Some right boot on him in fairness.
The best sports stars can turn their hands to anything so it’s no surprise that one of Dublin and Ireland’s finest Padraig Harrington was a talented gaelic footballer.
Eventually, it was the golfing world that wrestled the attention and dedication of the Rathfarnham born jewel, but that famous name could well have made its way into households all over the country via a gaelic football instead of a golf ball if he’d followed that route.
Old footage emerged recently of a school game between St Vincent’s and Colaiste Eanna that took place more than 30 years ago in Croke Park.
The three-time major champion was playing for the latter and he was enjoying a field day from placed balls. His trusted right boot was keeping the umpires busy in GAA HQ.
The footage, shared by Na Fianna GAA club, shows Harrington pinging two frees over from distance with all the style and grace of his famed short game on the golf course.
The second, a 45 kicked from the deck, bizarrely caused the crossbar to cave in under pressure from the Vincent’s backs as Harrington’s effort sailed over the bar.
The goalie was rubbing his head soon after as players and mentors from both sides flocked in an effort to fix the woodwork.
Harrington, Jonny Cooper and Dessie Farrell – playing against Harrington on that day joked about the incident.
Looking forward to more of this at @clgNaFianna Sports Forum next week.
Footage from Dublin Colleges Final between St Vincents Secondary School and Colaiste Eanna. @padraig_h gave me the run around that day. https://t.co/a3ePBq10WU— Dessie Farrell (@DesmondF12) March 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/jcoops/status/970060965512441858
Never saw someone as deceptively quick as Dessie.He turned me so fast on the 1st ball that I slipped and sprained my wrist.Still hurts today https://t.co/TjxWCBZWL8
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) March 3, 2018
Modest as ever.
