Meet the Player

Already the second ‘Meet the Player’ blog. In this monthly series, you will be introduced to the players of Nijmegen GFC. Get to know the faces behind Nijmegen GFC, the successes and great craic. Every player at Nijmegen GFC has their own story, we all have different nationalities, different ages and different connections to Gaelic football; Every member is a valuable and unique contribution to Nijmegen GFC. So, let’s start putting some stories to the jerseys.

In this second edition, we introduce Brian, our much-appreciated team photographer, trainer, and one of our most experienced players. Brian is from Ireland, Dublin to be precise, and has been playing Gaelic football for over 20 years, three of which have been with Nijmegen GFC. At the end of last year, Brian broke his ankle while skateboarding. However, as we say in Dutch, every disadvantage has its advantage, so he has taken on the role of trainer. You can still find him on the pitch regularly, just in a different role. Also, Brian continues to take brilliant photos, often featured on this website, even with one ankle out of action. Give him a follow on Instagram to see more of his great photos: brt.photo.

We asked Brian to introduce himself, and asked him to answer a few questions:

I moved to the Netherlands quite impulsively in December 2021 for "de liefde" (for love) as the Dutch like to say. My now fiancé is half Irish/half Dutch but grew up in NL. I'm a former professional photographer and now work in a kind of infrastructural engineering role, where I've learned to speak a pretty decent level of Dutch. Although I probably take more photos now than when I was doing it professionally. I'm a proper photography/camera nerd, I love it. I also met my fiancé through photography (she's a fantastic photographer btw), so it's a big part of my life.

I have ADHD, so my hobbies (much to my gf's annoyance) can change quite often but Gaelic football, playing guitar and photography have been the most consistent throughout my life. My other hobbies include skateboarding, music, running, history(handy living in the oldest city in NL), movies, art, golf and hiking. Unfortunately, I broke my ankle skateboarding a few months ago, so the above-mentioned has become quite limited.

I joined NGFC in April 2023 after not playing since around 2018, and have never enjoyed playing more. I really missed the craic from back home so when I found the club I immediately felt more at home in NL. Speaking of homes, we recently bought an apartment here in Nijmegen so, long may that last.

The thing I love about playing Gaelic football here is that you are surrounded by so many skill/experience levels, so you see some insane bits of skill or improvisation carried over from other sports. Growing up surrounded by the sport, I don't think you realise how many rules and various skills it involves, so when you see a complete beginner get the hang of it and score their first point, the buzz is kind of infectious. Luckily, I get a lot of enjoyment from coaching as I won't be back on the playing field until the later part of the year.

Q&A

How old are you?

37

Where are you from (country and city/region)?

Clondalkin, Dublin

How long have you been playing Gaelic football?

20+ years

What position do you usually play: goal, back, midfield, or forward?

Midfield, but since I'm getting older I'm slowly pushing closer to full forward. Luckily, it's not the sideline (yet).

What is your favourite Nijmegen GFC memory?

Winning the Pan Euros in 2023

What's your favourite post-game food or snack?

Krentenbol(raisin bread bap) with cheese and ham

What’s always in your sports bag?

Pain killers

If you could have a superpower on the field, what would it be?

To always catch the high ball

Who is your sports role model?

If I'd have pick one... I've a lot of respect for Shane Lowry

What's a fun fact about you?

I'm a massive nerd