Exclusive: Mark Duffy opens up to The Listener

At the beginning of the season, Mark Duffy looked a shade of the man he was the previous season, but the self-proclaimed role-model has since reformed. The dynamic player has made himself a permanent feature in the Lisahally side this season and is held in high regard by fans, team-mates, coaches and perhaps most importantly, by himself.

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Lisahally Listener: Hi Mark, thanks for agreeing to do the interview, how are you?
Mark Duffy: I'm feeling fantasic at this present moment. I'm just basking in the glory of two of the finest goals the Lisah' faithful has ever witnessed.


LL: After amazingly struggling to get into the team at the start of the season, you have worked hard and now find yourself a regular on the right side of midfield. Was it difficult for you to cut out the partying and the women?
MD: Well, for me it was a mental battle but thankfully I overcame my demons! The management stated that they only dropped me to give me a good kick up the ass and that has certainly worked - just look at the Big Man's performances in the past four matches! I would also like to state that I definitely miss the partying, but, from what I've heard, the women are missing 'Big Duff' more!

LL: How do you feel about Lisah''s chances of promotion? Is this squad capable of winning the league? Are you enjoying your football?
MD: Well, to be honest, at the start of the season I was hating every minute of it, but recently I have hit form and the excitement has come back. At this present moment Lisah' are top of the table by a point - thanks to Mark Duffy barking with two amazing goals - but Lisah' have a thing for throwing it away. However, with the new management in place hopefully that won't be allowed to happen.

LL: Players coming and going is part of the game, but Lisahally experienced a massive transfer saga at the beginning of the season with Kieran McGlinchey, who decided to leave for Downey's. What is your opinion on the matter?
MD: Everything within the Lisah' camp was kept 'hush-hush' on this issue but 'Big Duff' never lies to his loyal followers. Of course it has a negative effect on the team, as the young man was one of our best players in the last few seasons. As a young man myself I can see the temptation of free food and free tickets . Imagine how many 'hurs' I could get with the all the free tickets every week?! Eh?! [laughs]

LL: Considering that you are a friend of McGlinchey's, there were rumours that you may have been tempted to follow in his footsteps, especially with the allure of free alcohol and crisps. Did you ever consider leaving your local club?
MD: At the start of the season I wasn't enjoying my football and my career took a turn for the worst when I was left on the bench after being a regular figure for the past few years. So it definitely did cross my mind to leave the Stra' Arena for good, but I sat down with the management and they explained it was only to teach me a lesson and I was going to be an influential figure in their plans for the future. As you can see now I'm like a new player, with the whole team supporting me every step of the way.

LL: The Listener understands that you are now resuming your studies in Derry. Some fans have branded you as an inspiration. Do you find it difficult to balance football with your studies?
MD: Well, I must admit when I was in Belfast things were a bit crazy. There were women every night - but that's just the sort of thing that 'Big Duff' is used to! But now that I am home, everything has changed because the 'Big Man' is watching every single move I make, so there will be no messing about and turning up drunk for matches. This goes to show that even a party animal like myself can change his ways, so there is definitely hope for Stevo yet!

LL: Who would you say is your role model?
MD: My role model? Hmm, now that is a hard one! Well I would definitely have to say my da because, just look at the man! Fifty years of age but doesn't look a day over twenty-five and he's still battling on! That's something Shaun can't even say because he's around thirty and he's broken down completely!

LL: What are your goals for the rest of season?
MD: My primary goal is to help the "team" win the league and hopefully a few cups along the way. Then I'd like to score a few more goals. Top goal-scorer wouldn't be too bad would it? [Laughs]

LL: Any final thoughts?
MD: Well my two screamers at the weekend definitely deserve a mention. Both of them put Emmett Kirk's tame effort to shame. No better man you know!