Sport

SIXTY SECONDS WITH

RONAN GORMLEY

Wed Apr 22 2009 - 01:00

RONAN GORMLEY

Name:Ronan Gormley

Schools:St Georges College in Surrey up to the age of 14 and then, from 15 to 18, Blackrock and Sandford Park.

Sport:Hockey.

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Other school sports:Rugby, football, tennis, cricket, table tennis, golf.

Who got you started?My father, coaches and friends in school.

The Best of Days:Winning the under-11 Mini Hockey National Championships in the UK and winning the Leinster Hockey League with Sandford Park.

The Worst of Days:Losing the under-11 Mini Hockey National Championships the following year!

Most inspiring sporting memory: The one I recall most vividly is Ray Houghton’s goal against Italy in the 1994 World Cup finals.

I wished I was:Zinedine Zidane or Tiger Woods. I admired Zidane for his pure brilliance – a masterclass in movement and touch, and Woods for his relentless pursuit of absolute excellence!

If I could turn back time:I would have gone to college abroad and combined life experience with top class hockey. The sport is not widely professionalised, however we train like professional athletes. Playing abroad during college allows you to compete against the best in the world while being able to travel, see a different country and meet new and different people. I spent third year of college in Madrid and loved it.

The value of school sport to you:Making long lasting friends and being part of a group that works together to achieve what they want.

Most Admired:Nigel Henderson, the former Irish hockey goalkeeper and captain – Woods-like dedication to his sport and the best trainer I have ever known. And the Kilkenny hurling side – they have an incredible team work ethic for a side with some of the most skillful players in any sport.

Not Too Keen:Cristiano Ronaldo – too many antics!

One sporting wish:To play in the World Cup and Olympics with the Irish Hockey team.

  • Ronan Gormley, who plays his hockey with Pembroke Wanderers, captained Ireland at under-16, under-18 and under-21 level before being named senior captain earlier this month by coach Paul Revington. He made his debut in 2004 and has since won over 70 caps.