There are many certainties in life. Rain throughout the summer in Ireland, Cliff Richard having a Christmas number 1 and Denver Nugent’s name on our senior starting line up. For the past 10 years or so”The Vengaboy” has been arguably our most consistant performer and rock solid in full back. He came on the scene just in time to fill the boots of the “evergreen” senior legend Adrian Nugent.

This week www.theplunkettsgac.ie made our way to Nugents Corner Bar. Fresh from a game of “Texas Hold’em” we collared Denver for our Q & A and the mercurial defender dually obliged…….over a long tall cool one, of course.

Q: Firstly Denver, would it be fair to say that you played alot of underage football in the forward line? What are your thoughts on that?

A: That would be a very fair comment indeed. At first I opted to be a forward because as a young lad you wanted on the ball as much as possible and unless you were willing to stand in goals freezing your hiny off you weren’t going to get the ball action you desired. Then as I was approaching Minors I wanted to try and win the games myself without realising you had great team mates and some far better forwards to do the scoring. Though when I look back now I played my best youth football in defence and when involved in a successful youth team it was as a defender each time, so I guess that speaks volumes of my attacking prowess in my youth days.

Q: What is your preferred outfield role?

A: Centre half back. It takes a lot of commitment and work rate but you can get really involved in a game and drive on when necessary.

Q: You have played against many quality forwards as a full back but who would be your most difficult opponent and why?

A: I would have to say Stephen O’Neill or John Hayes of Carberry. O’Neill is not just strong in any particular department, he is exceptionally strong in all of them. He has deceptive pace blended with sheer strength, then if you are lucky enough to get tight to him he can then score from either foot from any angle or position in the forward line. I also have to say he is very modest on the field unlike some other high profile players and also, he is a great team player. I marked him one match were he only scored a single point, now if you think that is a good outcome you would be wrong, at a guess I would say he set up 80% of the scores for the rest of the team.

Q: What is your earliest Plunkett’s memory?

A: My earliest memory is from when I was 7. It was the famous 1991 Intermediate final replay, as far as I can remember it was a Friday evening, mummy and daddy were in a panic to get us ready and fed as they were just home from work and to get down to Coalisland as early as possibly as “the parking down in Coalisland is useless and we need to get a good spot to get away quick.”  As a young lad I was more interested in kicking and running around after a “cup champions” ball with all the other lads outside the fence, we were having our own wee battle with the small Edendork lads. However as the game was drawing to a close you knew (even then as a 7 year old) something exciting and extraordinary was happening as the crowd got louder and the swear words became more constant. So at this stage you were concentrating on the towering figures such as Gerard Cunningham, Peter Corr, Mickey Donnelly and Brendy Fullen and roaring and shouting yourself and when the final whistle went it was the 1^st time I experienced true Joy and Excitement regarding football. Then waiting on the team to come in to Pomeroy was so memorable, the main figure I can recollect from the return was Niall Killpatrick and the smile on his face and that’s when I thought, I want that smile someday because of victory.

Q: You were part of the County Panel as a minor. What are your memories of that?

A: First two things that come to mind are running and throwing up. It was tough work doing laps and drills at a different pace and intensity on a very poor Drumragh field. Then the next thing that comes to mind is disappointment as I was dropped from what turned out to be an All-Ireland winning team. I also remember the pride felt, our 1^st league game was against Down in Omagh before the U21 championship match between the same 2 teams. An unusually big crowd was there due to the championship game and I was starting corner back and when I saw a few familiar Pomeroy faces I was proud for myself and proud to be from Pomeroy especially since we hadn’t had a Tyrone minor in ten years at this stage. All in all I had a good time and met some good friends.

Q: You played in a fine Academy team. How did that compare to your experience with club football?

A: I cannot compare the two, club football is a unique experience that can’t be bettered by playing for any other team. Playing with the Academy lads was fantastic and we had some of the best times of my life especially one time when we went to Ennis for a weekend but give me a wet Tuesday in the back field any day over a cold new years eve morning with Paddy Parks and Peter Herron.

Q: You are involved with the ladies senior team this year. Are you looking forward to it? What can we expect?

A: I have been involved now for a few weeks and I am enjoying it thus far. Joe and Flea lay solid foundations last year so hopefully this year Flea, Lorraine and myself can develop from that and possibly bring success come the end of 2011. One thing is for sure these girls will be fit and they certainly do not lack commitment, desire and a want to win so watch this space.

Q: How has training been going this year?

A: Training this year started very early in January and has been building up ahead of steam nicely. We could be doing with more numbers but the sessions themselves have been intense and effective to date. We are on the field now which is a different animal altogether compared to other types of running etc… but everyone is committed and enjoying it which is a good sign.

Q: What do you think we can look forward to from our seniors in 2011?

A: Success! That’s it in one word at this stage of the year. I personally never start off a year aiming for mediocrity or containment, you should aim to win every game you play in and take each game at a time. I know everyone training wants to win something so you can expect a big effort in every game. Now I’m aware we are Pomeroy Plunketts so expect some ups and downs along the way and included will surely be some great football and entertainment.

Q: What are your thoughts on 2010’s minor success?

A: I thought the achievements of our minors in 2010 were magnificent and they should cherish the memories and be proud of their success. However If I am entirely honest I thought they got it very easy as they were not truly challenged over the season and this left me to question the effect this would have on them and if they learnt much from their rampant form in division 2. In the League final in Omagh I had all my concerns and questions answered. Their comeback against a Senior Club who know nothing but winning right through the club was one of the best Pomeroy team performances I ever seen. The football they played was beautiful and fluent and the heart and character they showed when going a man down and so many points behind was tremendous and something else. They really earned that trophy that day and fair play to them, I hope they can now step it up and bring that attitude and desire to win onto the seniors.

Okay Denver let’s get to the serious stuff. Quick Fire Round!!

Q: Favourite Film?

A: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Q: Favourite Actor?

A: Clint Eastwood. Just too cool.

Q: What female celebrity would you most like to take out on a date?

A: Holly Willoughby or Rachel Stevens

Q: Brolly or Spillane?

A: Brolly, he gives Spillane exactly what he needs.

Q: Hansen or Dunphy?

A: Niether, both were over rated players who make consistent incorrect predictions and talk complete nonsense. That’s right Wellies, Hansen hasn’t a clue and was over rated.

Q: Favourite Band/Singer?

A: Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band. Never has a musical nickname been more fitting.

Q: Ideal Night Out?

A: Refer to answer 3 or perhaps a foam party in Gilly’s.

Q: Ideal night in?

A: A feed from the Silver Chopsticks with some tinnies (must be Tennants) and an Only Fools and Horses marathon.

True to his word, Denver dually obliged. He picks up his playing deck and gives us a playful salute before leaving for home via ”The Silver Chopstick”. 

Many thanks to Denver for taking part in this weeks Q & A and best of luck with both the ladies and mens senior teams in 2011.