Five Minutes With...Michael J McGuigan

What got you into Hurling?

Initially it was messing about out my grannys back with my aunty and cousin and a few of her friends, 
Ann Campbell supplied the sticks because she was involved with the camoige team at the time. 
It was more street hockey than hurling but I got to hit a few older girls like so it wasn’t bad craic.


What’s your earliest memory of St Malachy’s?


I remember training at the side of Tir Na Nog with Tom McStravick and Po Campbell, 
the numbers weren’t great and we needed help from a few lurganites to make a team, 
our first match was against Derrynoose and I lined out as captain at full back. 
I remember that day asking my dad for twenty quid to go and when he asked where we were playing I told him cork. 
From then on I was hooked and brought a few lads along. 
I found it weird that i was attracted to hurling long before I even knew my da had played.


What do enjoy most about St Malachys?

Just playing at the moss on a good summers night, my idea of heaven! 


Who is your favourite Hurler on the Team?

My favourite player is Smokes McStravick, he has the perfect build for a hurler, wins his own ball,  
lots of technical ability and a lethal strike of a ball.


Whats it like playing with your Father and Brother on the same team?

Its really good because we really know each others game so well especially between me and john, it makes him easier to
mark in training matches but if we're together it really awsome as i know the type of runs he makes and where he wants
the ball placed. The trouble comes when he gets hit or hurt, its kind of hard to hold back from going on the war path
but you know you have to hold your disipline.


what has been your best momment with st Mal's so far?

There have been so many, seeing my father win the championship as captain and playing in Casement park was special,
winning the championship with my father and brother two years in a row was excellent aswell but by in far was the year
me and my father managed the U-14 team was lethal, the feeling when the boys made it out of the group stages and into
the final was magical, ill never forget that day, such a laugh and the lads played their hearts out, i was so proud of
every single one of them. The trip to kilkenny was a well deserved treat for them and us alike.

What are your aims for the future?

I really want to bring st Mal's into a new era, i believe the lads have the ability and the work rate within them the
make this occur. i hope the management will put their faith in me and let me lead the lads to were we should be. i also
want to do the same within the county team and to do that i know i must become a more accomplished player and show more
disire and play for the county with the same passion i play with for the club.
i also would like to play a bigger role in the development of young talent in portadown to ensure the future of hurling so
i can show (god willing) my son's how to play the game that gives me so much enjoyment.


What have you got to say to your team mates?


Time to step it up lads, i know am not there at present but i can garantee that i will be at my highest level when i return
so its up to you to set a benchmark for me to beat. We can win the league this year and any other competition we want to, no 
problem if we put the effort in.
p.s Weightwathers is in order for a few of you creepy creepy men!! (johnstone)