November 2nd, 2007

Player Interview - Adrian Hanley – Buccaneers Club Captain 2007-08

Favourite Band?
Snow Patrol

Favourite Films:
We Were Soldiers, Platoon, and Braveheart.

Favourite TV shows:
Two & A Half Men, Frasier.

Other Sports?
Gaelic Football – Garrycastle.

How long have you been playing for the club?
I’ve been playing for Buccs since the U14s.

What does it mean for you to be captaining the side this year?
This year represents an exciting period for me. I grew up here in the town of Athlone and have always aspired to captain the Buccaneers. It is an honour knowing my name will be on the wall in the clubhouse at Dubarry Park alongside some fantastic leaders from previous years.

What are the team’s aspirations for this year?
Our goal this year is simple: ‘Promotion’. To achieve this we will have to rely on hard honest work & lady luck. We have already gone some way in creating a fantastic team and club spirit & believe this forms an integral part of a winning environment.

I would like to show my respect and thank in advance our ever loyal supporters. I am sure you all know how much the constant murmur of a packed stand can drive a team. I hope that our side can entertain you & make you proud this season.

You’re recovering from an injury. What was the problem & how is the rehab?
I damaged my AC joint in my shoulder. I’ve been out for six weeks. It’s been tough watching games from the bench knowing I couldn’t help the lads out. I shall be back in contention for a place in the squad versus Clonakilty.

What is the mood like within the camp?
Mood in the camp feels the best it has in five or six years. There are a great bunch of lads around this year. Everyone is focused on the AIL. We have a lot to prove to ourselves & our supporters this season.

Who are the new signings & how’re they settling in?
There are a fair number of new faces around. New forwards include Matt & Ala Te Pou, Trevor Conneely, Stephen Burke, Brendan Guilfoyle, Kevin Moran, and Conor Higgins. New faces in the back division include Simon Rolleston & Adrian Penzhorn whilst Sean Brady has returned from England and Paul Harte & Tom Gilligan have made the jump up from the U20s last season.

Unfortunately there have been a number of pre-season injuries. Matt Te Pou has been extremely influential thus far but sustained a broken arm against Ballymena. His game play and leadership & will be sorely missed. Michael Diffley, Kevin Moran, Trevor Conneely, Paul Harte & Sean Brady are also on the physio table.