In a West Cork Minute - Thomas Clancy

Cork  footballer Thomas Clancy, 25, was man of the match for Clonakilty in the recent South West JAHC final. Here, he questions why West Cork isn’t a county on its own …

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What’s the one thing you can’t live without? It’s probably my iPhone! With technology these days, it can keep you entertained for hours.

What would I find in your fridge right now? There’s plenty of Clóna milk, Irish yoghurts, Clonakilty Blackpudding and Noelie O’Callaghan’s finest Shannonvale chickens.

Name one element your sport could/should take from another? That’s an easy one: the professional aspect of soccer. Getting paid to keep fit and play ball, what more could you ask for? Also the fact that I could buy what I want would be a nice addition. My house would be kitted out something serious – pool, gym, relaxation rooms, the works. 

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? It depends where I’m coming from or going to. It could be a match/training, could be work, or where I’m planning my next adventure.

Who has been the biggest influence on your sporting career? The one and only Sean (Seanie) O’Sullivan. He trained us underage and I used to work with him in the model railway village for a summer, too. Not only did he give me good advice on the pitch but off the pitch as well. As he said himself, ‘I’ve trained all of that junior hurling team bar one or two’. An absolute legend of a man.

Pick two celebrities to be your parents: Ah, Sean and Eileen aren’t that bad to be fair but if I had to pick, I’d probably go with Will Smith as I think he’s the coolest man around and maybe Beyoncé since I’m far from blessed with musical talent. 

What do you think cats dream of? Mice. 

If you could play any other sport for one day what would it be? Soccer for PSG on Neymar’s wages! Make enough money to keep me going for awhile.

If you joined a circus, what would you perform?  Walking a tight rope. 

If you could get rid of one county in Ireland what would it be and why?  Westmeath – if we are making counties like that surely we should have our own in West Cork. 

What would you do if you found a penguin in your freezer? I’d ask Bernard Lehane what is he doing in my freezer? 

Before we let you go, teach us something that we don’t know: When someone tickles you, the laughter is a panic response. That’s why you can’t tickle yourself, as your body never senses any real danger.