The former Mayo star has been rinsed for his observation on the Gaoth Dobhair lads.
Back in December, early December, Colm Parkinson reached out to a couple of the Gaoth Dobhair lads, Odhran Mac Niallais and captian Niall Friel, after they became Ulster champions.
The two men spoke to Parkinson on The GAA Hour from the back room of Teach Mhicí and the bar, on a Monday, was still hopping. Friel said:
“A Monday morning in Micís, Jesus the place is rocking…I got a few hours sleep because I said to myself today is going to be a massive day.”
“It’s madness, it’s like a jungle,” added Mac Niallais. “We’re down in Micís here and the place is absolutely hopping. It’s great craic. We’re making the most of it because it’s a massive achievement and it’s huge for the parish and the club. Things like this don’t come around too often.”
The Gaoth Dobhair lads made the most of their Ulster victory and partied it up for a good few days. It was pure, unbridled celebration and fraternity in the small Donegal community.
When the dust, and stomachs, settled and the eyes cleared, Corofin came into focus. The Galway side are the reigning All-Ireland champions and all knew a massive effort would be required to get past them in this season’s semis.
11 weeks ago, during his chat with Parkinson, Mac Niallais said, “We’ve Corofin in February, we’re going to have to get back training for that because we’ve a lot of work to do. It’s good that we’ve a few weeks to get into better shape and we’ve time to work on stuff and all.”
And so the lads put their heads down and put everything into it for the cause. On Saturday, they gave an impressive Corofin side a right rattle.
The reigning champs won 2-13 to 1-12 and will meet Kerry and Munster champs Dr. Crokes in the final, on St Patrick’s weekend at Croke Park. While many were saluting Gaoth Dobhair on their run to the last four, former Mayo star David Brady took issue with the partying, post-Ulster, that he feels may have hampered their preparations.
They will when the dust settles & time passes in a quiet moment ask did they pass up the opportunity of a lifetime..Was there anything they could have done extra..Posting Multiple piss ups won’t win you All Ire & that’s not what winning is about..
— David Brady (@D9BMayo) February 16, 2019
Brady is entitled to his opinion, of course, but posting his on social media opened up the floor to a host of other passionate opinions, and responses.
There were over 400 replies to that tweet in the 12 hours from its time of posting, with many more weighing in. Among them were some of the Gaoth Dobhair players, who got back to the Mayo man. Eamon McGee’s response was measured.
https://twitter.com/EamonMcGee/status/1096880050715217920
Kevin Cassidy cut to the chase in typical Kevin Cassidy fashion.
Shut the fuck up im not even a midfielder ans I would still take you to the fucking cleaners you muppet and I would ram that basketball armband up your arse. My club my people 💚💚💚
— Kevin Cassidy (@KCASS7) February 16, 2019
Neil McGee was slightly more diplomatic:
Your a winner David good man
— neil mcgee (@Niallmacaoidh) February 16, 2019
Win, lose or draw, the Gaoth Dobhair team enjoyed every step of their journey but who knows, perhaps Brady’s take will spur them on for next year.
