Antrim’s Ciaran Johnston and the taste for success
Antrim hurler Ciaran Johnston is well used to success. Whether that’s winning hurling titles for his county, football crowns with his club, or in court as a solicitor — winning is in his blood. We spoke to him ahead of Antrim’s Christy Ring Cup final against Carlow.
Winning has been instilled within in from a young age and something he has gotten accustomed to ever since first his coaching session with his father at under-8s. His father still coaches him and his brother Conor at their St Johns/Naomh Eoin club and he has described his father in particular as a massive driving force behind my love for GAA.
The brothers were the backbone of their club’s remarkable success at club level throughout their youth. They won the Division 2 title at the renowned Féile na nGael hurling competition two out of the three years they competed. Whilst in the final year of eligibility for Ciaran in 2008, they won a unique hurling and football double in the competition.
Given these achievements, it wasn’t long before Ciaran’s talents were called upon to represent his beloved Antrim at underage level.
Speaking to The Con, Johnston said, “I first represented Antrim at the Tony Forristal competition in Waterford when I was thirteen. So my representation of my county throughout the various ages stretches over ten years.”
The Tony Forristal is an Under-14 competition that has given countless intercounty hurlers their first opportunity to represent done their county colours and cut their teeth by taking on the best talent in their age group at a national stage.
Johnston continued to develop through the ranks and in his final year as a minor he was selected to captain Antrim at the grade. Johnston led the team to an Ulster Minor title, a proud day for him.
“Any day you are chosen to captain your county is nice and certainly at a young age it is a notable achievement.”
“I also captained DCU to a Freshers “A” All-Ireland Football title in 2013, which was special for me considering the quality of players I was playing alongside, and Ross Munnelly being the manager entrusting me with the role,” stated the defender.
In 2013, Johnston was part of the Antrim Under-21 side which took a huge championship scalp defeating Wexford in an All-Ireland semi-final and booking their place in an All-Ireland final. Their opponents on the day were a remarkable Clare crop of talent, including the likes of Tony Kelly, Podge Collins, Colm Galvin and Shane O’Donnell among others who would play a pivotal role in winning a senior All-Ireland title the same year.
It proved to be a step too far for Johnston and the Antrim side as they went down to a Clare side who had massacred everyone else that year on their way to Under-21 glory.
The following year he was drafted into the senior panel before making his debut in a Walsh Cup game against Offaly and has been an ever present in the Antrim set-up ever since. He has now nailed down his position at wing-back with some excellent, assured performances throughout his career.
He does admit it was a demanding challenge taking the step up to senior intercounty hurling.
“Physically you would notice the change in intensity compared to minor. You were coming up against experienced players who are better developed than you, both physically and in terms of their craft of the game.
“But again that is part of the learning process and cutting your teeth at senior intercounty. The standards and lifestyle expected of you can be challenging for some, however, I have not felt too much strain or pressure personally as I truly do enjoy all the elements of preparation and practice,” he added.
Balance is something which is crucial for inter-county level these days, given the demands placed on players is akin to a full-time job — never mind Johnston, who has to contend with working in an already time consuming profession as a solicitor.
“I’m lucky that my own boss is heavily involved in GAA, given he has represented the county before. It makes a huge difference.
“Fortunately, I don’t have much travelling as I am based in Belfast which is convenient in that I am not travelling massive distances after training so I am able to try and recover quicker.
“I would say the best advice I’ve ever received is to study and choose a professional career that you enjoy, not merely one which shall accommodate your GAA career. Time management and having your week set out is absolutely key for me.
“The qualities and skills that sport teaches you are invaluable for your professional life; discipline and having a work ethic being the most notable.”
One huge positive within the GAA is it does afford talented youngsters the chance to travel off the back of their talents and play the game they love over the course of the summer.
Johnston himself played in New York last summer, representing the Ulster NYC — a club which is ran by two Antrim natives, Brian McNaughton and Eoghainin McCarry.
“They could not do enough for me, I would definitely go back. It was a great release and the change of scenery was refreshing. It’s incredible to see where GAA can take you, from Belfast to the bright lights of Times Square is some change.
“I would recommend it to any player to experience it once in their lifetime. I recognise the difficulties it throws up for both club and county teams but it’s extremely difficult to refuse an opportunity as such. Especially when you’re young and able.
“The friendships made are what really makes the whole experience, guys you would otherwise have never met and that’s something which I really enjoyed.”
We discussed the current club versus county debate, and where he stands in the matter.
“It’s a difficult situation particularly for county players, as lads have so much pride in representing both, and obviously before all else you’re a club player on loan to the county essentially.
“Clubs are undoubtedly suffering as a result of games being called off and that’s wholly against the ethos and essence of our association. I feel players should play away with their clubs whenever feasible throughout the county season. I think wrapping players in cotton wool is futile and only serves to create unnecessary friction.
“Certainly the GAA calendar needs reviewing and to be adjusted to sufficiently allow each competition its required time and respect; possibly shortening the club All Ireland series.
“I know from chatting to a few lads who won their provincial titles in November and were not partaking in competitive action again until February that it’s not ideal. But I do fully recognise and appreciate the hugely difficult and complex job GAA HQ face in trying to rectify and implement a calendar which shall cater for all.
“In turn, some counties receiving eight or nine week breaks during their season between championship games is unacceptable and of no benefit to anyone involved, so it is definitely a major issue.”
A major issue within the GAA structure at the moment is championship structure at intercounty level at both codes. It’s evident from everyone within the association right now, from the top brass right down to the supporters that change must occur to improve the championship from a viewership point of view, as well as helping the players and teams perform to the very best of their ability.
It is something which Johnston himself sees as being needed to be addressed.
“The ‘Super 8’ initiative being implemented by Gaelic football is an intriguing set-up, I know it’s come in for criticism, but I do believe it is a pragmatic step by the GAA to try and sort some form of change.
“I appreciate the historical significance and sanctity of the likes of the Munster Hurling Championship. However, from a purely selfish hurling point of view, I would love to see the big teams clash more, not solely just in September each year.
“I do believe it does not go far enough in accommodating or aiding the progression of the so called ‘lower’ counties. Of course it may have some teething problems, but purely as a hurling fan, the fundamental idea of pitching the best teams in the country against one another more frequently excites me.”
An idea which has recently been branded about is the possibility of a joint Ulster hurling outfit and it has been endorsed by many, including Meath selector and Antrim native Mickey McCullough who feels that a “Team Ulster” may be the way forward in terms of hurling progression in the North.
It’s not something which Johnston would be in favour of. “Firstly, I don’t agree with it due to the logistical problems it creates. As a player who has played for combined Ulster colleges and recently the Railway Cup squad I have witnessed the difficulties catering for players from different counties travelling such distances.
“Secondly, the pride of playing for one’s county and representing your own people is totally removed and you become somewhat desensitized — which doesn’t sit right with me. It’s neglecting the structural changes required for Ulster as a province and the vast work required to improve and promote hurling within the province.”
Johnston continues to play as a dual player for his St Johns/Naomh Eoin in Belfast. He also played soccer and rugby when he was younger but eventually he chose hurling and it’s a decision he has never regretted.
When asked if he ever contemplating quitting the inter-county scene he stated, “No I can honestly say I haven’t, I’m still young so I wouldn’t dream of it.
“I think it’s certainly a young man’s game now and the time demands upon players means the likes of family time and socialising is reduced.
“But I wouldn’t change it for the world, when it’s always been your life and you know nothing else then its second nature. Plus the enjoyment and buzz is the big incentive, when you stop enjoying something or lose the hunger for it then you should give it up.”
Antrim claimed their 16th Ulster Senior Championship victory by defeating Armagh in April, with the two Johnston brothers playing pivotal roles in either side of the field. Conor in particular was in outstanding form landing 3–5 and being voted the GAA.ie Hurler of the Week, holding off stiff competition for Tipperary’s John McGrath and Galway’s Conor Cooney.
The Saffrons, with the help of the Johnston brothers, aim to add more silverware to a packed trophy cabinet when they take on Carlow this Saturday in the Christy Ring final.
Antrim had a victory by the narrowest of margins in extra time over Carlow in the first round of the competition. Antrim’s Neil McManus was superb form landing 1–11 for his side.
The Antrim’s side top scorer Ciarán Clarke and the Johnstons will be crucial if their side are to win the competition for first time. Speaking about the upcoming opposition, Johnston said:
“They’re a balanced, strong side and we are under no illusions as to the task that lies ahead of us come Saturday. There will be no surprises on either side, and I believe both teams are more than capable of competing in the Leinster Round Robin stages at the very least.”
Looking past this weekend, we put it to Johnston where his ambitions lie and where he would like to see himself in five years’ time.
“Personally I would hope for both club and county success. (At club level) I believe we’ve a good enough crop of players with the club to challenge for a county title in the near future.
“For the county, next year we are in 1B once again so that’s a boost with the county, but it isn’t enough for this group of players. We really want to be competitive and hurling at the top table. Consistency is key, and the panel we have now are fully aware and clear on where we want to go and be as a group in the near future.”
In relation to a hurling beyond retirement, I asked does he see himself going into coaching when he is finished playing.
“Yeah, I’ll always be involved in some format. I’ve actually already had a taste of coaching with my Alma Mater, St Marys CBGS. I helped coach them last year and we were actually beaten in the All-Ireland Colleges Final by St. John’s the Baptist Limerick in Thurles.
“Despite the result it was interesting and hugely different being on the opposite side of the white lines. I love talking hurling and dissecting the game and as you can imagine around the dinner table it’s all that’s discussed among our family.”
Given his level of intelligence and grá for the game of hurling, there is very little doubt that the success that has followed Ciaran Johnstone will follow him right into management. But for now, the Christy Ring Cup awaits.
