COLM COOPER LINES out with his Dr Crokes teammates in the AIB Munster senior club football semi-final today.
They face Tipperary champions Loughmore-Castleiney at their home grounds in Killarney where they will be bidding to reach their fourth consecutive provincial final.
There’s clearly great unity in the Dr Crokes squad after their run of success. But we wanted Cooper to dish the dirt and tell us what he really thinks of his teammates.
1. Toughest?
“Ambrose O’Donovan definitely. He’s just tough as nails, is always giving out and gets cranky very easy.”
2. Fastest?
“Probably Brian Looney. He’s lightning pace. Whether it’s short distance or long distance, you don’t have much chance in catching him.”
3. Slowest?
“I’m going to say Brian McMahon. He doesn’t move too fast, he likes this time of the year with the softer ground. He’ll enjoy me saying that as well.”
4. Biggest messer in the dressing-room?
“We’ve a few of them. Kieran O’Leary would be up there. But Fionn Fitzgerald has kind of stepped up to the mark this year. So I’ll give him the nod there.”
5. Most skilful?
“We’ve a couple of really skilful guys. But I’d give it to one of the younger guys, Gavin O’Shea. He’s Pat’s (former Kerry manager) son. He’s a bit light at the moment but he’s a very high skill level.”
6. Most intelligent?
“There shouldn’t be too many of those! It’s a toss of a coin I’d say between Shane Myers and Eoin Brosnan. Shane’s a vet and Eoin’s a solicitor. They’ll do.”
7. Butt of the jokes in the squad?
“James Jones. He’s one of the lads on the squad and seems to be at the end of everyone’s jokes.”
8. Worst dress sense?
“Kieran O’Leary, no question about that. He wears some ridiculous stuff.”
O’Leary and Cooper after Dr Crokes Kerry final win in 2012
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
9. Worst dancer?
“Our goalkeeper David Moloney. He just doesn’t have a step at all.”
10. Biggest leader and motivator?
“Smiler I’d say, Mike Moloney. He’s team captain as well this year. He’s pretty good.”
11. Best trainer?
“I’d go for Socky (Alan O’Sulivan). He never misses a training session and is there every night. Always puts it in.”
12. Worst trainer?
“I’d say Ambrose again. He doesn’t like the training at all. If he can get out of a night at all, he will. He’s my man there as well.”
