The latest in our series of Q & A’s is with the blonde assassin, Wexford footballing ace, Bannow/Ballymitty and Twitter star Ben Brosnan. In advance of the Wexford footballers big Croke Park League Final on the 28th of April (7pm), Ben talks to us about his goals for the year, the buzz of the big crowd and his respect for Jason Ryan.
Our thanks to Ben for taking the time to talk with us.
Q: After 3 year hard graft and heartbreak the footballers have made it back to Division 2, a division that many would say is far closer to where we want to be. What was different this year and what did the achievement mean to the squad?
A: I don’t think we did anything too different this year. For the last two years we missed out on promotion due to score difference. I suppose our loss to Sligo at the start of the league was a real wake up call for us. Luckily for us it was at the start of our campaign and we had a three week break after that game to get things back on track and regroup. As a group of footballers we want to be playing be top teams in the country. Playing the likes of Armagh and Galway will be a welcomed challenge for us and we look forward to it.
Q: One thing many observers have noted about this Wexford team is the spirit and comradery in the squad. Tell us a little bit about this and what you put this closeness down to?
A: As a squad we spend so much time together. We see each other at training up to five nights a week but then a few of us might also go for a game of golf during the summer days. We are all friends but I think more importantly we all respect each other, on and off the pitch.
Q: The squad is a young one, with new comers like Andrew Shore making an impact and others like yourself relatively recent additions; of course on the other end you have Colm Morris who must surely bring an awful lot to the team on the field and in the dressing room. Is this mix an important ingredient in success?
A: Yeah of course. When the likes of Colm, Red or David speak everyone listens, but then if someone like Andrew, Lee or Graeme has something to say the more senior plays listen to them and have the same respect for what they have to say. At the end of the day we all have the same goal, we want what is best for the team and age really doesn’t come into it.
Q: Despite the team’s success and ability the number of supporters at some of recent games has been disappointing. Obviously it’s a tough time on families now and money is very tight but as we run up the league final in Croke Park on the 28th what would you say to supporters to encourage them to make the trip to Dublin?
A: I don’t think the GAA did themselves any favours in trying to improve numbers at games. For one of our matches this year we were playing Offaly in Tullamore while our hurlers were playing Offaly at home, so it makes it hard for supporters to get out and support us when they have the dilemma of deciding where to go. We love seeing a big crowd at games and seeing people in their jerseys so I would ask people to come out and support us on the 28th. It does make a big difference to us and we would really appreciate the support. It is not often Wexford get to a final in Croke Park so it would be great if people could make the trip up.
Q: You mention that playing in front of a vocal support makes a difference to a team, really?
A: Yes, without a doubt. The atmosphere definitely plays a role in a game. For example last year when we played Westmeath in Wexford Park as part of the double header the amount of support we had was just unreal. It was a great day for Wexford GAA and the atmosphere around the Park was second to none.
Q: What does Jason Ryan bring to the set up? How would you explain his motivational style?
A: Jason is such a positive man and is able to bring out the best of us as players. He instils a belief in us as individuals and as a team. His preparation in the lead up to a game is top class. He always has us informed and educated on the team we are facing. You never feel you’re going into a match under prepared and you always have the confidence and belief in yourself and the team. Jason also has a great back room team behind him who all play a huge role in how the team performs.
Q: What is your goal in terms of your GAA career? This year and long term?
A: First goal is to win the League Final on the 28th!! As for the rest of the year, we want to get back to being in another Leinster Final. Hopefully this is the year we go on and win it, but if we don’t, I still firmly believe there is, at least, a Leinster title in this squad. As for my own personal goals, the only one I have right now is to keep my place on the team. The competition for places on the first fifteen is so tough, everyone really has to fight for their place. There are plenty of lads on the squad who are ready and waiting to take your place if you’re not performing.
Q: What motivates you as a player, what drives you on?
A: Just being the best footballer I can be and always trying to improve and bring more to the team. Obviously playing in finals in Croke Park would drive any player on too.
Q: Your club championship campaign got underway recently, what do you think of the new Wexford Championship structure? Will they benefit club and County?
A: Yeah I think it will benefit both club and County. The way it’s structured now we get to play more games with there being only two groups of six. By having more games it gives Jason and the lads more opportunities to see the lads who maybe didn’t get a lot of game time during the league or maybe find some new lads to come on board.
Q: Do you keep an eye on the fortunes of the hurlers this year and if so what do you think of their year to date?
A Yeah I do. I think they were unlucky in a few of the games but they did their job against Laois on Sunday and stayed up. Hopefully they can push on from there for the championship.
Q: Is there any change you’d like to see to the rules of football?
A: There is only one rule that gets at me. I think if a player gets sent off in a game and the game goes to extra time, I don’t think the team should be allowed back to having a starting fifteen. It just makes no sense to me that extra time can be classified as a whole new game.
Q: What’s the biggest sacrifice you’ve had to make to be an inter-county player?
A: I wouldn’t look at it as a sacrifice. It’s a choice. I wanted to play football for Wexford growing up and this is my opportunity now. I won’t always have this choice or opportunity to play for Wexford so I want to make the most of it now for as long as I can.
In case you are in need of reminding of Ben’s talents; 2nd highest scorer in the 2011 GAA football championship, with 0-32 (32pts); see this YouTube video below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeqEL6uFNJE&feature=player_embedded#!
