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Interview: Waterford GAA’s Darragh Fives Speaks with Intersport Elverys

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It’s the All Ireland Senior Hurling final weekend and Waterford look to hold onto an amazing record against Galway. The Deise and the Tribesmen have met 10 times in the championship and on all occasions Waterford have come up trumps. This Sunday, they look to do it again and bring home Liam for the first time since 1959.

As part of our #WherePassionsUnite campaign, we caught up with Waterford player, Darragh Fives, to get his take on his experience growing up with hurling and his love for the game.

 

Hi Darragh, I’ll start with what was your best day of hurling to date?

“It probably goes back to winning games, I know is a cliché but when we won the league final there 2 years ago, I wasn’t actually playing the game but what I found was when the whistle blew at the very last minute, I was standing beside Jamie Barron thinking just that collective group achieving something it was really icing on the cake for a lot of hard work over the years. To finally get some silverware was a highlight of my career anyway”.

 

It’s interesting because you weren’t playing most people mightn’t feel the same way compared to if they had been playing can you talk to me a bit more on that?

“Well I was out injured at the time but it was just when you’re down training with these lads, that team, that bond that you create over the years you know it’s for everyone. I think even if you’re not playing on the day you still have that feeling of winning, it might be hard to develop that into a team, once everyone has that it’s a great asset to have in any team. It doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a lot of hard work and a lot of people pulling in the right direction and everyone going for the same goal, that’s what we were doing over the last couple of years, when you finally get the reward that you put in its a huge clap on the back for your efforts throughout the year”.

 

How many brothers do you have?

“I have 2 brothers and Shane is my older brother, he’s on the team as well since he was 18 so he’s on it quite awhile, he’s 27 now. So we’ve been on the panel now for the last number, 5, 6 years together. Obviously we get on quite well but when we we’re starting out at times we could be competing for the same position so at times in our own household it can be quite tense and not a lot of words are spoken coming up to match selection days and things like that but we do get on quite well underneath it all”.

 

©INPHO/Tommy Dickson

 

How long have you been playing?

“I’ve been playing hurling since I was 2 or 3 years old out in my front garden, I just remember there was me Shane and Niall and Niall was always in goal for whatever reason and he used to puck the ball out between myself and Shane and it was a tussle till the end and Shane was always left a little bit worse for wear we’ll say. I was kind of seen as the dirtier player we’ll say, and Shane I don’t know if he’s soft or what, but he used to always be the first fella in and I’d be left out there on my own. It’s great, it builds up that intensity and enjoyment for the game and there’s a real summer-esque and that’s why when the summer rolls around it kind of brings back them memories of being out in the garden playing hurling for the first time when you’re 3,4,5 years old, just the whole intensity and everything that the game has it’s brilliant!”.

 

What do you love about hurling?

“I love the game it’s what I know and what I was brought up on , the whole family have played it just love every bit of it, the intensity , I suppose going out and the thrill , the excitement , playing in front of 30,000, 40,000 thousand people in Thurles or Croke Park . There’s no feeling like it. You just completely zone out you notice it(the crowd) at first from that initial roar and you can sense it in the stadium that atmosphere but once the ball is thrown in your totally focused on the ball and it’s like being out in the garden again , there no one watching you and your just playing hurling”.

 

Intersport Elverys is proud retail partner to both Galway and Waterford GAA. It’s great to see their passion and dedication to the game translate into winning momentum.

We are also delighted to be the player’s destination for boots, supplying them with the latest and greatest styles. We are THE destination for all things GAA.

Click below to shop our HUGE range.

Interview: Galway GAA’s Jason Flynn Speaks with Intersport Elverys

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The long-awaited All Ireland Senior Hurling Final is finally upon us and what a matchup it promises to be. Galway take on Waterford as the Tribesmen look to bring home Liam for the first time since 1988.

As part of our #WherePassionsUnite campaign, we caught with Galway player, Jason Flynn, to get his take on growing up playing hurling and what his hopes are for the upcoming final.

 

So Jason, what would it mean to you to win an All Ireland?

“It would be huge. It would be a dream come true and make all the sacrifice worth it. I’ve imagined going up and lifting the trophy ever since I got a chance when I was minor in 2011, going up the steps and looking back on that, you kind of feel you got a chance to do it already and why not be able to go and do it again.”

 

Do you believe that you can win the All Ireland?

I do believe we can win one yeah, you have to believe you can win one at the end of the day. If you don’t believe it, there’s no point you being there. You want to make all the poor days and defeats worth it and going through the hard days training which is hard when you’re a GAA player. We’re amateurs at the end of the day and we have to get up for work on a Monday morning so definitely the belief to go on and do it needs to be huge.”

 

What do you get out of hurling? What’s the big motivator for you to play from your own perspective?

“Ever since I was a young lad at 14, 16, 17 years old I always wanted to play for Galway and that was always my dream. Look, it means an awful lot obviously to play for my club and for my county and I suppose I am the first to play from my club in a long time for Galway and that’s a privilege in itself, it’s a huge honour.

I was the youngest in the family so as the  brothers and sisters got older they headed off and I was left on my own but I can remember pucking at the back of the house, against the wall having my own little All Ireland finals! When we were younger we’d have our own matches thinking we were these Galway greats, which are good memories to have.”

 

It must be great to have older brothers almost looking up to their younger brother a small bit watching you playing for Galway?

“It’s huge and my sister was a big camogie player as well and it’s great for her as well. My father was a big GAA man, he was a big influence of me when I was younger, coaching me when I was in National School. So I was very lucky to have him with me the whole time and to see a smile on his face is one of the most pleasing things that I look forward to seeing after a game.”

it’d be funny like if you played badly in a game or something went bad you’d nearly feel like you let them down in a way, even though you’re not at all, they’re still proud as punch of you.

 

What do you think about when you think of the sacrifice that can come with the game and the other people in your life that might make sacrifices?

I’d say the people closest to you will always know what it feels like, they miss out on a lot because it’s such a big commitment when you’re gone 4, 5 nights a week training. When your friends are going off on nights out and enjoying college life, you miss all that. I know I wouldn’t swap it for the world because I am delighted to be where I am. It’s just you miss out on all the good times you might have with your friends and family but just for the love of hurling and wanting to win the All Ireland and I suppose we’ve been crying out for it in Galway for a long time and just the want to win with the group of players we have in Galway we want to prove and back it up and try win the All Ireland.”

 

What is it for you that motivate you to be able to balance football and work life and continue constant training?

“The love of the game I suppose and we all believe hurling is the best sport in the world. I’m a huge hurling fanatic and always have been and don’t have the same love for any other sport. We have to get up on a Monday morning after a big game on a Sunday and get on with life again. Other sports have the luxury of not having to go to work and that, but look it’s a privilege at the end of the day to play for your county”

 

Are there any particular regrets that you might have when you look back on your career that stand out or you feel you wish you done differently?

“I don’t have a defining moment but definitely any given day when you might not be working hard enough and not giving it your all…. just one day if it doesn’t go your way but them days happen to everyone, were all human… You use that as motivation if you had a bad game you’d use that the next day and you’d work twice as hard and you wouldn’t let it happen again and you’d have no regrets about it the next time”

 

 

Intersport Elverys is proud retail partner to both Galway and Waterford GAA. It’s great to see their passion and dedication to the game translate into winning momentum.

We are also delighted to be the player’s destination for boots, supplying them with the latest and greatest styles. We are THE destination for all things GAA.

Click below to shop our HUGE range of GAA boots.

The Quarters: It’s All to Play For

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It’s that time of year again. The football quarter finals in Croker. No more second chances!

At Intersport Elverys, we’re extremely proud to be the official retail partner of three out of the four teams looking to book their place in the Semis – Mayo, Galway and Kerry GAA. The latter two go head-to-head in the earlier game with the former facing off against neighbours and rivals Roscommon in the 4pm game. Suffice to say, it’s been a thrilling road up to this point for our partner counties and we can expect nothing less this weekend.

The Route

Mayo have endured possibly their most difficult championship in recent years yet have managed to stay afloat. Losing to Galway in the Connacht semi final meant they would have to play three qualifier games to progress to the All-Ireland series.

Galway fell short in the Connacht decider against a strong Roscommon side and lost out on their chance to win back-to-back Connacht titles. They faced the same fate as Mayo and had to play a qualifier against Donegal. The Tribesmen’s heads weren’t down for long as they throttled Donegal in their qualifier game in Sligo.

Kerry were able to navigate their way into the quarters after an impressive performance against Cork in the Munster final, taking home their fifth consecutive Munster title.

 

As retail partner to these teams in action this Sunday, it’s great to see their passion and dedication to the game translate into winning momentum.

At Intersport Elverys, we are delighted to be their destination for boots, supplying them with the latest and greatest styles to suit their play. We understand that having the right footwear is an important part of any GAA player’s game as they strive for greatness on the field.

This year Intersport Elvery’s passion for GAA is reflected in the fact that we are now proud retail partners of TEN GAA inter-county teams. We are THE destination for all things GAA.

Click below to shop our HUGE range of GAA boots.

 

Success on the Field: The Boots Destination of Kildare GAA

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Kildare are in flying form heading into this weekend’s Leinster Football final where they face their toughest challenge yet – the All Ireland champions, Dublin.

Kildare have every right to believe they can triumph after an impressive season, reaching their first final in 8 years allied to a strong league campaign. Their journey began in Tullamore in June where they produced a convincing victory over Laois. The semi-final saw Cian O’Neill’s men face off against rivals Meath in a game that no team could afford to lose. Kildare came out on top however as Meath were no match for The Lilywhites.

This year has also seen Intersport Elverys come on board as proud retail partner to Kildare GAA where our passion for GAA is reflected in the fact that we are proud title sponsor of Mayo and Tipperary as well as retail partner to EIGHT other inter-county teams.

We have become the destination for boots for this Kildare squad, supplying them with the latest and greatest boots to suit their style of play. We understand that having the right footwear is an important part of any inter-county player’s game as these players strive for greatness on the field. Kildare’s commitment and dedication to the game got them to where they are and we’re proud to be backing them on their journey.

Click HERE and below see our huge GAA boots range or call in-store to get the best fit for that GAA star in your life!

 

 

 

ICYMI: Check out Kildare GAA captain, Eoin Doyle speaking to us about previously facing the Dubs!

Intersport Elverys – Where Passions Unite

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Committed to more teams and sports than ever before.

Whether you’re a player, a fan, an avid sports person or just trying to get fitter, we all share the same passions. It’s about personal achievement, effort and accomplishment. Performing at our best, no matter how big our goals… that’s what drives us.

At Intersport Elverys, we believe sport and fitness fuels life. We have a steadfast tradition in supporting sport at all levels, from grass roots events and organisations to elite teams and athletes. In addition to Intersport Elverys’ title sponsorship of Connacht Rugby and Ireland Rugby Sevens, the brand is one of the biggest supporters of GAA in Ireland, sponsoring the Mayo & Tipperary Inter-County teams as well as being retailer partner to the IRFU and numerous GAA County Boards.

On the running spectrum, the brand is associate sponsor of the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and Parkrun.

We’re committed to more teams and sports than ever before. From hurling to football and from running to rugby, in our stores, online, in the stands and in the moment… we’re shouting for you.

Add us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to get access to exclusive content and exciting giveaways over the course of the Summer!

Check out elverys.ie to shop the biggest and best brands!

To celebrate the launch of ‘Where Passions Unite’, we are offering an exclusive 20% OFF all county training ranges of our TEN county retail partnerships.

Just click on your county from the list below to avail of this discount. Offer ends 31st July, 2017, don’t miss out!

Online only. Ts & Cs apply.

Watch our new Where Passions Unite video featuring stars of GAA and Rugby.

THE 2016 DUBLIN JERSEY – AN EVOLUTION IN STYLE

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Denis Hurley is one of the top GAA writers in the country and is a keen student and pre-eminent voice on the history of jerseys in the GAA

We don’t have access to any figures yet, but we’d be fairly confident in saying that Dublin top the county jersey sales charts – the combination of population and success sees to that.

Capitalising (pardon the pun) on this, not since 1998 have the Dubs had a shirt which has lasted for more than two years and twice in that time, 2009 and ’13, have jerseys lasted for just a year due to sponsor changes.

Unsurprisingly, given the marquee status of the county, O’Neills have almost always given Dublin something different. Year zero for GAA shirt ‘design’ is 1991, when extra lines were added to counties’ sleeves. Dublin did share that with a lot of other counties, but the jersey introduced in 1994 was something out of the ordinary and, while it would be copied by Clare, that wasn’t until 1998, when the Dubs had moved on.

Since then, pretty much every other strip worn by the Metropolitans has been in a style not utilised anywhere else – even the pedestrian-looking 2010 offering had unique shadow-striping. A very similar look featured on the just-departed 2014-15 kit, but that may have had something to do with the suddenness of AIG’s replacing Vodafone as sponsors and, in any case, the shade of blue – close, if not identical, to AIG’s – was a new departure.

Dublin created a lot of hype around the launch of the latest kit, and we must say we loved touches like the acknowledgment of what has gone before with the #drawnfromhistory hashtag.

While the flashes on the sleeves are the same as those featured on a lot of new O’Neills jerseys this year – Cork, Galway and Down sport them – the uniqueness comes from the collar, in two senses: most counties have been going for what O’Neills call the ‘Mandarin neck’ (basically a crew neck with an insert) of late, and secondly it’s a totally new style of collar, with the ‘v’ being shallower than seen before.

It’s the colour configuration which has drawn the most comment, though – white has usurped navy as the secondary hue on the jersey, harking back to before the 1970s, when sky blue and white were the county colours. It’s a fairly fresh look – if a bit Manchester City!

The shorts are the usual navy while the socks are also that colour (they have alternated between navy and sky blue in the past while), and white is only used for text. If the retro look was the idea, then white shorts and sky blue socks would have been a logical, if radical, approach (see pic 2).

Alternatively, they could have kept the usual look, with navy more prominent than white on the jersey (pic 3), but this would have been too safe, tried and trusted. If they were set on white for the collar and stripes on the jersey, then perhaps the best compromise would have been extending the Jack and Meg White (White Stripes, get it?) look onto the shorts and socks (pic 4)?

t’s certainly different and new, as we would expect from the Dubs, but certainly one that has caught the eye already this summer!

Check out more from Denis on Twitter @museumofjerseys and on his brilliantly detailed website prideinthejersey.com

Get the 2016 Dublin jersey at Elverys Intersport now in store or online! http://bit.ly/1SQIiYd