My Weekend: 'I'm trying to convince the nation lacrosse isn't just a poor man's hurling'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work:

I’m Tony Devine, chairperson of Cork Lacrosse, former Irish international lacrosse player (2004–2009 and a brief comeback tour in 2013 when I realised I wasn’t quite finished injuring myself), and full-time grassroots volunteer trying to convince the nation that lacrosse isn’t just a poor man’s hurling.

Fun fact, I organised a hybrid lacrosse and hurling match in Croke Park in 2019 (ended in a draw). I’ve been banging the drum for lacrosse in Ireland since 2003. There’s actually an All-Ireland lacrosse trophy dating back to the 1880s.

By day, I’m a software product owner with Aer Lingus, which means I spend my time in meetings saying things like “roadmap”, “priority”, and “stakeholders”.

I’m a husband and dad. I met my wife when she was on her J1 in America. She came over for the summer; I followed her back. That’s how they get you. I moved around a lot growing up, mostly in Pennsylvania, landed in Dublin in 2002 and Cork in 2015, and haven’t managed to leave since.

We’ve two kids: a 14-year-old son who’s into GAA, basketball and soccer (and steadfastly refusing to pick up a lacrosse stick), and a 12-year-old daughter who plays lacrosse goalie like her dad. Clearly, the sensible one.

We also have a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles called Milo, who runs the house entirely. He’s small, fluffy, lovable, and an emotional mess.

One of the highlights of the year will be marching in the Cork St Patrick’s Day parade with our U18 girls, hopefully convincing a few onlookers to give it a shot. We’re always on the look-out for new players of all ages and abilities. If you can run (or even jog enthusiastically) and don’t mind a bit of craic, we’ll find a position for you.

You’ll find us on Instagram @corklax we’re very welcoming and only mildly obsessed.

I also play blues harmonica, because apparently I don’t have enough niche interests already.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Netflix with the family. Wild stuff altogether. If there’s popcorn involved, we’re basically living dangerously.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

I’m basically farming stock, so 7am counts as a lie-in. I’m usually awake at 6am, planning my day until the boss (wife) gives me the actual plans.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Rarely to not at all. Weekends are family and lacrosse, both of which I genuinely love so it rarely feels like “work”.

If money was no object, where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

New York City at Christmas with my wife. Business class on Aer Lingus, obviously.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

Kilkee in Clare and Centre Parcs are big ones for us. We generally go with the extended family (the wife is one of seven kids) so they are less of a quiet recharge but still very important to create memories.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Absolutely. Things can get very hectic, so I’m trying to improve on spending quality time when we don’t have loads of activities on.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I play blues harmonica and love American football. Proper entire Sunday-evening commitment levels. Once the NFL season starts, I’m parked in front of National Football League RedZone.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter, do you have a signature dish?

Entertain, every time. I love a good BBQ. It’s in the blood. My family’s originally from North Carolina, and we’ve loads of relatives still there, so slow-cooked meat and strong opinions about sauces and fixings are basically hereditary.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork - where are your go-to spots for coffee/ lunch/special meal?

The wife and I love Market Lane. Reliable, brilliant food, and you feel like you’ve made an effort without having to wear uncomfortable clothes.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Usually pretty tired from running lacrosse sessions in Tramore Valley Park, doing few chores and bits of DIY, so during football season I’m watching RedZone from 6pm to midnight.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

No alarm clock needed. Internal clock fires at 6am sharp. I don’t fully trust it, but it hasn’t let me down yet.

Anything else you are up to right now...

I’m half-looking for a blues guitarist to form a duo and start gigging again. It’s lower priority than lacrosse, work and family — but if someone out there knows their way around a 12-bar and doesn’t mind the odd sports analogy mid-song, we’ll talk.

• Organised by Cork City Council, the Cork St Patrick’s Festival is taking place over five days from today to March 17. The Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday, March 17, at 1pm, on the familiar route from South Mall to Merchants Quay. The Parade will feature over 3,000 participants including Cork Lacrosse, Irish and international marching bands and theatrical showpieces from professional art groups Cork Community Artlink, Cork Puppetry Company and Spraoi. See www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie