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Gaels Past & Present - David Coleman

This week David Coleman looks back at his time lining out in the blue & white


1: First memory of the club -

First memory of the club would be heading up to the college pitch training under Joe McNally and Niall Craven. Joe had a great forward vision for the Gaels, A great man


2: Biggest GAA influence -

Played under great men, Tony McDonnell, Danny Culligan, Gene Rice, Dick O'Callaghan, Michael Matthews, Paul "The Coach" Lynch, JP O'Kane and Gerry McGuill (won a Lennon cup). Danny was always a constant but during my darkest days between 14 and 16, I was struggling and lads were passing me out but my Mum used to keep my confidence up and told me it will pass. Like all mothers she was right, so my Mum was my greatest influence.


3: Worst trainer -

We all probably think of the same lad for worse trainer but I will give Burkie a break, The two lads I must give a special mention to, is r kid Scuds (Andrew you all know him) and Anto. Back when JP was training us really hard, We'd be dreading a Tuesday night from the weekend and when we got going r kid would be gone like a gazelle in the first few sprints, then he'd go missing getting sick over a wall somewhere. Anto was great for showing his displeasure, he was very funny at it and to his credit would dig deep and get on with it. During this "The Coach" and Mickey could handle the lads great and in fairness the two mentioned would come up trumps on a Sunday because my legs were starting to seize up and they would do the hard yards on the pitch for the full forward line.


Gaels Leinster Intermediate Championship winning team 2003


4: Best Trainer -

I'd definetly include Robbie McCrave, Harpo, Dilla he'd make you earn your score in training, Ginto, Gaz Culligan and Derek Crilly all animals to train. I'd have to mention another man Anthony Rice. Davy used to organise Basketball training in pre season, It was a great break from