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The moment James McCarthy's father knew he had something special

Dad John is no stranger to Gaelic football — himself a former All-Ireland winner with Dublin.

James McCarthy and Kevin McManamon celebrate with The Sam Maguire McCarthy lifting Sam Maguire alongside Kevin McManamon back in September. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

JAMES MCCARTHY has followed in his father’s footsteps to line out for Dublin as an inter-county footballer.

At the age of 27, the Ballymun Kickhams man has won five All-Ireland senior football titles with the reigning champions — already surpassing his dad, who lifted Sam Maguire on three occasions during the 1970s.

In this video released ahead of Friday’s PwC All Stars, the pair speak about early memories of training together and the moment John realised his son had what it takes to go all the way to the top.

Jamesie, as a young lad, you could see he had special kind of abilities,” says John. “He was very athletic.

“If I could relate to one particular thing in school, they were running a cross-country race out in Baldoyle. Coming to the last lap, the clown took the wrong route.

“By the time he got back, there were 100 guys ahead of him. But he didn’t panic, he worked his way back and at the line he was beaten by two yards to finish fourth.

“Then I said ‘this guy, he can do something’. I knew he could do something after that.”

PwC Ireland / YouTube

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