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11th November 2020
12:34pm GMT

Just when you're put out by the sight of David Clifford defending like he shouldn't have to. Just when you're about to say something outrageous, like 'I'll never watch a game of Gaelic football again.' Just when you think you're out, Paddy Durcan pulls you back in.
The Castlebar man plays with a fearlessness that is not such a common thing these days. Every time he touches the ball he makes it his business to ask a question of the opposition, with one of those trademark, scampering runs forward or with a non-percentage kick-pass that most players would just pass off.
In an age when half backs regularly collect the ball with all the urgency of a Sunday morning driver, Durcan is the tearaway exception to the rule.
In fairness, it takes two to tango and it's James Horan's liberating management style that sets Durcan free, just like it does for Eoghan McLaughlin, Oisin Mullin and co. But given the ease and regularity with which he breaks through and scores, Durcan is its best exponent.
Against Roscommon at the weekend, Durcan was at his barnstorming best. Like Lee Keegan circa. 2016, he left tacklers for dust and kicked points for fun. The shackles were off and the foot was down. The game was flooding with possibility.
There's been a lot of talk this week about Dublin having the six-in-a-row sewn up, but if Durcan and Mayo can keep on asking the questions, maybe they'll pose a bigger challenge than the Kingdom ever would have.
There's life in this old dog yet. West Brom and Burnley can wait...Explore more on these topics: