LARRY REILLY (CAVAN)
Age: 38
Club: Kilbride
When did you play for Cavan?
1996-2010
What do you do nowadays?
I’m a building contractor with my own company, Larry Reilly Construction, and we operate out of Cavan and Dublin.
Are you still involved in Gaelic football?
I’ve been working with Danny Brady and the Cavan minors in the last couple of years. I’ve really enjoyed it, but it is time-consuming, especially when you’re working between Cavan and Dublin.
What do you remember about your first game for Cavan?
We had got to the All-Ireland U21 final in 1996 and I was brought into the senior panel by Martin McHugh. I played my first game against Antrim in the Ulster Championship, but that’s about as much as I remember. I wouldn’t be great for remembering different days or different games on certain dates. I couldn’t tell you who I was marking even that day, I think I maybe scored a couple of points, but I know we won so I suppose that’s all that matters.
What’s your best memory?
Well, 1997 was a good year. It was only my second year on the panel and we won the Ulster title against Derry. Playing Kerry at Croke Park [in the All-Ireland semi-final] was a special day. It was the 50th anniversary of the All-Ireland final between the two counties in New York and there was a lot of talk about that in the build-up.
And the worst?
We lost to Antrim at Casement Park in 2003, Mattie Kerrigan was manager. Ach, it was one of those days where you just knew after about 20 minutes that you were going to get beat. I suppose over the course of a 15 or 16 year career you’re going to have bad days, and that was definitely one of them.
Are you glad you played in your era rather than today?
I am. I think it’s maybe gone a bit far in the modern game – the fun has gone out of it a bit. It’s getting to the point where a lot of fellas who are working in trades like myself would struggle to commit because you’re out five nights a week between club and county. It’s a lot to ask of fellas.
Any regrets?
I’m sure everybody finishes their career thinking they could’ve done this or that, but what’s the point? It is what it is, and I have to say I really enjoyed my career.
