Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials, coaches, or anyone!
This week we caught up with Ciara McDonagh!
What club do you play for or coach?
I play for New College Worcester (NCW).
How did you discover goalball?
My mum found out about goalball first. She went to a few training sessions but didn’t like it though because of the bruises! I then started playing when I went to NCW. My first tournament was in Bristol in November 2018. I have also played for Fen Tigers.
Is there a particular song, artist or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood? Or anything you’re loving at the moment?
I listen to a lot of ‘Pop Punk’. I also like Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. They do lots of covers, like ‘Halo’ and ‘No Diggity’, in a jazzy way.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
No, just a good warm-up and then get on with it!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
I’ve been known to have potato wedges from Domino’s Pizza! I don’t make it that often but my ‘signature dish’ is paella.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
Stuart Hudson, who used to play for NCW and is now part of the GB Men’s squad.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I enjoy going to the gym and horse riding.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I’d really like to go to Greece as I like Greek Mythology. I would like to go and see some of the architecture whilst I still have some sight.
