Armagh and Ulster.

What is your current involvement with the GAA?
Nothing at the moment apart from spectating. I had been coaching underage for the last three years but I took a year out as I was getting married.

What was your greatest moment in the GAA?
Captaining our club ladies’ team to an Intermediate Championship.

What was the most surprising moment in your career?
I remember getting a phone call at the age of 17 being asked to attend senior county trials – I thought I was being pranked.

Who was the best player you ever played with?
Maebh Moriarty

What was the best score you ever saw in a game you were involved in?
I was always too far down the field to see any scores, the scoreboard kept me informed.

Which manager made the biggest impact on you and why?
James Daly. Even though we fought from time to time he gave me plenty of opportunities to prove myself.

What was the best piece of advice you ever received about playing?
“When your legs get tired play with your heart.”

What was the best thing about playing in your era?
The game wasn’t as tactical as it is now, we were able to just go out and play football.

What was the worst thing about playing your era?
Strength and conditioning wasn’t as pivotal as it is now. In hindsight it might have helped my career last a bit longer, who knows?

When did you know it was time to call it quits?
Unfortunately I didn’t have a choice. At the age of 24 I ruptured my ACL for the third time and was forced to retire.

What interesting or funny story may readers not know about you or one of your former teammates?
I physically couldn’t play a game without wearing my gumshield – my dad Kevin instilled the fear of God in me for fear of what might happen if I didn’t wear it!