Playoffs Build-Up: Sean Byrne

​Only 2 days to go! As we continue the build up to Sundays game against the Warriors, we spoke with Cowboys Vice President Sean Byrne to get his thoughts on the year so far and the game on Sunday.

It’s been 9 months since you were elected Club Vice-President, how has the club developed, both on and off the pitch, in 2018?
“First of all, it has been a good experience for me to see what it actually takes to run the Craigavon Cowboys behind the scenes. On the pitch, the club has worked tirelessly on hosting competitive rookie camps to bring more people into the sport. This year has been particularly successful in recruiting good players that I hope remain with the Cowboys for many seasons to come. Off the pitch, we have gained new sponsorships from Bada Bing Pizza, Dromore Physiotherapy Clinic, Ciaran Mulholland Construction and Parkside Inn of which we are grateful. Seeing what it actually takes to run the club has made me appreciate the Craigavon Cowboys more.”
 
How much has the Bowl loss from last year motivated you this year?
“The loss of the Bowl game last year still hurts but for me and the other guys that were part of that, it is the driving force for us to play Cowboys football and not feel that hurt again.”
  
With the senior team making the IAFL 1 playoffs for the 2nd year in a row, how has preparations been in the build up to Sundays game?
“Preparations for this Sunday's game have been going well. You can see the desire in the lads to have a good performance and get the win. The coaches and experienced guys in the squad have been great with the rookies in giving extra advice to help them prepare themselves for the game.”
 
What are you expecting from the Galway Warriors on Sunday?
“As I haven't played the Galway Warriors before, I have little knowledge of what to expect from them but we know not to take any team for granted and base our emphasis on playing what we know best which is fast, hard hitting and committed football.”
 
Any advice for our rookie players this year heading into their first ever playoff game?
“Advice for the rookies is just to continue to play how they have trained to play and concentrate on their roles but also not to over think the fact that it’s their first play-off game.”

Images by Eamon McCormick, Ian Humes and David McMichael