Sean McGreevy

Sean McGreevy, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a popular Gaelic footballer who has been the Antrim goalkeeper^[1] since making his Championship debut in 1993. McGreevy, a sales rep, made his debut against the then defending All-Ireland champions Donegal in front of 30,000 fans at Ballybofey, Co Donegal. He enjoyed an impressive first outing for Antrim, who narrowly lost to Brian McEniff's side by three points.

McGreevy, who also had spells playing soccer in the Irish League with Donegal Celtic Ballyclare Comrades and Omagh Town, turned down many offers to play the game full-time due to his commitments to Antrim and club, St Paul's GAC.

Sean experienced many years of hardship with Antrim, one of the weaker footballing counties in Ireland but rose to prominence in 2000 when he was an outstanding performer in Antrim's first Ulster Championship win for 18 years. Antrim defeated Down at Casement Park in the quarter-final of the Ulster Championship with Sean saving a Gregory McCartan penalty - one of two McCartan hit that day - on a memorable occasion. His performances in that game and in the semi-final and replay with Derry, earned Sean an Allstar nomination.

In 2007 he was part of the Antrim side that was defeated in the final seconds of the Tommy Murphy Cup final by Wicklow at Croke Park. In 2008, however, he returned to Croke Park with Antrim and experienced victory over the holders. It was the first senior trophy football Antrim had won since lifting the 1999 All-Ireland B title. Sean played in that final too, beating Fermanagh.

Following some successful spells with Antrim Football, which featured Antrims first Ulster Football Final in 36 years in 2010 v Tyrone, (Sean was instrumental in getting the county past Donegal in the first round only to have his season hampered by an injury sustained during the match). Sean is still involved with the Antrim Senior Football Panel after being recalled at 40 years of age in 2013. Sean lines out as the St Pauls GAC goalkeeper in the division one football league in Antrim.

Sean is one of eight children, with four brothers and three sisters. He is the brother of sports journalist Alex; Antrim Ladies coach, Barry, Sandy, and James. All of them played for the St Paul's club in Belfast.

References

1. BBC interview with Sean McGreevy retrieved 16 November 2010