ROSS BLAIR – the interview
Next in line for our exciting new series of members’ profiles is Ross Blair. Thanks to Ross for taking part. Also, thanks to all those who have contributed so far – your profiles are in the can – you may be next!
When and where did you first play hockey?
I was about 7, my friend’s dad was an Olympic hockey player so he got us both into the sport!
Have you played for any other hockey clubs?
Played for Annadale when I was a junior, then QUB when I was at university, and then I was at everyone’s favourite Instonians before moving here!
How long have you been at North Down?
140 whole days.
Do you have any personal ambitions in hockey?
I would be nice to actually score a goal for the first eleven seeing as I’m a forward.
What has been your best moment at North Down?
Watching Jonny Linter hurl a bowling ball across two lanes, knock down the pins, and proceed to ruin a family’s idea of evening entertainment.
Who has been your favourite player to play with at North Down and why?
Phil Wilson is not the worst player to have on your team. He’s unselfish, skillful and can finish, but he is also a Wilson which makes this hard to write.
What is your least favourite team to play against?
I generally dislike most teams in Ulster hockey but I’ll give the title to ***** and hope none of their players visit this page. (Guesses on a plain postcard to JP!)
Who in your North Down team would you want, and who not, on your quiz team?
Based entirely on the last NDHC quiz. On my team: Mark Shannon for an all-round solid performance (minus the pint spillage). Not on my team: Rachel Mornin for holding a medical degree from a reputable university but believing that the heart is part of the respiratory system.
Do you follow a particular football team?
Not at the minute, thanks COVID-19, but Chelsea when they are playing.
What other sports are you interested in and do you play any other sports?
Used to play tennis competitively and I’m a fair weather (> 15 °C) golfer.
What is your favourite personal sporting moment and a favourite all time sporting one?
Personal: Playing for Ulster in hockey for the first time when I was 16.
All-time: Watching Usain Bolt dominate the Beijing Olympics on a diet of 100 nuggets at day. #inspirational
What is the best holiday you have ever had?
Rome. There’s so much to see, the Colosseum is unreal and there’s pizza for days.
Where is your ideal holiday location?
Would like to see all 7 Wonders of the World. Was going to see the Great Wall of China this year, although a few bats seem to have had other ideas.
What type of music do you like?
John Mayer, Tom Misch, The 1975 and Queen Ari according to Spotify!
What is your favourite TV programme?
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Dennis Reynolds has given me a lot of good life advice over the years.
What is your favourite movie?
The Dark Knight, for making me believe that with enough money, a masked vigilante is a viable career choice.
What is your favourite food and drink?
In true North Down fashion, you can’t beat a good filet mignon steak from M&S, none of this Sainsbury’s peasantry, and a bottle of Chateau Margaux 1787!
If you could invite four people, living or dead, to a dinner party who would they be?
LeBron James, Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiger Woods. GOATs or should that be GsOAT.
What have you been doing to stay fit during the coronavirus break?
Some cycling, but mainly watching Graham Larmour’s Instagram stories and hoping some of his home workout gains rub off on me.
