I felt I owed the team: James McCarthy

Wed, 19th October 2016

Dublin defender James McCarthy says he felt "he owed the team a big performance" in the All-Ireland SFC final replay against Mayo after being black-carded in the drawn duel.

“We were in a position to win it, and we didn’t. Obviously you’re thinking ‘At least I have a chance to play the next day’. So, kind of weird emotions after it.

“I felt I owed the team a big enough performance (in the replay), so on a personal level I was really driven for that game," says James.

The flying wing-back had his character and resolve well tested during the 2016 Championship with two injuries (medial knee ligament, shoulder injury) and then having his All-Ireland final ended prematurely with that black card.

“Bad things come in three, as they say," adds James. “You’re kind of going ‘I’m not going to get a break this year’."

Injury struck again for James in the opening half of Ballymun Kickhams second round victory over St Brigid's recently and he remains an injury concern for Paddy Carr's team ahead of Thursday night's Dublin SFC quarter-final against Raheny in Parnell Park (6.45).

James' Dublin team-mate, Cian O'Sullivan, is another player who finished the intercounty season carrying an injury when he hobbled off during injury-time of the All-Ireland final replay.

As a result he missed Kilmacud Crokes second round victory over last year's champions Ballyboden St Enda's but is hopeful of being able to play some role in Wednesday night's quarter-final against St Jude's (8.15).

DUBLIN SFC QUARTER-FINALS

WEDNESDAY

Parnell Park: Castleknock v Skerries Harps, 6.45

Parnell Park: Kilmacud Crokes v St Jude’s, 8.15

THURSDAY

Parnell Park: Ballymun Kickhams v Raheny, 6.45

Parnell Park: Lucan Sarsfields v St Vincent’s, 8.15

AIG Insurance, proud sponsor of Dublin GAA, held a reception at its offices on Tuesday to mark the Dublin football team’s All-Ireland success. James McCarthy, David Byrne, Bernard Brogan, Michael Fitzsimons, Cian O'Sullivan, Paul Flynn and Colm Basquel, with the Sam Maguire, represented the panel and management. For more information about AIG Insurance’s products and services go to www.aig.ie or call 1890 50 27 27.