Fallon aiming to inspire the next generation

For someone with the winning experience that Noel Fallon possesses, it would be easy to simply fall back on past knowledge.

Yet the Four Roads goalkeeper isn’t built in that mould. Fallon’s eye for improvement is plain to see when the topic of coaching arises.

Although his modesty is on full display when downplaying his own work with Roscommon’s junior camogie team this year, his passion for trying to help hurling and camogie grow shines through.

“It probably was an experience I couldn't get involved in hugely too much. I was there maybe once every two or three weeks due to having a little one at home and another little one on the way. It was just hard, but I actually really enjoyed it. That's something down the line I'd really like to get into.

“I wouldn’t define myself as a coach. I was just helping Michaela (Finneran). She was probably teaching me more than I was teaching her. But I just like the game. I like camogie, I like hurling, I like getting involved in that side of things. As long as I can get involved and if I can give a small bit of knowledge back, I am happy to do anything,” he noted.

For Fallon, the final play of his side’s breathless county semi-final victory over Oran exemplified the importance of youth. After Paddy Fallon arrowed over his 11th point of the game, the possibility of extra time loomed large.

However, Four Roads had one more kick in them as Cormac Mulry claimed possession and earned a precious free — one that Conor Morris nailed from out near the sideline despite playing against a devilish breeze.

“They are great gasúns. They want to learn, they will listen, they will drive and drive and drive, and that's what's pushing me on. The character the last day — last puckout, level game, and they wanted it.

“A lot of young lads and a lot of older lads wouldn't put up their hand (for the puckout). I pucked it out to the right-hand side, Cormac Mulry turned and went for it, got absolutely nailed and got the free. That alone tells you a lot about a young lad. And then Conor Morris to stand up and do that,” he stated.

The topic of whether county finals should be held in Athleague or King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park is a debate that continues to rage. With this being the third year in a row that a final has been played in the county grounds, Fallon gives a fascinating insight into what will happen in front of him on county final day.

“The targets out here (points to the Ballyforan pitch where Four Roads’ press night was held) are closer to you by a few yards, which makes a difference. Whereas the Hyde is wide open, you have a bit more space to hit.

“When you're looking out, if you're looking from the sideline, it looks horrid different, but if you come behind the goal and look out, and then you've lads, going left, right and centre.

“Here (in Ballyforan) you have maybe five yards to hit. In the Hyde, you have ten (yards). And if you hit the Hyde, that surface is like a carpet. It's going to bounce and travel.

“So again, you have to take that into account too. You could over-hit it and it would go wide, or you could over-hit it and hit the sideline. It all depends on the wind and the day, so there's a lot of variance to take into account,” he noted.

Given his big day experience and willingness to learn, Fallon will be prepared for all eventualities.