Time to Talk with Garfield Bell
FORMER Ulster rugby player Garfield Bell is currently coaching Lurgan RFC 1st XV.
Now aged 43, he retired from rugby when he was 32 due to a detached retina eye injury and now pours all his energy into spurring the local side on to greater glory.
Garfield lives in Lurgan with his wife Elaine (with whom he will be celebrating their 20th anniversary this March) and three children Amanda (18), Graeme (12) and Cathy (aged eight) but was born in Lurgan ("Try not to tell too many people!" he joked).
His school days were spent in Lurgan Junior High School, Lurgan Technical College and Portadown College of Further Education. His chosen field was construction/civil engineering and Garfield has gone on to become Contract Director with P Elliott & Co, Co Cavan. He is currently managing the construction of major commercial and healthcare projects in the Northern Ireland region.
He also lived in Florida for two years with his family when working as branch manager for local company Mivan Overseas Ltd from 1997-99 where he construction managed Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and Walt Disney World projects
But sport has always been his greatest passion. "In my early years I played soccer for Hill Street Boys Club and Lisburn Youth FC," he said. He followed his father and brother into playing rugby at Lurgan as a 16 year-old, and represented Ulster at U19 and U20 level before joining Dungannon RFC (where he stayed for five years) and Instonians RFC (six years). He captained Instonians for two years in the 1994/95 seasons winning AIL 2, the Ulster Floodlight Cup, and the All Ireland Floodlight Cup. He then progressed his senior rugby career by playing for Ulster from 1989-1995.
Looking back on a colourful career, Garfield says his particular highlights were playing against South African Barbarians, Northern Transval and Australia at Ravenhill in 1992 (the Australia touring team which won the 1991 World Cup). He was also part of the Ulster Squad of the '80s and '90s who were undefeated in the Inter Provincial Championships for 10 years.
Previous to his rugby career, he played cricket for Lurgan 1st/2X1 until rugby commitments took precedence.
As for hobbies, Garfield likes to keep active. He says he enjoys "trying to play" guitar and most outdoor sports, including wildfowling. A member of Lurgan Golf Club, he has a six handicap.
"I enjoy coaching back at my home town where I started," said Garfield, "but I've no ambition to take it any further due to work and family commitments."
If you could trade places with anyone else for the day who would it be and why?
If I could trade places with someone for the day I would be Ryan Giggs (Manchester United player for 18 years). Unlike a lot of footballers he epitomizes the model professional sportsman being loyal, totally committed, and a great ambassador for his sport.
Describe your perfect day...
Beating Portadown RFC in the final of the Towns Cup this year and Manchester United winning the treble again.
Have you had any regrets in life?
Yes, allegedly not being tall enough to get an Ireland cap.
If you could change your job what would you do instead?
I wouldn’t swap my job, but if I were younger I would have like to have played professional rugby.
Party animal or couch potato?
Unfortunately I’m a party animal.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Hopefully semi-retired and still playing golf at Lurgan.
Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?
Apart from my wife Elaine, Brian Gallagher, former coach at Instonians has been an influential friend, great motivator and coaching mentor.
If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you like to have with you?
My Blackberry, TV with a power source and a boat.
Would you describe yourself as competitive?
Very much so. I don’t like being beaten but wouldn’t describe myself as a bad loser (unless it’s my Saturday four-ball).
Are you environmentally friendly?
Yes, I am used to environmental issues at work and also recycle my wine bottles!
Could you bear to be parted from your mobile phone for a week?
Not for work and definitely not as a junior rugby coach.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Lurgan
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
