When a sports person of any code looks back at the end of their career at their achievements, few will look back as fondly as Sarah Dervan. She has captained her county to All-Ireland Glory in 2019, won another title in 2013 and boasts 6 All-Star awards on the mantelpiece as well. More impressively, even after such a haul of accolades, she is still hungry for more success. This week we went to Mullagh, Co. Galway to go ClubSpotting with Sarah Dervan.
1. What are your first memories of your club Mullagh?
One of my first memories with my club was when at u10 level. The Galway Senior Camogie team were in the All Ireland final in Croke Park and the club organised a bus of us to go up and support them . It was one of my first experiences of Croke Park. Galway won that day and I remember the excitement of running out to the pitch with the girls after the final whistle and getting to meet the players. I don’t think the club realised how important it was to bring us to that match. It gave us women to admire in our sport and gave us hope that that one day it could be us.
2. Who were your sporting idols growing up?
My sporting idols growing up would have been my brothers Conor and Cathal. It was them that introduced me to hurling at a very young age .The games we used to have out in the lawn are still one of the toughest I played. They didn’t spare me. As I grow up it turned to the camogie players of my club Imelda Hobbins who captained Galway to a camogie All Ireland in 1996 and Sharon Glynn. Serious women with a hurl.
3. What makes your club special to you?
Club is always so special to every player because its family and friends you will soldier with for your entire career. Club has always been so encouraging to me. They have been with me through the highs of my careers but most importantly kept me going during the lows. I always look forward to putting on my club jersey
4. What has been the proudest moment of your playing career?
One of the proudest moments of my career would have to have been winning the county final in 2014. The was a huge group of us there that suffered a number of county final defeats and to have at least one medal makes it so special. The other proudest day would have to be the 2019 All Ireland it took us a long time to get back to Croke Park and to win it the way we did as a team always sticks out in my mind.
5. Toughest opponent you have faced?
One of the toughest opponents I have faced would have to have been Ursula Jacob. If you didn’t get the ball before her you were in trouble. She was such a skilful player and do anything with that ball
6. Best Player you have played with?
One of the best players I have played with would have to have been Ann Marie Hayes. When I first broke into the panel, she took me under her wing. She was constantly encouraging me out in the pitch, helped build my confidence, and helped me in areas that I needed to improve. I don’t think I would have made a Galway senior team without her help.
7. What are your hopes and ambitions for 2021?
My hopes and ambitions for 2021 would be to try win as much as possible with my club and county. One big hope I would have for this year would be to get my parents back at games. They follow me all over the country playing matches and I know it was hard on them not to be there last year.
What is ClubSpot?
ClubSpot offers a wide range of features to ease the burden on volunteers in sports clubs and to help clubs increase their revenues. With a wide range of features, online payment and a customised Club App included.
For more information or to arrange a product demonstration for your club contact info@clubspot.app
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