In the build up to Saturday’s Intermediate Football Final in Toome Paddy McIlwaine speaks to St. Teresa’s stalwart, Philip Maguire. Philip has been an ever present for St. Teresa’s for more than two decades and was happy to give us his thoughts on how Saturday’s final might go.

Paddy: Philip at what age did you make your senior debut for St. Teresa’s and how long have you been a member of the senior panel?

Philip: I made my debut in 2003 aged 15 against Aghagallon, played at Sean Treacy’s Lurgan. Think we had the bare 15 and I was told to stand in corner forward. My first real season was the following year and I’ve been involved with our senior footballers ever since. 

Paddy: Tell me about the honours you have won with St. Teresa’s during your career and your spell with the Antrim football side?

Philip: To date I’ve won, junior (2009) and intermediate (2013) football championships. 

I’ve also won the junior hurling twice (2005 & 2008) and the junior B twice 2020 and this year with Belfast Saints Hurling Club which is a combination of St. Teresa’s and St. Agnes.

I would love to win another intermediate championship this Saturday. 

I represented Antrim at minor and U21 football and got a few run outs at senior level. 

Paddy: I remember your dad, Danny playing Senior Championship with St. Teresa’s and his long career with Antrim. How much of an influence has he been on your career?

Philip: Massive influence. Always encouraging me to train hard and improve. I’ve always wanted to emulate what my Da achieved for the club. Like most GAA families the club is everything. I remember going to my Da’s matches and trainings from no age. My granda was a founding member of the club and his dedication and commitment to the club has been passed on to my Da and now on to me! He has always encouraged me to play and brought me to club and county games all my life. He has also paid for a few pairs of boots down the years! 

Paddy: You have had a great year with Belfast Saints. I was at your semi-final against Larne and we covered the final as well. You have been in great scoring form. How many St. Teresa’s players from that side are likely to figure on Saturday?

Philip: The hurling has a great atmosphere around it. It’s a set of boys who all just want to play some hurling. The boys do all the hard work and I get to knock a few frees over. From it started 2 years ago, everyone has really enjoyed it. Boys from both clubs, St. Teresa’s & St Agnes would obviously like to be playing under our own club names but unfortunately the numbers aren’t there at the minute, so it’s the next best thing. Both clubs are planning on rebuilding hurling from juvenile up but that will take a few years.

From our club we have 6 or 7 dual players who will also be playing on Saturday. Colm McGoldrick, Pierce & Conor O’Rawe and Philip Glennon. There are plenty more footballers who are very good hurlers and will hopefully get involved next year. 

Paddy: St. Teresa’a have had a great season, reaching the IFC Final and gaining promotion to division 1. Last season you struggled a bit. What has been the difference this year?

Philip: I didn’t play any league football. That might be the reason! A few boys like to remind me of that.  I slipped a disc in my back and trapped a nerve so I’ve only been back involved from the start of championship. I think this year we got a decent preseason at the start of the year, won the first couple of games and build up some momentum and confidence. We won games that in previous years we would have got beaten in by a point or two. We’ve also got a few boys who are starting to mature into senior footballers. 

Paddy: St. Teresa’s and All Saints met in the IFC semi-final at St. Enda’s two years ago. All Saints won narrowly. What are your recollections of that game?

Philip: For me personally it was one game too many at the end of the year. I had been playing most of the year with a sore back and I hadn’t been training between the games trying to recover during the championship. From what I remember it was the goals that were the difference that day. Ballymena are a big physical team with a big squad. We’ve a small panel and I think we just run out of steam after a long year. 

Paddy: Who have been the St. Teresa’s players who have stood out for you this year and who you feel can influence Saturday’s game and how do you see it going?

Philip: From not playing in the league and doing nets in a few championship games I’ve been able to actually watch us play probably for the first time not really being involved. For me, Paul Johnston and Darren McCann have had a great season. ‘Janty’ has been excellent in defence and Darren has stepped up this year as captain and lead from the front. Hopefully these two and a few more have a big influence in the game. 

Paddy: Philip, as you may know I’m an All Saints man but I wish you all the best on Saturday. Looking forward to the game and seeing you and your dad in Toome, and may the best team win!

Philip: thanks for the coverage The Saffron Gael produces. It’s fantastic and the media coverage it does for clubs is brilliant. Fingers crossed you’re taking pictures of St. Teresa’s players and supporters celebrating after the game. Best of luck and I echo your sentiments. May the best team win!