by Vic Ball
Introduction
Welcome to 'InSalmo' This blog is all about giving club members out there an insight in to what's happening with the 1st XV from inside the smelly (or is it smulley) ranks of the first team dressing room.
I think it's very important that our members feel a connection to the 1sts and the individuals involved, and this blog is a way for us to reach out and make that connection.
At the end of the day, we carry the flag for the club and the club is judged on how the 1st team performs on the pitch and the result we achieve in the league. It's a big responsibility but one we're all aware of and accept. This being said, we're all in this together and we're all here to enjoy it. The boys really appreciate all your support.
Blog 2 17th August 2011
This week I profiled and had a chat to club legend and 1st team player Keith Taite about his time at the club and his thoughts on the upcoming season.
Keith Taite
InSalmo: Hi Keith. Thanks for talking to InSalmo. How's the body feeling this pre-season?
Keith Taite: No worries my pleasure. First of all, hope all the readers are enjoying the insight that you're providing in to the senior squad. Body is feeling good, getting fitter, but with 6 weeks to the League begins, there's plenty of room for improvement!
InSalmo: You're obviously still enjoying it. How many season's will this upcoming season be in the senior team?
KT: It's more the determination to achieve something special that's keeping me going but it's always been enjoyable. This is going to be my 10th season!
InSalmo: Wow that's pretty impressive, especially as it's all been playing for the one club. You were made a Salmo Hall of Famer? Tell us more about that. A great honour no doubt?
KT: Yeah it definitely is but I only ever take it one week and one game at a time. I've been extremely fortunate that coaches have always backed my ability to provide something for the team. The Hall of Fame is something you should achieve long after your playing days are over, but to be selected at 26 years of age along with some real club legends is a great accolade to receive from my peers.
InSalmo: You've made 130-odd AIL appearances to date. You would've experienced some highs and lows over the years. From a team perspective, has there been any one moment or a particular season that's stood out for you?
KT: Oh there's been many of both! Losing 3 consecutive Leinster Senior Cup Finals in 03, 04 and 05 was a hard pill to swallow! In terms of highlights, where do I start?! Maybe the killing fields of Young Munster when we won 9-12 in front of a fiery home crowd back in 04 or more recently the win we had up in Malone in 08 in what could only be described as hurricane conditions. I could actually go on and on. There's been so many great days in the Salmo colours and hopefully a lot more!!!
InSalmo: Well that brings us to this season. How do you think we're shaping up?
KT: The squad has been working very hard and the attitude has been excellent. Under the guidance of Phil de Barra, there has been great dedication from all involved so we're certainly heading in the right direction. Providing we avoid injuries in the cup games we'll be in good shape for Thomond on October 1st!!!
InSalmo: Great stuff! Well thanks for your time mate and best of luck for the upcoming season...hopefully a successful one for Salmo! All the best!
KT: Thanks very much, I've no doubt it will be!
Name: Keith Taite
Dob: 14/03/1983
School: De La Salle College Churchtown
Position: Prop
Height: 6ft 3"
Weight: 115kgs
AIL Caps: 130ish and counting
Representative Honours: Leinster U21s, Leinster Development, International Rugby Academy.
Clubs played for: De La Salle Palmerston, Oamaru Athletic RFC-Otago, NZ
Earliest rugby memory: Guidance of a certain Mr Austin Qurke "Bloodly Hell Man"!!
Biggest influence in your rugby life? Many different people in many different ways...hard to single out individuals.
Favourite player ever? Fran Cooney (you can pay me later!)
Proudest moment in rugby? So many to think of having played so many matches but the obvious one is leading the lads out to play my 100th consecutive AIL match!
Lowest moment? Suffering a neck injury which meant 9 months on the sidelines! Very frustrating time especially having not missed one match in 8 years!!!
What do you love most about rugby? Winning whether it's in training or match day...it's what it's all about!!
What do you hate most about rugby? So called experts or arm chair revolutionists always seem to know best!!
Longest in the shower? Conor Hickey spends more time in the shower than on the pitch!!!
Biggest moaner in the 1sts? Can I say myself? Actually quite a few now think about it! Age has a lot to do with it! Cooney has become the grumpy old man of late but Smulley would be right up there for having a moan!!
Favourite 'away' ground to play at? Belfast Harlequins
Most hated ‘away’ ground to play at? Old Crescent
Most hated opposition team to play against? Bective
3 people you would invite for dinner? Cherly Cole, Abi Clancy and Rihanna!!
For you, what motto holds most relevance when it comes to rugby? "you only get out of it from what you put into it"
Favourite Food? Anything my mother cooks...steak (medium rare) with onions, mushrooms and peppered sauce!
Favourite Drink? Rock shandy plenty of ice!
Favourite Movie? Shawshank Redemption
Favourite Actor/Actress? Morgan Freeman
Home cooked meal or eat out? Home cooked meal
Favourite football team? Liverpool FC
Beer or Wine? I don't drink!
Blondes or Brunettes? Hmmm....tough one that! Maybe brunettes but all depends on the day!
O'Gara or Sexton? O'Gara!
Windows or Mac? Windows
Current Phone? iphone 4
If you were on a desert island, 3 things and/or people you would have with you? iphone, Rhianna and plenty of sun cream!!!
VB