The role of a goalkeeper in Gaelic Football is an ever-evolving one. It began with kick outs, then free taking, and now, goalkeepers are joining the attack in order to be an extra man running off the shoulder or stretching a defence. One of the trailblazers for the modern-day goalkeeper is Niall Morgan, the Edendork man can do all of the above and was a vital cog in the Tyrone machine of 2021. This season may not have gone to plan for his native county, but he remains positive. This week we went ClubSpotting to Edendork with Niall Morgan.
What are your first memories of your club Edendork?
I can remember going to youth training with my Dad from a very young age and
taking part in Sunday morning trainings with players a couple of years older than
me. I also have fond memories of being at senior training when I was 10 or so and
kicking the balls back out as the players were shooting. Those men were heroes of
mine.
Who were your sporting idols growing up?
At the club I looked up to so many people – the McGuckins (5 of them), the two
Malachy’s (McLernon and McGlinchey), Enda and Plunkett Currie and the Nelis
twins to name a few... Obviously there was Peter Canavan in Tyrone and all of that
03 team and Dara O’Se was always someone I admired for his fielding ability even
though he wasn’t hugely tall.
What has been the proudest moment of your playing career?
Winning the All-Ireland last year was quite literally a dream come true but a
special mention has to be given to winning the intermediate championship with
the club and representing Ireland in the International Rules Series.
Toughest opponent you have faced?
Michael Murphy is a massive competitor and what he can do for his team in a
number of positions is unbelievable – it is so strange that some people still
underrate him!
Best Player you have played with?
I got to play along with Diarmuid Connolly with Ireland and was in awe of him
during a kicking drill at one of the sessions. Petey Harte at Tyrone and Darren
McCurry with Edendork and Tyrone deserve mentions for sure!
Any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Not anymore – for anyone struggling try ‘Superstitionism’ by David White!
What are your hopes and ambitions for the remainder of the season?
Back with the club now and I just want to enjoy playing with a little less pressure
on my shoulders. I want to get fitter and be more influential in the team whilst
giving as much back as I can considering we aren’t usually back this early!
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