FOR DUBLIN DEFENDER James McCarthy, like most of his team-mates, Croke Park and the football championship go hand in hand. He knows no different.
Fans in the capital still reminisce about their narrow escape 10 years ago. Their two-point win was a little close for comfort but it was a thoroughly enjoyable jaunt into Longford’s sun-kissed Pearse Park all the same.
Only the evergreen Stephen Cluxton remains from Paul ‘Pillar’ Caffrey’s side that day, so Saturday evening’s Leinster SFC quarter-final clash against Laois in Kilkenny’s Nowlan Park is understandably getting McCarthy excited.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” McCarthy admitted.
“It’s a bit of a novelty going down to Nowlan Park for the first time but we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”
The fact that the Dubs have had such an extravagant summer home for so long has caused a stir outside the city, most notably since they’ve become more successful.
Their athletic prowess can undoubtedly be showcased to greatest effect on the open plains of GAA HQ, which has seen whispers of discontent surrounding the situation gradually grow into cries of inequality.
But the Ballymun Kickhams clubman is adamant that the Dubs can produce the goods no matter the dimensions, or location, of the venue. Their away league form is testament to that, he insists.
“I don’t think it will make too much difference where we play. I wouldn’t say it’s going to be much different to playing away in the league.
There’s going to be a big crowd at it and it being in the summer is the only difference, really. I don’t think it will affect us at all.
McCarthy has been a vital cog in Dublin’s rise to success, having made his championship debut in the drought-ending year of 2011. But the pacy wing-back has also struggled with injuries in recent seasons which has prevented him from fine-tuning his game.
“I had problems with the groins a few years ago and touch wood, they’re sorted,” he added.
“I was very unfortunate last year, I hurt my foot at the start of the championship, playing a challenge match against Clare, and that just knocked me out for a few weeks at the start of the summer.”
However, this season has been going swimmingly for the three-time All-Ireland winner who played in all nine of Dublin’s games en route to Division 1 glory in the National Football League.
“I’ve enjoyed my football this year. This is probably the most games I’ve played in a couple of seasons,” McCarthy explained.
“I think I’ve played every game this year, so the more games you get the more sharp you are, and I find the better football you’re playing.
“I’m definitely enjoying my football and hopefully I’ll go on and have a strong summer.”
The departure of his fellow halfback flyer Jack McCaffrey, as he pursues a work experience opportunity overseas for his medical studies, has barely rattled the Dublin machine as of yet.
Although McCarthy does admit that the loss of the reigning Footballer of the Year means there is greater responsibility on others, particularly himself, to begin attacks from deep this season.
“Jack played a big role for us, you could see how quick he is and how quick he moves the ball forward.
It’s definitely up to myself and other guys in the back line to get the ball up.
“We’re never going to be as quick as he is maybe but definitely there’s more of a chance to do it, to get the ball into the forwards.”
For now, a fit McCarthy is just desperate to get his championship campaign under way, even though it will be a bit further from home than he’s used to.
James McCarthy was in Dublin City University to launch the A.Menarini ‘Get Breathless for COPD’ charity cycle. The two-day cycle organised by A.Menarini Pharmaceuticals Ireland, will see 50 cyclists travel from Galway to Dublin on 10 & 11 June with the aim of raising awareness and funds for COPD Support Ireland, www.copd.ie.
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