Evanne Ní Chuilinn is one of Ireland’s leading sports journalists with a regular slot on the Six One News on RTÉ. As a Kilkenny native, it is no surprise to learn that the clash of the ash is still a feature in her life as she currently lines out with the Portobello Camogie Club in Dublin, and also plays basketball with Springfield in Tallaght. In these 21 questions, she reveals to BreakingThrough.ie that Katie Taylor is her dream transfer request…the rock at centre back perhaps?!
1. How long did your camogie career last?
It’s still ongoing, though may be on it’s last legs!
2. What age were you when it started/finished?
I was probably about 5 or 6 when Brian de Bhaldraithe started coaching us at Gaelscoil Osraí in Kilkenny.
3. Did you win any camogie honours?
Nothing much of note, a Senior B Cup with Portobello a few years ago.
4. What was your greatest moment on the camogie pitch?
As a player, I wouldn’t describe anything I’ve done as “great”. As a reporter, to be on duty the day Wexford won the All Ireland in 2007 was special. Those girls know how to celebrate at a final whistle.
5. Do you still pick up the stick every once in a while?
Every Tuesday and Thursday in the Phoenix Park with Porto. Senior B League just underway, looking to make our mark in the Championship this summer.
6. Which hurlers/camogie players do you most admire and why?
Mary O’Connor stands out, a leader in every meaning of the word during Cork’s unprecedented success over the last decade. Tommy Walsh is my all rounder, I envy his innate ability, his passion and tenacity.
7. Which club/county do you support?
My club is Portobello in Dublin, my county is Kilkenny.
8. What was the best match you ever attended?
The Tipp v Limerick Trilogy of 2007 ranks up there, as does the National League Final between Kilkenny and Tipperary in 2009.
9. Would you prefer a 65 into the wind and rain at Croker or a 12 foot putt at Augusta?
65, no question. I’ve never played golf, and reckon my grip would be a disaster.
10. An Oscar acceptance speech or a Liam McCarthy victory speech?
The latter.
11. If you could play with any county team which would it be and why?
The Kilkenny camogie team, (ten years ago obviously!). I think everyone would like to live and play at home at the highest level. Unfortunately I’ve never been anywhere near that standard.
12. Have any of the skills you learned from camogie been of benefit to you in your current career?
Well playing the game is certainly an advantage for reporting on it.
13. Who is going to win the Liam McCarthy in 2011?
I think it’ll be Tipp v KK for the third year running. Kilkenny
14. Who will win the U-21 Hurling Championship in your view?
Tipperary
15. Which footballer or rugby player would you like on your hurling team?
Can I have Katie Taylor instead?!
16. What is your favourite GAA ground?
Too many to mention, Fitzgerald Stadium for the backdrop, Clones and Semple Stadium for the atmospheare and Nowlan Park because it’s home!
17. Our website is called breakingthrough.ie. What was your break through moment?
I’m still waiting for it!
18. Which hurling/camogie manager would you most liked to have played under?
Brian Cody.
19. What was your best attribute/skill on the camogie pitch?
A quick handpass to someone who’ll make sure of the score!
20. What was the last hurling/camogie game you attended?
Kilkenny v Waterford in the National League 2011.
21. You are one point down in the All-Ireland final and you have just been awarded a penalty in the last play of the game…goal or point?
GOAL