AS part of our feature on the Ulster GAA Wheelchair Sports’ team, we profile Cathal McAtamney who made his debut last month, as the National League returned after the Covid lockdown.

Name:  Cathal McAtamney.
Age:  16.
Club: Swatragh, Derry.
Favourite food? Burger and chips.
Favourite holiday destination? Portugal.
Favourite singer? Ed Sheeran.
Favourite film? Spiderman.
If you were having party, what three people would you invite? Jurgen Klopp, Shane Duffy and Steven Gerrard.
If you were GAA President, what would be the first change you’d make? I would change the underage structure back to the way it was.
What is your earliest memory of sport, any sport? Watching Liverpool matches on TV with my Daddy.
What is your earliest memory of GAA? Going to Croke Park to watch the All-Ireland Hurling final in 2014.
Who is your favourite sportsperson? Steven Gerrard because he loved being able to play for his home club and never left them.
Who is your favourite GAA player? Mickey Conway as he is consistent and always encouraging.
How did you find out about the Ulster wheelchair sports? My physio told me about it a few years and we looked into it by contacting Ulster GAA, through Shane McCann and Paul Callaghan.
What does that entail in terms of preparation? We train every fortnight at Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown, where we play both wheelchair hurling and football.
What are the memories that stand out so far from participating in the games? That would being able to represent Ulster a few weeks ago.  This was my first time being able to compete as you had to be 16.
What is the best thing about being involved? Being able to contribute to part of a team.
What are the challenges? Moving your wheelchair and holding the stick at the same time.  It’s very fast and playing against players that are stronger than me is tough
What advice would you give to others thinking of getting involved? It’s a great way for those who aren’t able to compete in GAA sport for their own club.  It’s good fun and they are lovely people, make you feel very welcome.

READ MORE – Full feature on Ulster GAA Wheelchair Sports. Click here…