In The Spotlight - Brian Doyle (Loup)

I had never heard of Brian Doyle before he came to Derry Minor trials in 2008.  He played a few trial games at full back, until we played Limavady in a challenge match one Sunday morning.  The left half back was unavailable that morning, in the reshuffle, Brian slotted in at number 7.  He played the proverbial ‘stormer’, kicking a few points in the process.  This fairly moved him up the pecking order.

He had great positional sense, could pass the ball well and was composed in possession.  He didn’t always keep his best performances for the pitch.  He had a whole new life away from the pitch.

He was a central part in the St Pius Magherafelt school drama production and plays with the popular local band The Flyin’ Fiddle.  I saw them in Swatragh one night and Brian was the token Derry man among his Ardboe colleagues.  If the football doesn’t work out, X Factor will be his next step!

Since that day in Limavady, Brian has proved that he will be sticking with football for the foreseeable future.  He captained St Pius to the McLarnon Cup, the All-Ireland College title, has played for Derry U21s,  St Mary’s Teaching College and was in and around the county senior squad.  Also the small matter of playing centre back as Loup won the 2009 county title.  Not bad for a player who had never really came to the fore at underage.

On Sunday, Brian will be bidding to keep Loup’s impressive championship record going and reach another county final.  Brian took time out of his Freshers Week to step Into The Spotlight.

Name: Brian Doyle

Nickname: I seem to get Big Rocks a lot.

Club: Loup

Age: 21

Height: 6ft

Weight: 12 stone

Occupation: Student Teacher

Boots/Gloves Worn: Puma King/Unisport.

Favourite Film: Forest Gump.

Favourite Song: Can’t say I have one I would listen to anything [As long as Flyin’ Fiddle are playing it].

Favourite Food: The Pizza Man is hard to beat.

Favourite Drink: Corona (In the off season of course).

Favourite pitch: Hard to beat a home game.

Best thing about playing football: It has to be winning.

Worst thing about football: Getting beat by a point.

Pre Match Meal: Whatever is going, I’m not too picky.

Pre Game Superstition: If I was to name them all, I’d take up the whole page.

Toughest opponent: Declan Mullan, too much pace for my liking.

Best player played with: Paul McFlynn.

Sporting Highlight: Captaining the school to an All-Ireland and winning the championship with the Loup in 2009

Biggest Disappointment: Loosing to St Gall’s in the Ulster Final.

Childhood idol: Seamus Moynihan.

Biggest influence in your career: Parents and family.

Advice for young players: Never give up.

Best trainer in the club: Sean Mikey O’Neill, loves the running.

Worst trainer in the club: Thomas Mallon (Postie), the man never trains always bluffing about.

Other Sports played: None.