DubZone meets PJ Gallagher

Ahead of next weekend's double-header against Donegal, DubZone sat down with stand-up comedian and resident Hill16 attendee, PJ Gallagher, who took some time to meet the lads before the big game. 

What does Dublin GAA mean to you? 

For me the GAA, and especially Dublin matches, has always been a family occasion and a reason for us all to get together. It's something that's been there and brought us all together for as long as I remember. One of the earliest photographs we have in the house is of me sitting in the Sam Maguire at a celebration in my Da's pub in Marino. A lot of times families only get together when there's a wedding or a funeral, but thanks to the Dubs we have a whole other reason and that makes it special. Also Hill16 is the only place I've ever seen a man pull a full roast chicken out of his jacket for a half time snack, so there's that. 

Did you play GAA, were you any use?! 

I was terrible. I tried and I tried but the co-ordination never came. I was great at catching a ball on my face but that's not really a required skill, even in hurling. Sometimes I think the only reason I have hands at all is to make my arms look normal. It's lucky I talk for a living really. 

How often do you get to games? 

I get a season ticket from my sister as a Christmas present every year and I live right between Parnell Park and Croke Park, so I try to get to all the home games at the very least. I've been to every game this year but I'm going to be in the US for the All-Ireland Final so if the Dubs are there it'll be a bit of a sickener. There are already a few rows over who gets my ticket on the hopeful day. 

What’s your earliest Dublin GAA memory? 

The first ever game I remember being at with my Da. I was in one of the stands wearing a huge blue and Navy rosette thing sort of like the kids have for a holy communion, except bigger and bluer. A fella in front of me turned around just before throw in and said I looked like a horse that just won a competition in the RDS. 

What’s your favourite Dublin GAA memory? 

We went to see a game in Semple Stadium, the Dubs against Kerry. It was in 2001 and it was the first year of the back door thing because everyone was arguing about it on the train. The Dubs looked well beaten, then Vinnie Murphy arrived on late and the whole game changed. Friends of ours had left the stadium and had come running back in when they heard the noise. I never saw a crowd or game change like that before or since, electric, magic, fight for your life stuff. It ended in a draw but some days that feels better than a win. Vinnie got the whole lot of them that day. 

How was Dublin GAA changed over the years? 

Longer shorts, higher fitness levels and Sky TV. Two out of three ain’t bad though.

Who was / is your favourite Dublin player? 

Stephen Cluxton, not even because he's such a talented athlete but he's such a character too. I honestly think when he's not on the field he's out there fighting crimes and that - arresting bad guys and wearing a cape. He's the real deal in every way. RoboCluck, SuperCluck or whatever you want to call him. He's like a one man 'A Team'.

On Friday, the DubZone newsletter included a number of exclusive interviews, insights and tips for all of our members. For those of you who hadn't signed up, the interview with PJ Galagher is the first of DubZone news to be released on the website the next week. Make sure you get the most exclusive Dublin GAA content first and sign up for DubZone.