Cian Curtis

In this issue we feature one of our current Under 19s who has been with the SRFC Academy for eight years. During that time he has been consistent in his development and has always presented and conducted himself in an exemplary manner.

Name:

Cian Curtis

Age:

19

Team:

Under 19s

From where?

Kilnamanagh, Tallaght

Position:

Striker

How far does your association with Rovers go?

I joined in 2015 for the Under 11s and I have been here ever since.

Who was your first manager?

Graham Gartland and Robbie De Courcy.

Where did Rovers play when you joined?

They were here (Roadstone). I have always played here.

What do you remember from your first year?

We weren’t in the top division, we were in the 2 nd Division but we got promoted the next year. The facilities weren’t as good as they are now so it is good to see the improvement that we have had over the last few years.

What other managers coached you?

Tony Cousins, Aiden Price, Shane Robinson, Glenn Cronin, Ciarán Ryan and Lee Raethorne, Thomas Morgan and Dessie Baker.

Were you always a striker?

Only this season, other than that I was always a midfielder. I was mostly an attacking midfielder in the 10 but last season I was playing a bit deeper as well and this year further forward.

How would you describe yourself as a player?

I’d say I am a strong striker, a clinical finisher, that can go in behind or into feet and a creative player.

What countries have you gone to on tournaments with the club?

I have been to Finland (tournament), to Scotland to play Celtic and I have been to England to play Southampton and Swindon Town.

You played against Alkmaar last year; what was that experience like?

It was a great experience. They were a top team. It’s always good to come up against players your own age from other countries, to see what the level is there. We were the only team to get a result against them so that’s a positive to take out of that because they went on to win the trophy unbeaten (UEFA Under 19 Champion’s League).

Who is your favourite player worldwide?

I would have always said Kevin De Bruyne but because I’m moving forward now I would say Erling Haaland.

Who is your favourite Rovers player?

I would look up to Rory Gaffney.

Trivia question! What was your favourite cartoon character growing up?

I was a fan of SpongeBob. I always watched that growing up and that would be a memory from my childhood.

What is your favourite meal?

Cheat meal would be Pizza or Chicken Pesto Pasta.

Where is a place in the world you would like to go?

I would like to go to see the Northern Lights so I would say somewhere like Iceland or go back to Finland maybe.