Player Profile: Fergus McKeown

Name: Fergus McKeown

Nickname: Goose

Age: 18

Club: None

Years Playing: 2 years, on and off.

Playing Position:

Standout Ultimate Memory: It was at the School's Indoor Championship. We (Gonzaga) had played and lost to St.Killian's in the group stages. We had expected to win all our games, so it came as a bit of a wake up call. We fought our way into the finals where we found St.Killian's waiting for us. It was a back and forth game, our goal line defence keeping us in it. Time ran out, and we were even, and so we entered Sudden Death. Watching from the sidelines, having taken a sub, it was nerve racking stuff. Finally a pass from Hugo to Dave just about won us the match. The Gonzaga lads swamped the pitch. It was the best game I had seen played at our level indoors. It was a great performance, for both teams, and it was really a time when you could have said 'Ultimate was the real winner'. I am happy to be playing with two of the Killian's team, Robbie and Roy, with Ireland, and since that game, I am really excited about playing with them in Vienna.



Favourite Ultimate Player: I can't really single out one player who I think is my favorite. When you see really excellent 'champagne' flowing Ultimate, it isn't one player who makes it. Playing against Broccoli in the Summer League I really got a chance to see how a team plays well together, and I hope to see the Juniors emulate that in Vienna.

How have you found the summer so far? The Summer has been great. I finished my Leaving Cert., and all during the preparation and execution of it, I was really looking forward to getting out and enjoying the Summer, playing Ultimate. It hasn't disappointed. Playing with a new squad, getting to know everyone on it, and just having fun together, when Shimbo isn't apoplectic, has been a great experience.

Whats been the hardest thing for you over the last few months? The fitness training has been the hardest part of the whole summer. When you are on the pitch playing, getting tired, it's fine, because at least you are having fun. However, purposely exhausting yourself by just running, as you have to do with the HIIT, is not my idea of fun.

What are you looking forward to most in Austria? I know it sounds corny, as does the rest of this profile, but I am really looking forward to playing and watching some great intense Ultimate.