Interview with Molly O'Toole

1. Hi Molly, so you're from Mayo, that must be tough...? Just kidding, I assume you're proud to be representing the Wehst on this years team though?

It's fairly handy actually... there's plenty of space for throwing and cows for target practice! :P It is nice to have myself and Aoife from the west, so that there's more on the team than just Corkies and Dubs!

2. You're also the first UCD player to make it onto the Junior Women's team. How did they rope you into taking up the sport?

I had heard that it was great fun, and when i saw the stand during freshers week i decided to sign up and loved it!

3. It was a great year to be female player in UCD too. Winning mixed intervarsities and getting to the final of women's. Things really seem to be moving in the right direction for you guys. What do you put that down to?

I think we really came together as a team, set goals, and worked hard on trying to make them happen. It was great to have leadership like we did, and people like Fiona, Emer and Beata to look up to and learn from.

4. A question from Caitlin Looney. Are you looking forward to Co-Captaining UCD next year? Also how did championship go? 

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it, but nervous at the same time! Hopefully myself and Sarah will do a good job! And we won be 3 points in the championship :)

5. You're one of many players on this years team from a GAA background. How do you balance your sporting commitments? 

It is tough, and because of it I don't have much free time, but I love sports, so that makes it that I don't mind. I've grown up with GAA and have been playing since I was 5 or 6, so it would be strange if I wasn't working it into my life.

6. You played mainly as a cutter for UCD this year but you'll be handling for the Juniors. How have you found adjusting to a new position and which do you prefer?

It was strange at first, and hard to get used to, but i really enjoy both now!

7. This year's team come from 4 different schools and 5 different colleges. Presumably you came into the group not really knowing anyone. How have you settled in?

Everybody is so friendly and welcoming, and we get on so well! I knew Frankie from the beginners tournament in Edinburgh last year, and i knew of a couple of the other players, but it's really been great getting to know the team!

8. 64. Thats an unusual squad number choice. Is there any interesting story behind it? 

Not a very interesting one... the numbers 4 and 6 have always been my lucky numbers, but they are popular jersey numbers and are always taken. I was going to go for 46, but ended up choosing 64 because it was available with UCD, Jabba and Juniors.

9. Worlds is less than a week away now. You must be excited?

I'm so excited, but quite nervous too! It's great that it's in Dublin so that we will always have a crowd cheering for us, but that adds the pressure of playing in front of friends and family, and wanting to impress!

10. What would you consider to be a successful week for the team?

A successful week would be playing to our best ability, giving every game everything we've got, and coming out on top against any teams that are within our reach.

11. Lastly, have you a question for one of your team mates? 

Leanne, you were on the team last year... is there any team that you're specifically looking forward to playing against this year?