Dogged defenders, midfield mongrels and furry forwards – The five greatest dogs in GAA history

They thought they were playing in Croke Bark (we're sorry)

Pitch invaders are one thing, but when a dog runs onto the field, suddenly the blazing heat of fiery competition cools down, and everyone is distracted, smiling, pointing and shouting: "look, a dog!" There's something so sobering about a dog on a football pitch, it instantly pulls you out of that bubble where you think whatever happens in this match is the most important thing in the world. Suddenly, the fact that these grown men are all wearing matching uniforms seems kind of silly, and when you see these protein-induced monsters, with athletic builds and game-time snarls, reduced to smiles and chants of "c'mere boy," you can't help but laugh. As it is International Dog day, we have picked our top five best pictures of our canine friends, looking to join in on the action at a GAA match.

1. Rory Barkin

This pup had enough of Rory Beggan's wandering antics and decided to march on during Monaghan's Ulster championship game with Cavan, to keep him on his goal line.

2. Fermanagh's furry friend

Sean Quigley has a reputation of carrying the Fermanagh forward line, but in 2018's Ulster final against Donegal, his hands were particularly full.

3. Some hairy defending

Galway's Emma Curley came up against some stiff opposition in their championship quarter final against Monaghan in 2014. The dogged defender did manage to get the ball off Curley, but just kept giving it back to her for some reason.

4. Mr International

If you're going to get your face out there and make a name for yourself, then the international stage is the place to do it. This famous 2004 International Rules game between Ireland and Australia came to a halt, when this handsome hound stole the show with his excellent dribbling - afterwards, he cleaned his mouth and even played some football.

5. Mugsy's mutt

During the 2005 All-Ireland quarter final replay between Tyrone and Dublin, Owen Mulligan was simply magic. After kicking several points and burying a goal in front of the Hill, a dog wandered onto the pitch, running wild until the Cookstown man whistled for it to come over - a command which he diligently obeyed. You don't mess with a man on that kind of form.