Keeping it in the family

This week’s player profile focuses on the utility defender with St Vincent’s FC and family practitioner Colm Cosgrove, who is currently working in Ballymun Family Practice and living in Goatstown

Roll of Honours: Colm has won LSLleagues with St Vincent’s, played in six Med Cups, 10 Hospitals Cups (winning 2), five NAMS (winning two) as well as representing Ireland in three Medical World Cups – in Long Beach, Barcelona, and Austria. Let’s not forget a few glory years in the UCD Superleague too!

So, Colm – tell us a bit about where it all began?

I was born in Derry, where I spent a lot of my time on the indoor five-a-side and “all weather/pre-astro” gravel seven-a-side pitches. At a young age, I mainly played with family and friends, including my dad (Dr Kevin Cosgrove) who inspired/encouraged me both with his love of football and his choice of a life in general practice. I played my first 11-a-side with my school, St Columb’s College.

Why did you decide on Dublin as a next step? Did your football follow?

I decided to move to Dublin and chose UCD to study medicine due to our family history of my Dad and Grandad doing the same. Also, my eldest brother studied medicine in UCD, so I knew what I was in for! I played for the UCD Freshers and Inters teams for three years, winning the Harding Cup and a LSL league title. Once St Vincent’s came calling, I knew it was the right move … although my Mater teammates in Hospital’s Cups may not have looked kindly on it!

I hear you are one of the elder statesmen of the current crop at St Vincent’s … how does that feel?

Ha ha, yeah … this season I am fast approaching 100 appearances (and hopefully a couple more goals!). It has been great over the years and I have seen a few new groups of players coming in. Myself and the other lads who have been around the block are keen to have a positive influence in the dressing room, to help the new younger lads stay relaxed and enjoy their football. I also play some extra seven-a-side football with my brothers to help keep some sort of fitness!

What about behind the player? What else do you get up to outside of work and football?

I am very lucky to have a loving (and understanding!) young family. My wife Sinead (also a GP) and I have three amazing daughters: Freya, Laragh, and Joni. We are kept pretty busy with homework and dance classes, but we wouldn’t have it any other way! Outside of that, I really enjoy music … both playing and listening. I play the piano and the guitar and some of my favourite artists would be The Divine Comedy, Super Furry Animals and The National.

And finally, what are your hopes for the coming season?

As a squad, I think our approach is to enjoy our football as much as possible. With all the new additions to the squad, it will take time for everyone to gel, but everyone gets on really well and the training has been fun. We are aiming to stay in touch with the top teams in this league and hopefully just keep improving and having fun!