CLG Éire Óg Inis are delighted to introduce our new GDO, Thomas Barry. Thomas has been busy planning exciting games and activities for children on his school visits. Be sure to follow his Twitter (X) account to keep up to speed! @TB_GDO_EireOg
Nickname: T-BOMB
Age: 22 years old! Will be 23 on the 5th of October this year.
Schools: Primary (St. Flannan's NS, Inagh), Secondary (CBS Ennistymon), College (TUS Limerick).
Honours won: Inagh Kilnamona U14 A Feile and Championship, U15 A, Minor A, U21 A, Junior B Championship and League 2018. In secondary school with CBS Ennistymon Munster Senior Hurling Colleges Medal 2014. Clare Schools Senior A hurling and football championship 2017.
Representative teams: Clare Celtic Challenge Hurling Team 2022. Clare Minor Hurling Team 2022. TUS Fresher Hurling Management Team 2022/2023. Clare Minor Hurling Team Management team 2023.
1. Favourite Holiday Destination: Las Vegas
2. Favourite movie: The Dark Knight
3. Favourite meal: Sweet and Sour Chicken with Noodles from LANA!
4. Who’s on your spotify at the minute? Noah Kahan… A real fan favourite in Nashville
5. Tik tok or Twitter? Twitter hit me a follow @TB_GDO_EireOg
6. Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
7. Favourite actor/actress? Denzel Washington
8. Biggest influence on GAA career? My Family especially (Mourinho) and Brendan Longe (2005)
9. What are the most important skills for a GAA player?
Hand eye coordination, striking, kicking, decision making, mental toughness, teamwork, sprinting and endurance!
10. Nicest GAA jersey?
In terms of retro GAA jerseys Waterford 1998 (Gain Feeds) and Clare 1995 had to be up there. In modern times the Mayo Away jersey in 2021 was pretty nice! Also, Wexford away jersey 2022.
11. Best coaches you’ve worked with?
I have been very lucky to be exposed to some great coaches which include Brian Conway, Damien O’Halloran, Tomas Kelly, Ger Hickey.
12. What makes a good coach?
There are a few attributes that make a good coach I feel, such as communication, teaching and coaching skills. Knowledge of the game, having a real passion for the game, being organised and punctual, adaptability, and a willingness to always learn and constantly upskill and evolve with the game because it's always turning!
13. What is the 1 outstanding quality all top Inter County players have?
I believe 1 outstanding quality all top intercounty players have is their speed of thought upstairs. How quickly they can execute certain skills is what separates them from being the best!
14. Would you rather win a Canon Hamilton with IK or a National League with Clare?
I would rather win a Canon Hamilton with IK than 100 national leagues with Clare!
15. What are your other interests outside of GAA?
I enjoy keeping a healthy lifestyle. Going to the gym and walking on the prom in Lahinch. Maybe stopping into Billy’s on the way back for a 4 in 1 only on occasion. In the summers I try to get out to Woodstock golf club and keep an eye on things with the golf swing! Meeting up with friends in the evenings and tracing away.
16. Top 5 hurlers of all time?
Henry Shefflin, TJ Reid, Joe Canning Noel Mc Grath, Tommy Walsh.
17. Top 5 footballers of all time?
Diarmuid Connoly, Colm Cooper, David Clifford, Peter Canavan, James Mc Carthy.
18. What important quality would you like to see all Eire Og Inis players have?
I would like all Eire Og Inis players to have a strong commitment to continually strive to develop themselves all the time by improving their skills, fitness and understanding of the game, also supporting the club activities and initiatives, such as fundraisers and community involvement. Creating a positive and inclusive environment for all members.
