Michael 'Spike' Fagan

Michael Fagan talks about his colourful GAA career, which started when he was a boy playing hurling and then football in Westmeath. When he was older he played with Mullingar Shamrocks, the Westmeath county team and the Irish Compromise Rules team, travelling to Australia and being named man of the match in one of the games. A dedicated and ambitious footballer, he talks about his preparation for games - abstaining from alcohol, using mental exercises in order to maintain his concentration levels and working hard to figure out his opponents and then gain the psychological advantage over them. Michael recalls how he dealt with the competing demands being placed on him by his club team, the county side and the Compromise Rules coaches. He talks about his experiences in Australia and the relationship he had with Compromise Rules manager Kevin Heffernan, and gives his opinions on issues such as fixture congestion in the GAA, problems with officiating and the prospect of professionalism. Michael has had a long and fruitful GAA career for which he is grateful, and his enthusiasm for the Association remains as strong in 2010 as it ever was.