The Lisahally Listener caught up with strong left back Aidy O'Kane today. We asked him about life at Lisahally and how difficult it was to play the foreign sport after many years.
Lisahally Listener - Hi Aidy, how's it going?
Aidy O'Kane - All is good, just recovering from a weekend of footie and the auld legs are like lead. Only 22 and I'm getting to old for this craic .
(LL) -You were a talented footballer in your youth, notably helping to guide the Strathfoyle Youth Club to glory in an all-Ireland competition based in Galway, but your first passion was, it seemed, always Gaelic and as such your Lisahally debut came relatively late. Did you find it hard to re-adjust to soccer at all?
AO'K - Naw not at all. Saying that in my first couple of games when a few high balls came into left back, I was in the air with two hands up then thinking to myself 'what the feck are you doing Aidy, you're playing the foreign sport now'! Other than that it was grand getting back into the swing of things. The first training session I was taking the complete hand out of Mark Duffy for the full hour and a half.
(LL) - You were an integral part of the Lisahally machine that won the double last season along with promotion, how did you enjoy your experience?
AO'K - First season and success like that was great. Not everyday them sort of feelings come around.
(LL) - Were you disappointed not to win player of the year?
AO'K - Not at all, I had a good start to the season then after getting a couple of knocks in games I never really got back to full fitness. As well as that big JR totally deserved it, then there is the likes of Jai, Stroker, Petie and Emmett who all had great seasons also .
(LL) - Lisah' have been experiencing a terrible time in the top division, but recent developments have seen a turnaround of fortunes - what do you think was the cause of the poor start and do you think Lisah' has what it takes to avoid relegation?
AO'K - Not a matter of thinking, I know Lisah' will stay in the Premier this year. The likes of Gavin, Mickey, and Jonny back playing along with veterans such as Davey K and big John Marshall. I think the reason for the horrible start was because of not having a full available squad due to gaelic and also the lack of numbers at pre-season training. I personally think a good pre-season is vital to a good start to a new campaign . Also the keeper situation didn't help matters but with Big Joe back in after a quality performance that's that sorted.
(LL) - Who would you say is the biggest joker at the club?
AO'K - He is a plonker, but Duffy always gets a reaction when he walks into the changing room. If he's not talking about women he's talking about some other waffle and everybody gets a good laugh at him.
(LL) - The best fasion sense?
AO'K - The best fashion sense would have to go to Emmett Kirk. Showed up yesterday (Sunday 30th Oct.) for the Abercorn game in freezing temperatures wearing a pair of 3/4 lengths and a T-shirt that was too big for him chewing 'gum' as Emmett would call it. After coming back from the States he gets serious grief off Jai but in honestly Jai is right , Emmett must think he is a Yank after that dress code yesterday!
(LL) - Outside of soccer you are known to be friends with former Lisahally player, Kieran McGlinchey, do you think he'll ever make the return to his local club?
AO'K - I heard from a reliable source in Du Pont on Sunday that the prodigal son's return is imminent after another disappointment playing for Top of the Hill on Sunday and only getting 10mins game time as a sub...we shall see!
(LL) - How have you coped with the self-proclaimed superstardom of one Mark Duffy?
AO'K - Aw, at this stage all the crap that comes out of that man's mouth goes in one of my ears and out the other. Self praise is no praise .
(LL) - Good luck for the rest of the season Aidy. Any final thoughts?
AO'K - Thanks Listener, keep believing Lisah'! Woof woof!
