PORTLAOISE FORWARD Paul Cahillane says he learnt a lot from his three years playing soccer with Celtic’s youth side in Glasgow. He learnt things which he says have made him a better Gaelic footballer, but he singles out one experience in particular, playing with Roy Keane. It’s along the lines of failing to prepare, etc.

Cahillane was just 15 when he took up the offer of a trial at Parkhead, in 2005, and, while things perhaps didn’t work out the way he’d dreamed, there are no regrets. He returned to Portlaoise in 2008, and eased his way back into the other sport of his roots.

His reconversion has been sensational, and after helping Portlaoise to another county title, Cahillane, still only 20, went on to become the top scorer in their successful Leinster campaign – hitting 4-8 in four games.

“I did everything I could over there,” he says, “and I can look back with no regrets. I enjoyed my three years in Glasgow. Loved every minute of it. But it’s all about Portlaoise now. I’m happy to be back with them, and I’m 100 per cent committed to the team and the club.

“And I think maybe there’s a bit more maturity to me now, than if I didn’t go away. I suppose I expect a lot more out of myself, fitness-wise. I’ve grown up an awful lot as well. I left home when I was 15, moved to a different country. I had to grow up I suppose. Confidence as well. Though I think I always had a bit of confidence in myself, that if worked hard on things then I could express myself on the pitch. And that’s what sport and GAA is all about. You’re out there to express yourself.”

He was in Glasgow about six months when word came through that Keane had signed, and would see out his playing days in the Scottish League. They shared a few training sessions and, although Cahillane never played a first-team game, Keane clearly left a lasting impression.

“I met Roy a few times and that was one of the best things about being over there, to be honest. He has that presence. He’s an angry man, but. We trained with him a few times, and you could tell he was a class act. By far the best player I’ve ever graced the field with. I met all the first-team players over there but Roy Keane had that presence. Maybe it’s just because I’m Irish, but he’s such an icon.”

However, Cahillane’s sole focus these days is helping Portlaoise win back the All-Ireland club football title, which they last claimed in 1983. They face a tricky semi-final tie on Sunday against Munster champions Kilmurry-Ibrickane. Portlaoise will start as favourites, but the Clare side weren’t given much hope of beating Kerins O’Rahilly’s in the Munster final last December, but survived a first-half onslaught to emerge one-point champions – before getting past Tír Chonails Gaels of London in the All-Ireland quarter-final, three weeks ago.

Both Portlaoise and Kilmurry-Ibrickane last made the All-Ireland semi-final in 2005. Kilmurry-Ibrickane lost out to Ballina who went on to beat Portlaoise in the final. Cahillane was watching in Croke Park that day, even though he had just signed with Celtic.

“The one condition I had was that they let me come back for the club final on St Patrick’s Day,” he says. “As it turned out it was one of the worst days of my life, watching them lose. I think of that team we still have 11 going this year. So it’s a good mix, with us young lads as well. We still look to the senior lads a lot.

“When I came back I first went to the intermediate team, for the first six months or so, just to work my way in. I was asked onto the senior panel, but I knew I wasn’t ready myself. They gave me time, and at the start of this season I went with the senior team, and I’m happy enough with the way things have gone so far.”

Portlaoise are fancied to challenge for the All-Ireland this year but the club is facing some financial difficulties over the sale of their club grounds, and subsequent problems with planning permission.

“Things really haven’t been that good around the town for the past year or so. I think us winning Leinster brightened a few people up over Christmas,” said Cahillane, “and if can go all the way now that might brighten them up further.”