PAUL FLYNN FACES a hectic series of sporting commitments in the coming days, starting with his club Fingallians appearance in tonight’s county intermediate football final.
The two-time All-Ireland winner with Dublin is in action for his club in Parnell Park (throw-in 8.15pm) against Naomh Olaf.
Then next Saturday night Flynn will be part of the Ireland squad that plays against Australia in the first test of the International Rules in Kingspan Breffni Park.
And if Fingallians win tonight, then they are out in the Leinster intermediate championship next Sunday against Kildare champions Johnstownbridge.
“It’s mad the way the GAA is ran”, says Flynn. “If we win tonight I’ll play Saturday, Sunday for me.
“It’s such a great opportunity (tonight). I’ve never won anything with the club. Ever. I won a Junior Championship hurling and I thought that was the best thing ever.
“To win a football championship with the club would be unreal. Any county lad would say it but it’s been a bit surreal that I’m actually here.”
Flynn is bracing himself for a manic schedule but is relishing the chance to line out for his country.
“For me it (International Rules) is a great experience and it’s the prestige that goes with it. I couldn’t play in 2011 after we won the All-Ireland because I hurt my hamstring.
“Next year I won’t be able to play because my sister is getting married so this is really my only chance to play.
“Paul Earley has been great. He accepted I was still in club and that I was carrying knocks and he has given me time off when it was needed.
“There are a few of the lads from college there and it’s great to get to play with the likes of (Michael) Murph and (Aidan) Walshy.
“It’s great craic. You see the likes of Ciaran McKeever and Neil McGee are best mates and you mightn’t have thought that. You meet a lot of good lads in the GAA and this group is no different.”
Ireland boss Paul Earley
Pic: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan
And Flynn is wary of the challenge the Australians pose.
“I was laughing the other night in the friendly game. Jack McCaffrey went on a run and he went around about four fellas and I turned around to Colm Begley and said ‘Will they be as fast as him?’ and he said they’d be faster.
“And I was asking how they could be? But that’s what we are up against – professional athletes. If we can stop their running game we could do well because I don’t think they’ll be as good at kicking as we are. It’s a good game I enjoy it.”
