Newly Capped Ireland & Connacht Backrower Mike McCarthy caught up with Talking Rugby Union to answer a few questions, a very nice guy!
1. How do you think Connacht done this season Mike?
Season 2010/11 we had our best place finish for a while but really feel we could have & should have finished higher in the table. There were a number of games we should have really closed out & didn't after a great start to the season getting a winning bonus point at home to Dragons, drawing with Ulster & beating Glasgow away. It was an improvement but as a squad we know we should have done better.
2.You have been at Connacht since 2007 what do you think of Ireland?
I love living in Galway, it's a fantastic place with lots always going on eg race week, the arts festival & oyster festival etc. There is always a good buzz & atmosphere about in Galway. I always have friends & family wanting to come over as they know what a great city it is.
3. You played for Newcastle Falcons, what did you think of their position at the end of the season right beside the relegation zone?
It was sad to see Falcons so close to going down but I was delighted they stayed up after it going right to the last game of the season.
4. You left Connacht to join Newcastle what made you come back?
I returned to Connacht after 3 happy years at Newcastle. I had lost favour in my 3rd season & was not playing as much rugby as I wanted. The chance to move back to Connacht was a no brainer so jumped at the opportunity.
5. You got called up for the Irish Wolfhounds, how did it feel to know your performances had been recognised?
Getting to play for Ireland A vs Saxons was a very proud moment for me & we won which made the day extra special.
6. What has been your career highlight?
Career highlight was getting my 1st cap vs Scotland at Murrayfield.
7. Who was your rugby idol growing up?
Pat Lam.
8. What was the best stadium you have played in?
Parc Des Princes
9. Who was the toughest player you have played with/against?
Toughest player I have played with would be Michael Swift or Johnny O Connor. I'm glad I don't have to play against them as training with them is tough enough.
10. If you had to give advice to youngsters trying to make to become professional rugby players what would you tell them?
Never give up, keep perservering & chasing your goals.
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination? Majorca Port Andratx
Favourite food? Seafood, anything cooked by my girlfriend or mum.
Favourite movies? 1 flew over the cuckoos nest, last of the mohicans
Favourite band/artist? Song = Mirwais, Disco Science
Hero (who isn't in rugby)? Goran Ivanisivic, won Wimbledon on a wild card
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)? Newcastle United
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby? Hanging out with the boys, walking the dog, cinema, helping out with a hockey team in Galway
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk? Great site for rugby fans
Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting Connacht week in week out, what would you say to all of them?
Just to thank them for their loyal support as always & for them to look forward to an exciting new season with Heineken Cup rugby with loads of new positive developments in & around the club. They really make a difference for us on the pitch.
