We are always on the road looking for the latest exclusive. This week, whilst attempting a work-out in the Torrent Fitness Complex, we were put through our paces by Senior forward Christopher “Crico” Colhoun. After ”feeling the burn” in places that we didn’t know existed, Crico joined us for a Powerade and was more than happy to take part in this weeks Q & A. 

Crico, would it be a fair comment to say that you have struggled with a few injuries in recent seasons? You look to be coming back well now though, how is it going for you?

Yes, that would be a very fair and obvious judgement.  I suppose I could class myself as a hamstring expert at this stage.  So many different things contribute to this type of injury.  I am currently still only about 70% fit but it’s a work in progress.  I came through the Augher game so I’m building on that.  

Throughout your senior career you have played in an almost isolated position up front as a target man. Is this a role that you relish?

I have been playing now for the Seniors for a decade this year and over the years I have played in numerous positions. During the Raymond Monroe era I played left half forward for several seasons, but more recently I have played in the corner, playing in a 2 man full – forward line, where I relish the open space.

We have some outstanding talent coming through to the senior side now. What are your thoughts on that?

This is a topic that is always discussed around the town, by present players, former players etc. and I believe its a credit to the Managers and Coaches and I suppose it’s because they help develop these young players we have within our ranks.  I feel that this year our young players have really stepped up to the mark this year and hope this continues.  Watch out for our next star wee Kieran Mc Geary, just seen in paper he received player of the tournament down in Dublin at DCU sevens.  So future is looking bright for the youth of the Plunketts.     

If you could pick any other player, from a different era or club, to play along side of, who would that be?

Well I was going to say a young lad of 19 from Clonoe Connor McAliskey who is currently Div 1 top scorer in only his first season playing for the Seniors for personal reasons, but I am going to have to say Peter Canavan. As a young boy I always looked up to him just like many thousands out there.  It would have been a dream come true to be on the same field.  

Who has been your biggest influence throughout your playing career to date?

A lot of people spring to mind. I can’t select one, so it’s only fair to mention them all, Michael Harvey and Pat McCann in Primary School, then Sean Aidan Begley, Big Enda at the Dean Maguirc College, Raymond Munroe. All had an influence at different stages in my life.  Currently Decky McCallan and Damien Stewart who are two good men for the Plunketts.  

You had a good run with the County panel in 2007. Tell us about that experience?

It was a surreal experience to be honest. On reflection I suppose I have experienced one of my dreams, to represent my County.  I was very fortunate to play the majority of McKenna cup games and to also start in the final and win was a bonus. My best memory apart from the Mc Kenna cup final was getting to train for an hour and a half in Croke Park.  It was the first ever game under the flood lights in Croke Park, Tyrone Vs Dublin, so I got a small taste of what it was like.  It was something I always wanted to do.  To this day it still sickens me that The Plunketts never got that opportunity to play there for our All-Ireland in 2005.  That’s politics so I will leave it at that.  Angry face.   

You have played football in America. How did that experience compare to our own football in Ireland?

I have played in Philly, New York and San Fran.  Each location was a unique experience.  The chance to live in a different climate, see places you would have never seen and people  you would have never met.  The quality of football can vary depending on location, but the standard of football I have seen and played against is top notch.  At home your playing with boys you grew up with, in the USA you don’t have that bond so its pretty easy for me to say that when playing at home there is no comparison. That wins hands down.  

GAA is obviously a minority sport outside of Ireland. Do you have any thoughts on how the GAA in Ireland could help our exiles in England, USA, Australia etc?

Well I agree it is a minority sport, but its always developing in these areas.  That can only be a good thing for GAA as a whole.  Maybe Croke Park could try and support areas outside Ireland a little more in terms of grants for facilities etc. 

If you could pick any position to play, where would you want to be?

Where I am currently playing.  Corner Forward. 

The All-Ireland run in 2005 was a wonderful time for the Plunketts. Tell us some of your fondest memories from that period? 

Again, this was the highlight of my football career.  Pomeroy Plunketts Double Champions, then Ulster Champions and unlucky in the final.  To this day I am always bitter in regards to the team we played in the final.  They were a Senior team who got beat by Nemo Rangers, but due to southern regulations they were unfortunately allowed to drop down a division. We gave it everything on that day but it was not enough.  

What are your hopes for The Plunketts in 2011.

To stay focused on one game at a time.  That is our golden rule.  

Alright Crico, it’s time for “Quick Fire” – let’s do it!

Favourite film?  Platoon or The Goonies

Favourite Singer/Artist? Favourite song is P-Diddy – I’ll be missing you (Vengaboys also) I cant select only 1 artist.   

Celebrity that you would most want to take out on a date? Megan Fox

Most embarrassing football moment? A game up in Trillick, shorts pulled to the side running up the line, the spectators fence is very close to the field I might add, you can fill in the gaps yourself.

Ideal night out? Carry out in house or back garden on a good day with friends and then head out.

Ideal night in? With Lisa, Chicken Wraps, DVD and lets not forget some junk: it’s a pity whoppa bars and tango bars are extinct. 

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?  LOL cant believe your asking me this question, I will let you use your own imagination for this question.  

What boots are you currently wearing? Nike Vapours on good day and Gigsy Reeboks on wet.  

Jamie Oliver or Gordan Ramsey? Ramsey

All-time sporting influence? The two main men Robbie Fowler and Michael Jordan.  ”23″.

We lift our kitbag off the floor and attempt to walk out across the carpark to our “Web Wagon”. Crico follows close behind doubled over laughing. “NO PAIN!” we shout, “NO PAIN!”. If this is the type of abuse that Declan McCallan puts the boys through then I think we’ll stick to the forestry track.

Many thanks to Crico for taking part in this weeks Q & A and we wish him all the best for the rest of the season.