Sport
SmallTalk with Killarney golfer Jason Arthur

This week Adam Moynihan caught up with talented Killarney golfer Jason Arthur to chat about his game, his fondest sporting memories, and his playing partners – good and bad!
Hi Jason. How are you keeping?
All good, Adam.
Thanks for speaking to me.
No bother.
You’d have a reputation as being a bit of an all-rounder when it comes to sport. Remind us of the teams you have represented.
Football with Dr Crokes, soccer with Killarney Athletic and Killarney Celtic, and golf with Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.
How is the golf going at the moment?
Pretty good, but I’m not practicing nearly as much as I was last summer so it’s a bit up and down.
What’s your favourite and least favourite hole in Killeen?
The 10th on Killeen is my favourite hole and my least favourite is the 1st. I always make a mess of it.
Who’s your favourite local golfer to go for a round with?
Patrick Buckley and Anthony O’Carroll are my regular playing partners. And lately Ken ‘Snakes’ Clifford, who is always good craic but his golf game leaves a lot to be desired.
What’s the best piece of golf advice you’ve ever received?
Drive for show, putt for dough!
What’s your happiest sporting memory as an adult?
Winning the All-Ireland Junior Cup with my Killarney Golf and Fishing Club teammates last year, with my brother-in-law Donal Considine as manager.
And your best memory from your underage days?
When our team won the All-Ireland Junior Cup when I was 17. We were managed by my dad, James ‘The Wedge’.
Biggest sporting regret?
No regrets.
Who has been the best manager/coach you have played for?
I would say Mikey O’Donoghue when I was underage with the Crokes, and Ed O’Neill when we were in the Sem.
Who’s the most talented player you’ve ever played with?
Rory O’Sullivan at golf. He was an unbelievable talent underage. He doesn’t play as much anymore but he can still light it up when he does. In soccer, I’d say Eoin O’Connell. He was top class. And Mickey Joe Grady was a brilliant footballer.
Toughest opponent?
Mark Bowe (when he doesn’t have the shanks).
Who are your favourite athletes of all time?
Tiger Woods, Alan Shearer and the Gooch.
Any hobbies outside of sport?
Hiking and running.
Best restaurant in Killarney?
Tough choice but Colm makes the nicest pizzas in Charlie Foleys - when he actually does a day’s work.
Favourite spot for a pint?
Charlie Foleys and The Speakeasy.
What’s the last show you binge watched?
Better Call Saul. Great show.
Which actor would play you in movie about your life?
Michael Fassbender! But I don’t think he’ll be clearing his schedule for the role anytime soon!
What would you sing at karaoke?
Maggie May.
And last question… Which of your Killarney Golf Club friends would you least like to get stuck in an elevator with?
Tadhg ‘Tiger’ O’Keeffe. He can be pretty loud!
I hadn’t noticed… Sound for that, Jason. All the best.
No bother at all.
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