HE’S THE FOOTBALLER of the Year and frequently stars for Dublin on the pitch in Croke Park but Michael Darragh Macauley hasn’t forgotten his roots.
The communal experience of supporting Dublin sides from a vantage point on Hill 16 is something that Macauley misses.
“If I get the chance I like to go to a game. I was in Hill 16 last year supporting the hurlers for the Cork game. That was good craic, You do miss out on those things so it’ s enjoyable to watch games.
“I used to always go to the Hill, I like to encourage people to go to the Hill for the first time. Darragh Nelson had never been to Hill 16. I thought that was sacreligous so I dragged him by the ear for the Cork game last year. I was like, ‘You’re not allowed play for Dublin again until you’ve been to The Hill!’ He had to experience it first-hand.”
Macauley was back supporting the Dublin hurlers recently when he traveled down to Wexford Park for their Leinster hurling semi-final tie against Dublin.
“I didn’t realise how far Wexford Park was, it was miles away, I thought it was just past Brittas Bay! Ah yeah, I really enjoyed the game, I hadn’t played in Wexford park since I was a Dublin minor. The (Dublin) hurling team is very strong.”
Now he’s hoping that the Dublin footballers can follow in their footsteps on Sunday in Croke Park. Wexford have proved tricky opponents for the Dubs in recent years.
“My first ever game for Dublin was against Wexford in Croke Park in 2010,” recalls Macauley. “I was a sub that day. At the time my goals were just to step my foot on Croke Park and once I got called to be a substitute I was delighted to touch the blades of grass and say I’ve played there. My goals changed over the years.
“It was a great game in 2010, it went to extra-time and we managed to get over the line. I rem I was being brought on and it was definitely squeaky bum time. Wexford have always given us a tough battle in Croke Park over the years so I’m not expecting it any different.”
