Noel Cooney

Noel Cooney tells of his early days as a child playing football with his brothers. He goes on to discuss playing for Pullough with his two brothers one of whom, Seán, went on to play for Offaly, winning two All-Ireland medals and playing as an All-Star. He talks of playing football in school and the religious medals that his mother made the children wear while playing. Noel speaks about Bord na Móna and what they brought to the area. He talks about local rivalries and school rivalries. He discusses his style of playing and the players he has admired over the years. He talks about the Ban on foreign sports and how he played soccer. He goes on to discuss his time refereeing and some of the abuse he has had to endure as well as the decisions he has made. He talks about Scór and attending many enjoyable evening watching talented acts. He discusses the pride felt when a family member wins an All-Ireland final. He then sings and recites two of his own compositions one about the abuse referees take and the other about Offaly’s journey to the All-Ireland in 1998. He finishes by talking about what the GAA means to him and his family and their continued involvement.