Interview with Seán Slattery
This week I spoke to Seán Slattery. Seán captained Waterford minors in 1998 at corner back. He played the majority of his adult hurling as a forward. Here are a few questions I posed to him.
Could you tell us what was the first Senior game you played for Tallow and the last? It was 1997, a league match in Abbeyside against De LaSalle. Trevor was full back that evening and I had some amount of covering to do.. The last match was a league match against Ballygunner in 2008.
In your last year did you feel it was a gradual retirement or did injuries force your hand? It goes back to 2003 when we had a mere 5 lads at training one evening. You are either 100% in or 100% out. In 2008 I choose the latter. Had you any nerves or apprehension in your last year in the standard of your performance? I think 2007 was probably one of my better years, fair to say I peaked well before then.
Would you have done anything differently? Might have stayed at fullback. Could have saved Barry Power from that broken nose... Bear didn’t do him any favours that evening. What was the main difference in your performance in your later years? There was a significant deacceleration as time went by and I was no speed merchant in my early days. The aerial battle became a bit easier. Had some success underage and always hope you can achieve when you get older. Was lucky to play with some serious hurlers looking back on it.
Did you stay in your normal position or switch to different ones? I think I covered most roles except for midfield and goals. Got the goalie role covered a few days for the juniors so will head to midfield next year. Did you spend any time stretching, foam rolling, ice baths? Wasn’t an option in my day or a preference. How was your body recovery after games or training? Can’t say it was an issue, when I started playing conditioning wasn’t a major topic.
Did you pack up sport completely or play a small bit of junior after? Went for the junior hurling option for a few years along with some junior football. How did you feel going watching senior the year after you retired? It was a sad sight really, definitely a few fellas should have been up in the stand with me. Shane Glenaglough would be a prime example. Do you still keep fit and if so in what way? Wouldn’t be one of my best attributes to be honest. A bit of farming along with looking for golf balls would sum it up.
Have you done any coaching, become a selector or interest in any of the two I mentioned? Just a role on the fringes of junior hurling. Main job is trying to convince James Murray that the fullback slot is his natural position for his age and agility. 2021 James. Do you still attend games? Head to most of the championship games, junior and senior when time allows.
COBHRÓN
CLG Tulach an Iarainn would like to pass on our condolences to Elizabeth Henley and family on the passing of her brother Patsy Moughty. We would also extend compassion to Daly family on the passing of Mikey Daly. Tá súil againn go bhfaighidh an bheirt fhear luach saothair síoraí ar neamh.
Notaí CLG Tulach an Iarainn sponsored by Goalpost Ireland Tallow.