Colm Parkinson put it perfectly.
“You can’t play at inter-county level year after year and be a mad man. It just doesn’t work like that. Maybe in the context of your teammates, you might be a bit wilder, but that doesn’t mean you’re this deranged person people are expecting.”
Because let’s not lie about it. There are some GAA players we are inclined to have reservations about on this front. Colm Parkinson admitted himself to have been subject to these doubts during his career.
Down legend Greg McCartan knows how Wooly feels.
McCartan is the manager of Fulham Irish, the side who will take on Corofin in the All-Ireland quarter-final on January 21st in Ruislip.
This is poxy of the highest order but these expats would actually do anything to play the game they love.
Unbelievable stuff @maceyebrow @FulhamIrish
https://t.co/pCdYexSrIB— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) December 14, 2017
Three-time All-Ireland winner and All-Star with Tyrone Owen Mulligan now plays his club football for Fulham Irish.
When ‘Mugsy’ first joined up with the London club, his manager wasn’t sure what to expect, because of the reputation held by the 36-year-old.
He wasn’t sure what to expect, but if he was to put money on it, it would have been that Mulligan was one of these enigmatic, mercurial characters.
McCartan wasn’t out on his own with this opinion. Many of us have this vision of Mulligan, maybe because of his hair or that flamboyancy about him, that he’s this flashy, off the cuff character.
That is so far from the truth, according to McCartan, who has been so impressed with everything Owen Mulligan has done since he’s managed him.
“Owen just came on board and he’s been a revelation. He’s been a big link in what’s happened. I’ve never seen a man work like him. As I’ve said before, you know I was expecting this wild man, but nothing could be further from the truth,” began McCartan.
“I’m sure he has his moments, I’m not going to put him up as this angel, but he’s definitely a great asset to us.
“You don’t get three All-Ireland medals and All-Stars the way Owen Mulligan got them if you’re this party animal, because Mickey Harte wouldn’t have stood for it.
It’s not just for Fulham Irish he’s been a model student, but for London, too.
“I was talking to Ciaran Deely (London GAA manager) and the influence he has brought to London is massive. People listening to him when he’s talking. I just know by him, he’s a brilliant, brilliant character and he’s great to have for us.
“His passing is a joy to watch, even just his influence in the drills, some lads might make a mistake, Mugsy will always say ‘that doesn’t matter, next ball, next ball.’
“It’s not about his speed, it’s about his guile, his cleverness, his work off the ball, his tackling, coaching other lads when to tackle and that, he brings so much to the table you know,” concluded McCartan.
Sometimes, we let our imaginations run riot.
You can listen to the Greg McCartan interview here from 32’30” from Thursday’s GAA Hour.
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